Ufologen - No 06 - 1973

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGEN
Issue: 6
Date: January 1973
Publisher: Norrköpings UFO-Förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of *Ufologen*, the UFO documentation journal, is presented as a "record-thick" 28-page edition. The editorial notes that due to the need to finalize the "Handbook for UFO Researchers," the March issue will be combined with the April issue, resulting in two numbers (7 and 8) being released simultaneously in mid-April. This is described as a one-time arrangement. The magazine's finances are stable, with 50 paying subscribers and/or members ensuring coverage of stenciling and distribution costs. The editor thanks contributors and supporters.

Key Articles and Reports

Observation of Spacecraft in November 1927

This article recounts a sighting by a witness and his father in November 1927 near Niilijänkänmaa. While logging, they observed a large, cigar-shaped craft, approximately 200 meters long, with a yellowish, brass-colored hue. The craft had dark, round holes on its upper half resembling windows and a large opening on its lower rear. Several smaller, disc-like objects emerged from the opening and moved with extreme speed, while the main craft moved slowly northward. The witness's father also saw the smaller objects. The event was initially dismissed as fantasy but gained relevance when flying saucer reports became more common in the 1940s.

Red Object Observed Near Köping

Investigated by Thorvald Berthelsen, this report details an event from September 1972 near Kröcklinge. Three witnesses—Karl-Erik Pettersson, Lennart Pettersson, and Hilda Pettersson—observed a red object, similar in size to a star, moving from the southwest. The object hovered for about 15 minutes, changing altitude and occasionally being obscured by trees. It then moved north at a steady pace. Lennart and Hilda Pettersson described it as possibly a spacecraft, while Karl-Erik suggested it was a controlled craft. The weather was clear and calm.

Hjo Driver Forced to Brake for Luminous Sphere

Investigated by Anneli Ekström, this incident occurred on August 15, 1970, near Hjo. Rutger and Gunborg Gustavsson observed a luminous sphere, described as red-glowing and the size of a football, hovering about a meter above the road. The object moved into a field and disappeared. They later observed a similar, larger object moving across the sky. The object's form was described as oval-oblong, and it displayed a changing color spectrum of blue, green, orange, and white as it moved. Rutger Gustavsson experienced eye irritation and a headache afterward.

"Object with Windows" Proven to be Electrical Short Circuit

Investigated by Alf Göran Lindberg, this report revisits an observation from November 14, 1972, in Bureå. Three witnesses reported a green-glowing light. Subsequent investigation by an electrician, Olle Johansson, revealed that the phenomenon was caused by an electrical short circuit in an insulator on a 10,000-volt power line. The green glow was attributed to the insulator's material and the arcing electricity.

Phenomenon Over Northern Sweden on February 5, 1972

Investigated by Sune Eriksson and Ragnar Söderberg, this section includes reports from Mellansel and Kälarne. On February 15, 1972, Gustav and Fanny Carlsson observed a large, intensely red, spherical object that disappeared after about 10 minutes. Göta Westberg observed an oval object with a rotating bright light moving horizontally. Certrud Wallbjörk saw a strong luminous object, yellow and red, which accelerated rapidly and disappeared. A phone interview with engineer Lidén from Bålforsen power plant suggests that the Mellansel sightings might be related to a power outage and electrical arcing near Svedjeberget.

Ice Holes in Two Dala Lakes

This section reports on unusual ice holes discovered in Svartacksen and Långsjön lakes near Rättvik in early January 1973. Hans Eskils discovered a circular ice hole approximately six meters in diameter in Svartacksen, with mud and bottom sediment thrown onto the ice. He suspected a meteorite impact. A subsequent dive investigation by UFO-Mora confirmed a crater-like depression in the ice hole but found no hard object. A similar hole was found in Långsjön. The reports discuss the possibility of meteorite impacts or other phenomena, noting a connection to a reported orange light seen in the area.

Debate on the Causes of Ice Holes

This section continues the discussion on the ice holes, referencing a similar event in Upprämen, Malung, in 1968. FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency) expert Tage Eriksson suggested that such ice holes could be caused by the compression of air trapped between the ice and water when a lake is drained and refilled. Reinhold Carleby, a UFO enthusiast, criticizes this explanation, arguing that it doesn't account for the scale of the phenomena observed in large lakes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, often referred to as UFOs or flying objects. While some reports are investigated and potentially explained as natural or man-made phenomena (e.g., electrical issues, atmospheric effects), others remain unexplained, fueling the ongoing interest in the UFO subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis. There is an emphasis on the methodology of UFO investigation, particularly regarding witness interviews and the potential for observer bias, as highlighted in the article by Alf Göran Lindberg.

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt, identified by its page number '157' and content related to UFO reports from 1971-1973, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena. It includes statistical data, reader contributions, editorial comments, and numerous detailed accounts of sightings from across Sweden and parts of Finland.

Reader Contributions and Critiques

Reinhold Carlerby from Borlänge contributes a critical letter questioning the official explanations provided by FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency) regarding phenomena like ice holes and water vacuums. He argues that the pressure dynamics described by FOA are implausible and highlights the presence of numerous 'pyshål' (holes for air/water exchange) in the observed case. Carlerby also expresses skepticism about FOA's involvement with pilots and their ability to distinguish between conventional aircraft and unidentified flying objects. He sarcastically suggests that if FOA can contemplate alien satellites, they might as well consider alien passengers.

Editorial Comments and Investigations

The editorial section provides commentary on the UFO-Mora incident, where a planned diving investigation of a 'wake' was called off due to an anonymous tip about pranksters. The editor also contacted Ewert Carlsson, an instrument technician at FOA and an expert in explosives, who deemed a blasting explanation unlikely. The editor personally suggests meteorites as a potential cause for such phenomena, emphasizing the need for further investigation, especially concerning any recovered meteorite stones.

Statistical Analysis of UFO Reports (1971-1972)

Page (90) presents a detailed table (Tabell A) showing the temporal distribution and source of UFO reports for 1971 and 1972. It breaks down the total number of observations (Kolumn A) by press clippings (Kolumn B) and follow-ups (Kolumn C), and indicates the number of 'unexplained' cases (Kolumn D). For 1971, there were 207 total reports, with 137 from press clippings and 113 follow-ups, resulting in 55 unexplained cases. In 1972, the numbers were 246 total reports, 193 from press clippings, 144 follow-ups, and 48 unexplained cases. The table is followed by explanations of each column, defining 'observation' and clarifying that only reports reaching the 'Rapportcentralen' (Report Center) are included.

Page (51) provides a geographical distribution of 437 UFO reports from 1971-1972 (Tabell B). Småland had the highest number of reports (80), followed by Ångermanland (39) and Dalarna (38). The table also lists reports from other Swedish regions and includes a note about 16 Finnish reports from 1971 being included in the statistics, but no reports from outside Swedish territory for 1972. The text discusses factors influencing report frequency, such as local press coverage, the presence of UFO enthusiasts, population density, and public attitudes.

Specific UFO Sightings and Incidents

The magazine details numerous individual UFO sightings and incidents, often referencing newspaper articles and reports from UFO organizations:

• Kungsgården (October 3, 1972): Two witnesses reported seeing mysterious luminous objects in a swarm, moving in unison and disappearing northward. They ruled out aircraft due to the lack of sound.
• Tavelsjö (October 5, 1972): A phenomenon was explained as military parachute lights.
• Sproge, Gotland (August 1972): A bright white light was observed hovering, then moving southwest and disappearing.
• Hudiksvall (August 9, 1972): A bright light was seen on a mountain wall, described as stronger than the sun and transforming into a glowing mass.
• Skälderviken (August 25, 1972): A star-like, fast-moving object was observed, not identifiable as a plane, meteor, or satellite.
• Åland and Södersunda (July & November 1972): Reports of mysterious helicopters, with some witnesses describing landings.
• Vallentuna (December 31, 1972): A strong, star-like light was observed moving in a constant course and speed, described as a luminous sphere.
• Oskarshamn/Linghed (January 10, 1973): A disc-shaped object, 3.4 meters in diameter and 2 meters high, was observed flying at 150 meters altitude at approximately 100 km/t, emitting a dazzling red-yellow light and making no sound.
• Flahult (January 3, 1973): A brightly glowing object, compared to a large star, was observed for two hours, exhibiting unusual movement and color changes.
• Torskinge/Västboås (December 28, 1972): Reports of a round object with a tail-like appendage, observed at a relatively low altitude, moving rapidly and emitting intense radiation.
• Lycksele (December 28, 1972): A blekgult (pale yellow) round object with a blinking 'headlight' was seen, described as having a 'scarf' where two discs met.
• Mjösebo, Högsby (January 6-7, 1973): A round object with an outer circle was observed for extended periods, moving in various directions and emitting a shimmering red, yellow, blue, and green light.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, the statistical analysis of these reports, and the critical examination of official explanations. The magazine appears to maintain an open stance towards UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts and statistical data while also acknowledging and sometimes questioning official narratives. The editorial comments suggest a commitment to investigating unexplained aerial phenomena and providing a platform for public discussion and reporting.

Title: UFO-Aktuellt
Issue: 1/73
Volume: 3
Date: 1973

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt, published by Norsk UFO-Center, focuses on a collection of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and UFO sightings reported primarily in Sweden and Norway during January 1973. The magazine presents these reports as factual accounts from eyewitnesses, often citing local newspapers as sources.

Key Sightings and Reports

Svärdsjö, Dalarna (January 10, 1973)

Two separate reports from Svärdsjö detail sightings on January 10, 1973. The first, based on a witness drawing published in Expressen, describes a silent object observed by Gunnar and Ingemar. They initially mistook it for elk but then identified it as a "flying saucer." The object descended towards the lakes, made a soft turn, ascended rapidly, and disappeared over the mountains towards Falun. The witnesses, previously skeptical, stated they had a clear view for two minutes, estimating the object's altitude at 150 meters and its distance at three kilometers.

The second report from Svärdsjö, also referencing an Expressen illustration, describes three mysterious craft observed by fru Anna Tångfeldt. These objects flew in a zig-zag pattern over a lake for about ten minutes, maintaining an altitude of 200-300 meters. They emitted a quiet hum rather than the sound of jet planes and were illuminated by a strong red light.

Själevad (January 11, 1973)

Reported in Örnsköldsviks Allehanda, a sighting near Själevad involved a mysterious object with red, green, and white lights. It was first seen over Själevads church and then moved towards Svedjeholmen. Described as larger than a football, it moved back and forth like a weather balloon. Roland Fahlgren reported the light as red, blue, and yellow, and described it as a bright star that remained stationary.

Tönsberg, Norway (January 11, 1973)

Verdens Gang reported on a sighting in Tönsberg where multiple witnesses observed an object with a stronger radiance than a star. This multi-colored object had two flashing protrusions and remained stationary for over an hour at times. The total observation time was nearly three hours. Notably, the phenomenon was not reported by military installations, and it was considered unlikely to be a weather balloon seen earlier over Oslo.

Emmaboda (January 11, 1973)

Reported in Barometern, Åke Malmsten, an electrician, observed a strong light in the sky moving from northwest to southeast. The light varied in color (blue, red, green, yellow) and was significantly brighter than the stars. The phenomenon blinked and was observed for about 20 minutes under clear weather conditions.

Falun (January 16, 1973)

Falu-Kuriren and Expressen reported on a sighting by Rolf Sjur, a forest worker, near Falun. He saw a silent, sharply blinking craft, approximately 3x3 meters, lift off from the ground near a military area in Finnbo and disappear behind a hill. Sjur described the light as similar to a police car's rotating light but much sharper. He estimated the object's altitude at 50 meters and observed it for three minutes. The head of the Dalregementet, Colonel Gustaf Lodin, stated that no military aircraft were active in the area at that time.

Near Falun (January 16, 1973)

Around the same time and location as Sjur's sighting, five boys in a car observed an object 3-4 meters in diameter with a rotating red, blue, and yellow light. They initially thought it was a new type of helicopter.

Korsnäs (January 16, 1973)

Frisör Rune Bergström reported seeing a strong blinking object with a red light moving from Runn and disappearing over treetops near Rottneby manor. He initially thought it was a sports plane landing.

Myckelmyran (January 16, 1973)

Alrik Eriksson reported observing a strong red light that slowly rose over the forest edge towards Myckelmyran. It was described as a spherical object with an intense red glow that descended and disappeared from sight. Eriksson noted the intensity of the light.

Enviken (January 19, 1973)

Elov Kvicker reported seeing a disc-like object in the western sky that radiated a clear, orange-red light. It disappeared behind treetops after about half a minute.

Christiansand, Norway (January 24, 1973)

Christiansands Tidende reported on TV interference caused by a luminous object. Students at a forestry school observed a blinking object in the sky that moved from east to west. A technician in Åmli also witnessed disturbances on his TV and then saw a fireball emitting strong rays of different colors. Two such fireballs were observed, one higher than the other. They moved and disappeared after about half an hour, with one moving north and the other following. The objects were visible for two hours.

Sandviksfjellet, Norway (January 20, 1973)

Morgenavisen reported a star-like object observed by a couple in Bergen. The phenomenon shifted color from red to bright white light.

Arjeplog (January 26, 1973)

Norra Västerbotten reported a sighting by Evert Karlsson, who nearly collided with a bright light on the road. The light was intensely blue, stronger than a welding torch, and blinded him. He described it as a sudden, extremely strong light that lasted only a second. His wife also witnessed it, believing it was an oncoming car. They did not stop due to fear.

Malung (January 28, 1973)

Family observations in Malung described a red glowing sphere that ascended directly into space. The object resembled a drawing published in a previous issue. The phenomenon was silent and was observed for a longer period. Other witnesses, including a municipal engineer, also reported seeing a red glowing sphere that hovered over Orrmyrheden before ascending and disappearing. The engineer speculated about hot air balloons using T-spirit and kerosene as fuel.

Värmdö (January 28, 1973)

Börje Wärhner reported being awakened by a strange, rustling sound. He observed small white balls emerging from a cloud, followed by a large, circular disc, about twice the size of the moon. The small balls continued to emerge at intervals. The disc turned darker red, then pulsed with light before disappearing. The observation lasted about 24 minutes.

Svartvik (February 1, 1973)

Sundsvalls Tidning reported a large light phenomenon observed by herr Gösta Magnusson. The light field appeared against the dark forest, growing in intensity and moving slowly over the fields before fading.

Rosenfors (February 2, 1973)

Oskarshamns-Tidningen reported a fire-spitting, spherical object seen over Rosenfors. It emitted an incredible light and moved at high speed before disappearing with a loud bang. Witnesses questioned whether it was a meteor or a flying saucer.

Vemdalen (February 6, 1973)

Östersunds-Posten reported a strange light phenomenon seen in Vemdalen. Fru Anita Persson and her family observed an object resembling a triangular roof, with varying light intensity. It was visible for about five minutes in a westerly direction before fading.

Other Sections

Animal Mutilation

A section titled "NYA FALL AV DJURMISSHANDEL" (New Cases of Animal Mutilation) references reports from Alingsås Tidning concerning horses being injured, particularly in the flank, and a nearby dam being destroyed. These incidents occurred in secluded locations.

Norwegian UFO Forum

This section announces the release of the first issue of the Norwegian UFO journal "Norsk UFO Forum," which is to be published 5-6 times a year.

UFO-Center and Professor McDonald

An entry mentions that Norsk UFO-Center has translated Professor James E. McDonald's contribution to a congress hearing on UFOs from July 1968.

Danish UFO Book

A new UFO book titled "UFO og Videnskaben" is announced, co-published by SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) and Strubes Forlag, featuring six American scientists.

Data-Net

Data-Net, an organization of American ufologists interested in amateur radio, exchanges news and reports weekly via radio.

Swedish UFO Club Activities

Several Swedish UFO clubs are mentioned: UFO-Gotland held its annual meeting in Visby. Tranås UFO-Klubb was formed. A UFO-Center information evening in Nässjö led to the formation of a local group. Representatives from four Östergötland UFO clubs met to discuss collaboration, including joint exhibitions and observation nights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the reporting of numerous unexplained aerial phenomena and UFO sightings. The magazine adopts a stance of presenting these accounts as credible eyewitness testimonies, often highlighting the lack of conventional explanations and the official silence or lack of military activity during these events. The detailed descriptions of object shapes, colors, behaviors, and the inclusion of specific dates, times, and locations underscore the magazine's commitment to documenting these occurrences. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging the sharing of information and the formation of local UFO groups.