UFO Norr - 1994 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NORR
Issue: Nr 3
Volume: Årgång 2
Date: Februari 1994

This issue of UFO NORR, published by Föreningen UFO-Skellefteå, is dedicated to exploring UFO phenomena and theories. It aims to create a forum for discussion among its members and the broader UFO community.

Editorial and Publisher Information

UFO-Norr is published by the association UFO-Skellefteå, located at Uppfinnarvägen 4, 931 45 Skellefteå, Sweden. The magazine serves as a platform for the association and its members. Unsolicited material is not returned. The responsible publisher is Steve Sandström. The editorial team includes Olle Johansson, Gert Sandström, Jörgen Sandström, and Steve Sandström. Föreningen UFO-Skellefteå is part of the national organization UFO-Sverige, with contact information provided for UFO-Sverige in Sala.

Cover Story and Main Articles

The cover prominently features the headline "ÄR UFO:N FARKOSTER FRÅN RYMDEN?" (ARE UFOs SPACECRAFT FROM SPACE?), indicating a focus on the ETI (Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence) hypothesis. The cover also highlights two specific cases: a "SILVER-COLORED UFO INTERRUPTED TV IN MORÖN 22 YEARS AGO" (SIDAN 10) and "'THE STARFALL' WAS NO METEORITE - FLEW PAST SHOCKED WITNESSES AT CLOSE RANGE" (SIDAN 4).

"The Starfall" Was a UFO!

This article recounts a sighting by Rolf Westermark and his wife in Skelleftehamn in 1988. While driving home on a dark evening, they witnessed what they initially thought was a meteor fall. However, the object, described as a point of light the size of a bright star, suddenly swerved and flew towards them. It moved parallel to the road at an altitude of about 30 meters, then over the water, and followed the shoreline. The object was silent, had no visible lights, and its movements were described as erratic, like a fly. The witnesses found it moved much faster than any aircraft. The article notes that despite the object passing relatively close, it was only perceived as a point of light, with no discernible details or blinking lights. The author, Steve Sandström, concludes that the phenomenon was not a meteor and its behavior defied conventional explanations, suggesting it was a UFO.

UFO Theories 1: The ETI Hypothesis

This article initiates a new series aiming to explain various theories about the UFO phenomenon. It begins with the most common theory: that UFOs are spacecraft from extraterrestrial civilizations. Steve Sandström argues that while many UFO reports can be explained, a core group remains unexplained. He criticizes the tendency to jump to conclusions based on emotional conviction rather than facts. The ETI hypothesis posits that advanced civilizations from other worlds could travel to Earth. Skeptics often dismiss this due to vast interstellar distances. Sandström counters that human technological advancement, though rapid, is still nascent. He uses the example of the steam engine's invention and development over a few centuries to illustrate how quickly technology can evolve. He suggests that an advanced civilization, perhaps one that evolved in an environment without predators, might focus on constructive technology and space exploration. He posits that interstellar travel, while currently beyond human capability, might be theoretically possible through unknown physical principles or advanced propulsion systems. He also raises the possibility that humans might lack certain senses that would allow them to perceive extraterrestrial visitors or their technology. The article explores arguments for and against the ETI hypothesis, noting that many UFOs exhibit intelligent behavior and some witnesses report seeing spacecraft and humanoid figures. However, it also points out the lack of definitive proof, the prevalence of hoaxes, and the immense distances involved.

Silver-Colored UFO Interrupted TV

This article details an event from the summer of 1972, when Rolf Westermark and his family were at their home in Morön. Their TV suddenly stopped working while they were trying to watch a program. Rolf went outside to check the antenna and observed a hovering object in the sky. He described it as a pipe-like object, about six meters long, with sharply cut ends, shining silver in the bright sunlight, with a surface resembling stainless steel. The object moved slowly, much slower than an airplane, and glided away. After the object disappeared, the TV signal returned to normal. Rolf is certain it was not an airplane due to its shape, slow speed, and lack of wings. His wife and oldest child corroborated the sighting. The article speculates that while a plane's white body could appear metallic in sunlight, Rolf's description of a cylindrical shape and slow movement contradicts this. Other explanations like zeppelins or rockets are also considered unlikely. The author concludes that, by definition, any unexplained aerial phenomenon is a UFO, and this event fits that category.

Other Content

Table of Contents: The issue includes a detailed table of contents listing articles on the "Starfall" UFO case, UFO theories (ETI hypothesis), a silver UFO that disrupted TV, mathematics and ufology, book reviews, UFO reports, and a correction regarding a previous article's date.

Editorial (Ledare): Steve Sandström discusses the magazine's goals for the new year, including improving the member experience and broadening the scope of topics beyond local UFO cases. He also addresses a controversy involving freelance journalist Jan-Ove Sundberg, who allegedly misrepresented a statement from the magazine's editor in his criticism of UFO-Sverige. Sandström defends UFO-Sverige and its chairman, Clas Svahn, against what he terms a smear campaign.

Rapportcentralen: Information is provided about the UFO-Sverige report center, which has moved to Uppsala. Contact persons for "MÖRKERFALL" (Darkness Fall) and "DAGSLJUSFALL" (Daylight Fall) are listed, along with contact details for "RAPPORT-NYTT" (Report News).

Membership Reminder: A notice reminds members to pay their annual dues to support the organization's activities.

Advertisement: An advertisement for "Norrsken," described as "more than a bookstore," lists books on positive thinking, various worldviews, UFO literature, music, handicrafts, tarot cards, incense, oils, clothing, and jewelry. It also mentions post-order catalogs and Reiki treatments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a factual, analytical approach to UFO phenomena, distinguishing between unexplained cases and those with conventional explanations. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, particularly in journalism. The publication aims to foster serious debate within the UFO community while also engaging with broader scientific and philosophical questions related to extraterrestrial life and advanced technology. The editorial also demonstrates a commitment to defending the integrity of UFO-Sverige and its leadership against perceived attacks from certain media figures.

This issue of UFO-Norr, number 3, dated February 1994, features a prominent cover story titled "MATEMATIK OCH UFOLOGI - DEL 2" (Mathematics and Ufology - Part 2), authored by Steve Sandström. The magazine also includes a book review, organizational news, and various reports on UFO sightings and related topics.

Mathematics and Ufology - Part 2

Steve Sandström's article delves into the practical application of mathematics for UFO researchers. He emphasizes that mathematics can be an invaluable tool for analyzing UFO cases, whether from reading about them or from personal fieldwork.

Speed Calculations

Sandström begins by explaining the concept of speed, using 50 km/h as an example, which translates to 50,000 meters per hour or approximately 13.9 meters per second. He illustrates how this can be used to evaluate witness accounts. If a witness claims a UFO moved at 50 km/h and disappeared behind a treeline 800 meters away in 10 seconds, a calculation reveals the object would only cover about 140 meters in that time, not 800. To cover 800 meters in 10 seconds, the speed would need to be 80 m/s, equivalent to 288 km/h. The significant difference between 50 km/h and 288 km/h suggests a potential discrepancy in the witness's estimation, raising suspicion. A rule of thumb is provided: to convert km/h to m/s, divide by 3.6. For approximate mental calculations, dividing by 4 is suggested.

Sandström warns that witnesses can easily misjudge observation times, and mathematics is a tool, not a definitive answer. Other details should also be considered.

Angles and Heights

The article then moves on to angles and heights, requiring a scientific calculator. It poses a scenario where two people observe the same UFO, one directly underneath and the other a kilometer away. The question is whether their testimonies can determine the UFO's altitude and size. Sandström asserts that it is possible, with the caveat that errors in witness accounts can affect accuracy.

He uses an example where one witness is frightened and cannot describe the object's size or altitude, while another describes it as 'a finger's breadth' and provides an angle measurement. Using trigonometry, specifically the tangent function, the altitude (H) can be calculated if the base distance (b) and angle (a) are known: H = b*tan(a). If the angle is 18° and the distance between witnesses (b) is 1000 meters, the altitude is approximately 324.9 meters. A change in angle to 16° results in an altitude of 286 meters, a 12% difference. This highlights that calculations provide an approximation, but can still differentiate between objects at tens, hundreds, or thousands of meters.

To estimate the UFO's size, a similar triangular calculation is used. If the UFO appeared as 'a finger's breadth' (approximately 1.8° angle) to an observer a kilometer away, its width (b) can be calculated using b = 2*a*tan(angle/2). With a = 1000 meters and an angle of 0.9°, the width is approximately 31.4 meters. Sandström emphasizes that this calculation provides the 'order of magnitude' of the object, not an exact size. He notes that atmospheric conditions can make lights appear larger than they are.

Sandström concludes this section by stating that in the next issue, he will discuss triangulation, a method using two independent witness accounts to pinpoint the geographical location of a UFO phenomenon.

Book Review: "UFO - i myt och verklighet" by Håkan Blomqvist

Steve Sandström reviews Håkan Blomqvist's book, praising him as one of the most knowledgeable ufologists. Blomqvist is credited with distinguishing between the actual UFO phenomenon and the myths that have emerged since the late 1940s. His work is described as sharp, critical, and honest, especially in debunking hoaxes. Sandström awards the book five out of five 'tefat' (saucers), calling it a good foundation for internal UFO debate.

UFO-Sverige News and Activities

National Meeting in Skellefteå?

There is a possibility of hosting the next national meeting in Skellefteå, likely in late spring. The idea is being explored, and it would require significant volunteer effort. The meeting would feature debates and presentations.

Contact Persons Needed!

The organization is seeking contact persons interested in UFO cases. These individuals would investigate reported UFO sightings in their local areas on a voluntary basis.

UFO-Group = UFO-Sect?

UFO-Norr addresses a TV report that labeled UFO groups as dangerous sects. The magazine distances itself from actual UFO sects, stating that they are harmful and distort free will. They criticize a TV journalist for appearing to believe all UFO enthusiasts are brainwashed.

UFO Reports

Flashing UFO Observed in Ursviken

On December 21st, two youths in Ursviken witnessed seven pink flashes in the southern sky. The event illuminated their surroundings. The local newspaper VF reported on the incident and contacted UFO-Skellefteå. An investigation suggested the flashes were likely reflections from high-voltage power lines, possibly due to heavy snowfall.

UFO Was a Star?

An article in NV reported a family in Svanfors, Boliden, observing a strange light for hours. Initially suspected to be a star (Sirius) or planet, further investigation cast doubt on this explanation. The light was described as high, bright red and green, and moving at the speed of the stars. The case remains open, with amateur astronomer Jörgen Andersson investigating the astronomical aspects.

Radio Program: "UFO - verklighet i Västerbotten"

An excerpt from a radio program broadcast on January 25th, compiled by Robert Brännström, featuring Steve Sandström and Olle Johansson from UFO-Skellefteå. Olle Johansson recounts a personal UFO sighting where he, his wife Eva, and son observed a bright white, elliptical object that appeared to have small holes. He describes its movement as a slow glide, not a rapid flight. He speculates on possible explanations, including a helicopter's spotlight, but finds it insufficient to explain the object's shape and movement. Steve Sandström discusses his interest in UFOs, emphasizing that not all UFOs are necessarily alien spacecraft and that the organization investigates various hypotheses. He mentions that UFO-Sverige receives 200-300 reports annually, with a small percentage remaining unexplained. He also touches upon the idea that UFOs might be visitors from the past or future, or from other planets. Sandström addresses the question of why UFOs don't make themselves known, suggesting it might be to avoid cultural contamination, drawing parallels to historical colonization. He also discusses the challenges of credibility and proof in UFO cases.

Sandström also elaborates on UFO-Sverige's activities, including report handling, archival work in Norrköping, film nights, and discussion evenings. He states that the general opinion within the organization is that UFOs exist, but their origin is not definitively extraterrestrial. He describes the typical member as being between 30 and 40 years old, with a wide age range. He addresses the stigma associated with UFO interest, noting that while some people believe UFO enthusiasts are gullible, many are genuinely interested and open to discussion. He expresses his ultimate UFO experience would be seeing a craft from another planet land, as it would signify that humanity is not alone and not the center of the universe.

UFO-Sverige Under Attack

Clas Svahn, Chairman of UFO-Sverige, addresses a campaign of defamation by Jan-Ove Sundberg, who has published critical pamphlets accusing UFO-Sverige's board of financial misconduct and of collaborating with Olof Palme's murderers. Svahn details Sundberg's personal attacks on board members and his attempts to discredit UFO-Sverige's critical and scientific approach to UFO phenomena. Svahn reaffirms UFO-Sverige's commitment to serious research and its 'third way' ufology, which avoids fanaticism and denial.

Notiser (News Briefs)

• Cheap Space Probe: NASA plans to launch the NEAR probe in February 1996 to study the asteroid Eros at a cost of $150 million, noted for its low cost and short construction time.
• New Science Magazine: 'Populär Vetenskap' will include a 16-page supplement starting in 1994, covering various topics including human origins and the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
• Successful Hubble Repair: The repair of the Hubble Space Telescope was successful, with astronauts replacing a camera and corrective lenses, potentially extending its observational range.
• Star Wars Sequel: George Lucas plans a new trilogy of Star Wars films, set before the original trilogy.
• Roswell Investigation: A US congressional committee will investigate claims of a UFO crash near Roswell in 1947 and alleged government cover-ups.
• Roswell Filmed: The Roswell incident is being made into a film.
• Mass TV to Europe: New satellites will increase the number of available TV channels in Europe significantly.
• Japanese Rocket: Japan launched its first commercial rocket, H2, in February 1994.
• Historic Space Flight: The Space Shuttle Discovery embarked on a mission with both American and Russian astronauts.
• Mars Observer Explosion: An investigation suggests the Mars Observer probe exploded due to leaking fuel ignited by a faulty valve, leading to loss of contact.

Next Issue Preview

The next issue (Nr 4, April) will feature articles on a UFO sighting in Pitebo, 'Mathematics and Ufology, Part 3: Triangulation', 'UFO Theories: Are UFOs Future Time Machines?', more UFO cases, and the summer program.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena, emphasizing scientific investigation and the use of mathematics to evaluate evidence. It distinguishes between serious UFO research and sensationalism or cult-like beliefs. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, seeking factual understanding rather than blind adherence to any single theory, particularly the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The publication also highlights the activities and challenges faced by UFO-Sverige, advocating for a balanced perspective that acknowledges the existence of the UFO phenomenon while rigorously examining its causes.