UFO-Nytt - 1981 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO NYTT
Issue: 4
Volume/Year: 1981
Publisher: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO-FÖRENING
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO Nytt is the last for the year and contains local reports on recent events in Hällefors and Lindesberg. The editorial team notes that several written reports have been received for the next issue. A local newspaper in Ludvika is reporting on activities around Västansjö and Björsjö, and the investigation group has yet to submit its report on this matter. The current issue continues the series "Närkontakten i Dolomiterna" (Close Contact in the Dolomites), features book reviews, current clippings, and a proposal for the association's activities in 1982, inviting members to provide feedback and suggestions. Members are reminded to submit nomination lists for a new board and to attend the annual meeting, as well as pay their membership fees.

Article: Det händer saker (Things are happening)

Report from a woman in Hällefors

This report details an incident on October 15, 1981, at 7:45 PM in Hällefors. A woman, on her way to the cinema, took a shortcut through a park when she heard a loud motor sound overhead. Looking up, she saw a large, oblong object at treetop height, which she initially feared would crash. She noted the object had no wings and followed the road precisely. Frightened, she hurried home to tell her parents. Shortly after, the sound returned, and she and her parents went outside to see the object. They described it as a long-hauler with a trailer, featuring four windows emitting a blue-white light. The craft moved slowly, allowing for detailed observation. The weather was clear, and the object was approximately 75 meters away. The witnesses stated it was not an airplane and they did not believe in UFOs, but the experience left the woman very scared.

Investigation Group's Statement

The investigation group of Västerbergslagens UFO-förening learned of the case through UFO-Sverige's report center. After contacting local airfields, it was confirmed that no planes were airborne at that time, and major flight paths do not pass over Hällefors. The witnesses were convinced it was not an aircraft, nor a sport plane due to its size. The group concluded that the only explanation in the current context is a large airship, though they note that such craft are not permitted to fly so low. The names of the witnesses are withheld due to Hällefors being a small town.

Report from a woman in Lindesberg

This report describes an incident on October 8, 1981, between 10:00 and 10:30 AM in Lindesberg. A woman was hanging laundry in her garden on a clear, sunny day when she noticed a large cigar-shaped craft without wings hovering at treetop height. It was stationary at first. The object glittered like a diamond in various colors, mostly yellow. She rushed to her neighbor's house to find someone who could witness it, but they were not home. The object then began to move slowly towards her. From the rear of the craft, she observed smoke puffs. She got on her bicycle to go to the store to contact people. By the time she arrived, the object was gone. The woman reported feeling a psychic influence and was shaky all day, feeling very uneasy. Her husband confirmed this upon returning home. There was no smell or sound from the craft. She was certain she was not mistaken due to the long observation time and clear weather.

Investigation Group's Findings (Lindesberg)

The investigation group checked air traffic and found no aircraft in the area at the time of the sighting. Given the daytime sighting and close proximity, the group concluded the woman likely saw what she reported. They were unable to explain the case at the time.

Article: FEMTUSEN SPEGLAR TAR ENERGI UR SOLEN (Fifty Thousand Mirrors Harness Energy from the Sun)

This article details the "Eurelios" solar power plant in Adrano, Sicily, Italy, which is described as the world's first large-scale solar electricity producer. The plant, built in a record one and a half years, consists of 5,000 mirrors directed at a central tower. The mirrors, controlled by microcomputers, concentrate solar rays onto a receiver at the top of the 55-meter tower. Water is heated to steam, which drives a turbine and a generator producing 1 MW of peak power. The project is a collaboration between EG member states, with Italy, France, and West Germany being directly involved. The total cost was approximately 100 million kronor. The mirror field covers an area comparable to a football field, with a total mirror surface of 6,200 square meters. The steam leaving the receiver reaches 510°C at a pressure of 63 Mega Pascal. The plant includes a heat storage system using a tank of water and a salt mixture (57% sodium nitrate, 43% potassium nitrate) heated to 430°C, capable of maintaining temperature for 30 minutes in case of sudden cloud cover or if the mirrors are moved away from the tower.

The article notes that while the technology is advanced, EG officials consider this type of solar utilization unlikely to be practical in Europe, especially north of Sicily. However, the technology could be exported to Arab countries for industrial steam production, where it would be competitive with oil-fired steam generation. The Eurelios plant is designed to operate for 20 years and is located in an earthquake-prone area, though no special construction measures were taken, and recent tremors have not affected its operation.

Article: Stoftet från Kosmos (Dust from Cosmos)

This article discusses how Earth's weight is constantly increasing due to dust and meteorites from outer space. It mentions the 174-meter-wide Meteor Crater in Arizona, formed by a 1-million-ton meteorite. However, the majority of Earth's weight gain comes from cosmic dust. An estimated 2 billion tons of cosmic dust are in the atmosphere, with 100 tons falling to Earth daily. The Sun is described as a cosmic vacuum cleaner, drawing in small particles in the solar system. Meteorites and cosmic dust pose a danger to spacecraft, with examples of satellites being disabled by meteoroid impacts. While micrometeoroids are usually not dangerous to spacecraft due to their specialized protective surfaces, high-velocity particles can penetrate even a spaceship's hull. Russian space researchers have found that the Salute space station's protective shield registers 100-200 impacts per orbit. If a hole is the size of a pinhead, air can leak out over a day, and a hole the size of a pencil lead can cause a complete air loss in half an hour.

Book Reviews

The issue includes reviews of several books:

• AMATÖRASTRONOMEN by Colin A Ronan: A richly illustrated astronomy book with observation and experiment suggestions.
• ARTHUR C CLARKES GÅTFULLA VÄRLD by Simon Welfare and John Fairley: Explores mysterious phenomena and unexplained events.
• ASTRONOMISK UPPSLAGSBOK by Åke Wallenquist: An updated astronomical lexicon.
• SVARTA HÅL OCH KOSMISKA ĀGG by Isaac Asimov: Explains modern cosmology and astrophysics.
• FAKTA OM ASTRONOMI by Patrick Moore: A comprehensive guide to astronomy, covering historical background and modern research.
• ARKEOLOGI: A large, illustrated overview of international archaeology, focusing on methods and new dating techniques.
• HJÄLTAR OCH MONSTER PÅ HIMLAVALVET by Maj Samzelius and Elisabeth Nyman: A children's book explaining the origins of star names.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting eyewitness accounts, investigation group findings, and discussions on related topics. There is also a strong interest in scientific advancements, particularly in renewable energy (solar power) and astronomy, as evidenced by the detailed article on the Eurelios solar plant and the numerous book reviews on astronomical subjects. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, while also engaging with broader scientific and technological developments. The inclusion of book reviews suggests an aim to educate and inform members on a range of related fields. The publication also emphasizes community engagement through its annual meetings and calls for member participation.

Title: RYMDEN
Issue: 12
Volume: 1
Date: 1981-11-28
Publisher: LT
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: Ny superstjärna upptäckt (New Superstar Discovered)

This issue of RYMDEN, a Swedish magazine focused on space and technology, delves into a variety of intriguing topics, from astronomical discoveries and celestial phenomena to technological innovations and discussions on international space policy.

New Superstar Discovered

The lead article, "Ny superstjärna upptäckt," reports on a groundbreaking theory by three American researchers from the University of Wisconsin. Using data from the International Ultraviolet Explorer satellite, they propose the existence of a 'superformat' star in the 30 Doradus Nebula. This hypothetical star would be 100 times larger in diameter and 3,000 times more massive than our sun, emitting 100 times more light. Its surface temperature is estimated to be ten times higher than the sun's, giving it a blue color and emitting ultraviolet radiation. The article discusses the scientific challenges and implications of such a massive star, including whether it could form and remain stable. Alternative theories suggest it could be a cluster of 30 very bright stars or two large stars orbiting each other within a magnetic field and gas cloud. The researchers currently favor the 'superstar' theory, citing spectral data and luminosity. More advanced space telescopes are expected to provide definitive answers in the coming years.

Solar Eclipses: A Celestial Spectacle

Another significant section, "När solen förmörkas" (When the Sun is Eclipsed), provides a comprehensive look at solar eclipses. It explains the astronomical conditions required for an eclipse, emphasizing the alignment of the Earth, Moon, and Sun, and the Moon's orbit not perfectly coinciding with Earth's orbital plane. The article differentiates between total, annular (ring-shaped), and partial eclipses, noting that at least two and up to five solar eclipses occur annually worldwide. It highlights the varying width of the Moon's shadow and mentions the total solar eclipse in Sweden on June 30, 1954, as a memorable event for many Swedes, noting that the next total solar eclipse visible in Sweden will not occur until 2126. The article also touches upon historical accounts of solar eclipses, including references in the Bible and the Odyssey, and mentions ancient civilizations like the Babylonians and Aztecs who observed and interpreted these events, sometimes with fear and ritualistic practices.

Technological Advancements

Mantis Submersible: The "aktuellt om teknik" (Current Technology) section features an article on the "Mantis," a remarkable British one-man submersible costing 2.5 million kronor. This 'dwarf submarine' is designed to explore the ocean depths down to 700 meters. Operated by a single pilot lying down, it can perform tasks such as repairing oil platforms or conducting rescue operations using its powerful gripper arms. The Mantis is connected to a surface support vessel via a long umbilical cord and is propelled by four propellers, with two additional reserve propellers. It can achieve three different speeds, and its external equipment can be jettisoned in emergencies, allowing the pilot to survive for at least four days using the onboard life support system. A notable potential mission for the Mantis is the salvage of gold from the sunken cruiser 'Edinburgh' at a depth of 270 meters.

Boeing 747 Engine Stoppage: Another technology-focused piece, "Fyra flygmotorer stannade: 'Inget fel'" (Four Jet Engines Stopped: 'No Fault'), recounts an incident where a Boeing 747 with 320 passengers experienced a temporary stoppage of all four engines during a flight over the Pacific Ocean. The pilots managed to restart the engines, and subsequent expert investigations found no mechanical faults. The article explains that brief engine stoppages can occur due to fuel supply issues, especially in turbulent weather or when water in the fuel freezes, forming ice plugs. It notes that jet engines have protective systems, including igniters for restarting, and that regular checks are performed. The incident is compared to a rare case involving a Dutch DC-8 where automatic fire suppression systems were triggered.

Space Armament and International Concerns

"Rymdrustningen oroar FN" (Space Armament Worries the UN) discusses the growing concern within the UN's space committee regarding an arms race in space, particularly the development of anti-satellite weapons. The article highlights the potential consequences of such weapons, including the disruption of vital civilian and military communication and data networks that rely on satellites. It also touches upon the ongoing debate about direct satellite broadcasting and remote sensing satellites, with differing views between the USA and the Soviet Union on information dissemination. The use of nuclear power in space and the safety measures surrounding it are also mentioned, referencing a past incident involving a Soviet satellite crash in Canada. The article notes that while military spy satellites might have a 'peacekeeping' effect by monitoring potential conflicts, the exclusive reliance on these surveillance capabilities by superpowers is a point of contention for other nations.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Encounters

Several articles touch upon the topic of UFOs and potential extraterrestrial contact.

UFO over Björsjöskogen: A report describes a mysterious luminous phenomenon observed over Björsjöskogen, Sweden, described as round and illuminated, consistently appearing in a westerly direction. While its nature remains speculative, observers are certain it is not a conventional aircraft.

Do You Believe in Flying Saucers?: This section presents brief opinions from individuals on the existence of flying saucers. Kenneth Larsen expresses a belief in the possibility, stating that if humanity can reach Saturn, other beings might reach Earth. Britt Eriksson and Bo Andersson express skepticism, with the latter stating he would only believe if he saw something himself.

Aliens in Las Vegas?: An article from the American magazine "Official UFO" suggests that aliens from outer space are behind the large casinos in Las Vegas, attempting to buy the magazine to suppress publicity. The article admits the magazine cannot confirm this claim but expresses curiosity.

Extraterrestrial Encounter (FOTS PÅ DOLOMITERNA): This lengthy, narrative piece describes a purported telepathic encounter with an extraterrestrial being. The narrator details the alien's physical appearance, including its large head, olive-green skin, and unique eyes, and describes its home planet as being larger than Earth, with two suns, and advanced automation. The alien communicates that its species has a simpler biological structure, highly developed hearts and lungs, and strong muscles to withstand its planet's atmosphere. It also implies a different method of reproduction.

Voyager's Mission to Saturn

"Attack mot Saturnus" (Attack on Saturn) details the Voyager 1 probe's journey to Saturn. Launched in 1977, the probe was approaching Saturn in November 1980, flying at a speed of 2 miles per second from a distance of 184,000 km. The article highlights the vast distance between Earth and Saturn (1.5 billion km) and the time it would take to travel by car (over 1,700 years). A primary objective of the mission is to explore Saturn's moon, Titan, whose composition and size are still largely unknown, though it is believed to be between 5 and 20 percent larger than Mercury and composed of rock and ice. Voyager is also tasked with mapping Saturn's internal heat radiation and studying the high-speed winds in its upper atmosphere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the frontiers of space exploration, astronomical discoveries, and technological advancements. There is a clear interest in the unknown, from the possibility of new types of stars to UFO sightings and extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a desire to inform readers about scientific progress and intriguing phenomena, while also acknowledging international concerns and debates surrounding space technology and policy. The inclusion of historical perspectives on celestial events and ancient beliefs adds a broader context to the scientific discussions.