UFO Norr - 1993 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NORR
Issue: 1
Volume: 1
Date: October 1993
Publisher: Föreningen UFO-Skellefteå
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This is the inaugural issue of "UFO NORR," a new Swedish UFO magazine launched by the UFO-Skellefteå association. The cover boldly proclaims "PREMIÄR!" (Premiere!) and identifies the publication as "Din norrländska UFO-tidning" (Your Norrland UFO Magazine). The issue aims to serve as a platform for the organization and its members, providing a more localized focus than the national UFO-Sverige publication.

Editorial and Organization Introduction

The "LEDARE" (Editorial) section, written by Steve Sandström, introduces the magazine and its purpose. Sandström explains that while UFO-Norr will initially be published irregularly, the goal is to make it a regular publication similar to "RAPPORT-NYTT." He emphasizes the importance of UFO-Skellefteå as part of the larger UFO-Sverige network, particularly given the vast geographical area covered by Norrland's few UFO organizations. The magazine intends to report on local UFO cases, such as the one that occurred on June 28th, the day before the association's founding meeting. Sandström also stresses that the magazine is for members to voice their opinions and encourages submissions, though not all may be published. He highlights the growing membership, which has exceeded 30, and expresses optimism about the organization's potential. The editorial also mentions a postponed field researcher training and a successful barbecue event, with a future observation evening planned for January.

Key Article: The Kvarnfors Incident

Page 4 features a cartoon titled "Kvarnforsfallet -" by "TECKNAR-OLLE," depicting a man looking up at a formation of disc-shaped objects while his car hood is open. The caption notes that the objects observed by Ulf Andersson were 1-1.5 meters in diameter.

Pages 5 and 6 delve into the "underlig UFO-händelse" (Strange UFO Incident) involving Ulf Andersson. On June 28, 1993, while unloading his car in Kvarnfors, near Umeå, Andersson heard a sound and observed six or seven objects flying in formation at an altitude of 30-50 meters. He described the sound as deep and heavy, similar to a car engine, with a noticeable frequency change during turns. The objects, estimated to be 1-1.5 meters in diameter, were dark brown-black and emitted no light or reflections. Andersson observed them for about ten to twenty seconds as they flew from north to south, making two turns before disappearing over a lake. He initially mistook the sound for birds but quickly realized it was something else. The article includes comments from an investigator who found Andersson to be a credible witness. The piece explores possible explanations, ruling out birds due to speed and formation, and dismissing a swarm of bees as highly improbable. While a model airplane is considered, the formation flying and lack of observed air intakes make it unlikely. The article concludes that this is an unusual UFO case, noting that daylight observations are generally harder to dismiss than those in darkness. The case remains under investigation, and the phenomenon of UFOs is presented as existing and occurring around us.

Member Appeal and Upcoming Events

Page 6 includes a "UPPMANING!" (Appeal!) urging members to pay their dues promptly to ensure the continued publication of UFO NORR. It also mentions an "ANDLIG DISKUSSIONSGRUPP" (Spiritual Discussion Group) for those interested in deeper spiritual aspects of UFO phenomena.

• Page 7 outlines the "Program Hösten 1993" (Autumn 1993 Program) for the association. Events include:
• October 18: Föreningsafton (Association Evening) - a social gathering with coffee and discussion.
• October 29: The Philadelphia Experiment - a themed evening with a presentation by Steve Sandström, discussion, and a film screening.
• November 21: Filmkväll (Film Night) - featuring several films related to UFOs, including documentaries and dramatizations like "Intruders" based on Budd Hopkins' book.

A map is provided showing the location of the Kvartersgården (Community Hall) on Uppfinnarvägen 18.

Support and Library

Page 8, titled "Stöd UFO-Skellefteå!" (Support UFO-Skellefteå!), appeals for financial contributions via postgiro 45 60 26-4, noting that membership fees are the sole source of income. It also requests donations of old UFO magazines and books to build a library for members, promoting deeper study of the UFO phenomenon. The article encourages active participation in meetings and other activities.

Lending Library and Interviews

Pages 9 and 10 detail the "UTLÅNINGSHÖRNAN" (Lending Corner), listing numerous books and magazines available for members to borrow. The list includes works by authors such as Adamski, Berlitz, Hynek, Jessup, and Erich von Däniken, covering topics from flying saucers and ancient mysteries to the Bible and extraterrestrial contact. A "SAMLINGSVERK" (Collected Works) section and a "VIDEO" section are also present, along with a list of "TIDSKRIFTER" (Magazines) and "ÖVRIGT" (Other items).

Page 10 also features a transcript of an interview with Steve Sandström, the chairman of UFO-Skellefteå, conducted by a local radio reporter. Sandström explains the motivation for forming the association, which was to gather local UFO enthusiasts who were already subscribing to UFO-Sverige's publication. He clarifies that "UFO" stands for "Unidentified Flying Object" and that the organization's goal is to collect and analyze reports to identify natural explanations. He mentions that there are about twenty UFO clubs in Sweden, some focusing on more spiritual aspects. Regarding local sightings, Sandström notes that there are approximately 600 registered cases in the UFO-Sverige archive for Norr- and Västerbotten that are yet to be processed, estimating that about 5% might be unexplainable.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance is clearly pro-UFO investigation and open-mindedness, while maintaining a critical approach to identifying potential explanations. The editorial emphasizes the importance of local reports and member participation. The organization aims to be an active part of the national UFO-Sverige network. Themes include UFO sightings, investigations, the nature of UFO phenomena, and the importance of a dedicated organization and its resources (like a library and magazine) for enthusiasts. There is a strong call to action for members to support the organization financially and through contributions.

This document contains two pages from what appears to be an issue of the Swedish magazine "UFO-NORR". The first page is primarily an interview, and the second page is a preview of the next issue.

Interview with Steve Sandström

The main content of the first page is an interview with Steve Sandström, a representative of UFO-Sverige. Sandström discusses various aspects of UFO phenomena and ufology.

Recent Sighting in Kvarnfors

Sandström recounts a recent observation made by a contact in Umeå, Sweden, just before the formation of their association on June 26th. The sighting occurred in Kvarnfors, a few miles north of Umeå, where the observer saw six or seven small objects, estimated to be 1 to 1.5 meters in diameter, shaped like flattened spheres. These objects were observed flying at a considerable speed, estimated by the observer to be around 100 km/h.

UFO Windows and Investigation Methods

When asked about logical explanations for sightings, Sandström acknowledges that many phenomena have explanations. However, he notes that in cases where a UFO phenomenon is suspected, investigators sometimes revisit the location. He mentions the concept of "UFO windows," specific locations where such phenomena are frequently observed. He also explains the investigative approach of UFO-Sverige, which involves working backward from sightings to identify witnesses and seek explanations, rather than simply hoping for a repeat observation at a specific spot.

UFOs in the USA vs. Sweden

Sandström contrasts the situation in the USA with that in Sweden regarding UFO phenomena. He describes the US as having developed a significant industry around UFOs, particularly concerning abduction narratives, which he believes has led to a blurring of fact and fiction, making it difficult to discern genuine events from commercialized sensationalism. He states that Sweden is fortunate to be relatively free from this commercial aspect of ufology.

Crop Circles

Regarding crop circles, Sandström admits it's impossible to definitively state their origin. He mentions various speculations, including them being caused by landing UFOs, unknown natural phenomena, electrical phenomena, or weather phenomena. He also notes that many crop circles, particularly in England, have been exposed as hoaxes, with some farmers admitting to creating them. He clarifies that the crop circle phenomenon itself is older, but the prevalence of deliberate hoaxes has increased in recent years.

The "Dark Figure" of Unreported Sightings

Sandström strongly believes there is a significant "dark figure" of unreported UFO sightings. He estimates that the 200-300 reports UFO-Sverige receives annually are just a drop in the ocean. He explains that casual conversations reveal that many people, or their family members, have encountered similar phenomena but have never reported them. This indicates a substantial underreporting of such events.

UFO-Sverige Membership and Activities

Sandström confirms that UFO-Sverige is not yet a registered association but has a growing membership, with over 20 members in Skellefteå alone. He encourages more people, especially younger individuals, to join. He outlines upcoming activities for the autumn, including a social gathering on a mountain for members to get to know each other, emphasizing that shared interest in UFOs provides ample topics for discussion.

Future of UFO Research

The interview concludes with a statement about the increasing mystery surrounding aerial phenomena and the potential for the Skellefteå UFO-förening to uncover secrets about life in the universe. Sandström thanks the interviewer and wishes them luck.

Preview of Next Issue

The second page announces the upcoming "Next Issue of UFO-NORR." It states that the next issue will be thicker than the current one and will include articles on "UFOs over Anderstorp this spring," "Older UFO cases in Skellefteå," and "How ufologists benefit from mathematics," among other topics. The second issue of UFO-Norr is scheduled for release in December.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on UFO sightings, investigations, and the broader field of ufology. The editorial stance, as represented by Steve Sandström, is one of open inquiry, acknowledging both the unexplained aspects of sightings and the need for critical analysis to distinguish genuine phenomena from hoaxes and commercial exploitation. There is a clear emphasis on the Swedish context, contrasting it with the perceived commercialization of UFO topics in the USA. The publication aims to inform its readership about ongoing investigations and encourage participation in the field.