UFO-Nytt - 1983 No 2

Magazine Overview

This document is the second issue of "VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO NYTT" from 1983, published by the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening. The magazine is a publication for its members, appearing four times a year. The cover features the title prominently, along with a circular emblem of the organization and a stylized map of Sweden.

From the Editors (Från Redaktionen)

The editorial section of this issue highlights its contents, which include a continuation of a series on Men in Black (MIB), interesting articles from Russian newspapers, and a potentially intriguing article about the fate of the Inca people. It also mentions local events, such as Eugen Semitjo's tour and a report about a UFO over Blötberget. The editors pose a thought-provoking question about what might happen in 20 years. Notably, they point out an article that claims "UFO SIGHTINGS ARE MERELY HUMBUG." The editorial team wishes the members a pleasant summer and announces that the next issue will be out at the end of September. The editorial team consists of Bernt Berglund, Monica Eriksson, and Ingvar Kjällving.

Continuation of the MIB Series

Pages 3-6 detail a continuation of the MIB series, focusing on an interior description of a department store and a specific encounter. The narrative describes a vehicle that moves slowly, ascending and descending, mimicking a cross shape with its lights. A smaller red light is observed moving regularly, then stopping to direct a beam of light at the witness's eye. At precisely 9:59, the witness checks his watch, and by 10:00, the entire phenomenon vanishes instantly, like a light bulb being switched off.

The account continues with a description of a thunderstorm experienced by Victoria on October 3, 1981, followed by heavy rain and streetlights going out. N.B. visits Grant, and they discuss their experiences, both suffering from severe headaches. The next day, N.B. returns, concerned, and offers Grant a ride in his new car radio-equipped truck. Grant finds N.B.'s driving erratic and his conversation agitated.

On October 5th, Grant visits a K-Mart to pick up a radio part. While waiting in the vestibule, he encounters two peculiar men who appear to be waiting for him. Their demeanor is described as inhuman, causing Grant to feel afraid. He notes a strange emptiness in the vestibule at that moment, which contrasts with his memory of it being busy. The men are described as wearing dark blue clothing, with expressionless faces, dark eyes lacking reflexes, and black, short-cropped hair. Their ears have square lobes, unlike the typical round ones. One man's mouth is held in a rectangular shape, while the other's appears normal. Both have even, perfect teeth. Their speech is monotonous and robotic, and they do not use names.

"Science Fiction Convention Manhattan May 14-15"

A graphic on page 4 advertises a "SCIENCE FICTION CONVENTION" in Manhattan on May 14-15.

Physicist: "With Time from Order to Disorder" by Bengt E Y Svensson

Page 6 features an article titled "Physicist: With Time from Order to Disorder" by Bengt E Y Svensson. The text discusses the nature of time and order, referencing the second law of thermodynamics.

"I Myself Sent Up UFOs" by Georgij Gretjko (Cosmonaut)

Page 7 presents an article by cosmonaut Georgij Gretjko titled "I Myself Sent Up UFOs." Gretjko recounts an incident aboard the Salyut 6 space station where he claims to have faked UFO sightings for his fellow cosmonauts, Vladimir Dzjanibekov and Oleg Makarov. He describes how he would tap the station's exterior wall to dislodge dust particles, creating the appearance of eight flying objects. He states that he and other Soviet cosmonauts have never seen real UFOs, and quotes astronaut Tom Stafford as saying that reports of American astronauts seeing UFOs are "just shit."

"Space: For or Against Humanity?"

This section, starting on page 7 and continuing to page 8, discusses the implications of space exploration and potential militarization. It begins by referencing the Soviet Union's stance on the peaceful use of space, as declared by TASS and President Yuri Gagarin. In contrast, it highlights the US perspective, quoting Senator Lyndon B. Johnson's statement that "Control over space means control over the entire world." The article expresses concern over the US Pentagon's plans for military space stations equipped with lasers and other weapons, and the potential for an arms race in space. It warns that the protection offered by humanity's powerlessness is diminishing, making war a less viable option and emphasizing the need to prevent the militarization of space.

"Habitable Planets in Our Galaxy" (Beboeliga Planeter i Vår Galax)

Page 9 features an article discussing the possibility of habitable planets in our galaxy. Two astronomers from the Kitt Peak Observatory, Helmut Abt and Saul Levy, have concluded that stars previously considered "hot" might also host planets. Their research suggests that a significant percentage of stars have companions, and between 10% and 20% of these companions could be planets. The article estimates that there could be 10 billion planets in the Milky Way, but acknowledges that the habitability of these planets remains unknown.

• Visuals on this page include:
• A depiction of a satellite factory being built in orbit between 1985 and 1990.
• An illustration of astronauts placing a telephone exchange in space in 1990.
• A concept for the first space city in the year 1030, designed to house 200,000-300,000 people.

"E.T., Are You There?" (E.T., Finns Dom?)

• Pages 10 and 11 delve into the question of extraterrestrial life, referencing the film "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial." The article begins by mentioning Giordano Bruno, who was burned at the stake for suggesting that Earth was not unique and that other planets might harbor life. It then introduces the Drake Equation (N = R * S_liv * S_tc * L) as a method to estimate the number of technologically competent civilizations in the Milky Way. The equation's variables are explained:
• R: The number of stars born in the Milky Way each year (estimated at 20).
• S_liv: The probability of a star having a planet where life arises (estimated at 1/1000).
• S_tc: The probability of life developing a technologically competent civilization (estimated at 1/10).
• L: The length of time a civilization is technologically competent and interested in interstellar communication (estimated at 500 years for extraterrestrial civilizations, compared to Earth's 100 years).

Using these estimates, the equation suggests there might be one technologically competent civilization in the Milky Way. However, if L is reduced to 100 years, it implies humanity might be alone in the galaxy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon, ranging from personal sightings and encounters (like the MIB incident) to broader scientific and philosophical questions about extraterrestrial life and humanity's place in the universe. There's a clear interest in both the unexplained and the potential for future technological advancements, particularly in space. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints, including skeptical ones (like the claim that UFO sightings are humbug), while also engaging with the more speculative aspects of ufology and space exploration. The concern about the militarization of space is a significant theme, reflecting a broader geopolitical context of the time.

This issue of Bergslogsposten, dated January 28, 1983, features a cover story titled "Landhöjning Inkafolkets öde" (Land uplift, the fate of the Inca people), accompanied by an image of ancient ruins. The magazine also includes articles on space exploration, future predictions, and UFO phenomena.

Land uplift and Ancient Civilizations

The lead article by Robert Walgate explores the theory that land uplift, rather than solely the Spanish conquest, led to the decline of ancient American civilizations, particularly in Peru. Dr. Michael E. Moseley and his team at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago studied canal systems in Peru, finding that continuous land elevation dried out the canals, reducing arable land. This geological process, linked to tectonic plate movement and earthquakes, weakened civilizations like the Chimu (rivals of the Inca) before their encounters with the Spanish. The article notes that similar land elevation processes might have affected other civilizations, such as those in Mesopotamia.

"Framtiden i rymden" - Gruvjobb på månen?!

This section, featuring Rymdjournalisten Eugen Semitjov, discusses future possibilities in space. Semitjov presented visions of space mining, a 'space moped' for constructing space cities, and the concept of space colonies. He touched upon the idea of a million-person city in space with varied landscapes and the potential for resource extraction from the moon and asteroids to overcome Earth's transport costs. The article posits that such space settlements could be built within 80 years, similar to how air travel became commonplace within 80 years of its initial conception.

Rymdfakta and Rymdtrafik

Semitjov also presented known facts about space activities, primarily from the American side, including details about space shuttles, moon landers, astronauts, and cosmonauts. He described the effects of weightlessness and the potential for a busy space traffic with multiple space shuttles operating frequently. The development of a concrete landing strip for space shuttles in April was mentioned, along with the possibility of deploying satellites from shuttle cargo bays.

Rymdsjuk and Rymdteleskop

The article touches on scientific advancements like space laboratories, specialized equipment for astronauts, and the production of pure medicines in space. It also mentions a concept for a 'space sick' person to be returned to Earth in a special bag. A significant future development discussed is the creation of space telescopes with seven times the reach of current Earth-based instruments, enabling the study of the universe up to fourteen billion light-years away.

Detta händer om 20 år (What happens in 20 years)

This section offers a series of predictions for the future, ranging from medical advancements to societal and technological changes:

• 2002: Cancer curable if detected early.
• 2005: Living rooms fully covered with video screens for immersive environments.
• 2010: Robots navigate traffic safely; robot football teams; new US currency due to inflation; a black Pope moves the Vatican's center to Jerusalem; international terrorists use nuclear weapons leading to police oppression and disarmament; one million people live in permanent space colonies.
• 2011: Civil war in the USA due to economic collapse; women become the majority of space workers; discovery of an 8-million-year-old hominid fossil in India.
• 2012: Catholic Church accepts contraception and allows priests to marry.
• 2017: A total solar eclipse visible in the US and Canada; a US spacecraft reaches Mars, collects samples, and discovers evidence of past life.

UFO ÖVER BLÖTBERGET (UFO over Blötberget)

This report details a UFO sighting on February 3, 1983, near Blötberget, Sweden. Three women observed a luminous object described as dark inside with a luminous red ring, shaped like a triangle or pear. The object moved, changed color to blue-green, and disappeared. The sighting lasted 5-6 minutes and was described as disturbing.

MYSTISK MÅNE ÖVER VENJAN (Mysterious Moon over Venjan)

Lennart and Karin Wärn reported seeing a large, luminous orange 'moon' with a bright yellow ring near Venjan on January 29, 1983. The object moved and disappeared behind a forest. The observation lasted about 15 minutes.

UFO- IAKTTAGELSERNA ÄR ENBART HUMBUG (UFO Sightings are Pure Humbug)

This article presents a skeptical view on UFO phenomena, suggesting that most sightings are merely 'quartz radiation' from Earth. It critiques UFO literature, particularly the works of George Adamski and Erich von Däniken, labeling Adamski's accounts as fantasy and von Däniken's hypotheses as nonsensical. The author argues that there is no reliable evidence of alien civilizations observing Earth and that the phenomenon might be explained by natural processes.

Quartz and UFOs

The article explores a theory linking UFOs to quartz crystals. It suggests that quartz, a common mineral, can emit light and electrical charges under certain conditions. The author proposes that electromagnetic charges from quartz particles, possibly released by seismic activity, could create luminous, oval-shaped phenomena in the air that resemble UFOs. This theory is presented as a potential scientific explanation for some unexplained aerial phenomena, though the mechanism for quartz crystals appearing in the atmosphere remains unclear.

Scientific Investigations and Skepticism

The article mentions that while the Pentagon has investigated UFO sightings, the results are kept secret, possibly to avoid disrupting public belief in military preparedness. It also notes that researchers at universities are exploring these phenomena but are hesitant to publish due to the sensitive nature of the subject. The author concludes that while many phenomena remain unexplained, the quartz crystal theory offers a plausible, albeit not fully conclusive, explanation for some UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine presents a dualistic perspective on unexplained phenomena. On one hand, it explores scientific theories and future possibilities, such as the geological impact on ancient civilizations and the potential for space colonization. On the other hand, it critically examines UFO sightings, leaning towards scientific explanations and skepticism, particularly regarding claims of alien visitation. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations grounded in science and geology, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena and the human fascination with the unknown.

This issue of Rymden magazine, dated July 1984, focuses on futuristic visions of space exploration, technology, and potential commercialization. The cover story highlights the anticipated opening of the first space hotel in 1995, while other articles delve into ambitious projects like space-based solar power, advanced construction techniques, and the potential for military applications in orbit.

Space Tourism: The 1995 Space Hotel

The leading article announces that the first space hotel is slated to be completed by 1995, designed to accommodate extraterrestrial travelers. This hotel, intended to house 100 guests, will initially be constructed on Earth and then transported into space via a space shuttle. A trip to this space hotel, including two nights' stay, is estimated to cost around 25,000 Swedish kronor. Notably, the article claims that 50,000 Americans are already on a waiting list for such a trip.

Space-Based Solar Power: A Gigantic Energy Platform

By the year 2000, a massive metal platform, measuring ten kilometers in length and five kilometers in width, is planned to be launched into orbit. Positioned 36,000 kilometers above the Earth's surface, this platform's primary function will be to capture and relay solar energy back to Earth. Each platform is projected to generate an impressive five billion watts, comparable to the output of a normal nuclear power plant. The assembly of such a platform in space is estimated to take 100 individuals two years to complete.

Advanced Space Technology and Construction

The magazine showcases several cutting-edge technological concepts. One image depicts an astronaut on a service platform performing repairs on a malfunctioning satellite, presented as a vehicle of the future. The article notes that this platform, developed by Grumman, is already past the blueprint stage, with the company actively working on initial prototypes.

John Purcell, director of Grumman's space experiment division, is featured presenting a model of a telecommunications platform intended for deployment in space by 1990.

Another innovation highlighted is an electronic catapult designed by Professor Gerard O'Neill. This device, if based on the Moon, could launch objects over 7,000 kilometers with an accuracy of one to five meters.

The "Automated Beam Builder" and Service Capsules

To facilitate the construction of space stations and the repair of satellites between 1990 and 1995, astronauts will utilize specialized service capsules equipped with large mechanical arms. These capsules are controlled using thrusters and can move in any direction at a speed of 21 meters per second. Astronauts inside the capsules will operate the arms to perform the necessary tasks.

Potential for Space Warfare

The issue also touches upon the darker side of space development, presenting a "deadly weapon for future space wars" – a ready-made laser cannon. Military experts are quoted as stating that 18 platforms equipped with laser cannons could be operational in orbit as early as 1985. However, this assertion is reportedly denied by the U.S. Air Force, which maintains that no such offensive weapons will be deployed in space before 1990 at the earliest.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of Rymden magazine in this issue appears to be one of optimistic futurism, focusing on the potential for human expansion and technological advancement in space. While acknowledging the possibility of military applications, the primary emphasis is on the commercial and scientific possibilities, such as space tourism and energy generation. The magazine presents these future concepts as tangible possibilities within the coming decades, encouraging readers to envision a future deeply intertwined with space.