UFO-Nytt - 1980 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: 3
Volume: 4
Date: 1980
Publisher: KALMAR OLANDS UFO-FORENING (UFO-KO)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-NYTT, a Swedish magazine focused on UFO phenomena and related scientific topics, is a 'Summer Special' issue. It features a prominent cover headline 'WESTLER POINT' and includes a variety of articles covering astronomy, the science of hypnosis, and notable UFO events.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The magazine is published by KALMAR OLANDS UFO-FORENING (UFO-KO) in Kalmar, Sweden. The editorial team includes Bert Petersson and Leif Andersson, among others. The magazine emphasizes that all work is done voluntarily and that the focus is on the text material, with less emphasis on printing quality. They encourage readers to submit articles and discussion contributions, requesting that manuscripts be typed on one side of the page with single line spacing.

The editorial section also mentions significant events for the UFO-KO organization, including their summer camp from July 13-15 and an upcoming planning conference on October 18 in Kalmar, which will feature film screenings and panel discussions. The editors wish readers a pleasant summer.

Astronomy and Space Exploration

Rings, Moons, and Comets

This extensive section, authored by Hans Rickman from the Astronomical Observatory in Uppsala, details recent discoveries in the outer solar system. It highlights that Saturn is no longer unique in having rings, as Jupiter and Uranus have also been found to possess them. The article discusses the observations leading to these discoveries, including those made from Earth using conventional methods and data from space probes like Pioneer 11 and Voyager.

Uranus's Rings: The discovery of Uranus's rings in 1977 during an occultation event is described, revealing five, and later confirmed as nine, narrow rings. The article contrasts Uranus's narrow, dark rings with Saturn's broad, bright ones, noting that the composition of Uranus's rings remains a mystery, with possibilities including millimeter-sized particles or gaseous material.

Jupiter's Rings: Jupiter's ring was photographed by Voyager 2, appearing narrow and composed of small particles. Indirect observations, such as the shadow cast on Jupiter's clouds and a reduction in particle radiation detected by Pioneer 11, had suggested its existence earlier.

• Jupiter's Moons: The article provides details on Jupiter's Galilean moons:
• Io: Characterized by intense volcanic activity, with sulfur compounds on its surface and a thin atmosphere. Its volcanic nature is attributed to tidal forces from Jupiter and gravitational interactions with other Galilean moons.
• Europa: Appears to have a smooth, ice-covered surface with cracks, lacking impact craters, suggesting its surface material is not rigid enough to retain them.
• Ganymede: Primarily composed of water, it features tectonic formations like parallel ridges and valleys, alongside impact craters.
• Callisto: The most heavily cratered body, suggesting a very old surface that has undergone intense bombardment, likely by comets due to the absence of large ring structures seen on Earth's moon.

Comets and Asteroids: The article discusses the possibility of thousands of comets in the outer solar system acting as a reservoir. It mentions the temporary capture of comets by Jupiter, which can alter their orbits and lead to the formation of cometary tails.

Chiron - Asteroid or Comet?: The discovery of Chiron in 1977 is detailed. Its orbit is unusual, lying between Saturn and Uranus, with a period of about 50 years. While classified as an asteroid, its characteristics and orbit suggest it might be a comet, despite its estimated size of several hundred kilometers, which is exceptionally large for a comet nucleus.

Pluto - A Small Planet with a Large Moon: The discovery of Charon, Pluto's moon, in 1978, revealed Pluto as a 'double planet'. The article notes that this discovery allows for a more accurate determination of Pluto's mass, estimated at about 15% of Earth's moon. It questions Pluto's planetary status due to its small size and composition, suggesting it might be more akin to 'small bodies'.

Jupiter's Fourteenth Moon: The article notes that despite earlier predictions of discovering a new Jovian moon annually, the count has remained at 13 since 1974. It mentions the case of comet Gehrels 3, which was temporarily captured by Jupiter between 1966 and 1974, acting as a temporary moon.

Giant Telescope in Spain

A new 2.2-meter mirror telescope, nicknamed 'Mama', has been installed at the Calar Alto observatory in southern Spain. Developed by the Max-Planck-Institut for astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany, it is described as extremely precise, capable of moving at very slow speeds.

NASA Buys Space Lab Module

NASA has signed a contract with the European Space Agency (ESA) to purchase a Spacelab module for $185 million. The Spacelab is a laboratory for space research, with its construction costs shared among ESA member nations. This purchase is seen as a reciprocal gesture for ESA's contribution to the development.

Hypnosis: The Truth About Hypnosis

This article explores the phenomenon of hypnosis, dispelling common myths and highlighting its therapeutic applications. It traces the history of hypnosis from ancient Egypt and Greece to its controversial use in the 19th century and its current acceptance in clinical settings.

Therapeutic Uses: Hypnosis is presented as a tool for managing pain, compulsions, and bad habits. It has been used to treat conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, hemophilia, and asthma, and to aid in post-surgical recovery.

What Hypnosis Is Not: The article clarifies that hypnosis is not sleep, nor does it mean being under someone else's control. It emphasizes that the ability to be hypnotized is not a sign of mental weakness but rather of intelligence and concentration, requiring imagination.

Scientific Basis: Hypnosis is described as a biological and psychological phenomenon that can cause measurable changes in brain activity, observable via EEG. It is also linked to the body's production of endorphins, natural pain relievers.

Applications: The article mentions successful applications of hypnosis in increasing creativity among musicians, artists, and chess players in the Soviet Union. It also highlights its effectiveness in controlling bad habits, with a significant success rate reported for smoking cessation.

UFO Sightings and Beliefs

The 'Flying Saucer' Fever of 1947

This section traces the origin of the term 'flying saucer' to civil pilot Kenneth Arnold's sighting in Washington, USA, on June 24, 1947. His description of the objects' movement as similar to a 'tefat' (saucer) skipping over water led to widespread public fascination with UFOs.

7 out of 10 Swedes Believe in the 'Supernatural'

An opinion poll conducted by the magazine 'Vi' reveals that a large majority of Swedes believe in or are open to 'supernatural' experiences. The survey asked about phenomena such as premonitions, visions, out-of-body experiences, and encounters with unexplained beings. The results indicate a higher prevalence of such beliefs among women and those living in rural areas.

Other Short News Items

Satellites Measuring Star Positions

The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to launch an astronomical observation satellite in 1986 to measure star positions with improved accuracy.

Viking Satellite Launched Earliest in 1984

Sweden's research satellite, Viking, is under consideration, with a decision expected in June. If approved, it could launch in 1984.

Carbon Dioxide Levels Have Doubled

Analysis of Antarctic ice cores indicates that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels 20,000 years ago were half of what they are today.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of scientific inquiry with unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of open-mindedness towards the 'supernatural' and UFOs, while also presenting scientific findings and explanations. The publication aims to inform its readers about both established scientific advancements (like space exploration) and more speculative or fringe topics (like hypnosis and UFO sightings), encouraging critical thinking and discussion within the UFO community.

This issue of "UFO - SVERIGE AKTUELLT" from 1980, volume 12, issue 14, is a Swedish publication from UFO Sverige. The cover prominently features the headline "Spegeln som gör rymden tydligare" (The Mirror that Makes Space Clearer) and an illustration related to UFOs.

Key Articles and Content

Carl-Axel Jonzon Leaves UFO Sverige

The issue begins with news that Carl-Axel Jonzon, the founder and former chairman of Riksorganisationen UFO Sverige (1970-1976), has decided to leave the organization. This departure is reportedly linked to a motion at the Riksstämma that questioned the voting rights of UFO-Informations subscribers, who are considered members of Jonzon's association. The article notes that UFO Sverige's new member magazine, also called "UFO - SVERIGE AKTUELLT," is owned by the Riksorganisationen UFO Sverige. It states that Carl-Axel Jonzon refuses to hand over the member register, which is legally his under the "UFO Information" association. This leaves the new magazine without access to the subscribers they had acquired over the years. Readers are asked to send in names and addresses of potential subscribers to receive a sample copy.

Skepticism Towards UFOs

Bengt Anderberg writes a skeptical piece titled "En skeptiker Lika roligt och troligt som älvor, tomtar och troll" (A Skeptic: As fun and plausible as elves, gnomes, and trolls). He notes that while many Americans, including President Carter, claim to have seen UFOs, and a majority believe in them, he has never seen or heard of any truly credible evidence. He references Philip J. Klass, a skeptic and publisher of Aviation Week & Space Technology, who has researched UFO sightings for 11 years without finding a single absolutely credible observation. Klass even offered a $10,000 reward for proof of UFO existence, which has never been claimed. The article discusses common misidentification causes, such as planets, stars, aircraft, balloons, and meteorological phenomena, but also acknowledges that a small percentage of reports remain unexplained. It touches upon the cyclical nature of UFO sightings, linking them to popular culture like Jules Verne's novels, and mentions the Cold War speculation about secret Russian weapons. The author quotes astronomer Allen Hynek, who suggests that phenomena might be based on technology incomprehensible to us, or even projections from intelligent beings in space. Anderberg concludes by questioning the purpose of UFOs' alleged behavior, suggesting it seems aimless, and relates the idea of constant surveillance to a need for reassurance against cosmic loneliness and earthly injustice.

Scientific and Technological Developments

Pyramids to be Scanned: Physicist Luiz Alvarez plans to use muon radiography to scan the Egyptian pyramids for hidden chambers and treasures. Muons, which travel near the speed of light, can penetrate solid rock, and their passage through the pyramids will be recorded on special plates to create a map of internal structures.

Space Telescope Mirror: The US space agency NASA is developing a 2.4-meter diameter mirror for its space telescope, weighing 1,200 kg. Manufactured by Kodak, it will take 16 months to produce and will be launched into Earth orbit in late 1983, allowing astronomers to see seven times farther into space.

Enhanced Space Shuttle: NASA is exploring ways to increase the cargo capacity of its space shuttle for missions near polar orbits. This involves adapting Titan rocket components to provide extra thrust at launch, potentially increasing payload capacity from 10,886 kg to 16,324 kg. These missions would pass over Sweden. Studies are underway, with contracts awarded to Martin Marietta Corp. and Aerojet Liquid Rocket Co., and the enhanced shuttle is expected to be operational by mid-1985.

New Satellite Station on Spitsbergen: Norway has opened a new satellite station on Spitsbergen, improving communication with the mainland. The previous temporary facility had limited capabilities.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The "HÄNDELSER" (Events) section details several UFO sightings and encounters reported by individuals in Sweden:

• Kalmar Area: Yvonne Thorsson reported an observation on March 10th, 1980, of a blinking, disc-shaped object with a golden-yellow glow and jerky movements, accompanied by a loud humming sound and vibrations. Witnesses included the Johansson family and Crister Norrby.
• Revsudden and Petrozavodsk: Arne Södergren and Ragnar Carlsson observed a large, luminous object on September 20, 1977, near Revsudden, which cast an arc-shaped light and descending beams. Later that night, a similar object was seen over Petrozavodsk, Russia, hovering for 12 minutes and emitting beams that created holes in the ground.
• UFO-Varelser (UFO Beings): Gunnar Schelin reports on encounters with alleged UFO occupants, or "humanoids." He mentions a case from 1958 in Härja, Sweden, where a man named Neuman saw a small alien and a landed UFO. Another report from Norway in 1954 describes two sisters encountering a being who communicated non-verbally. A case from Böda, Öland, mentions an elderly couple seeing a landed UFO with three small beings.
• Kalmar and Öland Activity: Reports from March 1980 indicate high UFO activity. Two women in Köpingsvik saw a mysterious object resembling two spheres emitting blue-white light. A merchant from Kalmar saw three objects moving in different directions. A woman in Kalmar reported a red, glowing sphere with yellow beams. Three boys in Lindsdal saw a bright violet object. Four youths near Borgholm saw a mysterious luminous object near the castle ruins.
• Cigar-Shaped UFO: A report from between Fliseryd and Mönsterås describes a large, cigar-shaped UFO with nine windows, which emitted a strong light and later split into two.
• Mysterious Sphere: A person described finding a football-sized, shiny metal sphere that reproduced music when played nearby and exhibited unusual rolling behavior.

Encounter with a "Space Being"

Under the heading "MÖTTE RYMDVARELSE" (Met a Space Being), a person recounts an encounter from several years prior near Örsjö. They met a "space being" approximately 150 cm tall, strongly built, wearing a tight-fitting suit and a helmet. The being moved about 20-30 km/h, gliding about 20 cm above the ground. The witness speculated it might have been a robot.

Strange Lights and Objects

Reports from the Rosenfors area mention a mysterious object seen stationary in the sky. From Räpplinge, a yellow, luminous object with irregular edges was observed, described as being very close (about 50 meters away), which then descended and developed a tail before disappearing.

Westler Point Narrative

An extended narrative section, titled "WESTLER POINT," by TAURINA, describes a mysterious event. Fredric Dawson, a retired lecturer, receives photographs and a letter related to an ongoing investigation at Westler Point. The narrative describes unusual oceanic turbulence, possibly from an underwater volcanic eruption, with violent waves, debris, and strange light phenomena. A large object, described as a "meter-wide cliff," appears from nowhere. Dawson is urged to return to the investigation, which involves a "dynamic system" theory related to UFOs. The situation at Westler Point is described as tense, with military presence and heightened alert due to potential UFO activity. The narrative mentions a growing object at Westler Point, with a diameter of 210 feet and an upward blast of 80 feet.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents reports of UFO sightings and encounters, often from ordinary citizens. While some articles, like Bengt Anderberg's, offer a skeptical perspective and explore rational explanations, the overall tone leans towards documenting and investigating these phenomena. The publication also covers advancements in space technology and scientific research, suggesting an interest in the broader context of extraterrestrial possibilities and human exploration of space. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both unexplained reports and critical analysis, while also highlighting technological progress in related fields.

Title: SVENSK UFO - 80
Issue: 80 (Volume 88)
Date: June 30 - July 5, 1980
Publisher: VÄSTERÅS TVÄRVETENSKAPLIGA FÖRENING
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Svensk UFO-80 is a comprehensive program for a week-long event dedicated to UFO phenomena, featuring lectures, film screenings, and discussions across various interdisciplinary fields. It targets both UFO enthusiasts and the general public.

Content Highlights

Personal Encounters and Investigations

The magazine delves into personal accounts of UFO encounters and the subsequent investigations. Fredric Dawson, a researcher, recounts his experiences, including a significant close encounter at El Tycon in the Arizona desert, which was officially dismissed despite witness accounts and photographic evidence. Another incident near Harrow involved four scorched witnesses and a subsequent negative investigation. The issue also touches upon a mysterious event where a ship was surprised by eight low-flying UFOs, causing electrical failures and a fire. The emergence of 'Westier Point,' an unusual island, is linked to a UFO encounter.

Scientific and Technological Aspects

Sputnik 1: A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Sputnik 1, the first artificial satellite launched by the Soviet Union on October 4, 1957. It details its orbit, apogee (925 km), perigee (233 km), and orbital period (initially 96 minutes, decreasing to 88.5 minutes). The satellite weighed 83.6 kg and was a 58 cm sphere with four antennas. Its primary purpose was to test satellite tracking technology and serve as a propaganda tool for the Soviets.

Human-built Flying Saucers: The issue explores humanity's attempts to replicate flying saucer technology, citing examples like the 'Avro-fatet' and 'den flygande pannkakan.' These experimental craft, developed by the US Navy and a joint US-Canadian program, were largely unsuccessful in achieving stable flight.

Expert Lectures and Presentations

The Svensk UFO-80 event features a diverse lineup of speakers:

• Carl-Axel Jonzon: Editor of UFO-information, discussing UFOs.
• Jan Fjellander: Discussing UFO phenomena from a parapsychological perspective.
• Henry Svensson: Presenting compelling UFO cases from his years as a ufologist.
• Carl-Anton Mattsson: Presenting new material on the Keops pyramid and ancient Egyptian technology, based on Henry Kjellsons' research.
• Anders Nylund: A meteorologist explaining how weather forecasts are made, using slides.
• Håkan Blomqvist: From the Archive for UFO Research (AFU), discussing the organization's work and recent theories.
• Aage Sandqvist: An astronomy docent discussing the conditions for life in the universe.
• Willy Wegner: Presenting Danish UFO research and incidents.
• Kolbjöm Stenödegård: Chairman of Norsk UFO-center, discussing Norwegian UFO research and cases.
• Arne Groth: Discussing the interplay between parapsychology and nature, and demonstrating paranormal phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien encounters, the possibility of government cover-ups, and the scientific exploration of space. The magazine appears to present a balanced view, acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena while also covering scientific endeavors like the Sputnik 1 launch and human attempts at technological replication. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging discussion and investigation into these complex subjects. The event itself, Svensk UFO-80, signifies a commitment to exploring these topics in a structured and informative manner.