UFO-Nytt - 1977 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: 4
Volume: 1
Date: 1977
Publisher: Arbetsgruppen för ufologi (Kalmar Ölands UFO-Förening)
Cover Headline: STORT SOMMARNUMMER (Big Summer Issue)

This issue of UFO-NYTT, the Swedish magazine dedicated to ufology, presents a "Big Summer Issue" for 1977. It covers a diverse range of topics, from alleged UFO sightings and encounters to discussions on life after death, space exploration, and the burgeoning field of wind energy.

Articles and Features

"Små gröna män kidnappade korpralen?" (Little Green Men Kidnapped the Corporal?)

This article recounts a strange incident involving a Chilean military patrol. Two guards witnessed shining objects descend from the sky. The corporal ordered his men to battle stations, and then, according to his men, he simply vanished. After about fifteen minutes, he reappeared. He regained consciousness after three hours and claimed that five days had passed, and he had grown a corresponding amount of beard stubble.

Rymdskrot (Space Debris)

The magazine reports that the launch of a new American communications satellite has brought the total number of human-made objects in orbit to 10,000. NORAD has been tracking these objects since the first Sputnik in 1957. Of these, 4,289 remain in space, while 5,711 have either returned to Earth or burned up in the atmosphere. The tenthousandth object was the American satellite "Triple-7."

"Hejsan!" (Editorial)

Leif Andersson, in his editorial, notes the arrival of spring and the start of night observations. He expresses hope for sightings and congratulates the UFO-KO youth secretary on their new publication. He also announces the upcoming UFO-KO summer camp from June 17-19 and reminds members to pay their 1977 membership fees, as new benefits are available. Andersson also apologizes for potential printing defects in the magazine, explaining it is produced entirely by machine.

"Nytt i korthet" (News in Brief)

This section provides several short news items:

• TEFAT (UFOs): The first international congress on flying saucers opened in Acapulco, Mexico, on April 19th. The article also mentions that UFO-ufologist Gunnar Schelin from Öland was invited but declined due to other commitments.
• TEFAT (UFOs) Congress Conclusion: The international congress on UFOs in Acapulco concluded, with press disappointment over the lack of concrete evidence presented by speakers like Erich von Däniken.
• Liv på Jupiter? (Life on Jupiter?): American scientists Carl Sagan and E. E. Salpeter suggest that giant gaseous creatures could inhabit Jupiter's dense atmosphere. These beings might be visible to the Mariner 11 and 12 probes. They also propose that the planet's reddish hue could be evidence of these creatures.
• Universums ålder (Age of the Universe): Two astrophysicists from the University of Chicago propose that the universe may be 20 billion years old, 5 billion years older than previously thought, using new methods to date chemical elements.
• URANUS: Chinese astronomers have discovered a ring around the planet Uranus.
• Bråte från rymden (Debris from Space): What was initially thought to be a meteorite in Colorado, USA, turned out to be the remains of a Soviet rocket that launched Kosmos 897.

"Vindkraft-planerna påskyndas" (Wind Power Plans Accelerated)

Energy Minister Olof Johansson inaugurated Sweden's first wind power plant in Älvkarleby. He stated that the government plans to accelerate the wind energy program, potentially including large prototype plants on Gotland. While acknowledging that wind power may not significantly contribute to energy supply until the 1980s, he highlighted its growing importance due to rising electricity prices. The Älvkarleby plant is a 50-kilowatt prototype, while future prototypes are envisioned at 2 megawatts. The minister also noted that wind power requires significant land area.

"Esrange hotas av vägar och friluftsliv" (Esrange Threatened by Roads and Outdoor Life)

The Swedish rocket base Esrange is reportedly threatened by road construction and increased outdoor activities. The Swedish Space Corporation (Rymdbolaget) has requested the government to halt ongoing and planned road construction within Esrange's safety zones, citing potential risks to rocket launches.

"Freoner förbjuds i spray" (Freons Banned in Spray)

Starting January 1, 1978, the use of freons as propellants in spray cans will be prohibited in Sweden due to concerns that they may damage the Earth's ozone layer.

"Ny period av värme" (New Period of Warmth)

According to the Moscow newspaper Sovjetskaja Rossija, a new period of warmth is expected in the 1960s and 1990s, potentially lasting into the next millennium and peaking between 2300-2400, before a cooling trend.

"Hästen vägrade gå med "fel" kista" (The Horse Refused to Go with the "Wrong" Coffin)

This is a personal anecdote about a horse that refused to pull a coffin, which was later discovered to be the wrong one.

"MYSTISKA UBÅTAR" (Mysterious Submarines)

This article, submitted by a reader, discusses sightings of mysterious objects in the Baltic Sea, particularly around Gotska Sandön and Almagrundet. It references the sinking of the Swedish ship Immeln after encountering an unknown object and mentions reports of "mysterious lights" and "submarine-like objects" in the area. The author notes that similar phenomena have been reported in Norwegian fjords, where attempts to capture these objects have failed, with some witnesses reporting them ascending into the sky. The article concludes by suggesting that "foreign powers" might be involved.

"dödförklarade" (Declared Dead)

This section explores the concept of life after death, referencing books by Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross and Dr. Raymond Moor. It discusses near-death experiences (NDEs), where individuals who were clinically dead report common phenomena such as hearing strange sounds, feeling a pull through a dark passage, seeing their own bodies from outside, and encountering a bright, loving light-being. The interpretation of this light-being varies based on the individual's religious background (Christ as Christ, a Jew as an angel, etc.). The article suggests that these experiences are profound and influence the individual's life upon return.

"TYST INVASION" (Silent Invasion)

Jörgen Danielsson speculates on the possibility of an alien invasion. He argues that if the existence of flying saucers were officially confirmed, explanations would likely be sought. Danielsson believes that intelligent life exists in the universe and that human civilization is superior. He suggests that UFOs might be technologically advanced but culturally handicapped, possibly experiencing a slow decline. He questions whether humans are in the same predicament and wonders if "little green men" are truly the most monstrous beings, or if beings that resemble humans are more frightening.

"Natten i spökhuset" (The Night in the Haunted House)

This is a personal account of a haunted house on the island of Gotland in the early 1900s. After the wife's death, strange occurrences began, including the slamming of doors, moving furniture, and the opening and closing of the oven. A neighbor's son investigated and reported seeing a figure without a head. The house was later modernized, and the old oven was removed. The new owner claimed to find hidden money, which he believed was the cause of the haunting, and experienced no further paranormal activity.

"Visad till graven" (Shown to the Grave)

An elderly woman recounts an experience where, after her brother died in England, she visited his grave. She felt inexplicably guided to a specific, unmarked cross where she found his name and number. She believes her deceased brother led her to his resting place, confirming her belief in the supernatural.

"VET NI DET?" (Did You Know?)

• URFISK (Ancient Fish): The fossil of a 480-million-year-old fish has been discovered in central Australia, believed to be the oldest known vertebrate fossil.
• FOTSPÅR (Footprints): A large concentration of dinosaur footprints has been found in Queensland, Australia, depicting a dramatic moment between a large crocodile and a pack of smaller dinosaurs.
• Apa eller människa? (Ape or Human?): Fossils found in Pakistan suggest the existence of species in South Asia that exhibited a mix of human and ape-like characteristics, challenging the theory that Africa is the sole birthplace of humanity. The findings also indicate that the Indian subcontinent and South America were geographically closer in the past.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a strong focus on UFO phenomena, alleged encounters, and the broader implications of potential extraterrestrial contact. There is also a significant interest in the paranormal, particularly near-death experiences and hauntings, presented as credible accounts. The inclusion of articles on scientific advancements like wind energy and space exploration suggests an attempt to bridge the gap between the unexplained and established science, though the primary focus remains on the mysterious and the speculative. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, encouraging reader contributions and fostering a community of interest in these subjects.

This issue of UFO NYTT from 1977 features a prominent cover story about US experts expressing interest in a crater in the Boda forests near Målilla, Sweden. The article speculates whether the crater is the result of a meteorite impact or a flying saucer, with American astronomers reportedly taking a keen interest in solving the mystery. The magazine also delves into various other topics, including futuristic space hospitals, the impact of solar activity on climate, the phenomenon of 'phantom submarines', and emerging energy technologies.

Space Hospitals and Future Surgery

A section titled "Sjukhus i rymden blir framtidens operationssalar?" (Space Hospitals - Future Operating Rooms?) explores the concept of performing complex medical procedures in space. The idea, presented at the 14th space congress, suggests that a patient with a severe heart condition could be transported to a rotating operating room in space for a heart transplant. The absence of gravity is highlighted as a significant advantage, potentially making the procedure easier and leading to faster patient recovery. Charles Wiley, head of a pharmaceutical company, is quoted as saying that while placing hospitals and labs in space is a distant future prospect, the idea warrants study. He also suggests that organs could be stored in space for up to 100 years due to the cold and antiseptic conditions. Furthermore, the lack of gravity could allow surgeons to better visualize organs, which would float, and could be ideal for treating burn patients and complex fractures.

Solar Flares and Climate Change

Another article, "Ont om solfläckar – Räkna med kallare klimat i framtiden" (Few Sunspots – Expect Colder Climate in the Future), discusses the potential link between solar activity and Earth's climate. American researchers warn that a lack of sunspots could lead to a much colder climate in the coming years. Dr. John Eddy, from the Center for Astrophysics at Cambridge, Massachusetts, explains that periods of cold climate, such as the 'little ice age' in Europe, coincided with periods of extremely low solar activity. Conversely, periods of high solar activity have aligned with warmer weather. The article notes that solar activity follows an 11-year cycle, and current observations suggest a prolonged period of low activity. New research on radiocarbon levels in solar rings has confirmed that sunspots and other signs of solar activity virtually disappeared in the late 17th and 18th centuries. This historical perspective suggests that the current period, starting around 1700-1750, has had unusually high solar activity. The article concludes by noting that the general long-term level of solar activity appears to be declining after a peak in the late 1950s.

The Mystery of Flying Saucers

"Flygande tefaten – Vart tog de vägen?" (Flying Saucers – Where Did They Go?) by K. E. Almér examines the phenomenon of UFOs. The author critiques those who dismiss UFO reports, including scientists and the US Air Force, suggesting they are either ignorant or part of a conspiracy. The article references K. Gosta Rehn's book "UFO-utmaningen" (The UFO Challenge), which argues for the existence of UFOs as extraterrestrial reconnaissance craft. Rehn's claims are supported by astrophysicist Professor Hynek. The article acknowledges that while most reports might be hoaxes or misidentifications, some sightings, like those involving police chases or unexplained power outages, are difficult to dismiss. It also notes the lack of UFO reports from Sweden and questions why such phenomena would be exclusive to America. The author also touches upon the mathematical probability of life on other planets but emphasizes the technological gap that would likely exist.

Another piece, "Vad är sanning?" (What is Truth?), discusses the ongoing debate about the existence of flying saucers. It defines UFOs as Unidentified Flying Objects and mentions books by ufologist Staffan Stigsjöö. The article presents a survey of 2,611 astronomers regarding their views on UFOs, with a significant majority believing further study is warranted and many reporting personal sightings.

"Händelserikt UFO-år på ön" (Eventful UFO Year on the Island) by Gunnar Schelin, Leif Andersson, and Bert Pettersson details their efforts to inform the public about UFOs through film screenings and lectures in Sweden. They report high attendance at their public viewings.

'Phantom Submarines' and Naval Encounters

"Plötsligt steg 'något' upp ur havet genom sju meter tjock is!" (Suddenly 'Something' Rose Through Seven Meters of Ice!) recounts a reported incident in Admiralty Bay, Antarctica, in 1962. An icebreaker from the US Navy, part of Operation Deep Freeze, witnessed an object, described as a ten-meter-long, silver, submarine-like craft, emerge from the ice and ascend rapidly. The event was reportedly kept secret by the US Navy but leaked to Brazilian media through Dr. Ruben J. Villela.

Another article, "TRON PÅ FLYGANDE TEFAT" (Belief in Flying Saucers), argues that sightings of flying saucers should be considered certainty rather than belief, given the numerous eyewitness accounts. It criticizes the skepticism surrounding these reports.

"Flygande tefaten" also features a section on 'phantom submarines,' referring to unidentified underwater craft encountered by naval forces. A former naval officer recounts an incident during World War II where a 'phantom submarine' with a conical, glass-like superstructure withstood artillery fire and disappeared at high speed. The article also mentions reports of 'phantom submarines' around Australia and New Zealand in 1965 and a large-scale naval hunt in Norway's Sognefjorden in 1972, which was largely classified.

Emerging Energy Technologies

"Ingelstad får solvärmeverk" (Ingelstad Gets a Solar Heating Plant) reports on the development of the world's likely first solar-energy-based district heating plant in Ingelstad, Sweden. This project, by Sunvex Energi AB, aims to provide heating and hot water for a housing area of 50 villas using solar collectors and a large water storage system. The plant is expected to be operational by 1979.

"SALTvatten – FRAMTIDENS KRAFTKÄLLA?" (Saltwater – The Energy Source of the Future?) discusses the potential of extracting electricity from the difference in salinity between salt and fresh water. Research at Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg suggests that this method could theoretically provide half of Sweden's current electricity production by the beginning of the next century. The process involves using membranes to separate ions and generate electric current. While the initial cost is higher than conventional electricity, it is considered a promising environmentally friendly energy source. The article also notes potential benefits for fishing due to the pumping of cold, nutrient-rich water from deeper levels.

"Vågorna runt landets kuster ger tredjedel av elkraften" (Waves Along the Coasts Provide a Third of Electricity) highlights the potential of wave energy. According to Jackie Bergman of the National Board for Energy Production Research, waves along Sweden's coasts contain significant energy that could potentially supply a third of the country's current electricity production. The challenge lies in developing cost-effective and durable energy converters. The article mentions ongoing research and plans for direct measurements to assess the energy potential.

Other Topics

"Smutsig elektricitet" (Dirty Electricity) by Cari Rothlin discusses the potential health concerns associated with electromagnetic pollution from power lines and various electronic devices, including extremely low frequencies used in communication technology. The article notes that the US is investing significantly in research on electrical pollution.

"Vet ni det?" (Do You Know?) is a section featuring various short news items. These include the high cost of Californium-252, a bizarre incident of a motorcyclist landing in someone's bed, and the revelation of a call girl organization in London using radio-controlled communication. It also reports on NASA's interest in using giant icebergs to solve water problems in the US and a UFO sighting in Öland described as an "air circus unlike any other."

Literature and Astrological Discussions

"Bermuda-triangeln bara ruffel och båg" (Bermuda Triangle – Just Ruff and Nonsense) critiques Charles Berlitz's popular book on the Bermuda Triangle. The author, Lawrence David Kusche, argues that Berlitz's claims are unsubstantiated and that many of the reported disappearances were due to bad weather or occurred in different locations. The article suggests that people prefer sensational stories over factual explanations.

"'Djävulshavet' fullt av mystik" ('Devil's Sea' Full of Mystery) discusses a similar phenomenon in a region off the coast of Japan, known as the Devil's Sea, where numerous unexplained disappearances of ships and aircraft have occurred. The article draws parallels to the Bermuda Triangle and mentions the mysterious disappearance of the research vessel "Kaiyo Maru nr 5."

"Ställ ditt eget horoskop!" (Cast Your Own Horoscope!) explores the world of astrology, discussing its appeal and the language used in astrological texts. It references books that offer guidance on creating horoscopes and touches upon the perceived predictive abilities of some astrologers, including their alleged insights into historical figures and events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NYTT are the unexplained phenomena (UFOs, phantom submarines, Bermuda Triangle), the exploration of space and its potential for human endeavors (space hospitals), and the search for new and sustainable energy sources (solar, wave, salt water). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards unexplained phenomena, while also critically examining sensational claims and exploring scientific and technological advancements. There is a clear interest in reporting on both the mysterious and the innovative aspects of science and technology.

This issue of the magazine, dated January 21, 1975, features a prominent cover story detailing a startling encounter by Vicesheriff William Brown in Wyoming, USA. The headline, 'Terrible noise from unknown spacecraft scared a US police car', highlights the unusual nature of the event. The magazine also includes a science fiction narrative and a technological article.

UFO Encounter in Wyoming

The main article recounts the experience of 25-year-old Vicesheriff William Brown, who reported a UFO descending rapidly and passing his patrol car at a low altitude, filling the vehicle with a 'screeching, shrieking noise.' Remarkably, this sound was transmitted over his radio to headquarters, despite the microphone being switched off. State electronics experts in New York were reportedly baffled by a tape recording of the sound, unable to identify it conventionally.

Brown described the sound as truly terrifying, unlike anything he had ever heard. He was on patrol near Perry Center, about 1.5 miles east of Buffalo, on October 21, 1974, around 2:50 AM. He initially saw a blinding light and then, as he turned his car, the object passed over him at less than 15 meters, its intense yellow light obscuring its shape. The terrifying noise followed, described as a high-frequency wail that lasted for seconds.

Following Brown's encounter, other police officers in the Livingston area also reported seeing the UFO. Vicesheriff Salvatore NiCastro described a 'cat and mouse' chase with the object, which matched his speed whether he accelerated or decelerated, maintaining a speed between 60 and 180 km/h. NiCastro observed the object at a height of 15-20 meters and a distance of 1.2 km for 20 minutes before it sped away. Traffic policeman Rolland Barnardt and Vicesheriff David Heins of Livingston described the object as a large, bright, round ball.

Back at headquarters, radio policeman Dennis Quackenbush confirmed hearing the 'terrible scream' over his radio. He played a recording for a reporter, describing the sound's progression from a low tone to a piercing high pitch and back down. Electronics expert Merle Demerly, along with two other engineers, spent hours analyzing the sound. They ruled out any possibility of Brown faking the sound or a technical malfunction, noting that the sound transmission over the specially shielded police radio was 'astonishing.' Sheriff Adam Capwell of Wyoming vouched for Brown's integrity, stating there was no way he could have faked the incident.

Science Fiction: Deep Sea Crossing

The magazine also features a multi-page science fiction story titled 'Deep Sea Crossing' (DJUPHAVSKRYSSNING) by TAURINA. This narrative appears to be set in a future where humanity is leaving a dying world called Cotaigne. The story follows characters named Brinok and Du Rand as they prepare for an evacuation. Cotaigne is described as a vast, technologically advanced city, but it is experiencing geological instability, with earthquakes shaking its foundations. The inhabitants are preparing to board rocket ships from a launch ramp in Monton, a location described as a beautiful park-like area. The story touches upon the mystery of Cotaigne's original builders and the impending doom of the planet. The evacuation involves ascending from the depths of the ocean to the surface, where the sun's light is finally experienced after millennia underground. The narrative emphasizes the wonder and relief of reaching a new world, symbolized by the sun's warmth.

Technology: Solar Power Plant Solves Energy Crisis

Another article, 'Solar Power Plant Solves Energy Crisis,' discusses a project being studied in the USA: a giant satellite in space capable of generating 10,000 megawatts of power. This 'space power plant' is envisioned to be assembled in orbit by large space shuttles and placed in a geosynchronous orbit. The satellite would use mirrors made of aluminum-coated plastic film to capture solar energy, which would then be converted into electricity by thermal motors. This electricity would be transmitted to Earth via a directed microwave beam. The article suggests that six such satellites could meet Japan's entire energy needs, and 35-40 could supply the USA's base electricity demand. The project is presented as feasible with current technology, with a projected realization by 1990, and is highlighted as a clean alternative to fossil fuels and nuclear power, promising an end to pollution and radioactive waste.

UFO Kalmar Öland Association

Finally, the issue includes contact information for the 'UFO Kalmar Öland Association,' indicating a local interest group dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena. It states that UFOs are a reality that has always interested and fascinated humanity, and welcomes anyone seeking further knowledge about this 'celestial phenomenon' to contact them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on UFO phenomena, with a primary article detailing a specific sighting and its investigation. The inclusion of a science fiction story exploring themes of planetary evacuation and a future for humanity suggests an interest in speculative and futuristic concepts. The technological article on space-based solar power further aligns with a forward-looking perspective, emphasizing potential solutions to global challenges. The overall stance seems to be one of reporting on unusual events, exploring imaginative narratives, and presenting technological advancements, all within a context that acknowledges the enduring mystery and fascination surrounding UFOs.