UFO-Nytt - 1978 No 1

Magazine Overview

Västerbergslagens UFO NYTT, issue number 1-78, is the official publication of the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening. It is published four times a year and serves as a member journal. The issue is dated "nr-1-78", indicating it is the first issue of 1978. The magazine covers UFO sightings, investigations, and related topics.

Editorial Team and Membership

The editorial team consists of Juan Manzanares, Bernt Berglund, Gudrun Andersson, Jan Thimell, and Katarina Jansson. Mike Manzanares is credited as the illustrator. The publication details subscription and membership information, with an annual fee of 20 kronor (10 kronor for those under 16). Payments can be made via Postgiro to account 160 99-4 for the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening.

Key Articles and Reports

NÄRKONTAKT AV TREDJE GRADEN MED TRE HUMANOIDER I ÅNGERMANLAND (Third Kind Contact with Three Humanoids in Ångermanland)

This extensive report, compiled by Carl-Anton Mattson and Thorvald Berthelsen, details an encounter experienced by Kurt Nilsson on October 18, 1977, near Trehörningsjö in Ångermanland. Nilsson, a private radio operator, was at a remote TV and radio relay station on Hemliden mountain when he experienced severe radio interference. He then observed a light blue, dome-shaped craft, estimated to be several meters in diameter. Three grey, humanoid figures, about a meter tall, emerged from the craft. One of the figures used a spade-like instrument, which caused Nilsson's car engine and headlights to fail. The encounter lasted for a significant period, and Nilsson reported unusual behavior from his dog afterward. The report also mentions a similar incident at the same location nine years prior involving a link station operator named Kjell Näslund. Investigator Reinhold Carleby conducted a site investigation, noting unusual footprints and a scraped mark on a birch tree, suggesting the craft did not land directly on the ground.

FLYGANDE TEFAT I GRIMSÅKER? (Flying Saucer in Grimsåker?)

This article reports on an incident on Thursday evening, January 25, 1978, where Henry Melin and three other individuals witnessed a mysterious, pulsating light over Grimsåker. Melin initially thought it might be a helicopter but heard no engine noise. The object had a red core and a yellow outer glow. It ascended and eventually resembled a star. Melin is seeking information from anyone else who might have seen a similar phenomenon.

UFO - OBSERVATIONER SÖDERBÄRKE (UFO Observations Söderbärke)

This section documents an observation evening held by the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening on February 10, 1978, near Aspmoren. Ten participants observed several unidentified lights. The first was a white blinking light moving slowly and changing direction, visible from approximately 20:10 to 20:20. Later, a fainter pulsating light appeared, moving back and forth. At 21:00, three light points were observed approaching from the south-southeast and southwest. Two of these lights converged and then disappeared suddenly. The objects were described as lens-shaped, emitting a reddish-yellow glow, and were estimated to be the size of a match head at arm's length. The observation concluded at midnight due to the cold.

OKÄND STRÅLNING FÖRSTÖRDE ASTRONAUTERNAS LIV?? (Unknown Radiation Destroyed Astronauts' Lives??)

This article speculates on the psychological and personality changes observed in astronauts after space missions. It suggests that an unknown radiation in space might be affecting their brain cells, leading to mood swings, irritability, increased alcohol consumption, and social withdrawal. The article cites examples like Neil Armstrong and Edwin Aldrin, who reportedly experienced significant personal difficulties after their missions. It mentions that astronauts are undergoing psychiatric treatment and experiencing symptoms like headaches and dizziness, with experts believing space travel is the cause.

ORDET ÄR FRITT (The Word is Free)

This is a section dedicated to reader contributions and discussions. Jan Thimell invites members and others interested in UFOs to submit questions and share their thoughts to foster an open and factual debate. He provides contact information for the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, including a postal address and a phone number (0240 / 19823).

The section also includes a continuation of the Kurt Nilsson encounter report from page 5, where Nilsson describes the "space suits" worn by the humanoids as grey and seamless, resembling astronaut helmets.

Organizational Merger

On Friday evening, the Bärke UFO-förening and Ludvika UFO-förening held a joint annual meeting and decided to merge into a single organization named Västerbergslagens UFO-förening. The new association has approximately 90 members. The new board includes Juan Manzanares (chair), Gudrun Andersson (vice-chair), Birgitta Schmidt (treasurer), Bernt Berglund (secretary), Paavo Silvenoinen, Conny Persson, and Katarina Jansson. The annual membership fee was set at 20 kronor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, close encounters, and investigations, particularly within the Västerbergslagen region of Sweden. There is a clear interest in detailed accounts of sightings, including witness testimonies, physical evidence, and potential effects on witnesses and the environment. The inclusion of the article on astronaut health suggests a broader interest in the potential impacts of space phenomena on humans. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and a desire to foster factual discussion within the UFO community, as indicated by the "Ordert är fritt" section.

This issue of the magazine, identified by page number 10 and 11, and dated Wednesday, February 1, 1978, focuses on the activities and plans of the Västerbergslagens UFO Förening. The cover headline announces 'UFO-föreningen planerar Närkontakt av 3:e graden' (The UFO Association Plans Close Encounters of the Third Kind).

Program and Events

The 'PROGRAM' section lists scheduled events for April, May, and June, including board meetings, observation nights, and association meetings in Ludvika and Söderbärke. It also mentions upcoming themed evenings with film screenings to be held in Ludvika, Smedjebacken, and Söderbärke, with dates to be announced later.

UFO Observations

Two specific UFO sighting reports are detailed:

• Ludvika, February 17, 1978: Jan Thimell reported observing a silent, flying object described as dark silver-grey, approximately 1.5cm between fingers at a distance of 500-600m, at an altitude of 300-400m. The object moved slowly in a northwest-southeast direction for 1-2 minutes. He also noted a two-engine propeller plane with its lantern on, despite clear visibility.
• Söderbärke, February 18, 1973: Jan Thimell observed an object with a white, steady light, described as the size of a match head at arm's length. It moved across the horizon from west to east at the speed of a propeller plane. The observation, made from a point 5-6 km away and at a 45-degree angle, lasted about 10 minutes.

Information and Planning

The article 'UFO-föreningen planerar Närkontakt av 3:e graden' details the decisions made at a planning meeting in Björsjö. The Västerbergslagens UFO Förening, a merger of UFO associations in Ludvika and Söderbärke-Smedjebacken, aims to increase its public information activities. This includes visiting communities to inform about their work and flying saucers, and holding observation nights every two weeks. The organization also plans to form an 'emergency section' to quickly handle 'hot tips' from the public or within the UFO-Sverige network.

An internal training session is scheduled for March in Ludvika, led by Juan Manzanares, chairman of the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening. The association plans to send 16 delegates to the national convention in Stockholm on March 18.

UFO-Sverige and the Film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'

Thorvald Berthelsen, chairman of the national organization UFO-Sverige, and Jan Eriksen, chairman of the Västerås UFO-förening, were present at the meeting. Berthelsen stated that the upcoming film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' is expected to generate significant debate in Sweden and increase the workload for UFO associations. He anticipates a surge of interest in UFOs and related questions, emphasizing the need for continuous planning.

UFO-Sverige's goal is to seriously collect facts about UFO observations and to promote scientific research into UFOs without prejudice. The organization is currently distributing 15,000 newspapers to interested individuals and plans to produce its own film using purchased footage to enhance its information efforts.

Structure and Organization

The 'INFORMATION' section provides details about the 'STYRELSE' (Board) and 'VERKSAMHETSUTSKOTT' (Executive Committee) of the Västerbergslagens UFO Förening, listing names, addresses, and phone numbers of key personnel. It also outlines the 'UNDERSÖKNINGSGRUPPEN' (Investigation Groups), responsible for UFO observations, and encourages readers to contact them if they have seen anything unusual.

Quotes

• Dr. J. Allen Hynek, described as USA's foremost expert on UFO issues, is quoted expressing initial skepticism that turned into an open-minded approach, stating, "Today there is no observation that I dare not take seriously, no matter how insane it may sound."
• Jimmy Carter, USA's president, is quoted sharing a personal UFO sighting experience, describing an object that turned blue, then red and self-luminous.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly promotes the activities of the Västerbergslagens UFO Förening, highlighting their efforts to inform the public and conduct serious research into UFO phenomena. The impending release of the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' is seen as a catalyst for increased public interest and debate, which the organization is actively preparing to engage with. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation and public education regarding UFOs, supported by personal accounts and organizational efforts.