Se upp - 1978 No 4

Magazine Overview

'Se upp!' is the information and contact organ for the Västerås Tvärvetenskapliga Förening (VTF), serving as a journal that addresses a wide array of topics. This particular issue, identified as NR. 4, årgang 3, and dated 1978, features a cover headline of 'Se upp!' and highlights disciplines such as UFO phenomena, space research, meteorology, parapsychology, chemistry, astronomy, and archaeology. The publication is based in Västerås, Sweden.

Editorial Content

The editorial section, likely written by J.E., addresses the current state of the VTF. It notes that all work within the organization is voluntary and unpaid, and therefore, the quality of printing and appearance is considered secondary to the content. The editorial expresses concern over low member participation, quoting a member asking if it's the 'loneliest association.' Several humorous suggestions for the meaning of the VTF initials are presented, such as 'Vi Tefat Fantaster' (We UFO Fantasists), 'Vi Tror Fortfarande' (We Still Believe), 'Vi Trötta Föreningsmedlemmar' (We Tired Association Members), and 'Vi Träffas Fortfarande' (We Still Meet). The editorial urges members to provide suggestions for the future of the association and to collaborate on making things happen.

Program and Events

The magazine outlines the VTF's program for the near future. On November 7th, an experiment concerning the 'pyramid effect' will be discussed, with the hope of presenting evidence. On November 23rd, a meeting on 'paranormal phenomena' is scheduled, which will include a demonstration of levitating a person using only fingers and a spinning mug, followed by a discussion on how these phenomena might occur. The year's final event on December 7th is described as a 'gobet' and will feature a presentation by invited guests from Sala, showcasing their new and popular slide film on archaeology. All meetings are open to the public, and attendees are encouraged to bring guests.

Member Contributions and Activities

Contributions in the form of articles and discussion posts from members are welcomed and should be sent directly to VTF. The issue also mentions recent natural phenomena observed by members, such as auroras and lunar eclipses. The editorial team is exploring ways to better inform members about such events, possibly through a telephone chain or other methods. Reports of light phenomena have been submitted to the VTF's report center but were quickly dismissed as natural occurrences like space debris or weather balloons.

UFO and Experimentation

The 'pyramid effect' experiment is being revisited, with the hope of achieving better results than the previous total failure. The organization plans to repeat the experiment and encourages similar experiments to be conducted in various locations. The magazine also notes that UFO reports are being received, but many are identified as natural phenomena.

Special Features

This issue includes a three-page guide on how to create a planisphere, a tool for observing the night sky. These pages are printed on thick paper using offset printing for better quality. The planisphere instructions are presented as loose-leaf pages. The cost for purchasing these pages from the association is 4 SEK, or 6 SEK if ordered by mail. Additionally, for members interested in astronomy and who wish to use a real telescope, there is an opportunity to arrange this, provided there is sufficient interest, which needs to be communicated to 'Jan' in a timely manner.

New Location

Due to economic reasons, VTF has moved to a new location. The transition to the new premises at Pilfinksgatan 3, Råbygården, is effective from November. The new address is also provided with directions and bus information.

Membership Meetings Schedule (1978)

The schedule for membership meetings in 1978 is listed:

• November 7th: 18:30, Pilfinksgatan 3, Topic: Pyramid effect.
• November 23rd: 18:30, Pilfinksgatan 3, Topic: Paranormal phenomena.
• December 7th: 18:30, Pilfinksgatan 3, Topic: Archaeology (with a new slide show from Sala).

Astronomical Charts

The magazine features detailed star charts for both the southern and northern hemispheres. The section on the southern celestial hemisphere discusses the historical naming of constellations and the challenges faced by astronomers in the 17th and 18th centuries. It highlights how the apparent position of stars changes with the seasons and the unique celestial views available from the southern hemisphere, including prominent constellations like Scorpio, Centaurus, and Crux Australis. The northern celestial hemisphere section focuses on easily recognizable constellations and stars, such as Ursa Major (the Big Dipper), Cassiopeia, and Polaris (the North Star), and explains how to determine north using these celestial markers. The charts are designed to be used with a planisphere for practical astronomical observation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around interdisciplinary research, particularly UFO phenomena and astronomy, alongside a strong emphasis on member engagement and the practical application of scientific tools like the planisphere. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging active participation and open discussion within the association, despite acknowledging challenges like low attendance. There's a clear effort to provide educational content, such as the astronomy guides, while also fostering a sense of community through shared interests and events.