UFO-Nytt - 1978 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: Nr: 2
Volume: Årgång 2.
Year: 1978
Publisher: KALMAR ÖLANDS UFO-FÖRENING (UFO-KO)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-NYTT, published by the Kalmar Ölands UFO-Förening, serves as an informational and membership magazine. It covers a variety of topics related to UFO phenomena, including recent sightings, historical accounts, and discussions on ancient technologies and astronomy.

Cover Story: Kavalkad över aktuella UFO - händelser och ökad kunskap om UFO - fenomen

The cover features a striking illustration of what appears to be the landing gear of a flying object, with several disk-shaped craft in the background. The main headline promises a review of current UFO events and increased knowledge about the UFO phenomenon.

Editorial and Information

The magazine is published by KALMAR ÖLANDS UFO-FÖRENING (UFO-KO) and provides contact information, including a postal address in Kalmar and a telephone number. Leif Andersson is listed as the editor and responsible publisher, with Bert Petersson as the editorial secretary. The editorial states that all work on the magazine is done voluntarily and that the focus is on the content rather than the presentation, acknowledging potential minor errors in spelling and grammar.

Film Impact: 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'

The editorial notes the release of the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and expresses hope that it will soon be shown in Kalmar. The editor, who has seen the film, praises it as being good, especially for the general public who may not believe in UFOs.

Membership and Events

This issue includes a membership card as a thank you for prompt payment of membership fees and a membership card for 1978. Readers are encouraged to submit any information they believe should be included in the magazine.

News in Brief (Nytt i korthet)

The Borgholm Case: Gunnar Schelin reports on a UFO sighting near Öland on February 19th, where two individuals in a car observed two objects at low altitude with strong blinking lights. The objects circled at different heights before moving north. No sound was detected. A family in the Rosenfors area also reported seeing two sharply shining objects.

The Moon's Wobble: A report from New York (TT-Reuter) discusses how the moon has been wobbling for 800 years due to a meteor impact. American astronomers have concluded this by comparing modern laser measurements with medieval observations from June 18, 1178, when monks described a fiery object falling onto the moon.

Steven Spielberg's Film: Director Steven Spielberg sent two copies of his film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' to US President Jimmy Carter, who reportedly watched it seven times.

The Sun is Cooling: Astronomer William Livingston from Kitt Peak Observatory in Arizona reports that the sun's surface temperature has decreased by one-thousandth in a year. This cooling began in January of the previous year, coinciding with the solar cycle's peak and subsequent decline. While this temperature drop is not expected to immediately affect Earth's climate, a two percent drop over 50 years could lead to a new ice age.

Searching for 46 Years: Australian researchers have found the world's most primitive living creature, a type of ant known as 'Nothomyrmecia macrops,' on the Eyre Peninsula. This ant is considered a 'living fossil.'

UFOs and Society

Letter from Readers (Från LÄSEKRETSEN): A reader asks what is known about flying saucers. Thorvald Berthelsen, chairman of UFO-Sverige, presented a film about UFOs in Kalmar, providing information to an audience that had previously lacked it. The event included a discussion where attendees could ask questions. Representatives from the local UFO-förening were also present to provide information about local UFO activities.

UFO-Sverige Group: A new UFO-Sverige group was formed in Huddinge-Botkyrka on January 21st to activate UFO enthusiasts in the Stockholm area. The group aims to coordinate efforts and help form local groups.

Personal Time (Personlig tid)

This section is a philosophical and somewhat melancholic reflection on humanity's place in the universe, the movement of continents, the vastness of space, and the potential dangers of cosmic radiation. The author expresses a sense of insignificance and existential dread while contemplating these grand concepts.

UFOs Have Landed?

A person in Sweden observed a football-sized, reddish glowing ball descending slowly and disappearing behind an industrial building. The object left a smoke trail and was noted for its unusual trajectory and color, unlike typical meteors. The observer speculated it might be something unusual and foreign from space.

Gravitational Measurements Show Meteorite Traces

Traces of giant meteorites that collided with Earth millions of years ago have been found in Ukraine. Gravitational anomalies indicate areas where these ancient impacts occurred. A 22 km diameter crater, formed by a meteorite impact approximately 80 million years ago, has been identified.

New Light Phenomenon (NYTT LJUSFENOMEN)

In Boda, two women observed a yellow, sharply shining, football-sized glowing ball passing at treetop height, followed by a black smoke trail ascending rapidly. They found no natural explanation for the phenomenon. The article also mentions a similar incident in England where a steel-bright, football-sized ball was found that exhibited unusual rolling behavior and emitted tones when music was played. This object was found to be made of an unknown metal with three asymmetrical magnetic poles. The author speculates these objects might be instrument-laden 'spy satellites' launched from motherships.

UFO in Stockholm: UFO-Sverige National Conference

Two representatives from the Kalmar-Ölands UFO-förening attended the UFO-Sverige national conference in Stockholm on March 18th. The conference included internal discussions, a screening of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind,' and a public event with a slideshow and panel debate that attracted approximately 1500 people. The event facilitated the exchange of information and the formation of new contacts. The article concludes that 1978 is expected to be a successful year for UFO-Sverige and the UFO issue in general.

Ancient Technology (FORNTIDENS TEKNIK)

This section begins a series based on the book "Forntidens teknik" (Ancient Technology).

General Orientation: The article highlights ancient monuments like the pyramids, monoliths, and ruins found across the globe, suggesting advanced construction capabilities.

Ancient Writings: It mentions ancient texts such as the Mahabharata, the Egyptian Book of the Dead, and Tibetan scriptures, indicating a rich history of knowledge.

Electrical Elements: Excavations in Baghdad revealed a 15 cm high clay vase containing a copper cylinder and an iron rod, suggesting an ancient electrical element. Similar copper cells found in Seleucia and Ktesiphon indicate they were used in series. Evidence of electricity use in India dates back to 5000 BC.

Astronomy: Ancient civilizations possessed highly developed astronomical knowledge, with names for zodiacal constellations possibly dating back to 12000 BC. Astronomers in Tiahuanaco are believed to have had access to equipment for modern telescopes, reflectors, and lenses.

Mines: The article speculates that advanced cultures must have been based on mining, citing examples of mines on Elba dating back 40,000 years, iron and coal mines in Sardinia and Sinai from around 2000 BC, and copper mines in Sinai. The Old Testament also mentions mining.

Textiles: Ancient Egyptian textiles from 3500 years ago are still strong and vibrant, indicating advanced weaving and spinning techniques during the time of Moses.

Craftsmanship: The existence of shatterproof glass, hardened copper into steel, and intricate gold and silver filigree work from thousands of years ago are mentioned. Even chainmail is noted.

Medicine: Ancient medicine was practiced by skilled individuals. Egyptians had advanced embalming methods, and gold-filled teeth have been found in Egyptian mummies. Prehistoric Peruvian skulls show well-healed trepanation holes, suggesting early surgical practices.

Tools: Despite evidence of high culture and technical skill, fewer examples of fine tools have been found. However, it is noted that diamond drilling technology was known thousands of years BC.

Ancient Construction (NÄRMARE ORIENTERING OM GAMLA BYGGNADSVERK):

Easter Island: The article describes the large stone statues (moai) on Easter Island, some nearly 90 meters long, with elongated heads. It mentions loose 'hats' weighing around 9000 kg that were placed on their heads. Quarry sites show unfinished statues, and researchers suggest a sudden catastrophe interrupted the work. The statues are made of volcanic material. Legends speak of giants moving the stones using 'mana' (magic).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-NYTT are UFO sightings, the growing public interest in the phenomenon, and the exploration of ancient technologies and knowledge that challenge conventional historical narratives. The magazine adopts a stance of open inquiry, presenting reports of sightings and historical anomalies while also acknowledging natural explanations. There is a clear interest in connecting UFO phenomena with broader questions about humanity's past and its place in the universe. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and information dissemination within the UFO community, encouraging reader participation and aiming to increase understanding of these topics. The publication also highlights the cultural impact of UFOs, particularly through popular films.

Taurina, Issue 10, 1977, is a Swedish magazine that explores a wide range of topics, from ancient civilizations and their monumental achievements to modern scientific theories and speculative ideas about extraterrestrial life and the nature of reality.

Ancient Wonders and Mysteries

The magazine begins by presenting several ancient sites and structures from around the world, highlighting their scale and the mystery surrounding their construction.

• Ceylon: Mentions two ancient cities from around 500 BC, noting their past high culture and the existence of impressive dagobas, some reaching 120 meters in height.
• South India (Ellora): Describes the Kailas Temple, carved from a 84x24 meter rock face down to a depth of 45 meters. The temple, with its pillars and friezes integrated into the rock, was created around 750 AD, but its construction methods remain unknown.
• Java: Features the Borobudur temple, a Buddhist structure built around 850 AD, described as a stepped pyramid 173 meters wide at the base and 50 meters high, constructed from dark trachyte.
• Bortre Indien (Indochina): Highlights the Angkor temple in Cambodia's jungles, a massive structure measuring 239 meters in length and 176 meters in width, containing 9225 cubic meters of sculpture.
• Syria (Baalbek): Discusses the Baalbek temple, noting three enormous stone blocks, each four meters square and 19 meters long, weighing approximately 1,200,000 kg, embedded in its walls at a height of 12 meters. The technology required to move these blocks is beyond current understanding, and the origin of Baalbek's history is lost in legend.
• Egypt: Mentions Egypt's numerous ancient monuments, including 38 pyramids. It also describes an unfinished granite obelisk near Aswan, measuring 45 meters long and 4.5 meters square at the base, weighing an estimated 1,650,000 kg. The article questions how such a massive object could have been lifted, transported, and erected, suggesting advanced technology, unknown methods of working with stone, or even the ability to counteract gravity.

Flat Earth Theory

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 'Norwegian Flat Earth Society'.

• The Society: Led by 18-year-old Stein Ove Hogdahl, the society claims that the Earth is not round but flat, resembling a round plate with an ice barrier around the edge, which they identify as the former South Pole. They dismiss images of Earth from space, citing the Watergate scandal as an example of how governments can falsify information.
• Skepticism of Space Images: The society believes that NASA's images of a round Earth are fabricated for military-strategic reasons, possibly to trick Russia into misdirecting its missiles.
• Historical Context: The article draws a parallel between the Flat Earth Society and the Copernican revolution, noting that initially, few people believed Copernicus's heliocentric model.
• Future Plans: The society is reportedly developing prototypes for a 'flatus' (likely a flat globe model) which they believe will be easier to carry and cheaper than traditional globes.

Cosmology and the Universe

The magazine explores scientific and speculative ideas about the universe.

• The Big Bang and Cosmic Evolution: An article titled 'RYMDGRAVEN' (The Space Grave) details the scientific understanding of the universe's origin from the Big Bang, the formation of particles, elements, stars, and galaxies over billions of years. It describes how planets formed from dust clouds and how life may have emerged on Earth and potentially other planets.
• Black Holes: The concept of black holes is explained as regions where gravity is so strong that not even light can escape. The article suggests that many galaxies may be consumed by black holes, leading to a cyclical process of cosmic creation and destruction.
• The Fate of the Sun: The article speculates on the eventual fate of our sun, predicting it will expand into a red giant, engulfing inner planets, before shrinking into a white dwarf.

Ancient Astronauts and the Dogon People

Another prominent section investigates the possibility of ancient alien contact.

• The Dogon Mystery: The Dogon people of Mali possess detailed knowledge about the star Sirius and its invisible companion star, Sirius B (a white dwarf), which Western scientists only discovered much later. Their myths describe fish-like beings called 'Nonner' who came from the Sirius system and imparted knowledge to humans.
• Robert Temple's Theory: American scholar Robert Temple proposes that the Dogon's knowledge stems from direct contact with extraterrestrial visitors. He links this to ancient myths in Egypt and Mesopotamia, particularly the story of Oannes, a being who emerged from the sea and taught humans civilization. Temple suggests that these beings may have influenced the rapid cultural development of Sumer and Egypt.
• Sirius and Ancient Egypt: The article notes the importance of Sirius in ancient Egyptian culture, with its heliacal rising marking the start of their year and the flooding of the Nile. Temple connects the Egyptian goddess Isis, identified with Sirius, to her sister Nefrytis, who could represent the invisible white dwarf companion.
• Oannes and Sumerian Civilization: The Babylonian historian Berosus is cited as describing Oannes, a creature with a fish-like body and human-like features, who taught the Sumerians arts and sciences. The article suggests these beings were extraterrestrial visitors from the Sirius system.

UFOs and Defense Policy

The magazine touches upon the official stance on UFOs in Sweden.

• Swedish Defense Stance: Anders Hjulström, chief of intelligence and security, states that the Swedish defense has not changed its stance on UFO reports since 1906: they do not represent extraterrestrial beings. Most reported UFOs are explained as conventional aircraft, satellites, or weather balloons.
• Unexplained Cases: Despite the official stance, about five percent of reported UFO objects remain unexplained. The defense encourages the public to report sightings to aid in air surveillance.
• UFO-Sverige: The article mentions the Swedish UFO organization and its congress, where astronomy docent Aage Bandqvist noted the potential existence of millions of habitable planets within 500 light-years of Earth.

Future Technology and Science Fiction

• Jörgen Danielsson: The magazine profiles Jörgen Danielsson, a young writer and illustrator who creates science fiction stories exploring future technology. He is involved with the UFO-Nytt magazine and has had his work published in various outlets.
• Technological Advancements: Danielsson's work often focuses on advancements in areas like space stations, power generation (comparing future energy sources to nuclear power), and future modes of transportation.

Time and Human Perception

• The Nature of Time: An article discusses the concept of time, referencing philosopher Henri Bergson's ideas about dissecting time into smaller particles. It contrasts the modern obsession with timekeeping, driven by industry and daily schedules, with the more naturalistic approaches of indigenous cultures, like those in Madagascar who use terms like 'rice-cooking' for half-hour intervals.
• Earth's Rotation: The article notes that Earth's rotation is slowing down, leading to longer days and fewer days per year over vast geological timescales.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient mysteries, unexplained phenomena, and speculative science. There's a clear interest in challenging conventional scientific and historical narratives, particularly concerning UFOs, ancient civilizations, and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring fringe theories and presenting them alongside more established scientific concepts, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations for historical and contemporary enigmas.

This issue of "Forskning och Framsteg" (Research and Progress) from October 28, 1977, delves into a diverse range of scientific and cultural topics, from the intricacies of family structures and the vastness of space to the mysteries of UFOs and the science behind popular films. The magazine, published by the Swedish Research Council's Information Board, offers a blend of in-depth articles and news items, reflecting the broad scope of scientific inquiry.

From the World of Science

The issue begins by examining the evolution of family structures, noting that the concept of the extended family was driven by the need for labor in agricultural societies. It discusses how industrialization led to migration to cities and how birth control methods have influenced family size. The magazine also touches upon the scientific quest for extraterrestrial life, mentioning efforts to send messages into space and the analysis of radio pulses. The potential for life on Mars is explored, referencing the Viking probes' findings of water catastrophes and unusual characteristics of Mars' moons, Phobos and Deimos.

Another significant article discusses the mass-produced image of women in media, with three researchers from Uppsala University analyzing the portrayal of women in children's books, art, and advertising. The magazine also highlights the work of two Swedish organizations dedicated to freeing imprisoned scientists globally, particularly in Latin America and the Soviet Union.

All About Space

A prominent section of the magazine is dedicated to space exploration and astronomy, coinciding with an exhibition titled "We Live in Cosmos" at the Natural History Museum. The article "Här får du veta allt om rymden" (Here you can learn all about space) details the exhibition, which aims to provide insights into the universe, celestial bodies, and distant galaxies. It mentions the advancements in astronomical instruments, particularly radio telescopes, which have enabled the creation of "radio images" from vast distances. The exhibition also features the work of artist Roger Wiklund and provides information on related literature and resources.

The magazine also reports on the record-breaking space endurance of Soviet cosmonauts Jurij Romanenko and Georgij Gretjko, who spent over 84 days in orbit, surpassing the previous record set by American astronauts.

UFOs and the Unexplained

The issue features several articles on UFO phenomena. One detailed account, "UFO förföljde arméhelikopter" (UFO pursued army helicopter), describes an incident in August 1975 where a diamond-shimmering UFO reportedly followed an American army helicopter over Stockton, California, before disappearing. The report includes testimonies from the helicopter pilot and air traffic controllers, describing the object's shape, color, and incredible speed.

Another report, "Flickor skrämdes" (Girls were frightened), recounts an encounter in Gilroy, California, where two young women were frightened by a strange, round object hovering above a house. The object was described as having blinking red, blue, and white lights, and a landing gear with suction cups.

The magazine also includes a section on "Intressanta foton" (Interesting photos), presenting UFO images without commentary, emphasizing that still images lack definitive proof in the UFO debate. One featured photograph, taken by Hans-Erik Helgesson in Kitzbühel, Austria, shows an unexplained object captured during an attempt to photograph lightning.

The Mammoth Era

An article titled "Experter utforskar MAMMUT-TIDEN" (Experts explore the MAMMOTH ERA) discusses the discovery of a well-preserved mammoth cub in Siberia by Soviet researchers. The cub, estimated to be 44,000 years old, is considered a major scientific sensation. Scientists hope it will provide answers about the extinction of mammoths, their diet, and the prehistoric Siberian landscape, referred to as the "mammoth graveyard."

The Comet That Disappeared

"Kometen som försvann" (The comet that disappeared) discusses the comet Kohoutek, which was initially hailed as a spectacular celestial event but ultimately proved to be a disappointment, a "flop." The article explains that comets consist of a central nucleus surrounded by a luminous gas cloud called a coma, and that Kohoutek's coma was much larger than Earth, though its nucleus was only about 30 km in diameter. It also mentions that observations from the Skylab space station provided the best data on the comet.

Film Reviews and Commentary

The magazine includes reviews of popular science fiction films. "Stjärnornas Krig" (Star Wars) is highly praised as a "magnificent space adventure" and a "marvelous space saga." The reviewer recommends it enthusiastically. The film "Närkontakt av tredje graden" (Close Encounters of the Third Kind) is also discussed, with the reviewer preferring it for its more realistic portrayal of potential future events. The article attributes the success of these films to the public's interest in "magnificent space adventures" and effective marketing.

Weather and Miscellaneous

A brief report from Kalmar, dated November 13, 1895, describes the observation of a meteor with a bluish glow that exploded mid-sky without sound, leaving a red streak.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the intersection of science, technology, and popular culture. There is a strong emphasis on space exploration, UFO phenomena, and scientific discoveries, reflecting a public fascination with the unknown and the cosmos. The magazine also demonstrates an interest in social issues, such as the portrayal of women and the plight of imprisoned scientists. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting scientific literacy and encouraging public engagement with scientific advancements and mysteries, while also acknowledging the entertainment value of science fiction in film.