UFO Rapport - 1976 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-RAPPORT
Issue: nr. 4
Date: November 15, 1976
Publisher: SUFORC - Swedish UFO Research Center
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 0347-0679
Price: 36 SEK (regular subscription)

This issue of UFO-Rapport delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena and related scientific pursuits, featuring personal accounts, photographic analysis, and discussions on advanced energy technologies.

Harald Thuresson's Encounters in the USA

Harald Thuresson shares his experiences meeting prominent UFO researchers in the United States. He recounts his journey, starting with the realization of a long-held dream to visit the USA. After arriving in New York, he travels to Washington D.C. and then to Austin, Texas, where he visits Project Starlight International, a research center with full-time ufologists. Thuresson describes the center's advanced equipment and its automated systems for detecting and analyzing UFO activity. He also mentions a close encounter with Professor J. Allen Hynek, a renowned ufologist and head of the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois. Thuresson details his visit to Hynek's center, the discussions they had about UFO research organizations, and Hynek's hope for future collaboration. The article highlights the professional approach of Hynek's center and the potential for a new, objective UFO publication.

1971 Corsica UFO Photographs

The magazine presents an analysis of three UFO photographs taken in Corsica on February 12, 1971. Originally color slides, the images have undergone several stages of reproduction, leading to a loss of quality. Despite this, the series of photos is considered impressive, showing a disc-shaped object against a twilight sky. The article details the circumstances of the photos being taken by a family from Grenoble, France, who were at their second home in Corsica. The analysis discusses the object's appearance, including a bright area on its lower edge and radial white stripes. The author suggests that the photos are likely authentic due to the consistency of the object's appearance and the background elements across the three images, indicating a possible movement of the object.

Future Energy Sources: Fusion Power

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the topic of "Future Energy Sources," specifically focusing on controlled fusion energy through laser technology, authored by Thomas ü Orr. This is presented as Part 3 of a series on fusion power.

Laser-Induced Fusion

The article explains the principles of laser-induced fusion, where high-intensity laser beams are used to compress and heat fuel pellets (like Deuterium-Tritium, D-T) to initiate a thermonuclear reaction. It details how the energy from photons in the laser beam is transferred to D-T ions, leading to fusion. The process involves intense compression, requiring pressures of at least 10^12 atmospheres, comparable to those found in the core of stars. The energy required for compression is noted to be a small fraction of that needed for heating to ignition temperature.

Technological Challenges and Development

The development of laser fusion faces numerous technical challenges, distinct from plasma confinement methods. The primary goal is to create laser devices with the necessary power, efficiency, and continuous operation capabilities. The article mentions that global research efforts have intensified due to the energy crisis, with the USA and the Soviet Union being at the forefront. Specific institutions like Sandia Labs and KMS Fusion in the USA are highlighted for their advanced research.

Laser Systems and KMS Fusion

The Lawrence Livermore Lab is developing a neodymium-glass laser system. KMS Fusion is building a 2 TW laser for scientific experiments, expected to be operational in 1976. KMS physicists favor gas-laser arrangements over glass-laser ones for higher efficiency and repetitive function.

Fusion Technology Requirements

Achieving controlled fusion requires technologically advanced solutions. The detonation of micro-spheres in a reactor for power production occurs within 10^-11 seconds, releasing energy equivalent to the detonation of 1 kg of dynamite. The article discusses the potential for generating immense power from these reactions.

Laser Fusion Reactor Design

An ideal laser fusion reactor would use D-T fuel pellets, injected into the reactor chamber and imploded symmetrically by lasers. The article describes a conceptual reactor design (Figure 6) with a reactor chamber, D-T fuel injection, vacuum systems, and neutron shielding. It suggests that such reactors could generate significant thermal power, with potential for 100-1000 MW of electrical power from micro-detonations.

Fuel Cycles and Hybrid Reactors

Initially, D-T fusion is expected to be used due to its lower laser efficiency requirements. Future steps might involve D-D fusion. Neutrons released from fusion can be used to convert non-fissile isotopes into fissile ones, similar to breeder reactors in fission power plants. Hybrid fission-fusion reactors are also considered a possibility.

Energy Conversion Methods

Electricity generation would initially follow conventional methods using turbines and generators powered by steam. However, more efficient methods are being explored, such as directly converting the plasma's kinetic energy into electricity through electromagnetic induction, bypassing the steam cycle.

Other Articles and Sections

• Redaktionellt (Editorial): The editorial discusses the financial challenges facing UFO-Rapport, including rising costs and stagnant circulation, leading to a necessary increase in subscription prices and the introduction of a 'support subscription' option. It also hints at a potential merger with GICOFF-Information.
• Universum uppbyggt av celler (The Universe Built of Cells): This section features Professor Hannes Alfén discussing Oskar Klein's theory of a symmetric cosmology, which posits an equal amount of matter and antimatter in the universe, organized into 'cells' separated by 'cell walls'. Alfén explains how this theory challenges the prevailing Big Bang model and aligns with recent findings in plasma physics.
• Space Exploration: Brief mentions of space missions, including Luna 24 and Soyuz 22, are included, highlighting Soviet space efforts and collaboration.
• UFO Sightings from Sweden: A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reporting numerous UFO sightings from various locations across Sweden, detailing witness accounts, object descriptions, and dates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting both anecdotal evidence and scientific discussions. There is a clear interest in exploring the scientific and technological aspects of UFOs, as well as potential future technologies like fusion energy. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, aiming to provide objective information and analysis, as evidenced by the detailed reporting of sightings and the in-depth articles on scientific topics. The financial struggles of the publication suggest a dedicated but niche readership.

This issue of ASTRONOMISKA DATA, dated 1977 and published by TRYCK AB Waldia Förlag in Sweden, focuses on space exploration, astronomy, and future predictions, with a prominent "RYMDFART" (Space Travel) theme on the cover. The magazine is primarily in Swedish.

Astronomical Data

The issue begins with a table of "ASTRONOMISKA DATA (Stockholms horisont)" providing planetary data for November, December, and January. It lists the rise and set times for Mars, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn, as well as their position in the sky (in the south). It also includes information on meteor showers, with dates for the 20/10-25/11, 10/11, 14-19/11, 8-15/12, and 19-25/12 periods.

Space Missions and Projects

Several significant space missions and projects are detailed:

• MARISAT-A: The first satellite in a series of maritime satellites, Marisat, was launched on February 19th. This system aims to provide fast and secure communication between ships at sea and land stations. The US Navy is the primary user initially, followed by commercial shipping. Marisat-A is placed in a geosynchronous orbit over the equator at 15° west longitude over the Atlantic.
• HELIOS 2: The German solar satellite Helios 2, a joint project with NASA, passed its closest point to the sun on April 17th. Its distance was 0.29 astronomical units, approximately 3 million km closer to the sun than its predecessor, Helios 1.
• VENUS 9 & 10: The Soviet Venus probes, Venus 9 and 10, have completed 75 and 71 orbits around Venus, respectively, over the past five months, at a distance of 230 million km from Earth. Despite completing their programmed missions, the Soviet communication center continued to receive signals from the probes.
• LAGEOS: Launched by NASA in May (likely the 4th), Lageos is described as a "giant golf ball" satellite. Its purpose is to collect data on Earth's surface movements, polar shifts, and precisely determine the location of various areas on Earth. Lageos functions as a passive reflector for laser beams sent from ground stations, enabling measurements of Earth's surface movements down to 2 cm. It is an aluminum sphere with a brass core, measuring 60 cm in diameter and weighing 411 kg, equipped with 426 retroreflectors.
• SKYLARK: The launch of an American X-ray telescope from Australian soil using the English Skylark rocket did not go as planned. The telescope was launched on May 12th to study the remnants of a supernova, Puppis A, located about 10 trillion km from Earth. A rocket engine malfunction during launch prevented the telescope from being accurately aimed. However, the attempt was not considered a complete failure, as some data was collected, and the telescope was recovered via parachute.
• LUNA 24: On August 22nd, a spacecraft from the Luna 24 mission landed in the Soviet Union with lunar surface samples. The sample consisted of a 2-meter long core stored in a hermetically sealed container.

Book Reviews and Features

"DEN HUNDRAÅRIGA SPÅDOMEN" (The Hundred-Year Prophecy) by Eugen Semitjov

Reviewed by B. Tingstedt, this book explores future developments based on current knowledge, moving beyond pure science fiction to fact-based speculation. It draws parallels with Jules Verne's accurate predictions. Semitjov's outlook is not one of doom, but rather an acknowledgment of challenges that humanity can overcome. He discusses the trend of humans becoming taller and speculates on future biological evolution. Topics include space shuttles, women in space, large space telescopes, and the potential for humans to colonize the oceans, possibly leading to a new human race adapted to aquatic life.

"SOCORRO SAUCER IN A PENTAGON PANTRY" by Ray Stanford

Reviewed by Harald Thuresson, this book delves into the famous Socorro saucer case of April 24, 1964, in New Mexico, USA. Stanford, described as an ufologist and chief of Project Starlight International, spent five years investigating the case, gathering evidence from the site and even taking some to the Pentagon for further examination. The title is a "language trick" referring to the secrecy surrounding UFO facts. The book meticulously details the events, names individuals involved, and presents facts with both minor and major significance. Stanford's work is praised for its honesty and thoroughness, and the book, despite being in English, is considered easy to read. It had already received significant attention, including radio interviews, shortly after its release.

Other Mentions

• The article mentions that besides space and ocean exploration, humanity will delve deeper into the Earth's interior, with projects focusing on weather control, Mars colonization, and making Venus habitable.
• The magazine references a book published by Askild & Kärnekull, costing approximately 58 SEK, with 255 pages and rich illustrations.
• UFOCAT is mentioned as a national collaboration of major organizations, compiling over 85,000 observations (estimated at 45,000 unique ones), processed using an IBM 360/65 computer, the same used by Project URD.
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Jacques Vallee have co-authored a book titled "The Edge of Reality".
• Hynek is mentioned as planning a trip to Central and Eastern Europe in August-September 1977 and expressed willingness to visit Sweden, give lectures to an auditorium, and speak with scientists and government officials.
• A tip from Ray Stanford is shared: when addressing someone who is both a professor and a Ph.D., it is more appropriate to use "Doctor NN" rather than "Professor NN," as the Ph.D. is a more distinguished title.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in space exploration, astronomy, and the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena. There's an emphasis on data, research, and the potential for future human advancement in science and space. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting on new findings and theories, while also valuing rigorous investigation and accurate reporting, as highlighted by the advice on using proper titles and the praise for Stanford's meticulous research.