UFO Information - 1983 No 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION, identified as NR. 2 1983, published by UFO-Information, delves into a variety of topics related to UFOs, space exploration, and the unexplained. The cover features an astronaut, likely from the Apollo 14 mission, with the magazine's title, 'ETT NYTT PERSPEKTIV' (A New Perspective), prominently displayed. The issue is priced at 80 Swedish Kronor for a full year's subscription.

Key Articles and Features

'The Road to the Unknown: Physical Training Program' This section introduces a physical training program designed to enhance awareness and control over one's body and mind. It details two exercises: the first involves tensing and relaxing muscles systematically, focusing on breath control and visualization to generate 'electrical force.' The second exercise focuses on building an inner image of a person and their environment, aiming to achieve a sense of being in another place, a form of astral projection or remote viewing. The article emphasizes the importance of mental discipline and positive thinking in developing these abilities.

Edgar D. Mitchell: 'Spaceflight Experiences Gave Me a New Perspective!' Astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell, famous for his role in the Apollo 14 mission, shares his profound experience of viewing Earth from space. He describes it as a 'peak experience' that heightened his perception and led him to explore paranormal phenomena. Mitchell suggests that the vastness of space and the unique vantage point of Earth foster a deep emotional and philosophical shift, offering a new perspective on humanity's place in the universe. He also touches upon the idea that life exists on other planets and that these beings might be what religions refer to as 'angels,' possibly using advanced technology like 'time machines' or spacecraft.

'Biblical Angels Can Be "Ufonauts"!' This article explores the controversial theory that biblical angels might be interpreted as extraterrestrial visitors. The author, Jonzon, posits that many UFO phenomena described in modern times share characteristics with accounts of angelic encounters in religious texts, particularly the Bible. He suggests that these beings, like modern 'ufonauts,' would require advanced technology for interstellar travel. The article cites passages from the Bible to support the idea that these beings could appear human-like and interact with humans, even suggesting a genetic link between them and humans.

'Landet Runt' (Around the Country) - UFO Sightings in Sweden This section, compiled by Carl-Axel Jonzon, details several UFO sightings across Sweden in early 1983: * Fågelfors (January 3, 1983): A large, color-shifting light sphere was observed. * Österfärnebo (January 23, 1983): A red, glowing sphere moved with a rocking motion. * Norrköping (January 24, 1983): A light phenomenon was seen moving in an arc over the city. * Lindås (February 4, 1983): A large, red, blinking light ball flew low over a residential area. * Delsbo (February 11, 1983): A light sphere was seen with smaller spheres moving around it. * Nordingrå (February 14, 1983): Two silent, hovering objects were observed at a low altitude. * Motala (February 14 & 17, 1983): Reports of unusual, pulsating, bright lights and spheres.

'Flying Objects Seen Near Flathammar' This report details an incident on August 28, 1982, where three individuals observed a low-flying object near Flatvarp, Sweden. The object, described as having a 'saucer shape' with green light, hovered silently for several minutes before moving away at high speed.

'Two Remarkable Cases of Animal Predation!' This section presents two accounts of unusual events involving animals and potential UFOs. The first, from South Africa, describes a pilot and farm foreman witnessing a glowing mass on a runway that caused sheep to behave strangely before ascending silently. One sheep went missing. The second case, from Texas, USA, involves a farmer reporting a similar pinkish-glowing object that landed near his farm, causing his cattle to become agitated. A white bull was reported missing.

'Philip and the Occult' This article discusses a parapsychology case from a book by Eysenck and Sargent, detailing a group's attempt to communicate with a 'spirit' named Philip via a Ouija board. The 'spirit' allegedly demonstrated psychokinetic abilities by levitating a table. The author links this to UFO phenomena, suggesting that 'contactees' sometimes exhibit similar abilities and that occult practices can have negative psychological consequences. This section also includes a debate with a reader, Bertil Lundberg, regarding the magazine's exploration of occult topics.

'Filmed UFOs from Passenger Planes' Professional photographer Fred Svihus and his wife Eva witnessed and filmed four glowing, oval-shaped objects flying in formation at high speed from their passenger plane near Vandenburg Air Force Base. The objects moved in a 'stair-step' formation and were observed for several seconds before disappearing. The film was sent to experts for analysis.

'Are There "Bases" on Saturn's Moons?' This article discusses theories proposed by physicist Hans Klinger and supported by astronomer Bradford Smith and Dr. René Lefèvbre, suggesting that some of Saturn's moons, particularly Mimas and Lapetus, might be artificial structures or UFO bases. They base this theory on unusual photographic evidence from the Voyager probes, noting the moons' strange characteristics and orbital patterns that suggest intelligent design or control.

'The Silent Ones' (Insändare - Letters to the Editor) This section includes a poem titled 'Det fanns en tid' (There was a time) reflecting on the past and the search for knowledge. It also features a letter from Bertil Lundberg criticizing the magazine's exploration of occult phenomena and a response from the editor, Carl-Axel Jonzon, defending the inclusion of such topics and emphasizing the importance of practical experience and open-mindedness.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with religion, ancient history, and parapsychology. There is a clear editorial stance of openness to unconventional theories, such as the 'angels as ufonauts' hypothesis, and a willingness to investigate and report on a wide range of sightings and experiences. The publication encourages reader participation through letters and submissions, fostering a community of individuals interested in the unexplained. The magazine also promotes a physical and mental training program, suggesting a belief in latent human potential that can be unlocked through specific practices. The editorial approach appears to be one of seeking new perspectives and challenging established norms, particularly in the realms of science and spirituality.

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION, dated October 1977, delves into a variety of unusual phenomena, including UFO sightings, folklore surrounding spectral encounters, and a remarkable sea monster sighting. The magazine features articles translated from English sources, indicating a focus on international cases.

UFO Sighting near Vandenburg

The issue begins with an account of a UFO sighting near Lompoc, California, by Fred Svihus. The object was reportedly captured on film and also detected by radar at Oakland Air Traffic Controls near Vandenburg Air Force Base. The article questions whether UFO activity is being monitored around military bases like Vandenburg and Cape Kennedy. Analysis of the film suggested disk-shaped objects with stable formations. The film was shown at a MUFON meeting in Scottsdale, Arizona, in July 1977. The report notes that such daytime UFO sequences captured by alert photographers on passenger planes are rare.

Ghost Hitchhikers: A Folklore Phenomenon

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the phenomenon of 'ghost hitchhikers.' Parapsychologist Michael Goss is cited as stating that not all such accounts can be easily explained away. These stories typically involve drivers picking up a passenger, often a woman, who later vanishes inexplicably. In many cases, the driver discovers that the hitchhiker died in an accident at or near the location of the encounter, sometimes on the anniversary of their death.

The article explores various versions of the ghost hitchhiker legend, including encounters with prophetic hitchhikers and even a nun who predicted a volcanic eruption. The phenomenon is described as a 'wandering legend' found globally. The article contrasts the methods of folklore collectors, who are interested in gathering stories, with parapsychologists, who seek documentation to support claims. Goss has examined numerous such cases and found most to be legends, though he suspects a minority may contain elements of truth.

One specific case highlighted is that of Roy Fulton, a tiler from Dunstable, England, who encountered a pale, dark-haired young man who disappeared from his car. Unlike typical ghost hitchhiker stories, this phantom did not speak and only pointed in the direction it wished to go. Fulton's experience was corroborated by police who noted he was sober when reporting the incident.

Folklorists Richard K. Beardsley and Rosalie Hankey have developed a classification scheme for 179 such stories. The article discusses the psychological aspects, suggesting that ghost hitchhiker experiences might stem from the unknown, fear of strangers, or even hallucinations triggered by mental states during night drives. It posits that these experiences, whether real or imagined, are psychologically impactful and can manifest in ways consistent with normal human behavior, such as turning on a car light.

Brazilian Hospital UFO Encounter

The issue also features an account from Brazil concerning a UFO encounter at the Sanatorio Serafim Ferreira hospital in Lins, São Paulo, on August 25, 1968. Maria José Cintra, a hospital employee, reported seeing a woman outside her door. The woman, speaking a foreign language, requested water and was given a vessel to fill. After drinking, she pointed to two cars parked outside. The woman then left, and Maria Cintra observed a pear-shaped craft hovering about 70 cm above the lawn. She saw a shadow, like a hand, inside the craft. The woman then entered the craft, which departed silently. Cintra was so shocked that she urinated herself. The incident left clear footprints on the floor and a circular depression in the grass where the craft had been.

'Water Monster' Scares Fishermen

Another significant report details an encounter in Puget Sound, USA, that occurred nine years before the Salisbury incident (presumably referring to the Salisbury UFO incident). A group of fishermen, including William Fitzhenry, H. Beal, W. L. McDonald, J. K. Bell, and Henry Blackwood, along with two unnamed gentlemen, were fishing when they encountered a massive sea creature. The creature was described as 45 meters long, with a thick, oval body covered in coarse hair. It had a head resembling a walrus, with six dull eyes. The creature was encircled by what appeared to be copper bands, from which strong electrical currents emanated, producing intense light. Two horn-like objects on its head were identified as the source of ejected, electrically charged water. Its tail was described as propeller-like and rotating. The monster emitted powerful electrical fields, causing those within its radius to experience electric shocks. McDonald and another man were knocked unconscious by the creature's spray. The fishermen fled to the woods, and the monster eventually disappeared under the water. The electrical phenomena caused their watches to stop. The article concludes that this was likely a machine-like device rather than a natural sea monster, given the electromagnetic effects, lights, and copper bands.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-INFORMATION consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained with human experience, folklore, and scientific investigation. The magazine appears to present a range of phenomena, from aerial objects to spectral encounters and cryptid sightings, with a particular interest in witness testimony and the analysis of reported events. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting detailed accounts and seeking explanations, while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the potential for psychological or folkloric interpretations. The use of translations suggests a global perspective on these topics. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained events that challenge conventional explanations, prompting further investigation and discussion.