Stockholms UFO-Nytt - 2009 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: Stockholms UFO-nytt
Issue: 1/2009
Publisher: Stockholms UFO-förening
Date: January 2009

This issue of Stockholms UFO-nytt, the informational newsletter for the Stockholm UFO Association, focuses on UFO sightings reported in Sweden during 2008, the International Year of Astronomy 2009, and a detailed investigation into the controversial Apollo 20 mission claims.

Editorial and Association Information

The issue begins with an editorial by Svante Lilja, Chairman of Stockholms UFO-förening. He draws a parallel between the 376 years it took for the Catholic Church to overturn Galileo Galilei's condemnation and the ongoing struggle to discuss UFOs openly. Lilja expresses hope that the new millennium will bring about a more accepting attitude towards UFO phenomena. He emphasizes the need for the association (Stufo) to increase its visibility and reach, encouraging members to get involved, particularly in preparations for the association's upcoming 30th-anniversary celebration. Plans for spring events include potential visits to an observatory and the Cosmonova science center. The editorial also announces the date and location of the annual general meeting.

Contact information for the Stockholm UFO Association is provided, including their postal address, phone number, and contact person, Svante Lilja. Membership fees are listed, with different rates for regular members and pensioners/full-time students, all including a subscription to Stockholms UFO-nytt. The newsletter is published three times a year.

Stockholm Reports 2008

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to detailed reports of UFO sightings from various locations in Sweden throughout 2008. These reports, often submitted by members and evaluated by RPC (likely a reporting or analysis body), include:

• January 30, 2008 (Rånäs): Two friends observed two orange-red spheres moving at high speed.
• February 3, 2008 (Kallhäll): A man saw two delta-shaped objects in tight formation moving silently at high speed.
• February 11, 2008 (Upplands Väsby): An observer reported a formation of 9-11 red-yellow lights moving slowly, which later reduced to a single light.
• February 11, 2008 (Upplands Väsby): A large group witnessed pairs of yellow lights moving across the sky.
• February 12, 2008 (Lidingö, Värtahamnen): An observer saw a long, glowing streak that moved upwards.
• February 11, 2008 (Upplands Väsby): An observer reported an orange dot followed by eleven more, moving in a line.
• February 29, 2008 (Västerhaninge): A triangular object with diffuse yellowish-orange lights was observed.
• March 16, 2008 (Skeppsholmen): Seven large black objects, described as metal flakes, moved slowly over the city.
• March 24, 2008 (Klarastrandsleden): A car passenger saw an object with blue and red lights moving fast.
• March 31, 2008 (Sollentuna): Two friends observed two warm white lights that formed various formations.
• April 11, 2008 (Hammarby Sjöstad): A bright white flash was followed by two large octagons with red lights.
• March 25, 2008 (Mälarhöjden): A black, cross-shaped object rotated and moved southwest.
• June 13, 2008 (Smedby, Upplands Väsby): An oval, silver/lead-colored object flew into a cloud and disappeared.
• July 5, 2008 (Skanstull): About 15 people saw a fast-rising, square-shaped, glowing white form.
• July 7, 2008 (Täby centrum): A luminous object hovered and then moved towards a residential area.
• July 25, 2008 (Hökarängen): Three objects moved from northeast to southwest, leaving short, wide contrails.
• July 26, 2008 (Sätuna, Märsta): A strong red light moved silently northward.
• July 31, 2008 (Axelsberg): A metallic object with three arms rotated and moved north.
• August 2, 2008 (Sollentuna): An orange, round object with protrusions moved east to west.
• August 16, 2008 (Gamla stan): A 'star' appeared and moved rapidly northward.
• August 23, 2008 (Hässelby): An oblong, bright light disappeared quickly northward.
• August 30, 2008 (Täby): Two people saw two orange lights moving at a steady speed, followed by another identical object.
• August 30, 2008 (Täby): Two orange lights were observed moving southeast, with a third appearing later.
• September 20, 2008 (Högberga, Lidingö): A large, red and yellow 'clot' flew silently under the clouds.
• September 24, 2008 (Haninge): Two brown, cigar-shaped objects were observed moving in a southwest-northeast direction.
• September 29, 2008 (Upplands Väsby): A white oval object moved between clouds at high altitude.
• October 11, 2008 (Cosmonova): At least eight large light objects were seen flying westward.
• October 23, 2008 (Vällingby): A light moved back and forth behind clouds.
• October 23, 2008 (Järfälla): A strange light, initially thought to be a plane, moved in a 180-degree angle.
• October 25, 2008 (Södermalm): A fireball-like object with a faint triangular outline flew rapidly from south to north.

International Astronomy Year 2009

This section highlights the 400th anniversary of Galileo Galilei's telescopic observations of the night sky, celebrated as the International Year of Astronomy (IYA 2009). It mentions the '100 Hours of Astronomy' event and a special exhibition at the Observatorium Museum in Stockholm titled "Is anyone out there? Thoughts on life in space over 400 years." A lecture on "Space and aliens as hot and promise in science fiction" is also noted. Several websites related to the IYA 2009 are provided.

Apollo 20 - Truth or Bluff?

This lengthy article, authored by Curtis Peebles and translated/edited by Stefan Roslund, critically examines the claims made by William Rutledge regarding a secret Apollo 20 mission in 1976. Rutledge presented video evidence purportedly showing a crashed alien mothership on the Moon's far side. The article details Rutledge's background, his alleged involvement in a secret project, and the supposed tragic fate of the Apollo 19 mission. It discusses the 'mothership' and 'lunar city' supposedly found, including the discovery of two alien bodies, one named 'Mona Lisa'.

The article then delves into the analysis and skepticism surrounding Rutledge's claims, particularly by ufologists Lusa Scantamburlo and Michael Salla. Scantamburlo initially found Rutledge's information detailed and credible, but later acknowledged inconsistencies, including the use of Apollo 11 launch footage. Salla also pointed out discrepancies, such as the Apollo 20 emblem not matching the Apollo-Soyuz mission emblem. Both researchers questioned the authenticity of Rutledge's story, with Salla suggesting it might be a sophisticated bluff intended to either mislead or, paradoxically, to prompt disclosure of information about extraterrestrial presence.

The article concludes that while Rutledge's story contains significant inconsistencies, it raises questions about the purpose behind such a detailed fabrication, possibly serving as a psychological test or a means to pressure governments into revealing information about UFOs.

Other Short Reports

• "Ufo" collided with wind turbine: A report from Great Britain about a wind turbine in Lincolnshire being damaged, with witnesses describing strange lights and a flying object prior to the incident.
• UFO did not destroy power plant: A clarification from Ecotricity stating that a wind turbine failure in January was not caused by a UFO, but by material fatigue, with lights seen nearby being fireworks.
• Black holes came before galaxies: A brief astronomical note explaining that astronomers have found evidence suggesting black holes existed before galaxies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, often providing detailed accounts with dates, times, locations, and descriptions of the objects and their behavior. There is a clear interest in space exploration and astronomy, as evidenced by the coverage of the International Year of Astronomy. The editorial stance, particularly in the analysis of the Apollo 20 claims, is critical and analytical, seeking to verify information and identify inconsistencies. The publication aims to inform its members about UFO phenomena and related scientific and speculative topics, encouraging critical thinking and member participation.

This issue of DN, dated January 19, 2008, features a prominent cover story on the discovery of methane on Mars, which is presented as a potential indicator of life. The magazine also includes a report on a significant satellite collision and a brief mention of a meteor sighting.

Metan ger hopp om liv på Mars (Methane Gives Hope for Life on Mars)

American astronomers have detected methane gas emanating from specific locations on Mars. This finding is considered highly interesting by experts like Nils Holm, a professor of geochemistry at Stockholm University's research school for astrobiology. He notes that the process producing methane, if geological, would likely require water, thus creating a potentially habitable environment for microorganisms.

Karsten Pedersen, a professor of microbiology in Gothenburg, offers a more cautious perspective, calling it another "weak link in the chain" and not definitive proof of life. He explains that methane-producing microorganisms exist in oxygen-free environments on Earth, such as sewage treatment plants, ocean floors, animal digestive systems, and permafrost. Similar microorganisms could exist deep within Mars' bedrock, feeding on hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Malcolm Fridlund, who is responsible for the European Space Agency's (ESA) studies of alien planets, expresses admiration for the study's technical sophistication and thoroughness. He highlights that while ESA's 'Mars Express' probe had previously detected methane in Mars' atmosphere four years prior, the new findings reveal distinct, season-varying sources. Fridlund expressed a strong desire to land a probe on these specific locations during future Mars expeditions, with NASA planning one for 2011 and ESA for 2016.

On Earth, about ninety percent of methane is produced by microorganisms.

Ljus från ovan förbryllade många (Light from Above Baffled Many)

This section reports on a bright light phenomenon observed over Southern and Western Sweden on a Saturday evening. It is believed to have been a bolide, a meteor that burned up in the atmosphere. The event was notable for its unusually clear light, long and stately trail, and the large number of witnesses who reacted to it. No remnants of the object were found.

Satellitkrock i 35 000 km/h (Satellite Collision at 35,000 km/h)

This article details a significant collision between the Iridium 33 and Kosmos 2251 satellites, described as the first known space collision of its kind. The impact occurred at high speed, approximately 35,000 km/h (or at least ten kilometers per second), over Siberia. The collision generated debris that scattered tens of miles, posing a threat to space traffic safety. Nicholas Johnson from NASA's Orbital Debris Program Office commented that it was "a bad day for both" satellites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious optimism regarding scientific discoveries, particularly in space exploration. While reporting on potentially groundbreaking findings like methane on Mars, the magazine also includes expert opinions that temper expectations and emphasize the need for further evidence. The inclusion of reports on space debris and meteor sightings reflects a broader interest in space phenomena and the challenges associated with it. The publication, DN, is a Swedish daily newspaper, and this issue reflects its commitment to covering significant scientific and astronomical news.