UFO-Nytt - 1981 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO NYTT
Issue: Nr 2, 1981
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-NYTT, published by the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, serves as a journal for its members, with four issues released annually. The cover prominently features the title 'UFO NYTT' alongside a silhouette of Sweden and the organization's emblem, indicating a focus on UFO phenomena within the region.

From the Editors

The editorial section reflects on the summer season and the effort to produce the magazine during industrial holidays, noting a benefit of cheaper postage. It introduces a new contributor, Per-Elis Schröder, who is a wheelchair user and assists with typing the magazine content. The editors also express a need for translators of foreign literature and mention that the current issue includes clippings from around the world, as well as a translated article from English about an adventure in the Italian Dolomites that will continue in future issues. Readers are reminded to check the program section for upcoming observation nights and club meetings.

Responsible Publishers: Hans Berglöf, Gudrun Andersson, Berit Manzanares, Bernt Berglund.

Subscription and Membership: Membership for 1981 is 303 SEK, and for youths under 16, it is 20 SEK. The address for correspondence is Box 71, 771 01 Ludvika, with Postgiro number 16099-4.

Current Technology: A Refueling Station in Space

This article discusses a project by the American giant Lockheed, commissioned by NASA, to build a space-based power station. This station would allow the NASA space shuttle to refuel with electrical energy, enabling longer missions in space. The article describes a prototype solar wing, 32 meters long and 4 meters wide, which is planned for testing on an early shuttle flight. The wing is made of lightweight plastic with high-efficiency solar cells integrated into the surface. Currently, shuttles can only stay in space for seven days on their own fuel, but with this solar station, missions could be extended to weeks or months. The text is by Anders Palm, with illustrations by Sune Envall.

300 Saucers a Year in Sweden

This section explores the reality of UFOs, the existence of extraterrestrial civilizations, and mysteries like the Bermuda Triangle. It notes the popularity of UFO books and films. In Sweden, there are numerous UFO clubs and organizations, united under the umbrella organization UFO-Sverige. The organization aims to consolidate and stimulate interest in UFO phenomena in Sweden. UFO-Sverige's report center receives around 300 UFO reports annually from the public, police, and military. These reports are investigated by UFO-Sverige's field researchers. Historically, the Swedish military viewed UFO enthusiasts with suspicion, but now they are more open to utilizing the information gathered from UFO reports, which often include sightings of unidentified aircraft or falling objects. UFO-Sverige also focuses on public information through press releases, congresses, lectures, and exhibitions. Their magazine, 'UFO-Sverige Aktuellt', provides updates on UFO activities. Membership in UFO-Sverige, including a year's subscription to the magazine (6 issues), costs 50 SEK. A trial issue can be ordered for 5 SEK in stamps. The organization holds an annual national meeting where a board is elected and debates and lectures are held, often attracting thousands of participants.

The Man from Mars - A 1950s Sci-Fi Adventure

This article reviews the 1952 science fiction film 'The Man from Mars,' noting its premiere in May 1952, predating 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind.' The plot involves a spaceship arriving in Washington, D.C., with a lone man and a robot. Misunderstandings ensue, but the man eventually delivers a warning to Earth's people against aggression. The reviewer suggests the film's underlying message was a plea for peace and non-aggression between nations. The film is described as more straightforward than 'Close Encounters,' with surprisingly well-handled technical aspects for its time. Michael Rennie stars as the spaceman, and the reviewer comments on his suitability for the role. The film also stars Patricia Neal.

Our 20 Years in Space!

This extensive article chronicles the history of human space exploration, starting with the Soviet Union's Sputnik 1 in 1957, which triggered the space race. It highlights key milestones: Yuri Gagarin's first orbit of Earth in Vostok 1 on April 12, 1961, and the subsequent US challenge led by President John F. Kennedy to land a man on the Moon before the end of the 1960s. The article details the US Apollo program, culminating in the Apollo 11 moon landing in July 1969 with Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. It mentions the seven lives lost in early space attempts. The article contrasts the early Soviet successes with the US catching up, noting John Glenn's orbital flight and Herman Titov's longer duration mission. The crucial role of Soviet rocket engineer Sergei Korolov is emphasized, despite his period of imprisonment. The article also covers the first American spaceflights, including Alan Shepard's suborbital flight and John Glenn's orbital mission. It details the development of the Gemini program and the Soviet response with the Vostok 5 and Vostok 6 missions, including Valentina Tereshkova's historic flight as the first woman in space. The article recounts the challenges and triumphs of various missions, including the first spacewalk by Alexei Leonov and Edward White, and the tragic Apollo 1 fire that claimed the lives of Grissom, White, and Chaffee. It also covers the Soyuz 1 disaster, where Vladimir Komarov died during reentry. The article touches upon the Soviet space stations (Salyut) and the US Skylab program, noting the Soviets' early lead in space station technology and endurance records. The article concludes by looking forward to the Space Shuttle program and the Voyager probes exploring the outer solar system.

Building in Space: We're Moving Out!

This section introduces the new era of space exploration ushered in by the American space shuttle, which is described as a 'workhorse' creating new possibilities for building space stations and habitats. It poses the question of what humanity will do with space, presenting some 'breathtaking and perhaps frightening' scenarios. The article suggests that space colonies could offer a future for humanity, especially if Earth's resources become depleted or if the planet faces catastrophic events. However, it also raises concerns about the military use of space, noting that three out of four satellites are currently for military purposes and that superpowers are developing advanced space weaponry. The article questions whether the space shuttle represents a step forward for humanity or a step closer to an abyss, particularly in the context of potential military superiority in space.

The First Space Shuttle Landing

This article describes the landing of the space shuttle Columbia, detailing its descent through Earth's atmosphere. The shuttle, weighing 80 tons, is designed to glide rather than fly using jet engines in the atmosphere. It enters the atmosphere over the Indian Ocean at Mach 25 (25 times the speed of sound) and gradually slows down. The landing is controlled by computers and ground control, with the shuttle making a turn over the desert near Edwards Air Force Base in California before touching down. The article highlights that this is the first time an American spacecraft will perform a soft landing on land. The shuttle is designed for multiple uses, with an estimated lifespan of about one hundred missions.

Unexplained Falls

This section addresses the question of whether UFO phenomena can be explained by natural causes. The author states that approximately 80 percent of reported UFO incidents can be attributed to known explanations, and with further effort, a few more percent could be explained. However, about five percent of cases remain unexplained, warranting serious consideration. The article then poses the question of whether there are any 'unexplained' Swedish cases in recent years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-NYTT demonstrates a strong interest in both the practical and speculative aspects of space exploration and UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting factual accounts of space achievements alongside discussions of UFO reports and science fiction. There's a clear emphasis on informing the membership about current events in space technology, from the development of space stations and shuttles to historical milestones. The inclusion of a science fiction film review and the exploration of potential future uses of space (colonies, resource extraction) suggest an interest in the broader implications of humanity's venture into space. The article on 'Unexplained Falls' indicates a commitment to investigating anomalous phenomena, even while acknowledging that most reports have rational explanations. The underlying theme is the exploration of the unknown, whether it be in the vastness of space or in unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 1979, focuses on a dramatic alleged incident involving NORAD and UFOs, with the cover headline proclaiming 'FIGHTER PLANES SHOT DOWN UFO - THE WORLD WAR WAS ABOUT TO BECOME REALITY!'. The magazine delves into the potential for global conflict stemming from UFO encounters and explores advancements in space technology and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

The NORAD Incident: A Near World War

The lead article details a sensational event purportedly occurring on the evening of January 12, 1972. During a storm that caused telephone line disruptions, conversations from NORAD's command center in Cheyenne Mountain, Colorado, were allegedly overheard. These transmissions indicated a high-level alert, with radar contacts over the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico, and mentions of Moscow being informed. The most alarming part of the overheard conversation was the claim that two American aircraft, identified as F-104s, had been shot down after engaging a UFO, and that the UFO had crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.

According to the account, the incident was later denied and classified by the Pentagon. However, UFO researchers, aided by amateur film footage allegedly showing a UFO crashing into the ocean, began their own investigation. The film, taken by Edith Parker's daughter Sherry and her husband Bill Eckhardt, purportedly showed a burning object descending into the water. Eckhardt claimed to have heard that the two downed F-104s crashed in the desert near Alamogordo, New Mexico, and that expert teams were dispatched to investigate.

The NORAD transmissions also mentioned unknown objects flying towards Houston, Alamogordo, and Los Angeles. The incident was further complicated by the fact that the F-104s were supposedly no longer in active service, though it was later revealed that German pilots were training with them in Texas. The magazine suggests that the storm that disrupted communications might have inadvertently allowed for the 'leak' of sensitive information, making it easier to conceal or explain away the event if it became public.

Further investigation by UFO-Byrån (UFO Bureau) and the Midwest UFO Network uncovered other UFO sightings in the affected states during the NORAD alert. One witness reported seeing five heavily armed fighter jets flying low and fast, which was unusual. The magazine also notes the suspicious timing of a NASA pilot's death in a plane crash shortly after the NORAD incident, suggesting it might have been related to the cover-up.

The film evidence was analyzed by photo analyst John Gumm, who concluded it was not a montage and likely depicted an unidentified flying object. Experts consulted, including Dale Johnson from Kirkpatrick Planetarium, also found the object's characteristics inconsistent with meteors or rocket stages, leading to the conclusion that it was indeed a UFO.

Space Technology and Military Ambitions

Another significant section of the magazine focuses on the militarization of space. Researcher Bhupendra Jasani, affiliated with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (Sipri), discusses the rapid development of military applications in space. He highlights that by December 1980, 1,800 satellites were in orbit, with 75% serving military purposes, including reconnaissance, electronic surveillance, early warning systems, and communications.

Jasani points out that the space race, initiated by the Cold War 'missile gap' between the US and the Soviet Union, has been primarily driven by military interests, costing billions of dollars. He predicts the emergence of laser weapons in space within ten years, despite some experts deeming them too costly and impractical. The magazine also touches upon the US's Navsat program, which aims to integrate spacecraft into the defense system, enhancing global communication and surveillance capabilities for US troops.

The article raises concerns about the increasing vulnerability of space assets, as both superpowers rely heavily on satellites. This reliance, paradoxically, increases the temptation to disable the opponent's surveillance systems, potentially leading to miscalculations and conflict.

Swedish Aspirations in Space

The magazine features Rolf Pettersson, a Swedish aerospace engineer who narrowly missed the opportunity to be the first Swede in space as part of the US Spacelab project in the early 1980s. Despite not being selected for the initial mission, Pettersson remains optimistic about future Swedish participation in space exploration, suggesting a Swede could be in orbit by 1990. The article discusses the evolving nature of space travel, noting that physical requirements are less stringent than in the early days of spaceflight, opening doors to a wider range of individuals.

However, the piece also reflects on the significant cuts in space research funding, particularly in the US, and questions the cost-effectiveness of space missions in light of terrestrial problems. It acknowledges the debate about whether human spaceflight is preferable to the use of intelligent robots.

Personal Encounters and Extraterrestrial Life

The issue includes personal accounts of UFO sightings. One story recounts an alleged encounter in the Dolomite Mountains in July 1968, where the narrator experienced a bright light and a strange sensation while driving at night. Another section details a purported meeting with a centenarian hermit in Italy who spoke of cosmic beings and the existence of life on other planets.

The magazine also dedicates space to the vastness of the universe and the probability of extraterrestrial life. It discusses the immense distances to other galaxies, the concept of light-years, and the sheer number of stars and planets, suggesting that Earth is unlikely to be the only planet harboring intelligent life. The article touches upon the Big Bang theory and the ongoing expansion of the universe, posing the question of whether humanity has already encountered extraterrestrial intelligence, referencing a quote from General Douglas MacArthur about a potential 'interplanetary' war.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO magazine strongly emphasizes the potential for conflict arising from UFO encounters and military activities in space. It highlights a perceived pattern of government secrecy and cover-ups regarding UFO phenomena. The magazine champions the idea that UFOs are real and pose a significant, potentially dangerous, aspect of modern existence. There is a clear editorial stance supporting the investigation of UFOs and advocating for greater transparency from authorities. The articles also reflect a fascination with space exploration, the potential for advanced extraterrestrial civilizations, and the military implications of space technology, particularly in the context of the Cold War.