Stockholms UFO-Nytt - 1998 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: Number 3/1998
Date: 1998
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt, dated 1998, is the third publication of the year from the Stockholm UFO Association. The cover features a festive Christmas theme with Santa Claus and his reindeer, alongside a UFO, and a New Year's greeting in Swedish: "GOD JUL OCH GOTT NYTT ÅR!" (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!). The magazine serves as an information bulletin for members and is published three times a year.

Editorial and Member Information

The issue begins with a message from Lasse Amnestål, the contact person and likely editor, thanking members for the past year and looking forward to the new one. He highlights the year's activities, including the Vasastan festival and a successful lecture by Clas Svahn. Amnestål also announces the departure of board member Conny Ljung and the upcoming UFO-Sverige national meeting in 1999, for which the association will be the host. The annual general meeting for the Stockholm UFO Association is scheduled for February 9, 1999, in Solna.

Membership fees are detailed, with options for full-year and half-year memberships, including a subscription to Stockholms UFO-Nytt. Reduced rates are available for pensioners and full-time students. The magazine also recommends other UFO publications: UFO-Aktuellt and Rapport Nytt.

Feature Articles

Clas Svahn's Lecture at Stockholm UFO Association (October 14)

This article reports on a lecture given by Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sverige, held in a new venue in Solna. Svahn shared his 24 years of experience in ufology. He discussed the 1946 Gösta Carlsson case, which still puzzled him, and his book "UFO-Mysteriet," which examines Swedish UFO reports from 1922 to 1998. Svahn presented individual cases, including the Sävar case from May 1998, where a triangular object was sighted and later identified as a model airplane. The article notes that Svahn presented himself as an investigator rather than a skeptic or a believer. He also mentioned his involvement in the book "Fakta om UFO" and an upcoming CD-ROM from UFO-Sverige. The lecture was attended by Paulo Lewenhagen, who traveled from Älmsta to listen.

Two Psychic Contact Cases

This section presents two cases from Great Britain that are described as "psychic contacts," drawing from a 1979 article by Jenny Randles in UFO-Information. The article suggests that the nature of UFO phenomena might be linked to psychic experiences.

Case 1: Fru Hamilton

Fru Hamilton, a housewife from Belfast, Northern Ireland, reported multiple encounters with beings from a UFO. Her first experience in 1969 or 1970 involved a light and a feeling of being transported to a craft. Inside, she met beings resembling humans who spoke perfect English and exuded purity. She was shown around the craft, including a kitchen where she learned new cooking methods. The beings claimed to be from other planets and offered help and protection. She also reported seeing various craft in the air, though others only perceived them as light phenomena. Fru Hamilton expressed fear of these beings, despite receiving what she described as personal knowledge that helped her husband through illness. She also mentioned receiving predictions, such as Princess Anne having twins and Canada joining the EU.

Investigator Miles Johnston and John Hind from BUFORA examined her case. Psychologist Ian Jones analyzed her testimony, noting her clear and unwavering account, and suggested that her experiences might be a coping mechanism for her difficult life circumstances, a form of self-deception or a way to avoid personal responsibility, similar to how religion can function for some.

Case 2: 'L' (Anonymous Contactee)

This case involves an anonymous individual referred to as 'L' from Northern England. In 1974, a humanoid about 210 cm tall with ash-grey skin, a large head, long nose, and cat-like eyes appeared in his bedroom. In 1976, the same being returned with a colleague, approximately 180 cm tall. They psychically projected an image of a damaged U-shaped tube and instructed 'L' to lie in a specific position. 'L' then experienced a sensation of floating into space and found himself on a table surrounded by eight beings. He described being in a state of shock and being examined by a large, red or purple, eye-shaped instrument. When he tried to question the beings, he was rebuffed with the statement that an insignificant being like him should not ask such questions, and that a thousand of his years were but a day to them.

The article notes that while these cases might be subjective, they are relevant to understanding UFO mythology. The author questions the nature of these phenomena, suggesting possibilities of psychological origins, deliberate deception, or a combination thereof.

Science Fiction and UFOs - Is There a Connection?

This article, part three of a series by ufologist Mark Pilkington, explores the influence of science fiction films on UFO mythology. It focuses on the 1951 film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (original title: "Mannen från Mars" - The Man from Mars).

The film is presented as a contrast to typical 1950s sci-fi, portraying the alien Klaatu as a sympathetic emissary from an intergalactic federation, rather than a monstrous invader. Klaatu arrives on Earth with a message of peace, but is shot by the military. His robot, Gort, then retaliates by destroying military equipment. Klaatu is taken to a military hospital, where he explains his mission to warn humanity about the dangers of nuclear weapons and the potential for Earth's destruction. He is later revived by his robot after being killed by the military.

The article highlights the film's themes, including the idea of a superior race intervening to prevent self-destruction, the role of women (Helen being the only one who can control Gort), and parallels drawn between Klaatu and Jesus Christ. The screenwriter, Edward North, admitted to a private joke about these Christ-like allusions.

The film's use of media reports to convey the alien's arrival and the global UFO sightings that followed its release are discussed. The article connects the film's themes to contemporary fears, such as the Cold War and nuclear proliferation, and suggests that modern UFO narratives, like abduction cases, may reflect current anxieties such as environmental destruction.

George Adamski: The Venusian Contactee

This section details the claims of George Adamski, an immigrant from Poland with a varied background, who became famous for his alleged encounters with a Venusian in 1952. Adamski claimed to have met the Venusian in the California desert after discovering a cigar-shaped "mothership." He described the Venusian as a beautiful, blond-haired being who warned humanity about its warlike behavior and the threat of nuclear weapons. Adamski claimed to have received audiences with royalty and religious figures, and published a book about his experiences.

The article critically examines Adamski's story, noting his alleged sympathies with Nazis and calling him a notorious fraud. It points out that while his specific claims are questionable, his narrative, particularly the idea of human-like aliens from other planets and the threat of nuclear weapons, has influenced UFO mythology and later contactee reports.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with science fiction, historical cases, and personal experiences. There is a critical yet open approach to the subject matter, presenting various perspectives and analyses. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and information dissemination for members of the UFO community, encouraging discussion and participation. The recurring themes include the historical development of UFO beliefs, the psychological aspects of alleged encounters, and the cultural impact of UFOs, particularly as reflected in media and science fiction. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of local UFO activity and member engagement.

Book and Magazine Listings

Stockholms UFO-nytt includes a section listing available UFO-related books and magazines for sale, with prices and ordering information. This serves as a resource for members interested in further research.

Annual Meeting Announcement

An announcement for the Stockholm UFO Association's annual general meeting on February 9, 1999, is included, urging members to attend due to the upcoming hosting of the UFO-Sverige national meeting in May 1999. Members are encouraged to submit motions and letters to the board by January 8.

Title: STOCKHOLMSRAPPORTER
Issue: 3/1998
Date: June-October 1998
Publisher: UFO-Sverige
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt presents a compilation of UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports from the Stockholm region during the period of June to October 1998. The reports detail various sightings, witness accounts, and attempted explanations for these phenomena.

UFO Sightings: June 1998

• June 19: A man in a summer cottage on Stäbsskär observed a bright light moving in a curved path across the sky for approximately 5 minutes.
• July 3: In Vitabergsparken, a mother and daughter witnessed a triangular, silver-colored object moving silently for about 10 seconds.
• July 16 (afternoon): Near Norrtälje, a steel-grey, silent object was observed in the sky for about 20 seconds, appearing to spin.
• July 16 (evening): Several people reported seeing a light on the horizon that moved in a zigzag pattern for one minute. It resembled a star, was orange, and made no sound.
• July 26: Three individuals on Ljusterö, near Åkersberga, saw two orbs that moved away from each other and disappeared after 5 minutes. No sound was heard.
• July 28 (night): A person in Kungsängen observed a round, orange object pass over Mälaren twice, accompanied by a roaring sound.

UFO Sightings: August 1998

• August 1: Near Globen, a man observed 7-8 orange lights moving in a triangular formation, similar to a flock of birds. The lights faded after about 5 seconds and moved at a speed comparable to a fighter jet, without any audible sound.
• August 6: A witness in Sollentuna saw two stars moving silently across the sky.
• August 14 (early morning): An incident in Solna involved a person being coerced into revealing their ATM card code, described as if by some force, though it was suspected to be a common burglary.
• August 15 (23:00): A witness in Vallentuna observed an oval, brightly shining object flying silently at a low altitude.

UFO Sightings: September 1998

• September 1 & 3: Two reports from Huddinge were quickly identified as sightings of Jupiter.
• September 15 (22:00): A witness in central Stockholm saw a bright, round mass in the sky, visible for about 5 minutes, likely a spotlight from an airplane.
• September 20: A report from Bromma was also quickly identified as a sighting of Jupiter.
• September 22 (evening): Two witnesses in Huddinge observed a blinking red light for several hours. It was silent and believed to be a mast.

UFO Sightings: October 1998

• October 1 (22:00): In central Stockholm, a person observed four points of light in the sky for one minute, presumed to be an airplane.
• October 7 (22:00): In Tumba, a blue light ball or orb was seen descending in an arc. It made no sound and was visible for a few seconds, likely a meteor.
• October 15 (08:00): In Vällingby, a white, shining clump that blinked was observed, likely an airplane.
• October 20 (night): Several round points of light were observed in the sky for one minute, presumed to be spotlights.
• October 21 (10:30): A witness observed a silver-colored, cigar-shaped object for a couple of seconds. It initially hovered before accelerating away, likely an airplane.

Press Clippings and Related Articles

• "Globen" in the mountains was just Jupiter: A press clipping from Jokkmokk reports that newspapers and radio stations were inundated with calls about a bright light resembling "Globen" in the northern Swedish mountains. The phenomenon was later explained as the planet Jupiter by Clas Svahn of Ufo-Sverige, who noted that it's common to mistake Jupiter for something else at that time of year.
• Maybe from space: A press clipping from Israel describes the discovery of a small, human-like figure with arms and legs near Safed. Researchers and police were investigating, while others were convinced it was an alien.
• Golfer had contact with a meteorite: A Canadian golfer claims to have had a close encounter with a meteorite, described as tennis ball-sized, that whizzed past his ear with a "ghostly sound." A geology professor suggested it likely came from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, traveling at approximately 20 kilometers per second.
• Solar storm and space rain: An article by Clas Svahn discusses the effects of solar storms on Earth's atmosphere. It warns of an upcoming major solar storm that could cause navigation problems, disrupt television broadcasts, and affect satellite functionality. The article notes that solar wind, composed of charged particles traveling at 800 km/s, collides with our atmosphere and can damage satellites. It also mentions that solar storms can disorient carrier pigeons.

Book Promotion

• Buy "UFO-Mysteriet"! The magazine promotes a book by Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sverige, titled "UFO-Mysteriet - from flying saucers to crop circles." The book covers UFO reports from the 1920s to the present, including encounters, the crop circle phenomenon, and scientific investigations. It is a 304-page book available for 248 SEK (postage included).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the reporting and investigation of UFO and UAP sightings. The magazine consistently attempts to provide rational explanations for many of the reported phenomena, often attributing them to celestial bodies like Jupiter, atmospheric conditions, or aircraft. However, it also acknowledges the existence of unexplained cases and promotes further research into the UFO phenomenon, as evidenced by the book advertisement and the inclusion of articles on related topics like potential extraterrestrial life and space weather. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, balancing skepticism with an openness to the unexplained aspects of the UFO phenomenon.