UFO-Nytt - 1981 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO NYTT
Issue: nr 3
Volume/Year: 1981
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening
Country of Publication: Sweden
Original Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO NYTT, published by the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, presents a collection of articles and reports, many of which are clippings from newspapers and events worldwide. The editorial note indicates that the next issue will feature more detailed local events from the Västerbergslagen area and potentially interviews with witnesses. The current issue includes an article about a trip to Saltsjöbaden, a small prize competition, and mentions the availability of pocket books on UFO topics. A recurring feature, 'Märkontakt i Dolomiterbergen' (Close Contact in the Dolomites), is presented as a serial.

Articles and Features

"Byn som får elektrisk kraft från solen" (The Village That Gets Electric Power from the Sun)

This article details the transformation of the Native American village of Schuchuli, Arizona, which now relies entirely on solar power for its electricity. The village has replaced its diesel generator with a solar power plant consisting of thousands of solar cells mounted on panels. The electricity generated is stored in batteries for use during the night. The solar power is sufficient to provide lighting for all homes and to run small refrigerators in each of the 15 households. It also powers a shared washing machine and sewing machine. Previously, pumping water was a problem, requiring a diesel engine. Now, solar power operates a 2-horsepower pump capable of supplying 19,000 liters of water per day. The article highlights the potential of solar cells as a future energy source, especially for developing countries, and criticizes Swedish energy experts for being poorly informed about their advancement.

"Tredje gången gillt för Ariane" (Third Time's the Charm for Ariane)

This piece reports on the successful third launch of the European rocket Ariane on Midsummer's Eve. The launch from Kourou, French Guiana, placed two satellites into orbit. This success was vital for the European space industry, which had faced setbacks with previous launches. The first test flight in December 1979 was delayed, and the second in May of the previous year ended in a catastrophic failure after 100 seconds. A fourth launch is planned, after which Ariane is expected to be ready for commercial use. Sweden is a member of ESA, the European space organization, and has contributed financially to the project. Saab provides the flight computer, and Volvo Flygmotor manufactures the combustion chambers and nozzles.

"På en öde väg i Texas mötte de tre försvarslösa människorna ett flygande tefat som var nära att förinta dem" (On a Desert Road in Texas, Three Defenseless People Met a Flying Saucer That Nearly Destroyed Them)

This article recounts a UFO encounter involving Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Vickie's grandson Colby near Dayton, Texas, on December 29th of the previous year. While driving, they saw a large, glowing, diamond-shaped object approaching them. The object stopped and hovered about 35 meters away, emitting intense red flames and a strange tutting sound. The heat was so intense that Betty Cash jumped out of the car in panic. The object remained for fifteen minutes before rapidly departing. Following the encounter, all three experienced physical distress, including burns, nausea, and hair loss. Vickie Landrum's eyes were described as 'burned, swollen, and very irritated.' Medical reports noted symptoms consistent with intense heat and possible radiation. Dr. Leo Sprinkle, a professor at the University of Wyoming, investigated the case and found it to be a significant piece of evidence for the existence of UFOs.

"NYTT KAMPANJMATERIAL!" (New Campaign Material!)

This section announces new promotional materials being offered by UFO-Sverige's marketing unit in Köping to increase visibility and public awareness. Items available include embroidered UFO-Sverige badges and vinyl badges, priced at 5:00 SEK each.

"Märkontakt i Dolomiterbergen" (Close Contact in the Dolomites) - Part 1

This is the beginning of a serial account detailing a close encounter with a UFO. The narrator describes seeing a large, gleaming object on a dark, descending road. As they approached, the object, described as silver-colored and about eighty meters in diameter, rested on three thick legs. It emitted a white, woolly light, and an overwhelming burnt smell was present. The narrator felt an intense heat and a sensation of their body weighing 1000 kilograms, making it difficult to move or breathe. Two beings were observed inside the craft's dome. A robot-like entity with three legs and four arms was seen outside, holding onto the ship and causing it to rotate. A beam of light, approximately two meters wide, emanated from the center of the craft, shifting between violet and orange. A being, about 1.60 meters tall, emerged from this beam, wearing a helmet, and approached the narrator, stopping three meters away and raising its right hand in greeting.

"GODE GUD, DEN GLÖDANDE UFO-RAKETEN BRÄNNER SÖNDER MINA ÖGON!" (Good God, the Glowing UFO-ROCKET BURNS MY EYES!)

This article continues the account of the UFO encounter near Dayton, Texas, focusing on Betty Cash's experience. It reiterates the description of the diamond-shaped object and the intense heat. Betty's panic and attempt to escape the heat are described. Vickie Landrum tries to comfort her grandson Colby, who is terrified. The object hovers for fifteen minutes before leaving at high speed. The aftermath includes physical symptoms like burns, hair loss, and swelling, leading to medical attention. Betty's medical journal notes symptoms of an 'intensely fiery object' and 'blisters, hair loss, facial swelling.' The article also mentions Colby's ongoing digestive problems, which a radiologist suggests are similar to symptoms of radioactive exposure. Dr. Leo Sprinkle from the University of Wyoming is mentioned as having examined Vickie Landrum.

"aktuellt om teknik: På vingar över Mars!" (Current on Technology: On Wings Over Mars!)

This section discusses a speculative NASA project to send a dozen flying planes to Mars to explore the planet. The planes would need a wingspan of 20-25 meters due to Mars' thin atmosphere and would be powered by hydrazine rocket fuel, with propellers resembling boat propellers. They would be launched from Earth folded in the cargo hold of a space shuttle and sent to Mars via rockets. Upon reaching Mars, the planes would deploy parachutes, then unfold their wings to fly. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory outside Los Angeles is behind this project. The planes are designed to fly 4,000 km over 20 hours at an altitude of 1,000 meters. They would need an advanced 'brain' to operate autonomously, as the radio signal delay to Earth is 30 minutes. NASA technicians are even considering self-landing and takeoff capabilities using special rockets.

"Ny häpnadsväckande teori: Snömannen kan vara en "skeppsbruten" /mdfarare!" (New Astonishing Theory: The Snowman Could Be a "Shipwrecked" Traveler!)

This article explores the phenomenon of the 'snowman' (Yeti/Bigfoot), asserting that it is not a myth but a reality according to most researchers. It presents a theory that the creature might be an extraterrestrial being. The article describes the snowman as a tall, hairy creature, 2.5 to 3 meters in height, with long arms and reddish fur. They leave large footprints in the snow and are said to communicate with each other through howling sounds. The article mentions various historical accounts and sightings, including reports from the Himalayas, Siberia (Tjutjunaa), and North America (Bigfoot/Sasquatch). It discusses the possibility that these creatures could be remnants of an ancient ape-like human species or, more speculatively, descendants of a crashed alien expedition that adapted to Earth's environment over millennia. The article notes the distinctive high, conical skull shape reported by witnesses and mentions an expedition that collected hair samples from Tibet, which could not be identified as belonging to any known Earth animal.

"Snömannen... Forts. från sidan 41" (The Snowman... Cont. from page 41)

This continuation of the 'Snowman' article delves deeper into the theories surrounding its origin. It discusses a Soviet initiative under Nikita Khrushchev to capture a snowman as a scientific sensation, which ultimately failed. The article highlights the difficulty of obtaining definitive proof, such as clear photographs, and mentions the possibility of hoaxes. It explores the biological aspects, suggesting that yetis might be a divergent branch of the human evolutionary tree or a surviving species of ancient hominids like Paranthropus. The most speculative theory presented is that yetis could be the degenerated descendants of a shipwrecked alien expedition that became stranded on Earth thousands of years ago, their advanced culture lost over time due to isolation and adaptation to a harsh environment. The article also touches upon the analysis of hair samples that could not be identified with any known terrestrial species, further fueling the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics related to UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be open to speculative theories, including extraterrestrial origins for phenomena like the Yeti and Bigfoot, and the possibility of advanced alien technology. There is a clear interest in witness accounts and scientific investigations, even if the evidence presented is often inconclusive or speculative. The publication aims to inform its members about the latest developments and theories in the UFO and related fields, encouraging discussion and further research.

This issue of "Svenskar som sett flygande tefat..." (Swedes who have seen flying saucers...) from August 28, 1978, delves into the world of UFO sightings, alien encounters, and the broader implications of space exploration and potential extraterrestrial contact. The magazine features a mix of personal testimonies, expert opinions, and discussions on technological advancements in space.

Swedish UFO Sightings and Encounters

The issue highlights several Swedish UFO experiences. Gösta Carlsson from Skåne recounts an encounter in 1946 where he saw a flying saucer and beings from outer space who were burying two deceased individuals. He describes the craft emitting a pulsating light and the beings as mentally advanced. Carlsson later built a monument at the landing site.

Gunnel Nilsson from Karlstad shares her experience in 1975 of seeing a blinding yellow light with red edges over a forest, which caused her car's engine to stop and her leg to become paralyzed. Other individuals in Värmland also reported strange aerial phenomena.

Stig Ekberg and Harry Sjöberg describe seeing a flying saucer land near Väddö in 1959. The object, about 15 meters in diameter, emitted a yellow-red glow and hovered about half a meter above the ground before departing. They found a triangular metallic fragment from the craft, which analysis revealed contained tungsten, carbon, calcium, and cobalt, but its exact composition remained unknown.

The Roswell Incident

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Roswell incident in New Mexico, USA. Charles Berlitz, author of "The Roswell Incident," claims that a flying saucer crashed in 1947 with six extraterrestrial beings aboard. He asserts that the US government has actively worked to conceal this event. Berlitz presents witness testimonies, including that of engineer Barney Barnett, who described the craft and its occupants as resembling humans but with distinct features like round heads and small eyes. Barnett claims the area was cordoned off by the military, and he was forbidden to speak about what he saw.

William "Mac" Brazel, the rancher who found the debris, alerted Major Jesse Marcel, head of security at the Roswell base. Brazel's son, Bill, recounts that his father was pressured to remain silent. Professor Weisberg, a physicist, examined the wreckage and described a disc-shaped craft about 4.5 meters in diameter with six occupants. Baron Nicholas von Poppen, who worked for the aerospace industry, also examined the craft and described a nine-meter diameter vehicle with a six-meter diameter cabin containing control panels with strange symbols.

The official explanation at the time, according to Colonel du Bose, was that the object was a weather balloon. However, witnesses who saw the debris insisted it was not from a balloon, citing the size of the debris field and the nature of the material.

Space Exploration and Commercialization

The magazine also discusses the future of space exploration. It notes that 20 years after Yuri Gagarin's first space flight, humanity is moving towards reusable spacecraft like the American "Space Shuttle." Alan Bean, an astronaut, compares the Space Shuttle's potential to the Wright brothers' first flight, predicting that space travel will become a common mode of transport, creating new professions and opportunities.

There is a growing trend towards the commercialization of space, with numerous "business satellites" already in orbit and expected to double in the coming years. This increasing activity has led to discussions about allocating space resources, with the UN planning a special space meeting in 1984.

Space Weaponry and Geopolitics

Conversely, the issue raises concerns about the militarization of space. Paul C. Warnke, a disarmament expert, warns of a potential space war within a decade if arms control agreements are not reached. The article highlights the development of new weapon systems, particularly laser and particle beam weapons, which are seen as crucial for defending satellites and gaining a strategic advantage.

Concerns are raised about Soviet advancements in laser technology, with reports of a "multi-shot" laser capable of hitting spacecraft at high altitudes. The potential for Soviet development of a 100-ton space station and a massive rocket is also mentioned.

Scientific Exploration and Future Possibilities

The magazine touches upon scientific exploration, noting that the Moon is seen primarily as a source of raw materials. There is speculation about the possibility of life on Mars and Jupiter, with suggestions for using balloons with measuring instruments to study Jupiter's atmosphere.

UFO Organizations and Secrecy

The role of UFO organizations like UFO-Sverige is discussed, with their mission to document UFO phenomena and push for the release of government documents. The article mentions a lawsuit filed against the CIA demanding the disclosure of UFO-related documents, resulting in the release of 900 pages out of 10,000.

Film Review: Gudarnas Krig

The issue includes a review of the horror film "Gudarnas Krig" (The War of the Gods), described as a "monster soup" combining elements of Greek mythology with modern special effects. The film features creatures created by Ray Harryhausen, known for his work on "King Kong" and "One Million Years B.C." The review notes the film's reliance on classic monster movie tropes and its mixed critical reception, particularly in the US and England.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reports of UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters, the potential for extraterrestrial life, the growing commercialization and militarization of space, and the ongoing debate about government secrecy regarding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and expert analyses while acknowledging the controversial nature of the subject matter. The magazine encourages reader participation through contests like the "Ordfläta" (word puzzle) and provides contact information for reporting UFO sightings.

Title: SALTSJÖBADENRESAN
Issue Date: November 21, 1980
Volume: 221
Publisher: Aftonbladet (implied by image credit)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue details a trip to the Saltsjöbaden Observatory, focusing on the astronomical experiences and discussions that took place. The narrative is presented as a travelogue by participants.

The Saltsjöbaden Journey

The journey to Saltsjöbaden began on Friday, November 21, 1980, at midday, starting from Stockholm. The trip was well-organized by Hans Berglöv. Upon arrival in Stockholm at 2:30 PM, the group was met with rain and overcast skies. They were given a meeting point at Norra Bantorget and a return time of 5:00 PM. Some participants used this time for shopping or dinner, while a strong wind and rain persisted.

At 5:00 PM, everyone was present, and the bus proceeded towards Saltsjöbaden. The final approach involved a narrow, steep, and dark road leading to the Observatory, situated high above. The destination was identified by illuminated windows against the evening sky.

After a somewhat bumpy arrival, the group disembarked and observed the night sky, managing to distinguish some stars. They were welcomed by astronomer Nikel Sertius, who led them into a lecture hall. Sertius presented slides and discussed planets, comets, nebulae, stars, and telescopes.

Astronomical Discoveries and Concepts

Saltsjöbaden boasts Europe's largest reflecting telescope with a 1-meter diameter. The article notes that the largest in the world is in Palomar, California, with a 5-meter diameter.

• Key astronomical concepts explained include:
• Comet Orbits: Comets follow elliptical paths within our solar system. Some originate from deep space and are drawn in by gravitational forces, making their appearance unpredictable.
• The Sun's Composition: Our sun is composed of 76% hydrogen and 23% helium, with the remainder being iron and other heavy elements. This composition suggests it is a 'second-hand' sun, possibly formed from the remnants of a previous star that exploded and reformed.
• Solar Lifespan: The sun is currently 5 billion years old and is expected to last for another 5 billion years.
• New Star Formation: Hydrogen clouds in the universe are actively forming new stars, such as those visible in summer evenings around noon (likely a misstatement, possibly referring to specific celestial events or observations).
• Black Holes: These are detected by their effect on surrounding celestial bodies, causing other stars to alter their orbits. Black holes wander through the Milky Way and other galaxies. A collision between two equally sized black holes would become visible.
• Planetary Data:
• Jupiter is 380 times larger than Earth and has 14 moons.
• Saturn is known for its rings and has 13 moons.
• Mars is half the size of Earth, has 2 moons, and a faint atmosphere that gives it a red color. It also has ice caps at its poles and channels that may have once carried water.

Nikel also shared that new, unreleased information about planets was being processed at Saltsjöbaden, including previously undiscovered moons of Jupiter and Saturn, with three additional moons found for Saturn.

The accompanying image, credited to Aftonbladet, shows the telescope they saw, though it was not taken during their visit.

The Observatory Experience

After the slide presentation, the group was given a tour. They saw a telescope mounted with a camera for capturing images of the night sky. Despite the earlier rain, the sky cleared, allowing for a view of the moon.

The main telescope was described as a fantastic facility. Access to it involved a platform that functioned as a lift. Once at the right height, the surrounding walls rotated to align the telescope with the moon. A hatch opened in the ceiling, and Nikel precisely aimed the instrument. Participants took turns viewing the moon through the telescope at two different magnifications.

When asked about UFO sightings, Nikel stated he had never seen one through the telescope. However, he mentioned witnessing an unexplained aerial phenomenon in Chile but preferred not to investigate such matters, leaving them to UFO organizations. The participants felt he took the UFO issue seriously.

The group unanimously agreed the trip was well worth the cost and expressed regret for those who missed it. They concluded it was a "TOPPENDAG" (great day), returning home tired but satisfied around 10:00 PM.

Interview with Astronomer Nicolas Zentelis

The article includes a Q&A section with astronomer Nicolas Zentelis, who explained several aspects of astronomy and the observatory.

• Telescope Capabilities: The telescope can magnify up to 600 times. It is the largest of five telescopes at the Saltsjöbaden observatory. The telescope's position could be adjusted using an electric motor for the floor and by rotating the dome to point at any star or planet.
• Observing Stars vs. Planets: Stars appear similar through the telescope as they do with the naked eye, but many more are visible. Planets, however, appear much clearer, with details like craters, shadows, and 'seas' visible on the moon.
• Tracking Objects: A scale allows precise aiming, and a motor tracks celestial objects by compensating for Earth's rotation, keeping the viewed object in focus.
• Light Pollution: The Saltsjöbaden observatory was built before the surrounding area was developed. The increasing light pollution from nearby residential areas now affects visibility. In cities, smog and haze further obscure the view of stars, making observatories ideally located in isolated areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) with Astronomer Nicolas

• How to become an astronomer: Study physics and mathematics in high school, then pursue university studies. The field is not economically lucrative in Sweden, leading to limited funding.
• UFO Research: The observatory does not actively search for UFOs, unlike in the USA where UFO research receives state funding. Their focus is strictly on astronomical mapping.
• Astronomy vs. Astrology: Astronomy is a science; astrology is a belief system linking celestial bodies to human destiny, considered superstition.
• Planetary Alignment: A rare event occurring every 250 years when all planets align in a straight line from the sun.
• Star of David/Bethlehem: Likely a supernova, a star explosion that can be incredibly bright for weeks.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights a strong interest in space exploration and astronomy, presented in an accessible manner for a general audience. The visit to the Saltsjöbaden Observatory serves as a focal point, demystifying astronomical concepts and equipment. There is a clear distinction made between scientific astronomy and pseudoscientific beliefs like astrology. The article also touches upon the growing issue of light pollution affecting astronomical observations. The inclusion of a UFO-related question, while answered with a scientific perspective, acknowledges public interest in the topic. The overall tone is enthusiastic and informative, encouraging readers to appreciate the wonders of the universe and the scientific endeavors to study it.