Stockholms UFO-Nytt - 1995 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: 3/95
Date: 1995
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening, STUFO
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt, dated 3/95, serves as an information bulletin for members of the Stockholm UFO Association. The cover features a festive greeting for the New Year 1996 and an illustration of a Swedish 'tomten' (gnome).

Editorial: Gott Nytt UFO-år, alla medlemmar!

The editorial, written by Stefan Roslund, reflects on the past year and looks forward to the new one. In 1995, the major international topic was the 'autopsy film,' which the author finds little evidence to support as genuine. On a national level, the book 'Mötet i gläntan' by Clas Svahn and Gösta Carlsson is highlighted as a significant contribution to serious UFO research in Sweden. The editorial also mentions a successful mini-exhibition organized by the Stockholm UFO Association in October and notes that the issue includes a look back at the association's history, a continuation of Lars Amnestål's gymnasium thesis on UFOs, and an article about the Swedish 'tomten.'

Contents

• The table of contents lists the following articles:
• Den svenska tomten (The Swedish Tomten)
• Tillbakablick på gångna år (Looking Back at Past Years)
• Utställningen en succé (The Exhibition a Success)
• Den sjunkna kontinenten Mu (The Sunken Continent Mu)
• Inkomna rapporter juni-juli (Received Reports June-July)
• UFO-fenomenet ur gymnasistperspektiv (The UFO Phenomenon from a Gymnasium Student's Perspective)
• Pressklipp (Press Clippings)

Den svenska tomten (The Swedish Tomten)

This article, written by Mikael Sjöberg, delves into the folklore surrounding the Swedish 'tomten,' a household spirit. It describes the tomten as typically male, small, and dwarf-like, dressed in a red cap, grey coat, and knee-breeches. The article traces the history of tomten beliefs, noting their prominence among farmers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. It discusses the research into tomten beliefs by folklorists like Jan-Ojvind Swahn and Carl Wilhelm von Sydow, who offered rational explanations for sightings, attributing them to hallucinations or psychological factors. The article also touches upon the various forms and roles of tomtar, including house tomtar and farm tomtar, and how they were appeased with offerings. It mentions how the tradition evolved, with the 'tomten' eventually becoming the figure who distributes gifts on Christmas Eve, a role now increasingly dominated by the commercialized American Santa Claus.

Nedfallen ängel (Fallen Angel)

This section discusses interpretations of the tomten, with some believing it to be a fallen angel, a concept rooted in biblical passages. Others saw the tomten as an ancestral spirit watching over the farm. The article notes that satisfied tomtar would sometimes move with the family to a new farm, while unhappy ones might leave.

Bortglömd hustomte (Forgotten House Tomten)

This part of the article explains how the role of the tomten shifted towards gift-giving by the late 19th century. It highlights the influence of artist Jenny Nyström's illustrations in maintaining the traditional Swedish tomten's image, contrasting it with the more commercialized American Santa Claus that has become dominant.

Tillbakablick på gångna år (Looking Back at Past Years)

Written by Elsa-Marianne Molin, this article recounts the author's early experiences with the Stockholm UFO Association. She describes joining after seeing an announcement for a meeting and being impressed by the discussions on flying saucer propulsion methods. The association's focus has shifted over the years from a primary interest in flying saucers to exploring various explanations for UFO reports, including misinterpretations and psychological experiences. The article mentions past lectures and film screenings, including those on the Hessdalen lights and a visit to the Stockholm observatory. It also recounts a lecture by Professor Jens Tellefsen about laser light and an experience in the 'Laser Cave,' where illusions were demonstrated. The author also mentions a lecture on the Bermuda Triangle and UFO-Sverige's national meetings. The article concludes by noting that while some individuals claim to have seen alien craft, the author personally sees only airplanes and stars, finding the mystery of the unknown fascinating.

Strieber

This section discusses Whitley Strieber's books and his evolving views on his experiences with mysterious entities, initially perceived as real and later as originating from his own mind.

Fler tokstollar (More Eccentrics)

This part of the article briefly mentions other figures in the UFO field, such as Winfield Brownell from the USA, who claimed to have traveled on a spaceship to Venus, and Rauni-Leena Luukanen, who described a car lifting into the air. It also touches upon Sten Lindgren's experience of floating up at his workplace. The author emphasizes that the UFO Association remains grounded in reality.

Ryssland och Gotland

This section mentions lectures by Jens Tellefsen on Inca building techniques and UFO research in Russia, as well as the mysterious lights at Martebo on Gotland. The author reflects on the enduring fascination with the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging that while some individuals present compelling accounts of unidentified craft, she personally observes only conventional aircraft and celestial bodies.

Inför vårens aktiviteter (Looking Ahead to Spring Activities)

This section outlines the planned activities for Spring 1996 by the Stockholm UFO Association: a member meeting in February, a visit to the Laser Cave in March, a lecture in April, and a study visit to the AFU (Archives for UFO Research) in Norrköping in May. The final program with dates will be announced later.

Utställningen en succé (The Exhibition a Success)

This article reports on a successful UFO exhibition held by the Stockholm UFO Association on October 28th, which attracted about 50 visitors. The exhibition featured classic UFO cases like Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting and Thomas Mantell's 1948 accident, as well as more recent cases, and material related to the STUFO's local cases like the Martebo lights and the Sorunda incident. A slide show with commentaries by Clas Svahn and Conny Ljung was presented. A lottery was held, with the main prize, a lamp, being donated to the AFU in Norrköping. The exhibition was considered a success, raising interest in the phenomenon.

Vi behöver Din hjälp (We Need Your Help)

Inga-Lill Wallin appeals for help with copying the magazine and other association mailings.

Den sjunkna kontinenten Mu (The Sunken Continent Mu)

This section reviews E.G. Wilcox's book 'Mu - Fact or Fiction.' The book explores the early history of humanity, presenting evidence for a lost continent called Mu or Lemuria in the Pacific Ocean. Wilcox argues that Mu was the motherland of humanity and discusses various historical documents and archaeological findings that he believes support this theory, including inscriptions from India, Egypt, Maya, and North America. The book also touches upon spiritual and religious aspects, suggesting a universal similarity in symbols and rituals across cultures. It concludes with a warning against atomic weapons. The review highlights the book's detailed illustrations and its aim to encourage a broader interest in the universe.

Stor komet närmar sig jorden (Great Comet Approaches Earth)

This article announces the upcoming appearance of the comet Hale-Bopp in the spring of 1997. It is described as a spectacular event, with the comet expected to be visible for several weeks. The comet's nucleus is estimated to be 100 kilometers in diameter, making it significantly larger than Halley's Comet. The article notes that the comet was discovered by amateur astronomers Alan Hale and Thomas Bopp. While it will pass close to Earth's orbit, there is no risk of collision, with the closest approach being approximately two million kilometers.

Forts. från föreg. sida (Cont. from previous page)

This section continues the review of E.G. Wilcox's book 'Mu - Fact or Fiction,' discussing the archaeological findings in Mexico by W. Niven, which suggest the existence of ancient cities predating known civilizations. Wilcox interprets these findings as evidence for Mu's existence and subsequent destruction by a natural catastrophe.

Till minne Av Åke Blomstrand (In Memory of Åke Blomstrand)

This is a short obituary for Åke Blomstrand, the association's auditor, who passed away after an illness. He is remembered as an enthusiastic and dedicated member.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, UFO research, and related topics. It also incorporates elements of folklore, history, and astronomy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various perspectives and research findings while maintaining a grounded approach, as exemplified by the editorial's skepticism towards the 'autopsy film' and the author's personal observations of only conventional aircraft. There is a clear effort to promote serious discussion and research within the UFO community in Sweden.

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: 3/1995
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening
Date: 1995

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt delves into a wide range of topics related to UFO phenomena, ancient mysteries, and space exploration. It features a significant increase in reported UFO sightings in Sweden, explores theories about lost civilizations, and recounts personal encounters and historical events.

Book Review: 'The Hidden History of Humanity' by Wilcox

The review discusses a book by Wilcox that posits a connection between ancient civilizations and advanced knowledge. A key point is the alleged existence of a canal near Lake Titicaca, suggesting knowledge of South American geography by ancient peoples, possibly Tibetans. The book proposes that this canal was built to connect a new colony to the motherland, Mu, and that Mu itself was the cradle of humanity, predating Egypt's colonization by 16,000 years. The review notes that the book also touches upon Mu's age and human origins, suggesting Mu is over 50,000 years old. However, the review criticizes the book's section on religion, finding it somewhat disjointed and overly complex, requiring a strong background in religious history and philosophy. Wilcox argues that religion and science are twins and that all is subordinate to a 'highest power.' The reviewer concludes that the book is a good introduction to a new perspective on human history but finds the religious arguments difficult to prove.

Flying Wing Aircraft Concept

This section discusses the future of air travel, with major manufacturers like Boeing, McDonnell Douglas, and Airbus developing larger jumbo jets by 2010. It then shifts to a more futuristic concept from French aerospace engineers: a 'flying wing' aircraft designed for over 1000 passengers. This design aims to save on landing fees and fuel by having a thicker central body that serves as the fuselage, offering significant cargo capacity relative to air resistance. The aerodynamic efficiency requires the aircraft to be very large, and passengers will sit in rows without windows, with windows only for the pilots. The wings would fold for taxiing.

Incoming Reports: June-July

This section details UFO sightings reported to UFO-Sverige, primarily from the Stockholm region:

• June 15-16: A woman in Åkersberga saw a large, orange, sun-sized orb near Trälhavet lake.
• April 19: A man in SSO saw small, green, shimmering points falling rapidly.
• July 10: An observer in Helene-lund saw a half-circle in the SE moving quickly.
• July 15: Four men and two women near Saltsjöbaden saw an oblong, oval cylinder with lights moving at airplane speed.
• July 23 (early afternoon): A woman near Södra Station saw a round, white, metallic object emerge from a cloud and disappear.
• July 23 (late evening): A woman in Farsta saw a large 'star' that transformed into an oblong, wingless object hovering and blinking, changing color to pale orange before disappearing.
• July 25: A woman in Stocksund saw something resembling a burning airplane moving at high speed.
• Week 30: A man in Södertälje observed a white light with red and blue colors, moving in circles and blinking.

UFO Phenomenon from a Gymnasium Student's Perspective

This article is an excerpt from a 1980s gymnasium essay by Lars Amnestål, a new member of UFO-Sverige. The essay, over 50 pages long, covers various aspects of UFO phenomena, including moon landings, astronauts, and cosmonauts.

• Moon Observations (November 1966): NASA's 'Orbiter II' photographed eight strange spires on the moon's surface, some as high as fifteen-story buildings. A mysterious geometric pattern resembling the pyramids of Giza was also found. Amnestål suggests intelligent beings may have erected the spires, a theory supported by the 'Luna-9' photos showing similar formations.
• Tragic Accidents: The article recounts the Apollo 1 fire on January 27, 1967, where astronauts Grissom, Chaffee, and White died. It also lists other astronaut deaths, questioning if these are mere accidents or if there's an external force trying to stop space programs.
• Russian Space Program: The article details the deaths of three cosmonauts from the Soyuz 11 mission in 1971 upon re-entry. Despite systems functioning perfectly, they were found dead in the capsule. The official explanation of a faulty hatch is questioned, as it would have been discovered earlier.
• Mississippi Mystery (1973): This case involved Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker, who reported being abducted by alien beings after a UFO landed. They described the beings and their examination within the craft.

UFO Reports Break Records

This section from Svenska Dagbladet reports that UFO sightings in Sweden have reached record levels, with 470 cases in the previous year and a similar trend continuing. UFO-Sverige, celebrating its 25th anniversary, has grown to over 2000 members, including 400 active field investigators. The organization emphasizes a scientific approach, avoiding speculation and treating all reports seriously. Most sightings involve bright lights, often described as 'clots' or V-shapes, moving erratically and sometimes making sounds like 'whizzing' or 'buzzing.' Some daylight sightings are also reported, such as a disc-shaped, silver-grey object seen over the Stockholm archipelago.

• Official Research: While official government research into UFOs has ceased, UFO-Sverige collaborates with the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOA). FOA acknowledges phenomena that cannot be explained, suggesting possibilities like electrical atmospheric effects or ball lightning.
• Archives: The Archive for UFO Research in Norrköping holds 12,000 reports and hundreds of photographs. A notable photo from 1974 shows a hat-shaped craft.
• Unknown Technology: Clas Svahn suggests that UFO phenomena point to an unknown technology, but whether alien beings are involved remains unclear.

Young Investigators Hunt for Truth

This article introduces a new UFO organization formed by young enthusiasts in Strängnäs. The members, aged around 17, have undergone field investigation training and have already investigated phenomena like crop circles, which they dismiss as clumsily made. They are skeptical of New Age interpretations of alien communication but believe there is a physical basis for UFO phenomena that can be explained. Their work is described as similar to a crime scene investigation.

'Odin Has Become a UFO'

This piece discusses how ancient peoples interpreted celestial phenomena as messages from higher powers. Ebbe Schön, a folklorist, explains that in Viking times, sightings of Odin in the sky signaled a call to arms. He notes that interpretations have changed over time, with modern science fiction linking sky phenomena to alien spacecraft. However, Schön points out that old folklore elements, like trolls and elves, still persist, and phenomena like 'will-o'-the-wisps' or 'St. Elms fire' were once interpreted as omens. He concludes that many people perceive these phenomena as directed at them personally, leaving open the question of whether they are real observations or internal experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and critical approach to UFO phenomena, distinguishing itself from speculative or New Age beliefs. It highlights the increasing number of reported sightings in Sweden and encourages rigorous investigation. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness towards the unexplained, while emphasizing the need for evidence-based analysis and debunking hoaxes or misidentifications. There's a recurring theme of questioning official narratives, whether concerning ancient history, space tragedies, or the nature of UFOs themselves. The magazine also seems to foster a sense of community among UFO enthusiasts, featuring reports from local groups and individual experiences.