UFO-Nytt - 1978 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: 3-78
Date: September 9, 1978
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-NYTT, the membership magazine for the Västerbergslagens UFO association, features a range of articles on UFO phenomena, including investigations, scientific speculation, and historical cases.

UFO Field Researchers Trained in Kolsva

The magazine highlights a course in Kolsva, Sweden, aimed at training UFO field researchers. The course, attended by about seventy interested individuals, aims to equip participants to investigate and follow up on reported UFO phenomena in their local areas. Thorvald Berthelsen, chairman of the Köping UFO association, emphasizes the importance of this training, noting that 80% of reports are typically misinterpretations of common phenomena. The course is in its second year and has attracted a large number of participants.

Military Cooperation

Anders Hjulström, a lieutenant colonel from the military staff, is invited to speak at the event. He plans to discuss how the Swedish military's air surveillance works and what its capabilities are. Hjulström notes a generally friction-free cooperation with ufologists, dispelling the notion that the military withholds information. He states that the military's stance is that all observations are considered misinterpretations until proven otherwise, even though military personnel have also witnessed unexplained phenomena.

Personal Accounts

Christer and Annika Nordin, participants in the course, express their long-standing interest in UFO phenomena. Christer has been interested since childhood, while Annika joined out of curiosity and a desire for knowledge. They stress the importance of being cautious and critical in their investigations.

Letters to the Editor (Insändare)

One letter, signed 'JAMM', reflects on the vastness of the universe and the possibility of life on other planets. The author contemplates that many planets may host life, some more advanced than Earth's, while others are less developed. The letter also touches upon the thirty-year struggle to gain acceptance for the concept of UFOs, suggesting that parapsychology might offer explanations where material evidence is lacking. The author expresses a belief in the reality of UFOs and the potential for future contact with beings from other planets.

Cultural Grant

An announcement details a cultural grant of 100 Kronor from the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening to Jorgen Ek and Tommy Palo for their UFO-themed paintings exhibited in Ludvika and Smedjebacken.

Planning Conference

Information is provided about the UFO-Sverige Planning Conference in Björsjö Skogshem, scheduled for November 9-10. The conference offers an opportunity to meet ufologists from across Sweden, participate in observation nights, watch UFO films, and discuss important issues. The cost is 80 Kronor (excluding accommodation) and registration involves a deposit to a specific postgiro account.

Life in Space and Habitable Zones

An article titled "Mindre liv eller mer" (Less life or more) discusses new American research suggesting that habitable zones around stars may be narrower than previously thought. Michael Hart's research, utilizing advanced computer capacity, indicates that Earth is within a habitable zone, while Venus and Mars are just outside. However, the article also mentions findings from Illinois, South Dakota, and Wisconsin suggesting that conditions for life might be more favorable in space than previously believed. The research points to primitive life forms, such as halophiles and archaea, thriving in extreme environments like salt lakes, acidic waters, and hot waste, which could imply life exists in unexpected places, potentially even on Venus and Mars.

Earth's Early Atmosphere and Climate Change

The article delves into Earth's early history, describing its initial atmosphere composed mainly of water, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrogen, with no free oxygen. The formation of oceans and the subsequent rise of primitive life that released oxygen are detailed. The text also touches upon the greenhouse effect and its role in Earth's temperature regulation. A critical period is highlighted around 800,000 years after Earth's formation, where a runaway greenhouse effect was narrowly averted. The article also briefly mentions the potential impact of increased carbon dioxide emissions from the transition to coal-based energy, as studied by OECD.

UFO Reports (Rapport)

This section presents two UFO sighting reports:

1. February 17, 1978: A witness near Ludvika-Råtallsvägen, Sweden, reported a silent, dark silver-grey flying object moving slowly. The object was described as being about the size of a helicopter but made no sound. It was observed for a short period before disappearing.
2. April 7, 1978: Members of the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening observed a flying object with a steady red glow near Aspmoren-Söderbärke, Sweden. The object appeared twice, each time for about 15 minutes, and was described as helicopter-sized and moving at the same speed. Investigations with the local airport and military revealed no known aircraft in the area at the time, leading the UFO group to classify it as a UFO.

The Cheops Pyramid and Future Technology

An article titled "CHEOPSYPYRAMIDEN har nyckeln till framtidsmaskinen?" (The Cheops Pyramid holds the key to future machines?) explores the theories of engineer Lehel Répits from Skövde, Sweden. Répits has spent over 10 years studying the Giza pyramids and believes that the Great Pyramid of Cheops contains a message about energy-efficient machines. He suggests that the builders of the pyramids used a vortex-based motor principle, inspired by nature's spiral patterns, which is far more efficient than current straight-line geometry engines. Répits is building a model of this 'swirl motor' and believes it could power UFOs. He posits that the pyramids were built by an advanced civilization that disappeared due to a natural catastrophe approximately 12,500 years ago, and that they left this design as a message for future humanity, to be understood when humans could fly at high altitudes.

The Kelly, Kentucky (USA) 1955 Case

This detailed report recounts the famous Kelly-Hopkinsville encounter of August 21-22, 1955. The incident involved the Sutton family and their friends, who reported seeing a luminous, rainbow-colored flying object land in a nearby ravine. Subsequently, several small, silver-metallic humanoid figures with large eyes and long arms were observed approaching the farmhouse. The witnesses, armed with firearms, fired at the beings, but the bullets seemed to have no effect. The humanoids reportedly moved with a peculiar 'hip-like' motion and seemed to float. The event attracted significant public and media attention, leading to ridicule of the family by some locals, who questioned the validity of the account due to the lack of concrete physical evidence. The report notes that the case has been documented by researchers like Dr. Josef Allen Hynek and was later compiled by Isabel Davis and Ted Bloecher for The Center for UFO Studies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Nytt demonstrates a clear interest in documenting and investigating UFO sightings and encounters, both contemporary and historical. The magazine appears to adopt a serious, investigative approach, encouraging scientific inquiry and field research, as evidenced by the coverage of the UFO field researcher course. There is also an openness to exploring more speculative theories, such as Lehel Répits' ideas about the pyramids and future technology, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, as discussed in the 'Insändare' section. The magazine aims to provide a platform for reporting and discussing UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the skepticism and the need for evidence, as seen in the critique of the Kelly case. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded investigation, seeking to understand unexplained phenomena through reporting, research, and discussion.

This issue of "Teknikens Underbara Värld. Saxons" from August 30, 1978, titled "Can inhabitants on other planets see our TV programs?", delves into the fascinating question of whether extraterrestrial civilizations can detect our broadcast signals. Written by Anders Palm, the magazine explores the scientific and speculative aspects of interstellar communication and potential alien contact.

The Reach of Our Signals

The article posits that Earth is constantly emitting unintentional signals into space, primarily radio and TV broadcasts, which could reveal our presence to other civilizations. While humans have sent deliberate messages, it's these 'accidental' signals that are more likely to be detected. Even with the often poor reception on Earth, a sufficiently advanced alien receiver, similar to a terrestrial radio telescope, could pick up TV transmissions from a distance of up to two light-years (approximately 20 trillion kilometers).

TV Signals and Their Detection

It's noted that while a clear TV image might not be received, the mere detection of a broadcast would confirm the existence of a transmitting civilization. The quality of some Earth programs might even make it preferable for aliens not to see the actual images. The article mentions that two light-years is a relatively short distance astronomically, with our nearest star, Alpha Centauri, being four light-years away.

Advanced Technology and Detection Capabilities

If an extraterrestrial civilization possesses technology far beyond our own, their detection capabilities would be significantly greater. With a radio telescope similar to those planned by Earth scientists, they could potentially capture TV signals from a distance of 25 light-years. This range encompasses over 300 stars, increasing the statistical probability, however small, of finding a planet with a highly developed civilization.

Radar Signals and Military Transmissions

Beyond TV signals, radar waves are even more powerful and can travel ten times farther into space. These are used by superpowers for military surveillance. Although military radar transmissions are irregular and change frequencies to confuse enemies, an advanced civilization could still detect and interpret them as signs of intelligent activity.

The Hypothetical Extraterrestrial Radio Telescope

For aliens to receive clear TV images, they would require a colossal radio telescope, possibly 20,000 times larger than any planned on Earth. However, the article suggests that the zero-gravity environment of space would make the construction of such immense structures possible. Aliens at a distance of 25 light-years could potentially view American TV reports from the Korean War, while those 20 light-years away might be watching contemporary Swedish television, including programs from 1957.

Information Beyond Images

Even without visual reception, the analysis of signals over time could provide aliens with crucial information about Earth, including its size, the presence of the Moon and other planets in our solar system. They might also deduce political differences on Earth based on the origin of signals (e.g., Europe vs. North America).

Potential Alien Reactions and Contact

The article speculates on how aliens might react to our signals. Researchers are uncertain, but one possibility is that they might perceive us as 'wasteful' for broadcasting valuable radio energy into space. The question of whether they would attempt contact is also raised. The author suggests that if aliens wish to communicate, they would likely use radio or TV frequencies, and we should not be surprised if our own systems are disrupted by signals from space.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine includes several reports on UFO sightings:

Gotland Sighting

On August 23, 1978, near Gotland, Sweden, three military personnel (Sergeant Lars Olowsson and conscripts Kenneth Kurkiaho and Kenneth Berg) witnessed a large, bright white object descend into the sea. It produced a very strong radar echo, comparable to that of a large ship, before disappearing. The incident was reported to the coast guard and defense staff, but no further investigation was planned due to a lack of additional sightings.

Argentinian UFO Case

In Mendoza, Argentina, Francisco Nunez and his 24-year-old son reported an encounter on July 6, 1978. While driving, they saw a large avenue with tall buildings and a red sky, after which they found themselves in an unfamiliar town. They plan to undergo hypnosis to understand the event.

Professor Hynek's Statements

Professor Josef Allen Hynek, a leading UFOlogist, stated during a press conference in Santo Domingo that he believes high-ranking US government officials have had contact with extraterrestrials but have kept it secret to avoid public reaction. He noted that both the US and the Soviet Union likely practice censorship regarding such matters.

UFO Västerbergslagen

The UFO Västerbergslagen organization held an informational meeting in Smedjebacken, Sweden. They investigate UFO sightings and are currently looking into an incident between Borlänge and Ludvika. Members also reported seeing a UFO during an observation night in Tolvsboberg.

Personal Anecdote

A humorous anecdote from Kurt Sångberg of Johanneshov describes two small, 75 cm tall beings with red noses who took his bottle of schnapps before leaving in their UFO.

Miscellanea: Historical UFO Sightings

A compilation of historical UFO sightings from 1821 to 1845 is presented, detailing various observations of luminous discs, unknown objects, and strange aerial phenomena reported by astronomers and witnesses across different locations, including the English Channel, France, Switzerland, the USA, Chile, and India.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the potential for detecting extraterrestrial intelligence through our broadcast signals and the ongoing mystery of UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting scientific possibilities alongside anecdotal reports and historical accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine encourages readers to consider the vastness of the universe and the possibility of life beyond Earth, while also grounding the discussion in technological capabilities and documented events.