UFO-Nytt - 1988 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of Västerbergslagens UFO Nytt, published in 1988 as issue number 2, is a Swedish-language magazine for members of the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening. It is published four times a year.

From the Editors

The editorial section introduces the content of this issue, highlighting an article about the first board course within UFO-Sverige, various Swedish and international UFO reports, a longer article titled "The Universe's Most Mysterious Force," and an interesting piece on "Superconducting plates floating freely in the air." The editorial team consists of Per-Elis Schröder, Gudrun Andersson, and Bernt Berglund. Membership for 1988 is priced at 60 kronor, with a reduced rate of 25 kronor for individuals under 16. The mailing address is Box 71, 771 01 Ludvika.

"Why the Russians are Successful in Space"

This article contrasts the challenges faced by Western space programs with the consistent success of the Soviet space program. The May accident with the Ariane rocket plunged Western space programs into a deep crisis, with American space flights nearly halted after the Challenger disaster and subsequent accidents with Titan and Delta rockets. Ariane was the West's only option for launching satellites. In stark contrast, the Soviet program launches one or two satellites weekly, accumulating significant experience and testing new constructions in space. Unlike the West's reliance on computer simulations, the Soviets prioritize proven technology. Their rockets are highly reliable, with one model having completed over 1000 launches. The article notes the Soviets' cautious approach to new technology, such as liquid oxygen and hydrogen as fuel, which, while potentially less efficient, enhances reliability. The introduction of a new medium-weight rocket capable of launching 12-13 ton satellites into low orbit is mentioned, as is the third-generation Soyuz TM spacecraft, which, though primitive compared to the space shuttle, meets Soviet needs for manned missions. The Soviet philosophy prioritizes unmanned rockets for satellite launches, with cosmonauts primarily serving on space stations. The article attributes the higher number of Soviet satellite launches (nearly 100 per year compared to the West's 20) partly to inferior Russian electronics, resulting in shorter satellite lifespans. Despite the high cost, the Soviet Union is presented as having a guaranteed path to space, with three functioning space rocket bases and at least five rocket types, making them less susceptible to catastrophic setbacks like those experienced by the American and European programs.

First Board Course in Björsjö

A report details the first board course held by UFO-Sverige at Björsjö Skogshem, Ludvika, on April 23-24, 1988. Fifteen participants from across Sweden attended. The course covered the structure of UFO-Sverige, district and organizational setup, and the functions of elected board members. Topics included planning, minute-taking, and activity reports. The discussions were extensive, leaving no time for meeting techniques. Participants agreed on the need for future training in economics, bookkeeping, and meeting techniques. The Saturday evening featured entertainment in the common room.

Witness Reports

Several witness accounts of UFO sightings are presented, noted as not having been officially investigated but included for comparison:

• Britt-Marie Henriksson (Uppsala, 1965): Reported seeing a strange, blinking object shaped like a tub, flat on one side and round on the other, in yellow and green light, for 1-2 minutes.
• Unknown witness (Dalarna, 1969): Described a strange object resembling a large gray cloud moving in waves, which dissolved and disappeared during a camping trip.
• Anonymous witness (Hillerstorp, Småland): Reported seeing a glowing sphere, about 3 meters in diameter, shifting between red and yellow, emitting flame-like bursts. The object landed and emitted a hissing sound, leaving a strong, unpleasant smell.
• Unknown witnesses (September 1980): Four people in a car observed a bright star that grew larger, showing blue and red blinking lights. The object flew over them, circled for 5-10 minutes, and disappeared with a humming sound.
• Unknown witness (July 9, 1987): Saw a large, hovering 'ball' that emitted five small triangular objects before disappearing.
• Harald Milton (Smedjebacken): Recounted an event from 1930 in Kristinehamn, where a bright light source moved rapidly across the sky, described as something other than the moon, possibly an object with a rounded nose and parallel sides.
• Västerbergslagens UFO-förening (November 8, 1987): A report from a meeting in Stimmerbo described a bright, yellow object moving towards observers, which then encountered a smaller red 'saucer' that dissolved, while the yellow object continued its trajectory.
• Unknown witnesses (March 18, 1988): Two individuals in a car reported seeing a white sphere flying at 400 meters altitude near Borlänge. The object hovered, moved towards Nybroberget, and was described as brighter than a full moon with a strong white light.

UFO Over Borlänge

This section details a sighting on March 18, 1988, near Borlänge. A couple in a car observed a white sphere flying at approximately 400 meters altitude. The object hovered over Maserhallen for two minutes before moving towards Nybroberget. Police were alerted but did not observe the phenomenon. The object was described as larger than a full moon with a strong white light.

UFO Organizations Form Districts

UFO-Sverige is in the process of dividing into five districts, with the Mellersta district already established, including the Västerbergslagen UFO-förening. The district is named Mufo Sverige, headquartered in Gävle, with Roland Östlund as chairman. UFO organizations aim to map and register all unidentified flying object observations. Lars Andersson of Västerbergslagens UFO is a spokesperson. The article announces upcoming training in proper observation and analysis of UFOs for interested individuals.

Mysterious Glimpse from Venus Explained

This article reports on Soviet research explaining mysterious light phenomena observed from Venus. Soviet space probes Vega 1 and Vega 2 revealed that these glimmers originate from temporary holes in Venus's dense cloud cover, allowing infrared radiation from the planet's hot surface to escape into space. This radiation, mostly in the invisible infrared spectrum, is much stronger than it appears to the human eye.

Foreign Reports

• Bulawayo, Zimbabwe (July 22, 1985): Reports from August 1985 mention two military jet planes pursuing a UFO over Zimbabwe. The object, described as orange and glowing, was first seen in South Africa on July 21. Two Hawk jets were scrambled to investigate, finding the object hovering over the Bulawayo airport control tower. The civilian airport was closed for several hours. An investigation by Cynthia Hind suggested the object was a high-altitude balloon, noting its slow speed and stationary behavior. Meteorologists also identified it as a balloon.

"The Universe's Most Mysterious Force"

This extensive article by Ronald Schiller explores the nature of gravitation. It describes gravitation as the force that holds the universe together, governing the motion of celestial bodies, from moons around planets to stars within galaxies. The article emphasizes that despite its profound influence, the nature of gravitation remains largely unknown. Unlike other cosmic forces that can be manipulated (electricity, light, radio waves), gravitation is always attractive and cannot be directed, blocked, or diminished. Historical perspectives from Galileo and Isaac Newton on gravitational principles are discussed. The article highlights how nearly all mechanical devices on Earth, including the human body, rely on gravitation. It details how the human nervous system is adapted to detect changes in gravitational pull, crucial for balance. The effects of weightlessness on the human body during space travel are described, including bone density loss and muscle weakening. The article also touches upon how variations in gravity affect planetary orbits and rotation, and how lunar and solar gravity cause tides. It mentions that gravitational anomalies can aid in the search for minerals and oil. The article concludes by discussing the potential for overcoming gravitation through "antigravitation" technology, with predictions of near-light-speed travel by the year 2050 and advanced antigravitational vehicles by 2100.

Gravitation and Space Travel

Further discussion on gravitation's impact on space travel, particularly to larger planets like Jupiter, is presented. The immense gravity of Jupiter would make it nearly impossible for an astronaut to leave the planet's surface. The article also notes that gravity is not uniform on Earth, varying slightly with altitude and the planet's rotation. These variations, or anomalies, are useful for geological surveys. The Earth's rotation is gradually slowing due to tidal forces, and the article speculates on the long-term effects of this deceleration.

The Fate of Stars and Black Holes

The article explains how stars are formed from interstellar matter drawn together by gravity. As stars age and exhaust their nuclear fuel, they collapse under their own gravity. Stars similar in size to our sun become "white dwarfs," while larger stars can collapse into "neutron stars" or, in the most dramatic cases, "black holes." Black holes are regions of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape.

Future Possibilities

Physicists theorize about the possibility of creating "antigravitation," a repulsive force. Arthur C. Clarke is cited, predicting that humanity might learn to harness this technology by 2050, enabling travel at near-light speeds. This could lead to radical changes in transportation and architecture, with antigravitational vehicles and even floating homes.

Contact Information

The magazine concludes with an invitation for readers to contact their local UFO association if they wish to learn more or become actively involved. A phone number (0240/79146) and mailing address for the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts, investigative reports, and theoretical discussions related to unidentified aerial phenomena. There is a clear interest in the scientific aspects of UFOs, including physics (gravitation) and space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to share their observations and participate in the organization's activities. The comparison between Soviet and Western space programs suggests an admiration for the former's perceived reliability and success, while also highlighting the challenges and risks faced by the latter. The inclusion of scientific articles, such as the one on gravitation, indicates an effort to provide a broader context for UFO research, linking it to fundamental scientific principles and potential future technologies.

Title: Aktuellt på stjärnhimlen (Current Events in the Night Sky)
Issue: 12
Volume: 1987
Publisher: UFO-Aktuellt
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt provides a comprehensive look at astronomical phenomena, space exploration, and the cutting-edge science of superconductivity, all framed within the context of UFOlogy and the unexplained.

Celestial Observations: Spring Sky and Beyond

The magazine begins by guiding readers through the spring night sky, noting the transition from winter to summer constellations. It highlights prominent southern constellations such as Leo (Lejonet), Hydra (Vattenormen), and Boötes (Björnvaktaren). Leo is described in detail, with its stars Regulus and Denebola identified. Regulus is noted as a blue-white star, 68 light-years away, and one of the brightest stars of the first magnitude. Denebola, once considered a first-magnitude star, is now noted as belonging to the second class, with speculation about potential causes for this change, including nebulous clouds or a decrease in the star's energy production.

Hydra, the water snake, is also discussed, characterized as a long chain of faint stars, sometimes referred to as 'a large piece of nothing.' Its brightest star, Alphard, is described as an orange giant star, significantly larger and brighter than the Sun, visible from about 100 light-years away. The article also points out Arcturus, the main star in Boötes, known for its strong and beautiful orange-like glow, similar to Alphard.

The issue touches upon the historical naming of stars and constellations, referencing Greek mythology and the influence of Arab astronomers. It explains the origins of astronomical terms like 'astronomy,' 'galaxy,' 'comet,' 'constellation,' 'meteor,' 'nebula,' 'satellite,' 'supernova,' and 'universe,' tracing them back to Greek and Latin roots.

Space Exploration: NASA's Post-Challenger Plans

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to NASA's plans for the space shuttle program following the Challenger disaster. The article details the need for two years of work to construct and test new rockets and landing gear. The first five flights are already planned, starting with a short flight in good weather with a small, professional crew. The primary objective of these initial flights is to deploy a relay satellite, similar to the one lost with Challenger, to maintain communication with spacecraft outside the range of American tracking stations.

Subsequent flights are outlined, including the launch of a military satellite, possibly a KH-12 spy satellite, which can be refueled in space. This satellite, launched from Cape Canaveral, would not be able to achieve a polar orbit, limiting its observation of northern Soviet regions like Murmansk. Another relay satellite is planned for the fourth flight, and the fifth mission will deploy the Hubble Space Telescope. The Hubble Telescope's deployment is contingent on at least two functioning relay satellites to transmit the vast amounts of astronomical data it will collect.

The article notes that all future landings will take place at Edwards Air Force Base in California due to its longer runways and more stable weather. Investigations after the Challenger incident revealed weaknesses in the braking and wheel systems, which are being improved. The article also touches on the reduced likelihood of non-professional passengers, such as politicians, on future shuttle flights, as professional astronauts are gaining more influence in decision-making. Richard Truly, a former astronaut, is mentioned as the new head of the space shuttle program.

Plans for a large American space station have been scaled back, with the US now considering a smaller, simpler station that can be assembled from modules, similar to Russia's Mir. The first manned launch into a polar orbit is not expected before 1992.

Superconductivity: The Flying Carpet of the Future?

The magazine explores the groundbreaking science of superconductivity, describing it as 'the discovery of the century.' The phenomenon was first discovered in 1911, but the major breakthrough came in 1983 with the creation of a ceramic material exhibiting superconductive properties at minus 250 degrees Celsius. By 1986, this temperature was raised to minus 180 degrees. The article highlights that further experiments have become significantly cheaper, now requiring only liquid nitrogen, which is as inexpensive as milk.

Reports from researchers, particularly in Japan, suggest the possibility of achieving superconductivity at 0 degrees Celsius, and even at room temperature, though these materials are currently unstable. The discovery has profound implications for electronics, potentially leading to much smaller computers and more efficient power transmission and motors.

The article uses the analogy of a 'flying carpet' to illustrate superconductivity, describing a small ceramic plate levitating above a magnetic strip due to its own magnetic field. It also mentions experiments at Skärholmens Gymnasium in Sweden, where students can observe this phenomenon. The concept of a 'superconducting train' in Japan is also noted.

Beyond the 'flying carpet' effect, superconductivity's other major phenomenon is the cessation of electrical resistance, which generates heat. This has significant implications for all electronics, including computers and power transfer systems.

The article speculates on the connection between superconductivity and UFOs, referencing 'wild speculations' from researchers in 1968. They theorized that UFOs, if they existed, might be built with superconducting materials, enabling them to glide effortlessly on Earth's magnetic fields. The author ponders whether superconductivity could revolutionize space technology.

Looking at the future, the article draws a parallel between the current understanding of superconductivity and the ancient Greeks' discovery of amber's properties. Just as the Greeks observed the effect of rubbing amber but didn't understand the underlying science, humanity is now in a similar stage with superconductivity. The potential applications are vast and difficult to predict, much like the laser's impact was unforeseen decades ago.

Other Content

The issue includes a humorous anecdote about a couple, Egon and Stina, celebrating their silver anniversary with lobster and a misunderstanding about 'sköljkoppar' (rinsing cups).

There is also a section on knitting a versatile sweater ('ALL ROUND KOFTA'), providing instructions for its creation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently links scientific advancements and unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, exploring both established scientific fields like astronomy and superconductivity, and more speculative areas like UFO sightings. There's a clear interest in how new scientific discoveries might explain or relate to unexplained aerial phenomena. The use of historical context and mythological references suggests an appreciation for the long-standing human fascination with the unknown and the cosmos. The publication aims to inform its readers about current events in space, science, and the UFO field, encouraging further investigation and discussion.