UFO-Nytt - 1979 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO-NYTT
Issue: Nr 1-79 (Volume 3)
Date: 1979
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-NYTT, the membership magazine for the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, expands its pages for 1979 due to increased member fees. It covers a range of UFO-related topics, including a pilot's disappearance, sightings in Sweden, and an analysis of photographic evidence.

Key Articles and Reports

Pilot Kidnapped by UFO?

The cover story details the mysterious incident involving 20-year-old pilot Frederich Valentich on October 21, 1978, over Bass Strait, Australia. Valentich reported seeing four strong lights and an unidentified object that he described as an "oval disk with green light and some sort of metallic light on the outside." His engine began to sputter, and his last words were "It is not an airplane...." before radio contact was lost. Search and rescue operations were conducted but yielded no results. The article discusses various theories, including the possibility of Valentich misinterpreting reflections from King Island and Cape Otway, a theory dismissed by his father who stated Valentich was an experienced pilot. The Australian Department of Transport's response is questioned, with suggestions that they may be more interested in downplaying the event. The article includes a transcript of the final radio communication.

Mysterious Lights in the Sky (Kallinge, Sweden)

A report from Kallinge, dated February 2, 1979, describes a phenomenon observed around 3 AM. A newspaper distributor reported seeing large white spots in the northern and northwestern sky, and reddish-purple fields in the south, visible for over two hours. The local meteorologist at F17 could not provide an explanation. The report speculates whether these were light reflections from the ground or the sea and invites readers to submit their own reports or explanations.

Balloon in Falun (Falun, Sweden)

Another report from February 2, 1979, details an incident in Falun where a balloon caused some commotion. Police received reports of a balloon sighting, and after some investigation, it was identified as a school project photographed by students. The object was approximately one meter in diameter.

Dima: A Fantastic Mammoth Find

This section, appearing on page 3, is unrelated to UFOs and reports on the discovery of a well-preserved mammoth calf, named Dima, in the Magadan area of northeastern Siberia. The find is significant for scientific study, providing insights into prehistoric life.

UFO in F.N. (United Nations)

This article discusses a meeting on July 14, 1978, where a group of UFO researchers met with UN Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim. The meeting, arranged by Grenada's Prime Minister Sir Eric Gairy, aimed to establish a UFO committee within the UN to address UFO events seriously. Notable attendees included Dr. Josef Allan Hynek, Dr. Jacques Valleé, Dr. Claude Poher, Dr. David Saunders, L.Gordon Cooper, Leonard Stringfield, E.Lee Speigel, and Morton Gleiser. The article suggests that these efforts have met with some success.

Is UFO Dangerous?

This section speculates on the dangers of UFOs, mentioning areas like Rimforsa, Skänninge, and Motala as potentially dangerous. It suggests the possibility of UFO abductions and links disappearances on Finnish ferries to UFO activity. It also controversially suggests that people disappearing in Vietnam and Kampuchea might have been taken by UFOs, arguing that these countries do not kill people unnecessarily.

The "Flying Saucer" of Handen: A Hoax

This is a detailed exposé of a case involving 16-year-old Ulf Warncke, who claimed to have photographed a flying saucer in Handen, Stockholm. The article initially presents the photos and Warncke's story, including an expert analysis by Boris Jungkvist of Häggviks Ufologiska Forskningscenter, who initially deemed the photo authentic and the object non-conventional, estimating its size at about 10 meters in diameter. However, the article then reveals that Warncke admitted to faking the photos by gluing two plastic plates together and hanging them with nylon thread in his window. He stated his intention was to show how easy it is to create a hoax and to see how a newspaper would react.

Expert Analysis of UFO Photos

Boris Jungkvist, an expert with over 25 years of experience in UFO research, provides an analysis of the photos. He initially states that the photo appears to be an authentic UFO photo and not a copied image, noting the object's shape is consistent with classic UFO exteriors. He estimates the size at approximately 10 meters in diameter and concludes it is not a conventional object. However, the article later clarifies that this analysis was based on the assumption of authenticity before the hoax was revealed. The article also includes a brief mention of a famous UFO photo taken by Lars Thörn on May 6, 1971.

UFO Association Program

The magazine includes the program for the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening for 1979. This includes scheduled observation nights, board meetings, planning meetings, study trips (to Saltsjöbaden), and various club meetings with discussions and film screenings on topics such as UFO hoaxes, pyramids, ancient history, astronomy, and Viking expeditions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as real and worthy of serious investigation, with a leaning towards the belief in UFO existence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to report sightings and share information. However, the inclusion of the Ulf Warncke case serves as a cautionary tale about the prevalence of hoaxes and the need for critical evaluation of evidence. The article on the UN meeting suggests a push for greater official recognition and study of UFOs. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that authorities may be withholding information or downplaying incidents. The magazine also touches upon the potential dangers associated with UFOs, including abduction scenarios.

This issue of ARBETARBLADET, dated Tuesday, January 30, 1979, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, astronomical theories, and space exploration. The cover story, "Mystiskt ljussken i Uppsala" (Mysterious Light in Uppsala), highlights a sighting of a strange object. Other articles discuss the possibility of life on Venus, the impending crash of the Skylab space station, and a science fiction narrative about a Mars mission.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Several UFO sightings are detailed throughout the magazine:

• Uppsala, Sweden: Göran Lööv reported seeing a "yellow-green object" illuminate the sky. Another anonymous witness from Brunna described a "bright yellow-green light" that was "completely unbelievable" and "totally incredible." The object was estimated to be 10-15 meters in diameter, moved with incredible speed, and ascended rapidly.
• Smedjebacken, Sweden (October 27, 1978): Peter Nordstedt described a "strange object" resembling a helicopter with bright headlights. The lights dimmed, then the object became stationary before disappearing, leaving only smoke. It was orange and made no sound, seen at a distance of approximately 2 km.
• Rämshyttan-Grangärde, Sweden (November 24, 1978): Göte Gustavsson and his family observed a "luminous object" that hovered for 7-8 minutes before moving sideways over a lake. It was described as a "searchlight," yellow-white, with a faint sound, and seen at about 250 meters.
• Grangärde-Hästberg, Sweden (December 8, 1978): A witness saw a "bright yellow" object ascend, making a faint popping sound. It was described as about 1 meter long and seen at a distance of 50 meters.
• Indiana, USA (March 29, 1978): Three truck drivers reported a "bright blue light" that covered their vehicles, causing engines to stall and a profound silence. The light reappeared, lasting about 15 seconds. The experience was described as peaceful and surreal.
• Uppsala, Sweden (January 1979): The article "Mystiskt ljussken i Uppsala" details a sighting by Göran Lööv and an anonymous woman of a "yellow-green object" that lit up the sky and moved with incredible speed. Police and military in the Uppsala area could not explain the phenomenon.

Astronomical Theories and Discoveries

• Comets and Life on Earth: Renowned astronomer Fred Hoyle proposes a theory that life on Earth originated from comets and meteorites. He suggests that these celestial bodies carried organic molecules and spread epidemics, such as the Black Death and the Asian flu, to our planet. Hoyle believes this cosmic invasion is ongoing. He points to the spread of Asian flu as evidence, arguing that its pattern doesn't align with typical human-to-human transmission but rather suggests atmospheric dispersal.
• Venus Exploration: Data from NASA's Pioneer Venus probes reveal intense lightning and chemical fires on Venus's surface. The planet has three distinct cloud layers, with temperatures ranging from 13 to 200 degrees Celsius. The lower atmosphere is opaque, resembling Earth's clouds. Researchers are surprised by the high concentration of noble gases like neon and argon, which could challenge existing theories about planetary formation.
• Solar Power Satellites: An article discusses the potential of giant solar power satellites to supply electricity to entire countries like Sweden. These satellites, equipped with solar panels covering vast areas, would beam energy to Earth via microwaves. The technology is considered feasible by the 1990s, though concerns exist about the impact of microwave radiation on the atmosphere and the cost-effectiveness of the system.

Space Exploration and Mysteries

• Skylab's Impending Crash: The American space station Skylab, weighing 85 tons, is predicted to crash to Earth in 1979 or 1980. NASA has abandoned efforts to save it, and debris is expected to fall over a large area, though the risk to populated areas is considered small due to most of its orbit being over water.
• Pyramid Mysteries: The issue addresses the debate about the height and construction of pyramids. It clarifies that the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, with an original height of 146.59 meters, is the world's tallest, not a 300-meter pyramid reportedly found underwater in the Bermuda Triangle. The article suggests pyramids were built using mass labor from slaves and oriented by the sun and stars, rather than by extraterrestrial visitors.
• Mars Mission (Science Fiction): A fictional account details a six-month journey to Mars in the year 2020. The crew encounters strange, slimy beings on Mars who take them to an unusual building. They are imprisoned but manage to escape using a device left behind by the aliens. The crew returns to Earth, not to Mars, as instructed by Earth control, and their story is met with disbelief.

Organizations and Events

• Västerbergslagens UFO-förening: This UFO organization, formed in January 1978, has expanded its board and plans to increase membership through a campaign. They are organizing observation nights, meetings, and study trips.
• UFO-Report: Several articles cite "UFO-Report" as a source, indicating its role in disseminating information on UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO sightings as credible phenomena, often quoting witnesses and citing reports from various sources. There's a clear interest in exploring the scientific and speculative aspects of UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and space phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be open to these possibilities, encouraging further investigation and discussion, as seen in the "Mystiskt ljussken i Uppsala" and the coverage of Fred Hoyle's theories. The inclusion of a science fiction story also suggests an engagement with the imaginative side of space exploration and alien encounters.

This issue of Svenska Dagbladet, dated Sunday, December 3, 1978, and January 21, 1979, features a prominent cover story questioning the prevailing Big Bang theory of the universe's origin. It also includes reports on UFO sightings, an anthropological discovery, and space exploration findings.

Article: Scientists Doubt the Big Bang

The lead article, "Forskare tvivlar på ursmällen..." (Scientists Doubt the Big Bang...), discusses the cosmic background radiation discovered by Nobel laureates Arno Penzias and Robert W. Wilson, which has been considered evidence for the Big Bang. However, Professor Martin Reese of Cambridge is presented as doubting this theory. Reese proposes an alternative explanation: the radiation might be remnants from massive stars that existed before the current galaxies formed and died long ago. This suggests that the universe's origin story might be more complex than the widely accepted Big Bang model.

Article: UFO Sighting in Italy

A brief report titled "TEFATSFÄRD" (Saucer Journey) describes a policeman in Genoa who claims to have been abducted twice by 'little green men' with triangular eyes and blue veins on their heads. Even under hypnosis, he maintained his story. His police car reportedly glowed after one of these alleged encounters.

Article: Pentagon Report on UFOs

"Jaktflyg missade UFO" (Fighter Jets Missed UFO) details a sensational report from the Pentagon concerning unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The report focuses on observations made by the military, not just individuals. In November 1975, unknown low-flying objects were sighted over sensitive nuclear facilities in Montana, Michigan, and Maine. These phenomena were observed by pilots, ground personnel, and detected on radar. Despite attempts by fighter jets to intercept them, the objects evaded capture. The report also mentions a 1976 incident near Teheran where two Iranian F-4 Phantom jets encountered a brightly lit, unknown object, causing an electronic weapons system to malfunction.

Article: UFO Filmed in Australia

"Ufo filmad i Australien" (UFO Filmed in Australia) reports on the first-ever TV filming of a flying saucer. The object was filmed over Kaikura, New Zealand, by an Australian TV team. The Australian Air Force was put on alert. TV reporter Quentin Fogarty described a formation of unidentified objects following their plane, estimating them to be about 30 meters in diameter.

Article: Fossil Ancestor Found

"Fossil anmoder funnen" (Fossil Ancestor Found) announces a significant anthropological discovery by Dr. Donald Johanson. He found a fossil skeleton in Ethiopia believed to be a link in human evolution, approximately three million years old. This find predates previous discoveries by a million years and is considered one of the most remarkable in decades. The skeleton, named "Australopithecus afarensis" (nicknamed 'Lucy'), was about 40% complete and suggests an upright-walking ancestor.

Article: CIA Document on Alien Bodies

"Besättning i tefat dog enligt CIA" (Crews in Saucer Died According to CIA) reports that two retired US Air Force colonels testified under oath that they saw dead bodies of extraterrestrial beings recovered from a crashed saucer. These documents were released by the CIA under court order following a request from UFO observers. The observers believe the CIA should release all UFO-related material.

Article: Giant Gas Cloud Discovered in Space

"Jättelikt gasmoln upptäckt i rymden" (Giant Gas Cloud Discovered in Space) details the discovery of a massive cloud of gas and dust in the universe by an American satellite. Researchers believe this cloud could potentially halt the universe's expansion. The cloud contains an enormous concentration of galaxies, with a total mass equivalent to a million trillion suns. The discovery was made by the 'Heao 1' satellite.

Article: UFOs and Earth's Inhabitants

"UFO kollar jordmänniskorna" (UFO Checks Earthlings) features an interview with Carl-Axel Jonzon, founder of the UFO-Sverige organization. Jonzon states that UFOs are more accepted now than in the past, but authorities still express doubt. He believes hypnosis is a useful tool for UFO investigations. He also discusses how UFO sightings increase during times of crisis, like war or atomic bomb tests. He suggests that 'they' are observing humanity because they are concerned about our path, especially regarding technology and environmental issues.

Article: Carl Higdon's Abduction Account

"Jag kidnappades av varelser från rymden!" (I Was Kidnapped by Beings from Space!) recounts the story of Carl Higdon, an American oil worker who claims he was abducted by aliens in 1974. He describes encountering a strange being named Ausso, being taken aboard a spacecraft, and visiting another planet. Upon returning, his truck had been moved. Doctors and psychologists, including Dr. Leo Sprinkle, investigated his claims, finding no evidence of intoxication or mental illness, and some concluded he likely experienced the event. Dr. Sprinkle believes Higdon is telling the truth.

Article: Radio Signals from Venus

"Rapporter från Venus" (Reports from Venus) describes American scientists receiving radio signals from four small space probes that descended through Venus's atmosphere. Despite expectations that the signals would cease after about an hour as the probes crashed, they continued for longer than anticipated, providing valuable data.

Miscellanea

A section titled "MISCELLANEA" provides a chronological list of historical UFO sightings and events dating from 1864 to 1877. These include reports of glowing discs, cigar-shaped objects, luminous arrows leaving Venus, and exploding projectiles from Mars.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a growing public and scientific interest in UFO phenomena, alongside continued debate about the origins of the universe. There's a clear editorial stance that UFOs are a subject worthy of serious investigation, even if official bodies are perceived as hesitant. The inclusion of historical sightings suggests a long-standing interest in the topic. The anthropological discovery highlights advancements in understanding human origins, while space exploration articles showcase ongoing scientific endeavors. The overall tone is informative, presenting various perspectives and reports without definitive conclusions on many of the more extraordinary claims.