Stockholms UFO-Nytt - 2001 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: 3/2001
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening
Date: 2001
Language: Swedish

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt, the informational bulletin for the Stockholm UFO Association, is dated 3/2001. The cover features the association's logo and a festive "Gott Nytt År!" (Happy New Year!) message, hinting at the transition into a new year of UFO investigations.

Editorial Introduction

The editorial, penned by Inga-Lill, reflects on the past year, noting a general lull in UFO reports compared to previous years. However, there has been an increase in reported sightings of contrails from airplanes. The editor expresses anticipation for the upcoming UFO year of 2002 and extends holiday wishes to all members and their families.

Membership and Subscriptions

Page 2 provides details about the Stockholms UFO-förening, including its address in Järfälla, Sweden, and contact information. Membership fees are listed, with a full-year membership including the "Stockholms UFO-Nytt" costing 130 SEK, and a half-year costing 70 SEK. Reduced rates are available for pensioners and full-time students. The page also recommends subscriptions to "UFO-Aktuellt" (190 SEK/year) and "Rapportnytt" (120 SEK/year) for those seeking more UFO information.

Contents

The table of contents on page 3 outlines the articles featured in this issue:

• Rapport från Martebomyr (Report from Martebomyr) - Page 4
• Barrett-fallet (The Barrett Case) - Page 9
• Rösaringen (The Ring of Roses) - Page 13
• Föredragsafton och videokväll (Lecture Evening and Video Night) - Page 14
• Pressklipp (Press Clippings) - Page 15

Rapport från Martebomyr (Report from Martebomyr)

This extensive article, starting on page 4, details investigations into the mysterious lights observed at the deserted croft of Knutstorp in Martebo parish, Gotland, Sweden. The phenomenon, known as "Marteboljuset," has been reported for as long as the croft has existed, with descriptions varying widely. The article questions whether these phenomena should be dismissed as mere superstition.

A team of six from the association conducted a week-long observation in week 42. They found evidence of rings and staffs, but more importantly, made observations that defied logical explanation. The timing of the observation week was deliberate, coinciding with the new moon to enhance astronomical visibility and the potential for observing the lights.

The article mentions Inga-Lill Wallin's significant efforts in documenting the Marteboljuset, including 104 evenings of observation, numerous lectures, and a book on the subject. The local population is well aware of the phenomenon.

During reconnaissance, the team found a silver ring and a wooden staff inscribed with "Positive energy," which are described as curious finds.

The article also touches upon other sights on Gotland, including prehistoric geological features and historical sites.

Slipskåror (Grooves)

On page 5, the article discusses "slipskåror" – grooves carved into rock formations across the island, which have puzzled researchers. Uppsala astronomer Göran Henriksson's analysis, using advanced computer programs, suggests a correlation between these grooves and the moon's passage by Antares in Scorpio, dating them to between 3152 and 2569 BC. This suggests intentional shaping by ancient peoples. However, the article notes that some archaeologists dismiss Henriksson's astronomical interpretations.

One particular set of grooves revealed a fossilized imprint, leading the author to question the "groove-making" theory for that specific instance. The grooves themselves are described as peculiar.

The article also mentions visits to Torsburgen, an ancient fortress, and Lergravviken, a scenic coastal area known for a classic Swedish UFO case from 1957 involving "Gösta Rehn."

Försvunna damer (Missing Ladies)

A peculiar incident occurred one evening when two members, Angela and Gunilla, briefly disappeared. Gunilla was found in a ditch, having taken a misstep in the dark. Angela was later found in one of the cars. This event, though seemingly mundane, is recounted with a touch of humor.

Observations and Lights

Later that evening, Gunilla reported seeing a tennis ball-sized light globe inside the forest. The observers had previously noted small, fleeting light spots, resembling welding sparks or grinding sparks, appearing close to the ground, often in bushes. These "fire sparks" were observed multiple times and in different locations, but never elsewhere in Sweden, leading to speculation about their nature.

On page 6, the report continues, noting that if these phenomena were easily explainable, they would likely appear in multiple locations. The author speculates they might be insect-related.

Uppmärksammat föredrag (Noteworthy Lecture)

On October 17th, Inga-Lill gave a lecture on the Marteboljuset in Visby, which was well-attended. She presented UFO-Sweden's work and discussed her book, "Marteboljuset i myt och verklighet." During the Q&A, a local man challenged her findings, arguing that the lights were not related to gases or other phenomena, but rather were landing sites for extraterrestrial craft. He claimed to use a dowsing rod to detect energy fields and predict when the lights would appear.

Approximately half of the attendees reported having had personal UFO experiences, with many having actively searched for the lights.

Sista kvällen vid Knutstorp (Last Evening at Knutstorp)

On the final evening, Johnny and the author were investigating the historical site of Knutstorp. They heard a low-frequency sound, initially mistaken for a UFO, but it turned out to be a large beetle. The article mentions that Martebo phenomena are not solely light-based.

On page 7, the narrative shifts to a specific sighting. Johnny and Inga-Lill spotted a light near a canal bridge, resembling a faint flashlight. While trying to focus on it with binoculars, it appeared as a blurry yellow smudge. As they approached, the light disappeared. Experiments with a flashlight failed to replicate the phenomenon.

Later that night, another observation occurred. A bright, yellow-green object, described as disk-like rather than spherical, appeared from the woods, crossed the road at a high speed (estimated at over 10 m/sec), and disappeared into the woods on the other side. This event was witnessed by multiple people, including two Visby residents.

Barrett-fallet (The Barrett Case)

Starting on page 9, this article details a significant UFO encounter experienced by William Barrett, a truck driver in the UK. The area around Bonnybridge, Scotland, is known as a "UFO window," but ufologist Jenny Randles suggests the true "UFO alley" lies in her home region of Lancashire and West Yorkshire.

On January 14, 1980, William Barrett was driving his truck from Barrowford to Hollingworth. While taking a detour through Calder Valley, he encountered a strange object.

Dovt brummande (Deep Humming)

Barrett reported hearing a deep humming sound, like a generator, even over the truck's engine noise. He saw a "machine" with what he initially thought were "flames underneath," hovering beside the road. There were no other vehicles nearby.

Sköldpaddsskal (Turtle Shell)

As Barrett slowed down, he observed the object more closely. It was about 7.5 meters away and shaped like a clock or a turtle shell, with a metallic luster and a pipe-like structure at the top. He felt it was drawing fuel from the air. The red "flames" were described as blurry and difficult to look at directly, with a pinkish shimmer, similar to descriptions of ultraviolet and infrared radiation from landed craft.

Militär apparat (Military Apparatus)

Barrett began to suspect the object was a secret military apparatus. He saw two figures standing in front of the hovering object, silhouetted by its light. One figure was upright, wearing a cap, while the other was bent over, dressed in a silver-grey overall.

"Inga ljus. Bromsade. Död man."

As Barrett passed the object, he experienced bizarre mental effects, including flashes of images and the thought: "No lights. Braked. Dead man." He felt he was losing control and nearly crashed the truck, but managed to maintain control due to his slow speed. The flashing lights from the object seemed to dissolve the figures, reminiscent of a hologram or laser show, inducing a hypnotic state. He lost consciousness.

Långt från rastplatsen (Far from the Rest Stop)

Barrett's next memory is of being jolted awake in his truck, realizing he was no longer near the rest stop but had been moved further along the road, just outside Todmorden. He felt confused but relieved to have escaped. He drove on without looking back.

Två förlorade timmar (Two Lost Hours)

Upon reaching a factory near Todmorden, he learned the time was 9:10 AM, two hours later than it should have been. He realized the time discrepancy was linked to the encounter. Barrett decided not to report the incident, fearing disbelief.

He felt the effects of the experience even on his return journey to Burnley, describing his head as feeling "full of sand."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, focusing on detailed witness reports and investigative efforts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting cases for the reader's consideration without definitive conclusions, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and documentation. The publication serves as a platform for sharing information and fostering discussion within the UFO community in Sweden.

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: nr 3/2001
Date: 2001
Publisher: UFO Sverige
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt delves into various UFO-related topics, featuring a detailed case study, discussions on misidentifications, and reports on the activities of the Stockholm UFO Association.

The William Barrett Case

The issue begins with the continuation of the William Barrett case, detailing his experience of losing two hours of time while driving his truck. He awoke with the engine idling and no memory of the missing period. Upon examination, he discovered a peculiar star-shaped bruise on his thigh, which disappeared by the next morning. Barrett insisted he was driving slowly and could not have sustained such an injury. The truck, a 1977 Ford Custom, showed no signs of damage or excessive fuel consumption during the two hours it was unaccounted for. The article notes Barrett's background, including his service in the navy during WWII and his subsequent career as a mechanic and driver. He experienced psychological distress, including blackouts, following the encounter. The investigators, Peter Hough and the author, found Barrett to be a credible witness, not seeking publicity or financial gain, and lacking prior knowledge of UFO literature. They compared his experience to the Alan Godfrey case in Todmorden, noting parallels but acknowledging they were distinct events.

Alternative Explanations and Witness Psychology

Several theories are explored regarding William Barrett's experience. One possibility considered was a road machine, but this was deemed unlikely given the circumstances. Another theory suggested an epileptic seizure triggered by rotating lights, but this did not fully explain the lost time. The case is categorized as a 'close encounter of the third kind with time loss,' a phenomenon often investigated using regression hypnosis in the US, a practice discouraged by major UFO organizations in the UK.

UFO Sverige Activities and Misidentifications

The magazine highlights the work of UFO Sverige, an organization that receives numerous UFO reports annually. Clas Svahn, the chairman, explains that 95% of cases are resolved, with common explanations including the planet Venus, aircraft lights, and car headlights. A significant portion of misidentifications are attributed to 'UFO-ballonger' – small, homemade hot air balloons that resemble glowing orbs. The article features Björn Svanberg, who created these balloons as a prank, unaware of the confusion they caused. UFO Sverige collaborates with companies selling these balloons to educate the public.

Historical and Local UFO Investigations

The Stockholm UFO Association organized a visit to Rösaringen, a historical site near Stockholm featuring a processional way from the Viking age. The visit was guided by brothers Conny and Johnny Ljung, who are also involved with the Upplands-Bro Cultural History Research Institute. The site's astronomical significance and ancient origins are discussed.

Meetings and Presentations

Two recent meetings of the Stockholm UFO Association are reported. One was a "Lecture Night with an Exciting Story" on December 6th, featuring a woman who shared her childhood UFO experience, which she later recognized from Whitley Strieber's book 'Communion.' The discussion following the presentation involved coffee and a raffle. Another event was an "Interesting Video Night" on October 31st, where two Discovery Channel programs on UFO incidents were shown and discussed, with many cases remaining unsolved.

The Marteboljuset Phenomenon

A press clipping from Aftonbladet discusses the 'Marteboljuset' (Martebo light) phenomenon, a mysterious light reported in Martebo, Sweden. Inga-Lill Wallin of UFO Sverige presented her theory that many sightings are illusions caused by factors like distant car lights or swamp gas. While many cases are explained, five instances of Marteboljuset remain unexplained for her.

UFO-Sverige's Role and Research

The article emphasizes UFO-Sverige's extensive archive, one of the largest in the world, containing books, periodicals, and numerous UFO reports. Clas Svahn notes the shift in public perception, with fewer people identifying as 'flying saucer believers' and a more critical approach among investigators. He highlights the ongoing fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life, despite the lack of definitive physical proof. The organization aims to explain and investigate reported phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance favors rational explanations and thorough investigation, while acknowledging the existence of unexplained cases. There is a clear effort to educate the public about common misidentifications and to differentiate between hoaxes and genuine puzzling occurrences. The organization's commitment to documenting and researching UFO reports is evident throughout the issue.