UFO Rapport - 1974 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-RAPPORT
Issue: Nr 1 - 1974 - Årgång 2
Publisher: NRCOFF - Nässjös Rapport Central för Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål (Nässjö's Report Central for Unidentified Flying Objects), a working committee within the Nässjö Ufological Society.
Publication Frequency: 4 issues per year, distributed only to subscribers.
Subscription Price: 10 SEK for a full year, 7.50 SEK for a half-year, paid to postgiro number 88 31 76.
Editor and Responsible Publisher: Borgny Tingstedt.
Editorial Staff: Kerstin Karlsson, Sven Johansson.
Country of Publication: Sweden.
Original Language: Swedish.

Cover Story and Contents

The cover of this issue prominently features a black and white illustration of a disc-shaped UFO over a landscape. The main headlines on the cover are "UFO-NYTT ITALIEN" (UFO News Italy), "TEFATSLANDNING I HJÄLTEVAD?" (Saucer Landing in Hjältevad?), and "NYA UFO-FALL I SMÅLAND" (New UFO Cases in Småland).

The table of contents reveals a diverse range of articles:

• FLYGANDE TEFAT ÖVER TOMTABACKEN (Flying Saucer Over Tomtabacken)
• ETT LYSANDE MOLN (A Luminous Cloud)
• VAD SÅG GUNNAR KNUTSSON? (What Did Gunnar Knutsson See?)
• NÄSSJÖBO SER UFO I KIKARE! (Nässjö Resident Sees UFO Through Binoculars!)
• UFO SIKTAT I HJÄLTEVAD (UFO Sighted in Hjältevad)
• TEFATSLANDNING I HJÄLTEVAD? (Saucer Landing in Hjältevad?)
• UFO-NYTT FRÅN JÖNKÖPING (UFO News From Jönköping)
• GRÖNAKTIGA UFO:S ÖVER NÄSSJÖ (Greenish UFOs Over Nässjö)
• ASTRONAUTOBSERVATIONER (Astronaut Observations)
• BOKNYHETER (Book News)
• ASTRONOMI Del 2 (Astronomy Part 2)
• UFO KONTRA VÄRLDSKRISEN (UFO Versus World Crisis)
• UFO ITALIEN (UFO Italy)
• SPÖKRAKETERNA ANNO 1946 (Ghost Rockets Anno 1946)
• PLÖTSLIGT BÖRJADE 'STJÄRNAN' FÖLJA EFTER SATELLITEN (Suddenly the 'Star' Began to Follow the Satellite)

Featured Articles and Reports

Flying Saucer Over Tomtabacken

This article details an observation on February 7, 1965, of a UFO over Tomtabacken. The witness, Helmer Claesson from Malmbäck, described the object as making several 90-degree turns and U-turns, characteristic of intelligent control. The object was seen at approximately 22:30, appearing as a bright, sharp white light, about 45 degrees above the horizon and 200 meters south of Tomtabacken. Claesson estimated its size to be similar to a full moon and its speed to be about 10 times faster than a jet plane. He speculated it was at the edge of Earth's atmosphere. The object emitted no sound and its light did not blink or pulsate. The witness estimated the object's actual size to be around 250 meters if it was 50 kilometers away, with a speed of 15 km/sec. The observation lasted 3-4 minutes.

A Luminous Cloud

On June 24, 1973, witnesses Allan and Borgny Tingstedt observed a strange object described as an oval, luminous cloud in the west. The weather conditions were good, with 2/8 cloud cover and a temperature of +24.2 degrees Celsius. The object was stationary while other clouds moved. Its color was yellow to reddish-yellow, and its brightness was comparable to the moon's. The observation lasted for about half an hour, from 18:45 to 19:15. The article suggests this could have been sunlight reflected off a higher, stationary cloud layer.

What Did Gunnar Knutsson See?

On March 9, 1973, two individuals, Gunnar Knutsson and an anonymous witness from Stockholm, reported seeing three objects in the sky. The weather was clear with a temperature of -4.0 degrees Celsius and 10 km visibility. At 2:00 AM, while returning from Eksjö, they noticed the objects. The objects were described as being 2-3 times larger than a star and having a similar brightness. They hovered, then ascended rapidly, stopped again, and then moved north at high speed, repeating this pattern before disappearing. The objects were arranged in a triangular formation and moved directly at high speed without any noticeable acceleration. They were seen about 45 degrees above the western horizon, round in shape, and estimated to be 3-10 km away. The observation lasted 3-5 minutes. A person in Eksjö also reported seeing three luminous balls an hour earlier, and observations were also made in Vetlanda.

Nässjö Resident Sees UFO Through Binoculars!

On September 9, 1973, four people in Sjövik, near Nässjö, observed a UFO. The weather was partly cloudy with a temperature of +10.3 degrees Celsius and a west-northwest wind of 2 m/s. Sture Naurén was on his porch around 22:30 when he saw a luminous object moving about 20 degrees above the horizon towards Spexhultssjön. Using binoculars, he observed it as a glowing ball with clearly defined, flame-like sections. The object moved from south to north for three minutes, then turned 90 degrees west towards Skieryd and disappeared over the horizon. The movement was described as straight and steady. The object was self-luminous, brighter than stars, and appeared to be a solid body. Its size was estimated to be about 1/6 of the moon, which at a distance of approximately 1 kilometer would equate to a real size of about 1 meter. The article speculates it might have been a telemetry disc used for image and sound recording, but admits this is speculation.

UFO Sighted in Hjältevad

On October 10, 1973, two teenage girls in Hjältevad reported seeing an unidentified flying object. The weather conditions included a west-southwest wind of 6.7 m/s, +6.0 degrees Celsius, 5/8 cloud cover at 2000 feet, and 10 km visibility. The object was seen in the northeast, about 10 degrees above the horizon, moving in a straight line. It was self-luminous, with sharp contours, and its brightness was comparable to the moon. Its colors were described as ovart and red, and its light pulsated, possibly due to rotation. A hissing sound was heard. The object was estimated to be 1.5 meters in diameter and traveled at 50-60 km/h. The entire observation lasted about a minute.

Saucer Landing in Hjältevad?

This article investigates a mysterious circular ring found on a field in Hjältevad, dating back to 1965. The ring has an inner diameter of 7.9 meters and a width of 60 cm. Vegetation within the ring refused to grow, even after repeated plowing and sowing. A nearby tree also showed dead branches facing the ring. Borgny Tingstedt collected soil samples and tested for radioactivity using a Geiger-Müller counter, but found no excess radiation. Soil samples were also examined by Chalmers in Gothenburg with negative results. The article suggests a chemical compound in the soil might be preventing plant growth, or that the tree's roots absorbed something from the ring. A full chemical analysis is deemed too expensive for the time being. The author speculates if a saucer landed there 8 years prior.

UFO News From Jönköping

On October 4, 1973, a UFO was observed in Jönköping. The weather was clear with a temperature of +10 degrees Celsius and a southeast wind of 5 knots. Erik Wahlström and his wife reported seeing a bright red, luminous object moving from south to north over Lake Vättern. As it faded, it began to pulsate with an intense yellow-red light. They ruled out aircraft due to the lack of sound. The object's size was estimated to be less than half a meter, and it was observed at an altitude of about 150 meters. Its speed was estimated at 200 km/h, at a distance of 200 meters. The object was round and did not have a tail. The article questions whether it was a telemetry disc, ball lightning, or a meteor that survived atmospheric entry.

Saucer Over Huskvarna

This is a brief report from Smålands Folkblad on September 4, 1973, about a large, bright, luminous object seen moving from Jönköping towards Nässjö. Several residents of Huskvarna reported the sighting, describing it as a saucer, star, or satellite, and noting its mysterious nature. It was observed moving up and down and sideways, with its light shifting between bright white and luminous blue. At times, a tail was seen behind the round object.

Greenish UFOs Over Nässjö

This section details two sightings of greenish UFOs over Nässjö by the same woman.

First Sighting (March 8, 1973): A woman and her husband saw a green, spherical object about 100 meters above treetop level, moving at the same speed as their car. It disappeared over the Nässjö hospital. The weather was northwest wind at 1 m/s, +0.3 degrees Celsius, with 2/8 cloud cover.

Second Sighting (September 12, 1973): The same woman observed another object. The weather was north-northwest wind at 6 knots, +6 degrees Celsius, clear with 10 km visibility. The object was described as green-blue, moving at high speed, and disappearing within seconds. It came from the south, moved north, then made a sharp turn west. The object was self-luminous, with diffuse contours, and its light was described as 'cold'. It was oval-shaped, slightly smaller than a full moon, and located about 100 meters high at an altitude of 10-20 meters. The article notes the unusual green color of the objects and that they moved directly against the wind, ruling out balloon theories.

Astronaut Observations

This section compiles UFO sightings reported by or related to astronauts and space missions:

• 1957: Scientists in Caracas, Venezuela, filmed a disc-shaped object following Sputnik 2, suggesting it was controlled.
• 1961: Three UFOs were sighted on radar at Cape Kennedy. Additionally, a mysterious radio conversation between Soviet cosmonauts and their base was intercepted, with the cosmonauts reporting seeing something incredible and fearing they wouldn't return. The Soviets denied any spaceship incident.
• 1964: Soviet astronaut Komarov's mission was cut short, with newspapers reporting that astronauts saw a UFO that frightened them. Another report mentions Gemini 4 being followed by four UFOs. An astronomer in Argentina observed a cigar-shaped UFO near the Echo II satellite. NASA personnel in Wallopsön, Virginia, reported seeing a triangular object making sharp turns.
• 1965: The head of the NASA station in Wallopsön saw a yellow-orange object. A NASA man and his wife saw an object that suddenly dived towards them before disappearing.

Book Reviews

UFO-GÅTAN (The UFO Riddle)

This book by Bjarne Håkansson, a 28-year-old programmer, explores the official stance of politicians and authorities on the UFO question. It includes illustrations of different types of craft, their formations, and movement patterns. Håkansson interviews politicians and authorities, concluding that their stance is negative or secretive. The book also discusses a worldwide UFO research project where field reporters gather data for a national and international report center. The reviewer describes it as a very interesting and easy-to-read book.

TEFATSFOLKET SER OSS (The Saucer People See Us)

Written by Staffan Stigsjö, this book is described as one of the most comprehensive Swedish works on UFOs, excluding Gösta Rehn's books. It details the contents of the Condon and Blue Book reports, refuting false information previously presented by the press. The book includes numerous accounts of saucer sightings and encounters with saucer crews, discussing various explanations and dismissals of phenomena. It also addresses what astronauts have seen, including encounters on the moon, and mentions an 8-tower structure in the Sea of Tranquility, the tallest being about 40 meters. The reviewer calls it a "truly strong book."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings within Sweden, with a particular focus on the Småland region. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and reporting of these phenomena, presenting witness accounts and attempting to analyze the data. There is a clear interest in distinguishing between credible sightings and potential misidentifications or hoaxes. The inclusion of astronaut observations and book reviews suggests a broader engagement with the UFO topic beyond just local sightings. The magazine aims to inform its readers about the latest UFO news and research, encouraging readers to contribute their own observations. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena and the ongoing mystery surrounding their nature and origin.

Title: ASTRONOMI DEL 2
Issue: 2
Date: 1973

This issue delves into astronomical subjects and contemporary global issues, with a particular focus on planetary science and the phenomenon of unidentified flying objects (UFOs).

Mercury

The article describes Mercury as the planet closest to the sun, located at a distance of 58 million kilometers. It has a diameter that is only 3/8 of Earth's and a gravitational pull of 37% of Earth's. Mercury rotates on its axis in 87.9 days, which is also its orbital period around the sun, resulting in one side experiencing eternal day and the other eternal night. The day side is extremely hot, while the night side is intensely cold. Mercury lacks a significant atmosphere, though some observers have detected traces of carbon dioxide, these findings have not been confirmed, and the planet is generally considered "airless." The possibility of life on Mercury is highly doubted due to the extreme temperatures and unfavorable conditions. The article mentions that craters are likely present, similar to those on the Moon and Mars, but they are not visible from Earth. A planned space probe with photographic equipment was to pass Venus and Mercury in early 1974. Observing Mercury scientifically presents great difficulties due to its low altitude when visible. Historically, observers like Schiaparelli in the 19th century attempted to map Mercury, a method followed by later astronomers. Small and medium-sized telescopes are insufficient for detailed observation due to Mercury's small size and its closest approach to Earth being about 80 million kilometers.

Venus

Venus is described as a mysterious planet, especially before 1962 when little was known about its surface conditions or rotation period. It is Earth's closest neighbor in space, coming within 39.6 million kilometers. Venus is nearly Earth's twin in size and mass, unlike Mars, which is much smaller. The lack of knowledge prior to the space age is attributed to Venus's dense, cloudy atmosphere that completely obscures its surface. Observations only reveal the upper layer of a cloud cover, explaining its brightness. Venus has been known since ancient times due to its brightness, often visible during the day. It appears brightest in the west after sunset and in the east before sunrise. Early theories, like that of Svante Arrhenius, suggested Venus might have been a world similar to Earth's early stages, with swamps, seas, and primitive life. However, in 1932, American astronomers Adams and Dunham spectroscopically showed that Venus's atmosphere is primarily composed of carbon dioxide. For decades, knowledge advanced slowly. In the early 1960s, theories proposed that Venus's upper clouds were water vapor and its entire surface was covered by water, which had absorbed atmospheric carbon dioxide, forming a soda-water ocean. Under such conditions, primitive life might have existed. Other astronomers viewed Venus as a hot, arid desert. In 1962, the American probe Mariner 2 provided information indicating an extremely hot surface. Soviet probes in 1969 suggested that surface conditions are unbearable for advanced life. The Venera 8 probe, which landed in 1972, confirmed that the Venusian atmosphere at the surface is 97% carbon dioxide, 2% nitrogen, and less than 1% water vapor, leaving little chance for complex life, though bacteria and single-celled organisms might survive. Venus orbits the sun in 225 days, with a rotation period of 243 days. Its surface is never visible from Earth or passing probes. Mariner 2 and 5 did not carry photographic equipment, and Soviet probes did not attempt photography. Radar offers the only means of studying surface details, with some results indicating possible mountains, plateaus, or even oceans, but nothing can be stated with certainty.

UFOs and 'Ghost Rockets'

UFO observations intensified worldwide after 1945. The term "flying saucer" became common after Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of nine disk-shaped craft. The article questions why UFO observations increased after WWII, with some suggesting that humanity's use of nuclear weapons may have attracted extraterrestrial attention. K. Gösta Rehn, a UFO researcher, is quoted suggesting that aliens might feel threatened by our atomic bombs and are observing us. The increase in UFO activity during the Cuban Missile Crisis is also noted. The article speculates about future UFO activity in light of current world crises. It uses Chile as an example of military juntas oppressing their people, with alleged support from the CIA, suggesting a pattern of powerful nations intervening to suppress communism.

The article then discusses the 'ghost rockets' phenomenon, which gained attention in 1946. Reports from various locations in Sweden describe mysterious light phenomena, including a belt of light, a landscape appearing in the sky, and cones of light. Some sightings are described as meteors, while others are more unusual. The Swedish Defense Staff's Air Defense Division has stated that most sightings are celestial phenomena, but some may be related to objects of a different nature. The possibility that these 'ghost rockets' are related to Soviet experiments at Peenemünde is mentioned. Some reports suggest they are two types of projectiles: a winged one flying horizontally at 800 km/h with a bright light, and another falling vertically from a greater height, also with wings. No explosions on the ground have been reported, and no damage to life or property has occurred. The article also mentions a large sunspot observed in October 1946, which is linked to auroras and potential disruptions in radio transmissions and railway signals.

Further reports detail a mysterious light and a loud bang possibly caused by a space projectile, and observations of two 'space projectiles' over Öresund. The theory that 'ghost rockets' are completely consumed in flight is supported by a British report. New rocket bombs made of plastic and light metal alloys are under development, with a longer range and faster speed. The article also describes a UFO sighting in Vetlanda, Sweden, on November 7, 1973, where two people observed a UFO following a satellite. The object was described as white, self-luminous, and constant in brightness, moving in a large arc. The observers could not identify the type of satellite being followed.

Global Issues and UFO Interest

The article posits that UFOs are drawn to Earth due to humanity's problems, such as pollution, overpopulation, and constant threats of war. It suggests that advanced civilizations might have overcome these issues and could potentially teach humanity the art of survival. The article also touches upon the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the role of oil reserves, and the potential for a third world war. It highlights the dwindling global oil reserves and the impending energy crisis, which could lead to the collapse of various industries. The development of electric cars and nuclear power are presented as potential solutions, but the long-term sustainability of nuclear power is questioned due to uranium scarcity. The article emphasizes the immense amount of nuclear weapons available, capable of destroying all life on Earth multiple times over. It also discusses the rising crime rates, attributing them to poor upbringing, social exclusion, and the pursuit of status. The pervasive influence of violence in media, including films, television, and radio, is noted as a factor affecting young people. The article concludes by suggesting that UFOs observe these problems with sadness and wish to help humanity achieve unity, harmony, and love, only revealing themselves openly when humans live as brothers and sisters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the scientific exploration of planets (Mercury and Venus), the persistent mystery of UFO sightings and unexplained aerial phenomena ('ghost rockets'), and a broader commentary on global political, environmental, and social issues. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence while also considering more conventional explanations. There is a clear concern for humanity's self-destructive tendencies, particularly regarding nuclear weapons and environmental degradation, and a hopeful, albeit cautious, outlook that extraterrestrial visitors might offer guidance or solutions. The article implicitly links global crises and human conflict to increased UFO interest, suggesting a cosmic concern for Earth's trajectory.