UFO Lokal Information - 1989 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of LOKAL UFO INFORMATION, identified as Nr. 3-89 and dated 1989, is published by the Enköpings UFO-förening (Enköping UFO Association) in Sweden. The magazine serves as a platform for local UFO information and aims to share thoughts and experiences among UFO enthusiasts and associations.

Editorial and Correspondence

The editorial section, under the title 'HEJSAN', is written by Arnold, who also serves as the editor. Arnold expresses a feeling of being 'trögt' (sluggish) in finding inspiration for this issue, attributing it to the need to focus on more 'jordnära uppgifter' (down-to-earth tasks), as he is working as a healthcare professional around the clock. He mentions that the summer has seen significant effort from various associations in recruiting new subscribers for the magazine 'UFO-Aktuellt'. He also notes that many previously rejected articles might be suitable for this local publication. Arnold highlights the success of distributing the brochure 'Vad vet du om UFO' (What do you know about UFO), which has been distributed widely across the country. He also announces an upcoming planning conference in Lersäter on October 7-8 and congratulates a new UFO association forming in Torsby. A note from 'Rapportcentralen' (Report Center) indicates a quiet summer with no reports received, urging people to send in their observations.

Reports from UFO Associations

Rapport från Nordkalotten (Report from the Nordkalotten) by D. S. from Kiruna, dated September 16, 1989, states that there has been no UFO activity in the region since the previous report in May. The only observed phenomena were auroras combined with satellites on clear evenings. D. S. mentions receiving a letter from the new chairman of UFO-Sverige, Bernt, with good offers, and looks forward to the upcoming autumn market and the Lersäter meeting. A postscript corrects the earlier statement, mentioning a UFO that was videofilmed outside Haparanda in late July.

Oxelösund den 15-8-89 by Barbro Magnusson from Nyköpinga UFO-förening reports on the end of summer and the upcoming start of association work in September. The summer activities included distributing UFO brochures in various locations like Öland, Ottsjö, Göteborg, Gränna, and Oxelösund. Seven lectures on UFO phenomena have been held. Barbro urges all UFO associations to distribute the 'Vad vet du om UFO' brochure in their local areas. The author also raises a point about misinterpretations of UFO observations, noting that while the public might be more observant due to media coverage, many reports are still misidentified. The Oxelösund and Nyköping area has experienced a 'döperiod' (dead period) of about five years regarding UFO observations, and the author questions why misinterpretations are not more common.

UFO-utställning på Expo Norr i Östersund (UFO Exhibition at Expo Norr in Östersund)

This section, written by Berit Bergqvist, details UFO-Z's participation in the EXPO NORR trade fair in Östersund, which celebrated its 40th anniversary. UFO-Z was invited to exhibit and showcase Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige. The original venue, the Z-kupolen, was destroyed by fire in April, forcing the exhibition to be held in a tent. Despite the challenges, UFO-Z secured a space. The setup involved dealing with issues like excessively dark conditions due to boarded-up windows, which were later adjusted. The exhibition featured Arnold's models, TV and video presentations, and information materials. Approximately 50,000 people visited the fair, and many showed interest in the UFO exhibit. They sold UFO-Aktuellt magazines and distributed report forms. Radio Jämtland and Östersunds-Posten covered the event. The exhibition resulted in 8 new members for UFO-Z. Roland Klang, one of the organizers, plans to make the event even larger next year, potentially including a symposium. Planning for the next year's fair begins in the fall.

Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige (National Organization UFO-Sweden)

This section contains notes from the UFO-Sveriges Planeringskonferens (Planning Conference) held in Enköping and Östersund on May 27, 1989. Key points include:

• Publicity: The brochure 'Vad vet Du om UFO' should be used as a basis for public outreach.
• Reports: It is important to handle and process the existing reports and to understand what people are misinterpreting. Comparing UFO observations with 'IFO' (Identified Flying Objects) is crucial.
• Membership and Reports: More subscribers are needed to receive more reports for processing. Analyzing past reports can help identify misinterpretations.
• Collaboration: Coordinating reports with known phenomena like meteorites and aircraft is suggested for potential explanations.
• Training: The need for more courses on UFO investigation is highlighted, including a 'Fältforskarutbildning' (Field Researcher Training). The training should cover meteorology, astronomy, and psychology. The Kinneryd compendium is recommended as study material. A suggestion is made to hold a course in the Leksand area focusing on interview techniques, report forms, and practical application in the autumn of 1990.
• Information Programs: A proposal is made to form a working group to develop information programs tailored for different audiences, such as schools, mass media, and the general public, ensuring consistent information nationwide.

Strengthening Associations

This section discusses strategies for strengthening weaker UFO associations. It suggests identifying strong individuals, establishing contact persons, and using surveys to understand their needs. Targeted mailings to individuals interested in UFOs in their local areas are also proposed. The importance of regular communication and inventorying members' skills is emphasized. Establishing a network of UFO enthusiasts across Sweden is seen as beneficial for outreach activities. The need for gasoline money for outreach work and the potential for organizing board member courses are mentioned.

Discussion on UFO Terminology and Approach

Under the heading 'VI TALAR INTE LIKA' (We Don't Speak the Same), the text emphasizes the importance of personal opinions being presented as such, while aiming for a unified message for the organization. It distinguishes between opinions on spacecraft and personal views. The brochure 'Vad vet Du om UFO' is presented as a foundational document for representing UFO-Sverige's stance. It advises against using definitive statements about UFO origins (e.g., 'from outer space') and suggests focusing on the here and now ('UFO-na är ju här') rather than astronomical distances. Suggestions are made to review the 'Vad vet Du om UFO' brochure and provide feedback.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the practical aspects of UFO research and organization in Sweden. There's a strong emphasis on the need for structured training ('Fältforskarutbildning'), effective report collection and analysis, and consistent public outreach through brochures and information programs. The magazine highlights the efforts of various local UFO associations in promoting awareness and recruiting members. The editorial stance appears to be pragmatic and focused on building a solid foundation for UFO research and advocacy within Sweden, encouraging collaboration and standardized information dissemination.

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt, dated May 23, 1989, is a Swedish publication focused on UFO phenomena. It includes reports, organizational updates, and historical case studies. The content is primarily in Swedish, with some English correspondence.

Content Summary

Östersund Section

The Östersund section begins with a note about Bertil Kuhleman being promised reports, indicating that 11-12,000 markings suggest a vast number of reports, with plans to review incomplete ones to add to URD's database of 1000 good reports. Kurt Persson has proposed an easy-to-read information sheet that the meeting attendees felt should be printed. Christer is noted as a good informant who should receive ongoing material from UFO-Sverige and inform the board about his activities. He should also receive board minutes and agendas, and act as a spokesperson, being well-informed about current events. The compendium for URD's data processing is with Roland Östlund. The Östersund section also suggests that UFO-Sverige's board appoint delegates to the World Congress, requiring fluency in English, possibly from the International Committee. The Research Committee is tasked with identifying and engaging scientists. Recommendations include repeating RPTC's new address in the magazine and internal publications. The 1991 World Congress is likely in Denmark, with plans for a fundraising campaign for travel, and suggestions for English study circles and group travel.

Höst-Planering (Autumn Planning)

This section details the autumn planning for the well-known LERSÄTER, with Köpings UFO-förening acting as the host. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 7th, and Sunday, October 8th. The gathering starts at 13:00 on Saturday and concludes at 12:00 on Sunday. Attendees are advised to eat lunch before arriving. Evening meals and coffee are provided on Saturday, and a light breakfast on Sunday, for a fee of 30 Kronor. Approximately thirty beds are available, and participants need to bring their own bedding. Registration is required by September 30th. Contact information for Köpings UFO-förening is provided, along with an address for further information in LOKAL-INFO Nr. 3. Members are urged to book the dates and inform others about Lersäter, emphasizing its significance. Saturday evening promises "surprises." A map shows the route to Lersäter.

Correspondence with Diane M. Montrose (May 23, 1989)

Diane M. Montrose, a member of MUFON in New York, writes to UFO SVERIGE expressing interest in their organization. She is trying to create a newsletter and wants to include foreign data. She read about UFO SVERIGE in the magazine UFO Contact and is interested in learning about the group, its size, whether it produces a magazine or newsletter, and if it is open to membership. She also proposes an information exchange, offering access to many US publications. Montrose inquires about specific fields of interest within the UFO phenomenon, mentioning her personal interest in abductions and the alleged secret US government UFO crash retrieval program.

Response from Mats Nilsson (June 29, 1989)

Mats Nilsson of UFO-Sverige responds to Diane Montrose's letter. He explains that UFO-Sverige was founded in 1970 as a small group and grew significantly between 1974-76, establishing groups nationwide. Their approach is serious, avoiding sensationalism, and they acknowledge the reality of UFOs based on witness reports but do not know their origin or nature, suggesting they could be paranormal phenomena. UFO-Sverige has about 2000 members and 20 local groups. One group handles all incoming reports, conducting interviews. They publish a quarterly magazine, UFO-Aktuellt ("UFO-Update"). Membership is open to all. The organization holds annual meetings for chairman elections and plans activities twice a year. They also conduct training courses for interviewers and investigators. Nilsson personally expresses interest in time-travel and dimension-travel. He offers to exchange UFO-Aktuellt for information from Montrose.

Nattliga Ljusfenomen (Nocturnal Light Phenomena)

This section details the classic case of Lieutenant George F. Gorman's aerial encounter with a UFO over Fargo, North Dakota, on October 1, 1948. The encounter lasted 27 minutes. Gorman, on an orientation flight, was alerted to another aircraft, a Piper Cub, but then observed a bright light that he identified as a UFO. Despite air traffic control having no record of another aircraft, Gorman pursued the object in his F-51. He described the object as round, about 15-20 cm in diameter, white, with sharp contours, and blinking. As he approached, the object became steady and maneuvered sharply. Gorman attempted to intercept it, reaching an altitude of 2100 meters. The object then made a sharp right turn, heading directly towards him. At the last moment, Gorman dived, and the object passed over his cockpit. It ascended rapidly and disappeared. Gorman experienced an engine stall at 4200 meters while trying to pursue it. The encounter occurred between 21:00 and 21:27. Gorman reported no sound, smell, or instrument anomalies. The incident was corroborated by two air traffic controllers who saw the Piper Cub and the strange light, and by the Piper Cub pilot and his passenger. Gorman believed the UFO exhibited "thinking" and was "guided." No conventional explanation has ever been provided.

Rapportcentralen (Report Center)

This section announces that as of the National Meeting, Västerbergslagens UFO-förening has taken over the Rapportcentralen. All reports should now be sent to them. It is requested that a sketch of the observation area be included with reports. The address for Gudrun Andersson of Västerbergslagens UFO-för. is provided, along with phone numbers for inquiries.

Närkontaakter av andra graden (Close Encounters of the Second Kind)

This article recounts the story of scout leader C.S. Desverges in Florida, dated August 19, 1952. Desverges saw a light near a palm bush while driving three scouts home. He went to investigate with a flashlight, expecting to find a small plane that had made an emergency landing. He entered a thicket, experiencing intense heat and a strange smell. Looking up, he saw a large, dark object above him. He approached it, and it hovered about 10 meters above the ground. He described it as disc-shaped with a gray, smooth surface, a concave underside, and a dome on top. It had wing-like structures with small openings. He then heard a sound like opening a well-oiled safe, and a small red ball expanded into a red, misty cloud that moved towards him. He fainted as the mist descended. The three scouts followed his progress with his flashlight. Later, they saw him illuminated by a red fireball and falling. They sought help from a nearby farm. When the vice-sheriff and a constable arrived, Desverges had regained consciousness. They returned to the thicket and found Desverges's flashlight, machete, and slightly flattened grass, but nothing else unusual. Later, Desverges noticed sweat on his arms and light burns on his arms and hands, and his hat also had light burn marks. The injuries and marks remained unexplained.

Sir Francis Chichester's Encounter

This section describes an encounter by Sir Francis Chichester, a renowned sailor and aviator, with a UFO on June 10, 1931, while determining his position after a storm. Flying his "Gypsy Moth" plane over the Tasman Sea, he observed sharp flashes of light resembling a signal telegraph. He then saw a dull gray-white airship-like object moving towards him. The object appeared to be an elongated pearl. He lost sight of it but then saw flashes and blinks. The object reappeared from behind clouds, approaching him. He described it as having a faint glow at the front and back. As it drew closer, it seemed to shrink. At about 1.5 kilometers, it vanished. It reappeared near its previous location. Chichester observed it intently, noting its speed and the glow. He concluded it was a small cloud shaped like an airship that dissolved, but found it strange that it reformed. He also noted the disappearance of the flashes. He states this happened years before the term "flying saucer" was common, but the object bore a strong resemblance to what people later described as flying saucers.

Vid Behov av Utställning (Exhibition When Needed)

This section advertises UFO-Sverige's exhibition, which can be rented for 100 Kronor per week or 15 Kronor per day, with additional shipping costs. Payment is to be made to Enköpings UFO-förening. They also offer the rental of three models of known UFO cases for discussion. The exhibition is currently available in Enköping. A phone number is provided for more information. An image shows a UFO lamp priced at 300 Kronor, with 20% going to the support fund.

Enköpings UFO-förening Höstens Program (Enköpings UFO Association Autumn Program)

This section outlines the autumn program for Enköpings UFO-förening, featuring themed evenings every other Wednesday until the Christmas party. Events include a general meeting on September 27th, a presentation by journalist Anders Palm on October 4th about images from Neptune, and a talk by astrologer Catharina Dalin on October 12th. On November 1st, librarian Erik Strand will speak about "Our Home Region." Engineer Jörgen Granlie will discuss "The War Years and the Occupation of Norway" on November 15th, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the war. The topic for November 29th is not yet finalized. The organization reserves the right to make program changes. Other Wednesday evenings are for discussion and socializing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing collection and analysis of UFO reports in Sweden, the organization and activities of UFO-Sverige and its local chapters, and the investigation of historical UFO cases from both Sweden and internationally. The editorial stance appears to be serious and evidence-based, as indicated by Mats Nilsson's statement about avoiding sensationalism and focusing on factual reports. There is also an emphasis on international cooperation and information exchange, as seen in the correspondence with MUFON.