UFO-Nytt - 1993 Extra sommarnummer

Magazine Overview

This issue of 'Sommar-läsning' (Summer Reading) from the Västerbergslagens UFO förening (Västerbergslagen UFO Association) is dated 1997. It is an extra edition intended for summer reading, featuring a collection of articles and clippings that the editors hope will be of interest to their readers. The editorial note indicates that this issue does not contain any reports but wishes readers a warm and pleasant summer and semester, promising more exciting reading in the autumn.

Guests from Outer Space?

The first major article, 'Gäster från Världsrymden?' (Guests from Outer Space?), explores ancient myths and their potential connections to extraterrestrial visitation. It begins by questioning whether the Sumerian figure Oannes, who supposedly landed on Earth 5000-6000 years ago, could have been a space traveler. The article suggests that modern interpretations of ancient myths often look for space travel motifs, though much of it is dismissed as nonsense. However, Oannes presents peculiar aspects, with his amphibious nature and advanced knowledge, leading to speculation about him being a visitor in a space suit.

The article then shifts to the Dogon people of Mali, West Africa, whose myths are described as more unsettling. Their legends speak of a 'glowing ark' that landed from the sky, carrying amphibious beings called 'nommers' (or 'Nommo') from Sirius. These beings taught humanity useful things and, after experiencing 'adventures,' returned to space. The Dogon's traditions suggest a connection between Oannes and the 'nommers,' possibly linked to migrations from North Africa.

Sirius as the Center of the Universe?

This section delves into the Dogon's astronomical knowledge, particularly concerning Sirius. They reportedly know of a companion star to Sirius, a very small and invisible star called 'po tolo' ('star Po'), which is incredibly dense and orbits Sirius every 50 years. They also describe a third celestial body, 'emme ya' ('Woman Sun'), around which a smaller planet orbits. This information is remarkably consistent with modern astronomical discoveries of Sirius B (a white dwarf) and potentially other companions, which were only confirmed by Western science centuries later. The article notes that Sirius is now observed as a bright white star, but ancient Babylonian and Greek texts describe it as red, suggesting a possible change in its appearance or an intervening dust cloud.

The Fall of the Aztecs - Civilization and Bloodthirst

This article, dated 13-12-90, discusses the Aztec civilization, prompted by the Nobel Prize awarded to Mexican poet Octavio Paz, who was interested in Aztec culture. It highlights the anthropological museum in Mexico City, housing treasures from various pre-Columbian cultures, including the Aztecs. The article mentions the Aztec calendar system, comprising a 365-day solar calendar and a 260-day sacred calendar, which synchronized every 52 years, a period marked by significant festivals and human sacrifices. The arrival of the Spanish conquistador Herman Cortez is described, noting the Aztec ruler Moctezuma's initial belief that Cortez might be a returning god. However, Cortez quickly captured Moctezuma, and within three months, the Aztec empire was conquered, their culture suppressed, and their treasures plundered.

The article also references the famous Aztec Sun Stone, a calendar stone housed in the museum, which could predict solar eclipses but not the arrival of the Spanish. The conquest is portrayed as swift due to the lack of unity among the Aztec's subject peoples.

Is Space Debris Stopping the Space Shuttle?

This section addresses the growing problem of space debris. It notes that space shuttles are now at risk from high-speed particles and colliding satellites and rockets. The accumulated space junk from 30 years of space travel poses a threat to future missions, leading to discussions about sending 'garbage trucks' into space. The article mentions that lost tools and even old nuclear reactors are tumbling around Earth at tens of thousands of kilometers per hour.

It then focuses on a specific incident where a space shuttle mission was cut short due to a clogged toilet system. Astronauts were instructed to use portable 'toilets' and limit their needs. The shuttle had already experienced problems with fuel leaks, preventing it from completing its planned missions for a year. Additionally, a telescope malfunction occurred shortly after launch, affecting the repair of a space telescope.

The Lost Fortress of the Incas

This article recounts the discovery of a lost Inca fortress in the Peruvian Andes. For over 300 years, stories of Inca survivors fleeing to the mountains after the Spanish conquest were considered mere legends. However, Hiram Bingham, a professor of Latin American history, was determined to find evidence. After unsuccessful expeditions, he organized a new one in July 1911. Following a lead from a local farmer, Bingham, accompanied by his guides and pack animals, ventured into the mountains. Despite initial doubts and finding no immediate ruins, local indigenous people pointed them towards 'old houses and walls just around the corner.' Bingham discovered the magnificent lost city, far grander than he had imagined.

The Enigmatic Wanderer (Poem)

A short poem titled 'Den Gåtfulle Vandraren' (The Enigmatic Wanderer) is included. It describes a traveler who knew the way but left traces in sand, moss, and grass, never reaching a specific goal but seemingly content with the journey itself.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into unexplained phenomena, ancient mysteries, and the possibilities of extraterrestrial contact, while also acknowledging modern scientific advancements and challenges. The recurring themes include ancient civilizations and their potential connections to space (Sumerians, Dogon, Aztecs, Incas), astronomical observations and anomalies (Sirius, white dwarfs, red stars), and the realities of contemporary space exploration (space debris, shuttle issues). The editorial approach seems to be to present intriguing theories and historical accounts, encouraging readers to ponder the possibilities without necessarily endorsing every speculative claim. The inclusion of a poem and a general greeting suggests a desire to engage readers on multiple levels.

This issue of "DET BÄSTA" (The Best), dated October 1992, delves into a diverse range of intriguing topics, from ancient civilizations and archaeological discoveries to modern-day mysteries like UFO sightings and the potential threat of asteroid impacts. The magazine features articles on historical sites, astronomical phenomena, and personal accounts of unexplained events, offering a blend of historical, scientific, and speculative content.

Machu Picchu: A Lost City of the Incas

The issue begins with a description of Machu Picchu, a remarkable Inca city built on a mountain ridge. It highlights the city's impressive terraces, white granite buildings, and sophisticated construction techniques, noting that the Incas transported massive stone blocks without the use of wheels. The ultimate fate of the city's inhabitants remains a mystery. Recent expeditions, led by Bingham, have uncovered graves containing numerous female skeletons, leading to the theory that Machu Picchu may have been a 'women's city' in its final years, possibly a refuge for women from the ruling class during the Spanish conquest.

Birka: Sweden's Viking Metropolis

An article details the ongoing archaeological excavation of Birka, Sweden's first city and a significant Viking-era trading center. The five-year project, which began in May 1992, involves extensive digging and analysis of artifacts. The excavation has unearthed thousands of everyday Viking objects and approximately four tons of animal bones, providing insights into urban life during the Viking age. A 55-minute documentary program summarizes the findings and current knowledge about Birka.

The Enigma of Hummingbird Flight

This section explores the seemingly impossible flight of hummingbirds, which, according to aerodynamic principles, should not be able to fly due to their small wings. Researchers at Cambridge University have developed a method to measure the energy expenditure of hummingbirds in flight, revealing that they consume a significant amount of energy, comparable to a human jogging, regardless of their speed.

Ghosts and the Supernatural in Old Sweden

"Det spökar i gamla Sverige" (Ghosts in Old Sweden) discusses a resurgence of interest in the supernatural and the paranormal. Folklorist Jochum Stattin explains that fear is culturally conditioned and has evolved from childhood discipline methods involving mythical creatures to modern anxieties about nuclear bombs and environmental issues. The article notes that people find enjoyment in being scared, which can serve as a release from everyday worries. The Nordic Museum's folk memory collection contains numerous accounts of supernatural encounters, from trolls and ghosts to inexplicable phenomena. The author, Clas Lewerentz, shares personal experiences and local folklore from a summer cottage in Angermanland, including tales of horses with braided manes and mysterious sounds.

Ecuador: A Cultural Showcase

The Historical Museum is hosting an exhibition titled "Ecuador - the land and the gold," featuring pre-Columbian art and artifacts. The collection includes over a hundred objects from Ecuador's Central Bank, dating back to 5500 BC, showcasing grotesque masks, pregnant figures, and various symbolic sculptures. The exhibition also highlights contemporary Ecuadorian crafts and includes lectures, music, and craft demonstrations.

Mars: A Celestial Spectacle

Planet Mars is currently shining brighter than the stars and is easily visible in the night sky. The article explains that Mars is in opposition on November 27th, meaning it is aligned with the Sun and Earth, making it appear at its brightest and largest. This phenomenon occurs approximately every two years. The article notes that while Mars opposition is a regular event, the current one is particularly favorable for viewers in the Northern Hemisphere, offering the best view in 22 years. It also touches upon the historical belief in life on Mars and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Asteroids: Earth's Cosmic Neighbors

This section, authored by Lowell Ponte, discusses the threat posed by asteroids. It recounts the near-miss of the asteroid Hermes in 1937, which passed Earth at a considerable speed. The article explains that asteroids, often called "flying rock blocks," have irregular orbits that can intersect Earth's path, leading to potential collisions. A collision with an asteroid of Hermes' size would release energy equivalent to 100,000 megatons, while a larger asteroid could mean the end of life as we know it. The Earth has survived numerous smaller impacts, evidenced by over 100 asteroid craters found worldwide. The article also mentions the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter as the origin of these celestial bodies and discusses the possibility of asteroids being remnants of a destroyed planet.

The Tunguska Event and Future Collisions

On June 30, 1908, a glowing object exploded over Siberia with the force of a 12-megaton hydrogen bomb, causing widespread devastation. The cause of this event is still debated, with theories pointing to either a comet nucleus or an asteroid. Scientists estimate a 12-40% risk of a similar collision within the next 75 years. NASA has discussed the potential for asteroid impacts to cause mass extinctions, similar to the one that wiped out the dinosaurs. Researchers are actively searching for potentially hazardous asteroids, and proposals for deflecting them, such as using nuclear weapons, have been considered.

Asteroids as Space Mines

Beyond the threat, asteroids are also viewed as potential sources of valuable resources. A single nickel-iron asteroid with a 1000-meter diameter could be worth trillions of kronor at current metal prices, containing significant amounts of gold and platinum. Companies are developing methods to mine these resources in space, and space agencies are planning missions to study and potentially utilize asteroids.

UFOs: Inge and Lisbeth Falk's Encounters

This feature details the experiences of Inge and Lisbeth Falk, who claim to have witnessed numerous UFOs. Their interest was sparked in 1988 after the mysterious death of an elk and subsequent reports of flying phenomena. The Falks describe their sightings, including large, silent craft with unusual lights and formations. They believe they are being observed by extraterrestrial civilizations and have attempted to communicate through light signals. Their photographs have been analyzed by experts and deemed to be of unidentified craft.

Ancient Egyptian Engineering: The Cheops Pyramid

The article highlights the monumental achievement of constructing the Cheops Pyramid in ancient Egypt. It describes the immense scale of the pyramid, its precise alignment with cardinal directions, and the engineering feats involved in quarrying and transporting millions of stone blocks, some weighing up to 15 tons, using only basic tools like levers and ramps. The construction process, which took 30 years, is presented as a testament to the ingenuity and labor of the ancient Egyptians.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of history, science, and the unexplained. There's a clear fascination with ancient mysteries, from lost cities to monumental structures, alongside an interest in contemporary phenomena like UFOs and astronomical threats. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and personal accounts without necessarily endorsing them as definitive truth, but rather as subjects worthy of exploration and discussion. The recurring theme is humanity's place in the universe, both historically and in the face of potential future challenges.

This issue of the Swedish magazine "UFO" (Issue 24, Volume 1) delves into two primary subjects: the construction of ancient Egyptian pyramids and the alleged presence of extraterrestrials among humans, revealed by a new photographic technology. The magazine features detailed descriptions of pyramid building techniques and personal accounts of UFO sightings.

The Great Pyramid of Giza: Engineering Marvel

The magazine begins by exploring the construction of the Great Pyramid, suggesting that ancient Egyptian architects utilized astronomical observations for its design. The original structure was covered in polished white limestone, with some blocks near the base so precisely cut that a paper cannot fit between them. The construction of the Great Pyramid was a highly organized effort.

A causeway made of stone, nearly a kilometer long, was built from the Nile to the plateau. This causeway took almost ten years to construct. Workers transported enormous stone blocks on wooden sleds using thick, strong ropes made of woven reeds.

The stonemasons worked at three different locations in Egypt. The core stones were rough sandstone from the Giza area. Limestone for the outer casing came from the eastern bank of the Nile. Granite for the inner galleries and burial chamber was quarried in Assuan, at the first cataract of the Nile, and transported over 1,000 kilometers downriver on large barges, described as a fantastic undertaking.

At Assuan, workers used dolerite hammers, a mineral harder than granite, to rough-hew the granite blocks. On the construction site, other stonemasons shaped and polished the blocks to a smooth finish using abrasives.

To place the blocks, work crews used a long ramp. As the pyramid grew, the ramp was extended, maintaining a constant slope to ensure accurate dimensions. Blocks were slid into place on a bed of liquid mortar, which also served as a lubricant.

Skilled craftsmen worked year-round, while about 100,000 unskilled laborers, primarily farmers, worked for three months annually during the Nile's flood season when field work was impossible. Some names of work crews and supervisors have been preserved on painted limestone surfaces.

As the inner core was completed, the pyramid was largely hidden by the ramp. The final stage involved covering the pyramid with limestone blocks, starting from the top. As the outer casing was finished, the ramps were removed step by step, revealing the completed structure in its gleaming white casing.

Inside the pyramid, about 42 meters above the desert floor, lies the Pharaoh's burial chamber, lined with polished granite. A stone sarcophagus, intended for Pharaoh Cheops' mummy, was set into the floor at one end of the chamber.

The Grand Gallery, leading to the burial chamber, is described as a remarkable piece of engineering designed to permanently seal the tomb. Heavy stone blocks were placed on the gallery floor, supported by temporary wooden props. When the funeral procession concluded, workers released these blocks, which slid down the sloping floor to block the entrance.

Workers escaped through a nearly vertical tunnel, which was then sealed. This was believed to ensure the Pharaoh's safety from intruders for eternity.

However, over the centuries, humans proved adept at plundering tombs. In the 9th century AD, Arab workers broke through the pyramid, finding only a looted burial chamber. Later, Arab rulers removed much of the gleaming limestone casing for their mosque constructions. Despite this, the Cheops Pyramid remains one of the few of the approximately 80 pyramids built that is largely preserved in its original condition, having endured centuries of looting and harsh weather.

The Cheops Pyramid stands as a monument to human creativity and the desire for immortality.

UFOs and Extraterrestrials Among Us

The magazine then shifts focus to modern-day mysteries, featuring an article titled "UTOMJORDING-ARNA FINNS MITTIBLAND OSS!" (Extraterrestrials Are Among Us!). It presents a series of photographs taken with a new "ray camera" that allegedly reveals extraterrestrials.

Physicist Hugo Kornhelm from Geneva explains that the camera, originally developed for space exploration, has a peculiar function: it captures a strong green light around the heads of certain individuals. He and his colleague, Max Vanderhaufer, discovered this by chance while testing the camera. They believe these individuals are extraterrestrials who have infiltrated human society worldwide, including in the USA.

Kornhelm notes that it is difficult to track these individuals, as they blend in seamlessly. The camera is designed to detect radiation from objects manufactured off-world.

Reader UFO Sightings

The issue includes two reader accounts of UFO sightings:

1. Bert's Sighting: In the late summer of 1992, Bert was driving his truck late at night near Trollhättan, Sweden, when he saw a green light, similar to a traffic light, moving slowly at an altitude of about 400 meters. He contacted the Såtenäs air force base, where personnel expressed significant interest.

2. Ingegerd's Sighting: Five years prior to the article, near Kumla, Sweden, Ingegerd saw a bright light in a field one morning. She initially dismissed it but later wondered if it was dangerous.

Both readers received responses from "Saida," a seer, who identified the phenomena as UFOs and reassured them that these sightings are not dangerous and are becoming more common as humanity becomes more aware of other beings in the universe.

UFO Quiz

A quiz titled "13 RÄTT" (13 Correct) is included, featuring 13 questions related to UFOs, space exploration, and related topics. The questions cover inventors of rockets, historical UFO reports, Norwegian light phenomena, presidential UFO stances, USO sightings, H.G. Wells's films, the Pioneer 10 mission, UFO study centers, UFO magazines, planetary orbits, the speed of light, the second man on the moon, and a Mars probe. Solutions are to be sent to the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient mysteries and modern unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting both scientific and anecdotal evidence. There is a clear interest in validating reader experiences and connecting them to broader patterns of UFO activity. The inclusion of a seer's interpretations suggests an openness to non-conventional explanations. The magazine aims to inform and engage its readership on topics that challenge conventional understanding of history and the cosmos.