Stockholms UFO-Nytt - 1997 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: Number 2/1997
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening (STUFO)
Date: 1997
Language: Swedish

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt, the information bulletin for members of the Stockholm UFO Association, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, historical cases, and the intersection of UFOs with popular culture and ancient history.

Welcome Back

The editorial, "Välkomna tillbaka" (Welcome back), by Lasse Amnestål, addresses the members after the summer break, outlining the upcoming term's activities. These include discussions on UFOs, a visit to the Stockholm Observatory, a lecture on the history of the 'flying saucer' concept, and a traditional gathering with coffee and discussions about the association's future. The editorial also highlights the need for more active members to assist with various tasks, from correspondence to organizing events. It mentions the growing membership, with six new members joining over the summer, and expresses a desire for translators for languages other than English, German, and Russian.

Table of Contents

• The issue features a comprehensive table of contents, listing articles such as:
• Science fiction and UFO - a connection?
• Technology in antiquity
• Andrée's balloon fooled the Russians
• Left at East Gate - The Rendlesham Forest case
• "The Fish" in Hallunda
• Stockholm Reports
• Autumn Program
• Press Clippings

Science Fiction and UFO - Is There a Connection?

This multi-part article, the first of which is presented here, by Mark Pilkington, investigates the relationship between science fiction films and UFO mythology. It notes the surge in UFO sightings reported globally in the autumn and winter of 1996, coinciding with the release of the movie 'Independence Day'. The article discusses the renaming of Highway 375 in Nevada to 'Extraterrestrial Highway' as a marketing tactic for the film. It also touches upon the historical context of UFO sightings, referencing the 'airship' wave of 1896 in Sacramento, California, and the influence of science fiction authors like Jules Verne and Edgar Allan Poe on the concept of airships. The piece suggests that popular TV series like 'Sightings' and 'Unsolved Mysteries' continue to fuel public interest in UFOs.

Hollywood Overshadowed

This section continues the discussion on the influence of science fiction. It argues that films like 'Independence Day' and Steven Spielberg's 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and 'E.T.' have shaped public perception of UFOs and aliens, often portraying them in a more friendly or awe-inspiring light. The article notes how UFO themes are prevalent in TV series, including 'Arkiv X' (The X-Files), and how UFOs are used in advertising. It highlights the cultural significance of UFOs, citing examples of their appearance in music from the 1950s to the present day, and their presence on merchandise. The author's intent is to explore the symbiotic relationship between how UFOs are depicted in media and how they are perceived and described in reality, suggesting that media can influence people's understanding of unexplained phenomena.

The Cyclic Nature of UFO Mythology

This part of the article delves into the cyclical nature of UFO mythology, particularly concerning abduction scenarios. It posits that symbols within science fiction films, TV, and art have influenced these narratives. The 'Dynasty' TV series example is used to illustrate how fiction can become intertwined with perceived reality. The author presents a 'chicken or the egg' scenario, where it's difficult to trace the origin of these narratives, as believers might argue that creators of fictional accounts were subconsciously projecting their own UFO experiences. The article emphasizes that while science fiction has played a role, UFO mythology is a living myth in our secular, technologically saturated world, and studying its presence in popular culture can help us understand its formation and influence.

Technology in Antiquity

This section reviews the book "Teknik i forntiden" (Technology in Antiquity) by Henry Kjellson and Carl-Anton Mattsson. The book revisits human history, suggesting that ancient civilizations possessed advanced technology not acknowledged by mainstream archaeology. Kjellson's work is presented as an attempt to reawaken interest in humanity's oldest history, challenging conventional interpretations of historical records and archaeological findings. The review highlights Kjellson's three-pronged approach: examining ancient monuments, analyzing written sources (like cuneiform tablets and hieroglyphs), and considering scientific dating methods. The article questions the origins of ancient wonders like the pyramids and the Sphinx, and explores the possibility of a common source for myths like the Great Flood and the legend of Atlantis. The review notes the book's reliance on eyewitness accounts from Mattsson's travels but criticizes the lack of specific references for dating and claims, making it difficult for readers to verify the information. The book's exploration of ancient Egyptian technology, including the Dendera zodiac and the purpose of the King's Chamber in the Great Pyramid, is highlighted. The review also touches upon the Atlantis theory and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between scientists, linguists, and archaeologists to solve these historical enigmas.

"The Fish" in Hallunda

This article details a UFO sighting that occurred on June 9th in Hallunda, Norsborg, Sweden. Eva, a kindergarten teacher, and her colleagues observed a strange object in the sky. The object was described as round or oval, sometimes fish-like, and appeared to spin and emit a faint pink shimmer. The observation lasted about ten minutes. Despite multiple adult witnesses, no one could identify the object, with suggestions of a weather balloon being dismissed. The object ascended steeply and disappeared into the clouds. The article notes the lack of any unusual sensory experiences reported by the witnesses, other than a sense of excitement and goosebumps. It also mentions that the sighting was not widely reported by other observers, making it a peculiar case.

Andrée's Balloon Fooled the Russians

This article, based on research by Russian ufologist Michail Gerstein, investigates reports of mysterious balloons sighted in Russia in the autumn of 1897, around the time of Salomon Andrée's ill-fated expedition to the North Pole with his balloon 'Örnen' (The Eagle). While Andrée's balloon crashed shortly after launch and never reached Russia, numerous sightings of unidentified balloons, some emitting strange lights, were reported across various Russian provinces. The article presents eyewitness accounts and newspaper excerpts from the time, detailing observations of objects that resembled balloons but exhibited unusual characteristics, such as hovering in place, emitting light, and releasing smaller luminous objects. These sightings are presented as early UFO observations, predating the term 'UFO' itself.

UFO Literature in English

A list of UFO-related books available in English is provided, along with their prices and ordering information through UFO-Sverige's postgiro account.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the exploration of unusual UFO sightings (the 'fish' sighting), the influence of popular culture and science fiction on UFO beliefs, and the investigation of historical anomalies and potential ancient technologies. The magazine maintains an investigative stance, presenting various cases and theories while encouraging critical thinking and further research. The editorial board actively seeks member participation and contributions, indicating a community-driven approach to exploring the UFO phenomenon.

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: 2/1997
Date: December 1996 - April 1997
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt presents a collection of UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports from the Stockholm region, covering the period from December 1996 to April 1997. It also includes a program for the Stockholms UFO-förening's autumn 1997 events and news items related to advanced military technology and space projects.

Stockholm Reports: December 1996 - April 1997

The section "Stockholmsrapporter" details various sightings and incidents reported in the Stockholm area.

December 1996

• December 18, 1996: Strange circles were found in the snow at Kiholms gård near Södertälje. Inga-Lill Wallin and Clas Svahn investigated and concluded they were made by mopeds.

January 1997

• New Year's Day (January 1): In Knivsta, a person observed an object blinking red, green, and white, emitting a faint humming sound and moving east or southeast.
• New Year's Day (January 1): A couple in central Stockholm saw a light blinking in various colors. It remained stationary in the sky while several airplanes passed. The light was positioned to the left of Orion's belt.
• January 5 (shortly after midnight): In Solna, an observer saw an object that looked like two plates stacked on top of each other.
• January 8 (mid-afternoon): Near Hornstull, someone reported seeing something resembling an amulet in the sky.

February 1997

• February 13 (around 11 PM): A man jogging in a forest outside Älvsjö saw a light in the northern sky towards Stuvsta, which then disappeared behind a hill.

March 1997

• March 13 (around 6 PM): In Sollentuna, a person observed a luminous cylinder in the sky.
• March 31 (around 10 PM): In Johanneshov, a man on the seventh floor of an apartment building saw a blue-green, round object pass by the sky.

April 1997

• April 5 (around 10 PM): In Bromma, a bright white light point blinked like a camera flash, observed near comet Hale-Bopp.
• April 5 (same time, same day): In Haninge, an illuminated object was observed descending at a 45-degree angle. It resembled a dome with a brim, featuring a row of lights.
• April 12: Three teenagers in Trångsund observed four light points of similar brightness to medium stars moving in a zigzag pattern directly overhead for about a minute before disappearing.

Program for Autumn 1997: Stockholms UFO-förening

The Stockholms UFO-förening announced its program for the autumn of 1997:

• Wednesday, September 24: Video night and discussion on UFOs, a follow-up to a successful event from the previous spring. Held at the new club premises at Hagalundsgatan 25-27 in Solna.
• Tuesday, October 14: An information evening at the Stockholm Observatory in Saltsjöbaden. The event includes a lecture and a tour, with a possibility to view through a telescope if weather permits. Registration is binding via phone (08-532 544 05). Meeting point is Slussen station for the Saltsjöbanan train. Price: 20 SEK per person.
• Tuesday, November 18: A lecture by Andreas Ohlsson, Vice Chairman of UFO-Sverige, on UFOs over the past 50 years, starting with Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sightings. Held at the new club premises in Solna. Price: 30 SEK for members, 40 SEK for non-members.
• Thursday, December 11: Year-end closing and the last meeting of the year for UFO discussions. Includes a small UFO surprise. Held at the new club premises in Solna.

News Items and Articles

USA Has Six Secret Flying Saucers!

A source from the US Department of Defense allegedly leaked information and photos of American-made flying saucers bearing US Air Force emblems. The anonymous source claims these craft have been test-flown for years, with one reportedly reaching Mars and returning. The craft are described as large, twelve-man crewed, nuclear-powered, and equipped with nuclear weapons. They are said to be capable of incredible speeds and are developed on a small Caribbean island, formerly used for the Mercury space program.

Laser Weapons Can Be Tested in Space

Reports indicate that the US may test a powerful military laser weapon by destroying a satellite in orbit. The laser, named MIRACL (Mid-Infrared Advanced Chemical Laser), converts fuel into energy for a beam sent into space. The weapon has been tested at White Sands, New Mexico, but not yet directed at the sky. The Pentagon has not yet made a decision on this matter.

UFOs Were Spy Planes

A report from the US intelligence agency CIA suggests that the US military systematically lied about UFO sightings during the Cold War. Most reports of unidentified flying objects in the 1950s and 1960s were allegedly glimpses of secret American spy planes. Rather than reveal the existence of these planes, the military chose to issue false explanations.

More Unknown Objects Seen Over Sweden

Christer Lindström, chairman of the Riksföreningen UFO luftrumsbevakning, has received ten reports of unidentified flying objects in recent weeks, a significant increase from the usual one report per month. He does not believe this is due to increased public interest from the Roswell UFO anniversary. The reports come from Stockholm, Västmanland, Uppland, and Dalarna. The Dalarna region, particularly around Siljan and Ludvika-Smedjebacken, is described as Sweden's prime UFO hotspot, with observations occurring almost daily during 1988-89, which Lindström calls the latest UFO wave in Sweden.

Rocket Launches from Oil Platforms

The 30,000-ton oil platform Odessey is being converted to serve as a launchpad for Russian rockets in the multinational Sea Launch project. The platform will be moved to a position near Christmas Island in the Pacific Ocean to utilize Earth's rotation for more efficient satellite launches into geostationary orbit. The cost per launch is $40 million, significantly cheaper than US and European alternatives. The project involves placing the Russian Zenit rocket on a specialized ship in Long Beach, California, and then sailing to the oil platform. The platform's legs will be filled with water for stability. The first launch is planned for the following summer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO and UAP sightings, often with a focus on local Stockholm events. It also covers news related to government secrecy, advanced technology, and space exploration, presenting information from various sources including official statements, anonymous tips, and news clippings. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and disseminating information within the UFO community, while also acknowledging official explanations and debunking efforts where applicable (e.g., the moped tracks and spy plane explanations).