UFO Allehenda - 1991 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Allehanda, the member magazine of Enköpings UFO-förening, is identified as №3 1991. The cover features a drawing of a UFO over a snowy landscape and house, with the title 'UFO Allehanda' and the issue details.

Editorial Information and Organization Activities

The magazine is published by the board of Enköpings UFO-förening and comes out three times a year. The organization's clubhouse is located in 'the little red cabin' at Ulundakorset. Membership fees for 1992 are detailed: 100 SEK for families, 60 SEK for individual members, 40 SEK for 16-20 year olds, and 10 SEK for 0-16 year olds. The postgiro number for payments is 67 81 27-2. The address for the organization is Enköpings UFO-förening, Box 350, 745 03 Enköping. Contact phone numbers are provided for the clubhouse (0171-385 18) and the chairman, Arnold Idebring (342 03).

New Members

Arvid Kling and Gunilla Larsson from Enköping are welcomed as new members.

Contents

The table of contents lists several upcoming and past events: a Christmas party ('Grötfest - julfest'), a field research course in Ulunda, reports from the reporting center, a 15th-anniversary celebration with a lottery, and a discussion titled 'Alone in space?'

Noteworthy Information

New membership fees are announced for the year. The magazine includes a payment slip for renewing memberships. The fees remain the same as in 1991. The postgiro number is reiterated.

Editor's Letter and Organizational Updates

The editor's letter, dated November, reflects on the approaching holiday season. The organization hosted UFO-Sweden's field research course, which was a success, accommodating 30 participants. A planning conference was also held with 16-17 attendees, primarily discussing budget issues for UFO-Sweden's activities in the coming year. A significant concern is a meeting with the municipality regarding the clubhouse's location, which the municipality apparently wants to use for housing, despite the organization having used it for 11 years. The outcome of this issue is uncertain at the time of writing.

No recent UFO cases were reported to the organization, but an old observation from 1980 by Malin Kapten was received. This case involved an object estimated to be 150 meters long, traveling from north to south with a strong humming sound. The report is being investigated to see if further details exist in the AFU (Archive for UFO Research) archives in Norrköping. Wednesday evenings have had low attendance, and a planned observation evening was canceled due to unsuitable weather.

Anniversary and Future Plans

Enköpings UFO-förening was founded in 1976, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year. The organization hopes to be active for its 20th anniversary. A significant announcement for the following year is the planned launch of a youth section by UFO-Sweden, which will be led by Mikael Sjöberg, who has already started a youth group within the local chapter. The editor wishes members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Astronomical Information

A star chart for the autumn sky around 9 PM is included, showing constellations visible in the northern hemisphere.

Events and Activities

Christmas Party ('Grötfest')

The annual family party, 'grötfesten', will be held in Ulunda on Saturday, December 7th, starting at 6:00 PM. The event will feature traditional rice porridge ('vit julgröt'), Santa Claus with gifts for children, singing, and music. There will be a special 15th-anniversary lottery with two prizes and a free lottery for those who purchase items at the auction. Neighboring UFO associations are invited, and attendees are encouraged to bring friends. The organization will provide porridge and coffee.

Suggestions for 1992 Activities

Members are encouraged to contact the board with suggestions for activities in 1992. The organization holds meetings every Wednesday at 7:00 PM.

Swedish UFO Enthusiasts Meet in Enköping

This section reports on a two-day intensive course held in Enköping for nearly 30 members of the national organization UFO-Sverige. The course focused on how to investigate UFO cases. Participants learned about natural phenomena that can explain UFO observations, such as Russian rocket launches, fireballs, and bright planets. Håkan Ekstrand, vice chairman of UFO-Sweden, stated that the goal was to teach members to identify these phenomena. The course also covered the difficulties of using hypnosis in UFO investigations, with Håkan Blomqvist discussing issues related to contactee cases. Jörgen Granlie of Enköpings UFO-förening demonstrated methods for measuring distances in nature without a tape measure and determining cardinal directions without a compass. The photos show Jörgen Granlie instructing, with Leif Lissjanis and Andreas Ohlsson listening. The photos are credited to Clas Svahn.

Snippets from RPC-Nytt

This section presents several brief reports of alleged UFO sightings, compiled from the publication RPC-Nytt. Subscriptions to RPC-Nytt are available for 50 SEK per year (four issues per year), with payments to postgiro 505060-4, payable to UFO-Sverige.

• July 26, 1991, 03:15-03:30, Oviken: A light appeared between blinds, illuminating the ceiling with a pattern of rainbow-colored shapes. The light and a vibrating sound increased in intensity for four to five seconds, repeating several times. The observer was temporarily paralyzed.
• August 12, 1991, 22:50, Nyfors: Two large stars were observed. One moved north, ascended, and disappeared after 30 seconds.
• August 29, 1991, 22:50, Helsingborg: Details of this incident are not yet known.
• September 6, 1991, 21:30, S of Söderköping: A bright light formed a 10-meter wide 'light street' of irregular moving 'stars'. A silent, approximately 50-meter long object passed at low altitude.
• September 12, 1991, ?, Önnestad: Four star-like objects were seen. One blinked continuously and moved erratically before disappearing into another object.
• September 12, 1991, 18:10-18:15, Nacka transmitter, Stockholm: A disk-shaped object, estimated at 15 meters in diameter, hovered near the transmitter, moving back and forth. Personnel at the transmitter had not observed anything unusual.
• September 13, 1991, 21:40-22:40, Hallstahammar: Four to five objects with white and red lights flew back and forth. One object flew overhead without sound. Three circles were seen in a triangular formation below the object. No air traffic was reported.

UFOs Before 1800

This section delves into historical accounts of alleged UFO sightings predating the modern era.

Ancient Carvings

Ancient carvings on a granite cliff and stones on an island in China are cited as possible early depictions of cylindrical objects resembling spacecraft, with potential alien occupants. These are estimated to be 47,000 years old, placing them in the era of Neanderthals.

Egyptian Papyrus Account

A translation from an Egyptian papyrus, part of Thutmose III's annals (circa 1504-1450 BC), describes an event in the 22nd year of his reign. Scribes reported seeing a 'circle of fire' in the sky with no head, emitting a foul odor. Its body was described as a stick (52.3 meters) long and as wide as a stick. The event caused fear, and scribes reported it to Pharaoh. An investigation was ordered, and the phenomena became more numerous and brighter, stretching to the 'four pillars supporting the sky'. The text mentions 'fire circles' whose position was observed, and that Pharaoh ordered the event to be recorded in the 'annals of the House of Life' for posterity.

Ezekiel's Vision

The vision of the prophet Ezekiel, as recorded in the Bible, is interpreted by some as a UFO sighting. The account describes a 'vehicle' descending from the sky near the Kebar river in Chaldea during the fifth year of the Jewish captivity (592 BC). Ezekiel describes a whirlwind, a great cloud, and flashing lightning, with fire within. He sees beings with four faces (human, lion, ox, eagle), four wings, and straight legs like calves, glowing like polished brass. They had human hands under their wings. The beings moved with wheels within wheels, and their rims were high and fearsome, covered with eyes. When the beings moved, the wheels moved with them, and when they ascended, the wheels ascended. The vision is interpreted as a description of a complex machine or spacecraft.

Ezekiel is told that the Israelites have strayed and will be punished if they do not obey God's commands. He is chosen as a messenger and is taken aboard the 'craft' ('a spirit lifted me up') and transported to Tel-Abib. The text notes that the experience left him in deep sorrow for seven days.

Roman Accounts

Julius Obsequens, a Roman author from the 5th century AD, compiled a book called 'Prodigiorum liber' which includes various strange phenomena, some of which could be interpreted as UFO sightings.

• 216 BC: Ship-like objects were seen over Italy. In Apulia, a round shield was observed. In Capua, the sky was ablaze, and ship-like forms were seen.
• 99 BC: During the consulship of C. Murius and L. Valerius, something resembling a flaming torch fell in various locations in Tarquinia. Towards sunset, a ball or object described as glowing metal was seen.

Further Interpretations of Ezekiel's Vision

The beings described in Ezekiel's vision are further analyzed, with speculation about whether they were astronauts in space suits with flying devices or alien robots. The description of wheels within wheels and their movement is highlighted. The vision is also compared to modern reports of abductions and returns ('close encounter of the fourth kind').

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, both contemporary and historical, and the investigation of these phenomena. There is a clear interest in ancient texts and biblical accounts being reinterpreted through a UFO lens. The organization actively engages in field research, member education, and community events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting evidence and historical accounts for members to consider. The organization also emphasizes its role in the broader UFO community through its affiliation with UFO-Sweden and its participation in national events.

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt (Issue 10) is a Swedish magazine focused on UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial life, and related topics. It features a mix of historical accounts, scientific discussions, and personal anecdotes.

Historical UFO Sightings

The magazine presents several historical accounts of unusual aerial phenomena. One of the earliest mentioned is from 90 BC in Spoletiumterritoriet, Italy, where a golden-yellow fireball fell, rotated, and then ascended, obscuring the sun. Another account from 393 AD describes a bright, luminous sphere appearing at midnight, accompanied by numerous other glowing spheres that resembled a swarm of bees. A later report from 1034 AD details a cigar-shaped object with a halo of flames moving across the sky. The issue also includes a description from the 'William of Newburg's Chronicle' about a 'discus' (a flat, round, shining object) seen flying over Byland Abbey in England in the late 1100s, which caused great fear.

Scientific Perspectives on Extraterrestrial Life

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the scientific exploration of life beyond Earth. It references the book "Ensamma i rymden?" (Alone in Space?) by astronomers Kjell Johansson, Lars-Olof Loden, and Lars Lundin. The book is described as a scientific and neutral examination of the possibility of life in the universe and the challenges of interstellar communication. The magazine highlights the formula for estimating the number of advanced technological civilizations (often associated with the Drake Equation), detailing each variable: R* (star formation rate), fp (fraction of stars with planets), ne (number of habitable planets per star), fl (fraction of habitable planets where life arises), fi (fraction of life-bearing planets where intelligent life evolves), fc (fraction of intelligent civilizations that develop detectable technology), and L (lifespan of detectable civilizations).

The text also touches upon the definition of 'life' itself, suggesting that ecological balance and continuous renewal might be criteria. It even poses the question of whether stars could be considered living entities, linking it to the principle of reproduction for classification as a living organism.

UFOlogy and Speculation

The magazine discusses how UFO phenomena are viewed by some UFOlogists, noting the difficulty in imagining extraterrestrial visitors without assuming hostile intentions. It questions whether this perspective is rooted in human nature's destructive tendencies or envy. The possibility of extraterrestrial seeding of life on Earth is also explored, along with the intriguing idea that UFOs might be observational craft or even that Earth could be a penal colony for intergalactic criminals.

Personal Anecdotes and Local Events

"Ivars Spalt" (Ivar's Column) offers a more personal and festive perspective, reflecting on Christmas traditions, childhood fears of Santa Claus, and his involvement in organizing local events. He mentions his role as chairman of Enköpingsortens Biodlareförening and his involvement with Enköpings UFO-förening. The column also recounts a frightening incident at an orchestra forum in Hälsingborg where a gunshot was fired into a dressing room, narrowly missing a member.

Book Review and Information

The magazine provides details about the book "Ensamma i rymden?", noting that it is out of print but may be available in second-hand bookstores. It also suggests obtaining a copy through interlibrary loan or by ordering a photocopy from Uppsala University Library for approximately 90 kronor. Information is also given about a university course at Uppsala University titled "Conditions for Life in the Universe."

Contact Information

Contact details are provided for UFO-SVERIGES RAPPORTCENTRAL, with names Berit Bergqvist and Kurt Persson, and a phone number (0225-517 66).

Subscription Information

Information is included for subscribing to UFO-Aktuellt, with details on how to pay via Postgiro (50 50 60 - 4, UFO - Sverige) or by phone (0224-17771 or 0171-34203). The magazine is published four times a year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are historical UFO sightings, the scientific inquiry into extraterrestrial life, and the broader implications of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a willingness to explore these topics from both scientific and anecdotal perspectives, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations. The magazine aims to inform and engage those interested in UFOs and the mysteries of the universe.