Ufologen - No 09 - 1973

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOLOGEN
Issue: nr 9
Date: April 1973

This issue of UFOLOGEN, a Swedish magazine focused on ufology, delves into several key topics, including the organization of UFO research, the mysterious phenomenon of ball lightning, and unexplained aerial and underwater sightings.

Editorial Stance and Numbering System

The editorial section addresses reader inquiries about the magazine's numbering system for reports and articles. The editors explain that this system is implemented to systematically organize information, particularly UFO observation reports, to facilitate better overview and understanding of the subject. They discuss the distinction between general articles and specific observation reports, and how a systematic approach aids research, drawing parallels to archaeological and astronomical record-keeping.

Finland's UFO Central Organization

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to an interview with Gösta Malm, a Finnish ufologist, conducted by Håkan Blomqvist. Malm discusses the formation of a new central organization for UFO researchers in Finland, aiming to consolidate efforts and create a more structured approach to the field. He outlines the organizational structure, which includes an executive board with various secretarial roles, and mentions the publication of the UFOAIKA magazine, which has a substantial print run.

Malm expresses optimism about the potential for state funding for UFO research in Finland, noting that many in official sectors have reported seeing UFOs. He also touches upon the debate surrounding the nature of UFO occupants, leaning towards the theory that they are from other planets and are intelligently controlled, possibly with benevolent intentions.

The Mysterious Ball Lightning

Another major article, authored by Stig Lundqvist, explores the phenomenon of ball lightning. The article, reprinted with permission from 'Forskning och Framsteg' (Research and Progress), compiles numerous accounts and scientific discussions surrounding this elusive event. It describes ball lightning as a rare, luminous sphere that appears during thunderstorms, often reddish or bluish, and can be several centimeters in diameter. Accounts detail its erratic movement, occasional sounds, smells, and its ability to pass through solid objects like windows and walls, sometimes causing significant physical damage.

Lundqvist presents historical cases from Sweden (1896), France (1899), Germany (1952), the USA (1967), and Yugoslavia (1971), illustrating the diverse manifestations of ball lightning. The article also reviews various scientific hypotheses for its origin, including theories involving atmospheric electricity, plasma physics, and chemical reactions, noting that no single theory fully explains all observed characteristics, particularly its long duration and stability.

Unidentified Submarine in Sognefjorden

The issue also features an article by Anders Liljegren investigating the case of a suspected unidentified submarine in Norway's Sognefjorden in November 1972. The Norwegian navy conducted extensive searches for the object. Liljegren compiles reports from Norwegian newspapers, particularly 'Bergens Tidende', and discusses previous similar sightings of 'foreign submarines' in Norwegian fjords dating back to 1968. While acknowledging the lively discussion within UFO circles, Liljegren maintains that the evidence presented does not conclusively prove the object was anything other than a conventional submarine.

Other Mentions

The magazine also briefly mentions other topics and individuals relevant to ufology, including a discussion on 'contact cases' and 'Men in Black' (MIB), and references to authors like Charles Fort and George Adamski. The issue concludes with a quote from the diplomat and physicist Arago emphasizing the importance of not dismissing possibilities based solely on mathematical reasoning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

UFOLOGEN consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a focus on UFO sightings, unusual atmospheric events like ball lightning, and potential underwater anomalies. The magazine appears to adopt a scientific and investigative approach, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis. The editorial stance supports systematic research and the organization of information, aiming to bring a more structured understanding to the field of ufology. There is an openness to unconventional explanations, including extraterrestrial origins, but also a commitment to critical evaluation of evidence, as seen in the Sognefjorden case.

Title: Ufologen
Issue: 1
Volume: 1973
Date: 1973
Publisher: Ufologen
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Ufologen delves into a series of mysterious events, primarily focusing on alleged submarine sightings in Norwegian fjords during late 1970 and various UFO and humanoid encounters across Sweden and Denmark in the early 1970s. The magazine presents witness testimonies, official reports, and speculative theories, touching upon themes of military investigation, potential government secrecy, and the psychological impact of these phenomena on individuals.

Submarine Sightings in Norwegian Fjords (November 1970)

The issue details a significant wave of sightings in Norwegian fjords, beginning on November 12, 1970, with an observation by an 11-year-old boy, Arvid Langeteig, in Vangsnes, Sognefjorden. He described a cylindrical object on the water, which his father, Mons Langeteig, later observed with binoculars. The object, described as a meter-high cylindrical tube about half a meter in diameter, rotated and left a wake. This sighting led to immediate alarm, with authorities deploying two frigates and later aircraft and helicopters to search the fjords.

Further observations followed. On November 13, Karen Leirmo in Luster reported seeing a grey, chimney-like object cutting through the fjord shortly after a helicopter passed. On November 15, a ferry, 'Vangsnes', had radar contact with an object that approached rapidly but then disappeared. The military's response escalated, involving frigates, gunboats, torpedo boats, and reconnaissance aircraft equipped with detection apparatus.

Unusual events continued, including red rockets being fired from the sea near Hermannsverk on November 21. On November 22, the frigate Trondheim detected an object with sonar in the narrow Sogndalsfjorden and fired an anti-submarine rocket. The military later expressed doubt about the sonar contact, suggesting it might not have been a submarine, given the confined nature of the fjord.

On November 23, yellow and green signal lights were observed from a mountainside near Aurlandsfjorden. Radio jamming was also reported among naval vessels, hindering their communications, a phenomenon attributed to the potential submarine or external sources.

The military eventually issued a statement on November 24, confirming the presence of a "foreign submarine" in Sognefjorden based on visual and technical information, but its nationality remained undetermined. The contacts made on November 24 suggested the submarine had left Norwegian territory.

UFO and Humanoid Encounters (1971-1973)

The magazine also compiles reports of other unexplained phenomena:

• December 3, 1971 (Sydsverige and Denmark): A celestial phenomenon observed over Skåne and Denmark was identified by GICOFF and experts as a satellite explosion, likely a Russian 'killer-satellite' destroying another satellite.
• April 3, 1973 (Backe, Ångermanland, Sweden): Sigvard Engholm observed a luminous, multi-colored object moving erratically in the sky. NN photographer Björne Engholm also photographed the object.
• April 9, 1973 (Rumskulla and Mariannelund, Sweden): Two individuals reported an unexplained aerial phenomenon, described as a ball-shaped object moving very fast with a green-white glow and sparks.
• April 15, 1973 (Kongsvinger, Norway): A family reported seeing a luminous ball moving horizontally at high speed across the sky, leaving a fiery trail, possibly a meteorite.
• April 19, 1973 (Fyllingsdalen, Norway): A couple observed a mysterious, luminous object described as small, oval, and moving silently at low altitude before disappearing rapidly.
• May 3, 1973 (Järvsö, Sweden): Witnesses reported seeing a luminous ball moving slowly in the forest, approximately 30-40 meters above the ground.
• May 3, 1973 (Bergkvara, Sweden): A woman reported observing a concentrated yellow light moving slowly and low over the trees, resembling a flying saucer.
• May 5, 1973 (Östavall, Sweden): Oscar Lindblom and Sven Borg witnessed a bright, smoking object moving silently at an estimated 250 meters altitude.

Imjärvi Encounters and Humanoids

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the experiences of Aarno Heinonen in Imjärvi, Sweden, who claims to have had continued encounters with humanoids. He describes meetings with a humanoid woman who identified herself as a visitor from another planet. During these encounters, she wore a brown dress and shoes, and Heinonen noted a strange, transparent 'beam' emanating from her footwear, allowing her to walk without touching the ground.

Heinonen also reports seeing a red, egg-shaped stone with engraved T-like symbols, which he felt possessed a strange energy. He was reportedly instructed to throw it into a lake. Another strange event involved a large, half-meter-long axe appearing suddenly before him.

The magazine discusses the concept of the "negating effect" in UFO cases, suggesting that a series of unusual events or plausible explanations can deter witnesses and researchers from pursuing the phenomena further. The Imjärvi case is presented as an example where concrete evidence seems to be elusive, with reports of cameras malfunctioning and films being burned to ash.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained presence of advanced technology (submarines, unidentified aerial objects) in civilian and military areas, the potential for misidentification, and the challenges faced by witnesses and investigators in gathering concrete evidence. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of presenting these reports seriously, while also acknowledging the need for critical analysis and the possibility of psychological factors or deliberate obfuscation. The editorial tone suggests a fascination with the unknown and a desire to document these phenomena, even if definitive explanations remain elusive. The inclusion of a quote from Oddmund PÅkenes, questioning the logic of certain observed behaviors, highlights the inherent strangeness and difficulty in rationalizing these events.

This document is page 158 of a Swedish magazine titled "UFO". The issue date is indicated as April 25th, likely referring to a commentary within the text. The content is primarily in Swedish and discusses various UFO-related topics, including specific incidents, organizational activities, and scientific perspectives.

Commentary on UFO Events

The issue begins with a commentary by Gösta Malm, who suggests that UFO events often seem more like myths and legends than logically structured contact attempts from an interstellar civilization. He notes the significant interest generated by a particular case, partly due to media coverage from Sweden, including a reporter from FIB-Aktuellt. Malm speculates that the intense focus might have caused the individuals involved to lose perspective, suggesting that the shock could have been severe enough to incapacitate them for at least two years. Anders Liljegren is also mentioned in relation to this commentary.

UFO Organization News

UFO-Sverige and GICOFF Collaboration

A section titled "KORTNYTT OM UFO" (Short News on UFOs) reports on a meeting between representatives of the national organization UFO-Sverige and the association GICOFF (Göteborgs Informations Center för Oidentifierade Flygande Föremål) in Jönköping. While the practical outcome of the meeting was described as "zero," it was viewed positively as an effort to discuss and clarify issues. GICOFF expressed a desire for coordinated data collection, but UFO-Sverige was entirely negative towards any form of cooperation, including the exchange of investigation reports.

Interplanetisterna Continues Activity

Contrary to rumors of its closure, the Finnish organization Interplanetisterna is confirmed to be active. The organization regularly publishes stenciled newsletters and informational bulletins. Their magazine, Vimana, which previously published four issues per year, will now be released as an annual book in September. A recent informational bulletin from Interplanetisterna featured an interview with Veikko Kivioja and Seppo Oja, who reported witnessing three humanoids on December 14, 1972, in the Honkajoki parish, Finland.

Scientific Skepticism Towards UFOs

Svenska Dagbladet Article

The issue references an article published in Svenska Dagbladet on April 29th, under the headline "SORRY FLYGANDE TEFAT OCH GRÖNA MÄN ORIMLIGT" (Sorry, Flying Saucers and Little Green Men are Improbable). The article, based on research from the Stockholm Observatory, argues that the vast astronomical distances provide convincing evidence against the existence of flying saucers and "little green men." It concludes that the idea of flying saucers regularly visiting Earth, as sometimes strongly asserted, is improbable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this excerpt include the nature of UFO phenomena (myth vs. reality), the dynamics and collaborations between UFO organizations, specific sighting reports (humanoids in Finland), and scientific skepticism towards UFO claims. The editorial stance appears to present various viewpoints, from those who take UFO events seriously to those who are skeptical, and highlights the internal workings and disagreements within the UFO research community.