Vimana - 1976 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: vimana
Issue Date: February 2, 1976
Publisher: Västerås Tvärvetenskapliga Förening
Content Focus: Fringe science, including the Backster Effect, radio astronomy, and UFO phenomena.

The Backster Effect: Plants and Consciousness

The magazine introduces the 'Backster Effect,' named after Cleve Backster, a technician with 25 years of experience in lie detector research. The article explains that a lie detector, essentially an electronic recorder and bridge, works by measuring changes in electrical resistance. When a person becomes nervous or emotionally agitated, their skin sweats, reducing electrical resistance and causing a pen on the recorder to move upwards. The article then details a pivotal experiment on February 2, 1966, where Backster connected his equipment to a houseplant out of curiosity. He expected the plant's reaction curve to simply reflect its water intake. However, he was surprised to find that the plant's curve mirrored a 'life consciousness,' reacting to unusual events and even Backster's and his colleagues' thoughts. This led to further experiments with various organic materials like shrimp, eggs, yeast, and mold cultures.

Olof Rydbeck and the Råö Observatory: Listening to the Universe

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Professor Olof Rydbeck, a 63-year-old 'space professor,' and his work at the Råö radio observatory in Halland, Sweden. The Råö observatory is described as Europe's most modern and a crucial link in international space research, even rivaling major entities like NASA. Rydbeck is presented as deeply passionate about his work, stating he drops everything when new data emerges from the computers. The article highlights a recent discovery where Rydbeck's team detected the CH radical in the spiral arms of our galaxy. This discovery is significant because the CH radical is considered a 'missing link' in the chain of chemical reactions in the universe, suggesting conditions favorable for organic life. This achievement earned Rydbeck the Swedish Academy's prize of 25,000 kronor. The article recounts his personal excitement upon detecting the CH radical's signal after years of searching. The Råö observatory's history includes the initial discovery of the CH radical itself, a breakthrough in astronomical history. The article also touches upon the challenges of interstellar communication, noting that even signals from nearby stars would take decades to travel and be deciphered.

The Råö observatory uses a large radio telescope, described as a giant 'ear' pointed towards the sky, to capture radio waves and signals emitted by stars and other cosmic phenomena. These signals are then processed by computers. The article mentions the detection of 'Orion's' radio noise, which, while not as aesthetically pleasing as starlight, provides valuable data. The observatory's secluded location is ideal for minimizing interference. The research at Råö extends to understanding star formation (protostars) and death (pulsars), and the detection of various molecules in space, such as water vapor, ammonia, and formic acid, suggesting the potential for complex molecules and possibly life elsewhere.

UFO Sightings and Research

The magazine reports on a UFO landing in Gyttorp, Sweden, which occurred on the evening of January 21, 1976, on Lake Viken. A witness described the object as round, about 1.20 meters high, with rounded edges and 25 to 80 square windows emitting a yellowish-white light. The landing left a distinct imprint on the ice, 41 meters in diameter, with unique structural changes in the ice crystals. The UFO reportedly remained on the ice until the early morning before departing. The UFO-föreningen (UFO Association) in Köping is investigating this incident.

Another UFO case mentioned is a planned investigation into an incident from 1966, witnessed by two people in a car north of Västerås. The magazine calls for volunteers to assist in this field research and investigation.

VTF Activities and Member Interests

The Västerås Tvärvetenskapliga Förening (VTF) held its annual meeting on February 3, 1976, with about 30 participants. The meeting served as a networking event for old and new members to exchange ideas for VTF's future program. A survey conducted at the meeting revealed that VTF members' primary interests lie in astronomy, space research, and ancient research. However, the survey also indicated a need for more members with expertise in chemistry and meteorology to conduct thorough UFO research. The survey also showed that most members did not prioritize purchasing instruments, likely due to the lack of a permanent VTF location. Activities like experimenting with 'water in spirals' and lifting heavy blocks using Tibetan monk methods received high marks.

Current Publications and Scientific Context

The magazine lists several relevant publications, including issues of Scientific American focusing on the solar system and X-rays from supernova remnants, and 'The arrow of time.' It also advertises a sale of books on UFOs, parapsychology, and astronomy, including works by K. Gösta Rehn and C. Sagan.

A graphic illustrates the electromagnetic spectrum, showing various wavelengths from radio waves to gamma rays and their interaction with the Earth's atmosphere. It highlights the narrow 'optical window' through which humans perceive light and the broader 'radio window' that allows for astronomical observation. The graphic also indicates the altitudes at which different radiation types are absorbed by the atmosphere, relevant for planning research rocket and satellite missions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding, such as plant consciousness (Backster Effect) and UFOs. There is a strong emphasis on the scientific investigation of these topics, exemplified by the detailed coverage of Olof Rydbeck's radio astronomy research and the planned UFO investigations by VTF. The magazine promotes a view that scientific inquiry, even into unconventional areas, is valuable for understanding our universe and our place within it. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards unexplained phenomena, encouraging research and discussion, while grounding it in scientific methodology where possible. The article by Olof Rydbeck also touches upon broader philosophical themes, suggesting that understanding the universe can lead to a greater appreciation of our own existence and a need to live in harmony with nature, implying a critique of excessive materialism and short-sightedness.