UFO-Nytt - 1978 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: 5
Volume: Årgång 2 (Volume 2)
Date: 1978
Publisher: KALMAR ÖLANDS UFO-FÖRENING (UFO-KO)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-NYTT, published by the Kalmar Ölands UFO-förening, presents a collection of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, astronomy, and related scientific and anecdotal accounts.

Editorial and Reader Contributions

Bert Petersson, the editor-in-chief, welcomes reader contributions in the form of letters and articles, encouraging an open dialogue about UFOs. He acknowledges that the magazine's production is voluntary and that the focus is on content rather than polished presentation. Petersson mentions that due to space constraints, Henry Kjellsson's "Forntida teknik" (Ancient Technology) reference is postponed to the next issue. He also notes recent UFO observations on Öland and his visit to a Russian space exhibition in Stockholm.

Current UFO Events and Knowledge

The cover story, "Kavalkad över aktuella UFO-händelser och ökad kunskap om UFO-fenomen" (A Cavalcade of Current UFO Events and Increased Knowledge about UFO Phenomena), sets the tone for the issue, promising a review of recent sightings and advancements in understanding UFOs.

Astronomical Discoveries

Pluto Gets a Moon: An article details the discovery of Charon, Pluto's moon, by astronomer James Christy. This discovery revealed Pluto to be the smallest planet in our solar system and provided new data for calculating its mass and diameter. The article also touches upon the synchronized orbit of Charon and Pluto, and Clyde Tombaugh's prior suspicions about Pluto having a moon.

The Sun: Unique Facts About the Summer Sun: This section explores the sun's significance, its age, and its future. It delves into historical beliefs about the sun and the scientific advancements made by figures like Copernicus, Galileo Galilei, and Isaac Newton in understanding the solar system and gravity. The immense scale of the sun is highlighted with data on its distance from Earth, mass, density, and surface gravity.

UFO Investigations and Reports

Where Do UFOs Come From? This article discusses the growing interest in UFOs, contrasting it with past skepticism. It highlights reports of sightings and photographic evidence, dismissing simple explanations like reflections or secret military aircraft. The author suggests that UFOs might be products of advanced extraterrestrial intelligence, citing the testimony of pilots who encountered them and experienced instrument malfunctions. The article also references the idea that other worlds are likely to exist, as suggested by Sir Harold Spencer Jones.

The Mystery of the Aurora Borealis: Scientists at the Geophysical Institute in Alaska are reportedly close to predicting the occurrence and intensity of auroras. This phenomenon, caused by massive electrical discharges in the Earth's magnetosphere, can interfere with radar and communication systems. The research aims to improve forecasting by analyzing solar wind data.

UFOs Over Kalmar? - "Flying Saucers, Without a Doubt!" This piece reports on sightings near Öland, Sweden, where witnesses described a mysterious object moving in a zick-zack pattern before disappearing rapidly into space. The article encourages the public to remain vigilant and suggests that the current period might be one of increased UFO activity.

Gunnar Schelin Believes in Flying Saucers: This interview features Gunnar Schelin, a member of the Kalmar Ölands UFO-förening. Schelin shares his personal journey into UFO research, including his involvement with GICOFF and UFO-Sverige. He recounts the story of Gideon Johansson, who allegedly lost a leg due to an encounter with a UFO. Schelin also describes several sightings he witnessed, including one in Borgholm involving a luminous object with yellow light beams. He reflects on his many hobbies and his current age of 70.

UFO Observations: A compilation of UFO incidents reported to the Spanish Ministry of the Air Force, dating from 1964 to 1976, is presented. These include sightings in various Spanish provinces, involving radar detection, strange lights, and alleged encounters with non-human beings.

From the Public: This section includes a letter from Gunnar Schelin discussing the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," which he found less impactful than expected, preferring authentic events over futuristic visions. He also mentions a significant UFO event observed by thousands on the Canary Islands, which caused widespread power and radio disruptions and was tracked by radar.

Petrozavodsk and Revsudden: This article details a UFO incident in Petrozavodsk, Soviet Union, where a large, luminous, jellyfish-shaped object hovered over the city, emitting light beams that caused damage. Scientists, including physicist Alexander Kasantsev, believe it was an extraterrestrial spacecraft. Similar phenomena were reported in Revsudden, Sweden, involving glowing objects and gray clouds.

Satellite Destroyed: A brief report on the destruction of the Soviet transport spacecraft Progress 3 upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere.

'Light Measurer's' Laboratory Rediscovered: Archaeologists in Copenhagen have found the remains of Ole Rømer's observatory, where he first measured the speed of light.

Mars - Wind-swept Cliffs, Boulders, and Red Powder Sand: This piece discusses the planet Mars and its role in mythology and science fiction. It notes how early telescopic observations, such as the detection of apparent canals, fueled speculation about Martian inhabitants, citing H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds" and Ray Bradbury's stories as examples.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena, encouraging reader participation and presenting anecdotal evidence alongside scientific discussions. There is a clear skepticism towards official explanations, with an underlying belief that governments may be withholding information. The issue highlights a fascination with the unknown, both in space and in the realm of unexplained aerial phenomena, while also touching upon significant astronomical discoveries and historical scientific achievements. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into the UFO subject.

Title: Året Runt
Issue: 52
Date: 1977

This issue of Året Runt is a comprehensive exploration of space, science, and the unexplained, featuring articles on Mars exploration, UFO phenomena, amateur astronomy, and the broader impact of space research on human progress.

Mars: Our Neighboring Planet

The magazine begins by dispelling romanticized notions of Mars, often depicted in science fiction. The Viking missions of '76 are highlighted for providing a more realistic view, confirming the absence of canals and life. The harsh Martian climate, characterized by constant natural forces, is described. Despite the lack of discovered life, the projects are deemed successful, having provided revolutionary results through lander and photographic data. Mars is described as Earth's outer neighbor, with a diameter of 6800 km and a mass one-tenth of Earth's. Its orbit is more elliptical, and sunlight is less than half as strong as on Earth. The landscape is a reddish-brown desert with dried-up lakebeds and rocky plains, colored by iron-rich mineral dust. The sky is red or pinkish depending on the sun's position. Martian soil composition includes silicon, iron, magnesium, calcium, and sulfur, with a notably high sulfur concentration. The atmosphere is 95% carbon dioxide, with small amounts of nitrogen, argon, oxygen, and trace gases. Landing sites experienced pressures of seven to eight millibars and average temperatures of -70°C, with frequent sandstorms, some global in scale, with wind speeds up to 60 m/s. The orbiters captured sharp images from low altitudes.

Further details on Mars reveal geological formations suggesting past water activity, such as canyons, riverbeds, and shorelines, dating back as far as 3.5 billion years. These formations imply a higher atmospheric pressure in the past. Theories suggest that permafrost may have thawed due to volcanic heat, causing catastrophic floods. Changes in Mars' climate are discussed, with potential links to variations in solar radiation, drawing comparisons to Earth's ice ages. The polar ice caps, composed of water ice mixed with sand, shrink in summer and grow in winter. Temperatures near the ice edge hover around -70°C in summer, with frost and carbon dioxide snow forming in winter.

Volcanic activity on Mars is described as lively, with dark, oval areas identified as volcanoes emitting ash. Olympus Mons is highlighted as the largest volcano in the solar system, standing 27 km high and 25 km wide. The alignment of volcanoes in groups suggests they emerge from fault lines in the Martian crust, similar to Earth's tectonic plates. Some researchers believe Martian volcanic activity is increasing, potentially influencing the planet's climate. A speculative theory suggests Mars might be following a similar evolutionary path to Earth, perhaps two billion years behind, and could one day develop continents, a thicker atmosphere, and oceans, potentially supporting life.

Future exploration plans include a 1984 mission with two orbiters and two landers capable of traveling 150 km on the surface, to determine future landing sites for sample return missions in the 1990s. Hopes are high for human missions to Mars before the year 2000.

Space Serving Man: A Visual Journey

Page 4 presents a visual overview of space exploration achievements, featuring images of Sputnik, the world's first artificial satellite; the Soyuz-Apollo tandem with its international crew; the Soyuz crew (Alexei Leonov and Valeri Kubasov); the Apollo crew (Thomas Stafford, Vance Brand, and Donald Slayton); Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space; a Kosmos series satellite; an Electron-2 satellite; and a Proton satellite.

Space Exploration and Human Progress

This section emphasizes space research as a new stage in scientific and technological progress, a natural extension of humanity's conquest of Earth's expanses. Spaceflight is portrayed as a catalyst for rapid scientific advancement, necessitating international cooperation. The Intercosmos program is cited as an example of successful collaboration among socialist countries, with numerous satellite launches and rocket flights. Joint projects between Soviet and French scientists are also mentioned, including satellite launches and research aboard lunar rovers. Cooperation between Soviet and American scientists is noted, particularly the development of rendezvous and docking systems leading to the 1975 Soyuz-Apollo mission.

A new trend is the practical use of space technology for studying Earth. The Soyuz-22 spacecraft, equipped with GDR-made photographic equipment, marked the beginning of such joint work. While only the USSR and USA can launch large-scale space vehicles, many countries benefit from satellite communications, space television, and weather information. Space research methods and technologies are being applied in various fields. Newly developed materials with preset properties, stemming from advances in organic chemistry, are used in household goods, construction, and manufacturing. Power sources from satellites, such as radio-isotope generators, are used in inaccessible areas. Solar batteries power remote laboratories, hospitals, and communication systems. Isotope batteries are used in automated meteorological stations.

Spaceflight's demanding conditions, particularly zero gravity and G-forces, have spurred the development of space biology and medicine. Techniques for monitoring astronauts' physiological parameters have found applications in ordinary medical practice, aiding in the study of the vestibular apparatus and coronary vessels. Biotelemetry control methods are used in ground clinics for patient monitoring. Space medicine has enhanced understanding of human physiology and developed measures for long-duration stays on orbital stations.

Space satellites are also revolutionizing broadcasting and education. Television, through communication satellites, is becoming a vital tool for disseminating knowledge, offering foreign-language courses, educational lectures, and discussions on current topics, reaching a vast audience of students and professionals.

World's Largest Space Expo: 170 Tons of Russian Space Research

Stockholm hosted a unique exhibition of Soviet space research starting July 20th. The exhibition, featuring 170 tons of material across 136 containers, provided an in-depth look at Soviet achievements in space exploration since the launch of Sputnik in 1957. A highlight was the authentic Soyuz 6 lunar station, which was part of the first orbital station for lunar exploration, achieved through the docking of Soyuz 4 and Soyuz 5 in January 1969. The exhibition displayed components like cosmonaut spacesuits and the descent module. While not revealing new technical secrets, the expo showcased humanity's capabilities in exploring space.

The Bion satellite, a medical research satellite carrying 40 mice, demonstrated international scientific cooperation, with mice from various countries, including the USA and France, participating. The research focused on how space conditions and solar radiation affect life forms. The Lunochod 2 lunar rover, which landed in January 1973 and traveled 37,000 meters on the Moon, was also exhibited, along with its collected data.

Other exhibits included weather and meteorological satellites, and robot engines. The exhibition also looked towards future space missions, including those to Venus. The theme was 'Space Research in the Service of Humanity.'

However, the article notes a less discussed aspect: the military significance of space exploration. The director of the Technical Museum, Eric Dyring, pointed out that space research, despite its cost, risks widening the gap between developed and developing nations, and that military interests often outweigh humanistic ones, with 60% of launched satellites having or having had military purposes.

The Universe as a Hobby: Becoming an Amateur Astronomer

This section encourages readers to explore the night sky, highlighting the vastness of the universe and the wonders of stars, planets, and galaxies. It suggests that with a little knowledge, one can learn to recognize constellations and appreciate the same celestial sights that inspired ancestors. Many people pursue astronomy as a hobby, with some becoming professional astronomers. Amateur astronomers often make valuable contributions by being the first to discover novas and comets, allowing professional astronomers to follow up with their resources. They also conduct variable star observations, monitor solar activity (sunspots and flares), and observe details on planets like Saturn's rings and Jupiter's belts, as well as Mars' polar caps and Earth's moon.

For photography enthusiasts, astrophotography offers a way to combine interests. Many amateurs build their own equipment, which is often more affordable and sometimes better than commercial options. The article mentions that past astronomers made significant discoveries with simpler tools than those available to today's amateurs.

Amateur astronomers often organize themselves into clubs and associations, where they share knowledge, conduct observations, and participate in activities related to variable stars, comets, deep-sky objects, the sun, meteors, astrophotography, and telescope building. The Scandinavian Union of Amateur Astronomers (SUAA) is mentioned as an organization with approximately 600 members, publishing a journal and offering various specialized sections.

Directory of Associations

Page 8 provides a comprehensive list of astronomical associations and clubs in Sweden, along with their contact information. It notes that these local associations offer opportunities for members to meet like-minded individuals, share experiences, and participate in observation nights. Many also have access to observatories.

Uri Geller: Flying Saucers and My Magical Power

This article features an interview with Uri Geller, who claims his psychic abilities are linked to UFOs. He recounts an incident on a Lufthansa flight where his camera levitated and captured an image of three saucer-shaped objects. He also describes an experience in New York where he photographed a disk-shaped object. Geller believes these objects are extraterrestrial and can become invisible to certain wavelengths. He also speaks of mechanical voices he encountered during experiments with Dr. Andrea Puharich, which claimed to be from an extraterrestrial civilization and discussed psychic powers, including metal bending and telepathy. Geller suggests that these psychic forces will play a significant role in the future and that universities are experimenting with them. He posits a logical connection between UFOs and extraterrestrial life, suggesting the universe contains more dimensions than humans can perceive. He believes that psychic powers and UFO phenomena are related and will soon be scientifically explained.

Did You Know?

This section contains several short, interesting facts:

• If the sun suddenly went out, Earth's known energy sources would be depleted in just three days.
• The world's largest solar telescope, the McMath telescope, is located at Kitt Peak National Observatory in Arizona, USA.
• An investigation into noctilucent clouds concluded with a rocket launch from Esrange, Sweden, as part of a collaborative project involving Sweden, England, Switzerland, and West Germany.
• The famous Loch Ness Monster is not alone; researcher Charles Wyckoff claims there are at least 30 such creatures in Loch Ness, Scotland, and that they are particularly interested in boats.
• A group of US experts believes they are close to solving the Loch Ness Monster mystery, estimating 20-100 meter long creatures and planning to publish color photographs of them within ten years.

From the World of the Supernatural

Bönhörelse (Answered Prayer): A personal account by M.Z.F. about finding a lost gold bracelet with the help of a neighbor's prayer. The bracelet, a gift from a deceased fiancé, was found near a streetlamp after a prayer for divine assistance.

Det ovänliga huset (The Unfriendly House): A narrative by Greta Z. describing a frightening experience in a house in California. While her husband was out, she heard unexplained footsteps approaching the house and entering through the kitchen. Despite locking all doors, she felt a presence in the hall outside her bedroom. She prayed for protection, and the presence seemed to leave. The house was owned by a 96-year-old blind woman known for her meanness, and neighbors reported that the house itself seemed to retain this unpleasantness.

Uppsala Meeting in Astronomy

This brief note announces the fourth European regional meeting in astronomy, 'Stars and Star Systems,' to be held in Uppsala, Sweden, organized by the Uppsala University observatory. The meeting aims to facilitate the exchange of research results and ideas among astronomers and provide a platform for younger researchers to present their work. Approximately 300 participants from most European countries are expected.

The Sun is Cooling - But Slowly

Astronomer William Livingston of Kitt Peak Observatory 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 lowest point of the sun's eleven-year cycle. Livingston states there is a direct correlation between solar flare activity and surface temperature. He believes this slight temperature decrease will not have immediate effects on Earth's climate, but notes that a two percent temperature drop over 50 years could trigger a new ice age. The sun's effective temperature is approximately 5,800 degrees Celsius.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe, encouraging readers to engage with science and the unexplained. There's a strong emphasis on the value of both professional and amateur contributions to scientific discovery, particularly in astronomy. The issue highlights international cooperation in space exploration while also acknowledging the potential military applications and socio-economic implications of such endeavors. The inclusion of personal accounts of paranormal experiences, like Uri Geller's UFO encounters and the 'unfriendly house' story, suggests an editorial stance that is open to exploring phenomena beyond conventional scientific understanding, while grounding much of the content in factual reporting on space missions and astronomical observations.

Title: UFO-Information
Issue: 4/1977
Date: 1977
Publisher: UFO-Information
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO-Information delves into a variety of topics, primarily focusing on UFO sightings and space exploration. It features a prominent report on a police sighting of a UFO in Southern California, alongside discussions on the mysterious Bermuda Triangle, and the ambitious plans for human exploration of Mars. The magazine also announces a significant exhibition of Russian space technology.

Police Sighting of a Luminous UFO

The lead article details a remarkable sighting of a luminous UFO by police officers in Southern California. Vicesheriff Ray Davis, 39, and his colleague Ted Roach, 40, observed a "bright light with an orange shift" while on a helicopter patrol near La Mirada. They initially mistook it for an airplane, estimating its speed between 320 to 400 km/h at an altitude of 180 meters, similar to their helicopter.

Roach noted something falling from the object, describing it as "something burning" but clarified it was "more like magnesium - very bright." As they turned their helicopter towards the object, it suddenly accelerated with "enormous speed" and vanished. Davis highlighted the "fantastic acceleration" as the most striking aspect of the sighting.

Two other vice sheriffs from Los Angeles County, Lonnie Hicks, 28, and Robert Carr, 34, reported similar experiences early on a Tuesday morning. Carr described "two bright, circular objects" that traveled in pairs over Los Angeles, stating, "It was like nothing we had ever seen before." Hicks added that they moved in a "horizontal plane - straight across the sky."

Police constable Lorin Orchard, 29, also witnessed the phenomena. He and his partner saw a bright, cylinder-shaped light moving across the sky, leaving a trail. The object then split into two, "almost identical" entities, which left a "dimmy trail" and moved faster than anything they had previously witnessed, ruling out meteors due to their horizontal trajectory.

Guy Wilson, a 21-year-old security guard at March Air Force Base, reported seeing an object fly directly over a building. He stated it was not an airplane because it had no position lights and made no sound. Wilson estimated that the object traveled "at least 8 miles" in approximately 15 seconds, which, if accurate, would equate to a speed of 19,200 km/h.

Mark O. Hogan, a freight forwarder at Los Angeles International Airport, and his chief, Paul R. Till, observed two "orange-colored lights" coming in from the sea. Hogan described being "completely stunned" and stated they were not meteors as they do not fly in pairs or horizontally. He estimated the speed to be at least 3,200 km/h. Paul R. Till believed the speed was much higher, estimating that the objects traveled "at least 5 miles" in 10 seconds, a speed of approximately 17,300 km/h.

Bermuda Triangle Investigation

The magazine also revisits an investigation into the Bermuda Triangle, referencing a previous note in UFO-Information nr 4/1977. The article states that no sensational findings have emerged. It quotes news telegrams indicating that a Soviet scientist claims new international studies will demonstrate that no "supernatural forces" are responsible for the mysterious accidents in the area. The studies, involving five countries, examined factors like currents and wind conditions. It was noted that the sea level in the area is 24 meters lower than the average, though the scientist dismisses this as significant, pointing out that near Sri Lanka, the sea level is 70 meters below average, with the reason unexplained.

The Journey to Mars

Another section of the magazine focuses on the future of space exploration, specifically the journey to Mars. It highlights that humanity has reached the Moon with Skylab and is now preparing for the "great leap" to Mars. The design of the first Mars rocket is unknown, but it is expected to incorporate lessons learned from the Apollo and Skylab projects, possibly involving multiple units connected to form a larger ship. Smaller landers are anticipated to be deployed from a mothership to explore the planet.

Our knowledge of Mars has significantly increased due to the 7,329 TV images sent back by the American probe Mariner 9. The article describes the experimental package on a space probe, which includes a radiometer to measure surface temperature, TV cameras for surface photography, and spectrometers to analyze the composition of the surface. These instruments can be rotated to cover different areas.

Mars' potato-shaped moon, Phobos, is identified as one of the solar system's strangest celestial bodies and is expected to be explored by the first Mars explorers.

The prospect of establishing a "Mars base" is presented as a science fiction dream becoming reality. The first vehicles landing on Mars will resemble those that landed on the Moon. Humans will require spacesuits to be on the Martian surface due to its thin atmosphere, which is only one-hundredth as thick as Earth's and composed almost entirely of carbon dioxide. The Martian terrain is described as arid desert regions, with temperatures at the equator reaching a maximum of +20°C, dropping to -70°C at night. Protection against dust storms and cold will be necessary in domed cities.

Russian Space Exhibition

Finally, the magazine announces a "Russian Space Exhibition" taking place in Stockholm during August at the Technical Museum. The exhibition is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours until 8 PM on Wednesdays. It features a special setup including communication and weather satellites, the "Soyuz" space station (30x20 meters), a demonstration of the Soviet lunar rover "Lunokhod" in operation, and a realistic depiction of the launch of the Russian rocket "Vostok." Russian space films with Swedish narration will be shown at 11 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 4 PM, and 5:30 PM. Swedish-speaking Russian guides will also be available.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, space exploration (particularly Mars), and the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena with a degree of skepticism towards supernatural explanations, as evidenced by the article on the Bermuda Triangle and the detailed accounts of the UFO sightings, which focus on observational data and estimations of speed and behavior. The magazine also promotes scientific and technological advancements, as seen in the coverage of space missions and the Russian space exhibition.