Stockholms UFO-Nytt - 1999 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: Nr 2/1999
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening, STUFO
Date: 1999
Language: Swedish

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt, the information bulletin of the Stockholms UFO-förening, marks the organization's 20th anniversary. It features a mix of investigative reports, personal accounts, and news related to UFO phenomena and related scientific endeavors.

STUFO Celebrates 20 Years!

The magazine opens with a message from the editor, Lasse, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Stockholms UFO-förening (STUFO). The autumn program includes a combined book and video evening, a meeting about incoming reports, and a "ministämma" (mini-meeting) on October 24th in Solna. A new investigation group has been formed with Andreas Ohlsson, Peter Mårtensson, and Mattias Mårtensson to handle incoming reports. The group has already started with new reports coming in, and a follow-up meeting has been scheduled. The issue also mentions upcoming excursions to AFU (Archives for the Unexplained) and the observatory in Saltsjöbaden, reminding members to register in advance as registrations are binding.

Rysslands "Area 51" en bluff (Russia's "Area 51" a Bluff)

This article investigates claims circulating in the Russian press and on the internet about a secret Russian military base, Zjitkur, near Volgograd, that allegedly houses captured alien spacecraft and extraterrestrial beings. The claims are attributed to Anton Anfalov. The author, along with a ufologist from Volzjskij, Gennadij Belimov, visited the supposed location. Their investigation, which included inquiries with locals and military personnel, found no evidence of such a base. The area identified as Zjitkur was found to be a deserted settlement, and the military unit mentioned (73790) was unknown to local soldiers. The article concludes that the claims are likely unsubstantiated, possibly disinformation, and criticizes Anfalov's work for its sensationalism and potential to create division among ufologists. The author suggests that Anfalov might be a puppet for a larger disinformation campaign.

När Solen Försvann (When the Sun Disappeared)

This is a personal account of witnessing a total solar eclipse on August 10th. The author and their family traveled to Romania, specifically near Bukarest, to ensure a clear view after weather forecasts predicted storms in Hungary. The experience of totality is described vividly, noting the sudden drop in temperature, the appearance of stars and planets, and the fiery prominences around the sun. The author, who was on assignment for Dagens Nyheter, managed to file their article and have it published online and in print the next day. The article also touches upon the widespread disappointment in other parts of Europe due to cloud cover and mentions various ways people celebrated or reacted to the eclipse, including special events, themed products, and even a golf competition.

Stockholmsrapporter (Stockholm Reports)

This section presents a collection of recent UFO sighting reports from the Stockholm area and its surroundings. These include:

• Viksjö, Järfälla (August/September 1985 or 1986, 21:30): Two "flying plus signs" were seen from a balcony, described as larger than sport planes and faint. The weather was clear.
• Kista, Stockholm (July 21, 1999, 23:45): A security guard saw a bright, dark yellow, pie-shaped object in the southwest sky that disappeared.
• Järna, Södertälje (July 28, 1999, 01:45): A man and a woman reported seeing a bright red sphere that lifted off the ground and then vanished. Attempts to photograph it were unsuccessful.
• Tyresö (August 18, 1999, 22:52): An observer described three orange-yellow triangles in formation moving at high speed in a southerly direction. They were larger than private planes and disappeared quickly.
• Muskö, Stockholm (September 2, 1999, 04:55): A man fishing saw a large white light sphere moving from south to north, splitting into two before disappearing. It flew horizontally at about a 30-degree upward angle.
• Skanstull, Stockholm (September 4, 1999, approx. 22:00): A young woman saw a dark shadow with red and yellow lights flying very low, making no sound. The event lasted about 5 seconds.

All these reports are listed as "Under utredning" (Under investigation).

Medlemslista (Membership List)

A voluntary contact list for members of the Stockholms UFO-förening is provided, including names, phone numbers, and email addresses for individuals who wish to connect with other members.

Fånga en utomjording i datorn (Catch an Alien in Your Computer)

This article introduces the SETI@home project, a scientific endeavor by the SETI Institute in California. The project invites the public to contribute to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence by installing a screensaver program on their computers. This program utilizes the computer's idle time to process radio signals from space, which are collected by the Arecibo radio telescope. The goal is to analyze vast amounts of data to find potential signals from alien civilizations. The article mentions that the program is available for both Mac and PC and that the chance of finding a signal is estimated to be one in a million.

Flygplanspiloter såg ufo över Danmark (Airplane Pilots Saw UFO Over Denmark)

This press clipping reports that four pilots independently observed an unknown flying object over Danish airspace on February 3rd. The object was described as a strong, red light that moved very fast and then stopped before disappearing. British authorities confirmed seeing an unknown object on radar. Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sverige, suggests the phenomenon was likely a bolide (a very bright meteor), based on the duration of observation and appearance.

Sex miljarder (Six Billion)

A brief news item about world population reaching six billion in July 1999, with a note on increased food production per person despite population growth.

Stort pådrag efter ufo-larm (Large Operation After UFO Alarm)

This article details a military search operation in Backsjön, near Arvika, Sweden, following reports of an object crashing into the lake on July 27th. Witnesses described an oblong object with small wings. The military, including divers and sonar equipment, searched the lake for weeks but found no conclusive evidence, concluding their search in September. The article highlights discrepancies in information provided to the public, with the military initially suggesting a home guard exercise and later a bridge-building exercise. The final result of the extensive search was a metal drum and a plastic bag.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena, encouraging members to report sightings and participate in the organization's activities. There is a clear stance against unsubstantiated claims and sensationalism, as seen in the article debunking the "Russian Area 51" story. The editorial also emphasizes the importance of scientific approaches and thorough research in understanding UFOs. The inclusion of the SETI@home project aligns with a broader interest in the scientific search for extraterrestrial life. The magazine also fosters a sense of community among its members through features like the membership list and event announcements.

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: Nr 2/1999
Date: May 20, 1999
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt critically examines the phenomenon of flying saucers, presenting a skeptical viewpoint grounded in scientific reasoning and the lack of concrete evidence. It also outlines the meticulous procedures for potential extraterrestrial contact and announces upcoming events for the Stockholm UFO Association.

No Sustainable Evidence for Flying Saucers

The lead article, "Inga hållbara bevis för flygande tefat finns" (No sustainable evidence for flying saucers exists), features insights from Maria Sundin, a lecturer in interstellar communication at Göteborg University and Chalmers. Sundin expresses significant skepticism regarding UFO phenomena, noting that while interest in UFOs has grown since the 20th century, particularly fueled by science fiction and advancements in rocket technology, verifiable evidence remains scarce.

Sundin points out that actual UFO reports are few, and many are from individuals interested in the subject. She also suggests that people living in cities are less accustomed to observing the night sky, and bright celestial bodies like Venus can be mistaken for UFOs. She recounts receiving numerous calls about such sightings.

Furthermore, Sundin addresses the human tendency to misinterpret phenomena, drawing a parallel to historical witch trials where people reported seeing witches. She explains that the human brain is adept at filling in gaps and interpreting what it sees based on prior knowledge or imagination.

Regarding photographic evidence of UFOs, Sundin is firm: "None at all." She states that many purported UFO images are either fake or too indistinct to be conclusive. The ease with which digital images can be manipulated today, she argues, renders photographs unreliable as proof.

Natural Explanations for UFO Sightings

The article explores natural phenomena that can be mistaken for UFOs. One significant explanation involves meteorites. It is estimated that over 100 tons of space debris fall into Earth's atmosphere daily, burning up as shooting stars. Sundin explains that when meteorites break apart, they can create multiple luminous points, sometimes described as cigar-shaped objects with windows, leading to UFO reports.

Another factor contributing to misidentification is the human mind's tendency to find patterns. Sundin compares this to seeing shapes in clouds or in old folklore, where figures like trolls and fairies were attributed to unexplained phenomena.

SETI and Extraterrestrial Contact Protocols

The magazine delves into the implications of the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) and the protocols in place should contact be made. The article "Detaljerade regler om man får utomjordisk kontakt" (Detailed rules for making extraterrestrial contact) discusses the likelihood of finding life beyond our solar system. While acknowledging the vast number of stars and planets, the probability of finding life, especially life similar to ours, remains an open question.

Despite the low probability, SETI has established a strict protocol for handling any potential discovery. This protocol ensures a systematic approach to verification and announcement. Initially, all individuals involved with SETI projects must sign a document outlining the procedure. Upon a potential discovery, those involved are informed first. Subsequently, other observatories are contacted to confirm the observation. This is followed by informing national authorities, the UN Secretary-General, and other international bodies. Finally, the mass media would be notified. The document emphasizes that no response would be sent without thorough international consultations.

Stockholm UFO Association Autumn Program 1999

The second page of the magazine details the autumn program for the Stockholm UFO Association. The program includes:

• October 24: The association's 20th-anniversary jubilee will be held at their premises at Hagalundsgatan 9 in Solna. The event, open to the public, will feature an exhibition, a book and magazine stand, and video screenings. It runs from 09:00 to 17:00.
• November 14: A visit to AFU (The Archive for UFO Research) in Norrköping is scheduled, with departure at 11:00. Details and registration information are available on page 8 of this issue.
• December 9: The term concludes with a visit to the Saltsjöbaden Observatory. Registration details are also on page 8.

The association warmly welcomes attendees to these autumn events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards unsubstantiated UFO claims and a focus on scientific explanations. The magazine promotes a rational approach to the UFO phenomenon, emphasizing the need for credible evidence and highlighting the potential for misinterpretation of natural events or deliberate hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to approach UFO reports with a discerning eye. The inclusion of SETI's detailed contact protocol suggests an interest in the scientific search for extraterrestrial life, but within a framework of rigorous verification and international cooperation, rather than speculative belief.