UFO-Nytt - 1985 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-NYTT, published by the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, is a magazine for its members, with this particular issue being number 4 from 1985. The publication is stated to come out four times a year. The editorial section, "FRÅN REDAKTIONEN," reflects on the past year, noting that 1985 was a busy year for the investigation group. It highlights several intriguing topics covered in this issue, including the mysterious "people of the mountain" (Bergets gåtfulla folk), alleged animal mutilations, and helicopters. A specific incident involving a doctor's family in Norrköping is mentioned as particularly interesting. The Västerbergslagens UFO-förening also had a presence at an air show in Borlänge from November 14-17, 1985, with a booth displaying UFO material. The editors encourage members to submit nominations for the new board ahead of the annual meeting on January 26, 1986, and provide the postal address for submissions. The editorial team wishes readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The issue also details membership fees for 1986.

Articles

"Nu ser indianerna hundratals tefat!" (Now the Indians are seeing hundreds of saucers!)

This article reports on numerous sightings of flying saucers, referred to as UFOs, over two isolated Native American reservations in the USA. Folklorists are drawing parallels between these sightings and ancient tribal legends about mysterious visitors from other planets. The majority of the over 160 reported sightings in the northwestern region come from reliable observers such as forest fire lookouts and reservation police. Dr. Frank Salisbury, a physiologist at Utah State University, has reviewed approximately 80 observations made since 1966 in the Ute Reservation in Utah, involving over 500 witnesses, suggesting they cannot be dismissed as mere fabrications. Police Sergeant Harry Simskin of the Yakima reservation police notes that unexplained aerial phenomena have become so common that people no longer pay much attention. He recounts an incident where he and a colleague on patrol saw a luminous object silhouetted against the mountains, emitting white light that later revealed red, yellow, and green hues. He is convinced it was a flying saucer, not a helicopter or a small plane. William Vogel, chief of forest fire prevention in the Yakima Reservation, connects these observations to ancient Native American legends, suggesting that some legends speak of "superhumans" who came from other planets. Virginia Beavert Martin, a former lecturer in Native American languages, supports this theory, believing that Native American prophets predicted these events centuries ago. One legend describes a man with red eyes who possessed miraculous healing abilities and came to live among the Native Americans. When he grew old, he asked to be taken to a special place, and his body was reportedly taken away by a large, flying object from the sky. Larry George, formerly an associate professor of Native American mythology, recalls numerous UFO observations during his time as a fire watchman in the Yakima Reservation, describing shining lights of various colors and several drop-shaped objects. He compares these experiences to a Native American legend about a flying object that descended into a lake near a village and later returned to the sky.

"Babyloniska lertavlor om den stora kometen" (Babylonian clay tablets about the great comet)

This article, authored by Harry Bökstedt, discusses the discovery of references to comets, specifically Halley's Comet, on ancient Babylonian clay tablets housed in the British Museum. These tablets date back over two thousand years, with mentions of comet visits in 164 BC and 87 BC. The 164 BC record is noted as the earliest known observation of the comet and the second oldest report of Halley's Comet overall, with a prior Chinese notice from 240 BC. The article explains that the Great Comet travels in an elongated orbit and becomes visible as it approaches the sun. Halley's Comet is unique among periodic comets for being regularly visible to the naked eye, returning every 75-80 years, with variations due to gravitational disturbances from planets. The comet's appearance in 1682 was studied by astronomer Edmund Halley, who later predicted its return in 1758, which it did, leading to the comet being named after him. The article notes that Babylonian records document the comet's passage near the sun with precise data dating back to 989 AD, including an entry from 1066 AD (the year of the Norman conquest of England), which is depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry. While earlier observations, primarily Chinese, exist, they are less detailed. The article highlights the value of Babylonian writings for comet information, despite historian Diodorus Siculus mentioning it and Halley dismissing it as purely astrological. The text explains that while early Mesopotamians viewed celestial phenomena astrologically, their observations gradually became more scientific, focusing on measurement and calculation, evidenced by their accurate predictions of eclipses. Regular records of lunar and planetary movements became official during King Nabonassar's reign (8th century BC), and by the late 7th century BC, under the Chaldean kings, this practice became systematic and scientific. Over 2,000 Babylonian cuneiform texts on clay tablets are preserved, mostly at the British Museum, with about 1,200 being fragments of astronomical journals from the period 380-40 BC. The youngest preserved astronomical text is an almanac from 75 AD. These journals recorded not only celestial movements but also other significant events like severe weather, earthquakes, and comets, providing data for predictions. The article mentions that researchers H. Hunger, F. R. Stephensson, and K. K. C. Yau have identified references to Halley's Comet in a "month in brief" record from 164 BC, describing its appearance in the Pleiades and Taurus constellations. The Babylonian word for comet (and meteorites) was "sallammu." The sky was divided into three regions associated with ancient Sumerian gods. The article also references the Babylonian "Mur-Alpin" (The Plough) text from around 1000 BC, which explains the division of the year into four seasons based on the sun's position in these celestial belts. Halley's Comet is also mentioned on another tablet from the same year, though both are damaged. The precise dating of these tablets to the month beginning October 21, 164 BC, suggests the comet passed its perihelion between November 9 and 24 of that year. Its return in 87 BC saw it brightest between August 25 and 14, according to a tablet from that year.

"Bergets gåtfulla folk!" (The mysterious people of the mountain!)

This article investigates the enigmatic "people" said to live in or around Mount Shasta in California, USA. Eyewitnesses claim to have seen them and their craft, but no concrete evidence exists. The article posits that an unknown race of humans inhabits an extinct volcano in Northern California, with their origins and nature unknown. Hundreds of witnesses report cigar-shaped craft ascending from Mount Shasta, described as a legendary mountain. The article draws a parallel between the ancient reverence for high mountains as dwelling places for gods and the modern belief in hidden, advanced societies residing in inaccessible mountain regions. Mount Shasta has become a focal point for various cults, all convinced that the mountain hides a secret colony of spiritually and technologically superior beings. Much of the legend surrounding Mount Shasta stems from the 1884 book "A Dweller On Two Planets" by Fredrick Oliver, who claimed that the inhabitants of this hidden community were Atlanteans who survived the destruction of their continent and founded a secluded society within the mountain. Oliver described extensive underground tunnels and chambers, with entrances to these "grotto colonies" hidden behind stone doors that could only be opened by an anti-gravity method. The inhabitants are said to possess cigar-shaped aircraft powered by magnetic force, which glow brightly at night. The article notes that despite the fantastical nature of these claims, numerous UFO sightings have been reported around Mount Shasta, with witnesses attesting to large, silver, cigar-shaped craft silently rising from the mountain and heading out to sea. One specific incident in October 1956 involved David Williamson of Shasta City witnessing 14 luminous objects performing aerial maneuvers over the mountain, with one descending onto its peak. Powerful light beams have also been observed emanating from the mountain, causing vehicles' ignition systems to fail when they approached. The article also mentions unusual fog formations observed during severe forest fires near Mount Shasta, creating a perfectly circular wall that inexplicably halted the fire's advance, leaving older trees within the circle undamaged while those outside were smaller. Members of this mysterious colony are reportedly seen in communities at the foot of the mountain, sometimes mistaken for Native Americans due to their pale skin and clothing resembling ancient Greek or Buddhist attire. They are described as tall and majestic, capable of vanishing instantly, and have been known to purchase goods in nearby towns, paying with gold nuggets and stating they have no use for money. Professor Edgar Larkin of Mt. Lowe Observatory reported observing strange phenomena on Mount Shasta, including a glittering, domed structure resembling an oriental building, visible through his telescope. When he returned later, the structure was gone, but the area was illuminated by a strong white light. He and colleagues investigated but found no trace of the domes. The article also touches upon the philosophical claims of Maurice Doreal, who reportedly visited the Mount Shasta colony in 1931, describing an underground city with advanced technology and inhabitants who have lived for 150 years, descended from Atlanteans. They are said to act as guardians of Earth, influencing human development. Unauthorized visitors are repelled by physical or psychic means. The article concludes by questioning whether these are mere tales for the gullible, noting that the area is rife with cults capitalizing on these stories.

"Jag stod i sommarstugan och såg ett tefat landa på ängen!" (I stood in the summer cottage and saw a saucer land in the meadow!)

This article recounts the personal experience of Siw Fester, who claims to have witnessed a flying saucer land in a meadow outside her family's summer house in Haverdal. She describes a bright, yellowish-white light illuminating the meadow, followed by the appearance of a "flying saucer" or "giant spider on ten legs." Siw, who was in the bathroom at the time, was paralyzed by fear and watched through the window. She recounts that a neighbor also encountered a luminous, egg-shaped being in the garden that night. Siw's husband, Christian, a doctor in Norrköping, was not present but believes his wife's account. Siw describes waking up on the night of August 21, 1983, feeling an unusual sense of unease. Looking out the window, she saw a brightly shining "airship" or "saucer" hovering about 10-15 meters above the ground, rotating slowly. She describes it as an upside-down deep plate with a yellowish-white glow. The light was so intense it illuminated the street and neighboring houses. Siw felt a strange, magnetic influence from the light, causing her thoughts to slow down and her body to become paralyzed. She then watched as the craft slowly descended and deployed about ten legs as landing gear. As soon as it touched the ground, it stopped rotating. The article also includes a brief mention of a book titled "Halley's Comet" by Patrick Moore and John Mason, and another book, "Rymdens erövring" (Conquest of Space) by Kenneth Gatland and Arthur C. Clarke.

Unidentified Helicopters and Animal Mutilations

The issue delves into the phenomenon of unidentified helicopters, which are increasingly reported globally, often in conjunction with UFO sightings and animal mutilations. Several researchers believe these helicopters are operated by the same unknown beings that pilot the saucers. The limited information released to the public is described as the "tip of the iceberg," and the article expresses sympathy for authorities who may be withholding information about bizarre events. A significant number of reports concern unidentified helicopters, with enough documentation to consider them part of the UFO enigma. An incident during a submarine hunt near Karlskrona in 1984 involved an unknown helicopter observed northwest of Hasslö by a coast guard and several civilians. Despite the area being heavily guarded, the "foreign aircraft" entered and departed undetected. The defense staff stated no military or police helicopters were in the vicinity. In another case, Birger Sundkvist and three companions in Jämtland witnessed a strange flying object on March 2, 1982, resembling a helicopter, which passed at treetop height towards Östersund. In Varberg, Kerstin Jönsson and her son observed a luminous, saucer-shaped object and a helicopter flying along the coast simultaneously in February 1973. The now-defunct UFO organization GICOFF investigated this case, contacting various aviation authorities but could not identify the helicopter. Similar reports of unidentified helicopters have emerged from Sweden, Norway, and Åland. The article then focuses on the highly publicized Cash-Landrum incident in the USA on December 29, 1980. Betty Cash and Vickie Landrum, along with Vickie's grandson Colby, encountered a massive, diamond-shaped object emitting red and orange flames. Approximately 23 helicopters, described as military-style with dual propellers, appeared and surrounded the object before all vanished. Following this encounter, Betty and Vickie suffered severe physical ailments, including headaches, nausea, rashes, swollen eyes, hair loss, and dental issues. Doctors diagnosed "radiation damage." The article notes that the military has denied involvement, but the women are suing the US Air Force for damages, seeking ten million dollars. The article questions whether these helicopters are indeed from the military, as some witnesses describe the occupants as non-American in appearance and behavior. Pentagon explanations in 1966 acknowledged reports of individuals in military uniforms not affiliated with the Air Force. A 1976 incident in Montana involved a black, unmarked helicopter landing, from which seven men emerged, described as having slanted eyes, olive complexions, and speaking an unknown language. These "false Orientals" are reportedly seen worldwide in connection with UFO incidents. Journalist John Keel suggests these beings may be hiding behind the "extraterrestrial myth." The article concludes by stating that the idea of mysterious beings using saucers, helicopters, and submarines to infiltrate society seems like science fiction, but the phenomena persist.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-NYTT include the persistent presence of unidentified aerial phenomena (UFOs and helicopters), the potential connection between these sightings and ancient myths and legends (particularly Native American), and the challenges in obtaining official confirmation or explanation from authorities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting witness accounts and research findings without definitive conclusions, while encouraging member participation in the organization. The magazine aims to inform its members about the latest developments and intriguing cases within the UFO field.

This issue of "UFO & RYMD-UTSTÄLLNING" (UFO & SPACE EXHIBITION), dated November 1985, focuses on UFO phenomena, space exploration, and astronomical discoveries. The cover prominently features the exhibition title and a headline about "Flying Saucers and Helicopters at the First Airshow," accompanied by a photograph of a person holding a camera.

Key Articles and Reports

The Haverdals Encounter

The issue details a significant UFO sighting in Haverdals, Sweden. Siw Fester recounts seeing a "shining giant spider"-like craft on her property, which measured seven to eight meters long and a couple of meters thick. Upon landing, the craft's radiation effect, which had paralyzed her, ceased. She describes intense fear and the feeling of being watched by "small creatures" from the craft.

Her husband, Christian, a doctor, vouches for Siw's credibility, stating she is not prone to fantasy or hallucinations. He believes the event was real, noting that a neighbor, identified as Bodil, also experienced a similar paralyzing effect.

Bodil, a 27-year-old woman who wishes to remain anonymous, describes her own encounter on the same night. While returning from a dance, she saw a luminous, egg-shaped figure on her garden fence. Initially mistaking it for her boyfriend, she became irritated when it didn't respond. Upon realizing it was not human, she felt an "unreal" sensation. An invisible "force field" or "kraftfält" prevented her from entering her house, and she experienced a lost hour of time.

UFO-Sverige investigated the incident about a year prior, offering hypnosis to Bodil to recall the lost hour, which she declined, finding the experience too frightening. Both Siw and Bodil, along with other neighbors, later visited the site where the craft had landed, finding an eight-meter diameter circle of flattened and scorched grass.

Siw Fester also reported feeling unwell and experiencing severe headaches and anxiety for weeks after the event.

The Soviet Vega Missions to Venus

This section reports on the first time balloons were deployed into the atmosphere of another planet. The Soviet Vega probes, during their Venus flyby, released two balloon-like capsules. These capsules, connected by a 12-meter line, descended into the Venusian atmosphere at 11 km/s. The upper part was a helium-filled balloon (3.4 meters in diameter), and the lower part contained instruments to measure temperature, pressure, light absorption/emission, and lightning.

Scientists were surprised by the turbulent atmosphere of Venus, with vertical air currents causing the balloons to move up and down by 300 meters. The balloons drifted about 10,000 km over two days, propelled by winds of 60-70 m/s towards the sunlit side. Researchers expected the balloons to explode due to solar heating, which they did. The data collected will take months to process, with international collaboration involving telescopes in Britain, West Germany, Australia, and American satellite tracking.

In addition to the balloons, the Vega probes also deployed landers onto the Venusian surface in a region named "Skorpionstjärten" (Scorpion's Tail). These landers were tasked with analyzing the surface composition and structure, contributing to knowledge of Venus's geology and geochemistry. The Vega probes are continuing their journey to encounter Halley's Comet.

Jupiter and Asteroid Impacts

This article discusses Jupiter's role as the largest planet in our solar system and its potential threat to Earth. It explains that Jupiter's gravitational influence can cause asteroids and comets to change their orbits, posing a risk of impact. A kilometer-sized object striking Earth could release energy equivalent to a million Hiroshima-type atomic bombs, potentially causing a "nuclear winter" scenario by blocking sunlight and lowering temperatures.

While the chances of a kilometer-sized impact are estimated at once every million years, smaller impacts (around 100 meters in diameter) are more frequent, occurring roughly every ten thousand years. The Tunguska event in 1908 is cited as a possible example of such an impact.

The article attributes these near-Earth objects to the "leftover material" from the formation of the solar system, which has not been fully "sorted out" over 4.5 billion years. Jupiter's strong gravity plays a key role in this process, influencing the orbits of these objects.

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

This section explores methods for communicating with potential extraterrestrial beings. It discusses the possibility of using radio signals, as they are faster and potentially cheaper than physical travel. Radio telescopes are capable of detecting and transmitting messages across the galaxy.

Radio astronomers have been listening for intelligent signals in cosmic radio noise for decades, but the sheer volume of signals makes this a challenging task. The development of new, more powerful optical telescopes, such as the one being built on Mauna Kea in Hawaii, is also mentioned as a way to observe distant phenomena.

The SETI program, supported by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), utilizes advanced computer systems to analyze radio frequencies for patterns that might indicate intelligent origin. The article highlights the difficulty of this task, comparing it to "hearing a whisper across a full football stadium." The most promising frequency range for detecting signals is between 1 and 10 GHz, where radio noise is less intense.

Other Articles

• "Äldsta pyramiden" (The Oldest Pyramid): This article delves into the history of the Sakkara necropolis in Egypt, focusing on the Step Pyramid of Djoser and the development of Egyptian dynasties. It mentions the discovery of the Sarapeum and the tombs of Apis bulls.
• "Världsrymden anfaller" (Outer Space Attacks): This article, a continuation of the Jupiter/asteroid theme, discusses the potential for impacts and the concept of resonance in celestial mechanics, using Saturn's rings as an example.
• "Teleskopet som ser rörelserna" (The Telescope That Sees Movements): This piece describes a new instrument at the University of Arizona's observatory that uses a CCD-chip and computer analysis to detect and track asteroids, potentially identifying future threats to Earth.
• "Egendomlig händelse" (Peculiar Event): A personal account from Hjalmar Lindberg about a strange encounter his father had in a forest in Sweden in the late 19th century, involving a frightening creature and a lost minute of time.
• "Ballongfärd över Venus" (Balloon Journey Over Venus): This article provides more details about the Vega missions, focusing on the balloon descent and the scientific instruments used.
• "Tips till radioentusiaster: Försök att komma till tals med utomjordiska varelser!" (Tips for Radio Enthusiasts: Try to Communicate with Extraterrestrial Beings!): This article, featuring Kjell E. Genberg, discusses the challenges and methods of attempting to communicate with extraterrestrials via radio signals, mentioning the "water hole" frequency range.
• "Radiosignaler och UFO" (Radio Signals and UFOs): This section continues the discussion on radio communication with extraterrestrials, mentioning the Arecibo message sent in 1974 and the scientific basis for searching for signals.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, space exploration, and scientific inquiry. There's a clear interest in UFO sightings and encounters, often presented with detailed witness accounts and attempts at scientific explanation or investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards these phenomena, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations, while also grounding discussions in scientific principles where possible. The publication also seems to have a strong connection with UFO-Sverige and other organizations dedicated to researching these topics, as evidenced by the exhibition coverage and contact information provided.

Title: adiosignaler och UFO
Issue: 23
Volume: 3
Date: December 1985 (implied by "GOD JUL. GOTT NYTT AR")

This issue of 'adiosignaler och UFO' explores the intersection of astronomy, space exploration, and unexplained aerial phenomena. It highlights ancient astronomical achievements, the cutting edge of radio astronomy, the dramatic rescue of a Soviet space station, and investigates notable UFO cases.

Ancient and Modern Astronomy

The magazine begins by referencing the advanced astronomical knowledge of the Mayan civilization at Chichén Itza, noting their precise calculations of celestial orbits. It then touches upon historical figures like Nicolaus Copernicus and Galileo Galilei, who revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. Modern astronomy is represented by the capabilities of telescopes like the one at Mount Palomar, capable of photographing billions of galaxies and detecting objects moving away at immense speeds, indicating the universe's expansion. Radio astronomy is presented as a crucial tool for this research, with a mention of Karl Jansky's discovery of radio waves from the Milky Way originating from the Crab Nebula, a remnant of a supernova from 1054.

Swedish Radio Astronomy

Swedish contributions to radio astronomy are highlighted with the Råö Rymdobservatorium near Kungsbacka. This facility features a large, computer-controlled parabolic antenna with high precision, capable of receiving and amplifying faint cosmic signals.

The Frederick Valentich Incident

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the case of Frederick Valentich, an Australian pilot who disappeared in 1978 after reporting an unidentified flying object. His final radio transmissions described an object 'circling directly above me,' appearing 'oblong' and emitting a green light. The incident remains a mystery, with no wreckage ever found. The report notes that days after his disappearance, numerous reports of strange, glowing objects were made over New Zealand and Australia.

UFOs and Hoaxes

The issue discusses the prevalence of UFO observations, noting that while many are explained by natural phenomena like Venus, atmospheric illusions, or aircraft, a small percentage remain unexplained. The magazine addresses the phenomenon of UFO hoaxes, specifically mentioning George Adamski, who claimed to have met aliens and even traveled to the moon. Adamski's claims were later debunked by NASA's own space missions. The article also touches upon the historical context of UFO sightings, including biblical descriptions and the 'USA epidemic' of 'giant aircraft' sightings in the early 20th century.

The Saljut-7 Rescue

A detailed account is given of the perilous mission to rescue the Soviet space station Saljut-7. After losing contact and drifting uncontrollably, cosmonauts Vladimir Djanibekov and Viktor Savinykh docked with the frozen, powerless station. They successfully repaired a critical electrical short circuit that prevented the solar panels from charging the batteries, restoring essential systems like life support and attitude control. The cosmonauts had to work in extreme cold, wearing special heated suits, and their mission was kept secret until Konstantin Feoktistov, a chief designer, revealed details in an article.

Scientific Skepticism and Photography

Physicist Edward Condon is quoted expressing strong disapproval of those who profit from pseudoscientific claims. The article also touches on the challenges of UFO photography, mentioning a sharp image of a 'flying saucer' taken in Norway by Pål Kristian Waag in 1984. However, this case was later revealed to be a hoax, with Waag admitting he had constructed the object himself.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, presenting both scientific perspectives and intriguing cases that challenge conventional understanding. There's a clear interest in astronomical discoveries, from ancient civilizations to modern space missions, alongside a critical examination of UFO phenomena, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting information from various sources while also acknowledging scientific skepticism and the need for evidence. The inclusion of the Saljut-7 rescue highlights a fascination with human achievement in space, even in the face of extreme adversity.