Stockholms UFO-Nytt - 1991 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: Stockholms UFO-Nytt
Issue: Number 4, 1991
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening
Type: Information bulletin on Unidentified Flying Objects for members.

Editorial Introduction

The editorial, likely written by Inga-Lill Wallin, reflects on the past year, noting both serious UFO discussions in media and the proliferation of nonsensical claims by individuals seeking to profit from public interest. An outdoor observation evening in Enköping had to be canceled due to bad weather but is planned for the spring. A lecture on 'Time Travel' by Jens Tellefsen is highlighted as a very interesting event that attendees missed. The editorial includes a payment card for 1991 memberships and wishes readers a Merry Christmas.

Contents Overview

• The issue features a detailed table of contents, listing articles on:
• A report on Jens Tellefsen's lecture
• Press clippings
• 'Alone in space?'
• Fantastic UFO news
• 'Psychomotor - what is it?'
• 'Fantasy or reality?'
• Incoming reports from the autumn
• People who believe in their own fantasy
• Thoughts from an observation evening
• Earth's mysterious paradise and utopias
• 'Hello, young people in Stockholms UFO-förening'
• Planetary positions for January-March
• Press clippings
• Planned meetings for Spring '92

Lecture on Time Machines - Journeys in Time

This section reports on a lecture given by Jens Tellefsen on November 21st, which focused on theories of time travel. Tellefsen presented various theories and calculations related to time displacement and black holes. The article notes that Tellefsen's interest in time travel is also covered on pages 18-22 of this issue.

Press Clipping: 'Everything Mysterious in the Sky is Not a Flying Saucer'

Authored by Andreas Ohlsson, this article criticizes the sensationalist approach to UFOology, attributing a 'non-serious' stigma to the field due to the involvement of fantasists. Ohlsson specifically addresses Sune Hjort, who has appeared in media claiming proof of extraterrestrial existence and government cover-ups. Ohlsson, a member of UFO-Sverige, states that their organization scientifically investigates UFO reports, finding natural explanations for about 95% of cases. He contrasts UFO-Sverige's methodology with Hjort's tendency to immediately label anything mysterious as an extraterrestrial spacecraft, citing an example where Hjort identified a meteor as a UFO. Ohlsson emphasizes the need for serious research to counter misinformation.

'Alone in Space?'

This article reviews a book by astronomers Kjell Johansson, Lars-Olof Lodén, and Lars Lundin from Uppsala Observatory, which scientifically discusses the possibility of life in space. The book explores statistical estimations of life in the universe and the chances of encountering intelligent life. It introduces a formula (N = R*f*n*f_i*f_g*L) to calculate the number of advanced technological civilizations capable of interstellar communication. The article touches upon the definition of 'life' and the concept of 'living stars,' suggesting that for a being to be classified as living, it must have the ability to reproduce. The book also discusses theories of life's origin on Earth and the possibility of extraterrestrial seeding.

The author of this review, Mikael Sjöberg, also discusses the book's perspective on whether humanity is unique in the universe, noting that the authors, unlike many skeptics, believe in the possibility of advanced extraterrestrial cultures. Sjöberg agrees with the authors' suggestion that human nature, with its destructive tendencies, might be a reason for the denial of extraterrestrial life. He also mentions the book's exploration of the idea of implanted life and whether UFOs are observational probes. The book is described as an interesting read for both skeptics and believers, though it is out of print. Information is provided on how to obtain a copy or inquire about a related university course.

Fantastic UFO News - For Those Who Want to Believe

• This article by Elsie-Marianne Molin recounts a lecture by Sten Lindgren titled 'Meeting with Extraterrestrial Civilization.' Lindgren presented video films and discussed various UFO sightings and alleged encounters. These include:
• A large object seen in Sigtuna.
• Three objects sighted over Drottningholms slott in 1982.
• Reports of UFO landings in Estonia.
• A large greenish-yellow object seen in Vendelsö in 1957.
• An encounter with a craft with three spheres.
• An experience with a girl possessing laser beams from her eyes.
• A voice heard through an electronic beam, stating, 'Sten Lindgren, we will contact you later.'
• An incident of levitation followed by the sighting of a cigar-shaped craft over Stadshuset in 1966.

Lindgren claims to be in contact with an extraterrestrial group called CBH (Cosmic Brotherhood), which is described as being 800,000 to 900,000 years ahead of humanity in development. He also mentions a 30-year operational plan by extraterrestrials, expected to conclude in the mid-1990s. The article notes that Howard Menger was scheduled to visit Stockholm in January, having collaborated with the US government on a full-scale UFO model. Lindgren's stated intention is not to convert people but to reach individuals who are ready to accept this information.

The article concludes by acknowledging that some people may have difficulty believing Lindgren's accounts and that such experiences might stem from psychological phenomena. However, it praises Lindgren as a captivating speaker.

Psychomotor - What is it?

This article explores the concept of the 'psychomotor,' a device that spins without apparent physical cause. It traces the history of the psychomotor back to a 1923 article in 'Science and Invention' by Hugo Gernsback. A prize contest was held in 1924 to explain its functioning. The article describes a modern variant of the device, which involves a paper cylinder spun by hand warmth at a short distance. It mentions that the phenomenon has been discussed in parapsychology circles and was featured in a 1975 article in 'Scientific American' by Martin Gardner, which was revealed to be an April Fool's joke. The article provides instructions on how to construct and experiment with a psychomotor using simple materials like a plastic cup and a pin. It suggests that further experiments might be beneficial and that the cost is minimal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious, albeit open-minded, approach to UFO research, distinguishing itself from sensationalist claims. There is a clear emphasis on scientific investigation and the collection of credible reports. The publication also explores speculative topics like time travel and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, encouraging readers to consider these possibilities. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging continued membership and support for the UFO-Sverige organization, which is presented as a credible research body. The magazine also serves as a platform for sharing personal UFO experiences and news within the Swedish UFO community.

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt, dated January 1992, explores the complex relationship between fantasy and reality, particularly in the context of paranormal experiences and UFO phenomena. The cover boldly asks "Fantasi eller verklighet?" (Fantasy or reality?), setting the tone for the articles within.

Hallucinations and Perceptions

The issue begins by addressing the commonality of hallucinations, noting that they can affect all five senses and are not necessarily indicative of mental illness. Elinor Rohlin's book "En värld i världen" (A World within the World) is highlighted, detailing her numerous hallucinatory experiences, some of which appear to have a basis in reality, possibly through telepathic transfer. Examples include smelling pine needles simultaneously with a friend searching for them, and seeing her brother being bandaged by a nurse just before learning he had injured his arm.

Rohlin's religious background is noted, and her visions are linked to her interest in the Bible, such as seeing Moses parting the Red Sea. The article suggests that hallucinations are often fueled by what people think about, read, and are interested in.

American science-fiction author Whitley Strieber is also discussed. His books "Närkontakt" (Close Encounters) and "Genombrott" (Breakthrough) describe terrifying figures appearing through walls. However, Strieber himself has stated that "abduction stories" are not true but rather products of hypnosis and cultural conditioning. He posits that these experiences stem from an internal deviation in perception, something inherent to humans.

UFO Reports and Investigations

The magazine then shifts to UFO reports. Håkan Blomqvist writes about Sten Lindgren, who became interested in UFOs after observing a spherical flying object in 1957. Lindgren joined the Ifologiska sällskapet (Ufological Society) and co-founded the Intergalaktiska Federationen (IGF) in 1965, drawing inspiration from American contactees like George Adamski, Howard Menger, and George Hunt Williamson. Lindgren reportedly interpreted every small event as a sign from extraterrestrials, even mistaking a person's glance or blink for an alien encounter. His tendency to see signs from "spacemen" is highlighted, with the article noting his claim to have seen over 200 UFOs, which is considered a high number.

Lindgren's experiences are contrasted with the more grounded approach of serious UFO research, which tends to focus on credible witnesses rather than those prone to hallucinations. However, the article acknowledges the value of studying reports from people who seem reliable.

Several specific UFO sightings are detailed:

• September 4: Two spheres were observed over Stockholm moving in a circular path.
• September 23: A similar event occurred, described as "white clouds," later identified as light from ground-based spotlights near Kaknästornet.
• September 13: In Södertälje, a large, bright sphere, about a quarter the size of the moon, was seen hovering and emitting multi-colored sparks.
• September 12: In Nacka, an object was observed moving erratically near the Nacka masts, estimated to be twice the diameter of the largest basket on the mast.
• October 4: Two people reported seeing a strong blue/white light near Väddö.

The 'Fantasy-Prone Personality' Hypothesis

An article by Elsie-Marianne Molin discusses the concept of "fantasy-prone personalities," drawing on the work of American professor Jule Eisenbud. Eisenbud studied Wolf Messing, a Russian with alleged psychic abilities, who could reportedly influence bank tellers to dispense large sums of money based on blank paper. Messing also claimed to have met Freud, Einstein, Gandhi, and Stalin.

Eisenbud hypothesizes that about 4% of the population are "fantasy-prone," experiencing their fantasies as real and having difficulty distinguishing them from reality. These individuals, unlike those with severe mental illness, appear healthy and lack paranoia. Their false memories or delusions are described as isolated "islands of untruth" within an otherwise normal life experience.

Examples are given of Eisenbud's patients: one with a Harvard education who believed he was being pursued by a prominent Denver family for their daughter's hand, and another, a gifted writer, who believed a romance with a famous film star was real. The article notes that these individuals often question the reality of their experiences.

Eisenbud also suggests that some people who have out-of-body experiences and certain "unbelievable" UFO cases might fall into this category. He notes that he was unable to shake the convictions of these individuals.

Sten Lindgren is suggested as potentially belonging to this category. Sune Hjorth is presented as another type of "fantasy person" who reads UFO literature with great enthusiasm but lacks critical thinking, even suggesting that humans might live on the moon despite the lack of atmosphere.

The article concludes that while UFO phenomena continue to fascinate, not everyone who sees something unusual in the sky is necessarily "fantasy-prone," and UFO reports remain worthy of study.

Time Travel Theories

Another section, "Tidsresor – dröm eller möjlighet?" (Time Travel – Dream or Possibility?), by Jens Tellefsen, explores the scientific and theoretical aspects of time travel. Tellefsen, a university lecturer specializing in laser physics and optronics, has researched the topic due to its fascination for many people. He notes that the concept of time travel is an old dream.

Citing H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine," Tellefsen discusses the subjective experience of time, contrasting it with objective clock time. He believes that traveling back in time is theoretically possible, with future civilizations potentially developing the technology. However, current theories primarily focus on one-way trips, meaning a time traveler would be stuck in the past.

The article raises the paradoxes associated with altering history, such as the grandfather paradox (if one travels back and prevents their own birth). Einstein's theories are mentioned, noting that clocks run at different rates depending on speed and gravitational fields. Space travel has provided evidence of these effects, with astronauts aging less than those on Earth during long journeys.

Specific phenomena related to time travel theories are mentioned: tachyons (particles faster than light), antimatter, rotating universes, parallel universes, time travel through black holes and wormholes, and around rapidly rotating pulsars or artificial cylinders.

Kurt Gödel's 1949 model of a rotating universe is presented, where the density of matter determines the rotation speed. This model suggests that the curvature of a galaxy's path is influenced by gravity, and that celestial bodies' gravity affects the passage of time, potentially allowing for backward time travel.

Mysterious Places and Utopias

The issue also features an article titled "Jordens gåtfulla paradis och utopier" (Earth's Enigmatic Paradises and Utopias) by Mikael Sjöberg. It discusses various legendary and hidden locations believed to be paradises, drawing from occult and theosophical traditions.

• Atlantis: Mentioned as a lost continent described by Plato, which was destroyed by a flood after its inhabitants became greedy. Modern searches for Atlantis have pointed to locations in the USA, Brazil, India, Greenland, and even Sweden.
• Seven Paradises: Theosophists and occultists propose seven such places on Earth.
• Venezuela: A hidden city in the mountains, surrounded by deep ravines, whose inhabitants are aware of technological developments despite isolation.
• Africa: A city located at 4300 meters above sea level, discovered in 1869, inhabited by happy people who live over 200 years and possess advanced science.
• Tibet: Associated with Shambhala, a legendary hidden city mentioned by Helena Blavatsky and explored by Nicholas Roerich. Reaching it requires spiritual readiness.
• Spain: A valley near Esterri, inhabited by over 1000 people who work with "other mystery groups on Earth."
• Guatemala: A place near Peten Itza, existing for 4000 years, inhabited by people living by a small lake.
• Caucasus: Known as the Valley of the Silver Cross, inhabited by fair-skinned people with platinum hair, surrounded by glaciers and snow.
• Eastern Andes: A hidden place with an "invitation system" and no landing facilities for aircraft. Its inhabitants live peacefully and aim to awaken people to a new consciousness.

The article notes that these schools of thought have branches in Western Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Canada, Spain, France, Egypt, and India, possessing knowledge of psychic defense and telepathy.

Astronomy Section

The issue includes astronomical information for January, February, and March 1992, detailing the positions of planets and moon phases. For January, it lists Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune, along with star charts for January 1st. February's section covers the same planets and provides a star chart for February 1st. March's section details planetary positions and includes a star chart for March 1st.

Youth Section Announcement

A notice announces the intention of Andreas Ohlsson (17) and Mikael Sjöberg (21) to start a youth section within UFO-Sverige, aiming to gather the perspectives of young people on UFO issues. They invite interested individuals to contact them.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature of perception, the potential for misinterpretation of experiences (hallucinations vs. reality), and the ongoing fascination with unexplained phenomena like UFOs. The magazine presents a balanced approach, acknowledging both the psychological explanations for certain experiences and the continued investigation into genuine UFO reports. It also touches upon speculative scientific topics like time travel and explores esoteric beliefs about hidden paradises. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to consider various explanations while maintaining an interest in the UFO phenomenon itself.

This issue of Pressklipp, dated October 14, 1991, features a collection of articles related to UFO phenomena, theoretical physics, and ufology, with a focus on Swedish perspectives and events. The cover highlights a meeting of 'SVENSKA UFO-VÄNNER' (Swedish UFO Friends) in Enköping.

Theoretical Physics and Time Travel

One article explores the theoretical possibility of creating a closed loop in spacetime, allowing for time travel. Professor Bertel Laurent from Stockholm University is mentioned as leading research in this area. The concept of a 'time machine' constructed as a rapidly rotating cylinder is discussed, requiring immense size, speed, and density comparable to a neutron star. The article notes the recent discovery of millisecond pulsars, which possess these characteristics, suggesting they could be related to such theoretical constructs.

Interview with Jens Tellefsen

The issue features an interview with Jens Tellefsen, a university lecturer in physics at KTH. Tellefsen, who has a Norwegian background, expresses a nuanced view on UFOs, acknowledging the vast number of observations worldwide that make the phenomenon interesting. He clarifies that his UFO interest is secondary to his work on environmental issues and his role as an educator. Tellefsen describes his teaching philosophy at KTH, which includes study visits and innovative assessment methods like 'open book' exams requiring detailed reports. His research group investigates ultrasensitive optronic phenomena for new measurement instruments. Tellefsen's early interest in electronics, stemming from his childhood in Oslo and his father's engineering connections, is also detailed, including a self-built advanced telephone network in the 1950s. He later pursued an engineering education, including time in the USA, and obtained a doctorate specializing in optics and laser technology. He also shares his interest in ancient myths and legends with his partner, exploring the relationship between humans and nature.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Jens Tellefsen recounts an experience in Hessdalen, Norway, a known UFO hotspot in the 1980s. During a field trip, he witnessed a bright flash of light on a dark mountain that quickly vanished. Despite a thorough investigation the following morning, no natural explanation was found, and several other witnesses corroborated the sighting. Tellefsen notes that most UFO reports come from rural areas, especially during winter.

Crop Circles

The article also touches upon the phenomenon of 'Corn Circles' (crop circles) in Southern England, which have gained significant media attention. Tellefsen and his partner visited a recently formed crop circle and were struck by the precision and complexity of the patterns, comparing them to laser modes. He highlights the intricate designs, including formations of linked circles and symbolic elements, and expresses curiosity about their origin, noting that unlike some UFO traces, crop circles leave persistent physical evidence that can be studied.

Opinions on UFOs

A section titled 'Osqledaren frågar teknologen: Tror du på UFO'n?' (The Editor asks the Technologist: Do you believe in UFOs?) presents brief opinions from students. Matthias Lundin and Magnus Sundqvist suggest that unidentified flying objects likely exist, but dismiss the idea of 'little green men' as statistically improbable. Pia Westford believes that people who claim to have seen UFOs have indeed had experiences, but doubts they involve extraterrestrial beings. Fredrik Sundberg expresses a belief in extraterrestrial life, questioning why humans would be alone in the universe, and notes his childhood interest in the subject.

Swedish UFO-Friends Meeting in Enköping

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 'SVENSKA UFO-VÄNNER TRÄFFADES I ENKÖPING' (Swedish UFO Friends Met in Enköping) event. This two-day intensive course, attended by about 30 members of UFO-Sverige, focused on teaching participants how to investigate UFO cases. Håkan Ekstrand, vice chairman of UFO-Sverige, explains that a large part of the course involved identifying natural phenomena that can be mistaken for UFOs, such as Russian rocket launches, fireballs, and bright aircraft. The course also addressed the challenges of using hypnosis in UFO investigations, with Håkan Blomqvist discussing issues related to cases involving alleged contact with extraterrestrial beings. Jörgen Granlie demonstrated methods for estimating distances in nature without measuring tapes and determining cardinal directions without a compass.

Planned Events for Spring 1992

The final page outlines planned events for the spring of 1992, including an annual meeting in late February, a lecture on astrology by Lars Karlsson, an observation night in Enköping, and a visit to the KTH Institute for Optical Research.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of scientific inquiry (particularly physics) with unexplained phenomena like UFOs and crop circles. There is a clear interest in theoretical possibilities, such as time travel, and a desire to approach these subjects with a degree of scientific rigor, even when discussing controversial topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging the study of evidence and the identification of natural explanations while not entirely dismissing the possibility of the unknown. The emphasis on UFO-Sverige's educational efforts suggests a commitment to training observers in proper investigative techniques.