Rymdljus - 1996 1

Magazine Overview

Title: RYMDLJUS
Issue: Number 1, Volume 1
Date: 1996
Publisher: SUFOK (Sveriges UFO-klubb)
Language: Swedish

This is the premiere issue of RYMDLJUS, a Swedish magazine dedicated to exploring the unknown and unexplained aspects of our world, with a primary focus on UFO phenomena. The magazine positions itself as a platform for presentation, debate, study, speculation, and research.

Editorial and Introduction

The editorial, titled "LEDARE" (Leader), welcomes new members to SVERIGES UFO-KLUBB and introduces RYMDLJUS as their new debate forum. The magazine's unique approach is to be largely produced by its readers and members through submitted contributions like texts, images, reports, and articles. This is intended to create a varied content that reflects the current state of ufology in Sweden. The editorial emphasizes the need for a common meeting place for all UFO-interested individuals, regardless of their affiliation or stance (skeptics and 'saucer fanatics' alike). The goal is to allow everyone to share in the collective research, speculation, hypotheses, and conclusions of ufologists. The editors express a desire to eventually publish RYMDLJUS in color, but this requires significant financial growth, aiming for approximately 1,000 members.

Sveriges UFO-klubb (SUFOK) Presentation

SUFOK is presented as a relatively new UFO organization founded in February 1996. Its core philosophy is to complement, rather than compete with or criticize, other UFO organizations in Sweden. SUFOK believes there is room for all UFO clubs and enthusiasts and advocates for mutual support. They aim to foster collaboration among leading ufologists and interested individuals to advance UFO research. The organization emphasizes maintaining good contact with other UFO organizations, both Swedish and international, believing this will yield positive results for all involved and for ufology as a whole. They see cooperation as essential for making significant progress in solving the 'UFO riddle'. SUFOK investigates UFO phenomena seriously, without preconceived notions, but primarily focuses on the extraterrestrial hypothesis.

What is a UFO?

This section defines UFO as an abbreviation for 'Unidentified Flying Objects'. It notes that while 'OFF' might be a more accurate Swedish abbreviation, 'UFO' is commonly used. The term was coined in 1951 by Major Edward Ruppelt of the USAF. Over time, 'UFO' has become synonymous with 'flying saucer' in popular culture, often associated with 'little green men' and advanced spacecraft. The article acknowledges that this association is partly due to the media and even some authorities and ufologists using the terms interchangeably. The author admits to also using the term 'UFO' loosely. The section then delves into the origin of the 'flying saucer' term, tracing it back to businessman Kenneth Arnold's sighting in 1947 near Mount Rainer, Washington. Arnold described the objects' movement as similar to skipping stones on water, which journalists misinterpreted as a description of their shape, leading to the widespread adoption of the 'flying saucer' moniker. The article suggests that this misnomer has likely harmed serious ufology by making the subject sound ridiculous and fanciful.

UFO Phenomena Classification

A table categorizes UFO phenomena into 'Verkliga' (Real) and 'Inbillade' (Imaginary), and further into 'Kända fenomen' (Known phenomena) and 'Okända fenomen' (Unknown phenomena).

• Real Phenomena:
• Physical Nature: Mirages, optical illusions, wind effects, light reflections, etc.
• Sociological Nature: Mystification, deception, jokes, rumors.
• Psychopathological Nature: Hallucinations, hysteria.

• Unknown Phenomena:
• Natural: Ball lightning, Venus, Mars, optical or meteorological phenomena.
• Human Origin: Secret weapons, secret organizations, phenomena originating from the human mind.
• Natural (Unknown): Plasma formations, atmospheric phenomena, photographic phenomena.
• Non-Human Origin: Extraterrestrial beings, craft, parallel universes, time travel.

The article states that while all phenomena are worth investigating, SUFOK primarily focuses on unknown phenomena, particularly those potentially caused by unknown forces. The extraterrestrial hypothesis is considered the most significant, but other hypotheses are also considered. The article notes that only a small percentage of UFO reports remain unexplained after investigation, but this still amounts to thousands of cases requiring study. It criticizes government authorities for often remaining silent or releasing only previously explained cases (IFO's - Identified Flying Objects) when UFO discussions arise.

UFO Maneuvers and Formations

This section details the incredible and often inexplicable maneuvers performed by UFOs, citing numerous reports. These include:

1. Sharp 90-degree turns at high speed.
2. Vertical zig-zag movements.
3. Instantaneous 180-degree turns without speed change.
4. Vertical stair-step movements.
5. Spiral-like flight (downward or sideways).
6. 'Falling leaf' motion.
7. 180-degree turns via two right-angle maneuvers.
8. Ascending stair-step movements.
9. Hovering followed by sudden, rapid vertical, horizontal, upward, downward, or diagonal maneuvers.
10. Wavy flight patterns.
11. Vertical flight with angled turns at high speeds without speed change.
12. Sideways rocking movements.
13. Sudden, 'impossible' backward vertical maneuvers.
14. 360-degree turns with right-angle course changes.
15. Circular flight.

The article also discusses UFO formations, mentioning 'V-formations' and other variants. It lists common UFO exteriors: disc-shaped, hat-shaped with a dome ('bell-ship'), and round.

UFO 'Fever' in Sweden

This article discusses a perceived surge in public and media interest in UFOs in Sweden, referring to it as 'UFO-feber' (UFO fever). The authors express that this trend is positive for their organization, as it brings more attention to the UFO phenomenon. They hope this interest will be sustained and lead to more people engaging with UFO research and joining UFO clubs. The article cites examples of this 'fever', including the movie 'Independence Day', a 14-page feature on UFOs in Expressen newspaper, a UFO article in Aftonbladet, a TV program 'Tefat på hjärnan' (Saucers in the Brain) on SVT 2, and the TV series 'Arkiv-X'. The authors express hope that this 'fever' will continue.

RYMDTORGET (Marketplace)

This section is a classifieds section for members to buy, sell, or exchange UFO-related items, books, films, and magazines. A small fee of 20 SEK is charged per advertisement, which must be sent in with the coupon. The next issue will feature an advertisement from a member seeking specific issues of 'UFO-aktuellt' magazine.

Book and Film Reviews

• Mötet i gläntan (The Meeting in the Clearing) by Claes Svahn & Gösta Carisson: Reviewed positively as a well-written and detailed account of Gösta Carisson's alleged 1946 encounter. The reviewer, Joel Nylander, praises its critical approach and illustrations, giving it four stars.
• Fire in the Sky (Film): Based on the Travis Walton abduction case, this film is highly recommended for UFO enthusiasts. The reviewer notes its realistic portrayal and commercial success, awarding it four stars.
• Stenarnas Mystik (The Mystery of Stones) by Erich Von Däniken: This book is praised for its exploration of ancient stone structures and Von Däniken's alternative hypotheses. The reviewer finds it well-written, well-researched, and illustrated, giving it five stars.

Humor

This section features UFO-themed jokes and cartoons, including a dialogue between astronauts about the cost of their spacecraft parts and a joke about alien anatomy and dancing.

Warning!!!

A 'warning' is issued, seemingly directed at authorities, stating that as SUFOK grows in membership, no cover-ups or disinformation campaigns will escape their detection. They claim to observe constantly and promise to reveal the truth about the 'mysterious world'.

Announcement Board (Anslagstavlan)

This section provides information on upcoming UFO-related events and activities:

• UFO-Information: No immediate activities planned for autumn/winter; more information in the next issue.
• UFO-Luftrumsbevakning: Taking it easy in autumn/winter; more information in the next issue.
• UFO-Europa: More information on planned activities in the next issue.
• UFO-Sverige:
• SYDOST-TRÄFF on November 9, 1996, in Mösjöhult, featuring lectures, including one by Joel Nylander.
• Beginner's course for field investigators in Norrköping on February 22-23, 1997 (450 SEK, including course, food, and lodging).
• National meeting (Rikstämma) in Strängnäs on April 27-28, 1997.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the definition and classification of UFO phenomena, the history and popularization of UFO terminology, the characteristics and behaviors of reported UFOs, and the growing public interest in the subject in Sweden. The editorial stance, as represented by SUFOK and RYMDLJUS, is one of serious, open-minded investigation, collaboration among enthusiasts, and a commitment to uncovering and revealing the truth about UFOs, challenging official narratives and cover-ups. There is a strong emphasis on the extraterrestrial hypothesis while remaining open to other possibilities. The magazine aims to be a comprehensive and engaging resource for both new and experienced UFO researchers.

This document represents the first issue of RYMDLJUS, a magazine published by Sveriges UFO-klubb. The magazine's stated aim is to provide a platform for its members to share their thoughts and contributions on UFO phenomena without censorship or alteration, encouraging a free exchange of ideas. The editorial stance emphasizes a critical and serious approach to UFO research, with a primary focus on the extraterrestrial hypothesis, while acknowledging the possibility of multiple explanations for sightings.

Editorial Policy and Content

The editorial team explicitly states that unlike other UFO magazines, they will not censor or 'rework' submitted texts. Any modifications would only be due to space constraints and would not alter the original message or 'policy'. They welcome all opinions, whether from 'anti-UFO activists' or 'flying saucer fanatics'. The club's main objective is to find compelling evidence for intelligent extraterrestrial civilizations visiting Earth with advanced spacecraft, commonly referred to as UFOs.

However, the magazine acknowledges that many within the organization believe UFO phenomena may have multiple causes. These include unknown natural phenomena, secret terrestrial military craft, beings from parallel dimensions, modern folklore, time-traveling machines from the future, psychological trauma, hoaxes, or even inhabitants of a hollow Earth.

Readers are strongly encouraged to submit their material, including articles, reports, and other 'contributions', to become 'collaborators' for the magazine. The editors promise to publish material as received, without changes, unless space limitations necessitate minor edits that do not affect the core message.

Key Sections and Features

INSÄNDARE & DEBATT (Letters & Debate)

This section is highlighted as potentially one of the most popular, serving as a forum for members to express their views and engage in discussions. The editors commit to publishing submissions in the order they are received, without applying 'selection criteria'. They assert that all members have an equal right to express their opinions, and the editors reserve the right to respond to 'in-depth' submissions or direct attacks on the club's activities. Positive criticism is welcomed as a means for the organization to learn and improve.

Topics suitable for this section include alleged UFO crashes, the controversial 1996 TV program about an alien autopsy, crop circles (examining whether they are real or hoaxes), the 'Face on Mars', the origin of Earth's pyramids, animal mutilations, Stonehenge, 'flying saucer photographs', alleged experiences of 'contactees', the treatment of members by other UFO organizations, and the feasibility of interstellar travel.

HAR DU SETT UFO? (Have You Seen a UFO?)

This service allows individuals to report UFO sightings by calling or writing to Sveriges UFO-klubb. A reporting form will be sent to them, and their observation will be stored in the club's archive for research purposes. Anonymity is offered to the observer.

Hör av dig till oss angående vår verksamhet! (Contact Us Regarding Our Activities!)

This section invites readers to share their thoughts, feedback, and ideas about the magazine RYMDLJUS and Sveriges UFO-klubb. Suggestions for improving the club's activities or the magazine are welcomed, whether positive or negative.

VILL DU BLI EN AV TIDSKRIFTENS MEDARBETARE? (Do You Want to Become One of the Magazine's Contributors?)

This is a call for contributions from readers in the form of articles, reports, letters, and other texts that might interest other members. Contributors are asked to write clearly or use a standard PC format for digital submissions. To confirm permission for publication, contributors must sign a statement transferring all rights to their material to Sveriges UFO-klubb. The section also requests tips about UFO events, potential UFO activities (like courses or lectures), and illustrations or photographs related to the club's work. They also seek individuals proficient in foreign languages for potential translation work.

NÄRKONTAKT (Close Contact)

This section offers members of Sveriges UFO-klubb the opportunity to place free advertisements to find new friends, pen pals, or life partners who share an interest in UFO phenomena. Advertisers can use their real name or a pseudonym. The club will keep the advertiser's real address for one year to forward any responses. A black and white photo can be included. Responses are sent to the club's address, and they will forward them to the advertiser.

VÄRVARPREMIE !!! (Recruitment Bonus !!!)

This program incentivizes members to recruit new subscribers to Sveriges UFO-klubb / Rymdljus. For each new member recruited, the referrer receives 250 'points'. These points can be redeemed for products advertised in the magazine or used towards membership fees. For example, 1,000 points can cover a one-year subscription, and four new members can earn a 'gratismedlem' or VIP status. Points are awarded immediately after the new member pays their subscription fee. The magazine provides a method for members to inform potential recruits and issue them with payment forms, emphasizing the importance of including the referrer's name and membership number.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes revolve around UFO phenomena, the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, and the open discussion of various theories and evidence. The editorial stance is one of inclusivity, encouraging diverse viewpoints and active participation from its membership. There is a strong emphasis on critical yet open-minded research, with a commitment to publishing member contributions verbatim to foster a sense of community and shared inquiry within the Sveriges UFO-klubb. The magazine also promotes member engagement through personal connection opportunities ('NÄRKONTAKT') and a reward system for recruitment ('VÄRVARPREMIE').