UFO-Nytt - 1979 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: 1
Volume: 1979
Date: January 1979 (raw date: Nr : 1 1979 Årgång 3)
Publisher: KALMAR OLANDS UFO-FÖRENING (UFO-KO)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-NYTT, the first of 1979, serves as an informational and member magazine for the Kalmar Ölands UFO-Förening. It covers a range of topics including astronomy, UFO sightings, and space exploration.

Key Articles and Features

Anders Norman's Telescope

The cover story highlights seventeen-year-old Anders Norman from Kalmar, who has built a large private telescope. The telescope is three meters long and weighs over four tons. While the mirrors are still on order, the telescope is set to be exhibited at the Tekniska museet in Stockholm as part of the 'Teknorama' exhibition. Norman also plans to build his own observatory and re-establish an astronomy association in Kalmar.

Pluto's Orbit and Planetary Science

An article explains that the planet Pluto has recently moved inside Neptune's orbit, a phenomenon that occurs every 248 years. It also mentions Pluto's discovery in 1930 and its small size, with a diameter of about 3,000 kilometers. The article reassures readers that planetary collisions are not a concern due to the vast distances between their orbits.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Several UFO sightings are reported:

• Sundsvall: Music director Paul Carlgren and his fiancée witnessed two silent, brightly lit flying objects that matched their car's speed for about ten minutes.
• Köpingsvik: A woman reported seeing two mysterious, bright white-yellow flying objects with blue flashes that blinked and flew low, accompanied by a strange sound.
• Borgholm: Several municipal council members allegedly saw a luminous phenomenon over the strait.
• International Reports: The magazine references claims of UFOs kidnapping individuals in Italy and reports of sightings in Australia, including a blue object seen by police.

Space Exploration

• Pioneer Venus Mission: NASA's multisond mission to Venus is detailed. The mission aims to study Venus's atmosphere, cloud density, and chemical composition to better understand Earth's weather patterns. The probe was to enter Venus's atmosphere in January 1979.
• SETI Project: NASA's Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligent Beings (SETI) project, launched in October 1978, is described. The project uses radio telescopes to search for signals from distant stars, with an annual cost of approximately 50 million SEK.
• Soviet Space Program: The issue notes the record-breaking spaceflight of Soviet cosmonauts Vladimir Kovaljonok and Alexander Ivantjenkov aboard the Salyut 6 space station, having spent 123 days in space.

UFO Theories and Beliefs

An article discusses various perspectives on UFOs. One viewpoint, attributed to Lynn Catoe and Sture Wickerts, suggests that UFO literature is often linked to mysticism and metaphysics, with some authors positing that UFOs are caused by evil spirits or demons. These theories propose that demons can manipulate matter to create UFOs and even humanoid figures. The article also mentions the idea that UFO intelligences might have a long-term plan to take over Earth as humanity's environmental destruction progresses.

Other Notable Content

• Phoenix UFO Incident: The magazine reports on two retired US Air Force colonels who testified under oath about seeing dead alien bodies recovered from a crashed UFO in New Mexico, USA. The bodies were described as approximately 1.2 meters long with silver-shimmering skin and metallic clothing.
• Astronomy at Stockholm Observatory: An interview with Professor Aina Elvius of the Stockholm Observatory discusses the work of astronomers, emphasizing that much of their time is spent on paperwork rather than direct observation. She explains that observations are typically made using photography rather than direct viewing, and that phenomena like bright clouds or satellites can be mistaken for UFOs.
• Ancient Egyptian Measurement Techniques: An article explores how ancient Egyptians may have aligned the pyramids with the cardinal directions using astronomical observations of stars.
• Global Warming: A piece discusses the increasing global temperature due to the use of fossil fuels and deforestation, warning of a potential catastrophe for life on Earth, with average temperatures possibly rising by six degrees Celsius.
• Venus as a UFO: Astronomer David Mabin suggests that many reported UFO sightings in Australia and New Zealand may actually be the planet Venus, which shines brightly and can appear to move due to atmospheric conditions.
• Book Review: A review of Steven Weinberg's book "The First Three Minutes" discusses the scientific understanding of the universe's origin and early moments, touching on concepts of physics, cosmology, and the search for meaning in scientific discovery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of scientific inquiry and unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in UFO sightings, space exploration, and astronomical discoveries. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating UFO reports, even those that challenge conventional scientific explanations, while also presenting scientific perspectives and theories. The publication encourages reader contributions and aims to inform its members about current events in the UFO and astronomy fields. The recurring theme is the exploration of the unknown, whether in the vastness of space or in unexplained aerial phenomena on Earth.

This issue of Ny Teknik, dated October 12, 1978, delves into the future of space exploration and presents several accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine's cover story, "He Thinks in Cosmic Paths," features an interview with Alfred Lunde, who works in NASA's planning department for manned spaceflight. The issue also includes articles on the Space Shuttle, the impending re-entry of Skylab, and personal UFO sighting reports from Sweden.

Future of Space Exploration: Colonies and Technology

The main feature interviews Alfred Lunde, who believes that permanently populated space colonies, where humans are 'improved' through artificial means, will become a reality within about 20 years. Lunde, who has worked at NASA for over 12 years and was involved in planning the Apollo missions, expresses a lifelong passion for astronomy. He recounts his early involvement in the Gemini project and then the Apollo program, which was initiated to compete with the Soviet Union in space.

Lunde highlights the prestige aspect of the Apollo program, which cost approximately 100 billion Swedish kronor, but also points to spin-off benefits in communication and medical technology. He views the Space Shuttle as a more scientifically motivated endeavor, capable of carrying satellites, launching rockets for interplanetary missions, and studying Earth's resources and climate.

Looking further ahead, Lunde discusses plans for a space telescope to observe the far reaches of the universe and a solar power plant in space, which would convert solar energy into microwaves for transmission to Earth. By 1982, a telescope will be launched to see the 'other end of the universe,' potentially revealing information about its origins and eventual demise.

By the late 1990s, NASA aims to build space colonies where children could be born and raised. These colonies would feature artificial gravity, recreational areas, and direct communication links with Earth. Lunde suggests that to ensure a stable society in space, inhabitants would need to be psychologically stable and hand-picked, possibly with the aid of genetic manipulation and anti-aggression medication to counteract the psychological pressures.

Lunde sees space colonization as a chance for humanity to escape problems like war and violence, and to move away from a money-driven society. He argues that humanity has nowhere else to go but the universe, especially on a shrinking Earth with increasing political restrictions.

Space Shuttle and Future Projects

Bill O'Donnell from NASA's Washington office discusses the Space Shuttle, which is expected to make space expeditions cheaper and simpler. The shuttle is designed to be reusable, capable of over a hundred missions. The first shuttle is undergoing test flights and is expected to be operational by the early 1980s. A key early mission will be to carry a space laboratory, Space-Lab, into orbit. This European-led project will conduct experiments in space, taking advantage of the microgravity environment to study materials and crystal formation.

The Space Shuttle will also be used to transport modules for building large space stations and, eventually, space factories. O'Donnell mentions the potential for producing materials in space that are impossible or too expensive to create on Earth due to gravity. He also notes that the shuttle will launch vehicles for deep space expeditions, possibly utilizing ion propulsion technology, with the first ion-powered rocket expected in 1982 to explore Halley's Comet.

NASA also has plans for unmanned probes to explore the solar system, with Voyager I and II already en route to Jupiter and Saturn. Future expeditions will study the sun's poles. O'Donnell concludes by mentioning the possibility of permanent settlements on the Moon and eventual manned landings on Mars.

UFO Sightings in Sweden

The issue features several personal accounts of UFO sightings in Sweden:

• August 13, 1970: A witness in southern Sweden reports seeing a round, orange craft descend in front of a mound. Their car's lights and engine failed temporarily, and they were disoriented upon restarting, finding themselves on the wrong side of the road.
• February 1969: A witness in southern Norrland describes seeing a fiery red, slightly oblong sphere, the size of a football, moving horizontally over treetops for about 30 seconds.
• Summer (year unspecified): A witness describes seeing a disk-shaped object with a blue glow that turned red, moving erratically before disappearing instantly. The experience left them cold and shaken.
• September 1968 (Norrköping): Two musicians from the band Goldfingers and the restaurant owner they were playing for observed three round, disc-shaped objects with a strong green-white light flying in a V-formation. One object accelerated rapidly and disappeared into the sky without a sound. The witness, a former radar group leader, is certain it was not an aircraft, helicopter, rocket, or balloon.
• September 1968 (Norrköping): Another musician from Goldfingers recounts a similar experience, observing three round objects with a green-white glow moving in a V-formation. He notes their disc shape and the incredible acceleration and silent disappearance.

Fictionalized Encounters

Two narrative pieces present fictionalized or allegorical encounters:

• "KOM - SE MIG DÖ!" (Come - See Me Die!) by Taurina: This piece, presented as a dialogue, depicts an alien pilot whose advanced machine is losing power. The pilot expresses weariness and a sense of their civilization's decline, lamenting that humans are fearful and their own technology is primitive compared to the aliens'. The pilot's machine eventually crashes.
• "KOM - SE MIG DÖ!" (Continued): The narrative continues with the crashed alien pilot interacting with human-like beings who are curious and unafraid. The pilot explains they are from a long-lost human civilization and are dying.

The Dangerous Triangle and Other Reports

An article mentions Edwin Corley's thriller "Sargasso," which is set in the mysterious "dangerous triangle" where ships and planes disappear. The story involves a lost American space capsule and underwater discoveries.

Another section, "FRÅN det övernaturligas värld" (From the Supernatural World), includes two brief reports:

• A Mysterious Visit: A person named Bengt recounts an encounter with a tall, strong, bald man who suddenly appeared and disappeared in his hallway.
• A Premonition Dream: A woman dreams of her husband, a ship's engineer, being hit on the head in a crowded venue. She later learns that he was indeed injured in a similar manner while participating in a strength-testing event.

Skylab's Impending Doom

A prominent article details the impending re-entry of the Skylab space station. Originally expected to orbit until 1983, Skylab is now predicted to break apart and fall to Earth as early as the summer of 1979 or spring 1980. NASA experts are reportedly shocked by this development. The article notes that Skylab's orbit is between 50° N and 50° S latitude and expresses concern that not all of the massive 85-ton station will burn up in the atmosphere, posing a risk of debris falling on populated areas, including Sweden.

NASA plans to activate Skylab's rockets to slow its descent and is considering a rescue mission using the Space Shuttle to tow Skylab to a safer orbit. If these efforts fail, the station's uncontrolled re-entry is inevitable.

Data from Venus

A brief report mentions that American scientists received the first radio reports from probes descending through Venus's atmosphere. The signals continued for longer than expected, providing more data than anticipated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Ny Teknik demonstrates a strong interest in the future of technology and space exploration, particularly NASA's ambitious projects. There is a clear fascination with the potential for human expansion into space, including the establishment of colonies and the development of advanced spacecraft. Simultaneously, the magazine embraces the unexplained, dedicating significant space to personal accounts of UFO sightings, suggesting an open-minded approach to phenomena that defy conventional explanation. The inclusion of fictionalized narratives and reports from the 'supernatural world' further reinforces this theme of exploring the unknown and the extraordinary. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on both scientific advancements and intriguing mysteries, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond the ordinary.

This document is a single page from a Swedish publication titled "Vintergatan" (The Milky Way). The page contains an illustration and accompanying text that explains concepts related to interstellar communication and the potential for extraterrestrial civilizations to receive signals from Earth.

Interstellar Signal Interception

The central illustration depicts Earth and its surrounding space, illustrating how signals from Earth can be intercepted by civilizations in the Milky Way. The text explains that two intense bands of signals can be sent from Earth and picked up by 95% of civilizations within the Milky Way. Two satellites are shown orbiting Earth, one on each side, designed to receive signals from external sources. These satellites are described as being shielded against terrestrial signal sources, implying a need to filter out Earth's own broadcasts to detect signals from elsewhere.

The illustration labels various components: "JORDEN" (Earth), "N" and "S" indicating North and South poles, and "VINTERGATAN SEDD FRÅN SIDAN" (The Milky Way Seen From The Side). Arrows labeled "SÄNDARSTRÅLE" (Transmitter Beam) show signals emanating from Earth. The area where signals can be intercepted is marked as "OMRÅDE VAREMELLAN SIGNALER FRÅN JORDEN KAN UPPFÅNGAS" (Area Between Signals From Earth Can Be Intercepted).

Key elements of the illustration include:

• Arecibo Radio Telescope: Labeled "ARECIBORADIOTELESKOPET", this ground-based telescope is shown on Earth's surface, suggesting its role in either transmitting or receiving signals.
• Listening Satellite: One satellite is labeled "AVLYSSNINGS- SATELLIT" (Listening Satellite), indicating its function in monitoring for signals.
• Shield: A large circular object labeled "SKÖLD SOM AVSKÄRMAR RADIO SÄNDNINGAR FRÅN JORDEN" (Shield That Screens Radio Transmissions From Earth) is depicted, likely representing the protective mechanism of the satellites or a similar technology.
• Signal Receiver Antenna: A "SIGNAL MOTTAGARANTENN" (Signal Receiver Antenna) is shown on one of the satellites.

The illustration is signed by "Florent Siakenge 78", indicating it was created in 1978.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The content of this page suggests a focus on astronomy, space exploration, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). The editorial stance appears to be one that explores the scientific and speculative possibilities of interstellar communication, presenting a visual model for how such communication might occur and be detected. The use of a scientific diagram and explanatory text indicates an educational or informative approach to these topics within the "Vintergatan" publication.