UFO-Nytt - 1980 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of Västerbergslagens UFO Nytt, identified as number 3 from 1980, is a member publication of the Västerbergslagens UFO association, appearing four times annually. The cover prominently features the title "UFO NYTT" and the association's emblem, with the issue number and year clearly displayed.

From the Editors

The editorial section addresses the need for translators to help with articles from other languages, reiterating a call for volunteers. It announces the inclusion of an article from the 1961 magazine HÄPNA, written by Sam. J. Lundvall, which readers are encouraged to compare with current reports. The issue also features the 'Toronto Report' with a continuation planned for the next issue, and a brief article on the film 'The Empire Strikes Back'. Local event reports are postponed to the next issue due to delays in gathering information. The editors mention that some reports will be presented at the association's meeting on October 17th in Ludvika.

The responsible publishers are listed as Conny Persson and Seija Niittula, with the editorial team comprising Bernt Berglund, Tommy Palo, and Berith Manzanares. Membership for 1980 is 30 kronor, with a reduced rate of 20 kronor for individuals under 16. The postal address is Box 71, 771 01 Ludvika.

Current Technology: Meteorites - Illusions from Outer Space

This section delves into the study of meteorites, exploring their origins, formation, and what they can reveal about the solar system's birth. Researchers are drawn to the sterile ice fields of the North and South Poles, particularly Antarctica and Canada, to find meteorites uncontaminated by microorganisms. Expeditions have collected over 1600 'space stones' in Antarctica over a decade. Laboratory analyses indicate that most meteorites are 4.6 billion years old and contain the same elements found on Earth. Automated meteor cameras are deployed in Canada to quickly locate impact sites and even analyze trajectories in reverse, suggesting some meteorites might be remnants of a destroyed planet in the asteroid belt. Scientists are hopeful that meteorites preserved in Antarctica's ice will provide definitive answers about whether they are fragments of exploded planets.

Our Scientists are Preparing an Attack on Infinity!

This feature, an 'aktuellt-special' by Anders Palm with illustrations by Sune Envall, discusses the ambitious plans for interstellar travel. It highlights the progress made in space exploration, with probes reaching Uranus and beyond. The article notes the absence of extraterrestrial life found so far, making Earth unique. The focus shifts to the first potential starship journeys, with Alfa Centauri, located 4.3 light-years away, as the most likely destination. Alfa Centauri is a binary star system. The concept of using an asteroid as a starship is explored, offering advantages in terms of material resources and psychological comfort for the crew. The asteroid Eros is presented as an ideal candidate due to its size (29 km diameter) and composition, potentially rich in iron ore. The article explains the necessity of a matter-antimatter engine for interstellar travel, as chemical rockets, ion drives, or solar sails are limited to the solar system. A matter-antimatter powered ship could reach Alfa Centauri in 6-7 years at near light speed. The concept of time dilation due to relativistic speeds is discussed, referencing Einstein's twin paradox, where a traveler would age less than someone remaining on Earth. The article concludes by emphasizing the necessity of taking the leap towards the stars to find answers about potential life and colonization in other star systems.

Is This a Space Man?

This section questions the frequent reports of flying saucers in Sweden, noting that ufologists receive daily calls. It suggests that many reports stem from loneliness, mental issues, or a combination thereof, with some individuals experiencing 'paranormal experiences'.

Olidligt hett (Unbearably Hot)

A case from August 1979 in Rönnby, Västerås, is described where a 31-year-old construction worker reported intense heat and a red glow in his bedroom. He saw two figures on his balcony before they disappeared. His 14-year-old stepson reported a similar experience. Ufologists Jan Eriksen and K.E. Karlsson interviewed the individuals.

Natural Explanations

Jan Eriksen of Västerås states that their interest lies in finding natural explanations for UFO sightings. Examples include a woman reporting a hovering UFO, which turned out to be a newly installed chimney with a red light on a foggy evening. Another incident involved a power outage in a small community near Västerås, where residents mistook an electrical surge for a UFO.

The Third Kind of Contact

Jan Eriksen is asked for the best example of a 'third kind of contact' (close encounter) in Sweden. He mentions Gideon Johansson, a 57-year-old foreman from Småland, who reported an incident on September 30, 1959. During a power outage, Johansson saw a damaged spaceship scrape against a linden tree and hover a few decimeters above the ground. He described seeing two beings inside, small with Asian features, high foreheads, bald heads, large dark eyes, small noses, thin mouths, and weak chins. His 25-year-old son also witnessed the event. This case is considered a significant piece of evidence for Swedish ufology.

Faster Than Thought

The concept of 'parapsychology' is introduced, suggesting a collective wish for alien visitation might manifest experiences. The idea that thought is faster than light is mentioned, implying that if we could travel by thought, all boundaries would be broken. Swedish ufologists, despite limited resources, aim for scientific recognition.

Tanken är snabbare (Thought is Faster)

Ufologists interviewed claim they do not actively seek UFO sightings but find the subject interesting. Jörgen Kvist from Hallstahammar's UFO group sells merchandise at the exhibition. The issue concludes by mentioning a panel debate at the UFO exhibition in Västerås.

A Picture from the UFO Fair in Västerås

This section features a photograph presented at the UFO fair in Västerås, described as potentially being of a 'Silverman' alien captured after a UFO crash. The text questions the origin of the photo, suggesting Canada or Eastern Europe. It dismisses the 'naked ape' theory due to the figure's human-like proportions, describing it as a 'tortured little creature, like a concentration camp prisoner'.

TORONTRAPPORTEN (Toronto Report)

This report details a UFO incident in Canada involving a witness who observed a UFO and encountered 'Men in Black' (MIB). The source is cited as Co-Directors of CUFORN, a Canadian UFO research group.

Abductions on August 3rd and 4th

Two alleged abductions by UFO beings occurred on August 4, 1979, involving a 14-year-old girl and a 43-year-old man. The girl reported being on board for 15 minutes, while the man's duration is unspecified. Investigations by CUFORN found evidence of trampled grass, measurable radiation, and physical effects on one abductee. A 'Man in Black' was also reportedly seen. An anonymous observer saw a UFO move to the location where the girl was abducted.

Toronto Incident

The first major UFO event occurred in eastern Toronto on the night of August 2nd. Similar UFO incidents were reported an hour later in Northwest Kansas and Southwest Nebraska, USA, approximately 1500 miles from Toronto.

UFO Events

The incident involved seven teenagers, 13 parents, and a young boy who saw six UFOs, two of which were arrow-shaped. At 9:50 PM on August 2, 1979, a girl named Sara saw something in the sky and led two friends to a field owned by Ontario Hydro. Two lights hovered low near a high-voltage line and then split, one moving south and the other north.

Cathy's Report

Cathy's father observed one of the objects from his house at 9:50 PM but refused to file a written report. After the two objects departed, Cathy saw two arrow-shaped objects moving northwest. A minute later, Sarah and Jackie observed a cigar-shaped object, black with a white light around its periphery and a green light at one end. This cigar object followed a UFO at an estimated 500 feet altitude, mimicking a generator sound.

An oval-shaped object became visible at 9:55 PM, surrounded by a green mist, with four legs. It had a dull red light on top and a yellow light underneath, hovering over a schoolhouse roof. This object was estimated to be 12-15 feet in diameter and about 6 feet high, excluding the legs. Another girl, Jodi, saw the object over the school roof and became paralyzed and cried when she approached the school wall. The seven teenagers on the playground joined their parents, who had not seen the oval object but had seen the arrow-shaped and cigar objects. The teenagers reported that the 'sysorna' (nuns/sisters) stopped playing during the observation. The oval object lifted about 30 feet from the roof, hovered, and then disappeared. At 10:05 PM, when its lights extinguished, the 'sysorna' immediately resumed playing. Sarha, who normally sleeps 4-5 hours, slept for 12 hours without dreaming that night.

On Friday, the 3rd, at 9:50 PM, the same observer, along with Cathy's mother, a friend, Bill Mc Millan, and Jackies' brother Ernie, went to the field bordering the schoolyard. Again, the sounds of life seemed to cease. No cars were visible or audible on the normally busy street leading to Buttonville Airport, 3 miles north. They observed an oval object the size of a football field, 300 feet high, flat, dark, and massive, with a large round pattern and large solar fans 50 feet in diameter.

THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

This article reviews the film 'The Empire Strikes Back', the sequel to 'Star Wars'. It describes the ongoing conflict between the Rebel Alliance and the Galactic Empire. Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia are central figures in the Rebel forces. The film continues the story of Luke's training under the Jedi Master Yoda, a 900-year-old being who teaches him about 'The Force', which can be used for good or evil. Darth Vader is presented as Luke's nemesis, having turned to the dark side of the Force. The article mentions new characters and robots appearing in the film. Mark Hamill, who plays Luke Skywalker, discusses his connection to the character and his personal experiences, including a severe traffic accident and his marriage. The article also touches upon the concept of the Force being a duality of good and evil, with Darth Vader representing the dark side.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings and reports, the scientific exploration of space and meteorites, and the speculative possibilities of interstellar travel. There is also a focus on popular culture, particularly the 'Star Wars' franchise. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the importance of seeking natural explanations. The magazine aims to inform its members about both terrestrial and extraterrestrial mysteries, blending scientific discussion with anecdotal evidence and popular interest in science fiction.

This issue of the magazine, dated 1961, is primarily in Swedish and focuses on the perceived influence of the Moon on human life, alongside articles on UFOs and scientific experiments. The cover features a prominent headline: 'Visst har månen makt över våra liv!' (The Moon Certainly Has Power Over Our Lives!), accompanied by an image from Star Wars depicting characters on the ice planet Hoth.

The Moon's Power Over Our Lives

The main article explores the historical and ongoing influence of the Moon. It begins by recounting ancient beliefs of the Moon as a divine entity influencing love, birth, and death, and its association with demonic figures like vampires and werewolves. The article contrasts this with modern understanding, noting that humans have walked on the Moon and sent probes. It highlights that the Moon reflects sunlight and its gravitational pull causes tides. Ancient Greeks discovered the Moon did not produce its own light. The text discusses how the Moon's phases were used to measure time, leading to the development of calendars. It touches upon the idea of the Moon's 'face' and its perceived watchful presence. The article also mentions the scientific discovery that the Moon is a reflection of the sun and the ancient belief that Earth was the center of the universe, with celestial bodies revolving around it. It notes that the Moon is our only true companion in space.

The article further delves into the Moon's perceived role in various phenomena, from influencing childbirth and menstruation to causing madness and influencing behavior. It discusses the Moon's association with folklore, including vampires and werewolves, and its prominent role in horror films. Scientifically, the article states the Moon's effects on Earth are primarily its reflection of sunlight and its gravitational force causing tides. It explains how the Moon's gravity causes the Earth to 'bulge,' creating tides in the oceans and even affecting landmasses. The text mentions the belief among some Greenlandic Eskimo tribes that the Moon can impregnate women and the widespread belief in a connection between the lunar cycle and women's menstrual cycles. It also references the idea of werewolves transforming under the full moon. The article notes that while the rhythm of tides is tied to the Earth's rotation, spring tides occur during full and new moons when the sun and Moon align, exerting a combined gravitational pull. It cites sexologist Dr. Havelock Ellis, who suggested a direct link between menstruation and the Moon, and mentions observations of increased sexual activity in humans and animals during certain lunar phases. The article also touches upon the 'lunar lunatic' concept and anecdotal evidence from police and taxi drivers suggesting increased erratic behavior during full moons.

Further theories explore the Moon's influence on life's evolution. Professors Burr and Northrop at Yale University proposed an electrodynamic theory of life, suggesting that living beings are influenced by electrical fields, and observed 14-day variations in human electrical activity that coincided with lunar phases and mood changes. Psychiatrist Dr. Arnold Lieber theorized that the Moon's gravity affects the water in the human body, similar to its effect on ocean tides, and linked a strong spring tide in January 1974 to a surge in crime in Miami. Another hypothesis suggests the Moon was crucial for the emergence of land life, with tidal forces bringing marine life to shore. It is proposed that the Moon's presence is necessary for the development of technological civilizations. The article also discusses the unique event of the Moon being captured by Earth's gravity, possibly preventing a catastrophic collision. It mentions research based on fossilized mollusks suggesting the Moon was once closer to Earth with a shorter orbital period. Allen Anderson's theory posits that the Moon was captured by Earth about 3.7 billion years ago, initially orbiting much closer. The article concludes this section by noting that while science has largely cleared the Moon of direct causation for many phenomena, the idea of its mystical influence persists.

Science and Technology

Radioactive Waste Disposal

A section titled 'aktuellt om teknik' (Current Affairs in Technology) discusses NASA's plan to launch radioactive waste into space. It highlights the growing problem of nuclear waste from power plants, which cannot be destroyed and requires storage for thousands of years. NASA's proposal is to shoot this waste into space, with the hope that by the time it reaches a distant star, the radioactivity will have decayed. The article raises concerns about the launch ramp's location and the potential for accidents, noting that if a launch fails, the waste containment must be strong enough to prevent it from burning up, allowing for retrieval and re-launch.

Space Experiment: R1

Another article details an experimental space mission involving a pilot named R1. The rocket launches with immense power, shedding stages as it ascends. The pilot is in a state of suspended animation, preserved by extreme cold. The mission involves a metallic robot and a 'gray pulsating mass' as the most valuable part of the rocket. The pilot awakens to a voice informing him that humans have been living in a 'test tube' and protected from universal dangers. The voice states that humanity has developed beyond the limits set for them and that their species must be destroyed to save themselves. The pilot is the last human, and Earth is subsequently destroyed.

UFOs and Encounters

'Varelserna liksom flöt i luften...' (Creatures Seemed to Float in the Air...)

This section recounts famous UFO incidents. It begins with the origin of the term 'Flying Saucer' from Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. It then details the case of Captain Thomas Mantell, who died pursuing a UFO. The Pascagoula incident involving Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker is described, where they encountered three beings emerging from a UFO.

Vad betyder graden av kontakt? (What Does the Degree of Contact Mean?)

This part explains Dr. J. Allan Hynek's classification system for UFO encounters: First Degree (sighting), Second Degree (physical evidence like burn marks or power outages), and Third Degree (contact with occupants).

Books on Flying Saucers

A list of books on UFOs is provided, including Swedish titles like 'Nya fakta om de flygande tefaten' and 'Tefatsfolket ser oss,' and English titles such as 'Close Encounters' and 'The UFO Controversy in USA.'

Film and Entertainment

Blixt Gordon - Superhjälten som är människa! (Flash Gordon - The Superhero Who Is Human!)

This article previews the upcoming film 'Flash Gordon,' starring Sam Jones. It describes Jones's unlikely path to stardom, discovered through a TV show. Jones emphasizes that Flash Gordon is not a superhuman but a regular person with athletic abilities. The film is noted for its special effects, expected to surpass those in 'Superman' and 'Star Wars.'

Star Wars Stills

Images from Star Wars are included, showing characters like Princess Leia, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Chewbacca on the ice planet Hoth, and C3PO with Han Solo, and Yoda on Dagobah.

Letters and Reflections

UFO - SNACK.

This section, signed Gudrun, poses rhetorical questions to the reader about their reactions to UFO encounters, the challenges of being part of a UFO organization, and the desire for more active members. It expresses a hope for the organization's survival and growth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a strong interest in the mysterious and the unexplained, blending scientific inquiry with folklore, science fiction, and speculative theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of exploration and curiosity, presenting various perspectives on the Moon's influence, UFO phenomena, and the future of space exploration and technology. There's a clear fascination with the unknown, from ancient myths to potential alien encounters and the disposal of hazardous materials in space. The inclusion of film previews and stills from popular science fiction movies like Star Wars and Flash Gordon suggests an aim to engage readers interested in both the speculative and the fantastical aspects of science and the universe.