UFO-Nytt - 1978 No 6

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-NYTT, Volume 2, Number 6, published in 1978 by the Kalmar Ölands UFO-Förening (UFO-KO), presents a comprehensive look at UFO phenomena. The cover features a striking illustration of an alien figure and a headline promising a 'chronicle of current UFO events and increased knowledge about UFO phenomena.' The magazine includes information about the organization, its editorial staff, and its commitment to providing information on UFOs.

Articles and Features

Kavalkad över aktuella UFO händelser och ökad kunskap om UFO fenomen

This main feature on the cover promises a review of recent UFO events and advancements in understanding the phenomenon. It highlights the growing interest in UFOs, noting that the topic is becoming more mainstream and is even being studied in schools and featured in museum exhibitions.

Ett löjets skimmer (A Shimmer of Ridicule)

This editorial piece discusses the historical skepticism surrounding UFOs, often relegated to the realm of 'insändare/reportage' (letters to the editor/reports) in popular media. It notes a shift in recent years, with the magazine itself serving as evidence of this change. The editorial mentions that this issue is part of an information package being distributed by UFO-KO in 1979. It also announces that a new installment of the series 'Forntida Teknik' (Ancient Technology) by Henry Kjellson has been omitted to make space for this package.

UFO LABOÄMNE I SKOLOR (UFO Subject in Schools)

This section details the increasing integration of UFO studies into educational curricula in Sweden. Examples are given of universities and schools, including Uppsala University, Schéleskolan in Köping, and several schools in Kalmar, where UFO is offered as an elective subject. The growing student interest has led to a shortage of teachers. Medborgarskolan on Öland also offers a course titled 'UFO – fantasy or reality?' Museum exhibitions on UFOs have also seen remarkably high visitor numbers, with one in Vetlanda attracting approximately 5,000 visitors and another in Köping drawing 10,000.

Spådom slår in (Prophecy Comes True)

This short piece mentions a prophecy by Braham Seer from the 17th century about the Loch Ness Monster appearing in May 1981 when a ninth bridge over the River Ness is completed and the river is drained.

Pyramidens hemlighet (The Pyramid's Secret)

This article discusses a pyramid built in Sävedalen, Göteborg, by Morgan Henksson. He claims to have made discoveries within his pyramid, such as a razor blade becoming rusty after two days and a pork chop rotting despite the pyramid being kept at 30 degrees Celsius. Henksson attributes these effects to cosmic radiation, suggesting the pyramid acts as an antenna for this radiation.

Rymdkläckning (Space Hatching)

According to the Soviet newspaper Gazette, the Soviet Union is planning to send a 'bird's egg' into orbit to test conditions for a human birth in space. The experiment involves an artificial incubator and precise timing for the egg's return to Earth. Dr. Nikolai Gurivij is quoted as saying that while human birth in space is a distant goal, scientists are working towards it.

Rymdskytteln räddar rymdlab (Space Shuttle Rescues Space Lab)

NASA's Skylab space station is in danger of falling to Earth. Experts in Houston are trying to extend its orbital life by about a year, after which a space shuttle mission is planned to boost it into a higher orbit. The satellite's orbit has been affected by atmospheric drag.

ÅTER KRIS FÖR SKYLAB (Crisis Again for Skylab)

This article reiterates the crisis facing Skylab, reporting that it has lost 25% of its control system fuel due to a computer error. The computer was reportedly over-adjusting the solar panels, leading to excessive use of thruster fuel. Ground control detected the error and shut down the system.

Åskforskare i Sverige (Lightning Researchers in Sweden)

Japanese and Swedish researchers at the Institute for High Voltage Research in Uppsala have found that positive lightning strikes are more frequent than previously thought. This could necessitate the upgrading of lightning protection systems for major facilities like power plants and telecommunication lines.

Tefat i Köping (Flying Saucers in Köping)

Köping municipality is organizing a UFO exhibition in collaboration with UFO-Sverige. The exhibition will feature flying saucers and other extraterrestrial flying objects, aiming to attract visitors interested in the phenomenon.

Satellit förintades (Satellite Destroyed)

The unmanned Soviet spacecraft Progress-2 was destroyed in the Earth's atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean after completing its mission. It had docked with the Salyut-6 space station on July 9th, delivering fuel and supplies to cosmonauts Vladimir Kovaljonok and Alexander Ivantjenkov.

Progress 2 frikopplad (Progress 2 Undocked)

Following its mission, the unmanned Soviet spacecraft Progress 2 undocked from the Salyut 6 space station. It had delivered fuel and supplies to the cosmonauts aboard.

Giraff eller UFO? (Giraffe or UFO?)

This opinion piece questions the media's priorities, wondering why sensational news like a giraffe refusing to stand up after mating is published, while seemingly more significant UFO events go unreported. The author lists several alleged UFO sightings, including one involving a large flying saucer over the Canary Islands that caused power outages and radio interference, and another where a Spanish corvette observed an object emitting a light beam. The article also mentions that Spanish military authorities have confirmed these events and that an engineer took color photographs of the UFO.

Här står Gunnar (This is Gunnar)

This profile focuses on Gunnar Schelin, a 70-year-old ufologist from Borgholm, who is described as being 'retired' but working 'full-time' on UFOs. Schelin expresses the ufologist's dream of a landed spaceship that people could see. He notes the increasing acceptance of UFOs, moving from being considered 'crazy' to 'normal.' Schelin recounts a personal UFO sighting on August 20, 1974, where he observed a bright, disc-shaped object hovering for over an hour. He also mentions other reports, including a spaceship landing in Mariannelund in 1956 and a woman reporting a phenomenon in central Sweden where a pregnant woman near the objects gave birth to a stillborn child.

Paralyserats (Paralyzed)

This section discusses how many UFO observers, despite having cameras ready, fail to capture images, suggesting they might be paralyzed by fear.

Ufologer

Schelin states that ufologists who have personally witnessed UFOs 'know they exist.' He notes that while skepticism remains, the subject is gaining more serious attention.

Själv sett UFO (Personally Seen UFO)

Schelin describes a sighting on August 20, 1974, where he, along with several others, observed a bright, disc-shaped object hovering for about an hour and a half. The object was yellow on top and white underneath.

Nyfödd dog (Newborn Died)

A letter from an anonymous woman describes a phenomenon experienced with neighbors, involving large, balloon-like objects moving at high speed. The woman's neighbor, who was pregnant and near the objects, gave birth to a stillborn child shortly after.

Hela stan såg (The Whole Town Saw)

Schelin addresses the question of why more people don't see UFOs, citing an incident in Bielefeld, West Germany, on August 21, 1974, where 'the whole town' reportedly saw a flying object.

60-tal medlemmar (60 Members)

Gunnar Schelin is a driving force behind the Kalmar Ölands UFO-förening, founded in March 1976, which has about 60 members. There are approximately 35 UFO organizations nationwide, with an estimated 300-1,000 UFO sightings reported annually in Sweden, of which only 20-30% are considered unexplained.

Bevakningstorn (Observation Tower)

Schelin and his UFO colleagues continue their research, using a telescope and an observation tower borrowed from the military, and maintaining radio contact with other clubs.

Utomjordiska (Extraterrestrial)

Schelin believes the phenomena are likely caused by extraterrestrial spacecraft.

Pollenkungen (The Pollen King)

This brief mention refers to Gösta Carlsson's encounter with an extraterrestrial.

... men i trafiktornet på F 12 har man aldrig sett några (...but in the control tower at F 12, they have never seen any)

This article presents the perspective of F12, a Swedish air base, where personnel deny any UFO sightings. Flygledare Nils Duveborn and Bo Åstrand state that they have never observed any unidentified objects from the control tower or radar. They suggest that reported sightings might be 'space junk' or atmospheric disturbances. While there is a form for reporting sightings, it is rarely used.

Främmande (Foreign)

Meteorologist Alf Svensson suggests that weather balloons, which can appear large and illuminated when lit by the sun at high altitudes, might be mistaken for UFOs.

TV-professor: Stolligheter! (TV Professor: Nonsense!)

Physics Professor Sten von Friesen, known from the TV show 'Fråga Lund,' dismisses UFOs and perpetual motion machines as 'nonsense' and 'superstition.' He argues that the vast distances involved in interstellar travel make visits by extraterrestrials highly improbable, questioning the logic of aliens traveling such distances only to land in obscure locations and interact with a single farmer.

Tefatsdebatten rasar vidare (The Saucer Debate Continues)

This section features an open letter from Gunnar Schelin to Professor Sten von Friesen, criticizing his dismissive attitude towards UFO research. Schelin argues that von Friesen's categorization of ufologists as 'superstitious fools' is unwarranted, especially since von Friesen himself may not fully grasp the complexities of UFO phenomena. Schelin lists numerous scientists, military personnel, politicians, and astronauts who have acknowledged or shown interest in UFOs, suggesting that von Friesen is in 'good company' with these individuals. He calls for an apology from von Friesen.

Erkänn tystnadsplikten, ni på F 12 (Admit Your Duty of Secrecy, you at F 12)

This is a response from Gunnar Schelin to the F12 air base's denial of UFO sightings. Schelin questions their claim of never seeing anything unusual, given that many people report seeing mysterious objects. He suggests that the air base might be under a 'duty of secrecy' and is using 'unlikely excuses' to avoid admitting what they might have seen.

F12-majoren svarar ufologen: Vi berättar - bara vi får se tefaten (F12 Major Responds to Ufologist: We Will Report - If We See the Saucers)

This is the official response from F12, signed by Press Chief Torsten Björklund. The major acknowledges that while there is no specific duty of secrecy regarding UFOs, military personnel are bound by confidentiality for military matters. They state that they would gladly report any 'unexplained' phenomena if they were convinced it was something 'from outside.' However, they maintain that so far, they have not encountered anything that could not be explained by known phenomena like weather balloons, satellites, or atmospheric conditions. They also mention that the Swedish Air Force has not reported any unusual sightings.

Flyget och UFO (Aviation and UFOs)

Gunnar Schelin continues his debate, responding to Major Björklund's statement. Schelin points out that despite the F12's claims, a major in their own unit reportedly saw a 'flying saucer' on July 1, 1977. He also references a TV interview with a lieutenant colonel who described seeing a formation of nine yellow, oval objects performing an 'incredibly incredible maneuver.' Schelin concludes that pilots do indeed see UFOs.

Dagens Jojo (Today's Jojo)

A humorous cartoon depicting a UFO encounter, with one character remarking, 'Maybe it would have been calmer if we had ended up down there instead....'

Tung meteorit (Heavy Meteorite)

This brief note mentions a meteorite that fell in Siberia in 1908, estimated to have been 100 meters in diameter and composed of five billion tons of matter.

Misstolkning: Det finns inga bevis för UFO (Misinterpretation: There is no proof of UFOs)

This article presents a skeptical view, arguing that many reported UFO sightings are misinterpretations. It cites the case of the Russian satellite Kosmos 453, whose falling debris was mistaken for UFOs by witnesses in Norway and Sweden. The article also mentions that NASA has declined to resume UFO studies, citing a lack of evidence and the findings of the Condon Committee, which concluded that UFOs were not interplanetary spacecraft. The author asserts that since 1947, no credible evidence of extraterrestrial-controlled craft has emerged, other than in observers' imaginations.

UFO-fenomenet (The UFO Phenomenon)

This piece, attributed to 'NATURVETARE' (Natural Scientist), strongly refutes the existence of UFOs. It argues that the extensive global surveillance systems (radar, telescopes, satellites) would detect any extraterrestrial craft. The author suggests that the probability of contact with other civilizations is extremely low and that any such signal would be a major scientific sensation. The article criticizes Gunnar Schelin for his 'know-it-all attitude' and suggests that his 'evidence' is mere fantasy. It also questions the credibility of extraterrestrial claims, noting that Mars exploration has not revealed any signs of life, contradicting earlier 'little green men' stories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine, UFO-NYTT, serves as a platform for UFO enthusiasts and researchers in Sweden. It clearly leans towards validating UFO phenomena, featuring numerous reports of sightings, interviews with ufologists like Gunnar Schelin, and discussions on the growing interest in the subject. However, it also engages with skepticism, presenting counterarguments from scientists and military personnel. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the sharing of information while acknowledging the need for critical evaluation. The magazine highlights the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics, presenting both sides of the argument, though with a clear emphasis on the UFO community's perspective.

This issue of "Insändaren" from October 9, 1978, is dedicated to the topic of UFOs, featuring a collection of letters, articles, and reports that explore various facets of the phenomenon. The magazine presents a strong pro-UFO stance through its contributors, while also acknowledging and addressing skeptical viewpoints. The overall tone is one of fervent belief in the existence of UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence, often criticizing mainstream scientific and governmental dismissal of the subject.

Key Articles and Contributions

"UFO:s existens" (The Existence of UFOs) by Gunnar Schelin

Gunnar Schelin, a prominent ufologist, responds to skeptical letters, particularly one from "Science Fiction" and "Naturvetare." He dismisses the idea that UFO sightings are mere "Science Fiction" and criticizes the Condon Report as being flawed. Schelin asserts that NASA's reluctance to resume UFO research stems from a desire to avoid contradicting previous negative findings. He highlights the growing belief in potential contact with extraterrestrial beings, citing a US Congress request for funds for such preparedness. Schelin argues that evidence for UFOs has been presented repeatedly and that skeptics are willfully blind. He also defends ufologists against attacks by Professor Sten von Friesen, whom he deems unqualified to judge the field. Schelin mentions that military personnel are bound by secrecy regarding UFO observations.

"Alla som ser UFO är inte stollar!" (Everyone Who Sees a UFO is Not a Fool!)

This article supports Gunnar Schelin's view, stating that prominent individuals who see UFOs are not necessarily fools. It discusses valuable close-range UFO observations and good photographs. The article explains the 'glowing' appearance of UFOs as a result of their interaction with natural particles, creating a resonance field that can cause a shimmering effect and even bend light, making the craft appear to disappear. It references Professor Adamski's explanations of how flying saucers maneuver, including achieving high resonance speeds for faster-than-light travel. The article suggests that Earth's technology will eventually catch up to that of extraterrestrials, with robots handling labor. It vouches for Adamski's credibility by mentioning C.A. Honey's testimony about Adamski's sharp photographs and written testimonials from witnesses.

"Visst har sjömän sett "FLYGANDE TEFAT"" (Sailors Have Certainly Seen "FLYING SAUCERS") by Gunnar Schelin

Schelin directly addresses a skeptic named Rune Sennerfjord, who called flying saucers a "mass hysteria." Schelin argues that Sennerfjord's lack of personal experience does not give him the right to dismiss millions of UFO observers as hysterics or liars. He provides historical examples of alleged sightings by sailors, including Columbus's voyage and incidents involving a Brazilian freighter and the luxury liner "Argentina." Schelin dismisses the idea of UFOs being misidentified planets, emphasizing their mobility. He reiterates that "little green men" are a fabrication by UFO detractors. Schelin concludes by stating that it takes courage to publicly admit to seeing a UFO.

Postscript to "Sailors Have Certainly Seen "FLYING SAUCERS""

This postscript reports on a sighting by three military personnel from Gotland who observed a very large, bright UFO. The object was detected visually and by radar, which registered the largest echo ever seen. The UFO hovered, then descended into the sea. The object's size was estimated to be around 300 meters in diameter based on radar data.

"Drömmen om UFO" (The Dream of UFO) by Mats Dannewitz Linder (quoted), Lars Hultman, and others

This section critically examines ufology as a pseudoscience, citing an article from "Forskning och framsteg." It questions the validity of UFO observations and the lack of concrete proof. Lars Hultman is quoted, questioning why UFOs only create mystery and fear rather than seeking direct contact. The article also touches upon the Bermuda Triangle, dismissing claims as misinterpretations or fabrications. It contrasts the lack of progress in parapsychology with advancements in sleep research, suggesting that dreams might be a prototype for hallucinations. The section also mentions an engineer Bentiz who allegedly took photos of a UFO landing in a cabbage field.

"UFO-problemet" (The UFO Problem) by Gunnar Schelin

Schelin responds to the critique of ufology as pseudoscience. He argues that if scientists studied the UFO phenomenon without prejudice, they would change their minds, as 99% of researchers who have studied the subject become convinced ufologists. He questions the idea of mass hallucinations occurring in tens of thousands of people simultaneously. Schelin suggests that extraterrestrials might not think like humans and that revealing themselves to authorities could lead to their capture and exhibition. He criticizes radio contact attempts with aliens as a waste of time and resources, suggesting that aliens might have vastly different technological levels. The article details a specific incident in Petrozavodsk, Russia, where a 110-meter UFO allegedly caused damage with its rays, and was confirmed by physicists and geophysicists as an extraterrestrial spacecraft.

"Visst finns det FLYGANDE TEFAT" (Flying Saucers Certainly Exist) by K-G Persson

K-G Persson expresses his conviction that UFOs exist and control Earth, suggesting that extraterrestrials are intervening because humanity is destroying the planet. He believes they want to help some humans survive. Persson poses the question of how such beings could travel vast distances, drawing a parallel to the rapid advancements in direct communication technology. He hopes to witness such a day.

"NY UFO-VAG PÅ GANG" (New UFO Wave Underway)

This section reports on recent UFO sightings in the Kalmar region of Sweden. It describes oval, glowing objects observed by teenagers and older residents, who dismiss the possibility of them being aircraft lights due to their size, behavior (hovering, stopping), and intense illumination. The article contrasts these observations with explanations from a flight controller at F 12, who suggests they might be landing lights from aircraft, though he admits the stationary behavior is unusual.

"UFO - eller vad?" (UFO - or What?) by Gunnar Schelin

This article recounts an incident on August 23rd where two conscripts at a radar station in Tofta, Sweden, observed a large, bright, white sphere. The object was detected visually and by radar, which registered an unusually strong echo. The object descended into the sea. Based on the radar echo, its diameter was estimated to be approximately 300 meters. The military's explanation of a satellite, rocket, or weather balloon is deemed improbable by the author.

"FYRKANTIGA UFO:" (Square UFOs)

Reports of square, brightly lit objects observed flying low over the countryside near Borgholm, Sweden. The objects moved from south to north and reportedly circled a village before disappearing.

"Märklig UFO-upplevelse i "repris" efter en vecka" (Strange UFO Experience in "Repeat" After a Week) by Gunnar Schelin

This article details a personal account from a woman who claims to have witnessed strange, large, orange, glowing oval objects on two consecutive Tuesdays. She describes them as appearing like balloons but moving with incredible speed and precision, forming a formation. The woman experienced intense fear and a feeling of paralysis. She also reports that the wife of her neighbor, who was pregnant, subsequently had a miscarriage. The woman herself became ill with symptoms affecting her joints and muscles, as well as her husband and neighbors.

"Häpnadsväckande himlafenomen" (Astonishing Celestial Phenomena) by Gunnar Schelin

Schelin discusses observations of planets like Jupiter and satellites behaving erratically, changing speed, direction, and size. He also notes that weather balloons are exhibiting unusual behavior, lighting up the sky and moving at high speeds. He suggests that these phenomena are beyond the understanding of ordinary people but that learned individuals can explain them.

"Rysk forskare avslöjar: Flygande tefat exploderade i Sibirien." (Russian Researcher Reveals: Flying Saucers Exploded in Siberia.)

This article presents a theory by Felix Zigel of the Moscow Aviation Institute that the 1908 Tunguska event was caused by the explosion of an extraterrestrial probe. Zigel's theory is based on the event's trajectory and the presence of elements not typically found in meteorites but common in artificial structures. The article notes that UFO theories are strictly forbidden in the Soviet Union.

"Dagens fråga: Tror Du på flygande tefat?" (Today's Question: Do You Believe in Flying Saucers?)

This section presents brief opinions from several individuals on whether they believe in flying saucers. Most respondents express skepticism, citing a lack of personal experience or knowledge. One respondent mentions that a military contact referred him to a secrecy obligation.

"Rymdskrot en OLYCKSRISK" (Space Debris a RISK OF ACCIDENT)

This article discusses the potential dangers posed by space debris, including satellites and rocket parts, falling to Earth. It mentions past incidents, such as a cow being killed by satellite debris and a farmhouse being ignited by a space object. The article highlights the risks associated with nuclear-powered satellites and the radioactive contamination from falling objects.

"Livet på jorden fyra miljarder år" (Life on Earth Four Billion Years Ago)

This article summarizes a theory by astronomers Fred Hoyle and Chandra Wickramasinghe, who propose that life on Earth originated from comets and meteorites from outer space. They believe that organic molecules found in space are the building blocks of life and that Earth's oceans and atmosphere were formed by a comet. The article suggests that interstellar travel is impossible due to vast distances, but communication via radio signals is feasible.

"Snart kommer tefatsfolket" (Soon the Saucer People Will Come)

This article discusses the growing belief among scientists that extraterrestrial contact is inevitable. It mentions a proposal to allocate significant funds for a long-term signal-scanning program to detect extraterrestrial radio signals. While acknowledging the vast distances involved, scientists believe that advanced civilizations exist in other solar systems and that contact is a matter of 'when,' not 'if.'

"FRÅN det övernaturligas värld" (From the World of the Supernatural)

This section contains several short anecdotes about mysterious encounters. These include a farmer encountering three grey-clad women who vanished, a woman being covered in bruises after meeting strangely dressed individuals in an alley, and a woman seeing a young man who disappeared inexplicably. These accounts are presented as evidence of supernatural or non-terrestrial beings.

"VET NI DET?" (DO YOU KNOW?)

This section contains brief news items: the delay of the US space shuttle Enterprise's maiden voyage due to funding issues, the launch of a Soviet transport spacecraft to the Saljut 6 space station, and the naming of an asteroid as Ra-Shalom.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the undeniable existence of UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence, the perceived cover-up of evidence by authorities and mainstream science, and the belief that contact with alien civilizations is imminent. The editorial stance is strongly in favor of ufology, presenting witness testimonies and speculative theories as compelling evidence. Skeptical viewpoints are often framed as narrow-minded or willfully ignorant. The magazine actively promotes the idea that UFOs are real, advanced craft from other worlds, and that humanity is on the cusp of a significant extraterrestrial encounter. There is a clear emphasis on personal accounts and anecdotal evidence over conventional scientific methodology, reflecting a belief system that prioritizes the extraordinary over the mundane.

This issue, titled "Han gick ombord på en främmande farkost" (He Boarded a Strange Craft), is from November 1954, Volume 1, Issue 1. It features a prominent article detailing a UFO encounter and a secondary article exploring the concept of faster-than-light travel.

Encounter with a Strange Craft

The main story recounts the experience of Maurilio Braga Godói, a taxi driver in Santo Amaro, a suburb of Sao Paulo, Brazil. On the night of November 2, 1954, at approximately 10:30 PM, Godói was walking home when he observed a large, circular object, about 30 to 35 meters in diameter, emitting a strange blue-red or violet glow, which had landed on an undeveloped plot between two houses.

Initially curious, Godói approached the object. He found it larger than he initially thought, which made him feel a bit scared and hesitant. He tried to move away but felt frozen to the spot, unable to call for help. After a short period, this sensation passed, and his curiosity returned, prompting him to move closer.

Godói discovered a sliding door on the side of the object and entered. He found himself in a large, circular room illuminated by a soft light, with no visible lamps. He saw no people but felt the ship was abandoned. In the center of the room was a table with maps and diagrams. One map, of the South American continent, glowed and had a phosphorescent quality. He noticed strange, mushroom-shaped symbols arranged in a seemingly random pattern.

While examining the map, Godói looked up and was startled to see three beings observing him. They were described as very short, under 150 cm tall, with dark brown skin, very short black hair, and wearing plain, overall-like suits that were light grey. They had no buttons or zippers, and each wore a belt from which an object, possibly a pistol, hung. The beings did not move towards Godói but spoke to each other in an incomprehensible language, with the 'K' sound appearing frequently.

Godói's fear returned, and he was paralyzed. He tried to communicate that he meant no harm, but the beings seemed to only examine him intently. He then felt himself involuntarily moving backward towards the door. The beings made no attempt to stop him. Upon reaching the door, he jumped to the ground and ran. About 10 meters from the craft, he turned around. The object was hovering about 10 meters above the ground, and in the center of its underside, there was a 'screw without end' (Godói's exact words). The craft then ascended silently and rapidly into the sky, surrounded by a peculiar blue-red glow.

Following his report, Godói was examined by several psychiatrists in Sao Paulo, who found no signs of neurosis or psychosis. The case is still referred to as 'unidentified' in the Brazilian Air Force archives.

The source for this account is cited as "Flying Saucer Occupants" by Coral & Jim Lorenzen, with the translation provided by Sören Andersson.

Faster Than Light!

The second article, "Snabbare än ljuset!" (Faster Than Light!), discusses the speed of light and the possibility of future spacecraft exceeding it. Light travels at 300,000 km/second. The article provides examples of light travel times: to the moon (1 second), to the sun (8 minutes), to the nearest star (4.2 years), and to the observable universe's edge (10 billion years).

It highlights the dream of breaking the light barrier for interstellar travel, as year-long journeys through darkness would be impractical. However, it references Albert Einstein's theories, which suggest that nothing can travel faster than light. The article poses questions about what would happen if a spacecraft reached the light barrier, suggesting that distances would begin to shrink.

It also touches on the dangers of space travel at light speed, noting that even a grain of dust could have a catastrophic impact. Achieving light speed would require immense energy, and even using the universe's atoms as fuel might only achieve half light speed.

The article briefly mentions phenomena like 'black holes,' where matter is compressed to an extreme degree, and 'tachyons,' hypothetical particles that might travel faster than light. The existence of tachyons, if proven, could imply the possibility of traveling backward in time, leading to paradoxical scenarios like marrying one's own grandmother.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue appears to focus on the unexplained and the frontiers of science and possibility. The primary article presents a detailed eyewitness account of a UFO encounter, treating it as a credible event worthy of investigation and documentation, as evidenced by the psychiatric evaluations and its inclusion in official archives. The secondary article delves into theoretical physics and speculative science fiction concepts, such as faster-than-light travel and time travel, suggesting an editorial interest in pushing the boundaries of known science and exploring what might be possible in the future.

The magazine seems to adopt a stance of open-minded inquiry, presenting extraordinary claims alongside scientific theories and speculative ideas without outright dismissal. The inclusion of sources and the mention of official investigations lend an air of seriousness to the UFO report.