Vimana - 1976 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: Vimana
Issue: Vol. 1, No. 3
Date: April 1976
Publisher: Västerås Tvärvetenskapliga Förening (VTF)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Vimana, the publication of the Västerås Multidisciplinary Association (VTF), delves into topics related to UFO phenomena, parapsychology, and astronomy. The magazine's name, 'Vimana', is explained as a Sanskrit word meaning 'flying machine'. The cover prominently features a slogan: "THIS NEWSPAPER SHOULD BE READ ACROSS, OF COURSE!".

UFO-BEGREPPET (The UFO Concept)

The article "UFO-BEGREPPET" defines UFOs as phenomena in the airspace that cannot be explained by known aircraft. It notes that the term is English for 'Unidentified Flying Objects', commonly translated as 'flying saucers'. The phenomenon is not new, with ancient cave inscriptions and paintings bearing similarities to modern UFO descriptions. The article asserts that astonishing observations occur daily worldwide, including in Sweden.

It discusses the controversial nature of the subject, which deters many scientists, but emphasizes the importance of continuous engagement with the UFO problem. A follow-up activity aimed at mapping and seeking explanations for UFO phenomena is presented as having pure research value. The article poses profound questions about humanity's place in the universe and the possibility of visits from more advanced civilizations.

Föredrag på biblioteket (Lecture at the Library)

This section reports on the first event organized by VTF: a public lecture at the city library's auditorium. Jan Fjellander from the Stockholm Research Center for Psychobiofysics was the speaker. Despite being a Sunday afternoon, approximately 110 people attended the lively and engaging lecture. Sirkka Kokko, VTF's chairman, welcomed the speaker and audience. Fjellander provided a general overview of the psychobiofysics association and parapsychology.

He explained the 'Backster effect' using diagrams and curves, demonstrating how plants communicate with each other and with humans and animals. A curious anecdote involved 'hearing an egg' using tape recorder technology applied to electrodess, illustrating how an egg sounds when dropped into boiling water. The audience's interest was particularly captured by colorful images of the Kirlian effect, showing Matthew Manning's index finger in various normal and paranormal states. The Kirlian effect is further detailed in another article.

Lars-Åke Eriksson, VTF's vice chairman, concluded the meeting by thanking Jan Fjellander and informing the audience about VTF's activities. The event was considered a successful start to the association's year, indicating a significant interest in subjects beyond the everyday.

Kirlian-effekten (The Kirlian Effect)

This article explains that the Kirlian effect is named after Russian technician Semyon Kirlian, who discovered that all matter placed in a high-frequency high-voltage field is surrounded by a light emission, described as an 'energy body'. Living matter, such as leaves and fingers, showed altered forms and colors under different conditions, including before traditional medical diagnoses were possible. The light patterns were more influenced by mental states than by physical factors like temperature or humidity.

The article mentions speculation about 'cold electron emission' as a possible explanation, where accelerated electrons collide with nitrogen molecules in the air, creating the light. A remarkable aspect of the Kirlian effect is the 'ghost effect', where a leaf with 10-20% removed still retains its full light image. Experiments with migraine patients showed a strong radiation from their fingertips during an attack, which significantly decreased after acupuncture treatment.

Ny centralgrupp (New Central Group)

The 7th national meeting of UFO-Sverige in Örebro marked a turning point, with UFO-Köping becoming the new central group, effectively making UFO-Motala the 'UFO Office'. This development is seen as a significant step in disseminating information. The public conference program was well-attended, with around 400 paying listeners. The program included a slideshow on the 'UFO question' and a lecture by Henry Svensson on 'Condemned Facts', discussing the general attitude towards the UFO problem.

Anders Palm, a popular science editor, presented on 'Space Travel and Technology, Exploring Mars', showing slides of planets and discussing science fiction books. Jan Fjellander also spoke on 'Psychobiofysik - a Field of Research with New Horizons', sharing personal experiences. The program concluded with a panel debate led by the speakers and Thorvald Berthelsen and Carl-Axel Jonzon. For a more detailed report, readers are directed to the upcoming issue of "UFO-Information".

Kometer (Comets)

This section discusses comets, describing them as celestial phenomena that have long fascinated humanity. Early ancestors viewed meteors with fear, and bright celestial signs were often interpreted as omens of war or misfortune. Today, our understanding of comets has evolved. They are described as 'vagabonds of the solar system', appearing occasionally and displaying their brilliance.

Despite their grandeur, comets are essentially rocky blocks or loosely aggregated dust and ice, with a core typically a few kilometers in diameter. The visible 'tail' can extend to enormous lengths, up to 200 million kilometers. A comet develops its tail as it approaches the sun; solar radiation pressure causes particles to break off from the nucleus, forming a coma and then a tail that always points away from the sun. Thus, a comet has its tail behind it when moving towards the sun and pushes it forward when moving away.

Like planets, comets follow orbits, but their paths are much more elliptical and extended. The article compares a comet's orbit to Apollo's around the moon, where the sun's gravity accelerates it, but its path is directed outside the sun's destructive range. New instruments detect about ten new comets annually, most too faint to be seen with the naked eye. The comet 'West' is mentioned as having been difficult to observe due to its proximity to the sun and weather conditions.

The text also touches upon meteor showers, such as the Perseids and Leonids, which occur when Earth passes through a comet's tail or the remnants of a disintegrated comet.

VÄGLÄNGDER I VÄRLDSALLTET (Distances in the Universe)

This section provides a table illustrating distances in the universe, expressed in light travel time. It states that light travels at 300,000 km per second, covering approximately 9.5 trillion km in a year. The table lists the time it takes for light to reach Earth from various celestial bodies: the Moon (1 second), the Sun (8 minutes), the edge of our solar system (2 hours), the nearest star (4 years), Sirius (8 years), the stars of the Big Dipper (150 years), a nebula in the Milky Way (2,000 years), the center of the Milky Way (30,000 years), the Andromeda Nebula (1.5 million years), and the most distant known galaxies (3 billion years).

VTF's New Meeting Location

VTF has acquired a dedicated meeting space, enabling the association to launch activities that many members have anticipated. This move aims to dispel any rumors of the association becoming inactive. The board emphasizes that members should communicate their ideas and needs to the board to help organize relevant activities. The new location is at Skogsvägen 27 B, accessible by bus number 16.

BREVLADAN (Mailbag)

This section invites members to share feedback, suggestions, or concerns with the association. The board assures that they will respond to inquiries. Members are encouraged to use Vimana as a platform to voice their ideas.

MEDLEMSAVGIFT 1976 (Membership Fee 1976)

• Details are provided for the 1976 membership fees:
• Membership fee: 40 SEK
• Membership fee + UFO Information: 75 SEK
• Membership fee for students and pensioners: 20 SEK
• Membership fee for students and pensioners + UFO Information: 55 SEK

All payments should be made to the association's postgiro account: 841282-7.

MÖBLERINGEN (Furnishing)

VTF has secured a new local but faces an urgent problem: a lack of furniture. The association is appealing to members for donations of chairs or even a work desk.

INFORMATION OM A.F.U. (Information about AFU)

This section provides information about AFU (Arbetsgruppen för ufologi), a service center for UFO research offering access to a comprehensive library of books, journals, clippings, and more. AFU aims to be the most systematic UFO library in Sweden. To cover costs, AFU charges an annual fee of 20 SEK for its services. Interested individuals are directed to contact their local association or AFU directly at Box 5046, 151 05 Södertälje 5, with contact person Kjell Jonsson.

Contact Information for VTF Board Members

A list of VTF board members is provided with their names, addresses, phone numbers, and roles: Sirkka Kokko (Chairman), Lars-Åke Eriksson (Vice Chairman), Seija Ala-Rahnasto (Secretary), Tove Eriksen (Vice Secretary), and Karl-Erik Karlsson (Treasurer).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Vimana revolve around UFO phenomena, the scientific and parapsychological investigation of such phenomena, and related astronomical topics like comets. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging research and discussion while acknowledging the controversial nature of UFOs. The association, VTF, positions itself as a facilitator for this exploration, providing a platform for lectures, information sharing, and community engagement. There is a clear emphasis on disseminating information and fostering a deeper understanding of unexplained phenomena.