UFO Information - 1990 No 02

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Information, Nr 2 1990, is a Swedish-language publication dedicated to the study of unidentified flying objects. The magazine is published by UFO-Information and edited by Kjell Thörnlund, with contributions from several other individuals. The issue is priced at 100 SEK for a full year's subscription and has an ISSN of 0346-3540.

Editorial and Content

The editorial, titled "Ledare," acknowledges the delay in publishing this issue and compensates readers with four extra pages. It thanks subscribers who responded to a previous mailing and mentions plans to pre-print names on payment cards. The editorial encourages readers to submit tips about UFO events and to write clearly, preferably typed.

The issue features a table of contents listing several articles:

• 1890-TALETS LUFTSKEPP (1890s Airships) - Page 4
• NARKONTAKT AV HOG MÄRKLIGHETSGRAD (Close Encounter of High Strangeness) - Page 12
• MASKINLJUD FRÅN UNDERJORDEN OCH UFO-FENOMENET (Machine Sounds from Underground and the UFO Phenomenon) - Page 14
• LANDET RUNT (Around the Country) - Page 16
• EXPEDITION TILL ANOMALIERNAS ZON (Expedition to the Zone of Anomalies) - Page 33

Article 1: 1890-TALETS LUFTSKEPP (1890s Airships)

This extensive article by Steven A. Arts (Nebraska, USA) delves into the extraordinary wave of UFO sightings in the United States during 1896-97, characterized by large "airships" equipped with powerful spotlights. The author notes that unlike modern sightings, these reports did not describe 'little green men' or 'big heads,' but rather 'normal' individuals. The craft were consistently described as airship-like, or "Zeppelins."

The sightings began in Sacramento, California, in November 1896. Reports from the *Sacramento Bee* mentioned voices heard from the sky, giving instructions to the craft. One account described an airship descending near rooftops and then ascending again. An inventor was reportedly planning to fly such a craft from New York to California.

Newspaper coverage varied, with some publications like the *Sacramento Bee* and *San Francisco Chronicle* reporting on the sightings, while others, like the *San Jose News* and *Woodland Democrat*, dismissed them as fabrications or misidentifications (e.g., balloons, weather phenomena).

The article highlights the skepticism faced by witnesses, who were sometimes accused of being drunk or delusional. Explanations offered included paper kites, balloons, Venus, Sirius, or even advanced civilizations from Mars. One proponent suggested the visitors were from Mars, citing its ancient age compared to Earth.

The wave of sightings extended beyond California, with reports from states like Colorado, Oklahoma, Minnesota, Missouri, Arkansas, Iowa, and South Dakota. Nebraska alone had dozens of reports.

Several specific incidents are detailed:

• Hastings, Nebraska (Autumn 1896): An airship observed 150 meters above the ground for 30 minutes.
• Hastings, Nebraska (February 1897): A luminous object seen at a higher altitude, descending and hovering before disappearing.
• Merkel, Texas (April 26, 1897): A heavy object seen dragging a rope, with a person descending from it. The object was later found in a blacksmith's shop.
• Waterloo, Iowa (April 10, 1897): Reports described as "newspaper ducks."
• LeRoy, Kansas (April 19, 1897): A farmer reported a cigar-shaped airship with a gondola descending near his farm.
• Minnesota (April 16, 1897): A square red light observed, described as three times larger than the moon.

The article notes that many 1890s witnesses believed the airships were controlled by humans, though some exceptions existed. Inventors like Hiram Maxim and Octave Chanute were mentioned.

A report from Sioux Valley News (South Dakota) about an incident in Minnesota described a mysterious object that moved erratically and then disappeared.

The article concludes by stating that while many cases have been explained away, the sheer number of reports suggests that people in the 1890s saw *something*, whether human-made craft, extraterrestrial visitors, or something else entirely.

REDAKTÖRENS ANMÄRKNING (Editor's Note): The editor acknowledges that many researchers attempt to debunk such cases but feels compelled to accept that witnesses saw *something*. The editor references Dr. Jacques Vallee and Dr. Allen Hynek's interest in similar cases, particularly the Hamilton incident involving a calf abduction, which was later dismissed as a hoax. The editor suggests that in 1896-97, as in 1989, there were likely individuals who spread misinformation to obscure the truth.

Article 2: NARKONTAKT AV HOG MÄRKLIGHETSGRAD (Close Encounter of High Strangeness)

This article recounts a personal experience of the author's cousin, Brian Hanney, who had a close encounter in the summer of '69. Brian and his friend Kittie were riding their motorcycles near Lake Tahoe in California when they encountered a strange, monstrous entity described as a parody of a human, insect, and lizard, with large red eyes. The creature, which emitted a hissing sound, blocked their path. Brian's motorcycle skidded, and he fell, with the creature showing interest in him.

The entity's head resembled a grasshopper's, with large, faceted eyes and furrowed brows. It had large, backward-swept ears and a short neck. Its upper body was slender, while the lower body was frog-like, with long tentacles. Lines or tendons extended from its body to something off to the side.

The creature approached Brian, its tentacles gently touching him. Brian felt no hostility, only a sense of healing. The tentacles wrapped around him and the motorcycle. After the encounter, a luminous craft, described as a yellow, upside-down egg cup with rotating lights, appeared and ascended rapidly.

Brian was taken to a doctor, where a slight radioactive reading was noted. His broken bones healed remarkably quickly, leading experts to speculate about a 'healer from space.' Brian wished to remain anonymous, partly due to the association with E.T. and the prevailing attitudes towards UFOs and 'paranormal' phenomena at the time.

Article 3: MASKINLJUD FRÅN UNDERJORDEN OCH UFO-FENOMENET (Machine Sounds from Underground and the UFO Phenomenon)

This article by Greg Long, a researcher from Oregon, USA, discusses reports of machine-like sounds emanating from underground, particularly in the Yakima Indian Reservation in Washington State. These sounds were often reported concurrently with UFO sightings and Bigfoot encounters in the area.

Long investigated nearly 200 UFO sightings in the Yakima Reservation between 1964 and 1984. A significant finding was the recurring reports of "dull rumbling sounds" originating from the ground. These sounds were first officially reported by fire lookouts in 1972 and continued to be documented over the years.

Witnesses described the sounds as similar to a loaded truck climbing a steep hill, or the rumble of an earthquake. They were usually heard during the day and were not attributed to timber trucks or jet planes.

Specific reports from Satus Peak, cited from fire lookout logs, detail various sounds heard between 1974 and 1984:

• August 28, 1974: "Loud rumbling sound again. No wind."
• October 14, 1974: "Can hear loud rumbling," also reported by a lookout at Sopelia Tower.
• May 28, 1979: "Strangest sound. Sounded like large water drops hitting paper, or two sticks hitting each other. It bounced around in different places. Very spooky."
• October 11, 1979: "Loud humming sound. Couldn't see anything. Sounded eerie."
• October 22, 1979: A "high-pitched whistling" passed directly overhead, described as not like jet planes but loud enough to be discernible.
• August 18, 1980: "Heard that engine sound again, like underground. First time this year."
• July 16, 1982: "Heard a rumbling."
• July 18, 1982: "Heard a large truck driving up beside the lookout tower and turning off its engine."
• September 1983: "Heard soft music for a moment."
• July 18, 1984: "Heard my truck."

The sounds were sometimes accompanied by vibrations and unusual phenomena, leading to speculation about their origin, which ranged from tectonic activity to more anomalous sources.

Article 4: LANDET RUNT (Around the Country)

This section compiles various UFO sightings from different locations in Sweden and abroad:

• Älgarås, Sweden (Late November 1989): A woman reported seeing strange, elongated, brightly lit phenomena in the sky, described as similar to a normal sport plane but shifting in color (green, red, blinking). She ruled out military aircraft.

• Höör, Sweden (December 5, 1989): A woman reported seeing strong, clear red lights over Ringsjön and later over Höör. Two bright red lights moved at low altitude, accompanied by a "whooshing or whistling" sound before disappearing.

• Nordsjö, Sweden (December 28, 1989): A mysterious light phenomenon was observed, described as a "light ball with a hook or crescent underneath." The object moved and disappeared. Witnesses, including Tore Öberg, were baffled, ruling out weather balloons.

• Bredäng, Sweden (January 19, 1990): Barbara Körner observed a luminous object hovering above a subway station. It emitted a steady light and was silent. She could not identify it and noted it was not a typical aircraft.

• Grums, Sweden (February 9, 1990): An "earthball" phenomenon was reported, described as large and glowing, moving northwest and disappearing behind a forest.

• Borlänge, Sweden (February 9, 1990): During a lunar eclipse, several people observed a strange object moving in the sky, changing colors (red, green, white). The phenomenon lasted for over an hour.

• Eskilstuna, Sweden (February 17, 1990): Bertil Högblom and others witnessed a bright, intense light that suddenly seemed to crash or disappear, accompanied by smoke.

• Öland, Sweden (March 2, 1990): Police officers Rolf Crantz and his colleague observed a silent, hovering object that they initially mistook for a helicopter. The object was made of an unknown metal and was too damaged to determine its construction or propulsion. Papers found on the pilot contained undecipherable hieroglyphs. The incident was later classified as a hoax.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are historical UFO sightings, particularly the 1890s airship wave, and more recent sightings from Sweden and the USA. There is a strong emphasis on detailed witness accounts, often accompanied by skepticism from media and authorities. The magazine appears to present these accounts without outright endorsement but encourages further investigation and discussion. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, acknowledging the possibility of genuine, anomalous events despite the prevalence of misidentifications and hoaxes.

This issue of UFO-Information, dated November/December 1989, delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on UFO sightings, mysterious sounds, and potential geological connections. The magazine features detailed reports, interviews, and analyses from researchers and witnesses across Sweden, the USA, and the UK.

Swedish Police Encounter with a UFO

The issue opens with a detailed account of two Swedish police officers, Rolf and his colleague, who encountered a highly unusual object while on patrol. Rolf describes the object as a disc-shaped craft, approximately 40-50 meters in diameter, with sharp blue and white lights and a glowing gondola underneath. He emphasizes the complete lack of engine noise and its incredible acceleration, disappearing in seconds. The object was sighted multiple times that night, including a second sighting shortly after the initial one and a third sighting later. Rolf's partner, Lillemor, expresses belief in his account, suggesting the possibility of visitors from other planets.

UFO Sightings in Sweden

Several other Swedish sightings are reported: a strong red light object near Ruda, described as silent and flying low; a large, bright 'G' shape seen over Ångermanbalen; and an illuminated, oblong 'klot' (sphere/orb) observed near Bjursås. These reports highlight the diversity of phenomena being observed.

Unexplained Underground Sounds

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to reports of mysterious, often machine-like sounds emanating from underground. These reports span various locations:

• United Kingdom: T. Wilkins, a UFO author, documented reports of 'unexplained sounds' from underground in locations like Chalfont St. Giles, Leigh-on-Sea, and Surrey. These sounds were described as a persistent hum, deep vibrations, and pulsating noises, sometimes intense enough to keep people awake.
• USA:
• Colorado: Tom Adams investigated reports of similar sounds in the San Luis Valley, described as mysterious engine-like noises emanating from the Blanca Massif.
• Texas: In Calvert, a UFO wave in the early 1970s was accompanied by reports of sounds resembling 'underground machinery.' These sounds were often heard late at night and were linked to the area's proximity to military installations.
• New Jersey: C. Louis Wiedemann reported similar 'construction work underground' and 'underground machinery' sounds in the White Meadows Lake area in 1976.
• Pennsylvania: Stan Gordon documented reports of underground sounds, some occurring before seismic events, described as heavy machinery.
• Italy: Reports from Rome describe a mysterious 'mullrande ljud' (rumbling sound) that kept residents awake.

Geological Theories and UFOs

The magazine explores the potential link between geological activity and UFO phenomena. The Tectonic Strain Theory (TST), developed by neurophysiologist Michael Persinger, is discussed. TST suggests that UFO 'luminosities' (nocturnal lights) might be caused by electromagnetic fields or electrons released from rocks during tectonic stress, which ionize atmospheric gases. The theory posits that these phenomena occur in earthquake-prone regions. The article notes that reports of underground sounds in areas like Yakima and Chalfont align with this theory, as do reports of seismic activity without accompanying audible tremors.

Expedition to an Anomaly Zone in Russia

An article details an expedition to an 'anomaly zone' in the Perm region of Russia, near the Ural Mountains. Geologist Jurij Belikov discovered a 62-meter diameter circular area with flattened ground, devoid of burn marks. Soil samples revealed unusual elements. An expedition team investigated, collecting witness testimonies and conducting experiments. Witnesses reported UFO sightings and experienced physical symptoms like headaches and fever. The expedition also noted strange light phenomena and recorded unusual sounds, with one group capturing images of black orbs with 'veils' and ' Saturnus rings.' One participant's time experiment showed a clock slowing down by nearly six hours in the zone.

Other Phenomena and Reports

• Bigfoot Connection: The magazine touches upon the potential connection between Bigfoot and underground tunnels, citing research by B. Ann Slate and Alan Berry.
• Underground Bases: The persistent reports of underground sounds and phenomena lead to speculation about the possibility of underground UFO bases in various locations.
• Telepathic Contact: A delegation member, Pavel Muchortov, recounts an experience of telepathic communication with luminous figures originating from the 'Wagen constellation.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs, the unexplained sounds, and the potential scientific explanations, particularly those involving geological and electromagnetic phenomena. The magazine adopts an investigative and open-minded stance, presenting witness accounts and research findings without definitive conclusions, encouraging further investigation and reader participation. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into anomalous phenomena, seeking to connect disparate reports and explore unconventional theories.