Stockholms UFO-Nytt - 2001 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: 1/2001
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening
Date: 2001
Language: Swedish

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt, the informational bulletin for the Stockholm UFO Association (STUFO), serves as a comprehensive update for its members. It covers the organization's annual meeting, introduces the new board, details the association's bylaws, and delves into broader themes of UFOlogy and its relationship with scientific inquiry.

Editorial and Cover Message

The cover features the Stockholm UFO Association's logo and the publication's title, 'Stockholms UFO-nytt'. A central graphic presents the motto: "Lyfter man blicken ser man inga gränser" (If you lift your gaze, you see no boundaries), suggesting a broad and open perspective on the subject.

The editorial section, titled "HEJ!" and written by Inga-Lill, touches upon observations of Venus and mentions the Cosmonova film "UFO - sanningen är här" (UFO - The Truth is Here). It also promotes an upcoming exhibition by UFO-Sverige in Barkarby on May 12th.

Organization and Membership

Stockholms UFO-förening, STUFO is detailed on page 2, providing contact information including address (Jaktvägen 10, 175 63 JÄRFÄLLA), phone number (08-36 73 98), and postgiro (440 19 83-4). Inga-Lill Wallin is listed as the contact person. The bulletin is published three times a year for members.

Membership fees are outlined, with a full-year membership costing 130 SEK (including the bulletin and postgiro) and a half-year costing 70 SEK. Reduced rates of 90 SEK (full year) and 50 SEK (half year) are available for pensioners and full-time students. The issue also recommends subscriptions to 'UFO-Aktuellt' (190 SEK/year) and 'Rapportnytt' (120 SEK/year).

Presentation of the 2001 Board

Page 4 introduces the board members elected at the February 21st, 2001 annual meeting:

• Ordförande (Chair): Inga-Lill Wallin (returning after a break, also working on a book about the 'Marteboljuset' on Gotland).
• Vice ordförande (Vice Chair): Andreas Ohlsson (active in UFO-Sverige since 1990, secretary for the Archive for UFO Research in Norrköping, studying history at Stockholm University).
• Kassör (Treasurer): Bernd Bartosch (works as a property caretaker, the association is financially stable).
• Ledamöter (Board Members):
• Gunilla Andersson (third year on the board, former lab assistant, now a disability pensioner, also the association's permanent secretary).
• Angela Fredin (works as a lab technician with a project at the Royal Institute of Technology, part of the association's research group).
• Conny Ljung (rally driver, returning to the board).
• Mattias Mårtensson (works in Järfälla, part of the research group as a field investigator).
• Peter Mårtensson (works in Järfälla, also in the research group).
• Mikael Sjöberg (Chair of Uppsala UFO-förening, responsible for UFO-Sverige's website and Stockholms UFO-förening's website).
• Suppleanter (Substitutes):
• Lars Amnestål (stepping down from chair role but continuing as substitute).
• Kersti Andersson (Gunilla's daughter, works in healthcare).
• Jonny Ljung (Conny's twin brother, ready to substitute when Conny is racing).
• Stefan Roslund (freelance subtitler/translator, also works on 'UFO-Aktuellt').

Minutes of the Annual Meeting

Pages 5 and 6 detail the minutes from the ordinary annual meeting held on February 21st, 2001. Key points include:

• The meeting was opened by Inga-Lill Wallin.
• The meeting's legitimacy and agenda were approved.
• Lars Amnestål was elected meeting chair and Gunilla Andersson meeting secretary.
• Angela Fredin and Stefan Roslund were elected to adjust the minutes.
• The board's activity report and financial statement for the past year were approved.
• The board was granted discharge from liability.
• Inga-Lill Wallin was elected Chair for 2001.
• Bernd Bartosch was elected Treasurer for 2001.
• Board members elected for 2001 included Gunilla Andersson, Angela Fredin, Conny Ljung, Mattias Mårtensson, Peter Mårtensson, Andreas Ohlsson, and Mikael Sjöberg.
• Substitutes elected for 2001 included Lars Amnestål, Kersti Andersson, Jonny Ljung, and Stefan Roslund.
• Göran Norlén was elected auditor and Miguel Leon auditor substitute.
• Göran Norlén and Miguel Leon were elected to the election committee for 2002.
• Andreas Ohlsson was elected representative to the Riksstämman (national assembly) in Malmö for 2001, with Gunilla Andersson as preliminary substitute.
• No letters or motions were submitted.
• No bylaw changes were proposed.
• Membership fees for 2002 remain unchanged.
• The meeting concluded with thanks from Inga-Lill.

Bylaws of Stockholms UFO-förening

Pages 6 and 7 present the association's bylaws:

• § 1. Mission: The association is non-political and idealistic, aiming to increase interest and information about UFOs. It is affiliated with UFO-Sverige and focuses on investigating and documenting UFO events in the Stockholm region.
• § 2. Organization: The association is led by a board with an odd number of members, elected at the annual meeting. The board must include a chair, vice chair, secretary, treasurer, and an odd number of members. Board meetings should occur at least quarterly.
• § 3. Membership: Membership is obtained by paying the annual fee. Reduced fees apply to students, conscripts, and pensioners. Membership is open to individuals aged 14 and above, with board discretion for exceptions. Members joining in the latter half of the year pay half the annual fee. Membership can be terminated by the member or by the board for actions against the association's aims.
• § 4. Fiscal Year: The fiscal year aligns with the calendar year. The board is responsible for the activity report and financial statements.
• § 5. Treasurer's Duties: The treasurer is responsible for maintaining the association's accounts and managing its postgiro account in conjunction with the chair.
• § 6. Accounts: The association's accounts are audited by two revisors elected at the annual meeting.
• § 7. Bylaw Amendments: Proposed bylaw changes require approval from a board meeting and then a subsequent annual meeting.
• § 8. Annual Meeting: The annual meeting is the highest authority and must be held before the end of February, with at least 8 days' notice to members.
• § 9. Dissolution: Dissolution requires a 2/3 majority vote at two consecutive meetings, at least two months apart, one of which must be an annual meeting. Remaining assets will be used to further the association's mission.

Scientific Ambitions

Pages 8 and 9 feature an article titled "Vetenskapliga ambitioner" (Scientific Ambitions), discussing the evolution of UFO-Sverige's approach. It notes that in its early days (1969-70), the focus was heavily on the 'flying saucer' and extraterrestrial hypothesis. However, UFO-Sverige maintained a relatively low profile regarding these theories, aiming for a more serious, investigative image. The article suggests that while many leading figures remained 'flying saucer' believers, the public stance was more open-minded.

The article criticizes the lack of a structured research program within UFO-Sverige, arguing that claiming to be 'scientific' without a defined methodology, goals, and resources is misleading. It points out that the organization lacks the necessary research competencies and infrastructure. The author, C Göran Norlén, suggests that UFO-Sverige should focus on developing a research program, defining clear goals, and documenting findings methodically. He emphasizes that true scientific credibility comes from demonstrable results and rigorous scrutiny, not just stated ambitions.

The article also mentions a lecture by Andreas Ohlsson on "UFO-logi och vetenskap - finns det ett samband?" (UFOlogy and Science - Is there a Connection?). Ohlsson discussed UFO-related discussions at the UN and a donation of approximately 1000 slides from Willy Wegner of the Danish UFO organization SUFOI, which Andreas is currently reviewing.

Search for Planets and Extraterrestrial Life

Page 10 presents an article titled "Sökandet efter planeter och utomjordiskt liv i universum" (The Search for Planets and Extraterrestrial Life in the Universe), based on a lecture by astronomer Magnus Näslund. The article highlights significant progress in astronomy during the 1990s, with the discovery of over 50 exoplanets. Näslund explained the classification of celestial bodies based on mass, distinguishing between planets, brown dwarfs, and normal stars. He discussed methods for detecting planets, including observing 'planet dust' (sotskivor) around young stars and analyzing subtle changes in stellar movements and light caused by orbiting planets.

The article touches upon the Drake Equation and concludes with Magnus Näslund's interpretation that "Det finns andra civilisationer i rymden" (There are other civilizations in space). He posited that humanity, if it avoids self-destruction or cosmic catastrophes, is destined to colonize the galaxy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a shift within UFO organizations towards a more critical and scientifically grounded approach, moving away from purely speculative extraterrestrial theories. There is a strong emphasis on organizational structure, membership, and financial stability. The publication also engages with broader scientific topics, such as astronomy and the search for life beyond Earth, suggesting an evolving perspective that seeks to integrate UFO phenomena with established scientific understanding, or at least to approach the subject with greater rigor. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious investigation and open-mindedness, while cautioning against unsubstantiated claims of scientific activity.

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: Nr 1/2001
Date: 2001
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt, dated 1/2001, focuses on UFO-related events and scientific discoveries. It features an article about a visit to Cosmonova for a screening of the Swedish-produced film "UFO - Sanningen är här", reports on potential signs of extraterrestrial life, and includes a crossword puzzle.

"UFO - Sanningen är här" - A Visit to Cosmonova

On March 9, members of the Stockholm UFO Association attended a screening of the new Swedish film "UFO - Sanningen är här" at Cosmonova. The article notes that Cosmonova, located near the Natural History Museum, is a popular tourist destination known for its large IMAX screen. The film is described as educational for the general public, explaining common misinterpretation phenomena and the difficulty of identifying celestial objects. However, for those already familiar with UFO topics, it's seen as a repetitive, albeit entertaining, "field investigation course."

The film includes a scene with a "little grey creature" to illustrate how strong dreams can lead people to believe they've had contact with extraterrestrials. The film is scheduled to run for two years. While it aims to provide an introduction to the UFO phenomenon, it doesn't delve into the more difficult-to-explain UFO reports, leaving those seeking more information to contact UFO-Sverige.

The article is authored by Andreas Ohlsson.

UFO-Sverige Exhibition Announcement

An announcement promotes an exhibition by UFO-Sverige in Barkarby, taking place on May 12 from 11:00 to 16:00. Members of the Stockholm UFO Association will be present to answer questions about UFO phenomena.

Sommarkrysset (Summer Crossword)

This section features a crossword puzzle with a UFO theme, created by Conny Ljung. The solution to the previous issue's crossword is mentioned as being on the last page. Participants are encouraged to send in their solutions to UFO-Sverige for a chance to win a new copy of the magazine.

UFO-related News and Articles

Planet Discoveries Increase Belief in Extraterrestrial Life:
This article discusses how new instruments are revealing planets outside our solar system. Astronomers at an AAAS conference in San Francisco reported on planets orbiting stars in the Milky Way that likely disappeared billions of years after the universe's birth. Researchers are now focusing on finding smaller, Earth-sized planets orbiting other stars at greater distances, increasing the possibility of finding extraterrestrial life. Norman Murray from the University of Toronto is quoted stating, "Without planets, no life."

NASA Finds New Traces of Life on Mars:
Researchers at NASA claim to have found new "evidence" for life on Mars in the meteorite ALH84001. They report finding a linear arrangement of magnetite crystals, which they argue can only be explained by their presence inside bacteria. However, external experts remain skeptical. Professor Karsten Pedersen from Göteborg University finds the claim odd, given Mars' weak magnetic field, and suggests alternative explanations such as terrestrial origin or a different mechanism for magnetic bacteria on Mars.

Meteorite Strikes in England:
A meteor struck near Hopgrove, England, creating a smoking crater. A woman walking her dog witnessed the event. Museum staff from Yorkshire confirmed it was a meteorite, and the police cordoned off the area.

Origin of Life in Outer Space:
An article from New York suggests that life on Earth may have begun in outer space, with its building blocks delivered by meteorites. Scientists at a laboratory recreated conditions found in space, forming primitive cells that could be the beginning of life. Louis Allamandola from NASA's research center in California stated that the building blocks for cell membranes are found everywhere in space, implying that life could exist anywhere in the universe.

Plane Nearly Collides with Weather Balloon:
Two incidents involving commercial aircraft nearly colliding with weather balloons near Visby Airport in Sweden are being investigated by the Swedish Accident Investigation Board. Both incidents involved the same captain. Weather balloons, used by the military weather service and SMHI, are typically 1.2 meters in diameter and descend with a 5-meter line. The probability of them interfering with air traffic is considered very low.

UFO Bureau Closes Due to Lack of Sightings:
The British UFO Bureau, which investigated UFOs for nearly 50 years, is closing down due to a lack of unidentified flying objects. The founder, Denis Plunkett, attributes the decline to increased security since the Cold War. UFO sightings have also decreased in Sweden, though UFO-Sverige continues its work.

UFO Stops Plane in Russia:
An unidentified flying object reportedly caused the closure of Barnaul Airport in southern Siberia for 1.5 hours. The crew of an Ilyushin plane refused to take off after spotting a luminous object hovering above the runway.

Astronomical Calendar:
This section highlights Per Ahlin's "Astronomisk kalender" (Astronomical Calendar), a guide to celestial phenomena such as planetary movements, meteor showers, and eclipses. It mentions specific astronomical events like Venus's appearance and the Earth's farthest point from the sun on July 4th. The calendar is praised for its informative content and includes various astronomical-themed songs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, scientific investigations into extraterrestrial life, and astronomical phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs while also presenting scientific explanations and news from space exploration agencies like NASA. There's a clear effort to inform readers about both the unexplained and the scientifically understood aspects of the universe, encouraging critical thinking and further research through organizations like UFO-Sverige.