UFO-Nytt - 1980 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of Västerbergslagens UFO Nytt, identified as number 4 from 1980, is a publication for members of the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening. It is published four times a year. The cover prominently features the title 'UFO NYTT' and the organization's emblem, along with the issue number and year.

From the Editors

The editorial section, 'FRÅN REDAKTIONEN', reflects on the approaching Christmas and New Year, noting that the past year has been interesting in terms of UFO phenomena, with many cases overwhelming the reporting center. A mention is made of a space probe reaching Saturn as an interesting event. The editors express satisfaction with the current issue, noting its size and content, which includes the continuation of the 'Toronto Report', local reports, and a book review suitable for Christmas gifts. They also mention a recent club meeting and extend holiday wishes to the members.

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

Articles and Features

"Fiskmannen från rymden" (The Fishman from Space)

This article, reviewed by Sigrid Combüchen, discusses Tore Zetterholm's novel "Oannes". The story intertwines a modern narrative about a rationalist lecturer in Africa who experiences a personal tragedy, with an ancient myth of Oannes, a Sumerian sea god believed to have come from space. The article explores the parallels between the ancient myth and the human struggle for meaning in the face of suffering. It touches upon the Maya civilization's advanced knowledge and their unique beauty standards, such as cross-eyes and sloped foreheads. The reviewer notes that while the novel attempts to bridge dimensions of space and time, it lacks emotional depth and coherence.

"RYMDEN - Hälsningar från jorden" (Space - Greetings from Earth)

This section discusses the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 space probes, which carry golden records containing greetings in 60 languages, sounds of Earth, and music. These records are designed to last for a billion years, intended for any extraterrestrial intelligence that might encounter the probes. The article highlights the probes' journey, with Voyager 1 having passed Saturn.

"RYMDFRIMÄRKEN" (Space Stamps)

An exhibition titled "Space Stamps" is announced, running from September 26 to November 9, 1980, at the Postmuseum. The exhibition, inaugurated by Professor Kerstin Fredga, will showcase the history of astronomy and space exploration through stamps. It traces the development of astronomical understanding from ancient Greece to modern times, mentioning figures like Pythagoras, Ptolemy, Galileo, Kepler, and Newton. The article also highlights the contributions of Jules Verne, Tsiolkovsky, and Goddard to rocketry and space travel, culminating in the Soviet launch of Sputnik 1 and the first human spaceflight by Yuri Gagarin, as well as the Apollo 11 moon landing.

An accompanying exhibition, "UFO – fantasi eller verklighet?" (UFO – fantasy or reality?), is also mentioned, displaying images and models of observed UFOs, including a mysterious metal fragment with unusual properties.

"Tror du på flygande tefat?" (Do you believe in flying saucers?)

This section presents brief interviews with several individuals who share their views on UFOs. Casimir Wrede is skeptical, requiring personal observation. Maj-Britt Nilsson expresses a belief in extraterrestrial life but hopes there are no manned spacecraft. Heléne Petersson recounts seeing an unexplained light phenomenon. Lars Ohlsson is unsure, having read about UFOs. Bengt Feldreich is a firm disbeliever, arguing that intelligent beings would make contact if interested. Birgitta Lindgren believes in extraterrestrial life, citing extensive reading on the subject.

"TORONTO RAPPORTEN" (Toronto Report)

This multi-part report details several UFO sightings. One incident describes two large, pilot-shaped objects observed near a field, one of which exploded. Another report involves four strong lights hovering over a field. A woman named Katty contacts a UFO organization to report a sighting, and is directed to the police. The report also details an encounter where Sara and others witnessed hovering pilot-shaped objects that ascended rapidly. A subsequent incident describes Sara's experience of a pilo-shaped object descending, from which four shadowy figures emerged. She reports being taken aboard the object and experiencing physical effects, including needle marks and a scratch, which healed quickly. Investigations at the landing site revealed triangular imprints in the grass and a decrease in chlorophyll. Radioactivity measurements at the site indicated higher than normal levels.

"OANNES" (Article on the book)

This section provides a synopsis of Tore Zetterholm's novel "Oannes", which explores themes of ancient myths, human suffering, and the possibility of extraterrestrial contact. It highlights the Maya civilization's advanced astronomical knowledge and unique cultural practices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial encounters, and related mysteries. There is a strong interest in ancient civilizations, particularly the Maya, and their advanced knowledge, often linking it to potential extraterrestrial influence. The publication also covers space exploration and astronomical discoveries. The editorial stance appears to be open to the possibility of UFOs and extraterrestrial life, encouraging members to report sightings and share information. The inclusion of personal testimonies and investigative reports suggests a commitment to exploring these topics in depth.

FAQ

• What is Västerbergslagens UFO-förening? It is a UFO association that publishes the magazine UFO-NYTT for its members, with four issues per year.
• What are the membership fees for 1980? Membership for 1980 is 30 kronor, and for youths under 16, it is 20 kronor.
• What is the 'Toronto Report' about? The 'Toronto Report' details several UFO sightings, including pilot-shaped objects, hovering lights, and a possible abduction scenario involving a young woman named Sara.
• What were the Maya's achievements in astronomy? The Maya accurately calculated the orbital period of Venus to be 584 days, with only a 0.08-day difference from modern calculations, and also constructed a sophisticated calendar.

Title: FIB-aktuellt
Issue: 11
Volume: 1978
Issue Date: November 17, 1978
Publisher: FIB-aktuellt
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of FIB-aktuellt focuses heavily on unexplained aerial phenomena and mysterious underwater craft, alongside advancements in space technology.

UFO-Reports Surge in Sweden

The lead article, "Allt fler UFO-rapporter" (More and More UFO Reports), highlights a dramatic increase in UFO sightings in Sweden over the past two weeks, with 25 reports received. Stig Aggestad, a journalist from Eskilstuna and head of UFO-Sweden's report center, states that an unusually high number of these reports, approximately 20%, lack natural explanations. Normally, about 80% of reports can be explained by phenomena such as planets, meteors, satellites, or aircraft. The sightings come from various parts of the country, including Västerås, Köping, Ramnäs, Örebro, Ludvika, Hudiksvall, Luleå, and Lysekil. Aggestad emphasizes the 'frightening increase in inexplicable cases.'

Several specific incidents are detailed:

• October 31: A witness near Norrköping and Linköping observed a large, metallic, cigar-shaped craft hovering still in the air for about 15 minutes in broad daylight.
• November 1: A man and his fiancée saw a large luminous object about 20 meters above treetops near Sävar, north of Umeå. It descended into a forest, accompanied by two smaller, moving objects glowing white, yellow, and green.
• November 3: A pensioner in Örebro witnessed a bright green, cigar-shaped craft with yellow windows. Simultaneously, his television turned off and then back on when the object disappeared.

Aggestad diligently investigates each report, checking for conventional explanations like aircraft activity or meteorological phenomena. He notes that while most people don't invent sightings, many are afraid to come forward. He personally has never seen a UFO but acknowledges that many reports are truly inexplicable.

The "Phantom Submarine" Mystery

Another significant section, "Vi har sett fantomubåtarna!" (We Have Seen the Phantom Submarines!), explores the phenomenon of mysterious underwater craft that appear and disappear, sometimes seemingly in the sky. The article posits that these craft are not conventional submarines but something else entirely, possibly extraterrestrial.

Key incidents discussed include:

• January 27, 1962: An icebreaker from the US Navy in Antarctica reported a loud noise, after which a silver-glowing, submarine-like craft, about 10 meters long, emerged from the sea through seven meters of ice and ascended into the sky. Enormous ice blocks were displaced.
• July 1952: The crew of the Brazilian freighter "Naviero" off Salvador witnessed a self-luminous, submarine-like craft, at least 30 meters long, glowing blue-white. It approached the ship aggressively before veering off and disappearing at high speed.
• February 1957: The crew of an Argentinian patrol boat saw a giant, glass-domed craft that glided into and submerged in Rio de la Plata. A subsequent naval search involving destroyers, hydrophones, helicopters, and corvettes lasted five days without success.
• June 27, 1959: Eight witnesses near São Paulo, Brazil, saw a submarine-like object, nearly 100 meters long with a transparent rear structure, emerge from the sea, fly like a glider, and disappear at high speed.
• World War II: A retired naval officer reported seeing a phantom submarine in the North Atlantic with a glass-like superstructure. Despite being hit by multiple salvos from a destroyer, it remained undamaged before submerging.
• 1968: Phantom submarines began operating in the Baltic Sea, leading to numerous unsuccessful hunts and a noted increase in collisions between trawlers and unidentified objects.
• June 23, 1968: The Norwegian tanker "Texaco Bogota" suffered two explosions and a fire off Öland, Sweden. Investigations revealed two mysterious 15 cm diameter triangular holes with inward-folded edges below the waterline, attributed to an underwater craft.
• July 1968: The Japanese tanker "Yoho Maru" was struck by an unidentified underwater object in the Persian Gulf, creating a 16-meter long hole.
• November 12, 1972: A "foreign submarine" caused the largest naval operation in peacetime in Norway's Sognefjorden, involving 30 vessels, submarines, helicopters, and aircraft. The object was observed by multiple reliable witnesses but evaded capture.

The article suggests that while some sightings might be attributed to espionage from Eastern Bloc countries, the phantom submarines' behavior (disappearing without a trace) and their ability to evade detection point to something more extraordinary. The issue also mentions the development of advanced sonar systems like ASW in the US, yet notes that these elusive craft continue to operate undetected.

Personal Encounter in Ramnäs

"– Jag har aldrig trott på sådant här" (I Never Believed in Such Things) recounts the experience of Marie Forsström, a 21-year-old woman from Västerås. In early August, while near a house in Ramnäs, she encountered a self-luminous green creature standing about 20 meters away between two apple trees. The being had no distinct contours and was approximately 180-185 cm tall. Forsström, initially thinking she was shot by a light beam, hid and then saw the creature. It later reappeared, closer this time, prompting her to flee. The incident left her in shock, requiring her to sleep with all lights on. She states she had never believed in "supernatural phenomena" before this.

Another similar light phenomenon was observed in Ramnäs several weeks later, lasting for several hours. Marie's case is being investigated by UFO-Sweden.

Technical Developments: Mars and Space Stations

Under the "aktuellt om teknik" (current affairs in technology) section, two articles highlight space exploration:

• "Viking landar på Mars!" (Viking Lands on Mars!) discusses the Viking project, which successfully landed on Mars on July 20, 1976, fulfilling an earlier prediction by FIB-aktuellt. The Viking spacecraft sent back detailed images and data from the Martian surface, revealing its cold (-86°C) and desolate landscape. The article touches upon the possibility of life on Mars and the advanced instruments used, including seismometers and biological experiments.
• "Bo 3 år i rymden!" (3 Years in Space!) reports on the Soviet Union's ambitious space program, which is focusing on developing large space stations capable of housing 20-30 people for periods of two to three years. The Soviets are planning new spacecraft, including a disposable transport ship called "Progress" and a "Sojuz" space shuttle. The design of the future space station, whether cylindrical or wheel-shaped, is still under consideration, but it is intended to be a significant platform for universal exploration.

Other Content

• "aktuellt om teknik: Ett tefat som flyger!" (Current Affairs in Technology: A Flying Saucer!) describes an experimental, saucer-shaped flying craft developed by an Austrian research team. The craft, about one meter in diameter and weighing 5 kg, can fly up to 10 km and has a climb rate of 16 km/sec, achieved by manipulating airflow. It has successfully lifted packages weighing several kilograms.
• A report from a UFO meeting on October 17 discusses a discussion about UFOs versus the Bible, initiated by contact with the Christian radio station HCJB in South America. The meeting involved a discussion based on a response from HCJB regarding biblical interpretations of UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, from UFOs to mysterious underwater craft, presenting witness accounts and investigative efforts. There is a clear interest in the fringes of science and technology, including space exploration and experimental aviation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting reported events and scientific developments without definitive conclusions on the more mysterious subjects, particularly UFOs and phantom submarines, while acknowledging the growing body of unexplained reports. The magazine also highlights the work of its illustrators and writers in bringing these topics to life.

This document is a promotional flyer from Zindermans Förlag, a Swedish publisher, focusing on Swedish UFO authors and their works. The cover page, titled "SVENSKA UFO FÖRFATTARE - I CENTRUM !" (Swedish UFO Authors - In Focus!), lists several books with their authors, brief descriptions, and prices. The flyer also provides contact details for Zindermans Förlag in Göteborg, including postal address, phone numbers for general inquiries and orders, Postgiro, and Bankgiro.

Featured Authors and Books

The flyer highlights the following authors and their books:

• Boris Jungkvist
• "Besökore från Kosmas. De flygande Lefatens göta" (Visitors from Kosmos. The flying beings' gift) - Illustrated, paperback, approx. 70 kr.
• "Ufo - en fantastisk verklighet." (UFO - a fantastic reality.) - Illustrated, paperback, approx. 66 kr.
• Sven Magnusson
• "Flygande Tetat - Vad säger Vetenskapen?" (Flying Teat - What does Science say?) - Illustrated, hardcover, approx. 58 kr.
• Gösta Rehn
• "UFO - Utmaningen." (UFO - The Challenge.) - Hardcover, approx. 58 kr.
• "De flygande tefaten. Dokument och Teori" (The flying saucers. Document and Theory) - Illustrated, paperback, approx. 58 kr.
• "Ufo! Nyo fakta om de flygande telaten." (UFO! New facts about the flying saucers.) - Illustrated, paperback, approx. 58 kr.
• "Tefaten är här!" (The saucers are here!) - Illustrated, paperback, approx. 52 kr.
• Staffan Stigsjöö
• "Tetalsfolket har londot." (The people have landed.) - Paperback, approx. 66 kr.
• "Tetats folket ser oss!" (The people see us!) - Paperback, approx. 66 kr.

Ordering Information and Special Offers

Zindermans Förlag offers free postage on books sent via cash on delivery (postförskott). A special offer is highlighted: members of the Västerbergslagens UFO förening (Västerbergslagen UFO Association) receive a 10% discount on orders placed directly with the publisher. The flyer includes a form for customers to fill out their name, address, and post address, and to tick the boxes for the books they wish to purchase.

Call for Translators

On the second page, the flyer makes a call for translators. They are seeking individuals who can translate from French and English. The organization states that there is no one within their ranks who can translate from French, and they have sought such help in all their published issues without success. They also mention receiving a lot of interesting material from English sources, and their current translators are overwhelmed. Interested individuals are encouraged to call 0240/11991.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The flyer's primary theme is the promotion of Swedish UFO literature and authors, positioning them "in focus." It suggests an active UFO community in Sweden, evidenced by the existence of the Västerbergslagens UFO förening and the variety of books available. The publisher, Zindermans Förlag, appears to be a key player in disseminating information about UFO phenomena within Sweden. The call for translators indicates a desire to broaden the scope of available information, suggesting an international perspective on UFO research. The editorial stance is clearly pro-UFO research and literature, aiming to make these topics accessible to the public.