UFO-Nytt - 1978 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NYTT
Issue: nr 2-78
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening
Publication Frequency: Four issues per year
Price: 20 SEK for a full year (10 SEK for under 16s)

This issue of UFO NYTT, the member magazine for Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, space exploration, and related mysteries. It features a mix of news, reports, expert opinions, and even a comic strip.

From the Editor (Från RED)

The editorial section notes the arrival of issue number 2 and expresses a hope that readers will respond to the call for questions regarding UFOs. It highlights a drawing contributed by a young member. The section also reports on a visit from Wido Hoville, chairman of UFO-Quebec, Canada, who shared insights into the more positive attitude towards UFOs in the USA and Canada. Hoville mentioned a 2-hour UFO film and a weekly TV program on UFO cases in Canada. He promised to send information about declassified documents available for purchase from 'The Library of the Congress.' The editors express disappointment with the low attendance at the club's observation and theme nights, urging members to participate as these events are organized for their benefit. The section concludes with a wish for a pleasant summer.

Table of Contents (Innehållsförteckning)

• The table of contents lists the following sections:
• Från RED (From the Editor) - Page 1
• Tidningsurklipp (Newspaper clippings) - Pages 2-3
• Piloten och UFOt (The Pilot and the UFO) - Pages 4-5
• Rapport (Report) - Page 8
• Tidningsurklipp (Newspaper clippings) - Page 9
• Fallet Helge Ericksson blir svensk film om Flygande Tefat (The Helge Ericksson Case becomes a Swedish film about Flying Saucers) - Pages 10-11
• Tidningsurklipp (Newspaper clippings) - Page 12
• Miscellanea - Page 13
• Böcker (Books) - Page 14

Cover Story: Se upp, jorden krockar! (Watch out, Earth is crashing!)

This prominent article on page 3 discusses the discovery of a new planet, designated 1976 AA, by American astronomer Eleanor Helin. This planet, an asteroid, is described as Earth's closest neighbor after the Moon. Its orbit is irregular, and it poses a potential collision threat to Earth. The article explains that 1976 AA has a diameter of only 3 km but could cause catastrophic damage if it impacts Earth, potentially obliterating cities, causing global dust clouds, or triggering massive tsunamis. Professor Eugene Shoemaker of Caltech estimates a 75% chance of collision with Earth over time, with such impacts occurring on average three times per million years. The article suggests that future missions might attempt to alter its course using a hydrogen bomb.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

"Jag knäppte ett 'tefat'!" (I photographed a 'flying saucer'!) (Page 4)
This section features a report from Oscar J Pfaus, who claims to have photographed a UFO in Lenhovda, Sweden, on January 6th. The object was described as moving rapidly and leaving a trail of light. SE's response, provided by Sture Wickerts of FOÅ (Swedish Defence Research Agency), suggests that while the photo is interesting, most UFO reports have plausible explanations. Wickerts notes that only a small percentage of cases remain unexplained, and this report, if he had received it, would likely fall into that category. He also mentions that few people within FOA believe in UFOs.

"AKTA DEJ, OSCAR!" (Watch out, Oscar!) (Page 4)
This article reveals that the photograph published by Oscar J Pfaus was a hoax. Journalist Tommy Nilsson explains that it was a prank involving a New Year's rocket photographed by a friend to demonstrate how easily newspapers can be fooled. The article emphasizes that UFO Sverige does not solely rely on photographs and that approximately 80% of reported sightings are misinterpretations of known phenomena.

"Plötsligt såg jag ett föremål skimra ljusblått genom mörkret" (Suddenly I saw an object shimmering light blue in the dark) (Page 10)
Kurt Nilsson from Trehörningsjö, Ångermanland, recounts an experience on October 18, 1977. He claims to have seen a 4-meter long, shimmering object and three meter-tall beings in grey suits. When he turned on his car's headlights, the vision disappeared. His car's lights and engine then failed, and his dog barked incessantly. His watch had also stopped. Kurt reported the incident to UFO-Sverige, and field researchers confirmed his reliability. The article notes a similar incident occurred in the same location in 1969, witnessed by Kjell Näslund.

• Rapport (Report) (Page 9)
• This section presents two UFO sighting reports:
• April 7, 1978: Thor-Leif Andersson and Gunilla Molinder observed a red light in their car near Håksberg, which began to flash with a sharp blue light. They estimated its size and speed.
• April 10, 1978: Conny Persson, Thor-Leif Andersson, Ing-Marie Strömberg, Gunilla Molinder, and Gudrun Andersson observed three 'shining stars' moving east near Högbyn. One object then moved away at high speed.

• Närkontakt - vad är det? (Close Encounter - what is it?) (Page 9)
• This section defines different levels of UFO encounters:
• First Degree: Sighting of a UFO without any other trace.
• Second Degree: UFO sighting with concrete evidence, such as effects on organic life, material, or unexplained technical malfunctions.
• Third Degree: Contact with the crew of a UFO.

It also clarifies the distinction between UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) and IFO (Identified Flying Object), noting that experts classify observations as IFO if a reasonable explanation can be found (e.g., weather balloons, planets, aircraft).

Flying Saucers - Do they exist?

FLYGANDE TEFAT - finns såna? (FLYING SAUCERS - do they exist?) (Page 7)
This article features an interview with J. Allen Hynek, a renowned UFO expert and former astronomical consultant for the US Air Force. Hynek states that millions of people are not lying when they report seeing UFOs and that humanity needs to take the phenomenon seriously. He explains that after 21 years of investigating UFO reports, he realized that not all sightings could be dismissed as natural phenomena or human error. He has helped sort through over 60,000 credible reports at the UFO center in Evanston, Illinois.

'Dags att ta dem på allvar nu' ('Time to take them seriously now') (Page 8)
This continuation of the interview with J. Allen Hynek highlights his belief that UFOs are not solely an astronomical or psychological phenomenon, requiring a thorough, interdisciplinary investigation. He mentions that early reports of 'flying saucers' came from Sweden after World War II, including 'ghost rockets' from Norrland, which sparked interest from the American military. Hynek notes that the US Air Force concluded in 1969 that UFOs did not pose a security threat, but he personally felt there was more to the reports than just lies or mistakes. He questions how objects can stop suddenly, change direction, or be visible on radar simultaneously. The article points out that UFO reports have doubled since 1968, with approximately 100 reports per day globally. It also mentions that President Jimmy Carter has initiated a commission to investigate UFOs.

Hynek shares a story about a Brazilian farmer who claimed to have been taken aboard a 'dirigible' and had a sexual encounter with a woman, later found to be infected with radioactivity. He concludes by suggesting the possibility of an 'inner space' or a level of reality imperceptible to our usual five senses.

Space Exploration

Ryskt världsrekord: 96 dygn! (Russian World Record: 96 days!) (Page 10)
This brief report states that Russian cosmonauts have set a new endurance record in space, surpassing the previous record of 84 days. It also mentions that Czech Vladimir Remek became the first cosmonaut from a nation other than the US or Soviet Union.

Det våras för vår röda granne (Spring is coming for our red neighbor) (Page 10)
This article discusses the Viking project's findings on Mars. The Viking landers have observed seasonal changes, including winter, spring, and the arrival of summer on the planet's northern hemisphere. The Viking 2 lander captured an image of frost, believed to be frozen water. The search for life on Mars has ceased, but other experiments continue.

Ta plats - avgång för färjan till rymden! (Take your seat - departure for the ferry to space!) (Page 10)
This section introduces the space shuttle 'Enterprise,' named after the starship from the TV series Star Trek. It describes the shuttle's testing procedures, which involve being carried by a jumbo jet, then released to glide and land. The shuttle is scheduled for its first space launch the following year.

"Eldpelaren" till höger i bilden – en gåta för forskarna ('The 'Fire Pillar' on the right in the picture – a mystery for scientists') (Page 10)
This piece discusses the Voyager 1 probe's passage near Jupiter in March 1979. It mentions the probe's investigation of Io, one of Jupiter's largest moons, and the 'radiation pillars' visible there. A luminous band of plasma and magnetism between Jupiter and Io remains unexplained. Voyager 1 is scheduled to continue its mission to Saturn, with an estimated arrival in November 1980.

Comic Strip: Piloten och ufot (The Pilot and the UFO)

• This is a comic strip by 9-year-old Björn Bergerus, divided into two chapters:
• Chapter 1: Störtningen (The Crash): An English pilot crashes during World War II and encounters a UFO. The pilot is taken aboard the UFO, which then takes off.
• Chapter 2: VARELSEN (The Beings): The pilot finds himself in a different time period (1900s) after being brought aboard the UFO. He meets beings who have built a landing strip for UFOs and are trying to lure them down with signals. The comic ends with the pilot realizing he is from 1939 and that the beings are responsible for his youthful appearance. The UFOs then depart.

Other Sections

• Tidningsurklipp (Newspaper clippings): Various short articles and snippets related to UFOs and space appear throughout the magazine.
• Miscellanea: A section for miscellaneous items.
• Böcker (Books): A section likely featuring book reviews or recommendations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NYTT are UFO sightings, the potential threat of extraterrestrial objects to Earth, and the ongoing exploration of space. The magazine adopts a stance of open inquiry, presenting both reported sightings and skeptical analyses, as well as scientific endeavors in space. There's a clear effort to distinguish between genuine unexplained phenomena and hoaxes, while also acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs. The editorial team encourages reader participation and aims to provide a platform for discussing these intriguing topics.

Title: TEKNIKENS UNDERBARA VÄRLD
Issue Date: March 13-19, 1978
Publisher: TEKNIKENS UNDERBARA VÄRLD
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of "Teknikens Underbara Värld" (The Wonderful World of Technology) explores a variety of topics, with a strong focus on the unexplained and technological advancements. The cover story highlights the "Helge Eriksson Case," a purported UFO landing in Sweden in 1932 that is being adapted into a Swedish film. The magazine also delves into the world of satellite technology and its implications for surveillance and potential space conflict, presents a historical catalog of UFO sightings, and features a scientific discussion on the probability of extraterrestrial life.

The Helge Eriksson Case and Swedish UFO Film

The main feature, "'Fallet Helge Eriksson' blir svensk film om flygande tefat" (The Helge Eriksson Case Becomes a Swedish Film About Flying Saucers), details an alleged encounter by a farmhand named Helge Eriksson near Eslöv, Sweden, on a January night in 1932. Eriksson reportedly saw twelve small, green-clad men with helmets walking towards him on a moonlit road. As they passed, he heard them speaking in an unknown language. They then proceeded to a field where a flying saucer, emitting a sharp, blue-violet glow, was hovering. The incident is considered by UFO researchers to be the first UFO landing with humanoids in Sweden. The article notes the shift in public and scientific perception towards UFOs, moving from taboo to a more accepted subject of serious consideration, with scientists increasingly believing in the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. This changing attitude has inspired filmmakers, with an American film, "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," mentioned as a precursor to a new Swedish film project by "Action filmproduction" titled "12 män från rymden" (12 Men from Space). The film, shot in 8mm with sound, is set to premiere at the UFO organizations' national convention in Stockholm on March 18th. The article describes the impressive construction of a 5-meter wide flying saucer prop for the film, built with contributions from various companies. The child actors playing the 'little green men' are highlighted, along with the dedication of the amateur filmmakers.

Satellites: Watching and Listening

Another significant section, "Satelliter ser och hör allt" (Satellites See and Hear Everything), discusses the extensive use of satellites by the USA and Soviet Union for surveillance and military purposes. Satellites are employed to track ship and aircraft movements, monitor crop yields, and detect missile launches. The US Department of Defense, under Secretary Harold Brown, expresses concern over Soviet development of anti-satellite weapons, emphasizing the critical reliance on space systems. The article recounts an incident where a Soviet satellite, Cosmos 970, maneuvered to explode near another satellite, Cosmos 967, demonstrating a potential anti-satellite capability. While the US lacks comparable anti-satellite weapons and space-based nuclear devices, it is actively developing its own satellite technology, including the upcoming space shuttle program. The article suggests that the space race has escalated to a point where some Americans advocate for arms limitation agreements in space. The potential for future space-based command centers and the defense of space colonies are also touched upon.

Historical UFO Sightings: A Miscellanea

Page 4 presents a "MISCELLANEA" section, cataloging numerous historical sightings of unexplained aerial phenomena from 1619 to 1820. These entries, sourced from "The Flying Saucer have landed" by Desmond Leslie, describe a variety of objects and events, including:

• Enormous, luminous objects seen over England (1661).
• Mysterious lights over England (1704).
• A luminous cloud moving rapidly over Switzerland (1704).
• Luminous globes over Florence, Italy (1731).
• A large, slow-moving fireball over Edinburgh, Scotland (1750).
• A shining, octagonal object near Stavanger, Norway (1752).
• Fire globes emanating from a long, shining, tubular object in Ångermanland, Sweden (1752).
• Numerous luminous globes observed over Lisbon, Portugal (1755).
• A procession of "enormous globes" across Switzerland (1761).
• A large, spindle-shaped object surrounded by a glowing ring passing slowly over the sun, observed by astronomers in Basel, Switzerland (1762).
• A large number of dark, round discs seen in the sky by French astronomer Charles Messier (1777).
• A swarm of shimmering discs passing over Boulogne, France (1779).
• A dark disc passing over the sun, observed by astronomer Fritsch in Magdeburg, Germany (1802, 1808).
• Luminous discs observed over Pinerolo, Piedmont, Italy (1808).
• Flashing lights in the sky over Tottenham, Middlesex, England (1813).
• A strange object observed after an earthquake in Lisbon, Portugal (1816).
• A large, luminous half-moon or cleat-shaped craft passing the horizon over Edinburgh, Scotland (Autumn 1816).
• A dark, flying object making a whistling sound over Palermo, Italy (1817).
• An unusual object observed near the sun for over three hours by astronomer Loft in Ipswich, England (1818).
• Two dark bodies passing the sun together, observed by astronomer Gruithuisen (Spring 1819).
• Notorious bodies in the sky (1820).
• Wonderfully uniform formations of flying objects passing over Embrun, France, in precise rows, making ninety-degree turns and flying away in perfect formation (September 1820).

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence and Earth's 'Radio Spill'

An article titled "Rymden kan studera oss genom radar- och TV-spill" (Space Can Study Us Through Radar and TV Spill) discusses findings from Washington University suggesting that Earth's powerful radar and TV transmitters could be detected by extraterrestrial civilizations up to 25 light-years away. The study identifies 50 Swedish locations with strong TV transmitters that contribute to this "radio spill." The researchers, including Associate Professor W.T. Sullivan, S. Brown, and C. Wetherill, analyzed the "spill" from these signals, which, while not as powerful as military radar signals, could still reveal significant information about Earth and its inhabitants to an advanced civilization. The article notes that while numerous projects aim to establish contact with extraterrestrials, this research suggests that simply monitoring Earth's "spill" might be sufficient for alien detection. The study maps the distribution of powerful TV transmitters globally, highlighting concentrations in the USA, Western Europe, Japan, and Australia. It posits that such signals could reveal details about Earth's geography, geology, atmosphere, biology, social structures, economy, philosophy, and technology.

Scientific Perspective on Extraterrestrial Life

In "Det finns liv på vår nivå på många av planeterna...!" (There is Life at Our Level on Many Planets...!), Finnish physics doctor Nils Mustelin shares his views on extraterrestrial life. Mustelin, who has worked at Åbo Akademi and MIT, and currently heads NORDFORSK's environmental secretariat, believes it is highly probable that life exists on many planets at a similar or even higher level of development than Earth. He refers to these beings as "humanoids." However, Mustelin expresses skepticism regarding the existence of flying saucers and UFO visits to Earth, deeming them "highly unlikely." He suggests that if extraterrestrial life is technologically advanced, it has likely overcome crises inherent in technological development, accumulating vast wisdom. Mustelin posits that Earth's civilization might be one of the youngest in the Milky Way, explaining why other humanoids might be so far ahead. He also argues against the common depiction of aliens as "little green men," stating that the diversity of life on Earth suggests extraterrestrial beings would likely be very different. Mustelin believes that while life might exist on Mars or Jupiter, it would be at a very primitive stage. He concludes that direct contact with humanoids from other star systems is improbable, and it is more likely that Earth will be contacted. He emphasizes the need for more active and systematic listening for signals from space.

Books and Publications

Page 5 lists "BÖCKER" (Books) related to UFOs and science fiction, available for borrowing from the association's local office. Titles include works by Charles Berlitz, Erich von Däniken, Isaac Asimov, and Robert Heinlein, covering topics such as UFOs, ancient mysteries, and space exploration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of technology, science, and the unexplained. There is a clear interest in UFO phenomena, both historical and contemporary, with a particular focus on the potential for extraterrestrial life and contact. The articles balance scientific inquiry with speculative exploration, acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge while encouraging further investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations and phenomena, while maintaining a critical and evidence-based approach, as exemplified by Dr. Mustelin's cautious yet optimistic views on life beyond Earth and his skepticism towards conventional UFO depictions.