UFO-Nytt - 1983 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO NYTT
Issue: Nr 1, 1983
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening
Language: Swedish

This issue of the Västerbergslagens UFO Association's magazine, UFO Nytt, is dated 1983 and serves as a publication for its members, appearing four times annually. The editorial section apologizes for a late release, attributing it to waiting for the annual meeting to confirm the new board and program.

Contents Overview

The editorial highlights several key items in this issue:

• Film Review: A recommendation to see the film "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial," described as sad, exciting, and funny—a true family film.
• Local UFO Reports: Includes a report from the investigation group, a sighting of a UFO over Blötberget, and a lecture by Eugen Semitjov in Grängesberg.
• Articles: Features an article titled "TRO 'N OM NI VILL" (Believe It or Not), inviting reader opinions, along with short pieces like "Observations from Spanish Submarines" and "Metal Finds in the Sea."
• Serial Story: Begins a three-part "novel" about Men in Black (MIB) in Canada, intended for discussion at meetings.
• Association News: Announces a new board, an increase in membership fees, and a new program for the year.

The editorial team consists of Bernt Berglund, Ingvar Källving, and Monica Eriksson.

Article: Flying Saucers Up to 4700 Meters!

This article introduces the XM-4, an experimental flying saucer developed by Moller Corporation in California, USA. It is described as a human-made flying saucer capable of speeds exceeding 300 km/h and carrying two people. The XM-4 is powered by eight small fanjet engines, allowing it to climb at an impressive rate of 725 m/min. Its top speed is 320 km/h, with a cruising speed of 265 km/h. The craft has a diameter of 2.8 meters and a range of 540 km. It is a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) vehicle, requiring no runway. The article speculates if this could be the future "flying car."

Article: Spielberg's Alien E.T.

This section reviews Steven Spielberg's film "E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial." It praises the film's portrayal of an alien landing on Earth not as a monster but as a personification of goodness, building on themes from "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The review highlights the film's masterful storytelling, its depiction of the alien as a curious and harmless being, and its emotional resonance, particularly the bond formed between E.T. and the boy Elliott. The article notes that Spielberg often uses a child's perspective, placing the camera at their eye level. It discusses emotionally charged scenes, such as the medical team's efforts to save Elliott, and balances them with humor. The review concludes that "E.T." is a highly enjoyable film, blending elements of a Peter Pan-like fantasy with science fiction, and offers rich interpretations for adult viewers, ultimately emphasizing the importance of love.

Report from the Investigation Group

This report covers the year 1982, described as a quiet year for UFO activity in Sweden, though Norwegian ufologists were reportedly very busy. The report notes that the Soviet Union planned to launch a satellite to study UFOs, which Russian scientists believed might originate from outer space. The Västerbergslagen UFO Association received only a few reports: one involving an object identified as Venus, another of a silent, glowing sphere, and a report from youths at a canoe camp about a disc-shaped craft. Several other reports mentioned objects at very high altitudes. The association is transitioning to a computer-based system for handling reports, which is expected to improve analysis. The group emphasizes the importance of reporting and encourages active members.

Article: Halley's Comet - Now Approaching Earth Again!

This article discusses comets, particularly Halley's Comet, linking it to the biblical story of the Star of Bethlehem. It explains that comets are celestial bodies composed of gas and ice with a solid core, which become visible due to solar radiation. The article differentiates between periodic comets, like Halley's, which return regularly, and non-periodic ones. Halley's Comet, returning every 76.2 years, caused significant public fear in 1910 when Earth passed through its tail. The article recounts historical associations of Halley's Comet with prophecies, such as its appearance in 66 AD preceding the destruction of Jerusalem and in 1066 being seen as a bad omen for King Harold of England. It mentions Sir Edmond Halley's calculation of the comet's periodicity. The piece concludes by noting that while the Star of Bethlehem might have been a comet, it is viewed as a positive sign, offering a comforting light during the dark winter months.

Article: The Wild UFO Hunt (Tehran Incident)

This article details a dramatic UFO encounter that occurred on the evening of September 18, 1976, in Tehran, Iran. Numerous calls reported a strange object resembling a "ventilator with wings." Air traffic controller Hossein Pirouzi also observed the phenomenon and alerted the air force. Two jet fighters were scrambled, but their electronic equipment failed when they approached within 20 km of the object. Despite the failure, the pilot reported the object was incredibly fast and disappeared. Later, the pilot reported being pursued by the object, describing it as almost square, with a blue shimmer and a red glow from its center. The object then accelerated rapidly towards the horizon. General Azarbarzin confirmed it was not a terrestrial aircraft. The article notes a similar incident occurred over Portugal shortly after, involving a Boeing 707 and a bright, blue-glowing object, suggesting the same entity was involved. UFOlogists believe these objects are non-terrestrial and possess speeds and capabilities beyond current human understanding.

Article: On Good and Bad in Space

This piece reviews Frank Herbert's "Dune" trilogy, comparing it to Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" series. It describes "Dune" as a complex science fiction epic set in a distant future where humanity has left Earth and is ruled by a corrupt empire. The story follows Paul, the son of a duke, who becomes involved in a struggle for liberation on the desert planet Arrakis. The review highlights the intricate world-building, including the planet's ecology, religion, and language, and the inhabitants' unique survival skills. It also touches upon the theme of the conflict between good and evil, suggesting that even good can contain elements of evil and vice versa.

Article: A Space Expert Lectures

This short piece announces a lecture by Eugen Semitjov in Grängesberg. Semitjov is noted for being the first Western journalist to interview Yuri Gagarin and for accurately predicting the moon landing. He has extensive experience covering space exploration, including rocket launches and astronaut training. His lecture will focus on space and future possibilities, accompanied by his own visual materials.

Article: Did You See a Flying Saucer Over Blötberget?

This article reports on a UFO sighting by three women in Blötberget, Sweden, on a Thursday evening. They observed a silent, pear-shaped or triangular object hovering over Glaningen lake. The object, described as larger than an airplane, had a glowing red surface that later turned blue-green before it disappeared. Stig Aggestad of UFO Sverige considers the report interesting due to the multiple witnesses. Police in Ludvika had not received any similar reports.

Article: Tro'n om ni vill: He Met a Human from Another Planet and Flew in a Flying Saucer to China!

This article presents an extraordinary account from Baltus Noe, a Dutch municipal employee, who claims to have met an alien named Radolf. Noe alleges that beings from Venus, Mars, and Earth, fleeing a cosmic explosion three million years ago, established secret cities in China and South America. Radolf, described as a blond man in modern clothes, allegedly met Noe during a walk and invited him to travel in a flying saucer to a hidden city within a mountain in China. Noe describes the city as populated by "Joranier," descendants of those who left Earth, who possess superior intellect and can prevent nuclear war. The story concludes with Noe stating he stopped meeting Radolf about a year prior to the article's publication, partly due to not wanting to explain his encounters to his wife. The article notes the lack of concrete evidence, such as photographs, to support Noe's claims.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, alien encounters, and related phenomena, often presenting extraordinary claims alongside more grounded reports and reviews. There's a clear interest in both historical and contemporary UFO events, as well as a willingness to engage with science fiction literature and films that touch upon these themes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to share their experiences and opinions, while also acknowledging the need for evidence and careful investigation. The inclusion of association news and membership information suggests a focus on building a community of like-minded individuals.

This issue of "Ovanliga Observationer från Spanska Ubatar" (Unusual Observations from Spanish Submarines), dated 1983, focuses on reports of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) involving submarines and explores scientific discoveries in deep-sea environments.

Reports from Spanish Submarines

"TONINA" Submarine Report

The first report details an incident on May 26, 1980, when the Spanish submarine Tinina S-62, operating at periscope depth off the coast of Almeria, Spain, detected an object on its radar. The object was described as flying from southwest to northeast at a speed of 600 km/h. It passed the submarine at a distance of only 2.5 km. Despite the clear radar contact and the attention of the officers and crew, no one on board could see the object with the naked eye. The object was tracked passing over Cape de Gata and the small harbor of Genoves before turning northeast and disappearing. Experts calculated the object's altitude to be approximately 427 meters above sea level. The report emphasizes the inability of the crew to visually confirm the radar contact, despite favorable weather conditions and clear visibility.

"DELFIN" Submarine Report

The second incident occurred on June 11, 1980, involving the Spanish submarine DELFIN. While operating at periscope depth off the coast of Cape de Gata, the crew observed an oval or elliptical object with an estimated diameter of 100 meters. This object was not detected by radar but was seen visually. It was hovering at an estimated altitude of 200 meters above the sea surface and at an approximate distance of 12-15 km from the submarine. The object appeared to be metallic and shone silver-white in the sunlight. The report notes that at the submarine's operating depth, only the periscope, snorkel, and air bubbles were visible on the surface.

Continued Official Silence

The article "Fortfarande Upprätthålls 'Officiell Tystnad'" (Official Silence Continues to be Maintained) discusses the phenomenon of UAP being detected by radar without visual confirmation, a situation that has also occurred with aircraft and ground observers. It suggests that these 'machines' may possess technology that allows them to 'camouflage themselves against human sight, but not against the cold radar eye.' The report on the Spanish submarine DELFIN is cited as an example where characteristics like a clear metallic sheen and lack of sound were observed. The author concludes that the presence of UAP is widespread, not just in the sky but also over land and sea, and that official silence on the matter persists.

Deep Sea Discoveries: Life Without Sunlight

This section explores the remarkable discoveries made in deep-sea environments, particularly around hydrothermal vents. Researchers from the USA, France, and Mexico have identified unique life forms that thrive without sunlight. These discoveries were made in areas where heat escapes from beneath the ocean floor, creating unique ecosystems. The article mentions the discovery of new life forms off the Galapagos Islands in 1976/77, which sparked significant scientific interest. It highlights that the probability of finding similar ecosystems was high due to the extensive underwater ridges around the globe. The research vessel Alvin, on loan from the US Navy, was instrumental in these initial discoveries, along with the French research submersible Cyana. The article notes that these life forms exist in areas where no sunlight penetrates and that they rely on chemosynthesis, using heat from the Earth's interior as their energy source. Specific examples include tubeworms up to three meters long, unusual crabs, and giant mussels, some up to four decimeters in size. These organisms have adapted to their environment, with some filtering bacteria from the water and others cultivating bacteria within their own tissues.

Mariana Basin and Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Further research indicates the potential for similar underwater ecosystems in the Mariana Basin in the western Pacific Ocean and along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, where Iceland is located. The article mentions that the US Navy's nuclear-powered submarine NR-1 found unusually large mussels near Iceland, prompting further study. The scientific question of how life survives in total darkness at depths of 2-3 kilometers, without photosynthesis, is addressed by explaining the process of chemosynthesis.

Metal Finds and Threat to Mining

The article also discusses the significant mineral deposits found near these hydrothermal vents, including iron, copper, silver, lead, and zinc. It highlights findings off the coast of Ecuador with copper deposits valued at over 10 billion Swedish kronor, and similar discoveries off the Oregon coast. These findings are so substantial that they could threaten land-based mining operations. The issue of maritime law also becomes more complex with these discoveries.

UFO Sighting in Victoria, Canada

This section details a UFO sighting that occurred in Victoria, Canada, on October 2, 1981. The primary witness, Grant Raymond, a highly intelligent and observant young man, reported seeing a large, bright object in the sky that he initially mistook for a star. The object appeared to have a yellowish-white glow around its edge. His mother and sister did not see the object, nor did a passerby on a bicycle. Grant used a walkie-talkie to contact another individual, N.B., who also observed a large, bright light in the sky. Grant then used his camera with a telephoto lens to photograph the object. He described the object as being upside down with a prominent bulge on the underside. A small, diamond-shaped red light in the center of the object swept back and forth. Around the main object, at positions corresponding to 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock, were four larger white lights, which appeared to be connected to the main craft by invisible links. Yellowish light beams were seen emanating from the main craft towards these four lights. Grant took a photograph, but it had not yet been developed at the time of writing.

Book Reviews and Recommendations

The issue includes several book reviews and recommendations related to UFOs and science fiction:

• "UFO-fenomenet" by Johannes van Buttlar: Recommended for those interested in the UFO phenomenon.
• "Einsteins Universum" by Nigel Calder: A book about Einstein's universe.
• "Kometen kommer" by Nigel Calder: A historical account of comets.
• "Kosmiska krafter och hur de påverkar oss" by G. Hill & S. Playfair: Discusses recent scientific developments concerning cosmic impulses.
• "Lustgårdens drakar" by Carl Sagan: A popular science book described as thrilling.
• "Förbjuden värld" by Isaac Asimov: A science fiction novel set in the same universe as his Foundation series.
• "Stora rymdkrigen år 2000-2100" and "Rymdfarkoster år 2000-2100" by Stewart Cowley: Books about future space adventures.
• "Närkontakt - rapport om UFO-fenomen" by Sherman J. Larsen: A report on UFO phenomena.
• "Mathias Sandorf" by Jules Verne: A typical Jules Verne adventure novel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained aerial phenomena observed by military personnel (specifically submarines) and the ongoing official silence surrounding such events. The magazine also highlights scientific advancements and discoveries, particularly in the field of deep-sea biology and geology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, presenting reports and scientific findings without definitive conclusions, while acknowledging the lack of official transparency. The inclusion of book reviews suggests an interest in popular science and speculative topics.