UFO-Nytt - 1980 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-NYTT 1, Volume 4, dated 1980, is published by KALMAR ÖLANDS UFO-FÖRENING (UFO-KO) and focuses on UFO phenomena, space exploration, and related scientific theories. The magazine is in Swedish and aims to inform its members and readers about current events in the UFO field, with a particular emphasis on local occurrences in southeastern Småland, Sweden, alongside broader international reports.

Cover Stories

The cover highlights several key topics. A major astronomical discovery is announced: a new, large grouping of galaxies, dubbed a 'super-swarm', is moving at high speed and contains hundreds of millions of stars. This formation is located behind the constellation Virgo and was detected by data from high-altitude U-2 planes. Another prominent story concerns a new solar satellite, the Solar Maximum Mission (SMM), to be launched by the USA. This satellite will study sudden solar flares, which can cause disruptions on Earth, including radio communication blackouts and power grid failures.

The main headline on the cover, "Tefat eller..?" (Saucers or..?), introduces several eyewitness accounts of unidentified flying objects. One report details a sighting by Yvonne Thorsson in Kalmar of a blinking yellow object with a green interior. Another dramatic account describes the alleged kidnapping of Frank Fontaine in France by a 'flying saucer' after he and his friends witnessed a mysterious light.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Several articles detail specific UFO sightings and encounters:

• Yvonne Thorsson's Sighting: In Kalmar, Yvonne Thorsson reported seeing a strange, yellow, blinking object with a green interior moving across the sky. She described a low, humming sound, different from an airplane, and noted that the object caused the ground to shake.
• Frank Fontaine's Kidnapping: In Saint-Wuen-L'Aumone, France, two friends reported that Frank Fontaine was abducted by a 'flying saucer'. They had left him in his car to retrieve cameras after seeing a mysterious light, only to find his car surrounded by three bright spheres upon their return. Fontaine was missing, and the spheres vanished silently.
• Myrtel Wimmer's UFO Encounter: Fru Myrtel Wimmer from Kråkemåla reported seeing three UFOs on a Friday evening. She described a large, bright sphere in the air that burned her eyes, followed by two more objects moving at a higher altitude. These objects moved silently and at high speed from south to north, illuminating the treetops. Sightings of a bright light were also reported near the air base in Norrköping.
• The 'Ghost Rocket' Phenomenon (1946): This section revisits the wave of 'ghost rocket' sightings in Sweden during July 1946. Thousands of reports described unknown luminous phenomena, including fiery objects with tails, flying at high speeds and in curved paths. Military officials were baffled, initially considering Soviet V-weapon tests but finding no evidence. The reports described objects seen at low altitudes, some disappearing without a trace, leading to speculation about their origin, with some suggesting mass hallucination.
• Finnish UFO Landing and Encounter: A detailed account from Finland describes an encounter by forest workers Pekka Aliranta and Esko Sneck. They witnessed a metallic, disc-shaped object land about 15 meters away. A small, green-clad humanoid, about a meter tall, emerged. The being moved with short, mechanical steps and wore a helmet with a lens-like opening. Aliranta attempted to grab the being, burning his hand on its boot. They also glimpsed three small, humanoid figures inside the craft before it ascended silently.
• Danish and Swedish Sightings: A fiery ball was first observed over Roskilde, Denmark, and then seen in Copenhagen and Amager. Approximately 25 minutes later, similar phenomena were reported in Småland, Sweden, including Värnamo, Jönköping, and Huskvarna. Witnesses described a low-flying, elongated object with a tail, moving slowly and appearing to be larger than a full moon. Some described it as a disc with a transparent dome, emitting green puffs of fire.

Scientific Theories and Space Exploration

• Fred Hoyle's Theory on the Origin of Life: Professor Fred Hoyle of Cambridge University proposes that life on Earth originated from organic molecules carried by comets and meteors from outer space. He suggests that these extraterrestrial 'invasions' continue to spread epidemics, citing the spread of Asian flu as an example of a pattern not explained by normal human or animal transmission.
• Svante Arrhenius's Panspermia Theory: The magazine references the earlier work of Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius, who also proposed that life could be transported through space via 'life spores' carried by light pressure.
• Pioneer 11 Mission to Saturn: The Pioneer 11 spacecraft, launched in 1973, is nearing Saturn after a six-year journey. The mission aims to capture close-up images of the planet and its rings, seeking to understand their composition (gas or rock fragments) and structure. The rings are described as thin, with a thickness of at least 500 meters to four kilometers, and their visibility depends on Saturn's orientation to Earth.
• Salut-6 Space Station Experiments: The Soviet space station Salut-6 has hosted numerous experiments aimed at developing industrial manufacturing capabilities in space. Cosmonauts Ljachov and Rjumin conducted over 50 production-technical experiments, focusing on metallurgy, growing semiconductor crystals, creating metal-fiber composites, and studying welding and soldering in microgravity. These experiments aim to produce unique materials and processes for advanced electronics.
• International Solar Polar Mission (ISPM): A Swedish antenna system, developed by LM Ericsson, will be part of the ISPM spacecraft, a joint project between ESA and NASA. This mission, launching in February 1983, will be the first to explore the polar regions of the Sun, using Jupiter's gravity to alter its trajectory.

Editorial and Recurring Themes

The magazine's editorial stance, as outlined in the introductory section, is to cover UFO phenomena, particularly local events, while also presenting more significant international reports. The editors acknowledge that the work is done voluntarily and that the focus is on the content rather than the presentation. They welcome contributions from readers in the form of articles and discussion posts, requesting that manuscripts be typed and submitted to the editorial address in Kalmar.

The recurring themes in this issue include eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, scientific investigations into space and the universe, and theoretical discussions about the origins of life and extraterrestrial intelligence. The magazine aims to provide a platform for these topics, encouraging readers to share their experiences and insights.

This issue of the magazine, titled "Leder fisket från rymden" (Leading fishing from space), delves into the intersection of space technology and practical applications, primarily focusing on its impact on the fishing industry. It also touches upon personal experiences, technological advancements in rocketry, and speculative future societal developments.

Fishing from Space

The lead article explains how space technology, including data from satellites and the Soviet space station Saljut-6, is revolutionizing fishing. By analyzing sea surface temperature, chlorophyll levels, and tracking ocean currents and plankton blooms, fishing fleets can be guided to areas with abundant fish. The human eye is highlighted as superior to optical instruments for interpreting the colors of the sea, which indicate the presence of phytoplankton and, consequently, fish.

The article details how Saljut-6 can provide real-time data on water temperature and chlorophyll content, and its cameras can track large swirls in the ocean to map currents. This information, combined with data from ground-based satellites, creates a comprehensive dataset for locating fishing grounds. The presence of phytoplankton, the food for fish, causes the sea to "bloom" with distinct color changes, which the space station crew can observe. Soviet fishing experts have found that the visual observations from space are significantly more accurate and timely than those from traditional research vessels or aircraft.

Furthermore, the article suggests that fishing can be further refined with additional instruments and systematic observations. It proposes a future where space stations collaborate with a global network of buoys to collect data, creating an effective instrument for fisheries research. International cooperation in this field is already being discussed within the framework of the UN.

Object Characteristics

The issue mentions that fish schools can slightly increase the temperature of the surrounding water, detectable by infrared measurements. The turbulence trails left by fish schools can also be observed from space. Spectroscopic analysis instruments can identify and track specific substances secreted by certain fish species that form thin films on the water surface. A synergistic approach involving space stations and a global network of buoys is proposed as an effective tool for fisheries research.

UFO Sighting: The Face in the Sky

A personal account by Anne-Marie Duktig describes an unusual experience on a warm August evening in 1950. While resting in a field with her husband, he claimed to have seen the face of an old man with a beard in the sky, which was clearly visible. She recounts her husband's reluctance to share this experience, fearing it would frighten her. The article poses the question of whose face it was and why it only appeared to her husband.

Technological Advancements: Ariane Rocket

The issue features an article on the first test launch of Europe's first launch vehicle for utility satellites, the Ariane rocket. This rocket, developed with contributions from Volvo and Saab-Scania, is scheduled for its first launch on December 15th from the French space center in Kourou, French Guiana. The Ariane rocket weighs approximately 200 tons and can place satellites weighing up to 1000 kg into geostationary orbit. Future test launches are planned for 1980, carrying various utility satellites, including scientific, amateur radio, communication, and meteorological satellites. The article highlights Saab-Scania's role in providing the onboard mini-computer, OBC-AR, which is responsible for communication with ground control, navigation, and control during the launch.

It also mentions a future "self-repairing" computer planned for 1984, which will have enhanced reliability and life expectancy. The OBC-AR computer will be used in satellites like the EXOSAT and the French SPOT earth resources satellite.

"Vet Ni Det?" (Did You Know?)

This section contains several short, interesting facts:

• The first successful rocket launch took place on March 16, 1926, in the USA, performed by Dr. Robert Goddard.
• Titan, one of Saturn's moons, is considered the only celestial body in our solar system besides Earth that might harbor life, due to its atmosphere of hydrogen and methane, which creates a greenhouse effect. The US space agency plans to land humans on Titan in the 1990s.
• Scientists agree that our solar system is between four and six billion years old, with evidence provided by moon rocks brought back by Apollo astronauts.
• A pensioner named Bill Hay and his son found a gold nugget weighing 3.4 kg, valued at approximately 220,000 Swedish kronor, while prospecting near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia.
• The first weather report in Sweden was transmitted via telegraph on January 1, 1881, reporting "Still strong winds with clear skies in southern and central Sweden."

Trans Europe Express: A Vision for the Future

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the concept of "Trans Europe Express," a proposed high-speed, energy-efficient, and interconnected transport network. The narrative follows characters like Pete and Sheela, living in a decaying urban environment, who dream of a better future. The project is presented as a solution to unemployment and economic stagnation in Europe, requiring significant investment and political will.

The story depicts the harsh realities of urban decay in London, with characters struggling with poverty, lack of basic amenities like clean water, and the pervasive presence of crime and social problems. The Trans Europe Express is positioned as a monumental undertaking that could revitalize economies by creating millions of jobs and improving infrastructure. The article discusses the political hurdles and the need for cooperation among European nations to realize this ambitious project.

Robert Landfield, a Member of Parliament, and Keith Norman, his colleague, discuss the project's potential to create jobs and stimulate the economy. They acknowledge the high cost but believe that with state guarantees and international collaboration, it could be feasible. The project is seen as a way to address the challenges of the new era, moving beyond the limitations of the past.

Climate Change and Future Ice Age

The issue touches upon concerns about climate change, with references to changing weather patterns and the possibility of a new ice age. An article discusses a theory proposed by astronomer Fred Hoyle, suggesting that a rapid ice age could be triggered by a massive influx of cometary dust into Earth's atmosphere, leading to rapid cooling and the formation of extensive ice sheets. The preservation of woolly mammoth remains is cited as evidence supporting the idea of rapid freezing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to have a forward-looking perspective, exploring the potential of new technologies and ambitious projects to solve societal problems. There's a recurring theme of hope for a better future, contrasted with the grim realities of urban decay and economic hardship. The editorial stance seems to favor technological innovation, international cooperation, and bold initiatives like the Trans Europe Express to address contemporary challenges. The inclusion of personal anecdotes and speculative theories adds a layer of human interest and intrigue to the broader discussions on science, technology, and society.

This issue of UFO, dated March 22, 1980, and identified as issue number 20, focuses on two significant mysteries: an alleged crashed alien spacecraft orbiting Earth and a puzzling incident involving an Apollo lunar station. The magazine also features the program for the UFO-Sveriges Riksstämma conference.

Alien Spacecraft Discovery

The lead story details a purported discovery by prominent Russian scientists, including Professor Sergei Petrovich Bozhich from Moscow University and Dr. Henry Monteith, a US government nuclear physicist. They claim that a damaged, alien spacecraft is orbiting Earth. According to Professor Bozhich, "We are convinced that a rampaging spacecraft from another planet is circling the Earth." He further believes that "It is my conviction that aliens from another planet are still present in the spacecraft."

Russian scientists reportedly first observed the wreckage in the early 1960s at an altitude of 205 miles. After years of study, they became convinced it was an alien craft and decided to reveal the news. Dr. Vladimir Georgeyvich Azhazha, a leading Moscow physicist, stated, "In my opinion, there is no doubt that we are dealing with the remains of a large alien spacecraft. It must possess secrets that we have not even dreamed of."

Using complex computers, Russian researchers reconstructed the spacecraft's history, concluding it broke into ten pieces due to an internal explosion on December 18, 1955. The two largest fragments are estimated to be about 30 meters in diameter. Dr. Bozhich noted that the fragments could not have originated from Earth, as the first manned satellite, Sputnik 1, was launched by the Russians in October 1957, nearly two years later.

Professor Aleksander Kazantsev, a noted Russian astrophysicist, suggested the spacecraft was at least 60 meters long and 30 meters wide, possibly featuring multiple floors and small domes with telescopes and communication antennas. Russian experts have dismissed the possibility of it being a rotating meteorite, with a US researcher stating that rotating meteorites are unknown. Dr. Lee Richard, an astronomer at the national radio astronomy observatory, noted that meteors are rare and do not explode internally. However, the Soviet physicists maintain that the object exploded spontaneously.

One Soviet physicist, Azhazha, is quoted saying, "Meteors do not orbit; they descend aimlessly, rushing erratically through space." The article concludes with a strong statement: "All the evidence our researchers have gathered over the past decade points convincingly to one thing: I repeat: An alien spacecraft exploded and was destroyed by a technical failure."

The Mystery of the Moon Station That Almost Died

The second major article recounts the puzzling incident of an Apollo 14 lunar station. The station, designed to operate for three years, suddenly ceased functioning in March 1975, leaving scientists on Earth baffled. Ten months later, in October 1975, the station inexplicably reactivated and began functioning perfectly again. The article notes that the Moon has proven to be more "alive" than previously thought.

Apollo 14's station is crucial for Earth-based research, forming part of a network with stations from Apollo 12, 15, and 16, providing valuable data about lunar activity. Seismometers on the Apollo stations have detected thousands of moonquakes annually, though most are minor. They have also reported gas clouds drifting across the lunar surface.

The article speculates about the Moon's interior, suggesting it may have a glowing core similar to Earth's. It posits that the truth about the Moon's interior might be revealed if a sufficiently large meteorite strikes the surface, but this has not yet occurred.

UFO-Sveriges Riksstämma Program

The third section details the program for the UFO-Sveriges Riksstämma (National Conference) held on March 22, 1980, at Sandbrokolan in Enköping. The program includes opening remarks by UFO-Sveriges chairman Birgitta Andersson, a talk by founder C. A. Jonzon, and a presentation by Dir. Gösta Carlsson titled "My Encounter with Aliens." Other sessions include a film on "Ancient Riddles," a coffee break, a talk by Professor Jens Tellefsen on "Physics and Ufology," a presentation by Ing. Henry Svensson on "Ufology and Democracy," and a talk by space journalist Eugen Semitjov on "The Future in Space." The event concludes with a Q&A and debate panel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly leans into the sensational and unexplained aspects of UFO phenomena. The primary article presents a definitive conclusion about an alien spacecraft crash based on the interpretation of scientific data, reflecting a belief in extraterrestrial visitation. The Moon mystery further reinforces the idea that celestial bodies hold unexplained phenomena. The inclusion of the UFO-Sveriges conference program indicates a focus on promoting and discussing ufology within Sweden. The overall stance appears to be one of open investigation and belief in the possibility of alien contact and advanced extraterrestrial technology, while also acknowledging the scientific community's skepticism and the need for further evidence.