UFO Norr - 1993 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NORR
Issue: No. 2
Volume: 1
Date: December 1993
Publisher: Föreningen UFO-Skellefteå
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

Editorial and Association Information

UFO-Norr is published by the UFO-Skellefteå association to serve as a forum for its members. The magazine welcomes submissions of articles and letters. The editorial team consists of Olle Johansson, Gert Sandström, Jörgen Sandström, and Steve Sandström, with Steve Sandström also serving as the responsible publisher. UFO-Skellefteå is part of the national organization UFO-Sverige. Contact information for the association and its board members is provided, including addresses and phone numbers.

Table of Contents

• The issue features a variety of articles, including:
• Ledare (Editorial)
• Anderstorpsfallet (The Andertorp Case)
• Förnya ditt medlemskap (Renew your membership)
• Chockupplevelse i Norsjö (Shocking Experience in Norsjö)
• Ansiktet på Mars (The Face on Mars)
• Notiser (Notices)
• Mystiskt föremål över Byske (Mysterious object over Byske)
• Matematik och ufologi, del 1 (Mathematics and ufology, part 1)
• Vår fantastiska värld (Our fantastic world)
• Star Treks skapare (The creator of Star Trek)
• Utlåningshörnan (Loan corner)
• I nästa nummer (In the next issue)

Editorial: The Importance of Critical Examination

In the editorial, Steve Sandström addresses the common question of why UFO phenomena must always be explained. He acknowledges that many people feel their beliefs are challenged by attempts to find earthly explanations, with some finding UFO-Aktuellt too critical. Sandström argues that while most reported sightings are indeed misidentified mundane phenomena (estimated at 70-98%), a critical examination is necessary to identify genuine UFO cases. He stresses that ufology should be treated as a science, requiring evidence and investigation rather than blind belief. The magazine aims to present witness testimonies along with known facts and comments, allowing readers to form their own conclusions. The editorial team is committed to thorough fact-checking and welcomes debate on their methods. Sandström also thanks a generous member whose contribution made it possible to send the magazine to other UFO organizations, improving the association's financial stability. The editorial concludes with holiday wishes.

Case Study: The Andertorp UFO Sighting

This article details an incident on April 13, 1993, where Olle Johansson, his wife Eva, and their 14-year-old son Fredrik witnessed a bright, stationary object in the sky over Andertorp, Skellefteå. The object was intensely luminous, appearing to hover for two to three minutes before changing shape and gliding away. Eva described it as "lying down," while Olle noted it seemed perforated with rainbow-colored rays. The case was reported in UFO-Sverige's "Rapport-Nytt" and dismissed as a SAS-Fokker airplane. However, the article presents counter-arguments. A SAS plane landed at Falmark airport at 22:17, aligning with the reported time and direction. The official explanation relies on the plane's landing lights being visible from a distance and the timing of their activation. The article disputes this by highlighting several inconsistencies:

• The object appeared stationary to the observers, which would only happen if they were directly in the plane's flight path extension, which they were not.
• The object moved towards the observers for 30 km, yet did not appear to increase in size or brightness.
• The observers did not see the plane's flashing position lights after it turned.
• The reported observation direction (191°) does not match the typical approach angle for landing at Falmark airport (240°).
• The object was observed at an altitude angle of 9°, while the SAS plane would have been at a much lower angle (less than 4°) from Anderstorp, meaning it should have been behind a ridge.
• Olle, with his background as a military observer, estimated the object's size, suggesting it was approximately 600 meters in diameter if it was 10 km away, or 900 meters if it was at the plane's turning point, and at an altitude of 2375 meters.

The article also mentions a possible helicopter sighting from AF1 in Boden, but Olle states that the light was too intense to be a helicopter. Despite other witnesses reporting similar phenomena, their accounts came too late to be fully investigated. The author, Steve Sandström, concludes that it was not a SAS plane and expresses belief in Olle's testimony.

Case Study: Shocking Experience in Norsjö

This article recounts the experience of Erika Nilsson (name changed for anonymity) on the morning of January 18, 1991, near Norsjö, Sweden. While driving to work, she saw a large, intensely bright, orange-yellow light sphere hovering above the trees. The light was so strong it illuminated the road. As her car's headlights hit the object, it became "agitated," pulsating and changing color. Erika, terrified, braked and reversed, but accidentally swerved into a ditch. The object remained hovering overhead. She abandoned her car and ran for help, but by the time assistance arrived, the object was gone. The incident left her deeply traumatized, affecting her ability to drive at night past that location for years. The author, Steve Sandström, comments that while natural explanations like meteors or ball lightning are unlikely, the case remains an unexplained UFO phenomenon due to the witness's credibility and the unusual nature of the sighting.

The Face on Mars

This section discusses the famous "Face on Mars" image, originally captured by the Viking Orbiter in 1976. The article presents a databehandled version of image 35A72, which enhances the facial features. It explains that the original image resolution was 1204x1055 pixels, with each pixel representing 46 meters on Mars. The formation is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and was originally only visible as contours on the illuminated side. Computer analysis revealed it to be shaped like a face. The article notes that this is not the only unusual formation on Mars, mentioning pyramids as another example. It also touches upon the loss of the Mars Observer probe before it could send back high-resolution images that might have clarified the nature of the "Face on Mars." The author suggests that the lack of atmosphere and water on Mars, which minimizes erosion, allows such formations and traces of past civilizations to persist. The article expresses anticipation for future Mars missions that may provide answers.

Other Articles and Sections

• Notiser (Notices): A brief mention that a promised TV program about UFOs was postponed to summer.
• Matematik och ufologi, del 1 (Mathematics and ufology, part 1): This article is mentioned as being in the issue, suggesting a technical or analytical approach to ufology.
• Utlåningshörnan (Loan corner): This section likely refers to the association's library.
• I nästa nummer (In the next issue): Teases future content.
• NY RAPPORTCENTRAL (New Report Central): Informs readers that UFO-Sverige's report central has moved to Uppsala and lists contact persons for "Mörkerfall" (Nightfall) and "Dagsljusfall" (Daylight fall).

Membership and Support

An article titled "NU ÄR DET DAGS!" (Now is the time!) encourages readers to renew their membership in UFO-Skellefteå for 150 kronor, which includes the magazine, special issues, library access, and meetings. It also appeals for donations of books for the library and equipment for field research, as well as financial contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and investigations, with a focus on critical analysis and the presentation of evidence. The editorial stance emphasizes a scientific approach to ufology, encouraging debate and skepticism while remaining open to the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The magazine aims to inform its members and the broader public about UFO cases and related topics, such as anomalies on other planets. The publication also serves to promote the UFO-Skellefteå association and its activities.

This issue of UFO-NORR, dated December 1993, focuses on the publication UFO-Aktuellt and its significance within the UFO-Sverige organization. The magazine emphasizes the critical role of UFO-Aktuellt as UFO-Sverige's sole source of income and appeals to members for subscriptions to ensure its survival and the continued serious discussion of UFO phenomena.

Articles and Features

UFO-Aktuellt: The Heart of UFO-Sverige The leading article explains that UFO-Aktuellt is Sweden's most important UFO magazine and the publication of UFO-Sverige. It highlights that the organization comprises the most knowledgeable ufologists in the country. However, with only about 2000 subscribers, the magazine is one of Sweden's smallest specialized publications. Its potential disappearance poses a threat to UFO-Sverige itself, as it is the organization's only source of income. The article stresses the importance of the UFO debate and urges members to subscribe for 150 SEK for 1994, which includes four issues. Payment details for Postgiro are provided.

New TV Channel: Sci-Fi Channel

The American TV channel Sci-Fi Channel, dedicated to science fiction, is set to begin broadcasting in Europe in early 1994, likely via Eutelsat II and unencrypted. This would make it accessible without special decoders. Its availability on major cable networks remains to be seen, with satellite dishes being an alternative for reception.

Invisible Ship: Sea Shadow

Following a special issue on the Philadelphia Experiment, it is revealed that the US Navy has developed an advanced stealth warship named Sea Shadow. This vessel utilizes stealth technology to deflect radar waves, making it virtually invisible. It measures 48 meters long, 21 meters wide, weighs 560 tons, and has a crew of 4.

Space Fever in the USA: Hubble Repair Mission

On December 1st, the American space shuttle Endeavour was launched on a mission to repair the giant Hubble Space Telescope. For 11 days, seven astronauts worked to replace defective parts and correct a flaw in the telescope's main mirror, which had a grinding error of two thousandths of a millimeter. The Hubble was launched three years prior, and the mirror flaw was discovered almost immediately. If the repairs are successful, the next servicing mission is expected in 1997. A functioning Hubble is anticipated to help answer questions about the vastness of the universe.

Mystical Object over Byske

This personal account describes a sighting by the author, his mother, and two brothers in Byske, Sweden, in the early 1980s. While having coffee, they observed a dark, rectangular object with ship-like protrusions glide slowly in front of the full moon. The object was estimated to be longer than the moon and disappeared into darkness after about 45 seconds to a minute. The witnesses felt they had witnessed something significant, but no explanation was found. The author notes that while he described protrusions, other witnesses did not recall them, highlighting how individual perceptions can differ even in shared experiences.

Mathematics and Ufology - Part 1

This is the first part of a series exploring practical applications of mathematics for UFO enthusiasts. It introduces the concept of normal distribution, explaining it as a curve representing the average outcome of events or populations. Examples include school grades, where most students receive average grades (3), with fewer receiving higher (5) or lower (1) grades. The article explains that normal distribution measures probabilities and covers all possible outcomes. It also touches upon the 'Green Children of Woolpit' story, a medieval account of two green children who appeared in England, as a historical parallel to unexplained phenomena.

Green Gubbies?

This article recounts an incident experienced by a Swedish couple on holiday in Cambridge, England. They observed a man with green skin behaving erratically on a graveyard. The man then entered a café, causing patrons to flee in panic. The couple, though frightened, stayed and spoke to the man, whose skin and eye whites were green, and who mumbled in an unknown language. He then returned to the graveyard and disappeared. The report was forwarded to UFO-Sverige and an English ufologist. The article also references the historical 'Green Children of Woolpit' legend from the 12th century, describing two green children who emerged from a cave.

Gene Roddenberry: The Man Behind Star Trek

This article pays tribute to Gene Roddenberry, the creator of the popular TV series "Star Trek" and "Star Trek: The Next Generation." It includes a quote from his membership card about the vastness of the universe and the potential for visiting other worlds. Roddenberry's background as a WWII pilot and police officer is mentioned, as well as his transition to writing for television. The article notes the success of the "Star Trek" films and the subsequent TV series, including "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." It highlights the cultural impact of "Star Trek," suggesting it has influenced many people's beliefs in extraterrestrial civilizations and space exploration. The naming of the first space shuttle, Enterprise, after the fictional starship is also mentioned.

Lending Corner

This section lists books and periodicals available for loan to members of UFO-Sverige. The list includes a wide range of titles on UFOs, ancient mysteries, science fiction, and related topics, featuring authors such as George Adamski, Charles Berlitz, Erich von Däniken, and J. Allen Hynek. It also lists video series and past issues of UFO-Aktuellt and other UFO publications.

To Our Readers

This section encourages readers to submit their thoughts, suggestions for the magazine, and opinions on UFO-related topics. It asks for feedback on films, books, and debates, and provides instructions for submitting contributions, including the option to use a pseudonym while still providing a real name and address for verification. The call to action is "Stop thinking! Start writing!"

Next Issue Preview

The preview for the next issue of UFO-NORR (Issue 3, coming in February) includes topics such as the spring program, "Mathematics and Ufology, Part 2," more UFO cases, and a separate book list.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the importance of UFO-Aktuellt and UFO-Sverige, emphasizing the need for serious investigation and discussion of UFO phenomena. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and 'charlatans' in the field, advocating for a rational and evidence-based approach. The inclusion of historical accounts, scientific explanations (like normal distribution), and tributes to science fiction figures like Gene Roddenberry suggest a broad interest in the unexplained, the scientific, and the cultural impact of these topics. The magazine also encourages active participation from its readership, fostering a sense of community and shared inquiry.