Stockholms UFO-Nytt - 2002 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: 3/2002
Date: 2002
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening, STUFO
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt, dated 3/2002, focuses heavily on the theme of UFO hoaxes, misidentifications, and the psychology of observation. It presents a critical look at how easily people can be deceived by simple phenomena and how subjective expectations can influence perception.

Articles and Content

"How to Fool Your Colleagues!"

This extensive article, authored by David Simpson and Ken Raine, details their experiences and methods in conducting UFO hoaxes. The primary goal was to test the investigative capabilities and biases of UFO researchers. They describe a staged event at Cradle Hill near Warminster, UK, where they presented simple visual stimuli and photographic 'evidence' that did not align with reality. The authors recount how they initially sought genuine sightings but, after finding only a few satellites, decided to conduct their own experiments.

They describe an observation on Chantry Hill where lights were perceived as unusual, but later analysis revealed them to be car headlights. The article emphasizes how enthusiasm and fatigue can distort perception, turning ordinary lights into extraordinary phenomena. They also detail how they could replicate photographic 'evidence' of UFOs using simple methods like waving a neon tube or moving a lamp in front of a mirror. The authors note that while their photographic analysis was aided by optical microdensitometers, they were often denied access to original negatives.

The article highlights the skepticism of some UFO researchers towards simple explanations, with phrases like "He's a trained pilot" or "You haven't been able to explain this." It also touches upon the prevailing ET hypothesis within ufology, which many researchers readily accepted.

The First Bluff and Subsequent Experiments

The article recounts the first major bluff orchestrated by the Society for the Investigation of UFO Phenomena (SIUFOP) in collaboration with the British UFO Research Organisation (Bufora). On July 15, 1968, a parachute flare was launched during a 'National Skywatch' event. While many observed it, few took photos, and David Simpson was the only one to capture an image. This photo was initially debated, with some suggesting it was a firework and others, like Edgar Hatvany, proclaiming it as proof of an observation.

A year later, in June 1969, SIUFOP conducted another bluff at Warminster during a Bufora National Skywatch. This involved releasing helium-filled bags with lamps, which created a spectacular display. The observers were highly impressed, considering it the best observation ever. However, the authors note that the objects' ability to change direction against the wind was attributed to the balloons, though some still found it hard to believe it was a hoax.

The "Warminster photographs" from March 1970 represent a more sophisticated hoax. A ground-based purple light was used, and a colleague staged a photo session. The developed film contained images of airborne UFOs that were more unusual than the initial light. Despite containing contradictions that should have raised suspicion, experienced investigators often declared them genuine, arguing that a hoaxer wouldn't make such mistakes.

"Dragons" and Further Staging

Following these events, the authors felt validated in their suspicions about the quality of UFO investigations. They conducted further experiments, using kites instead of balloons, to simulate UFOs. These kites were equipped with lights that blinked erratically and were timed to activate only after the kite was a significant distance from the ground, making it difficult for the hoaxers to be identified.

BBC on Location

In the summer of 1972, the BBC visited Cradle Hill for a stakeout. The team used balloons with single lamps, which were visible from a considerable distance. The BBC team observed the event and interviewed the observers, who claimed it was the best observation they had ever made, with the UFOs seemingly communicating through 'intelligent' signals. After the BBC broadcast, the hoaxers revealed themselves, and the ufologist Rex Dutta, who was interviewed, refused to believe it was a hoax.

The BBC asked for a repeat performance, which was conducted under worse weather conditions. This time, Rex Dutta acknowledged that the lights did not resemble the previous week's sighting, stating that "any idiot would recognize a balloon." This incident underscores the tendency for people to see what they expect to see, and the article concludes that simple stimuli can create a wide range of perceived phenomena.

Summering (Summary)

The authors reflect on their 30 years of experiences with bluffs and experiments, finding them stimulating and disillusioning. They emphasize that humans tend to see what they want to see, and simple stimuli can create complex perceived phenomena. The quality of investigations is often poor due to a lack of technical knowledge, a lack of diligence, and a tendency to select evidence that fits pre-existing beliefs.

Science and Researchers

The article critiques the scientific approach to UFO phenomena, noting that while many call for a more open attitude from scientists, they often fail to understand the requirements of scientific proof. Verifiable evidence and its quality are crucial for establishing scientific conclusions. The authors argue that the UFO phenomenon, particularly the claim of extraterrestrial visitation, requires rigorous evidence that has not been provided. They point out that unidentified cases are not inherently more significant than identified ones, as both share similar characteristics.

The authors also discuss the idea of creating alternative, self-sustaining myths, referencing the emergence of crop circles and the argument that their precision made them unlikely to be hoaxes. They were accused of interfering with serious investigations, though they did not participate in the crop circle phenomenon itself.

Conclusion

Bluffs have served as a useful tool for testing ufologists' observational skills and have clearly shown that people see what they want to see, and that the quality of UFO investigations is generally very low.

Björsjökursen 7-8 September 2002

This section is a diary-style account by Gunilla Andersson of a UFO investigation course held in Björsjö, Sweden. The course, attended by 34 people, included group work on misinterpretation phenomena and solving a constructed UFO case. The participants, including the author, believed they had solved the case but later realized they had misidentified the moon as a spotlight from local festivities, placing second in the competition.

The diary also mentions other activities such as a pub night, attempts to launch UFO balloons (which were hampered by cloudy skies, but a spectacular aurora borealis was observed instead), and a lottery. A presentation on the Värmland project was given, and a personal anecdote about finding lost keys in the woods was shared.

The course concluded with a lunch and an evaluation. The author expresses her enjoyment of the weekend, looking forward to the next year.

UFO Balloons – What Are They?

This article, based on an article by Clas Svahn in UFO-Raden/Rapport-Nytt nr 1 2002, explains the phenomenon of 'UFO balloons.' These are described as small, hot air balloons that have become increasingly popular in Sweden, especially around New Year's. They consist of a plastic bag filled with hot air from burning paraffin, which ignites the material and causes it to glow. The balloons can reach altitudes of 1000 meters and have a flight time of 8-10 minutes.

The article notes that UFO balloons are sold under names like 'UFO-ballonger' and 'MAC-Flyer.' Many observers describe them as orange, globe-like objects moving silently, sometimes in formation. The lack of sound is a key factor in their misidentification as UFOs. Several eyewitness accounts are provided, describing the balloons' appearance and movement, with some mistaking them for distant stars or even spacecraft.

Exciting Excursion to the Realm of Rock Carvings

This article recounts a trip taken on September 20th by eleven people to visit rock carving sites outside Enköping, Sweden. The group visited two locations: Boglösa and Rickeby.

At Boglösa, they saw the famous "Brandskogsskeppet" (Brandskog Ship), a large carving on a sloping rock face. The journey to the site involved walking 800 meters through rough terrain. The article describes the carving as magnificent and enigmatic, noting the presence of smaller carvings such as footprints, small ships, and human figures.

At Rickeby, they found a rock with over 180 figures, including human figures, footprints, suns, and boats. The article acknowledges that the meaning of these carvings is unknown, but notes that the patterns are consistent across Sweden, suggesting a common cultural origin rather than individual artists.

It touches upon various speculative interpretations of the carvings, including religious significance, astronomical calendars, earth energy fields, and archaeological theories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena through the lens of scientific skepticism, the psychology of perception, and the prevalence of misidentification. The magazine takes a stance that many reported UFO sightings can be explained by mundane phenomena or deliberate hoaxes, and that the quality of UFO investigations is often lacking. There is a clear emphasis on the need for rigorous, evidence-based research and a debunking of unsubstantiated claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to educate readers about the potential for self-deception and the importance of scientific methodology in understanding unexplained phenomena.

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: 3/2002
Date: March 2002
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt delves into various intriguing topics, from ancient mysteries and potential extraterrestrial encounters to scientific discoveries and puzzling phenomena. The magazine features a mix of articles, news snippets, and puzzles, reflecting the ongoing interest in UFOs and related subjects within Sweden.

Rickebyhällen – Vilket är Budskapet?

The cover story focuses on Rickebyhällen, a site with enigmatic carvings. The article describes a visit to the location, including an inspection of two sites and a stop at Härkeberga church. At the church, visitors are impressed by the well-preserved 1400s medieval paintings by Albertus Pictor or Albrekt Målare. The author, Conny Ljung, recommends visiting the church for its art.

Fenomenalt sätt spisa musik

This section, a press clipping from DN, addresses a reader's query about hearing music from an old stove in the 1950s. Clas Svahn explains that AM radio signals can indeed be received through metal objects with poor contact, citing examples from Lars Moell of the Institution for Telecommunication Systems and Herbert Falkner of the Swedish Radio Museum. The phenomenon is explained as radio waves being picked up by metal surfaces, acting as makeshift receivers. It's noted that while unusual, it's not necessarily supernatural, and FM signals are harder to receive this way.

Jättesmäll omprövas: Tunguskasmällen kom från jorden

This article revisits the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, where a massive explosion occurred over Siberia. While the prevailing theory has been an asteroid or comet impact, astrophysicist Wolfgang Kundt proposes a new theory: the explosion may have originated from within the Earth, caused by the detonation of 10 million tons of methane gas. This could explain the fireballs witnessed by locals and reports of earthquakes preceding the event. A puzzling aspect is that carbon-14 dating of the soil in the area suggests a date far in the future, which Kundt suggests could be explained by a nuclear bomb or engine, though these were not available in 1908. The article humorously concludes with a suggestion of a spaceship.

Hemligt område förblir hemligt

This short news item reports that Area 51 in the Nevada desert will remain classified for another year, as decided by President George W. Bush. This means that authorities seeking to investigate potential radioactive materials or other hazardous substances will continue to be denied access. This secrecy has been maintained annually since 1995.

Apollo-steg skrotar i rymden

Another news brief discusses a strange object detected in orbit around Earth, identified by NASA experts as potentially a discarded rocket stage from the Apollo 12 mission in November 1969. Calculations suggest a 20% chance of it crashing on the Moon in 2003 and a 3% chance of impacting Earth within ten years. The article notes that several similar rocket stages were deliberately crashed into the Moon in the early 1970s.

NoN hjälper FBI: Ufo-missil var fågel

This press clipping from Metro discusses an incident where a photographer for Fox Television captured footage of a missile-like object with small wings. The FBI investigated, suspecting a new terrorist threat. However, the article reveals that similar footage from Sweden in 1991 was analyzed by UFO-Sverige and military experts. It was concluded that camera distortion could turn birds, balls, and insects into elongated shapes, including birds with apparent wings. The FBI remains uncertain.

Mozart och Chuck Berry i rymden

This brief note mentions that NASA's Voyager I and II spacecraft, celebrating their 25th anniversary, are nearing the outer limits of the galaxy and carry recordings of music by Mozart, Bach, and Chuck Berry.

Chansen till liv i rymden en på tre

Scientists Charles Lineweaver and Tamara Davis from the University of New South Wales suggest that if other planets in the universe are similar to Earth, the probability of life existing on them is high, estimated at least one in three. They base this on the relatively rapid emergence of life on Earth after its formation. The article clarifies that this statistic does not indicate the nature or complexity of such life forms.

Webb ersätter Hubble

This news item announces that the successor to the Hubble Space Telescope, scheduled for launch in 2010, will be named the James Webb Space Telescope. Named after NASA's former chief and a key figure in the Apollo program, the telescope will be positioned 1.5 million kilometers from Earth and will be 2.5 times larger than Hubble.

Ny mystisk dörr i pyramiden

This press clipping from Aftonbladet reports the discovery of another mysterious door in the Great Pyramid of Giza. This door was found in a passage previously unexplored and was investigated by a special robot. Similar to a previously discovered door, it led to a narrow passage containing a stone door with a copper handle 65 meters in.

Två enorma svarta hål på kollisionskurs

Astronomers using NASA's Chandra observatory have observed two massive black holes in the galaxy NGC 6240, located 400 million light-years away, that are on a collision course. They are expected to merge into a single black hole in the distant future, hundreds of millions of years from now. The article notes that due to the vast amounts of dust and gas in galaxies, observing the interiors of black holes is challenging. The distance between these two black holes is relatively small in cosmic terms (3,000 light-years) and is constantly decreasing.

Puzzles and Crosswords

The issue includes several puzzles: "Kluriga rutorna" (Clever Squares), a cipher-based crossword, and "Julkrysset" (Christmas Crossword). Solutions and winners from previous issues are mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, ancient mysteries, and astronomical discoveries. There is a clear interest in presenting scientific explanations for unusual events while also acknowledging the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging readers to consider various possibilities, from natural explanations to the potential for extraterrestrial activity and unknown phenomena. The inclusion of puzzles and reader contributions suggests an engaged community interested in these topics.