UFO-Nytt - 1979 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: 5
Volume: 3
Date: 1979

UFO-NYTT is an informational and membership magazine published by KALMAR OLANDS UFO-FORENING (UFO-KO). This issue, dated 1979, features a cover headline "ÖEN RÖD STJÄRNA" (The Red Star) and includes a variety of articles on UFO phenomena, parapsychology, space exploration, and science fiction.

Cover Story: "ÖEN RÖD STJÄRNA"

The cover illustration depicts a surreal scene with figures and structures, accompanied by the headline "ÖEN RÖD STJÄRNA." The text below suggests a "catalogue of current UFO events and increased knowledge about UFO phenomena."

Articles and Features

Animals and Parapsychology

The magazine explores the idea that animals might possess psychic abilities, including clairvoyance and telepathy. It references historical experiments by Russian circus director Vladimir Durov with dogs, and later parapsychological studies by Karlis Osis at Duke University using kittens. A significant experiment in France by biologists Pierre Duval and Evelyn Montredon is detailed, involving mice and an electric shock apparatus, which reportedly showed a statistically significant ability to avoid shocks, suggesting precognition. The article concludes by questioning whether animals are indeed psychic, clairvoyant, and telepathic.

UFO Sightings

A prominent report details an incident where a Spanish passenger plane with 119 people on board, en route from Mallorca to Tenerife, was forced to land in Valencia after being pursued by four unidentified flying objects. The objects reportedly hovered over the airport, and Spanish fighter jets scrambled to investigate but found nothing. Several witnesses on the ground also reported seeing the objects.

Space Exploration

Saturn: The issue highlights the upcoming Pioneer 11 mission's close approach to Saturn on September 1, 1979. It discusses Saturn's gaseous nature, its rings, and its moons, including Titan, which is considered a potential candidate for extraterrestrial life due to its dense atmosphere. The article mentions that landing on Saturn is not possible, but future missions to Titan are planned.

Mars: The Viking 1 and Viking 2 missions to Mars are discussed, focusing on the discovery of deep ravines and dried-up riverbeds, suggesting that Mars may have had a denser atmosphere and liquid water in the past. While the analysis of Martian soil did not reveal organic compounds necessary for life as we know it, some biological experiments showed unexpected chemical reactions, leaving open the possibility of unknown life forms.

Space Colonization

An article titled "Space Colonies: Humanity's Salvation?" discusses the theories of Professor Gerhard K. O'Neill, who proposes that space colonies could save humanity from food shortages and environmental destruction on Earth. O'Neill envisions large, self-sustaining habitats in orbit, utilizing solar energy and abundant space resources. The article also touches upon the political and economic implications of such a venture, suggesting it could be dominated by large corporations.

Science Fiction

"Bad Times - We Flee to Science Fiction": This section discusses the upcoming Swedish Science Fiction Congress in Stockholm, highlighting the international participation and the role of science fiction as an escape during difficult times. It quotes science fiction author Börje Crona on the genre's appeal and its sales performance during economic downturns.

"The Classic Lensman series E.E. 'Doc' Smith": This appears to be a mention or promotion related to the classic science fiction series.

"Did You Know?" Segments

Several short segments provide interesting facts:

• Temperature Extremes: The lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth (-88.3 degrees Celsius) and a record low in Siberia (-71 degrees Celsius).
• Lightning Mitigation: Experiments in the USA using aluminum foil strips to dissipate electrical charges in storm clouds and reduce lightning strikes.
• Ancient Dust: The discovery that some dust particles are as old as the solar system, originating from comets.
• Mecca Gate: The replacement of a 63-year-old gate to the holy city of Mecca with a new, gold-covered one.
• Proxima Centauri: The closest star to Earth (excluding the Sun) is Proxima Centauri, about four light-years away.
• Moon Landing: The first human steps on the Moon occurred on July 21, 1969.
• Planets: There are nine planets in our solar system, along with numerous small planets.
• Pluto's Moon: Pluto was discovered in 1930, and a moon (Karon) was discovered recently.
• Black Holes: Some stars can collapse into black holes, from which not even light can escape.
• Polaris: Polaris, the North Star, can be used for navigation.
• Lake Siljan: Lake Siljan in Dalarna is a large crater formed by a meteorite impact.
• Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation: Snowfall on a TV screen can contain radio noise from the Big Bang.
• Stellar Material: Our bodies, Earth, and the Sun are composed of material from stars that exploded long before the solar system formed.
• Distant Objects: The most distant observable objects are so far away that their light has taken ten billion years to reach us.

Other Sections

"Mysterious Light Seen": A report from Gothenburg describes two mysterious light phenomena observed over Landvetter Airport, moving at high speed in parallel paths.

"UFO Information": An advertisement for the UFO-Information magazine and UFO-Sverige organization, offering information on "Flying Saucers" and "Third Kind Encounters."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-NYTT reflects a strong interest in the unexplained, particularly UFO phenomena and parapsychology. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating and reporting on these subjects, encouraging reader contributions. There's a blend of scientific reporting (space missions) with more speculative topics (animal psi, UFOs), reflecting a desire to explore the boundaries of current knowledge. The magazine also engages with the science fiction genre, suggesting a connection between imaginative literature and the public's fascination with the unknown and future possibilities. The inclusion of numerous "Did You Know?" facts indicates an effort to educate and engage readers with a wide range of scientific and curious information.

This issue of "Nytt i korthet" (News in Brief), published by Ny Teknik, dated November 6, 1979, covers a diverse range of topics from scientific discoveries to historical retrospectives and future speculations. The cover story highlights the discovery of a meteorite in Virstad, Sweden, by Ture Karlsson, which had previously been searched for by FOA.

Key Articles and Features

Ball Lightning from the Sun

Soviet astronomer Sergej Vsechsvjatskij proposes that ball lightning might be composed of particles from the sun's interior, called plasmoids, held together by magnetic fields. These streams are thought to enter Earth's atmosphere and transform into ball lightning.

Swedish Art in Space Museum

Swedish artist Carl Alexius Berndtson has gained recognition from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. His artwork, depicting a spacecraft near Venus, has been included in the museum's collection related to flight and space exploration. The National Air and Space Museum, founded in 1976, houses significant artifacts like the Wright brothers' "Kitty Hawk" and Charles Lindbergh's "Spirit of St. Louis."

Soviet Cosmonauts Recovering

Cosmonauts Vladimir Lyakhov and Valerij Ryumin, recently returned from a record-long space mission, are recovering. Doctors report they have shrunk slightly and lost weight, but are otherwise well.

Life on Titan?

The American spacecraft Pioneer 11 is approaching Saturn and will then head towards Titan, Saturn's largest moon. Some scientists believe Titan could harbor primitive life forms. Pioneer 11 will conduct infrared measurements of Titan but will not approach too closely to avoid collision.

Ancient Civilizations and Extraterrestrials

Author Erich von Däniken's theories suggest that ancient wonders like the Egyptian pyramids and Mayan temples were built by extraterrestrial visitors. The article questions whether he is a modern prophet or a charlatan, with a TV program set to examine his claims.

Meteorite Found in Virstad

Following a 1975 report of a meteorite splitting into three pieces, one of which reportedly landed in Virstad, Sweden, extensive searches by FOA were unsuccessful. However, Ture Karlsson recently discovered a meteorite measuring 15 cm in diameter and weighing 7.5 kg in a mossy area near a previously identified impact crater. FOA acknowledges this is likely the meteorite they were searching for.

Åke Wallenquist: From Professor to Planet

Astronomy professor Åke Wallenquist, formerly of the Kvistaberg Observatory, has had an asteroid named after him (2114 Wallenquist). This asteroid was discovered by Dr. Claes-Ingvar Lagerkvist, who named it in honor of Wallenquist's earlier discovery of asteroid "1980 Texcatlipoca" with an American colleague in 1950. The article discusses asteroids as minor planets orbiting between Mars and Jupiter, with over 2100 known.

Greek Mythology and Naming Conventions

Astronomers traditionally name celestial bodies after figures from Greek and Roman mythology. However, with the increasing number of discoveries, names from within the scientific community, like Åke Wallenquist, are being used.

The Asteroid Belt

The asteroid belt, located between Mars and Jupiter, is believed to be the remnants of a destroyed planet. The largest asteroid, Ceres, discovered in 1801, has a diameter of 1000 km. The discovery of Ceres was based on Titius-Bode law, a mathematical sequence predicting planetary distances.

British Develop "Flying Saucers"

On the Isle of Man, a company backed by European Ferries is developing a prototype of a saucer-shaped airship. The project, costing an estimated 55 million kronor, aims to create a 60-passenger airship with a cruising speed of 160 km/h, offering ticket prices half that of air travel.

Space Technology Saves Water-Damaged Books

Librarians at Stamford University have used space technology to rescue over 40,000 water-damaged books. The books were freeze-dried to prevent mold and then placed in a vacuum chamber, similar to those used for testing lunar astronauts, to remove moisture.

The "After Apollo" Era

This section reflects on the Apollo program, which cost over 100 billion kronor and was a major achievement for the USA, demonstrating its superiority over the Soviet Union. However, interest waned due to the Vietnam War and other factors. Despite the success of Apollo 11 and subsequent missions, budget cuts led to the cancellation of later Apollo missions (17, 18, 19). The article notes that robotic missions, like those by the Soviet Union, are more cost-effective.

Soviet Space Program's Ambitions

The Soviet Union is presented as a major player in space exploration, with significant investments and ambitious plans. The Salyut space stations are a key part of their strategy, with plans for larger, more permanent stations and eventual colonization of space. The article highlights Soviet advancements in areas like artificial gravity and life support systems, suggesting they may surpass the US in civilian space endeavors.

Salyut Missions

The Salyut program involves developing permanent space stations through modular construction. Standard Salyut ships weigh 20 tons and are 12 meters long. These stations are intended for scientific research, Earth observation, and potentially military applications. Future plans include lunar and Martian missions, and advanced spacecraft like nuclear-powered shuttles.

The Future of Space Exploration

The article concludes by discussing the challenges facing the US space program, including public disinterest and the high cost of missions, particularly those with military applications. It contrasts this with the Soviet Union's sustained commitment and ambitious long-term goals for space colonization, suggesting that space technology holds solutions to Earth's problems, especially energy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue showcases a strong interest in space exploration, both historical and future-oriented, with a particular focus on the space race between the USA and the Soviet Union. There's a recurring theme of scientific discovery, from meteorites to theories about extraterrestrial life and the potential for life on other planets. The articles also touch upon the societal impact of these endeavors, including the cost, public perception, and technological advancements. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these developments objectively, while also highlighting the significant achievements and future potential, particularly in the context of international competition in space.

This issue of the Swedish magazine, identified by its cover headline "Hundratals förskräckta människor då UFO:s svävade över Memphis" (Hundreds of frightened people as UFOs hovered over Memphis), appears to be from July 10, 1979, published by National Enquirer. The magazine covers a significant UFO sighting event and also delves into space exploration and astronomical advancements.

UFO Sighting Over Memphis

The lead article details a mass UFO sighting that occurred on April 18th, at approximately 19:57, over Memphis, Tennessee. Hundreds of people witnessed four glowing, red lights in a perfect formation hovering in the sky. Robert Ingram, chief assistant at the Memphis International Airport control tower, described the event as peculiar and unlike anything he had seen before. He stated that the lights were about 100-120 meters high and approximately 15 km from the airport, appearing to hover.

Ingram confirmed that the lights were visible on radar and, after receiving numerous calls from concerned citizens, he went out to observe them himself. He was convinced they were not conventional aircraft and suggested they were UFOs. Following his observation, Ingram ordered a police helicopter to investigate.

Owen Yarbrough, the co-pilot of the police helicopter, described the experience as "very frightening and baffling." He reported seeing four round, red lights in a rectangular formation that shone very brightly and appeared stationary. However, they maintained their distance from the helicopter, indicating movement. Yarbrough found the situation "spooky" and stated he had never seen anything like it before.

When the police helicopter directed its powerful spotlights towards the objects, the clear red lights began to disappear. Yarbrough recounted how they circled above the lights, and one by one, the lights extinguished, similar to a light bulb going out. He speculated that they might have damaged something. Pilot Ron Houston echoed this sentiment, stating he could not explain what he had seen.

Other witnesses, including Stu Piersson, a pilot and navigator, observed a clear UFO that remained stationary for 10 minutes. Anne Wedgé watched the lights for 15-20 minutes and noted that the UFO lights were ten times brighter than the helicopter's lights. Dr. Carl Sebelius described seeing a brilliantly shining red light that was completely stationary before moving straight up and disappearing.

James Wright, head of the control tower, assured that the weather service did not associate any type of lights with their weather balloons, further emphasizing the unusual nature of the sighting.

Space Exploration: Viking Mission to Mars

Another section of the magazine focuses on space exploration, specifically the American Viking spacecraft's journey to Mars. It contrasts modern space navigation with ancient sea navigation, highlighting the precision required for interplanetary travel. The article explains that the course is largely determined at launch, and once in space, the spacecraft is subject to the gravitational forces of the sun and planets. Fine corrections are made using the spacecraft's rocket thrusters.

The article includes a diagram illustrating the flight path of the Viking spacecraft, showing the positions of Earth and Mars at the time of Viking I and II's launch (August 20, 1975, and October 9, 1975, respectively) and their arrival dates (June 19, 1976, and July 7, 1976). It notes that a more direct route would have required significantly more energy. The diagram also depicts the components of the Viking spacecraft: an orbiter and a lander, which remained passive during the journey.

Upon reaching Mars, the orbiter reconnoitered the landing site. The lander was then deployed, with a parachute to slow its descent, followed by three braking rockets for a soft landing. The article provides a size comparison between a human and the Viking spacecraft.

Astronomy: Sky Umbrella and Superantenna

The magazine also features an article titled "Himmelsparaply" (Sky Umbrella). It introduces Gerald Sharp from West Horsley, England, who, along with his astronomer son, developed a transparent umbrella that projects a map of the night sky. By aligning the handle with the North Star, users can easily identify the names of brighter stars. The article mentions that the umbrella will soon be available in editions for both the northern and southern hemispheres.

Another astronomical development highlighted is the "Superantenna." This antenna, designed by Australian astronomers and technicians, is intended to detect gravitational waves from supernova explosions in the nearest 2000 galaxies. The article includes an image of the antenna, clarifying that it is not part of a pipeline.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to have a strong interest in unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, as evidenced by the prominent cover story. It also demonstrates a commitment to informing readers about scientific advancements in space exploration and astronomy, presenting complex topics like interplanetary navigation and gravitational wave detection in an accessible manner. The editorial stance seems to be one of curiosity towards the unknown, balanced with an appreciation for scientific inquiry and technological achievement.