UFO Information - 1981 No 06

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO INFORMATION, NR 6 1981, is a Swedish publication focusing on unidentified flying objects and related phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline "NÄRKONTAKT PÅ ETNA!" (Close Contact on Etna!), accompanied by an illustration depicting an encounter with aliens and a UFO on the slopes of Mount Etna. The magazine is published by UFO-Information and has an ISSN of 0346-3540. The subscription price is 75 Swedish kronor per year.

Cover Story: Close Contact on Etna

The main article details an extraordinary event that occurred on July 4, 1978, on the slopes of Mount Etna in Italy. Four individuals—two air force sergeants, a marine sergeant, and a young woman named Antonia Esposito—reportedly had an encounter with UFOs and alien beings. The illustration, by Dezső Sternoczy, depicts the scene: three military personnel and the woman observing a landed, disc-shaped UFO with a glowing dome, while two tall, blond figures, described as 'Ufonauts,' stand nearby. The report mentions that the UFO emitted intense yellow light beams and that the beings appeared human-like, with blond hair and fair features, wearing white, tight-fitting clothing. They communicated through gestures and seemed friendly. The incident was reported to the local newspaper 'La Sicilia.'

UFO Reports from Sweden and Abroad

The section "Kort om UFO" (Short on UFO) presents a series of brief UFO sighting reports from various locations, primarily in Sweden:

• May 1981: Kristian Andersson in Skönsberg reported seeing a craft emitting a yellowish glow that moved at high speed.
• May 30: Karl Nilsson in Vigge observed a large, red, cannonball-shaped object flying horizontally and silently close to the ground.
• June 18: Reports from Norra Skånes Tidningar mention unidentified objects over Finjasjön, Hässleholm, described as glowing orbs that changed color and moved erratically.
• June 23: In Norrtälje, Rolf Dalqvist and Rose-Marie Ahlinder witnessed a cylinder-shaped object rotating on its axis, moving from east to west.
• Undated: Elliord Mattsson reported seeing a disc-shaped object near a silo in Helsingborg.
• July 11-18: Multiple UFO sightings were reported between Helsingborg and Helsingör. A couple saw a metallic object moving up and down, and a man took photos of a UFO, though it did not appear on the developed film.
• July 26: In Skene, Morgon and Kirsti Hallin observed two large, disc-shaped objects flying in formation, which later split into two and then reformed. They appeared grey and constant, changing course and speed without sound.
• August 9: Three people in a boat on Rossången lake near Överhogdal saw a large, yellow, flashing object.
• August 27: In Värnamo, Mikael Marchal and Jonas Svensson saw an orange light sphere that ascended rapidly, illuminating the surroundings like a delayed flash.
• August 26: In Gävle, Tomas Dahl witnessed six round, turquoise lights forming a V-shape that changed formation into a circle and then back to a V-shape.

Ljusboll över Motala (Light Ball over Motala)

This report details an observation on June 2, 1981, near Varamobaden in Motala, Sweden. Lennart Carlsson and his wife saw a cerise-red, intensely shining light ball, approximately the size of a bandy ball, hovering about 75 degrees above the horizon. It emitted a steady light and was accompanied by smaller light points. The phenomenon lasted between one and two minutes.

Luleå: Three Suns?

Märta Rönnbäck and her husband reported seeing two additional red, large spheres in the sky shortly before sunrise on September 2, in Bergnäset, Luleå.

UFO Activity Over Iran

This section discusses a wave of UFO sightings over Iran, causing concern among government and military officials. Many Iranian leaders suspect the US military is responsible, viewing the sightings as deliberate provocations. The article cites an interview in 'Islamic Revolution' where a military expert claims these objects are top-secret and that Iranian air force has engaged in 'cat and mouse' maneuvers with UFOs. It also mentions reports of unidentified helicopters and animal mutilations linked to these craft. UFOs have also been observed over the Persian Gulf, with one landing on an oil field in Kuwait and halting operations for fifteen minutes.

Mysterious Light Band Injured Horse!

This detailed account describes an incident on September 1, 1981, in Åleby, Värmland, Sweden. Erik and Signe Bäckman were driving their horse, Pontus, when the horse became spooked. A luminous band, described as green, yellow, and blue, approximately 15-20 cm long and 3 cm wide, struck Pontus on the neck, causing a large, open wound. The phenomenon reappeared shortly after, moving at high speed and nearly colliding with a truck on the road before ascending rapidly. The incident occurred near Lakensjön, and no military exercises or thunderstorms were reported in the area.

Satellites Go Silent - Start Again!

This article explores the phenomenon of satellites and space probes that mysteriously cease functioning and then unexpectedly restart. It cites several examples:

• SNAP-10A: A nuclear-powered satellite launched in 1965 that went silent after 43 days but resumed operation 40 hours later.
• Firefly: A satellite launched in October 1962 that stopped working after four months but reactivated after seven months of silence.
• Telestar 2: Launched in May 1963, it stopped functioning in July and returned to normal operation in August.
• Apollo 14 ALSEP: An instrument package on the Moon, launched in 1971, ceased transmitting in 1975 but resumed sending data in February 1976, functioning better than before, even during lunar daytime.

The article questions what is causing these devices to stop and restart, suggesting the possibility of external interference or repair.

Space Phenomena

This brief section notes that astronomers are discovering new, strange celestial phenomena, including a celestial body that emitted gamma radiation equivalent to a million suns and then disappeared, and clusters of stars emitting X-rays.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, close encounters, and unexplained aerial phenomena, often with a focus on Swedish incidents. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards official explanations and an openness to exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance, as expressed by Carl-Axel Jonzon, emphasizes the importance of UFO research and encourages reader participation through tips and contributions. The magazine also highlights the challenges of investigating UFO reports, including the cost and difficulty of verifying evidence, and the potential for hoaxes. The publication relies on reader support and donations to continue its work. The issue concludes with seasonal greetings and a plea for continued support in 1982.

This issue of UFO-Review, Volume II, Number 3, dated March-April 1980, focuses on the theme of 'Failed Prophets' and explores various UFO-related incidents and theories. The cover prominently features the headline 'Misslyckade profeter' (Failed Prophets), suggesting a critique of scientific and technological predictions that have proven incorrect.

Failed Prophets and Scientific Predictions

The issue begins by referencing Professor Edward U. Condon's statement that intelligent life outside our solar system is unlikely to visit Earth for at least 10,000 years. This is contrasted with historical examples of prominent scientists making incorrect predictions. Lord Kelvin is cited for dismissing X-rays as a hoax and for his skepticism about heavier-than-air flight and radio in the late 19th century. Similarly, Admiral Leahy is quoted calling the atomic bomb 'the greatest folly,' and Vannevar Bush is mentioned for his underestimation of the development of ICBMs in 1945. The article highlights a key difference between these scientists and Condon: the former predicted what was impossible for humans to achieve, while Condon, it is suggested, presumed to know what was impossible for non-human intelligences. Arthur C. Clarke's 'law' is introduced: 'When a distinguished scientist declares something possible, he is almost certainly right, and when he says something is impossible, he is very likely wrong.' These points are drawn from Sven Magnusson's book, 'Flygande tefat. Vad säger vetenskapen?' (Flying Saucers. What Does Science Say?).

The Harry Joe Turner Abduction Case

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the case of Harry Joe Turner, a truck driver who claims to have been abducted by aliens. The incident reportedly occurred on August 28, 1979, when Turner was driving his 26-meter-long truck from Winchester, Virginia, to Fredricksburg. He experienced a headache and took painkillers. While driving, his radio emitted strange noises, and he felt a 'robot grip' on his left shoulder. He fired eight shots from a 32mm pistol at the perceived object. He then lost consciousness and woke up in Fredricksburg, finding his truck and belongings disturbed. The journey, which should have taken about 1.5 hours, took nearly four hours, with the odometer showing only 27 km driven and an unusually high fuel consumption. His truck's radio antennas were also damaged.

Turner's account includes details of being inside an alien craft, where he was examined by beings dressed in white. He recalls them having numbers on their foreheads and speaking in a language that sounded like a tape recorder playing backward. One being identified itself as 'Alfa La Zoo Loo.' Turner believes he was taken to the moon and then to a planet 2.5 light-years away, where he saw cities covered by domes and sensed a world devastated by nuclear war. He describes the beings as having pale, cold skin and the ability to replace body parts with bionic ones.

Following the alleged abduction, Turner suffered from various physical and psychological problems, including extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Medical examinations revealed no neurological damage, but a doctor noted his extreme reaction to sound and suggested he might need psychiatric help. Dr. Bruce M. Gray, a psychiatrist, diagnosed him with a 'hysterical neurosis of the conversion type,' but stated Turner was not simulating and likely believed his experiences.

Turner's behavior became erratic, leading to incidents like driving his mother-in-law's car without permission and being pursued by police. He also claimed the aliens told him he knew too much and that they wanted to prevent him from revealing their secrets. He reported seeing a UFO resembling an 'upside-down ashtray' and experiencing further encounters where he felt compelled to fight invisible beings.

His family and acquaintances describe him as prone to exaggeration, with some calling him a 'bluffer' or 'full of shit.' However, his terminal chief, Bill Little, who was the first to hear his story, confirmed the damaged antennas and found Turner's account compelling initially, though he later became skeptical due to Turner's alleged embellishments.

Other UFO Incidents and Related Cases

The issue also presents other UFO-related accounts:

• Bahrain Sighting: Haithan Ameen, a reader from Manama, Bahrain, reported an intense UFO period in his country. On August 24, 1979, a UFO was sighted over Bahrain, which then exploded into four parts. Pilots from British Airways, Kuwait Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, and Qantas also reported sightings, with some seeing multiple objects. Human observers on the ground saw metal fragments fall.
• Minnesota Deputy Sheriff Incident: On August 27, 1980, a deputy sheriff in Marshall County, Minnesota, encountered a blinding light that struck his patrol car, causing him to lose consciousness for 40 minutes. His watch and car clock stopped for 14 minutes, and his car's radio antennas were bent.
• Russ Johnson Incident: On August 29, 1980, a blinding light encountered by Russ Johnson's car in Vermillion, South Dakota, vanished suddenly.
• Amber Light Pursuit: On September 9, a woman reported being followed by a strong amber light that caused minor burns. Another woman in Poplar Grove, Illinois, reported her van being enveloped in light, causing her to lose track of time.
• August-October 1979 UFO Activity: This period saw high UFO activity in the USA, with 414 reports, 43 of which were classified as genuine UFOs by the Center for UFO-studies.

Samuel Eaton Thompson's Venusian Encounter

Another detailed account is that of Samuel Eaton Thompson, a 70-year-old man from Centralia, Washington. He claimed to have spent 40 hours aboard a spacecraft with ten Venusian families on March 28, 1950. Thompson, described as a simple man with little imagination, stated he was taken to a forest clearing where he encountered a large, disc-shaped craft. He met 'naked' Venusians with fine features, tanned skin, and blonde hair. They were described as beautiful and radiated warmth. Thompson was invited aboard, where he learned they were from Venus and spoke a form of English. He noted their lack of shame, their simple lifestyle, and their belief in reincarnation. He also mentioned a symbol resembling a seven crossed with an X, which he believed was significant in their culture. Thompson's account is compared to an earlier report by W.H. Hopkins in 1897, which also described encounters with beautiful, naked beings and a spacecraft.

Thematic Analysis and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Review appears to adopt a stance that is open to investigating and reporting on UFO phenomena, even when the accounts are extraordinary or lack definitive proof. The magazine presents various cases, from alleged abductions to sightings, and discusses them with a degree of seriousness, while also acknowledging skepticism and offering potential psychological explanations. The 'Failed Prophets' theme suggests a critical view of established scientific dogma and an openness to unconventional ideas. The recurring themes include alien encounters, the nature of consciousness, the limitations of scientific prediction, and the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence interacting with humanity. The editorial approach seems to be one of presenting evidence and witness testimony, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also providing context and potential interpretations from ufology and psychology.

Title: UFO-Aktuellt
Issue: 2
Volume: 1981
Date: June 1980 (Cover date is June/80, but the content seems to be from around that period, with some articles referencing events from 1979 and 1952. The ISSN suggests it's a 1981 publication, so the date might be a misprint or refer to a specific section).
Publisher: UFO-Information
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Price: 2.75

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt delves into several compelling UFO-related cases and research findings, offering a mix of eyewitness accounts, historical comparisons, and reviews of significant publications in the field.

Article: UFO:s sprider skräck i Amazondeltat (UFOs Spread Terror in the Amazon Delta)

The Amazon Delta region is depicted as a place of constant fear for its inhabitants due to mysterious flying craft. These craft are described as emitting blinding light beams that paralyze residents and drain their blood. The local population refers to these UFOs and their occupants as 'vampires from space.' Over the past three years, numerous people have reported being haunted by these phenomena, with all affected individuals losing blood and bearing chest marks that are presented as irrefutable evidence. The article also notes that several animals have been killed in a similar manner, drained of blood.

Aurora do Nascimento Fernandes, an 18-year-old from Belem, recounts an experience where a bright object in the sky shot a beam of light at her, causing temporary paralysis. She later found strange marks on her chest. Dr. Orlando Salomao Zogoghbi, who examined Aurora and four other victims, could not provide a logical explanation for the blood loss or the peculiar marks. Rosa Tavares from Quindira witnessed UFO occupants seemingly kill her horses, which were later found completely drained of blood. Major Jozé Ildone Favacho Soeiro reports widespread fear in the city of Vigia due to a large, unexplained light hovering over the river. Police Commissioner Benjamin Amaral Amin in Santo Antonio de Ubintuba describes how light beams from these craft could paralyze people. An Air Force officer mentioned an unsuccessful attempt to force down a UFO. UFO researcher Antonio Jorge Thor suggests these attacks on humans and animals indicate that not all UFOs are friendly towards Earth's population.

Article: Satelliten som försvann... (The Satellite That Disappeared...)

This article discusses the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Satcom 3, a communications satellite owned by RCA and launched by NASA in December 1979. While the launch was successful, the satellite vanished shortly after being placed in orbit, leaving experts baffled. Unlike military or government satellites, Satcom 3 was privately owned, making its disappearance a significant event. NORAD could not trace the satellite. Satcom 3 was described as being about the size of a refrigerator and weighing 907 kg, powered by solar panels. The article highlights the lack of public attention given to this event, contrasting it with the media coverage of lost supertankers, attributing the silence to the involved parties (RCA, NASA, NORAD, and insurers) wanting to avoid publicity. The disappearance is considered more serious due to the economic loss and the potential impact on public trust in communication satellites, creating fear among financiers.

Article: Sexkantigt UFO (Hexagonal UFO)

On the evening of Friday, December 5, 1980, Ronny Sahlin and Carina Erlandsson encountered a hexagonal object hovering silently over treetops near Hedemora, Sweden. The object had a glass-like dome and red and blue lights. It then extended what appeared to be landing gear and followed their car at a low altitude for one to two minutes. A yellowish-white light, like a spotlight, was directed at the road before the craft suddenly extinguished its lights and flew away over the treetops. The couple felt observed and were somewhat frightened, asserting that the object was not from this world. The police in Långshyttan and Avesta were notified, but no on-site investigation could be conducted due to the object's width. The couple regretted not stopping to examine the craft more closely.

Article: Starkt lysande föremål över Ullared (Strongly Shining Object Over Ullared)

Hildur Bäckman (name changed upon request) reported an unusual experience on May 4, 1979, at 1:00 AM near Ullared, Sweden. She observed a very bright light in the sky, which she initially compared to a brightly lit Christmas tree. The light varied in intensity and appeared stationary. After ten minutes, the object approached her location, emitting alternating beams of light from its sides, resembling fireworks. The phenomenon occurred in three phases: first, the main object; second, a rounded lower section detached and descended, glowing intensely; third, the remaining part moved sideways before disappearing entirely. The entire event concluded at 1:20 AM. A similar light phenomenon was observed in Knäred around 1:30 AM. The witness described the event as 'disturbing.' The article notes that a similar UFO event occurred in Ullared two years prior.

Review: Fin sammanfattning av UFO-forskningen (A Good Summary of UFO Research)

This section reviews the "Proceedings of the first international UFO-congress," a compilation of theories from leading ufologists such as Hynek, Friedman, and Vallée. The book attempts to address the origins and purposes of UFOs from various perspectives, including technological, religious, parapsychological, and psychic phenomena. Psychologist Alvin H. Lawson's research into the human brain and psyche is mentioned as suggesting that some CE3 (Close Encounter of the Third Kind) cases might not be objectively real. The authors of the book do not claim to fully explain UFOs but rather present individual theories that cover aspects of the observed truth. They also point out science's difficulty in logically approaching the UFO phenomenon, suggesting UFOs operate outside known logical laws. The book features accounts from well-known witnesses like Kenneth Arnold and Betty Hill, as well as lesser-known cases, including a chapter on 'Men in Black.' The review notes that the book is accessible to English speakers but can be somewhat lengthy, offering substantial information for those already familiar with UFO issues, though it might be overwhelming for beginners.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs, the potential for extraterrestrial craft to be hostile (as suggested by the Amazon Delta reports), and the challenges faced by both witnesses and researchers in understanding and verifying these phenomena. The magazine highlights the gap between scientific understanding and the reported experiences of individuals. There's an underlying concern about the implications of these encounters, particularly regarding safety and the unknown intentions of potential visitors. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting various accounts and research without outright dismissal, while also acknowledging the difficulties in obtaining concrete proof and the potential for misinterpretation or even deception (as hinted at with the Adamski comparison).