UFO-Nytt - 1980 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO NYTT, identified as nr-1 80, is the first publication from the new editorial team of the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening. The magazine is published four times a year and serves as a journal for its members.

From the Editors

The editorial team acknowledges this as the inaugural issue under their direction for 1980. They express that a new board has been elected and that they are still finding their footing in the work. They mention receiving numerous clippings from members via various newspapers and express a desire for more contributions to compile for future issues. The editors encourage members to attend the association's meetings, including observation nights and general gatherings, to share suggestions and ideas for the organization's activities.

Editorial Team and Membership

The responsible publishers are listed as Conny Persson, Seija Niittula, and Bernt Berglund. The editorial team consists of Bernt Berglund, Tommy Palo, and Berith Manzanares. The membership fee for 1980 is 30 kronor, with a reduced rate of 20 kronor for individuals under 16. The association's address is Box 71, 771 01 Ludvika. Their local meeting place is Tre Krokars Gata 13, 771 00 Ludvika, open every Monday from 5-6 PM for book borrowing, with a summer closure. All work for UFO-NYTT is stated to be voluntary and unpaid.

Article: A Damaged UFO Circles the Earth

This article reports on a sensational claim by Soviet space researchers, led by Professor Sergei Boshich, who believe a damaged alien spacecraft is currently orbiting Earth, potentially carrying extraterrestrial beings. American colleagues are reportedly discussing possibilities of tracking and retrieving the craft. British space researcher Dr. Desmond King-Hele is quoted as saying that if the claim is true, it would be a discovery of the century, proving intelligent life beyond Earth. The Soviet researchers reportedly discovered the craft in the early 1960s at an altitude of 1240 miles. After years of study, they have revealed that the spacecraft may have exploded into 10 pieces on December 18, 1955. They have ruled out the possibility of it being a meteor or similar natural phenomenon. Professor Aleksander Kazantsev estimates the craft was at least 75 meters long and 30 meters wide before its explosion, and may have contained the bodies of its occupants. Professor Aleksei Zolotov suggests the beings aboard were between 60-70 centimeters and 2.5 meters tall. The article concludes by posing the question of whether definitive proof of alien visitation will be provided this year, to which the Soviet researchers answer 'yes'.

Article: UFOs Strike Humans!

This section reports on what is believed to be the first instance of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) attacking humans, with concerns that these violent encounters, particularly in Brazil, could spread globally. Thousands in northern Brazil claim to have seen UFOs, and two tragic deaths are linked to these sightings. The most serious case involves 22-year-old José Sousa, who died, and his brother Firmino and cousin Auleriano Alves, who were severely burned after an encounter with a saucer-shaped UFO. This incident, known as the 'Crab Island Case', has baffled investigators. The three fishermen were on their 12-meter boat when the UFO descended. They were rendered unconscious for five hours. Upon waking, two found José Sousa's charred body and suffered severe burns themselves. An investigation of the boat found no signs of fire but detected unusually high radioactivity. Professor Carneiro Belfort noted the burns resembled lightning strikes but without any damage to the boat. Dr. Sylvio Lago, a hypnosis expert, interviewed the survivors, who described four extraterrestrial figures arriving from the UFO. Their descriptions of the beings' attire and appearance were identical. Dr. Lago is convinced they were visited by extraterrestrial beings. Other experts share this view, raising concerns about future UFO attacks.

Article: Collision with a 'Black Hole'?

This article discusses the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, when an intense light and a fiery trail were observed over Siberia, followed by a massive explosion that flattened a vast forested area. Initially thought to be a meteor impact, Russian scientists later proposed it was a nuclear explosion caused by a cosmic body 600 meters in diameter. Some theories suggest a collision with a black hole. The event's impact was registered as far away as Washington and Java. The article contrasts this with the launch of the first Earth satellite two years after the event.

Article: Astronauts Perish!

This piece recounts a major accident during the early days of the Soviet space program. In 1960, to impress the UN General Assembly, Nikita Khrushchev ordered a moon rocket launch on the same day he arrived in New York. Despite extensive preparations by Soviet rocket experts, the rocket failed to ignite on the launchpad. According to safety protocols, no one was to approach the rocket until all safety measures were completed, including disconnecting the ignition and removing fuel tanks. However, under immense pressure to demonstrate Soviet superiority, safety chief Nedelin decided to investigate the malfunction immediately. As technicians approached, the ignition suddenly activated, and the rocket, still attached to the platforms, exploded in a massive fireball, killing all the Soviet space aristocracy involved. The incident was covered up, with Nedelin officially reported to have died in a plane crash.

Article: A Whole Village Saw a Spaceship!

This article details an event in the small Danish village of Nörre Felding on October 19, 1978, where most inhabitants reportedly witnessed a spaceship. The object, described as a flying saucer, appeared in the afternoon sky, sending out signals. It was seen as a compressed white cloud with a dark oval ring. Birthe Jensen, a 22-year-old student visiting her parents, photographed the object. The object descended rapidly and disappeared near Holstebro. While some villagers speculated it was military smoke or a byproduct of a waste incineration plant, the military denied any exercises, and the incineration plant did not operate on Sundays. The article includes testimonies from villagers, including Birthe's father, Sören Jensen, and teacher John Lysgaard, who described the object's appearance and behavior. Steen Landsy of Frit UFO Studium stated that the photos would be compared with American ones, but for now, it was classified as a 'strange atmospheric phenomenon'.

Article: The Encounter That Changed My Life

This is a detailed account by Gösta Carlsson, a 28-year-old railway worker and beekeeper from Ängelholm, Sweden, about his encounter with extraterrestrials on May 18, 1946. While walking in a forest, he saw a bright light and discovered a disk-shaped craft with a cabin and a mast. He observed about twelve beings, men and women, working around the craft. A 'guard' in a white flight suit and transparent helmet prevented him from approaching. The guard used a device resembling a bellows camera, and a woman from the craft threw him some objects. Carlsson describes the beings as unusually beautiful, with brown skin and white teeth, and a general sense of happiness. He later experienced a state of altered consciousness where he was inside the craft, observing the pilot and screens displaying information. The pilot explained that the craft had an engine explosion, resulting in three fatalities, and they were preparing to bury their comrades on an asteroid. Carlsson later found a hole in the ground where the craft had landed. He experienced similar altered states multiple times, during which he was shown scenes inside the craft and the burial on a rocky, desolate planet. He believes these encounters were facilitated by the objects he received, including a quartz rod and a ring. This experience led him to study natural sciences and medicine, eventually founding a successful company based on his research into pollen, earning him the nickname 'Pollen King'. He claims to have had contact with his 'space friends' and believes that in five to ten years, researchers will find solutions to the questions raised by these encounters.

Article: Heated Voices!

This section discusses rumors and speculation surrounding Soviet space activities, particularly regarding manned missions to the moon. It mentions reports from Italian radio amateurs hearing distress calls from Russian space frequencies. Despite the Soviet Union's usual secrecy about space missions, there were claims in 1962 that they were planning a manned moon landing. The article notes that several cosmonauts presented to the public in the years prior to Yuri Gagarin's flight have since disappeared, with some suggesting they may have died in accidents or due to equipment failures. The Soviet Union has consistently denied any such accidents or disappearances.

Article: A Matchbox of Stardust - Weighing 1 Billion Tons!

This article delves into the extreme density of matter found in dwarf stars, specifically mentioning star A C 708247, which weighs 36 tons per cubic centimeter. It contrasts this with osmium, the densest element known on Earth, weighing 22.65 grams per cubic centimeter. The article speculates that if a matchbox-sized amount of this stellar material were brought to Earth, it would sink directly to the planet's center due to its immense weight. However, it assures readers that such a scenario is theoretical, as the star's material would likely transform into gas during its journey through space. The article also touches upon the theoretical possibility of a mass weighing 100 billion tons per cubic centimeter, which would make a matchbox of it weigh 1 billion tons. It concludes by stating the Earth's weight as 6 octillion kilograms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and mysteries of space. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting various accounts and scientific speculation without definitive conclusions, encouraging member participation and discussion. There is a clear interest in extraterrestrial life, spacecraft, and unexplained aerial phenomena, drawing from both international and domestic reports.

This issue of Allers magazine, dated 1989 and identified as issue 18, features a cover headline that reads "Satellites with messages to the stars' folk: Preferably acquaintance if interest exists." The cover also highlights a story about a "flying nightmare creature" attacking people and terrifying a city, alongside imagery of a spiral galaxy. The magazine, published by Allers in Sweden, is in Swedish and priced at 10 SEK.

Space Exploration: Pioneer 10 and Voyager

The lead article discusses the space probes Pioneer 10 and Voyager. Pioneer 10's crossing of Uranus's orbit on July 11th is highlighted, drawing a parallel to the tenth anniversary of the Moon landing. Uranus, the seventh planet from the sun, has an orbital period of 84 Earth years. The article mentions the discovery of Uranus's rings, similar to Saturn's, by astronomers from Cornell University. Pioneer 10's primary mission, completed six years prior, involved returning fascinating images of Jupiter and its thirteen moons. The probe also provided data on Jupiter's magnetic field, radiation belts, and meteorology. The immense distance from which Pioneer 10's signals were received, weakened to one quintillionth of their original strength, is emphasized as a triumph of radio technology.

Pioneer 10's journey also provided evidence that the asteroid belt was not an insurmountable barrier to exploring the outer solar system. The "slingshot" technique, using Jupiter's gravity to accelerate Pioneer 10 towards Neptune and Pluto, is explained. Pioneer 11, its twin, is en route to Saturn. Both probes carry a message etched on copper plaques, intended for extraterrestrial intelligences, expressing humanity's desire for contact.

The article "Vägröjare för Voyager" (Pioneers for Voyager) details how the Pioneer satellites paved the way for the more advanced Voyager 1 and 2. Voyager's exploration of Jupiter revealed its thin ring system, auroras, volcanic moon Io, and intense radiation. Voyager 1 captured 18,000 images of Jupiter and its moons, while Voyager 2 is scheduled to complete its exploration by September.

The Mothman Phenomenon

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Mothman sightings in Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The article describes numerous encounters with a large, winged creature, often compared to a bird or a giant bat with human-like features. Witnesses reported seeing glowing red eyes and experiencing intense fear. The phenomenon began around 1966, with reports of the creature appearing near the TNT area, chasing cars, and terrifying residents. Sheriff's deputies and local authorities investigated, but found no physical evidence, leading some to suggest mass hysteria. However, the persistent nature of the sightings and the detailed accounts from multiple witnesses, including a police chief, suggest a deeper mystery.

Journalist John A. Keel's extensive research from 1966 to 1968, documented in his book "The Mothman Prophecies," is mentioned. Keel theorized that Mothman was a manifestation of parapsychological phenomena, noting its ability to disappear inexplicably and its unusual physical characteristics. The article notes that Mothman sightings resurfaced in Point Pleasant in recent years, occurring only at night.

The Universe: Its End and Mysteries

Another section explores scientific perspectives on the universe. It discusses the shift in understanding from an infinite universe to one with a finite boundary, estimated to be 10 billion light-years away. The concept of galaxies, like our Milky Way, containing billions of stars is explained. The existence of quasars and pulsars, remnants of burnt-out stars, is also mentioned. The article delves into the mystery of "black holes," regions with immense gravity from which nothing can escape.

The "Big Bang" theory, proposing the universe originated from a massive explosion 12-13 billion years ago, is presented. Scientists are attempting to determine the universe's "weight" to predict its ultimate fate: either continued expansion leading to dissipation or a contraction and collapse due to gravity. Current calculations suggest the universe's mass is insufficient to halt expansion.

Transcendental Meditation (TM)

The magazine features an article on Transcendental Meditation (TM), a technique popularized by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. It explains that TM involves meditating twice daily using a personal mantra to achieve a state of deep relaxation. The practice is credited with reducing stress, improving mental clarity, and sharpening senses. The article notes that millions worldwide practice TM, with 40,000 people in Sweden having taken courses. Maharishi's theory that one percent of a society practicing TM could transform it into an "ideal society" is presented, with claims of reduced crime and illness in areas where this threshold has been met.

Unexplained Phenomena and Reader Contributions

Several reader-submitted accounts of unexplained events are included:

• "The Lady of the Manor Haunted Us": A story about a couple experiencing strange hand-like sounds behind a wall in a manor house, which they later learned was haunted by a woman murdered in the 17th century.
• "The Mystery of the Yellow House": A personal account of a dream involving a yellow house and a white rectory, which later seemed to predict future events.
• "Who Helped the Little One Dial Our Number?": A story about a child who, alone at home, managed to call a specific neighbor's number without knowing how to dial.
• "The Dead Woman Wanted Her Pot Back": An account of a ghost appearing to a grandmother, pointing to a pot that had been borrowed and not returned.
• "The Dog Knew His Friend Had Died": A story about a dog that refused to walk its usual route after its elderly human friend passed away.

Additionally, the magazine includes a section inviting readers to share their own unexplained experiences, with contact information for the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening.

Light Phenomena in Morgårdshammar

A dedicated section reports on unexplained light phenomena observed over Morgårdshammar, Sweden. Witnesses described a large, round, reddish-yellow light moving vertically and then horizontally across the sky, disappearing behind the horizon. The object was described as having sharp contours and a size comparable to the moon. Observers ruled out it being a balloon due to its steady, predictable movement. The article notes that the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening is investigating these sightings and is seeking more witnesses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of the unknown, the unexplained, and the frontiers of human knowledge, spanning space exploration, paranormal phenomena, and scientific mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and openness to investigating such phenomena, encouraging reader participation and providing a platform for sharing personal accounts and scientific findings. There is a clear interest in both technological achievements like space probes and more esoteric subjects like UFOs and paranormal events.

This issue of "aktuellt om teknik" (Current Technology) from 1979 (Volume 21, Issue 20) focuses on a futuristic transportation project: the flying saucer airship.

Flying Saucers Over the English Channel

The main article, "Flygande tefat över Engelska analen" (Flying Saucers Over the English Channel), details a British project spearheaded by engineer and businessman Malcolm Wren. The project aims to make human-built flying saucers a common sight in the skies as early as 1982. These craft are described as airships with a sleek, streamlined form and low profile, differing from traditional zeppelins and making them suitable for cruising the airways.

The text, written by Anders Palm and illustrated by Sune Envall, highlights the comfort offered by these tefat (saucer) airships. Passengers would be able to move around freely, akin to being on a cruise ship, rather than being confined to airplane seats. The article suggests that despite a relatively low speed of 160 km/h, these airships could outperform jet planes on short routes because they can land vertically within city centers.

Technological and Environmental Aspects

Illustrations depict the airship's design, including its ability to dock at a "TERMINAL" and its landing in a "LANDNING I LA-GRYTA" (Landing in a Lava Pit - likely a mistranslation or colloquialism for a specialized landing area). The article contrasts these modern airships with older zeppelins, which were vulnerable to storms when moored on the ground.

A key safety feature mentioned is that the new tefatsskepp (saucer ships) are filled with the fire-safe gas helium, not hydrogen. This ensures safety, and even if the engines fail during flight, the craft would simply descend gently to the ground.

The project is presented as an environmentally friendly alternative to current air travel. The airships are said to produce no more noise than a regular bus and require significantly less energy for takeoff compared to helicopters and jet planes, fulfilling a wish for environmentalists.

Future Prospects and Challenges

The article expresses a strong belief in the comeback of airships, lamenting that politicians, established researchers, and airlines lack the imagination to grasp their potential. It concludes with a hopeful note that Malcolm Wren will succeed in overcoming these barriers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently champions innovative and forward-thinking technological solutions, particularly those that offer environmental benefits and improved passenger experience. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for the adoption of new technologies, even when they challenge established norms and face skepticism from conventional authorities. The focus on the flying saucer airship suggests an interest in unconventional designs and a belief in their practical application.