UFO-Nytt - 1979 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: Nr 3, Årgång 3
Date: 1979
Publisher: KALMAR OLANDS UFO-FÖRENING (UFO-KO)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-NYTT, a magazine for the Kalmar-Ölands UFO-förening, focuses on a significant light phenomenon observed across Sweden in March 1979, which sparked numerous UFO reports. The magazine also covers other UFO-related news, theories, and investigations.

Cover Story: SL2 FALLER I NATT

The cover prominently features the headline "SL2 FALLER I NATT" (SL2 FALLS TONIGHT) and a striking illustration, hinting at a dramatic event. The issue delves into a widespread light phenomenon that occurred on Thursday evening, March 29, 1979, around 19:30. The event was observed over large parts of Sweden, from Uppland to Östergötland, Västergötland, Kalmar län, Öland, and Gotland. Many people called the newspaper, describing it as a "strange light phenomenon," an "explosion of light," or a "UFO" – a "flying object that exploded at high altitude." Some reported hearing a loud bang.

Initially, various authorities were contacted, and the prevailing assumption was that it was either a meteorite or a part of a satellite that had exploded. The phenomenon was described as a bright light, followed by a luminous cloud that remained visible for some time. The article notes that the phenomenon was observed at a high altitude and moved from northwest to southeast.

News in Brief (Nytt i korthet)

Norway: World's Largest Meteorite?

Norwegian theologians suggested that a large stone discovered underwater near Florö, north of Bergen, might be one of the world's largest meteorites. The stone, weighing approximately 30 tons, had created a hole in the seabed. Geologists believe its entry angle into the atmosphere might explain why it didn't burn up completely. The article contrasts this find with a previous meteorite discovery in Norway that was sold to a foreign buyer.

Red Glow Puzzles

Police in Malmö and Halmstad reported observing a strong light phenomenon simultaneously around 11:40 PM. Described as a band of luminous points moving from northwest to southeast, it was visible for 20-30 seconds. Witnesses described parts of the light band flaring up and disappearing, as if burning up in the atmosphere. Investigations with air traffic controllers at Sturup and Bulltofta yielded no sightings on radar or visually.

Himlafenomenet i går kväll: METEOR ELLER VAD?

This article provides a more detailed account of the March 29, 1979, light phenomenon. It confirms that the event was observed over large parts of Sweden and that many eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud bang. Stabsredaktör Göran Lindmark from the Swedish Defence Staff's information department suggested it was likely a large meteor. The phenomenon was described as a "light explosion" followed by a luminous cloud.

Docent Bertil Anders Lindblad from Lund University, an expert on meteors and meteorites, definitively stated that the phenomenon was a bright meteor and not a satellite. He explained that satellites follow a flat trajectory and glow for minutes, whereas this object burned up in seconds. He estimated the meteor's speed at 20-30 km per second and its altitude at 30-40 km, with a mass of only a few hundred grams. The lingering smoke was attributed to the high altitude being illuminated by the sun even after sunset at ground level. No meteorite impact has been found yet.

Not a Satellite?

Göran Lindmark acknowledged that it was difficult to definitively identify the phenomenon, but considered a satellite unlikely due to its trajectory. He noted that satellites follow specific launch orbits.

Celestial Body

Lindmark leaned towards it being a celestial body, likely a meteor, moving from northeast to southwest. Air traffic control ruled out it being an airplane. Reports came in from various locations, including Örebro and Stockholm, with the phenomenon seemingly ending around Lidköping.

"Explosion av ljus” – Many readers called about the light phenomenon!

This section compiles reader reactions and further details about the light phenomenon. Many readers called the newspaper, describing it as a "UFO" or a "flying object that exploded." The article reiterates that authorities suggested it was a meteorite or a satellite part. The phenomenon was observed in several regions of Sweden. The article quotes Göran Lindmark again, stating that while the exact nature is unknown, it's unlikely to be a satellite and could be a meteor.

Himlafenomenet var en meteor

Docent Bertil Anders Lindblad from Lund University reiterated his conclusion that the phenomenon was a bright meteor, not a satellite. He explained that satellites enter the atmosphere at a shallow angle and glow for minutes, while this object burned up in seconds. He estimated its speed at 20-30 km per second and its altitude at 30-40 km, with a mass of only a few hundred grams. The bright light was caused by the high speed and collision with air atoms. He mentioned that while meteorites are rare, they are not typically dangerous, citing the Barringer Crater in Arizona as a large known impact site.

INTE SATELLIT?

Göran Lindmark from the Defence Staff's information service stated that it was likely a celestial body, possibly a meteor, moving from northeast to southwest. He mentioned that the observations seemed to cease around Lidköping. Central Air Traffic Control ruled out it being an airplane. He noted that reports came in from Örebro and Stockholm, but the exact timing and nature of the phenomenon were still under investigation.

Bryt tystnaden om "meteoren"!

This article by Tor Wiklund critically examines the "meteor" explanation for the light phenomenon. Wiklund questions whether a meteor could produce the observed effects, particularly the spiral motion and lingering smoke trails. He presents a photograph of the phenomenon, highlighting a faint spiral pattern. He argues that a meteor travels in a straight line and that a satellite's construction would not allow for such a spin. He speculates about the possibility of advanced military technology or unknown objects being responsible, leaving room for further speculation about the nature of the object.

UFO-log i Frödinge: INOM TRE ÅR TIPPAR JORDEN!

This section features an interview with Ursula Sethson from Frödinge, who is convinced of the existence of UFOs and intelligent extraterrestrial life. She believes that UFOs are piloted by beings who are more advanced than humans, both intellectually and physically. Sethson posits that humans originated from these beings, who were originally deported to Earth due to their low moral standards. She predicts a major natural disaster is imminent, after which the UFO-nauts will make more direct contact with humanity.

Läser allt

Sethson's interest in UFOs was sparked about a year prior to the article. She consumes a vast amount of literature on the subject, including books from Germany, England, and the USA, and maintains contacts with UFO organizations and individuals.

New Theories

Sethson presents a unique perspective on human history and the potential role of UFO-nauts. Her theories involve telepathy, other dimensions, and a universal theology. She claims that her theories are based on numerous "contact reports" where individuals describe encounters with UFO-nauts. She suggests that these beings are concerned about humanity's development, particularly the discovery of nuclear energy and hydrogen bombs, which could lead to the destruction of inhabited worlds.

The Good Ones

Sethson believes in a cosmic balance of good and evil, with a powerful good deity and an equally powerful evil force. She asserts that human life exists on multiple planets in our solar system, including Venus and Jupiter, contrary to scientific consensus. She claims that these beings, who are descendants of the original humans, are the "ancestors" of Earth's current inhabitants. She explains that humans were initially deported to Earth for "purification" due to criminal and immoral behavior. She also mentions that Earth's axis has tilted 127 times, causing catastrophic natural disasters, and that in five instances, human civilization had to start anew. She predicts another axis tilt within three years, after which survivors will be taken aboard UFOs until Earth is habitable again, leading to a new, improved human civilization.

The Choice

Sethson states that the selection of who will live is determined by an individual's "aura" – their character, feelings, and thoughts – and cannot be influenced. She believes the UFO-nauts wish humanity well but warns of an opposing evil force that attempts to silence witnesses and suppress the truth about UFOs. She suggests that energy companies might be involved in this suppression to protect their cosmic energy supply.

Other Sections

miniproblemet (Mini-problem)

A short segment by Göran Guiivall poses a physics question about buoyancy and encourages readers to conduct experiments.

vekans miniproblem (Weekly Mini-problem)

This section features a question about whether the weight on a scale changes when an object is submerged in water, encouraging experimental verification.

300 rapporter om året (300 reports per year)

This article discusses the work of UFO-Sverige, which receives around 300 UFO reports annually. Christer Nordin, a leader in the Stockholm UFO-förening, explains that most reports are explainable (e.g., weather balloons, flares), but about 20% remain unexplained. He emphasizes that UFOs exist but their nature is unknown. He notes the growing public interest in UFOs, fueled by media, but also the lingering stigma of being considered "strange" for studying them.

Försiktiga vetenskaps-män (Cautious scientists)

This piece highlights that scientists are becoming more interested in UFOs, though many remain cautious. It mentions that UFO-Sverige has 18 local chapters with about 2500 members. Some members build UFO detectors that emit a sharp sound when exposed to electromagnetic radiation.

Christer sysslar med UFO "Många tycker jag är konstig"

This section features Christer Nordin, who leads the Stockholm UFO-förening. He describes a case from Småland in 1959 where a man reported seeing a UFO with two beings, and subsequently suffered leg problems leading to amputation, which he attributed to radiation. Nordin states that while many people still find UFO enthusiasts strange, more are becoming open to the possibility. He clarifies that UFO organizations investigate and collect facts to make UFO phenomena taken seriously. He admits he has never seen a UFO himself but stresses the importance of investigation over belief.

17-årings teleskopbygge belönat med USA-resa!

This article highlights Anders Norman, a 17-year-old from Kalmar, who built a three-meter-long, four-ton telescope. He won a scholarship trip to the USA for his project, which was exhibited at the Tekniska muséet as part of an Unga Forskare event.

Snabbast hittills (Fastest yet)

This brief item describes the Nato II C communications satellite, built by Ford Aerospace and Communications Corporation, as the fastest vehicle ever built, reaching speeds of 11,066 km/h at an altitude of 36,000 km. It is powered by over 20,000 solar cells.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena and encourages reader participation. There's a clear stance that UFOs exist but require scientific scrutiny rather than blind belief. The editorial team acknowledges the voluntary nature of their work and accepts a less polished presentation in favor of content. The magazine seems to lean towards the more speculative and theoretical aspects of UFO research, as evidenced by the extensive coverage of Ursula Sethson's theories, while also reporting on more conventional investigations and expert opinions. There's an underlying theme of challenging established scientific views and encouraging an open mind towards unexplained phenomena.

This issue of "RIKSORGANISATIONEN UFO-Sverige" (The Swedish UFO Organization) from May 4, 1979, focuses on the annual meeting held in Koping. The cover prominently features a quote from chief engineer Henry Svensson stating, "In the eyes of the authorities, one is not respectable if one takes UFOs seriously." The issue delves into the growing interest in UFO phenomena, the challenges faced by investigators, and the societal stigma associated with the topic.

UFO-Sverige Annual Meeting in Koping

The article details the annual meeting of UFO-Sverige, which attracted a large and engaged audience. The event featured presentations by two notable figures: chief engineer Henry Svensson from Skövde and editor Jan Fjellander from Stockholm. The meeting included internal proceedings, during which Birgitta Andersson of Enköping was elected as the new chairperson, succeeding Thorvald Berthelsen. Andersson is noted as the first female chairman of the organization and has been actively involved in UFO matters for years. The organization reports that 40 percent of its members are women.

UFO Interest and Investigation

The issue highlights that UFO interest spans all social classes and fascinates people of all ages. However, the subject is controversial and often leads to confusion, with those who have experienced unexplained events sometimes facing ridicule or disbelief. UFO-Sverige receives numerous reports, but only about five percent are deemed to be genuine UFO cases after thorough investigation, with the rest explained by conventional phenomena like airplanes, weather balloons, or space debris. The organization encourages people who have experienced UFO events to report them to their nearest contact point, with anonymity guaranteed.

Reported UFO Incidents

Two specific UFO sightings from Södermanland are recounted:

• Akers Styckebruk, February 17, 1978: A person observed a bright, lamp-like object with white light in the sky for 30-45 seconds. Later, a larger object, estimated at 25-30 meters in diameter, with no wings and emitting light in various colors, was seen and heard making a sound like wind in pine trees. The object had a triangular shape with rounded corners, and three dark, round objects were visible on its underside.
• Björnlunda, April 6, 1978: A 21-year-old cadet and his father observed a silent object with multiple spotlights moving south towards Nyköping. The father, who had prior experience with aircraft observation, was certain it was not a plane. The object ascended vertically, moved east, then south, emitting white light that dimmed over time. The observation lasted 30 seconds.

Expert Presentations

Henry Svensson, an chief engineer and active member of the UFO problem, delivered a compelling presentation. He has received many reports and is dedicated to uncovering the causes behind them. Svensson criticizes authorities for often trivializing UFO incidents. He states that in these circles, taking UFOs seriously can lead to one being considered 'not respectable'.

Jan Fjellander, associated with the Stockholm-based organization for psychobiofysics, discussed the historical context of UFO phenomena. He suggested that UFO events might touch upon parapsychological boundaries. Fjellander presented evidence that UFO sightings have occurred throughout history, referencing ancient texts like the Vedas which mention flying chariots ('Vimanas'), medieval sky phenomena, and 19th-century sightings resembling zeppelins, leading to modern disc-shaped objects.

UFO Expo in Koping

The issue promotes a large UFO exhibition, "NÄRKONTAKT MED KÖPING" (Close Contact with Koping), held at the Koping Museum. This exhibition, supported by the municipality, was a major tourist attraction the previous summer and is expected to draw significant crowds again. It features over 40 display screens, models of observed UFOs, and a continuous screening of a 45-minute film about UFOs. The exhibition also includes historical artifacts related to flight and astronomy. The event is described as the first and only of its kind in a tourist context, with school classes already booking visits.

Sky Lab Re-entry Concerns

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the impending re-entry of the Sky Lab space station. Reports indicate that the station, weighing 80 tons, is expected to fall to Earth within 24 to 48 hours. The Swedish government is urging the public not to panic and has informed authorities. There is speculation about a potential evacuation of populated areas due to the unpredictable nature of the re-entry. The article notes that the risk of Stockholm being hit is estimated at one in four under the worst-case scenario. The magazine criticizes the decision to launch such a potentially dangerous object and the lack of control over its descent.

Personal Narratives and Reflections

The magazine includes personal accounts and reflections. One piece, "SL 2 FALLER I NATT" (Sky Lab Falls Tonight), is a fictionalized narrative about a person driving at night, listening to news about Sky Lab, and encountering a police scene related to a car accident, possibly influenced by the general anxiety surrounding the space station's fall. Another section, "Skyddsandar" (Guardian Spirits), by Siri Norling, recounts a personal experience of a protective spirit intervening to prevent a car accident. H. G. Wahrmann shares an experience of possible telepathic communication.

Lunar Influence on Behavior

An article titled "Månen gör folk galna" (The Moon Drives People Mad) discusses research by psychiatrist Arnold Lieber, who claims a statistical correlation between the phases of the moon (full and new moon) and violent crimes, including murder. Lieber suggests that the moon's gravitational field might affect the human body, potentially pushing individuals on the verge of breakdown towards violence or suicide.

Life After Death

Another article, "Finns ett liv efter detta?" (Is there life after this?), explores the question of life after death. It notes that a newspaper poll found no one believed in an afterlife, but the article argues that evidence for continued existence exists, citing personal communication from a deceased wife as proof.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent public fascination with UFOs, the perceived dismissiveness of official bodies towards the subject, and the historical and ongoing nature of unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine adopts a stance that champions the investigation of UFOs and criticizes governmental secrecy or lack of transparency. It also reflects a broader societal anxiety, as seen in the coverage of the Sky Lab re-entry and the discussion of lunar influences on human behavior, suggesting a public grappling with uncertainty and potential threats from both terrestrial and extraterrestrial sources. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging open inquiry into the unexplained while also acknowledging the psychological and societal impacts of such phenomena.

This issue of 'ny teknik' from August 15, 1979, features a prominent article detailing the theory that the 1908 Tunguska explosion in Siberia was caused by an extraterrestrial spacecraft. It also includes a report on the Viking 1 mission to Mars' moon Phobos and a piece on the physics of invisibility.

Tunguska Explosion: A Spaceship's Demise?

The lead article, "Känd sovjetisk vetenskapsman fastslår: Tunguska-explosionen 1908 orsakades av ett rymdskepp" (Renowned Soviet Scientist States: The 1908 Tunguska Explosion Was Caused by a Spaceship), presents the controversial theory put forth by Felix Ziegel, an astronomy professor at the Moscow Aviation Institute. Ziegel, speaking via the Russian news agency TASS, suggested that the object which exploded over Tunguska on June 30, 1908, with a force comparable to a 40-megaton atomic bomb, was not a natural phenomenon but a constructed probe of extraterrestrial origin.

The Tunguska event caused immense devastation across a wide area of Siberia, felling trees over large tracts and resulting in intense radioactive fallout. Eyewitnesses reported a brilliant white object in the sky at 7 AM, observed by thousands within an 800-kilometer radius. The impact created a tremendous blast heard up to 1,000 kilometers away, shaking the ground and causing damage to buildings.

Previous scientific expeditions, notably one in 1927, established that trees were flattened in a radial pattern around the epicenter, within a 15 to 30-kilometer radius. Evidence of fires and numerous round, water-filled holes in the ground were also found. Elevated radioactivity in the area persists to this day. Theories about the cause have ranged from a falling meteorite to an antimatter explosion.

Ziegel's assertion is based on his research, which he claims increasingly points to a flying saucer as the cause. He notes that the object made a distinctive wide turn, first northward and then westward, before its catastrophic descent, a maneuver he deems unnatural. Furthermore, Ziegel highlights the release of significant quantities of zinc, bromine, sodium, lead, and other elements during the explosion – elements not typically found in meteorite cores but present in artificial structures. An expedition to Tunguska in the summer of 1977, led by scientist Alexej Zolotov, reportedly found further evidence refuting natural explanations, including plant and insect mutations indicative of a biophysical change in the local flora and fauna.

Ziegel expressed hope that continued research would shed light on the spacecraft's construction and the reasons for its crash.

Secret Lectures and UFO Interest in the USSR

The article delves into the significant public interest in UFOs within the Soviet Union, describing it as large and serious. Thousands reportedly attend clandestine lectures on ufology and exchange 'Samizdat' (underground) writings on the topic. The frequent official denials of UFO phenomena in the Soviet press are seen as evidence of the widespread interest. The communist youth newspaper 'Komsomolskaja Pravda' is quoted as dismissing UFO interest as 'curiosity with superstitious and religious impulses, indirectly stemming from the Pentagon.'

Ziegel himself is mentioned as having given a forbidden lecture in 1977 about flying saucers, asserting that all publicity surrounding the UFO phenomenon was strictly prohibited in the Soviet Union. While Ziegel never denied giving the lecture, its content was disseminated via stenciled copies to UFO enthusiasts. He claimed that 300 UFO sightings had been recorded in the Soviet Union, citing specific instances such as a UFO hovering over the city of Naltjik for 36 hours, another pursuing a Soviet passenger plane, and a third causing traffic jams near Golitsjno.

However, Ziegel's spacecraft theory for the Tunguska event faces opposition. Vitalij Bronsten, secretary of the Soviet Astro-Geodetic Society, completely dismisses the idea, proposing that a comet exploding in the Earth's atmosphere is the most plausible explanation. The article speculates whether Bronsten might be a Soviet colleague of Sture Wickerts at FOA.

Low Pass Over Phobos

A separate article, "Lågsniff mot Phobos" (Low Pass Over Phobos), reports on the American spacecraft Viking 1. Its orbital module executed a unique low-altitude pass over Mars' moon Phobos, just 12 miles above the surface. The Viking 1 and 2 landers had previously explored Mars, while their orbital counterparts studied the planet from space. This close encounter with Phobos, one of Mars' two moons, was a significant achievement, allowing NASA engineers to capture detailed images of the moon's surface, with features as small as 10 meters visible.

Phobos is described as one of the smallest moons in the solar system, measuring 21 x 19 kilometers. The close-up images revealed that Phobos has been heavily bombarded by meteoroids, resulting in craters of varying sizes. The article contrasts Phobos's size with Earth's moon, which has a diameter of 3,480 km, and notes that Phobos orbits Mars at a distance of only 5,900 km, compared to the Earth-Moon distance of 384,000 km.

A theory from the mid-20th century by a Russian researcher suggested Phobos was an artificial satellite or spaceship, but this is now dismissed; Phobos is described as a massive rock block without atmosphere or life.

The low gravity on Phobos is highlighted, suggesting that future astronauts will find it difficult to stay grounded. The article humorously notes that a baseball player could hit a ball so hard it would never return.

The Physics of Invisibility

The final article, "Att bli osynlig" (Becoming Invisible) by Göran Grimvall, explores the scientific principles behind invisibility. It explains that an object cannot absorb light (as it would cast a shadow) nor reflect light (as its surface would be visible). The concept is illustrated using the example of glass, which is more visible in air than in water due to differences in refractive indices (n).

The formula R = (n₁-n₂)² / (n₁+n₂)² is presented, where R is reflectivity and n₁ and n₂ are the refractive indices of two media. Using approximate values for air (n=1), water (n=4/3), and glass (n=3/2), the reflectivity at the glass-water interface (R=0.003) is significantly lower than at the glass-air interface (R=0.04). This explains why glass is harder to see when submerged in water.

The article discusses how this principle applies to H.G. Wells's science fiction novel about an invisible man, noting that such a being would also be blind, as eyes require light absorption, which creates a shadow. The phenomenon of light reflection is also applied to sound waves, where the acoustic impedance (cp) replaces the refractive index. The reflectivity of sound at the water-air interface is extremely high (R=0.99887), meaning almost all sound energy is reflected, resulting in significant sound attenuation when passing between these media.

Finally, the article touches upon how fish, despite having acoustic impedance similar to water, can be detected by sonar due to gas-filled swim bladders that strongly reflect the sonar's sound waves.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects a strong interest in unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and the Tunguska event, presenting scientific and speculative theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, giving voice to controversial theories like Ziegel's while also grounding discussions in scientific principles, as seen in the articles on physics and space exploration. There's a clear engagement with both Soviet and Western scientific developments, juxtaposing Ziegel's theories with NASA's missions. The inclusion of a reader's letter at the end, offering a sale on back issues of 'UFO-NYTT', further underscores the magazine's focus on the UFO topic.