UFO-Nytt - 1977 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: 5
Volume: 1
Date: 1977
Publisher: Kalmar Ölands UFO Förening

This issue of UFO-NYTT, published by the Kalmar Ölands UFO Förening, presents a collection of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena and related topics. The cover headline, "Kavalkad över aktuella UFO-händelser och ökad kunskap om UFO-fenomen" (A cavalcade of current UFO events and increased knowledge about the UFO phenomenon), sets the tone for the content.

Articles and Reports

UFO-läger på Öland (UFO Camp on Öland)

The Kalmar-Ölands UFO-förening held its first summer camp for members and invited guests from various parts of the country on Öland from June 17-19. The program included surveillance, demonstrations, discussions, and information sessions. Approximately fifteen interested individuals participated. The camp began with a visit to the club house in Strandtorp, followed by continuous air surveillance. Discussions covered various surveillance methods and practical applications, as well as astronomy, flight, and radar. A demonstration of a mirror telescope, a star finder, and a UFO detector was also held. The camp concluded with a surprise event, a quiz, where two invited girls from Olofström won prizes. The association plans to organize a similar camp next year, inviting all UFO associations in Sweden.

Hejsan! (Hello!)

This section, written by Leif Andersson, announces the return of night observations after the summer break. It highlights the success of the recent UFO camp and mentions the acquisition of a lottery and Postgiro account. Readers are encouraged to help with renovations at the club house and to contribute with letters to the editor. Contact information for Lisbett is provided for further inquiries.

Nytt i korthet (News in Brief)

This section contains several short news items:

• Fenomen på himlen (Phenomenon in the Sky): Reports from Mallorca, Spain, describe a triangular UFO seen for half an hour. Similar sightings have occurred frequently in Spain, particularly over the Canary Islands.
• USA-satellit tio år i rymden (USA Satellite Ten Years in Space): The Voyager 1 spacecraft, launched on August 20th, is on a ten-year mission to explore outer space. A similar probe, Voyager 2, will be launched later. The probes will study cosmic radiation, space matter composition, and film celestial bodies, with Jupiter and Saturn as primary targets.
• JUPITER BLIR VÅR NYA SOL? (Will Jupiter Become Our New Sun?): Soviet astronomers suggest that Jupiter is an evolving star, predicted to eventually flare up and become Earth's second sun. They estimate Jupiter's mass and luminosity will equal the sun's in three billion years, with its core temperature reaching 300,000 Kelvin. This aligns with earlier findings from the Pioneer 11 probe, which indicated Jupiter emits more heat than it receives from the sun.
• Har fem ringar (Has Five Rings): Uranus has been discovered to have five rings. This discovery was made by a team at Cornell University in the USA.

Från LÄSEKRETSEN (From the Readers' Circle)

This section is dedicated to reader contributions. Hans Bengtsson from Gothenburg writes about the lack of public information regarding the Viking mission to Mars, questioning the "lock" he perceives in the media. He references an article in "Mercury" that summarizes findings about potential life on Mars, quoting Harold Klein of NASA who states that no biological signs have been found.

Var finns locket? (Where is the Lid?)

This article by Hans Bengtsson discusses the perceived media silence surrounding the Viking mission's findings on Mars. He questions Gunnar Schelin's assertion of a media "lock," but agrees that mass media tends to focus on sensational headlines rather than nuanced scientific findings.

Statlig satsning på forskning om solvärmen (State Investment in Solar Heat Research)

The National Board of Building Research (BFR) proposes a significant investment in solar energy research, requesting 20 million SEK for a three-year period starting in 1978. The goal is to explore the use of solar energy for heating swimming pools, domestic water, and eventually entire houses. SMHI (Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute) is assisting by providing detailed solar radiation data for thermal budget calculations. The article also mentions a microwave system in Australia powered by solar energy for telecommunications and a new electric heating system called Elpan developed in Denmark, which is being introduced in Sweden.

Solvärmen fungerar (Solar Heat Works)

Engineer Karl-Ivar Lundberg in Skellefteå shares his positive experience with a solar water heating system installed on his garage roof in 1974, which saves him 400-500 liters of oil annually. The system was built at a low cost, utilizing materials from a landfill.

Användbara presidenter (Useful Presidents)

This short piece describes how solar collectors on the roof of the tourist center near Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, USA, capture reflected sunlight from the presidential figures, providing half of the center's heating needs.

Norskt sjöodjur gäckar fotografer (Norwegian Sea Monster Eludes Photographers)

Reports from Seljord, Telemark, Norway, describe a large sea serpent, nicknamed "ormen" or "sjöhästen" (sea horse), sighted multiple times in Seljordsvatnet. Eyewitnesses describe it as at least 30 meters long with a thick neck and a undulating movement. Attempts to photograph it using underwater cameras and sonar have yielded inconclusive results, with one instance showing an unexplained exposure on film and another showing a large, unidentified object on sonar.

Såg de Hesjö-odjuret? (Did They See the Hesjö Monster?)

A mysterious object was reportedly seen moving at high speed in Hesjön, near Målilla, Sweden. Witnesses described it as too fast to be a fish, and it was reportedly attacked by seagulls. The object was approximately 2 meters long and observed on two occasions.

Storsjöodjuret tidigt ute (The Storsjö Monster Early Out)

Olle Simonsson and John-Erik Eriksson from Vigge, near Storsjön, Sweden, claim to have seen the legendary Storsjö monster before the usual "rotting month" sightings. They described it as a grey-brown creature leaving significant wake waves before disappearing.

Snöman på stor fot (Snowman with a Big Foot)

This article discusses Bigfoot (Sasquatch), a mysterious creature reported in the forests of northwestern USA. Peter Byrne, chief of the Bigfoot Information Center, compiles reports of sightings dating back to 1840. A recent sighting involved bus driver Pat Lindquist and his passengers who saw a Bigfoot-like creature. Descriptions include a large, hairy biped with a flat nose, large eyes, and a foul odor. While there are many reports, no aggressive encounters have been documented, and the creature is often described as docile or melancholic. Footprint casts suggest a size of 38-40 cm long and 19-21 cm wide, with an estimated weight of 150-200 kg.

Vet ni det? (Did You Know?)

This section contains brief news items:

• METEOR: A large meteor, possibly split into two parts, impacted Madagascar. One piece created a 240-meter crater, while the other was seen by residents in the capital. Authorities have been unable to locate any debris.
• DOT OVERNATURLIGAS VÄRLD (The World of the Supernatural): A personal account from G.N. describes a supernatural message received in 1900 by a young woman, foretelling her illness and death. She experienced a profound spiritual journey, which she described as being in "paradise."
• De två dödsfallen (The Two Deaths): M.Z.F. recounts a premonition she had in 1933 about two young men who were guests at her home. She felt unwell and urged her husband to take her home immediately. Shortly after, both men died, one from an operation and the other by suicide due to unrequited love.
• Spårlös meteor (Trackless Meteor): Authorities in Madagascar reported that no traces of a large meteor that reportedly struck the island could be found. Initial reports of a crater were deemed incorrect, and it is now believed the meteor disintegrated in the atmosphere.
• TV-FENOMEN (TV Phenomenon): Exceptional reception conditions in Jutland, Denmark, are allowing viewers to receive Italian TV due to solar flare activity.
• SATELLITNEJ (Satellite No): The Nordic Writers' Council opposes the idea of a Nordic TV satellite, fearing it would increase commercially driven programming at the expense of cultural diversity. They also established a press freedom fund for Icelandic writers.

Såg han ett flygande tefat? (Did He See a Flying Saucer?)

This article reviews Eugen Semitjov's book "De otroliga tefaten" (The Incredible Saucers), which objectively examines UFO phenomena. Semitjov analyzes various reports, including a sighting by Gösta Carlsson in Skälderviken in May 1946, who described a flying saucer and humanoid beings. The article includes an illustration by Helle Hellgren based on Carlsson's description.

Stav av kvarts (Quartz Rod)

This section continues the account of Gösta Carlsson's 1946 sighting. He describes the UFO as disc-shaped with a cabin, mast, and oval windows. He notes the beings wore white suits and that one carried a camera-like object that disabled his flashlight. Carlsson found a short, square rod of light grey-violet quartz, which he later shaped into a beetle. He also found two cup-like containers that emitted a cinnamon-scented, milk-like liquid. These items were lost in a fire in 1952.

En märklig dröm (A Strange Dream)

Carlsson recounts a vivid dream he had two days after the sighting. In the dream, he was inside the UFO and communicated with a being named Menji. The dream described the craft's propulsion system using quartz rods and mentioned that three crew members had died in an explosion and were to be buried on an asteroid due to the risk of Earthly bacteria.

Tre blev dödusi (Three Died)

This continues Carlsson's dream narrative, detailing the burial of the three deceased crew members on an asteroid. He describes seeing a pale face with light hair. The dream ended abruptly with a feeling of intense headache, as if his skull had acted as a radio transmitter and receiver.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, encounters, and related mysteries, often presenting eyewitness accounts alongside scientific or speculative explanations. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing these phenomena, with a particular focus on Swedish and Scandinavian cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging reader contributions and presenting a range of perspectives, from detailed personal testimonies to brief news updates on related scientific and paranormal topics. The inclusion of articles on solar energy and space exploration suggests a broader interest in scientific advancements and the unknown.

This issue of "VET NI DET?" (Do You Know?) from August 1977 is a Swedish publication that explores a diverse range of topics, including UFO phenomena, scientific discoveries, weather lore, and technological innovations. The magazine features personal accounts, expert opinions, and news items, aiming to inform and intrigue its readers.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Life

The issue opens with a personal account from Gösta Carlsson, who describes unsettling dreams involving a UFO encounter and a mysterious craft. He connects these dreams to observed phenomena, such as cut branches on fir trees, and speculates about the nature of his experiences. A letter from Jouko Säärelä, a member of the Gävle UFO-förening, passionately argues for the existence of extraterrestrial life and UFOs, urging readers to report any sightings. The magazine also mentions Erich von Däniken's theories about ancient alien influences and presents a book review of "UFO - Oidentifierade flygande föremål" by Peter Ryan and Ludek Pesek, which aims to separate fact from fiction regarding UFO sightings.

The Science of Lightning

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to understanding lightning. Professor Stig Lundquist from the Institution for High Voltage Research in Uppsala explains how lightning forms, detailing the process of electrical charge buildup in storm clouds and the subsequent discharge. He discusses the dangers of direct strikes and nearby strikes, emphasizing that while direct hits are statistically rare for individuals, buildings and electrical systems are vulnerable. The article provides advice on lightning safety, including the importance of surge protectors and proper grounding for antennas. It also touches upon the less common phenomenon of ball lightning, sharing several eyewitness accounts of these mysterious glowing spheres and their effects, including one instance where ball lightning reportedly killed animals.

Weather Prediction and Phenomena

Beyond lightning, the magazine offers insights into weather prediction through traditional signs and folklore. It presents a collection of old sayings and observations related to predicting rain, sunshine, and wind, suggesting that these natural indicators can be surprisingly accurate. The issue also briefly mentions a Finnish research team achieving a record low temperature and touches upon the phenomenon of 'warm rainy summers' being associated with more frequent thunderstorms.

Technological Innovations and Space Exploration

Technological advancements are highlighted with an article about Anders Norman, a 15-year-old who built his own telescope, enabling him to observe planets like Saturn and Jupiter. The magazine also features Erik Henning's innovative indoor heat pump, which claims to provide four times more energy than it consumes, potentially revolutionizing home heating. In the realm of space, the issue reports on the American space agency NASA's interest in using giant icebergs as a solution to California's water problems, with researchers monitoring a massive iceberg. It also mentions the mysterious radio signals emitted by the American satellite Pegasus, despite its transmitter being deactivated years prior.

Future Concepts: Giant Zeppelins

An intriguing concept for the future of cargo transport is explored with Bob Laws' vision of giant zeppelins, kilometers long, capable of carrying vast amounts of cargo and passengers. The article references the Hindenburg disaster as a past setback for airship technology but suggests that modern advancements, like the use of helium instead of hydrogen, make such a future feasible, albeit dependent on funding.

Other News and Features

The magazine includes a brief report on Swedish candidates for the European space program and a notice about a meeting to discuss the formation of a Kalmar Astronomy Association. A section titled "VET NI DET?" (Do You Know?) presents various short, intriguing facts and news items, including the story of a mysterious light observed in Canada and the ongoing efforts to study low-temperature physics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the scientific, and the innovative. There's a clear fascination with phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, from UFOs and ball lightning to the fundamental forces of nature like lightning. The magazine adopts an informative and curious stance, presenting scientific explanations alongside anecdotal evidence and personal experiences. It encourages reader engagement through calls for reports on sightings and discussions about forming local interest groups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond the ordinary while grounding discussions in scientific inquiry where possible.

This issue of 'Mänskurare mötte UFO:n' (Humans met UFOs), published by TAURINA, with issue number 4 and volume 1, dated 'vecka. 4 1.' (week 4, 1979), focuses on alleged UFO sightings by astronauts and questions NASA's transparency regarding these events. It also provides detailed information about the development and operational phases of the Space Shuttle program.

UFO Sightings and NASA's Role

The cover story, "Mänskurare mötte UFO:n - men hur mycket döljer NASA?" (Humans met UFOs - but how much does NASA hide?), highlights several instances of astronauts encountering unidentified flying objects. The Apollo 8 mission, which launched on December 21, 1968, involved astronauts Frank Borman, James A. Lovell, and William A. Anders. While on the moon's dark side, they reportedly saw and photographed a massive, extraterrestrial object estimated to be about 10 square kilometers in size. This object mysteriously vanished, leaving no trace on later photographs.

The article suggests that these objects are far more advanced than current human space technology, citing reports of UFOs performing extreme maneuvers like 90-degree turns at speeds up to 2,500 km/h. The Apollo 10 mission, launched on May 18, 1969, with astronauts Thomas P. Stafford, John W. Yong, and Eugene A. Cernan, provided further evidence. On May 22, 1969, while the lunar module 'Snoopy' was at an altitude of 6.5 km, a UFO flew past and was filmed by a 16mm camera. This footage was added to other film taken during Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab missions.

The Apollo 11 mission, which began on July 16, 1969, with Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Edwin Aldrin Jr., also reportedly encountered UFOs. During the first leg of the journey, two UFOs were sighted. NASA officially labeled the photographed object as 'unidentifiable.' The article details Aldrin's filming of two UFOs that appeared in the camera's field of view. These objects moved horizontally at high speed, disappeared, reappeared, and stopped abruptly to be photographed. Aldrin observed a luminous gas stream between the craft, possibly an exhaust from their propulsion system. Ten other egg-shaped objects were also seen.

Despite these sightings and photographic evidence, NASA is accused of not releasing these images and of consistently denying the existence of such phenomena. However, the article quotes NASA's PR man, Donald L. Zylstra, admitting that some objects have been classified as 'unexplained' even though NASA claims to have no UFO records. Gordon L. Harris from Kennedy Space Center is quoted as saying that no information confirming the existence of UFOs in space, including astronaut reports, is being withheld from the public.

The issue also mentions a reported UFO incident from 1973 involving Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker, who claimed to have been taken aboard a spaceship and examined by aliens. NASA reportedly investigated this case, with a scientist from NASA scheduled to interview the witnesses.

The Space Shuttle Program

The magazine dedicates significant space to the Space Shuttle program, describing it as the future of space travel. The Space Shuttle, nicknamed 'Enterprise' (Orbiter 101), is presented as a reusable spacecraft that will revolutionize space missions. It is described as a 60-ton, 37.5-meter-long vehicle with a 24-meter wingspan, capable of carrying 30 tons of equipment into orbit and returning 16 tons. The article details the three phases of testing for the Space Shuttle system, including taxiing flights, flights with astronauts onboard, and free-flight glide tests.

Key features of the Space Shuttle include its ability to be reused over 100 times, drastically reducing costs. It is designed to carry payloads like SPACELAB, a space laboratory, and can also be used for tasks such as retrieving and repairing satellites. The article explains the shuttle's launch sequence, including the separation of boosters and the main fuel tank, and its landing procedure, which involves a glide approach to a runway.

The article highlights the potential for the Space Shuttle to enable more frequent and accessible space travel, allowing thousands of researchers to conduct experiments in space. It mentions the possibility of building large solar power panels in orbit and the future development of rotating space stations that simulate Earth's gravity. The Space Shuttle is positioned as the crucial link between Earth and these future space bases.

Kalmar-Öland UFO Association

The final page features information about the Kalmar-Öland UFO Association, inviting interested individuals to contact them. It lists several contact persons and their phone numbers, indicating a local interest group dedicated to studying UFO phenomena. The issue concludes with a note that the next 'UFO - NYTT' (UFO - NEWS) will be published in week 4 of the following year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings by astronauts, the alleged secrecy and lack of transparency from NASA regarding these events, and the technological advancements represented by the Space Shuttle program. The editorial stance appears to be critical of NASA's official position on UFOs, suggesting that the agency may be withholding information. The magazine promotes the Space Shuttle as a significant leap forward in space exploration, emphasizing its economic and operational advantages. The overall tone is one of inquiry and a desire to uncover the truth behind unexplained aerial phenomena and the future of space travel.