Se upp - 1981 No 1

Magazine Overview

'Se upp!' is a Swedish magazine, issue number 1 of volume 6, published in 1981. It is the information and contact organ for the Västerås Tvärvetenskapliga Förening (Västerås Interdisciplinary Association) and Hallstahammars UFO Förening (Hallstahammar UFO Association). The magazine's title, 'Se upp!', translates to 'Look up!' or 'Watch out!'.

Joint Publication and Editorial Stance

The editorial on page 2 explains that this issue is jointly published by the two associations to improve their cooperation. It clarifies that this is not an attempt to merge the organizations, which will continue to exist as separate entities within UFO-Sweden. The benefit for members is access to information about activities in both associations, allowing them to attend events in either location.

The editorial also touches on the Space Shuttle, mentioning that it launched without major issues, only losing a few heat shield tiles. It notes that these tiles were not essential for the shuttle's function, prompting a question about why they were installed.

The editorial staff for H-UFO & VTF (Hallstahammar UFO & Västerås Tvärvetenskapliga Förening) state that all work is voluntary and unpaid. They emphasize that the printing and appearance of the magazine are secondary, and that text material may not be perfectly edited, with typos and grammatical errors to be tolerated.

Articles and Content

Riksstämman 1981

This article, written by Bosse Roslind, reports on the Riksstämman (National Convention) held in Stockholm on March 13, 1981. A group of young people from Hallstahammar traveled to Stockholm. Upon arrival in Västerås, the local members did not join as planned, but a larger group from Köping was already on board. The convention took place in Stockholm, and after checking into the hotel, attendees visited the Man Wah Chinese restaurant. The event included internal and open negotiations, with the latter attended by approximately 700 people. Outside the venue, there were sales stands offering books, magazines, decals, and other items, resembling a market. The public had the opportunity to hear several interesting lectures and participate in a debate panel.

THE SPACE SHUTTLE

This article provides details about NASA's Space Shuttle program. The project was delayed by three years and exceeded its budget by approximately 15 million kronor. The shuttle is described as 37.42 meters long, 17.27 meters high, with a wingspan of 23.79 meters. It can carry up to 30 tons of cargo and, in addition to two pilots, up to four scientists. The maiden voyage was to be crewed by pilots Robert Crippen (jet pilot, first space flight) and John Young (experienced astronaut, fifth space flight). Young's reaction to the project's approval, when he was on the moon, is recounted with a joyful leap.

The launch involves the shuttle's own three engines plus two extra solid rocket boosters, which are jettisoned after two minutes and recovered by parachute for reuse. Eight minutes after launch, the large external fuel tank, which supplied fuel to the main engines, is released and burns up in the atmosphere; it is the only part not reused. After completing its mission, the shuttle glides down and lands like an airplane. The heat shield, composed of 30,761 pure silica tiles, is crucial for protecting the shuttle from the heat generated by atmospheric friction upon re-entry. The landing is described as critical, with no possibility for a go-around.

The article further explains that the shuttle's main engines cannot be used without the external fuel tank. The maiden flight, named Columbia, is expected to take about 54 hours. Columbia and its sister ship Enterprise were built in parallel. Additional shuttles are planned, as is a larger version with greater cargo capacity. Each shuttle is designed for about thirty flights before being retired, moving away from a 'throwaway' principle. The shuttle is expected to be vital for future space colonization. NASA has already booked 47 future flights, including one to launch a 'space telescope' in 1985. The article also notes that the Russians are developing a similar, though smaller, craft, and questions whether the Soviet Union can afford its program.

VÄGLÄNGDER I VÄRLDSALLTET (Distances in the Universe)

This section presents a table illustrating astronomical distances in terms of light travel time. It states that light travels at 300,000 km per second, covering approximately one trillion kilometers per year. The table lists the time it takes for light to reach Earth from various celestial bodies:

• Moon: 1 second
• Sun: 8 minutes
• Edge of our solar system: 2 hours
• Nearest star: 4 years
• Sirius: 8 years
• Stars of the Big Dipper: 150 years
• A light cloud in the Milky Way: 2,000 years
• Center of the Milky Way: 30,000 years
• Andromeda Nebula: 1.5 million years
• Most distant parts of the universe: 3 billion years

VANDRAREN (The Pedestrian) by Ray Bradbury

This is a translated short story by Ray Bradbury, set in the year 2053. The protagonist, Leonard Mead, enjoys walking at night. In a city of three million inhabitants, he encounters a police car while on his nightly stroll. The police vehicle, equipped with a strong spotlight and a metallic voice, interrogates him about his activities. Mead explains he is a writer but hasn't written in years, as people now spend their time watching television. The police car notes that Mead's house has air conditioning, questioning his need for fresh air. When Mead states he walks every night, the police car declares his house has sufficient air and that he has no profession. Mead is then taken to the 'Psychiatric Institute for the Study of Regressive Tendencies'. The story highlights a dystopian future where individual freedom and outdoor activities are suppressed, and society is passively engrossed in television.

MÖTEN (Meetings) and OBS.KVÄLLAR (Observation Evenings)

Pages 8 and 10 list scheduled meetings and observation evenings for the Hallstahammar and Västerås UFO associations, respectively. Hallstahammar's schedule runs from May to December, with a summer break in July and August. Västerås' schedule also lists meetings and observation evenings, with a note that night observations are conducted at the observatory and are limited to 6-9 participants. Contact information is provided for both organizations.

Page 9 details the board of Hallstahammar UFO Förening for 1981, including names, roles, and contact numbers. It also provides directions to their meeting location in Brånsta.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine 'Se upp!' focuses on UFO phenomena, space exploration, and science fiction. The editorial stance emphasizes cooperation between UFO organizations and a pragmatic approach to content, prioritizing information over polished presentation. The inclusion of a science fiction story and an article on space travel alongside UFO-related content suggests a broad interest in the unexplained and the future of humanity in space. The magazine also serves as a community bulletin for local UFO groups, providing schedules and contact information.

This document appears to be an issue of "UFO-Aktuellt", identified by the volume and issue number "Pg 84 12 82 - 7", with the year "1981" indicated. The primary content focuses on the organizational structure of UFO-Sverige for the 1981 fiscal year and a promotional campaign for new merchandise.

Board and Meetings

The "Styrelsen för verksamhetsåret 1981" (Board for the 1981 Fiscal Year) section lists the key personnel: Jan Eriksen (Ordförande/Chairman), Måns Johansson (Sekreterare/Secretary), Alf Niemi (Kassör/Treasurer), and Ledamöter (Members) Karl-Erik Karlsson and Roger Berglund. Contact telephone numbers are provided for each board member.

Information regarding meetings is also included: "Möten enligt lista, på Skallbergsgatan 2C källaren kl.19.00." (Meetings according to list, at Skallbergsgatan 2C basement at 7:00 PM.). Additionally, "Observationer varannan lördag." (Observations every other Saturday.) suggests a schedule for observational activities.

A map is provided, illustrating the location of Skallbergsgatan 2C, with nearby landmarks such as "Konsum" (a grocery store), and indicating directions to "Mot Hallsta", "Mot centrum", "Mot Sala", and "Mot Stockholm", with "E 18" (a highway) also marked. The VTF (Västerås Televerks Förening) is also noted at the location.

New Campaign Material

The second page announces "NYTT KAMPANJMATERIAL!" (NEW CAMPAIGN MATERIAL!) from UFO-Sverige's marketing unit in Köping. The purpose is to boost UFO-Sverige's profile and make the organization more visible. A list of new materials is presented with their prices:

• Pos. 1: UFO-Sveriges jackmärke (UFO-Sweden's jacket badge), with new address, in acetate silk 80 mm - Price: 5:00 SEK.
• Pos. 2: Same as above, in vinyl plastic - Price: 5:00 SEK.
• Pos. 3: Broderade märken (Embroidered patches, to be sewn on) - Price: 15:00 SEK.
• Pos. 4: Emaljerade märken (Enameled badges) 16 mm with pin - Price: 10:00 SEK.
• Pos. 5: Röda smådekaler (Red small decals) in vinyl plastic 100x40 mm - Price: 4:00 SEK.
• Pos. 6: Large decals (D:o stora) 320x150 mm on yellow vinyl plastic - Price: 30:00 SEK.
• Pos. 7: Kampanjmärken "UFO-Expo:n i Köping" (Campaign badges "UFO-Expo in Köping") 45 mm vinyl plastic, 20 pieces - Price: 6:00 SEK.
• Pos. 8: Bildekal (Picture decal) 650 x 80 mm vinyl plastic yellow/blue - Price: 8:00 SEK.
• Pos. 9: White decal on transparent vinyl plastic with mirror text for mounting on the inside of the rear window - Price: 8:00 SEK.

Ordering Information

Instructions on how to order are provided under "Så här beställer ni:" (How to order:). Customers are asked to specify the item number (pos.-nummer) and quantity for each item on the payment slip. The total amount should be summed, and 3 SEK should be added for postage. Payments are to be made to postgiro account 74 51 90-9 for "KÖPINGS UFO-FÖRENING" (Köping UFO Association).

The magazine "UFO-Aktuellt" is described with the slogan "Är med där det ovanliga händer" (Is there where the unusual happens).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are organizational management and public outreach through merchandise. The editorial stance appears to be focused on strengthening the organization's presence and visibility, as evidenced by the detailed listing of the board and the active promotion of campaign materials. The emphasis on specific locations like Västerås and Köping, and the inclusion of a map, suggests a focus on local activities and community engagement within the UFO-Sverige network.