UFO Norr - 1993 Temanummer 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NORR
Issue: Temanummer 1
Date: October 1993
Publisher: UFO-Skellefteå
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This special issue of UFO NORR, titled "Temanummer 1," published in October 1993 by UFO-Skellefteå, focuses entirely on "The Philadelphia Experiment." The magazine aims to create a forum for the UFO-Skellefteå association and its members, encouraging contributions and discussions on UFO-related topics.

Table of Contents

The issue features the following articles:

• Ledare (Editorial): Page 3
• Philadelphia-Experimentet (The Philadelphia Experiment): Page 4
• Bevisen (The Evidence): Page 6
• Fältteorin (Field Theory): Page 9
• För och Emot (For and Against): Page 10
• Om Osynlighet (On Invisibility): Page 11
• Om Filmen (On the Film): Page 12

Editorial (Ledare)

Steve Sandström's editorial, titled "Ledare," discusses the importance of stories and myths in society. He argues that while stories enrich our lives, they can also be misleading. He emphasizes the need to critically examine myths, especially within the UFO field, to protect ourselves from their potentially harmful effects. Sandström introduces the concept of myths as narratives that evolve over time, becoming fantastic and difficult to verify. He suggests that understanding the psychological mechanisms behind myth-making is crucial for maintaining a critical perspective. The editorial sets the stage for the issue's main topic, the Philadelphia Experiment, which it describes as a story balancing on the edge of myth and reality.

The Philadelphia Experiment

The main article, "Philadelphia Experimentet," details the alleged event that took place in October 1943. The US Navy, amidst World War II, reportedly conducted an experiment at its naval base near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The experiment involved the destroyer USS Eldridge (DE 173). The goal was to make the ship invisible to radar and visually, a feat that would have provided significant strategic advantages. The narrative describes a low-frequency hum, a green shimmering disc, and the ship vanishing. It claims the ship reappeared in Norfolk, Virginia, about 320 kilometers away, for a few minutes before returning to Philadelphia. The experiment allegedly resulted in severe consequences for the crew, including 16 deaths, six individuals driven insane, and the disappearance of others. The article notes that the experiment was highly classified, known only to a few, including high-ranking military officials and Albert Einstein.

The Evidence (Bevisen)

This section scrutinizes the evidence supporting the Philadelphia Experiment. It highlights that the story largely originates from two individuals: Morris K. Jessup, author of "The Case for the UFO," and Carlos Miguel Allende (alias Carl M. Allen). The article questions George Langelaan's claim that Jessup was murdered shortly after the 1943 events, noting that Jessup actually died in 1959. The narrative of the experiment gained prominence in 1956 when Jessup received letters from C. M. Allen. Allen's letters, written with poor spelling and punctuation, criticized Jessup for urging readers to research Einstein's field theory and claimed that a friend, Dr. Franklin Reno, led the Navy's research that resulted in the experiment. Allen stated that many officers and crew members went insane or became "transparent." The article also mentions that a copy of Jessup's book "The Case for the UFO," with marginal notes attributed to Allen and two others, was sent to the Office of Naval Research (ONR) in Washington, D.C., prompting an investigation. The ONR acknowledged the intriguing nature of the claims but could not verify their truthfulness. John A. Keel is cited as believing Jessup considered the whole story a joke. The article concludes that there is no concrete proof of the experiment, with key sources being difficult to verify, and that the initial written account lacked a clear introduction.

Field Theory (Fältteorin)

This section explores the theoretical underpinnings of the Philadelphia Experiment, focusing on Albert Einstein's field theory. It explains Einstein's theory of relativity and the famous equation E=mc², which demonstrates the equivalence of mass and energy, forming the basis for nuclear power and the atomic bomb. The article suggests that Einstein, despite being a pacifist, aided the US in developing the atomic bomb out of fear of Nazi Germany. It posits that Einstein's unified field theory, which he proposed in 1929 to explain all forces in the universe, might have been the theoretical foundation for the experiment. The theory aimed to unify gravity, electromagnetism, and nuclear forces. While Einstein reportedly withdrew the theory due to dissatisfaction or fear of its implications, the article speculates that its concepts, particularly the instantaneous transmission of energy and matter across distances, could have been applied in the experiment.

For and Against (För och Emot)

This section discusses arguments for and against the possibility of the Philadelphia Experiment. It acknowledges that while the story sounds incredible, one should not dismiss it without investigation. The article draws parallels with past scientific advancements like the telephone and moon landing, suggesting that future possibilities like teleportation might become reality. It highlights that current scientific understanding of the universe and matter is limited, and new discoveries are constantly being made. The author suggests that the experiment might have involved powerful fields and energies that temporarily distorted dimensions, potentially allowing for rapid travel between points, similar to how bending a two-dimensional surface can connect distant points. The idea that a person's thoughts could influence an experiment is also mentioned as a concept explored by physicists. The article points to the Navy's subsequent investigation into the matter in the 1950s as evidence that the event was taken seriously, even if officially denied later. It speculates that the Navy's interest might have been to suppress a potential threat posed by Carl M. Allen or to cover up the incident.

On Invisibility (Om Osynlighet)

This section delves into the alleged invisibility aspect of the experiment. Survivors reportedly experienced periods of invisibility or flickering. Some became trapped in a state of paralysis, which could only be resolved by proximity to others. Two survivors allegedly caught fire and burned for eighteen days. The paralysis could last from minutes to six months. The article suggests that a massive cover-up operation was initiated by the Navy to conceal the catastrophic failure of the experiment, especially during wartime. However, it notes that Carlos Miguel Allende's credible account of the event made it difficult to completely dismiss the possibility that the experiment actually occurred.

On the Film (Om Filmen)

This section is brief and likely refers to any cinematic adaptations or discussions of the Philadelphia Experiment in popular culture, though specific details are not provided in the OCR text.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance, as presented in the editorial and the articles, is one of critical inquiry into UFO phenomena and unexplained events. While acknowledging the power of stories and myths, the publication encourages readers to approach such topics with a discerning mind. The issue on the Philadelphia Experiment exemplifies this approach by presenting the narrative, exploring potential evidence and theoretical underpinnings, and critically examining the sources and the possibility of a cover-up. The magazine does not definitively conclude whether the experiment happened but emphasizes the importance of questioning and investigating such phenomena. The recurring theme is the exploration of the boundary between myth and reality, and the psychological and societal factors that contribute to the formation and perpetuation of extraordinary claims.

Title: UFO-Norr
Issue: 1989-04
Volume: 1989
Date: April 1989
Publisher: UFO-Norr
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0280-4191
Price: 25 SEK

This issue of UFO-Norr, dated April 1989, focuses on the themes of invisibility and the enigmatic Philadelphia Experiment, alongside a review of John Carpenter's film adaptation.

Om Osynlighet (About Invisibility)

The lead article, "Om Osynlighet," explores the age-old fascination with invisibility and its potential applications, particularly in the military sphere. The author posits that the desire for stealth and the ability to infiltrate enemy territory undetected has long been a goal for military strategists. It is suggested that major world powers have invested heavily in research to achieve this. While the Philadelphia Experiment may have failed or never occurred, the pursuit of invisibility has continued to attract military interest.

The article highlights the US Air Force's stealth aircraft as an example of modern invisibility technology. These planes are designed to be undetectable by radar due to their unique shape and special surface coatings that absorb or deflect radar waves. Visually, their flattened profile also makes them harder to spot. The author clarifies that this is not invisibility in the absolute sense, but rather a technological advancement based on different principles than the theoretical 'field theory' associated with the Philadelphia Experiment. The mere existence of such aircraft demonstrates that invisibility is more than just a military fascination.

The article concludes by noting that advanced research is ongoing in many fields with the aim of achieving what might have been accidentally accomplished in Philadelphia during World War II. It leaves the reader pondering how invisibility will be achieved in the future, whether in five, ten, or a thousand years.

The Philadelphia Experiment: Witness Accounts and Analysis

This section delves into the details surrounding the alleged Philadelphia Experiment, referencing a witness named Allen. Allen's testimony, though not fully detailed in this issue, is said to contain peculiar facts that suggest he was either a "joker," mentally unstable, or possessed knowledge of technology far beyond current understanding.

A significant point of contention is the lack of other witnesses corroborating Allen's story. The article questions why no other crew members have come forward. It speculates on possible reasons, including the Navy's use of disinformation, persuasive tactics, or even "elimination" of witnesses to maintain secrecy under the guise of "national security." Alternatively, it's suggested that there might simply be no other witnesses.

The article also touches upon the possibility of witnesses who claim to have seen the ship appear in Norfolk, questioning how the Navy could have tracked and silenced them all, emphasizing the capabilities of a skilled intelligence service.

A potential resolution to the mystery is presented: if Allen reappears and provides further details, his story could either be substantiated or revealed as a hoax. However, his current whereabouts are unknown, and if he is alive and the event was a joke, he may be content with the notoriety he has achieved. The article concludes that Allen has succeeded in one thing: contributing to our uncertainty about the nature of reality. It leaves the reader with the thought that teleportation might be impossible, or perhaps it is just around the corner, but for now, there are no definitive answers.

Om Filmen The Philadelphia Experiment (About the Film The Philadelphia Experiment)

This section reviews the film adaptation of the Philadelphia Experiment, produced by horror master John Carpenter. The article notes Carpenter's previous works, including "Escape from New York," "The Thing," and "Starman."

Initially, the US Navy was reluctant to cooperate with the film project. However, they eventually lent uniforms, equipment, and the destroyer USS Laffey from the naval museum in Charlestown, South Carolina. The USS Laffey had participated in the Normandy landings during World War II.

The film's script does not closely follow the narrative presented in the magazine's main article. Nevertheless, it offers an interesting and dramatic portrayal of events that are said to have occurred in Philadelphia in 1943. A key difference highlighted is that while the "real" story claims a teleportation occurred, the film depicts a time displacement. The author suggests that the screenwriters took significant creative liberties with the concept of time travel.

The review concludes by recommending the film as a well-made and exciting piece of entertainment, with a potential, albeit speculative, connection to reality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the nature of invisibility, the possibility of advanced and secret military technology, and the analysis of alleged paranormal or unexplained events like the Philadelphia Experiment. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, presenting witness testimonies and theoretical possibilities while also acknowledging the potential for deception, cover-ups, and the speculative nature of the subject matter. The magazine encourages critical thinking by presenting different perspectives, including the film adaptation, and leaving the ultimate conclusions to the reader.