Stockholms UFO-Nytt - 1997 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: Number 3/1997
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening, STUFO
Date: 1997

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt, the information bulletin for the Stockholm UFO Association, covers a range of topics related to unidentified flying objects and their cultural impact. It includes a report on a specific sighting, an in-depth analysis of a controversial case, and an exploration of the connections between science fiction and UFO phenomena.

Cover Story: Bumerang i Tumba

The cover prominently features a report titled "Bumerang i Tumba" (Boomerang in Tumba). It describes an incident where a man named Frank, while working at his computer on a Sunday morning in October, witnessed a light that took the shape of a boomerang. The article promises more details about this case, located in the Stockholm suburb of Tumba, on page 11 of the magazine.

Editorial and Member Information

The magazine opens with a letter from the contact person, Lars Amnestål, addressing the members. He reflects on the past year, highlighting the association's participation in events like the Vasastan festival and the Rymdmässan. He also mentions a visit to the Stockholm observatory and a well-attended lecture by Andreas Ohlsson, which provided insights into UFO research history and Andreas's own work. Kerstin Bredefeldt is welcomed as a new team member, assisting with the association's outreach. The letter notes that the association currently has 73 members and expresses hope that new members will feel welcome. Upcoming events include the annual meeting on February 10, 1998, and an exhibition about UFOs in Salem's library starting February 21, 1998. Amnestål concludes by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, suggesting a membership in the UFO association as a gift.

Membership fees and subscription details for "Stockholms UFO-Nytt" and other publications like "UFO-Aktuellt" and "Rapport Nytt" are also provided.

Table of Contents

• The issue includes articles on:
• Science fiction and UFOs: Is there a connection?
• Myth or reality? The Gösta Carlsson case
• Board's work
• Mysterious boomerang in Tumba
• Historical retrospective: Lecture by Andreas Ohlsson
• Press clippings

Article: Science Fiction and UFO - Is There a Connection?

This multi-part article, authored by Mark Pilkington and partially translated, explores the relationship between science fiction films and UFO mythology. The first part, presented here, delves into the origins of the term "UFO" and the early reports of "flying saucers" following Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting. It discusses the widespread public awareness of flying saucers, citing a Gallup poll from 1947. The article also covers the Roswell incident of July 8, 1947, and its subsequent explanation as a weather balloon, as well as the later claims of a cover-up. The piece touches upon the "Age of Confusion" starting in 1947, where military secrecy led to speculation about new military craft or Soviet involvement. It highlights the conclusion of a US Air Force evaluation for the Pentagon that UFOs might be of extraterrestrial origin, a report later denied by the Pentagon. The article notes Donald Keyhoe's 1950 article in True Magazine, which popularized the "ET theory." The author posits that the two pillars of UFO mythology—extraterrestrial origin and government knowledge—were established early on.

The article further examines the role of the CIA's Robertson Panel in 1953, which concluded that UFOs posed a threat proportional to the public hysteria they generated. The Air Force's strategy, according to the article, was to convince the public that UFOs were not real. The piece also discusses the evolution of UFO reports over 50 years, with increasing claims of contact with human-like beings from other planets, and later, encounters with "grays" from Zeta Reticuli involved in genetic experiments. The article notes that both types of beings warn humanity about nuclear weapons and environmental destruction. It acknowledges that while most UFO sightings can be explained by conventional phenomena, a core percentage remains unexplained.

The article then transitions to the influence of science fiction on UFO beliefs, noting that many theories about UFOs and their occupants have roots in science fiction. It discusses the history of science fiction film, starting with early experiments by Robert Paul and George Méliès, and their depiction of space travel and aliens. The article critiques science fiction films for often simplifying complex ideas from literature and mentions the prevalence of invasion themes in 1950s films. It also touches upon the difficulty in defining science fiction, distinguishing it from horror and fantasy, and cites examples like "The Thing" and "Alien."

Article: Myth or Reality? A Critical Look at the Gösta Carlsson Case

This article critically analyzes the well-known Gösta Carlsson case, referencing a book by UFO-Sverige chairman Clas Svahn and Gösta Carlsson himself. The author, Martin Rautjärvi, expresses admiration for Svahn's research but raises several questions about Carlsson's account of a landed "flying saucer" in Ängelholm in May 1946 and his subsequent telepathic contacts with the alleged alien commander. Rautjärvi questions the technological sophistication of the described craft, particularly a damaged cabin window, suggesting it would not withstand the rigors of space travel. He contrasts this with his own experience near a jet aircraft, where the heat and force did not cause damage to his glasses. Rautjärvi concludes that Carlsson's "saucer" was of poor quality, making it unsuitable for space travel, and points to this as an example of the ambiguities in Carlsson's story.

The article draws parallels between Carlsson's description of the craft and elements found in 1940s and 1950s science fiction comic strips, such as "Willys Äventyr" and "Buck Rogers," and specifically mentions the 1955 comic "Terra" as having striking similarities in craft design and incident details. Rautjärvi also scrutinizes the alleged landing marks in the forest clearing, noting that Carlsson had them excavated and filled with concrete, thus preventing further investigation. He points out that a 1947 aerial photograph shows only two large circular depressions, not the detailed landing gear marks described by Carlsson. Rautjärvi questions the force required to create such marks in hard moraine soil, suggesting that Carlsson's account of the craft's weight and the impact of its jet streams is illogical. He also notes discrepancies regarding the number and origin of the circular depressions, suggesting they may have predated the alleged landing.

Rautjärvi further questions the origins of the depressions, suggesting they might be remnants of an ancient settlement in Västerhaninge, which he offers to show interested parties. He criticizes the lack of logical consistency in Carlsson's narrative, particularly regarding the footprints found near the alleged landing site, which he argues would have been obliterated by the craft's jet streams and rain. He also finds it improbable that Carlsson could have memorized and transcribed an alien script, which he then had translated by an "Arab Jew," suggesting a possible Middle Eastern connection for the alleged extraterrestrials.

Response from Clas Svahn

Clas Svahn responds to Martin Rautjärvi's critique. He agrees that the "saucer" described by Carlsson does not appear to be a typical spacecraft and questions why only one cabin window was damaged if they were all of poor quality. Svahn acknowledges the similarities between Carlsson's account and other UFO reports, including those by George Adamski and the comic "Willy på äventyr." He is uncertain whether the comic "Terra" influenced Carlsson but notes that the drawing of the "saucer" on the almanac page shows changes, typical of sketching. Svahn disputes Rautjärvi's claim that he accepted Carlsson's explanation for the landing marks without question, stating that he dedicated several pages in his book to this issue. He also clarifies that he did not "imply" that locals knew about the rings before 1946, but rather presented evidence from Lennart and Margit Westeson that a ring existed at the same location in 1945. Svahn asserts that he questioned all of Gösta Carlsson's claims and that the book's strength lies in its analysis and questioning of the details, rather than accepting them at face value.

Article: Styrelse i arbete (Board's Work)

This section details the activities of the Stockholms UFO-förening's board. The board has met eight times so far this year, with two more meetings planned before the annual meeting. Their work primarily focuses on matters directly affecting members, such as organizing meetings and lectures. A significant part of their work involves producing the member magazine. The board also addressed the relocation of the association's address and phone number following the election of a new chairman. Discussions about the association's presence on the internet are ongoing, recognizing the importance of reaching younger members who use online platforms. The section also mentions the possibility of forming a "book club."

Article: Mycket mer verklighet? (Much More Reality?)

This section continues the discussion on the Gösta Carlsson case, with Rautjärvi presenting further points of contention. He notes that the 1947 aerial photograph shows that the two circular depressions were not perfectly round, questioning if a perfectly shaped "saucer" could have created them. He suggests the craft might have been a "do-it-yourself" UFO bought second-hand. Rautjärvi proposes that the depressions might be archaeological findings from a prehistoric settlement in Västerhaninge, which he offers to demonstrate. He criticizes the lack of logic in Carlsson's account, particularly regarding the jet streams from the craft supposedly creating the depressions while simultaneously leaving footprints. He also questions the claim that the jet streams would have swept away footprints.

Article: Jordiskt förankrade (Earthly Anchored)

Rautjärvi continues his critique by comparing Carlsson's descriptions of telepathic contacts with "space people" to those of well-known figures like George Adamski and Helge Lindroos. He finds it peculiar that these beings, supposedly from space, exhibit distinctly earthly characteristics such as wearing clothes, shoes, jewelry, using food and drink, having religious rituals, burying their dead, and possessing a written language. He highlights Carlsson's claim of memorizing and transcribing an alien script, which he then had translated, suggesting a possible Middle Eastern origin for these "space people."

Article: Skvaderperson (Rumor Person)

This section continues the critical examination of the Gösta Carlsson case. Rautjärvi notes that both he and Clas Svahn find Carlsson's reserved attitude problematic, especially given his public statements and interviews. Carlsson's reluctance to provide original documentation or evidence is seen as a hindrance to the investigation. Rautjärvi suggests that if Carlsson continues to withhold information, he might be regarded as a "mythomaniac" despite his standing in the community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO cases, the influence of science fiction on UFO beliefs, and the activities of the local UFO association. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging members to question and analyze UFO reports rather than accepting them uncritically. The magazine aims to provide a platform for discussion and debate within the UFO community, as evidenced by the direct response from Clas Svahn to Martin Rautjärvi's critique.

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: nr 3/1997
Date: October 1997
Publisher: UFO-Sverige
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
ISSN: 1101-5407

Main Cover Story: Mystisk bumerang i Tumba

The cover story details a mysterious sighting in Tumba, Sweden, during October 1997. A witness named Frank observed a green, boomerang-shaped light that moved erratically towards Tumba center. The object hovered briefly before ascending rapidly and disappearing into the clouds. The incident was under investigation at the time of publication, with no trivial explanation found.

Other Sightings and Events in October 1997

The magazine reports on several other UFO sightings from October 1997. In Gröndal, two observers saw a circular, illuminated object moving west. In Nacka, a family witnessed a large oval object moving at high speed in an oval path towards Stockholm. These incidents, along with others from Sweden, are mentioned as being described in UFO-Aktuellt 4/97.

UFO History: A Look Back

Andreas Ohlsson, vice chairman of UFO-Sverige, gave a presentation on the history of UFO phenomena. He began by discussing his own investigations into cases that initially seemed mysterious but had trivial explanations, such as misidentification of the star Sirius or a 'happening' involving hot air balloons.

Ohlsson then delved into historical UFO events, starting with the 50th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting of nine luminous objects, which led to the term 'flying saucer'. He also covered the famous Roswell incident, noting the ongoing debate and new information emerging about the alleged crash.

The presentation touched upon the US Air Force's investigation, 'Project Blue Book', initiated in response to the wave of sightings in the late 1940s and early 1950s. The Condon Report of 1956 concluded that unidentified flying objects posed no threat to US security and lacked scientific value.

Andreas Ohlsson showcased three famous unexplained UFO photographs from the early 1950s, including the Swedish 'Mora photograph' taken by Nils Frost. He also presented two thoroughly investigated Swedish cases from Håknäs and Brandstorp.

Abductions and Regressive Hypnosis

Ohlsson discussed the topic of alien abductions, citing estimates that up to five million Americans may have been abducted. He noted that regressive hypnosis, often used in abduction investigations, is considered unreliable in Sweden and England.

UFO Research in Sweden

It was reported that 13,000 Swedish UFO observations are registered in the Archive for UFO Research in Norrköping, which also houses UFO-Sverige's report center. UFO-Sverige intends to focus its efforts on cases deemed 'interesting' rather than simple light point sightings.

Hopes for Scientific Acceptance

Andreas Ohlsson expressed hope that established science would adopt a more serious approach to UFO issues in the coming millennium, potentially leading to answers to the enduring mystery.

Q&A and Discussion

A question-and-answer session followed, with attendees showing interest in topics such as Roswell, Hessdalen (Norway), the Swedish ghost rockets of 1946, unidentified underwater objects, biblical sightings, the Gösta Carlsson case, and crop circles. During a coffee break, attendees engaged in further discussions with the STUFO board members.

International UFO News Snippets

Dublin, Ireland: The first UFO conference was held in Haiku, Japan, a fishing village that is becoming a hub for UFO enthusiasts. The local shrine, Ketataisha, contains documents about sky lights and a 'god who controls them'. A museum dedicated to UFO research is planned, expecting 200,000 tourists annually.

UFO Literature: A list of UFO-related books and magazines available in English is provided, including titles like "UFOs are real," "The Roswell Incident," and "Fire in the Sky." Prices are listed in Swedish Kronor.

Vatican Lexicon: The Vatican's new Latin lexicon includes the term 'res inexplicata volans' for UFOs, alongside other modern terms like 'juvenes voluptarii' for 'Playboy' and 'capitilavium' for 'shampoo'.

Karlskoga "UFO" Identified: A blue-white light observed over Karlskoga for several hours was initially reported as a UFO. However, police identified it as a 'sky tracker' light from a local discotheque used for a Halloween celebration.

U-2R Spy Plane: Technical details and specifications of the U-2R reconnaissance aircraft are provided, including its engine, weight, maximum speed, altitude, and range. A comparison of its altitude is made with SA-2 missiles, Mig 29, and Boeing 747.

Strange Denture Case: An elderly Hungarian man in Sweden reported hearing radio broadcasts constantly through his new dentures. The dentist discovered that the dentures were acting as radio receivers due to their proximity to a powerful radio transmitter.

China's Space Ambitions

China aims to become a space power, planning to launch a manned spacecraft with two astronauts by 1999 and establish its own space station by 2020. This project, initiated in 1992, is shrouded in secrecy but is believed to be technologically feasible and could have significant political implications for China's participation in international space projects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports of UFO sightings from Sweden and internationally, alongside historical accounts and investigations into UFO phenomena. There is a clear focus on presenting evidence, discussing theories, and encouraging scientific inquiry into the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards unexplained phenomena while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and the possibility of mundane explanations. The inclusion of UFO literature reviews and historical retrospectives indicates a commitment to providing a comprehensive overview of the field.