UFO Information - 1978 No 03

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO INFORMATION
Issue: 3
Date: 1978
Publisher: UFO-SVERIGE
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0346-3540
Price: 50 kronor helår

This issue of UFO INFORMATION, published by UFO-SVERIGE, focuses on significant UFO events and the broader UFO movement. The cover prominently features an illustration related to a UFO incident in West Africa, described as causing tidal waves and paralysis, and also includes a report from Vosenkill Road, USA. The magazine includes articles on UFO phenomena, witness testimonies, and organizational news from UFO-Sverige.

UFO-rörelsen behöver kreativa förmågor!

This article calls for new creative individuals to join the UFO movement. It specifically seeks people who can translate foreign literature for the magazine, assist with layout, and develop instruments for height measurement or early UFO detection. The author suggests the need for instruments that can warn of UFO proximity, possibly by detecting sound beyond human hearing, and automated photography stations that can track UFOs. A more complex research project proposed is understanding how UFO-nauts maintain communication, suggesting a need for instantaneous contact beyond light speed, possibly through a 'brain-linked' amplifier. The author criticizes current technology for its limitations in space communication and advocates for a paradigm shift, questioning why humanity focuses on machines rather than understanding human well-being and illness. The piece urges readers to protest against current practices and seek positive change.

"Vägsladden"

This section presents an interview with brothers Holger and Henry Öhlund, detailing a strange event they experienced in Byviken, Sweden, in 1949. They describe seeing a large, plank-like object, referred to as a "road grader" (vägsladden), hovering about 10 meters above the ground. The object emitted a peculiar humming sound. A red-yellow projectile detached from the object, fell, and exploded silently on a cement slab near the brothers, causing it to crack and sending fragments into their legs. The explosion was accompanied by a bright flash. The object then continued its path and disappeared. The incident also coincided with their mother's old Dux radio catching fire and its bakelite casing cracking, which was attributed by their parents to a lightning strike, though the weather was clear. The brothers experienced psychological effects, including an aversion to a specific sound and a lingering unease associated with the location of the sighting. They later recounted the event to Erland Sandqvist, who interviewed them and also spoke with their mother, who recalled the sound and the cracked slab. The brothers' mother also mentioned the radio fire and the cracked cement slab, initially attributing it to lightning but later questioning it due to the clear weather.

Säreget UFO förföljde kvinnlig bilist

This article recounts the experience of Sandra Maldonado in Catskill, New York, USA, on February 12, 1976. While driving alone at night, she observed a pulsating red light that turned out to be a large, mast-like object with a rotating red light on top. The object followed her car for several kilometers, bathing the area in a strong light. She described the object as having a tin-like metallic casing and a shape resembling an inverted bowl on a plate, with concentric semicircles on its side. The object did not appear to make any noise, and her car's electronics and radio were unaffected (the radio was off at the time). She drove home at high speed, and the object eventually disappeared over a marshy area after about 30 minutes. Her husband, Edward, was asleep and did not witness the event. The article notes that the object's behavior was unusual, with slow changes in altitude and no sudden movements.

Riksstämman drog rekordpublik

This section reports on the UFO-Sverige national meeting held in Stockholm on March 18, 1978, which attracted a record audience of over 1,300 people, with tickets selling out a week in advance. The event received coverage from numerous newspapers and media outlets. The Köping UFO association was re-elected as the central group for the third consecutive year. The article summarizes UFO-Sverige's activities in 1977, including planning conferences, a membership of 1,900 (an increase of 300), and the involvement of 20 local UFO groups. The organization's report center investigated over 300 reports, with about 80% being explained as misinterpretations. Approximately 60 UFO phenomena remained unexplained, including two cases of third-degree encounters (humanoid observations during landings). UFO-Sverige also organized its first international course for field researchers, attended by 73 individuals. The organization's telephone numbers served as alert lines, receiving an average of 25 calls per day and being used by police and airports. UFO-Sverige's activities were widely covered in the media, including a rerun of a TV program from 1976.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, detailed witness testimonies, and the organizational efforts of UFO-Sverige. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and a call for greater public engagement and creative input into the UFO field. There is an emphasis on the psychological impact of UFO experiences and a critique of conventional technological approaches, advocating for a more holistic understanding of phenomena and human consciousness. The magazine aims to inform and engage individuals interested in UFOs, providing a platform for sharing experiences and research.

This issue of UFO-Sveriges Centralgrupp, dated March 8, 1978, from Köping, Sweden, focuses on the organization's activities, financial status, and the broader UFO phenomenon. The cover features headlines discussing a critical commentary on a national meeting and the timely release of 'Close Encounters'. The magazine is published by UFO-Sveriges Centralgrupp and is in Swedish.

UFO-Sverige Activities and Finances

The central group reports on their outreach activities, including film screenings and information events, which have reached over 30,000 people. These events were often supported by local groups and educational organizations. The organization utilized its support fund, which received donations throughout the year. The effectiveness of their film 'UFO-Information' is highlighted as a key tool for spreading awareness. The production of three new Norwegian films for Norsk UFO-Center is also mentioned, indicating growing Scandinavian cooperation. The magazine 'UFO-Information' had an average circulation of 3,000 copies. The production of the magazine, including typesetting and layout, has faced rising costs, despite the continued voluntary efforts of members. The year 1977 concluded with a financial deficit, leading the central group to consider increasing the circulation of 'UFO-Information' as a way to improve the organization's financial footing. The central group's expenses for 1977 amounted to 39,000 kronor, covering costs such as telephone, postage, and advertising, which are separate from the national organization's economy.

Impact and Public Perception

The year 1977 is described as a period of intense activity with satisfying results, noting a more marked shift in attitudes towards the UFO question and increased public interest. New contacts were made with opinion leaders, scientists, and defense representatives. UFO-Sverige's stated goals include elevating the UFO question to a respected level, distancing themselves from sensationalism, refuting the idea that their arguments are solely based on photographs, and engaging young members.

Critical Commentary on the National Meeting

A section titled "Ett kritiskt inlägg og rekor om riksstämman" (A critical commentary on the national meeting) reviews an event held in Stockholm. The author, Nikolaos Mavromatidis, notes delays and the absence of certain speakers. Presentations covered UFO-Sverige's activities and financial situation. A film screening was part of the event, with the film produced by the Köpings-föreningen being praised. Speakers included Thorvald Berthelsen, Carl-Axel Jonzon, Gerhardt (replacing an FOA speaker), and Aage Sandqvist, who received the highest praise for his presentation on astronomy. Lieutenant Colonel Anders Hjulström's talk focused on defense secrecy and operations, with UFOs being mentioned but explained away. The author's question regarding financial support for UFO-Sverige from the defense sector was not addressed.

Steven Spielberg and 'Close Encounters'

An extensive interview with director Steven Spielberg, conducted by SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO-Information) in Copenhagen, is a major feature. Spielberg discusses the success of 'Close Encounters' in the US and its expected success in Europe, attributing its appeal to the fascination with the unknown and the question of life on other planets. He notes the increased public interest in UFOs, partly fueled by the film. Spielberg explains that his interest in UFOs began in childhood and that he believes in life in the universe, estimating that about 60% of the world's population shares this belief. He has studied UFO reports and had access to Project Bluebook archives. He emphasizes that his film is not about UFOs being alien spaceships but rather about the phenomenon itself and the potential for positive outcomes from contact. He chose not to focus on the technical details of the UFOs in his film but rather on the general and adventurous aspects, including the idea of government secrecy in the USA. Spielberg believes that governments do hide information about UFOs. He discusses the film's depiction of UFOs and the potential for international cooperation in UFO research, citing France's more open approach compared to the US. He also touches upon the psychological climate of the time, suggesting that in times of crisis, people turn to new perspectives, which might explain the interest in UFOs and other spiritual phenomena. He acknowledges the role of Professor Hynek in his research and in encouraging him to pursue the film seriously. Spielberg also addresses the 'poltergeist phenomena' in the film, clarifying that they were attributed to the UFO's influence rather than supernatural occurrences. He discusses the idea of music as a universal language and the potential for UFOs to foster international unity, though he also presents a more somber view of humanity's current historical period.

UFOs and Societal Impact

Another article, "Hotad tillvaro ger plats för UFO" (Threatened existence makes room for UFO), explores the psychological and societal reasons for interest in UFOs. It suggests that in times of uncertainty and perceived threats to democratic ideals and economic stability, individuals may turn to UFOs for meaning and a new worldview, sometimes leading to a sense of 'conversion' or a feeling of possessing special knowledge. The article also touches upon the idea of UFOs as a political diversion, especially in the context of societal problems like unemployment and environmental issues. It criticizes mass media for sensationalizing spiritualism and occultism, and suggests that films like 'Close Encounters' capitalize on people's need for new visions.

UFO Phenomenon in West Africa

A report by Joel Mesnard, "UFO orsakade tidvattenström och paralysering i Väst-Afrika" (UFO caused tidal current and paralysis in West Africa), details an alleged encounter on March 29, 1974, in Togo. A French tourist, A.W., and a local woman reported seeing a dark object over the sea that emitted bright lights. The object's presence coincided with a large wave that hit the shore and a temporary paralysis experienced by the witnesses. The sea surface beneath the object was described as being indented. The phenomenon lasted about 20 minutes, and the object then disappeared. A.W. expressed fear of being considered crazy and asked his companion not to speak about the incident. The next morning, he experienced dizziness and fatigue.

Discussion on UFOs and Secrecy

Further in the interview, Spielberg discusses the possibility of future UFO films, mentioning potential topics like the Hopkinsville incident or animal mutilations. He expresses hope that future UFO films will be serious and not merely commercial exploitation. He defends the ending of 'Close Encounters' as a necessary artistic choice. Regarding the film's portrayal of UFOs with cool colors, he explains it was to maintain an illusion of distance, while the music conveyed warmth. He acknowledges that the film might have religious undertones, despite his efforts to avoid them. Spielberg discusses the role of Professor Hynek in advocating for collaboration between film companies and UFO organizations. He also touches upon the idea of an 'adjustment process' for humanity to accept potential contact with extraterrestrials, suggesting that governments might be involved in preparing the public. He believes that UFOs do not pose a threat and that their presence is part of a larger, perhaps incomprehensible, phenomenon. He also discusses the possibility of future contacts being kept secret, citing the US defense's efforts to suppress information and the Soviet Union's potential interest in UFOs.

Cultural Shock and Acceptance

Spielberg contemplates the potential cultural shock of contact with advanced extraterrestrials. He suggests that while initial reactions might be awe, humanity could eventually become desensitized. He doubts that extraterrestrials would interfere with human problems or provide easy solutions to issues like cancer or food production. He also addresses the skepticism surrounding UFOs, comparing it to disbelief in the moon landing, and suggests that governments might control the level of public interest in UFOs to prevent rapid societal shifts. He believes that his film contributes to a more open discussion about UFOs.

Music and Communication

The interview also delves into the concept of music as a universal language. Spielberg explains his work on a complex musical language that could potentially be used for communication, drawing parallels to Japanese and Chinese symbols. He believes that music can convey emotions and meaning more effectively than spoken language in certain contexts. He also discusses the idea that certain individuals might be more receptive to UFO-related signals, while others, like the military, may be less so.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the serious study and dissemination of UFO information, the challenges faced by UFO organizations (both financially and in terms of public perception), and the intersection of UFO phenomena with popular culture, science, and government secrecy. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting a rational and scientific approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the public's fascination and the potential societal implications of the phenomenon. There is a clear effort to distinguish serious UFOlogy from sensationalism and to foster international cooperation within the field.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 1976, features a prominent cover story detailing a significant UFO incident in Japan where a 'giant globe' allegedly 'sucked up water'. The magazine covers various UFO-related events, research, and upcoming activities for UFO enthusiasts.

Main Article: The Hokkaido UFO Incident

The lead article, authored by Joel Mesnard and translated by Roger Ersson, describes a perplexing UFO encounter experienced by a university student named Mr. Masaaki while working as a night watchman at a scrapyard in Tomakaoai, Hokkaido, Japan, in July 1974. The student, who prefers to remain anonymous, reported seeing a bright light that grew into a baseball-sized object. This object then descended in a spiral motion, emitting irregular green light beams. It eventually hovered over a bay, where a glass-like, transparent tube extended from its underside and began to suck water from the surface. The witness described a faint, intermittent whistling sound, likened to a cicada's call, which grew lower in pitch. The UFO then moved closer, appearing the size of a volleyball, and its intensity seemed to decrease, illuminating the surroundings as if it were daylight.

The witness observed a smooth, white, non-luminous surface on the object, with small windows around its middle. In one window, he saw two 'creepy, shadow-like figures' that were too small and deformed to be human shadows. The experience left him feeling paralyzed and experiencing a severe headache. He noted that the object's interaction with the water created a significant depression, estimated to be about 30 meters in diameter and several meters deep, with waves extending up the beach. The volume of water displaced was estimated at 3,400 cubic meters.

The article contrasts this effect with that of a helicopter, suggesting that the depression was likely caused by a force field rather than a downdraft. The witness also reported his car radio emitting meaningless sounds and experiencing a heavy headache.

Similar Incidents

The magazine highlights two other similar cases involving UFOs and water:

• British Colombia, Canada (Christmas morning 1965): A geologist and research manager, John Hembling, witnessed a mushroom-shaped object descend near a mountain lake and insert a tube-like instrument into the water for eight minutes before departing.
• Württemberg, Germany (April 9, 1970): A retired electrician, Max Krauss, observed a transparent ball with a diameter of about 40 cm. The object descended near a rainwater stream on the roadside and extended a 'slang' (tube) into the water for a short period before flying away.

UFO Exhibitions and Events

The issue also announces several upcoming events and activities for UFO enthusiasts:

• Large UFO Exhibition in Köping: From mid-June to August, Köping will host a major exhibition featuring a 5.5-meter diameter UFO model weighing 250 kg, along with UFO-Sverige's film archives. Interested individuals are directed to contact Köping municipality for details.
• Planning Conference in Nyköping: UFO-Sverige is holding its first planning conference of the year on July 9th at Folkets hus in Nyköping. The conference aims to gather ideas for the organization's development and involves local group leaders, district managers, field researchers, and active members.
• "Svensk UFO 78" in Nyköping: From July 9th to 14th, Nyköping will host a week-long event with lectures and film screenings for both ufologists and the general public. The program includes daily UFO-Sverige film screenings, lectures by various speakers (including Reinhold Carleby, Lehel Repits, and Henry Svensson), and opportunities for social gatherings. Entry fees are 10 kronor per day or 40 kronor for a weekly pass. Advance booking for the weekly pass is available via postal giro.

Weekend Course for Field Researchers

Centralgruppen is organizing a weekend course for aspiring field researchers from September 8th to 10th. The course, which is both theoretical and practical, is designed for new members and those who have previously attended. It will cover interview methodology, witness psychology, and common misinterpretations in UFO case documentation. Practical exercises will include demonstrations of light phenomena, such as flares and parachute flares, and aircraft exhibiting various light effects. The minimum age for participation is 15, and completion of this training is a requirement for active field research within UFO-Sverige. The course will be held at Lersäter-gården near Köping. The cost for food and lodging from Friday to Sunday is 75 kronor per participant, with participants asked to bring their own bedding. Advance registration is required by August 25th.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on detailed witness accounts of UFO sightings, emphasizing the physical evidence and potential explanations, while also exploring the psychological impact on witnesses. There is a clear commitment to documenting and investigating UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the organization of conferences, training courses, and exhibitions. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFOs, encouraging public participation and the systematic collection of data. The inclusion of similar international cases suggests a global perspective on UFO research.