Rymdljus - 1997 2

Magazine Overview

RYMDLJUS - Issue 2, Volume 2, 1997

This issue of RYMDLJUS, a Swedish magazine focused on UFO phenomena and the unexplained, presents a diverse range of articles, from philosophical discussions on extraterrestrial life to practical advice on creating fake UFO photographs and a sensationalized insurance claim related to a UFO encounter.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The magazine is published by SUFOK (Sveriges UFO-Klubb) and edited by Joel Nylander. It is the official organ of SVERIGES UFO-KLUBB, and subscribers automatically become members. The magazine is published four times a year. Subscription details and contact information for the club are provided, including a postgiro number for payments and a postal address in Bor, Sweden. The editorial emphasizes the importance of members updating their address to ensure they receive the magazine.

Lead Article: "Why Should We Be Alone?"

This article, written by Joel Nylander and illustrated by Rune Fogelquist, explores the immense scale of the universe and the statistical probability of extraterrestrial life. It highlights that our solar system is just one among billions in our galaxy, the Milky Way, which itself is one of countless galaxies in the universe. The author uses analogies to illustrate the vastness, comparing Earth to a pea in a teacup relative to the Milky Way, and the Milky Way to a grain of sand in the Sahara Desert relative to the universe. The article questions the anthropocentric view that Earth is unique in harboring intelligent life, suggesting it's more likely that intelligent civilizations are abundant throughout the cosmos. It also touches upon the rapid growth of Earth's population, presenting statistics and projections.

Article: "How I Made My Fake UFO Photographs!"

Roland Molin details how he created four fake UFO photographs using simple materials and a basic camera. He explains how he used a fishing rod and nylon line to suspend a 'separator ball' (a part of a milk separator machine) and a 'dome-shaped' structure to create the UFO models for the first two photos. For the subsequent photos, he utilized dense forestation to camouflage the nylon line. Molin's intention was to demonstrate how easily convincing UFO images can be fabricated, warning that such hoaxes can damage the credibility of genuine UFO research.

Article: "The 23-Year-Old's Close Encounter with a UFO Made Him a Millionaire!"

This sensational article by Joel Nylander recounts the story of Joseph Carpenter, a 23-year-old electrician from Enfield, England. In August 1996, Carpenter claimed to have had a close encounter with a UFO in Wiltshire. The insurance company GRIP, which offered policies against 'UFO abductions,' paid Carpenter one million pounds based on his alleged evidence, including video recordings and a 'torn claw' from an alien. The article questions the legitimacy of the claim and the insurance company's motives, suggesting it might be a publicity stunt or a way to mislead the public.

Book and Film Reviews

"The Hidden Truth About UFOs" by Sune Hjort

This review by Joel Nylander is critical of Sune Hjort's book, stating that it fails to advance understanding of the UFO phenomenon. While acknowledging some potentially valid hypotheses, the reviewer dismisses others as nonsensical, citing examples like statements from Ante Jonsson and George Adamski. The book's assertion that intelligent life exists on the Moon and Mars, and that scientists are deliberately lying about it, is also criticized. The reviewer gives the book a low rating.

"Message in the Fields" by Bob Lind

This review, also by Joel Nylander, describes Bob Lind's book as one of the worst and most superficial UFO books ever. The reviewer claims the book is a rambling, nonsensical work written by someone in need of urgent psychological help, and that its marketing claims about revealing the secrets of crop circles are false. It receives a very low rating.

"Top Secret" by Whitley Strieber

Whitley Strieber's book is described as a blend of science fiction and UFO facts, focusing on a scenario inspired by the Roswell incident. While not advancing UFO research, the reviewer finds the book skillfully written and entertaining, praising Strieber's ability to mix fiction and reality convincingly. It receives a positive rating.

Collaboration Between UFO Organizations

This section announces a significant development: a potential collaboration between SUFOK and UFO-Sverige. After a period of 'conflict' and exchange of letters between the leaders of both organizations, Clas Svahn (UFO-Sverige) and Joel Nylander (SUFOK), they have decided to 'bury the hatchet' and work together. The primary goal is to establish a unified UFO reporting system using standardized forms developed by AFU (Arkivet för UFO-forskning). This aims to improve the efficiency and accuracy of UFO research in Sweden. The article expresses hope that other organizations like UFO-Luftrumsbevakning and UFO-Information will also join this initiative.

UFOs - A Modern Folk Myth?

Joel Nylander explores the theory that modern UFO sightings and descriptions of 'Ufonauts' are essentially new manifestations of ancient folklore. He suggests that creatures like gnomes, trolls, and elves from old myths share striking similarities with descriptions of aliens, including their short stature and human-like appearance. The article posits that UFO encounters, abductions, and crop circles could be modern interpretations of ancient beliefs, or conversely, that UFOs themselves may have inspired these old myths. The author leans towards the latter, suggesting that UFOs have visited Earth throughout history, and it is only in modern times with advanced technology that people can interpret these phenomena as 'flying machines' rather than supernatural beings.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes a crossword puzzle ('Rymdkrysset') with a prize for the correct solution, a humorous section ('Rymd-Humor') with jokes and cartoons related to UFOs and space, and a section for classified ads ('Rymdtorget') for SUFOK members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of RYMDLJUS are the vastness of the universe and the high probability of extraterrestrial life, the ease with which UFO hoaxes can be created and their impact on genuine research, and the potential for collaboration among UFO organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging both genuine phenomena and deliberate deception, while also advocating for organized research and inter-organizational cooperation. There is a clear skepticism towards sensationalized claims, as seen in the review of the Joseph Carpenter case and the book reviews, yet an underlying belief in the possibility of UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence persists.

This issue of Rymdkrysset, published by Sveriges UFO-klubb in 1997, is primarily focused on reader engagement and organizational updates within the Swedish ufology community. The cover prominently features the "INSÄNDARE & DEBATT" (Letters & Debate) section, alongside a UFO-themed crossword puzzle, indicating a strong emphasis on community interaction and discussion.

Letters and Debate

The "INSÄNDARE & DEBATT" section showcases several letters from readers and responses from the editorial team. A reader, signing as "Seriöst intresserad" (Seriously Interested), expresses enjoyment of the magazine but wishes for more content on Swedish ufology and for the magazine to be available in regular kiosks rather than requiring a subscription. The editorial response explains that wider distribution is currently economically unfeasible due to the required print run and potential need for a color cover. They also acknowledge the reader's desire for more Swedish ufology content and promise to improve in that area.

Another reader, "Nybörjar-Ufologen" (Beginner Ufologist), praises Rymdljus for being well-suited for newcomers and for its informative reports, particularly on the nature of UFOs. Their only suggestion is to number the pages for easier navigation. The editors confirm that page numbering has been implemented in this issue, along with a table of contents, and welcome further suggestions.

A letter from "Undrande tefatsvän" (Wondering Saucer-Friend) questions why Sune Hjort and his organization, Sveriges UFO-förbund and its publication UFO-Kontakt, were not mentioned. The editorial response details a past interaction with Hjort, stating he claimed to have solved the UFO mystery and was unwilling to collaborate, viewing his organization as the only one necessary in Sweden. The editors express their disregard for Hjort's self-importance and assert that Swedish ufology can thrive without his cooperation.

The "INSÄNDARE & DEBATT" section concludes with an open invitation for readers to submit their opinions, emphasizing that all viewpoints are welcome, though they humorously prefer positive ones.

Anslagstavlan (Notice Board)

The "Anslagstavlan" section provides updates on various Swedish UFO organizations. It begins with a call for tips on planned UFO engagements.

UFO-Information's chairman, Kjell Thörnlund, reports no planned activities for his organization, though their magazine publication continues.

Christer Lindström, chairman of UFO-Luftrumsbevakning, shares that the organization is facing significant challenges. Due to board members living far apart, they struggle to meet and organize activities. The publication of their member magazine, UFO-Magasinet, has also been difficult. The organization is currently considered "dormant" or possibly defunct, with a slim chance of re-emerging in some form.

Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sverige, outlines upcoming events. A board meeting is scheduled for December 6, 1997, in Enköping, likely to discuss potential collaboration with SUFOK on a joint UFO sighting reporting form. A planning conference is set for March 14, 1998, in Småland, possibly in Vetlanda. Svahn also mentions numerous planned activities by UFO-Sverige's local groups, which are not centrally tracked but are expected to be published online soon. Their next magazine, UFO-aktuellt, is due in early December 1997. AFU's publication, Rapportnytt, will also be a double issue around the same time.

The section ends with a note about the next issue of Rymdljus being expected in March 1998 and a New Year's greeting to the readers.

Call for Contributions and Engagement

Two sections encourage reader participation. "HAR DU SETT UFO?" (HAVE YOU SEEN A UFO?) invites readers to write to Sveriges UFO-klubb for a reporting form, assuring anonymity and that reports will be used for research purposes.

"Hör av dig till oss angående vår verksamhet!" (Get in touch with us regarding our activities!) asks readers to share their thoughts on Rymdljus and Sveriges UFO-klubb, seeking ideas for improvement. They welcome both positive and negative feedback.

"VILL DU BLI EN AV TIDSKRIFTENS MEDARBETARE?" (DO YOU WANT TO BECOME ONE OF THE MAGAZINE'S CONTRIBUTORS?) solicits articles, reports, and letters from readers. Contributors are asked to write clearly, and for hand-written submissions, to use block letters. They must also sign a statement confirming they grant Sveriges UFO-klubb rights to use their material. The section also requests tips on UFO events, contact information for observers, and welcomes illustrations and photographs related to UFOs. They are also seeking individuals proficient in foreign languages for potential translation work.

VÄRVARPREMIE !!! (Recruitment Bonus !!!)

This section details a recruitment incentive program. Members who recruit new subscribers to Sveriges UFO-klubb / Rymdljus receive 250 "poäng" (points) per new member. These points can be redeemed for products advertised in the magazine, with a full year's subscription costing 1,000 points. Recruiting four new members can lead to a "free membership." Points are awarded immediately after the new member pays their fee. The system allows for earning up to 750 points from a single member if they sign up for a three-year period. Instructions are provided on how to issue payment cards with the recruiter's name and membership number.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong commitment to community building within Swedish ufology. The editorial stance is one of open dialogue, encouraging reader participation through letters and contributions. They aim to provide informative content for both newcomers and experienced ufologists. While acknowledging the economic realities of publishing, they strive to improve the magazine's accessibility and content. The magazine also serves as a platform for organizational news and updates, highlighting the activities and challenges faced by different UFO groups in Sweden. There is a clear, albeit sometimes confrontational, stance against individuals perceived as self-important or uncooperative within the ufology community, as exemplified by the response regarding Sune Hjort.