UFO-Nytt - 1979 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-NYTT, the member journal for the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, published in Sweden, is dated 1979 and identified as issue number 2 of volume 3. The cover features a grainy photograph of a UFO and the headline "Närkontakt av Andra Graden med tagna foton i Canada" (Second Degree Contact with Photos Taken in Canada), with a reference to photo number 2, enlarged 31x, on page 7.

Editorial and Organizational News

The issue begins with editorial information, listing Juan Manzanares as the responsible publisher and layout designer, and Bernt Berglund, Ingegerd Silvennoinen, Berith Manzanares, and Jörgen Ek as editors. Subscription details are provided: 30 SEK for the year, or 20 SEK for those under 16. The address for the organization is Box 71, S-77101 Ludvika, Sweden, with a telephone number of 0240-41020 and a postal giro of 160 99-4. The local meeting place is Tre Krokarsgatan 13, Ludvika, open every Monday from 16:15 to 18:00, with a summer break.

A significant article titled "V.U.F.O.F. har lämnat U.F.O.-Sverige" (V.U.F.O.F. has left U.F.O.-Sweden) details the decision made by the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening (V.UFO.F.) on June 7, 1979, to leave the national organization UFO-Sverige. The article explains that the members felt the national organization was characterized by passivity and ignorance, and despite an initial desire to influence it from within, a meeting on April 7, 1979, revealed a lack of responsiveness from the UFO-Sverige leadership. The article states that V.UFO.F. will now work independently but maintain contact with other UFO associations in Sweden. A full report on the reasons for leaving is available upon request.

The table of contents lists various articles, including the full report on leaving UFO-Sverige, a report on a second-degree encounter with photos from Canada, a piece on Jupiter's first close-up images, a story about a flying saucer, a report on the Tungusta explosion, an article about an event from 10 years prior, and a report on a third-degree encounter.

Astronomical Discoveries

Two articles focus on astronomical news. One, titled "Galileis fynd på bild" (Galilei's Findings in Pictures), published in Svenska Dagbladet on March 6, 1979, discusses the historic images of Jupiter's four largest moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto) captured by the Voyager 1 space probe. These moons were the first celestial objects revealed by a telescope and provided the first evidence that light has a finite speed, a concept studied by Ole Römer in 1675. The article notes that Io and Europa are similar in size to Earth's moon, while Ganymede and Callisto are larger. It also mentions that Voyager 2 will reach Jupiter in the summer and may provide closer views of Europa, which appears unusually smooth in the Voyager 1 images.

Another article, from DN. Söndag on March 18, 1979, titled "Även Jupiter har bälte av sten runt 'magen'" (Even Jupiter has a belt of stone around its 'belly'), also discusses the Voyager 1 findings. It highlights that Jupiter, like Saturn and Uranus, has rings of floating boulders. The article explains that Jupiter is a gas giant, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with a density similar to water. It mentions the possibility of a solid core, possibly of iron, and notes that under immense pressure, hydrogen can become metallic. The article also touches upon the "Great Red Spot," a persistent storm on Jupiter, and the planet's emission of more energy than it receives from the sun. The images accompanying this article include a close-up of Jupiter's moon Io, showing what appears to be a volcanic plume, and a comparison of the relative sizes of Jupiter's moons.

Space Mission Drama

An article titled "Drama i rymden" (Drama in Space), published in FOLKET on April 14, 1979, reports on the dramatic return of Soviet cosmonauts Nikolaj Rukavisjnikov and Georgij Ivanov from their Soyuz 33 mission. The mission experienced several system failures, including issues with the course correction apparatus as the capsule approached the Salyut 6 space station. Due to these problems, the cosmonauts were ordered to return to Earth. The landing was successful, but the incident marked the fourth mishap in the Soyuz program. The article also notes the coincidence that this return occurred on Space Flight Day, the anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's first manned space flight.

Another section, "Röster från rymden" (Voices from Space), mentions that cosmonauts Vladimir Lyakhov and Valery Ryumin participated in the Soviet parliamentary elections via Moscow radio from the Salyut 6 orbital station, emphasizing their sense of responsibility to the Soviet people.

Canadian UFO Sighting

The main feature, "Närkontakt av andra graden med tagna foton i Canada" (Second Degree Contact with Photos Taken in Canada), by Wido Hoville Don Donderi, details an encounter that occurred on March 11, 1978. The witnesses were Jacques Lavoie and Richard Huot, who photographed a UFO near the Baskatong reservoir in Quebec, Canada. The article describes the object as cylinder-shaped, approximately 8 meters long and 3 meters in diameter, with a blunt front and rear, and observed sailing slowly at low altitude. The atmospheric conditions were partly cloudy with a temperature of 3.2°C and 85% humidity. The wind was from the NNÖ at 13 km/t. The author recounts his efforts to locate the witnesses and obtain the photographs, facing initial difficulties due to a hidden phone number and the reluctance of some parties to release the images. The article mentions that the photographs were eventually published in the "Montreal Star" after significant pressure. The author also notes that a representative from "The Center for UFO Studies," identified as Marcel Soucy, attempted to purchase the photos for a small sum, which was refused. The analysis of the negatives by a photo technician, Robert Lamarche, confirmed their authenticity, with Dr. Hynek reportedly stating that the case was likely the best photographed UFO incident in 30 years. However, the author expresses frustration with the sensationalism of the mass media and the lack of cooperation from certain individuals, which hindered the scientific recognition of the case. The article concludes by stating that the photos are the exclusive property of Jacques Lavoie and protected by copyright.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, space exploration, and astronomical news. There is a clear focus on detailed case studies, including witness testimony and photographic evidence, as seen in the Canadian sighting report. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, advocating for scientific analysis and critical evaluation of evidence, while also expressing frustration with media sensationalism and institutional obstacles. The departure from UFO-Sverige suggests a desire for greater autonomy and a more direct approach to UFO research. The inclusion of space news from missions like Voyager 1 and the Soyuz program indicates an interest in the broader context of humanity's exploration of space and the potential for discovering the unknown.

This issue of UFO-Nytt, dated December 1978, is primarily in Swedish and focuses on UFO sightings, close encounters, and related phenomena, alongside a significant piece on the Tunguska event and a historical overview of space exploration.

Article: Close Encounter in Montvale, New Jersey

This article, attributed to Ted Bloecher and translated from French by Ingegerd Silvennoines, details a close encounter of the third kind reported by four boys in Montvale, New Jersey, USA, on January 31 and February 1, 1978. The boys, John (10), Eddy (8), Michael (10), and Hilton (12), reported seeing at least one UFO multiple times. The primary witness, John, described a square-shaped object with yellowish lights on each side and a smaller dome on top, emitting red light downwards. The object was estimated to be between 500 and 1000 feet in altitude. The boys were visibly upset, and their accounts were corroborated by their mother and further investigated by UFO researchers Budd Hopkins and Pat Huyghe. The object reportedly passed over the school's sports field, rotated, and then moved rapidly towards Park Ridge.

Article: Sighting near Baie Mercier, Canada

This account, written by Jacques Lavoie, describes an experience on March 11, 1978, near Baskatongdammen, Canada. Lavoie and his companion, Richard Huot, were on a winter expedition to a place called "Villa Basque." After driving to a parking area near a restaurant, they proceeded on foot due to unplowed roads. While near a lake, they observed what was initially described as a "starfall" moving in a northwesterly direction. This object made a sudden downward turn and slowed down before disappearing behind trees. Later, Richard Huot spotted a luminous object hovering silently over the lake's ice. Lavoie took photographs of the object, noting two small light sources on its upper side. The object then moved rapidly to the northwest. Lavoie describes a second observation where the object reappeared, seemingly smaller, then moved towards them, appearing larger. He admits to being frightened by this second observation, contrasting it with the first, which he found fascinating.

Article: The Tunguska Mystery

This extensive article, published in SUNDAGS-EXPRESSEN on May 6, 1979, and also appearing in UFO-Nytt, details the mysterious Tunguska event of June 30, 1908. The event involved a massive explosion in Siberia that flattened an estimated 80 million trees over an area of 2,000 square kilometers. Eyewitnesses reported a blinding light, intense heat, and a powerful shockwave. The article discusses the difficulties in reaching the remote area and the initial reports that took years to surface. Russian scientist Leonid Kulik led expeditions in the 1920s to find a meteor crater, but instead found a vast area of flattened forest. The article explores various theories, including a meteor or comet impact, but highlights anomalies such as the lack of a crater and the presence of unusual substances like selenium, ytterbium, and high levels of Carbon-14, suggesting a possible nuclear explosion. The article also notes that trees in the affected area grew at an accelerated rate after 1908. It questions the comet theory due to the radioactivity and the object's trajectory. The piece concludes by mentioning that scientists are still divided on the cause of the event.

Article: The Moon Landing - A Prestige Matter

This article, published on Monday, May 28, 1979, in Månvandringen som var en PRESTIGESAK, recounts the history of the space race, focusing on the achievements of both the Soviet Union and the United States. It begins with the Soviet Sputnik launch in 1957, which spurred the US to develop its own satellite, Explorer 1, in 1958. The article highlights the competition to reach the moon, initiated by President Kennedy's challenge. It details the Soviet Luna missions, including Luna 2's impact on the moon in 1959 and Luna 3's photography of the far side. The US Apollo program is then described, including the training of astronauts and the development of the Saturn V rocket. The article recounts the Apollo 8, 9, and 10 missions, which paved the way for the Apollo 11 landing. It details the dramatic landing of the Lunar Module "Eagle" on July 20, 1969, and Neil Armstrong's famous words upon stepping onto the lunar surface. The article also mentions other space achievements, such as the first woman in space (Valentina Tereshkova) and the first spacewalk (Alexei Leonov).

Article: World's Largest Meteorite

A brief report from Bergslagsposten on April 28, 1979, mentions the discovery of a 30-ton meteorite in the water near Florø, Norway. The meteorite had bored into the seabed and broken apart. Its reddish-brown color with yellow and green inclusions is noted, and the article speculates that its angle of entry might have prevented it from burning up completely in the atmosphere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, UFO sightings, and potential extraterrestrial contact. It presents eyewitness accounts, scientific investigations, and historical events like the Tunguska incident. There is also a strong interest in space exploration and the technological achievements of humanity in venturing beyond Earth. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting evidence and theories without definitive conclusions, particularly in the case of the Tunguska event and UFO sightings.

This issue of Hemmets Journal, dated nr 12-79, published by Hemmets Journal, focuses on unexplained phenomena, including UFO sightings and mysterious disappearances. The cover features a striking black and white illustration of a lighthouse and a man, with the headline "'Varelser från en annan planet förde bort mig!!'" (Creatures from another planet took me away!!).

Article: 'Varelser från en annan planet förde bort mig!!' (Creatures from another planet took me away!!)

This article details the extraordinary experience of Edward Crafford, a 24-year-old lighthouse keeper on Dassen Island, South Africa. On the night of November 23, 1978, Crafford was awakened by a strange, whining sound and a blinding light. He described an egg-shaped object emitting a light so strong it hurt his eyes. He claims to have been pushed and struck, losing consciousness. Later, he was found disoriented and taken to a hospital. His account was corroborated by farm owners Annie and Hendrikus Vos, who also witnessed a similar object. The incident was investigated by security police, and all parties involved were instructed not to speak about it. The article notes that the South African security police have since observed other unidentified flying objects but maintain strict secrecy.

Article: 'Dödens Triangel' (The Triangle of Death)

This section discusses the ongoing mystery of disappearances in the 'Bermuda Triangle'. It highlights recent incidents in the past six months, including the disappearance of boats, planes, and people. The article mentions the loss of an Argosy Airlines DC-3 aircraft north of Cuba on September 21st, which vanished from radar without a trace. It also recounts the disappearance of a small Cessna 172 plane between Tobago and Trinidad on July 17th, and the loss of the motorboat 'Buddy Too' and the yacht 'Escorpion'. Charles Berlitz, author of books on the Bermuda Triangle, is quoted stating that no wreckage or bodies have ever been found in these cases, deepening the mystery.

Article: 'Ljusskenet var en meteor!' (The Light was a Meteor!)

This article reports on a bright light observed over Southern Sweden, Denmark, and Northern Germany on a Wednesday evening. Docent Bertil Lindblad from the astronomical institution at Lund University explains that the phenomenon was a bright meteor, likely from the Lyrids meteor shower, which enters Earth's atmosphere around April 21st. He dismisses the possibility of it being a satellite due to its angle and speed. While Lindblad suggests the meteor was small, possibly only a few hundred grams, its high speed created a significant light phenomenon. UFO Syd in Lund, however, remains unconvinced, suggesting it might have been something else. The article notes that such meteors are rare over Sweden, occurring only once or twice a year.

Article: 'Jorden ökar i vikt' (Earth is gaining weight)

This piece discusses the constant influx of cosmic dust and meteorites into Earth's atmosphere. It explains that while large meteorites are rare, billions of tiny cosmic dust particles enter the atmosphere daily. These particles, visible as 'shooting stars', contribute to Earth's mass. Soviet scientists have estimated that Earth gains between 100-110 tons of mass daily from this meteoric material, totaling approximately 40,000 tons annually. This constant addition, though seemingly large, is a minuscule amount relative to Earth's total mass and does not significantly affect its rotation or orbit.

Miscellanea

This section provides a chronological list of various unexplained aerial phenomena reported throughout history, dating from 1877 to 1882. Entries include sightings of luminous bodies, fast-moving objects, cigar-shaped craft, and triangular formations. Locations mentioned span across Wales, the Persian Gulf, Russia, Venezuela, Australia, the USA, England, Belgium, and Mexico.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained aerial phenomena, mysterious disappearances, and the investigation of potential extraterrestrial encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting these accounts and investigations, with a degree of scientific skepticism (as seen in the meteor article) balanced with an openness to the possibility of the unexplained (as in the Bermuda Triangle and Crafford cases). The inclusion of historical 'miscellanea' suggests a long-standing interest in such phenomena.