UFO-Nytt - 1979 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: 4
Volume: 3
Date: 1979

This issue of UFO-NYTT, published by Kalmar Ölands UFO-Förening (UFO-KO), is a Swedish-language magazine focused on UFO phenomena, space exploration, and related mysteries. The cover prominently features the name 'VALENTICH' and 'H - UFO:S', suggesting a focus on the mysterious disappearance of pilot Fredrick Valentich and UFO sightings.

Editorial and Organizational Information

The magazine is published by KALMAR OLANDS UFO-FÖRENING (UFO-KO) and edited by Bert Petersson, with Leif Andersson serving as Editorial Secretary. The editorial team expresses hope for a pleasant summer and a busy autumn of UFO activities. They announce that the association will send five participants to a field researcher training course in Lersäter and will conduct night observations every two weeks at their clubhouse in Strandtorp, Öland. The magazine relies on volunteer work and states that the text material, printing, and appearance are of secondary importance, with a tolerance for spelling and grammatical errors.

Cover Story: The Valentich Incident

The cover and several articles focus on the disappearance of 20-year-old pilot Fredrick Valentich from Avondale Heights, Australia, on October 21, 1978. Valentich was flying a Cessna and reported a UFO encounter approximately six minutes before his final radio transmission. He described the object as metallic, cigar-shaped with four sharp lights, and stated it was circling his aircraft. His last call was followed by a strange, metallic noise, and then silence. Despite extensive searches, Valentich and his plane were never found. The incident is described as one of the most sensational of the year. The article notes that the Department of Transportation suggested Valentich might have mistaken the reflection of his own plane for a UFO, a theory dismissed by Arthur Schott.

Skylab Debris Investigation

Another significant section details the re-entry of the American space station Skylab into Earth's atmosphere. While most of the station burned up, debris fell in Australia, particularly near Perth. A team of US space scientists arrived in Australia to investigate the fallen parts. Robert Gray, the delegation leader, is quoted saying that in the future, the US will use space shuttles to retrieve dying space stations rather than risk uncontrolled re-entries. The article mentions that while NASA predicted the re-entry path, the actual debris fell in a different location, and that the station's orbit was altered shortly before re-entry to avoid populated areas, particularly North America.

Space and UFO Research

Partiklar varmare än solen: This section reports on the Voyager I space probe encountering superheated particles in space between Jupiter and Mars, with temperatures 100 times greater than on the sun's surface. These particles, possibly composed of water, sulfur, and oxygen, did not damage the spacecraft.

Dockning i rymden: This news brief mentions the successful docking of the unmanned Soviet spacecraft Soyuz-34 with the Salyut-6 space station, which was occupied by cosmonauts Vladimir Lyakhov and Valerij Rjumin, who had been aboard for over 100 days. An earlier attempt to dock with a manned Soyuz craft had failed.

På rätt våglängd med rymdvarelser: This article discusses the debate among astronomers and researchers about the best radio frequency for communicating with extraterrestrial intelligence. N. S. Kardashev from the Institute for Space Research in Moscow proposes a very short wavelength of 1.5 mm, citing economic and technical advantages. He suggests that this frequency is close to the vibration of water molecules and an artificial atom, making it ideal for long-range radio traffic. The article notes that a receiver for this frequency has already been built and used to detect water in clouds near Orion.

Historical UFO Cases and Sightings

Hundrade dagen i rymden: This report touches upon the Soviet cosmonauts Lyakhov and Rjumin spending their 100th day on the Salyut-6 space station, noting that Soviet media did not mention any issues despite reports of problems with the station. It also mentions a postponed Soviet-Hungarian space flight due to unspecified issues with Salyut-6.

ELDKLOT (Fireball): This section details UFO sightings and radar echoes reported in New Zealand on December 21, 1978. Captain Powell and co-pilot Perry encountered a UFO near their cargo plane. The object was tracked by radar for 20 kilometers and approached the plane at high speed before disappearing. A TV producer, Leonard Lee, sent reporter Quentin Fogarty to retrace the flight path, resulting in a five-minute UFO film that lasted 40 minutes in visual contact. The film is available for a significant fee.

ELVA SÄKRA KONTAKTER (Eleven Certain Contacts): This article discusses eleven UFO incidents in Italy where evidence was considered overwhelming. These cases involved elongated objects emitting green, red, and white light. A particularly interesting case involves two fishermen and their boat disappearing near Pescara while a UFO was observed.

GRÖNA MAN (Green Men): This section reports on a resurgence of UFO interest in the USA due to at least five recent contacts. It mentions incidents near Jersey City, Brick Township, Poplar Branch (North Carolina), and Tennessee. The article notes the media's tendency to ridicule such events. Major Ralph Williams of the US Air Force stated that the Air Force is no longer involved in UFO investigations and referred inquiries to the National Archives or Project Blue Book. A police officer reported observing a UFO for 20 minutes, fearing ridicule if his identity was revealed. Another police observation involved a white circular object with blue lights.

Silvermannens öde (The Silver Man's Fate): This multi-page feature recounts a sensational story from 1949 about a crashed flying saucer in the southwestern USA. The saucer reportedly contained the bodies of sixteen small, dark-skinned beings, approximately 90-100 cm tall. The craft and bodies were allegedly taken to a secret location for examination. The article describes the saucer's construction, made of unknown metals, and its advanced technology. A 'scientist X' who allegedly participated in the examination provided details to writer Frank Scully. The article also mentions further alleged crash landings in New Mexico with more small beings, some dead and others who died upon exiting the craft due to Earth's atmosphere. The technology was believed to utilize magnetism for propulsion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the possibility of extraterrestrial life and advanced technology through UFO sightings and alleged encounters. There is a clear interest in documenting unexplained aerial phenomena, space exploration, and the potential for alien contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various cases and scientific perspectives, even if some are sensationalized or lack definitive proof. The publication acknowledges the challenges in UFO research, including media skepticism and the difficulty in obtaining concrete evidence. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs and the ongoing search for answers, whether through scientific investigation or eyewitness accounts.

This issue of "Örnar i Skyn" (Eagles in the Sky) from September 2023 (Volume 1, Issue 4) explores a range of topics related to mysteries, ancient history, and the future of space exploration. The cover boldly proclaims "FÖRHISTORISK TID!" (Prehistoric Time!) and features an illustration of a prehistoric flying machine and a winged creature, hinting at the magazine's focus on ancient technologies and extraterrestrial influences.

Alien Encounters and Recovered Beings

The magazine recounts several alleged encounters with extraterrestrial beings. One incident, supposedly from 1950 in Montana, USA, describes the crash of three flying saucers, with one surviving alien, about a meter long, being kept alive in an incubator. Another account from Phoenix, USA, details a UFO crash and the recovery of a small, silver-clad alien. The article "Varelsen börjar tala" (The Creature Begins to Speak) details how scientists attempted to teach this being English using images, and it was claimed to be able to read and write.

Further accounts include the popular story of George Adamski's 1952 encounter with a tall, human-like alien from Venus who communicated telepathically. The magazine also touches upon the myth of 'little green men' and introduces the term 'HUMANOID' coined by ufologists for human-like beings from other worlds. It describes various humanoid types, from small ones about 90-120 cm tall to giants over 3 meters. A particularly vivid account from Kentucky, USA, describes encounters with tall, long-eared creatures with elephant-like ears and round eyes, referred to as 'monsters'. The article also mentions a case in Arkansas where a 'practical joke' involving aluminum foil and costumes led to numerous reports of alien encounters.

Prehistoric Flying Machines and Ancient Artifacts

Erich von Däniken is featured, presenting his sensational claims about hundreds of miles of underground tunnels beneath Ecuador. He suggests that the vast gold treasures found in these caves, particularly those collected by Pater Carlo Crespi in Cuenca, might be evidence of visitors from space. The article highlights a 52 cm tall gold stele with 56 unique inscribed characters, suggesting an unknown alphabet. Von Däniken also discusses three prehistoric flying machine models found in Ecuador and Peru, one of which is displayed in the State Bank in Bogotá. These models, described as having stabilizers and upward-pointing tail fins, are argued to be far more advanced than simple religious artifacts, with experts comparing them to modern aircraft designs like the B-52 and Concorde.

The 'snake symbol' is interpreted as a symbol for space travel, possibly representing spacecraft or their occupants. The article posits that ancient descriptions of 'dragons' or 'flying snakes' might have been attempts by early humans to describe advanced aerial vehicles they witnessed, lacking the technical vocabulary to do so accurately.

UFO Sightings and Debates

The magazine includes a correspondence section discussing a UFO sighting over Gran Canaria on March 5th. Alfund Johansson initially suggested the phenomenon was a rocket, but Gunnar Schelin, who received reports from witnesses on Gran Canaria, countered that the object exhibited characteristics inconsistent with a rocket, such as hovering for an extended period, unusual lights, and erratic movements. Schelin argues that intelligent and educated individuals are more likely to report such phenomena.

Space Exploration and Future Technology

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the American Space Shuttle program. It details the high costs, delays, and the shuttle's primary role in transporting materials into Earth orbit. The article raises concerns about the potential military applications of these shuttles, including the deployment of spy satellites and the possibility of space warfare. The development of 'Hunter and Killer' satellites by the Soviet Union, equipped with powerful laser cannons capable of destroying targets in orbit, is also discussed, along with the US response of developing similar laser and electron beam weapons and reinforcing its own satellites.

The future of space travel is explored, with projections for commercial flights carrying passengers and cargo. The concept of large space stations and solar power plants in Earth orbit is presented as future destinations. The magazine also touches upon the potential for a 'space age' to become a new frontier for humanity, offering incredible markets and opportunities, but also acknowledging the immense costs involved in space tourism.

Dinosaur Intelligence and Evolution

The article "Skräcködlan var inte alls dum!" (The Dinosaur Was Not Stupid At All!) challenges the long-held view of dinosaurs as primitive, cold-blooded creatures with small brains. It presents the findings of researcher Adrian J Desmond, who argues that dinosaurs were not primitive and that many species, like the Brontosaurus and Pteranodon, were highly evolved. The article suggests that dinosaurs may have been warm-blooded, capable of caring for their young, and possessed a complex building structure. It posits that a sudden climate change led to their extinction, while other species like turtles and crocodiles survived. The article speculates on the evolutionary potential of dinosaurs and wonders what heights they might have reached if they had survived into the age of mammals.

Folklore and Paranormal Accounts

Two shorter pieces delve into folklore and paranormal experiences. "Fisketuren" (The Fishing Trip) recounts a man hearing a crying sound near a lake and later learning from an elder that a girl had drowned herself there many years prior. "Vit tror och älvor" (White Spirits and Elves) shares the experience of a woman who claimed to hear 'vittror' (a type of nature spirit) passing by her cabin at night, accompanied by the sounds of bells from their cows. Her husband initially disbelieved her but later confirmed hearing the sounds himself. The same woman also reported seeing three elves dancing around a stone.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient history, unexplained phenomena, and technological advancement. There is a strong undercurrent of questioning established scientific paradigms, particularly concerning ancient civilizations and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into mysteries, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations beyond conventional science. The magazine seems to advocate for a future where humanity expands into space, while also acknowledging the potential dangers and military implications of advanced technology. The overall tone is one of wonder and speculation, inviting readers to ponder the unknown and the possibilities that lie beyond our current understanding.

This issue of Söndags-Expressen, dated May 6, 1979, features a prominent cover story detailing a startling UFO incident in Chile. The magazine also includes articles on space exploration, specifically the Voyager 1 mission to Jupiter, and discusses the potential for future space colonization.

Chilean Soldier Aged by UFO Beam

The lead article recounts an extraordinary event that occurred in Chile on April 25, 1977. Corporal Armando Valdes and his unit were camped at Pampa Llus-cuma, near Putre, at an altitude of 4,000 meters in the Andes. During the early morning hours, two unidentified objects descended towards their camp, emitting intense light. Valdes ordered his men to extinguish their campfire. One object, described as emitting a powerful violet light and having red lights on its sides, approached Valdes. He reportedly shouted at the object to return or identify itself before approaching it. Valdes then lost consciousness and "disappeared" for approximately 15 minutes. Upon regaining consciousness, he was disoriented, mumbled incoherently, and had aged significantly, with his beard having grown as if he hadn't shaved for a week. His wristwatch had also advanced by five days.

Other soldiers in the platoon confirmed Valdes's account and the strange physical changes. The military authorities in Arica, led by Colonel Oscar Figueroa, reportedly attempted to suppress the report to prevent speculation. The recorded testimony of the platoon, captured by Professor Pedro Araneda, was confiscated. This testimony was later analyzed by a polygraph, with the results reportedly accepted as court evidence in some states, and investigator Charles R. Mc Quiston concluded the event was not a hoax.

Other Chilean UFO Sightings in 1977

The magazine also reports on other UFO sightings in Chile during 1977:

• Vilcun: Five days after the Valdes incident, residents of Vilcun reported seeing a round, unidentified object approximately 3 meters in diameter. It rotated rapidly, hovered, and then ascended at high speed. The "Rymdundersökningsgrupp" (GIE) from Argentina detected significant magnetic and radioactive disturbances in the area.
• Punta Arenas: Weeks later, residents of Punta Arenas reported seeing about a dozen UFOs flying south towards Antarctica.
• Santiago: A UFO was photographed over Santiago by university student Miguel Angel Oliver. The photograph was published in the evening edition of "La Segunda" newspaper on May 25, 1977. Witnesses described the object as bright, emitting red light, moving slowly over the mountains, and then changing course to disappear quickly. The object was described as round with a smaller object attached, both emitting light. One witness emphasized the clear sky and their ability to distinguish natural from artificial light, stating they could not explain the phenomenon.

Space Colonization: Living in a Space Cylinder

Another article explores the concept of space colonization, detailing plans for artificial worlds in orbit. These "space colonies" would be massive cylinders, 32 kilometers long and 6.4 kilometers in diameter. The rotation of these cylinders would simulate Earth's gravity, allowing inhabitants to live comfortably. The article suggests that such colonies could be built with current technology, with a smaller prototype being studied in the USA and potentially realized before the year 2000. The colonies would have internal climates, weather, and topography similar to Earth. Solar panels would provide energy, and the article notes that most necessary materials could be sourced from the Moon. The interior walls would be used for agriculture and raising livestock, with day-night cycles regulated by mirrors. The central part of the cylinder would have low gravity, suitable for activities like mountain climbing or flying.

Voyager 1 and Jupiter's Great Red Spot

The issue also features an article on the Voyager 1 mission and its images of Jupiter. The unique images provided by the satellite offered unprecedented views of the planet, particularly the "Great Red Spot." This feature is described as a massive vortex, three times the size of Earth, that has persisted for at least 100 years, possibly even 300 years. The article raises questions about the nature of this storm, its temperature being lower than the surrounding atmosphere, and the alien conditions on Jupiter compared to Earth. Voyager 1 has since left Jupiter and is continuing its journey to Saturn, with Voyager 2 expected to reach Jupiter later in 1980.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and advanced technological concepts like space colonization. The reporting on the Chilean UFO incident suggests a serious approach, citing polygraph results and official investigations. The discussion of space colonization reflects an interest in future possibilities and scientific advancements. The overall tone seems to be one of exploration and reporting on both mysterious events and potential future developments for humanity.