Nsrkontakt - 1993 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: NÄR KONTAKT

Issue: Number 2, Volume 4

Date: August 21, 1993

Publisher: Västra Sveriges UFO-Förening

Country of Publication: Sweden

Original Language: Swedish

Document Type: Magazine Issue

Cover Description:

The cover features the magazine title 'NÄR KONTAKT' in large pink letters, with a stylized drawing of a castle and a UFO above it. A photograph of a crop circle in a field is prominently displayed, with the headline 'Sädes-cirkel i Säve!' and text '6 spännande rapporter och intervjuer från västa Sverige'.

Key Articles and Content:

"Redaktörerna har ordet" (The Editors Have the Floor)

This section, written by Daniel and Peter, reflects on the summer and the efforts to produce the magazine. They mention receiving only a few reports during the summer but have managed to compile a good issue with reports and interviews, largely featuring cases from Lödöse and its surroundings, including a crop circle discovered in Hisingen, Gothenburg. They announce that from 1994, all members will receive a new membership card and urge members to pay their 1994 fees early. They also mention efforts to find better meeting locations, as the current one is difficult to find. They invite interested members to join UFO-spans (sightings/investigations) in Lödöse.

"Vid tangentbordet: Anders Persson" (At the Keyboard: Anders Persson)

Anders Persson, the chairman, writes about the transition from summer to autumn and the progress made by the new board in documenting UFO phenomena. He notes that while many people are interested in UFOs, taking on a board position requires more effort. He details fieldwork conducted in the Lödöse area, involving approximately 30-40 nights spent interviewing 40-50 firsthand witnesses. They have studied various materials and attended meetings. Persson mentions their appearance on TV-fyrstad to comment on the Lilla Edet events. The magazine's content is primarily based on their own material, with some exceptions. Persson discusses the difficulty of definitively explaining UFO observations, acknowledging that most can be attributed to known phenomena like aircraft, meteors, planets, ball lightning, or hoaxes. However, he highlights the core question of whether some observations point to visitors from elsewhere. He recounts their fieldwork, which involved talking to people who saw 'light balls' moving in various patterns, objects interpreted as physical craft, and even individuals inside these craft. Persson emphasizes that it is nearly impossible to definitively explain what a person has seen, especially with detailed observations and multiple witnesses. He concludes that in their documented cases, only two explanations remain: lies or unknown technology. He states that during their fieldwork, they personally observed only ordinary aircraft, satellites, shooting stars, and light phenomena against clouds. He encourages readers to draw their own conclusions.

"Backamofallet" (The Backamo Case)

This article details an incident from early spring where the authors were discussing UFO observations with Inge Falk when they received a call about a mysterious light spot near Backamo. Upon investigation, they initially thought it was a planet but became uncertain when it appeared to consist of three points. After adjusting their binoculars, they confirmed it was a planet. However, the couple who called them shared a story from March 10, 1993, around 7:10 PM. The woman was driving home when she saw a bright, white spotlight-like light to her left. The object moved with her car, sometimes ahead, sometimes to the side. It appeared to be at a lower altitude than the stars and seemed to follow her all the way home. At home, the object hovered low behind the house, appearing round, drop-shaped, or oval, and moving in a 'rocking' manner. She attempted to photograph and film the object, but her camera batteries died quickly, and the film negatives were blank. The object reportedly moved behind trees and reappeared. Her husband also witnessed the event and saw two red blinking objects moving in the same direction as the woman's car. The white light disappeared around 9:00 PM towards Stenungsund. The object was completely silent. The authors viewed the video footage, which showed a faint light spot that moved instantaneously twice, accompanied by a 'bupp' sound. They compare this to a video by Inge Falk, which also had a 'bupp' sound and showed similar movements, suggesting that it might involve multiple objects blinking on and off synchronously. While the object's movement could be explained by the road's curves, the light illuminating the yard and the consistency with Falk's video remain unexplained.

"Lilla Edet-fallen" (The Lilla Edet Cases)

This section discusses a series of cases in the Lilla Edet area, largely connected to one person, Inge Falk, who has dedicated significant time to documenting aerial phenomena. Falk, a former aircraft mechanic, has a background that makes him particularly interested in such matters. His interest in UFOs began in 1988 when he and his partner saw a large, cigar-shaped object with flames. He later saw two triangular luminous objects. His interest intensified in 1992 when he observed objects he considered 'solid,' such as a hovering object about 5-10 meters in size, and later a triangular object with lights. Falk has documented his observations extensively and has been featured in media. He has met various personalities in the UFO community. His observations are categorized into two types: luminous points of varying size and color, and close-range observations of 'solid' objects. The article focuses on the latter. It recounts several specific sightings by Falk, including a 'rhombus' shaped object with blinking lights, a triangular object with 'V'-shaped lights, and a grey, cigar-shaped object. Falk has also made daytime observations of triangular objects. The article notes that while many of Falk's observations can be explained by conventional means, some remain anomalous. The authors have attempted to verify some of these accounts by interviewing neighbors, with limited success. They also discuss Falk's photographic and video material, noting that while the images show unusual light objects, the enlargement process makes definitive analysis difficult. They mention an un-developed 16mm film that they have yet to review. The section concludes by stating that they have not found explanations for the anomalies in the still images or video material and hope to provide further information in a future issue.

"Observation över Skepplanda hösten -92" (Observation over Skepplanda Autumn -92)

This is a firsthand account from a woman living near Skepplanda. On a weekday evening in early autumn 1992, around 10 PM, while driving, she noticed a very large 'star' to her left, about 3-400 meters away. The object seemed to be moving with her, and she stopped to observe it more closely. She saw it moving slowly forward, bobbing slightly as if following the contours of the forest. As she continued driving towards Skepplanda and then west towards highway 45, the object kept pace. She stopped several times to watch it. The object would disappear behind the forest and reappear, moving left, then right, then behind the forest again. When she reached highway 45, the object moved to the right side of the road and continued to follow. She turned back towards Alvhem, and the object followed. While in Alvhem, she stopped to refuel, and the object remained visible over the forest ridge. She describes it as appearing and disappearing many times. After refueling, she drove south and stopped again. The object then appeared behind the trees, moving slowly forward, and suddenly became a white streak moving from left to right at incredible speed. It then stopped over the western forest ridge and continued its journey south, moving slowly and somewhat erratically. She stood by the road, astonished by the speed. As she drove towards Skepplanda, she saw the object again, now over Älvängen, and it appeared to grow larger, becoming like a bright yellow sun, ten times larger than the brightest star. She drove home to get her video camera but the object was gone upon her return. She notes that the object looked like a star but was much larger, and stars do not follow people. The author of this section, Claes Axstål, notes that the object's movement was so fast that it was described as a white streak, and the subsequent stop and apparent growth in size were remarkable.

"Sädescirkel i Säve" (Crop Circle in Säve)

This article describes the observation of a crop circle near Säve Depå on August 21, 1993, by passing motorists. The authors visited the site the next day and found the circle on a slightly sloping field, approximately 10 meters in diameter with an 'out-flap'. The stalks were laid flat in a counter-clockwise direction, with some standing upright. They investigated the center for a 'center hole' but found only disturbed earth. They hypothesized that a board-like object of a certain width was used to flatten the stalks, which would leave 'seasonal rings'. They confirmed the presence of such structures within the circle, with a spacing of approximately 1 meter. The 'out-flap' was about 4 meters deep. The authors concluded that the circle was likely man-made and could be created in less than 15 minutes by one or two people. They did not conduct further analysis such as using dowsing rods, radiation meters, or checking for geometric precision, chemical changes, or the presence of ancient monuments.

"Observationer" (Observations)

This section presents a collection of UFO sighting reports received by the organization:

• October-November 1991, Stenungsund: A woman saw three triangular luminous points moving from east to west, stopping, changing direction, and disappearing to the southeast. The points seemed to originate from a single object, and no sound was heard. A newspaper notice about a similar sighting over Trollhättan was mentioned.
• Late 1970s, Uddevalla: A man saw two red light balls, slightly smaller than a full moon, moving northwards, each followed by a dark streak.
• 1985, Ljungkile: A man saw a long, grey, cigar-shaped object moving from south to north, estimated to be about 100 meters long, with a scraping sound.
• August-September 1992, Västra Frölunda (Gothenburg): A witness saw a disk-shaped object moving from west to east over the river mouth. The distance was estimated at 3-5 km. The object had an aluminum-like surface and a luminous rim. It continued east over the Älvsborg Bridge and disappeared over the horizon. The witness contacted air traffic control and the airport, but received no explanation. A few days later, the same witness saw three luminous points in a triangular formation moving over Mölndal.
• September 1991, Hogstorp: A man reported seeing a luminous figure about 1.5 meters tall in his room. The figure was straight from 'shoulders' to the floor. It moved towards him, and when he turned on the bedside lamp, the figure dissolved from the top down. The man is convinced it was not a dream.

"Farkost över Västerlanda" (Craft over Västerlanda)

This article details an investigation into a UFO sighting reported by a woman and her children near Lilla Edet. The woman contacted Inge Falk, who had previously reported UFOs. She described an experience her children had had with a luminous object. The authors, Anders and Peter, visited the family and collected a report. The woman mentioned that she did not know Inge Falk but had heard of him through her daughter's school and a friend. She called him because she wanted to share what they had seen. The family described the object's flight path and drew pictures of it. The mother's drawing depicted a craft with various colored lights and a directional arrow, dated April 29, 1993. The daughter's drawing, also dated April 29, 1993, showed a different perspective of the object. The son's drawing, made later, showed yet another view. The authors had the family mark the locations and times of their sightings on a map. The mother maintained a consistent description of the object's appearance and flight path for nearly a year. She stated that her interest in UFOs for 20 years did not influence her perception of the event. She described a feeling of being watched. The sighting occurred in late October, around 9:40 PM, a few kilometers south of Lilla Edet. The mother and her children were driving home when they spotted a strong luminous object flying slowly at low altitude over a clear-cut area, estimated to be 1400 meters away. They stopped the car to observe it. The object stopped about 2 seconds later, approximately 400 meters away, and then changed course, descending towards them. The article includes a drawing by the mother and daughter, showing the object's shape and flight path.

"New Age FRONTLINE"

This is an advertisement for a school offering training in areas such as mediality, healing, tarot, personal power, and meditation. Contact numbers are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance:

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena and related topics within Sweden, particularly Western Sweden. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony, detailed case documentation, and investigation by the Västra Sveriges UFO-Förening. The editorial stance encourages member participation and the sharing of observations. While acknowledging that many sightings can be explained by conventional means, the magazine maintains an open mind towards the possibility of unknown phenomena and extraterrestrial visitation. The articles often highlight the challenges of verifying such accounts and the subjective nature of perception, while also presenting compelling cases that defy easy explanation. The publication aims to inform and engage its readership on the ongoing mystery of UFOs.

Title: UFO-Aktuellt
Issue: 2
Volume: 1993
Date: 1993
Publisher: Västra Sveriges UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: What happened in Lödöse on Monday, August 16?

Main Article: The Lödöse Sighting

The primary focus of this issue is a detailed account of a UFO sighting that occurred in Lödöse, Sweden, on the evening of Monday, August 16, 1993. The report, authored by Anders Persson and Claes Axstål of Västra Sveriges UFO-förening, details the observations of a family.

The Incident

At approximately 22:10 on August 16, Inge Falk received two calls from individuals reporting an unusual sight over the river near Lödöse. Persson and Axstål decided to investigate, arriving at the scene around 23:00. They met with one of the witnesses, a family of three, who were visibly shaken by their experience.

The family reported seeing a green light moving slowly up the river at an altitude of about 400 meters around 22:00. Initially mistaken for boat lanterns, the object's unusual behavior convinced the mother it was a free-floating object. She called the rest of the family and some neighbors, including Inge Falk, to witness it.

The observed object was described as luminous and moving at an estimated height of 15-20 meters above the river. While descriptions of its exact shape varied slightly, it was generally perceived as a round, shimmering sphere, likened to a faceted Christmas tree ornament, though one witness described it as triangular. A key characteristic was its ability to change color rapidly, with the change often starting from one edge.

The object's movement was slow and deliberate, with periods of hovering, followed by sudden stops and starts. The family noted that the object maintained the same side towards them throughout the observation, despite making course changes. The entire observation lasted approximately 5 minutes.

After moving a few hundred meters upriver, the object turned and descended, eventually disappearing behind a mountain. Other witnesses living further downriver confirmed seeing the object continue south until it vanished from sight.

Investigation and Analysis

Persson and Axstål conducted follow-up investigations, including canvassing the area and speaking with residents on the opposite side of the river. None of these individuals reported seeing anything unusual. They also checked boat traffic with the lock keepers at Lilla Edet, approximately 12 miles north, and found no record of any boat traffic during the relevant time frame.

The investigators considered possible explanations but found none that fully satisfied the witness accounts. They noted that neither the moon nor other planets were visible at the time. The possibility of a one-man airship was mentioned as a potential, albeit unlikely, explanation that the family did not consider.

The report concludes by stating that the investigation is ongoing and that they have not yet found any physical evidence. They are open to suggestions from readers regarding alternative explanations.

Supporting Information and Diagrams

Page 1 includes a diagram illustrating the observed flight path of the UFO, with points labeled A through 6, and corresponding distances and times provided in tables. Point A is the initial observation point, and the object moves towards B, then to various points (3, 4, 5, 6) before disappearing. The diagram also shows a house, a church, a road, and a wooded area.

Editorial Board and Contact Information

Page 4 provides a list of the board members of Västra Sveriges UFO-förening, including their names, roles, and contact information. Anders Persson is listed as the Chairman (Ordförande), Kerstin Carlsson as Vice Chairman (Vice ordförande), Anelie Johansson as Treasurer (Kassör), and Jan Olausson as Secretary (Sekreterare). Other members include Jessica Gustafsson (Suppleant), Claes Axstål (Suppleant and Photographer), Roald Lundgren (Revisor), Peter Larsson (Editor), and Daniel Olsson (Editor).

Advertising and Services

Pages 5 and 6 feature advertisements. Page 5 advertises printing and binding services from ReproTryck AB and Jan Olsson Reklam, Sätter & Trycker, highlighting their assistance to UFO-föreningen with layout, repro, and copying.

Page 6 advertises astronomical telescopes and space-themed posters from Astromedia AB. It details various Celestron telescope models (GP-C8, C60F, C4.5, C90) with specifications and prices. It also promotes "The Sky for Windows," a planetarium software program, available in different levels of detail. The page includes an order form for posters, telescopes, and the software.

Literature List

Page 3 contains an extensive "LITTERATURLISTA" (Literature List) featuring numerous books and publications related to UFOs, extraterrestrial life, and related phenomena. The list includes authors such as Damon Knight, Lawrence David Kusche, Donald H. Menzel, Jacques Vallée, and Carl Sagan, covering a wide range of topics from historical cases to scientific debates.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt demonstrates a commitment to documenting and investigating UFO sightings, particularly those occurring in Sweden. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting witness testimonies and investigative efforts without immediately jumping to conclusions. The inclusion of a detailed bibliography and advertisements for astronomical equipment suggests an aim to engage readers interested in astronomy and the broader UFO phenomenon. The magazine serves as a platform for sharing information, soliciting reader input, and promoting related resources and services within the UFO research community.