UFO Norr - 1994 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Norr
Issue: No. 4
Volume: Årgång 2 (Year 2)
Date: April 1994
Publisher: Föreningen UFO-Skellefteå
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO Norr, published by the UFO-Skellefteå association, aims to provide a forum for its members and UFO enthusiasts. The cover prominently features a dramatic headline about a "UFO Landing in Ursviken!" with claims of photographic evidence, and a secondary article posing the question: "Are UFOs Coming From The Future?". The magazine includes a table of contents detailing articles on UFOs in Boden, a field research course, UFO theories, and news from the organization.

Editorial and Content Summary

"Ledare" (Editorial)

The editorial reflects on the increased media attention UFOs have received in Sweden over the past year, with TV programs and numerous articles. However, it argues that media coverage often conflates UFOs with extraterrestrial life, failing to distinguish between the phenomenon itself and speculation about its origin. The editorial criticizes journalists for lacking in-depth knowledge and relying on sensationalist freelancers, leading to a distorted public perception. Despite these challenges, the author notes an improvement in coverage, attributing it partly to the persistent efforts of UFO-Sverige and its members in advocating for a balanced and nuanced portrayal of the UFO phenomenon. The piece emphasizes the importance of continued education and media engagement to achieve fair treatment of the subject. It also touches upon the difficulty of dealing with the "demystification" aspect, where most reports can be explained, leaving only a small percentage of truly mysterious cases, which often leads journalists to "spice things up". The issue of UFOs being a sensitive topic, potentially leading to ridicule, is also mentioned.

"UFO I BODEN - ELLER VAR DET ETT MILITÄRFLYG?" (UFO in Boden - Or Was It a Military Flight?)

This article details a strange event that occurred on October 3, 1992, at 22:00 near Boden, Sweden. Monika Grannas, while driving home to Piteå, noticed an object hovering silently in the air. Initially mistaking it for a plane or helicopter due to the proximity of Kallax airport and a helicopter school, she soon realized its unusual nature. The object was described as dark with several yellow-white lights, a domed top and bottom, and a "searchlight" on top. Monika's passenger urged her to stop the car, and they observed the phenomenon for several minutes, noting the lack of reaction from other passing motorists. The object then ascended vertically and flew towards Gunnarsbyn. The article discusses the possibility of it being a conventional aircraft but highlights the object's behavior, particularly its vertical movement, as unusual for a helicopter. The precise timing of the sighting is also noted as potentially significant.

"FÄLTFORSKARKURS I LERSÄTER" (Field Research Course in Lersäter)

This section reports on the annual field research course organized by UFO-Sverige, held in Lersäter near Köping from February 25-27. Approximately 30 participants from various UFO-Sverige local chapters attended. The course is described as a significant event for UFO investigators to discuss, debate, and listen to presentations on investigation methods, notable UFO cases in Sweden and internationally, and related topics. The article mentions that UFO-Skellefteå was represented by Anna Boström and Steve Sandström. The program included a historical perspective on the UFO issue by Clas Svahn, discussions on quantum physics and relativity, and a presentation by Mikael Sjöberg on the function of the report center. A highlight was Håkan Blomqvist's presentation titled "How a UFO Cult Arises," where he analyzed the development of contactee phenomena, tracing it back to early figures like Adamski and Eugene Drake, and exploring how their narratives might have been influenced by science fiction. The course also covered investigative methodology and source criticism, with presentations by Clas Svahn, Håkan Blomqvist, and Håkan Ekstrand. Jörgen Granlie discussed data registration of UFO reports, and video presentations of UFO-Sverige's collected footage were shown. The author concludes that the course was very rewarding and encourages more people to attend.

"UFO-TEORIER 2. TIDSRESENÄRER" (UFO Theories 2. Time Travelers)

This article explores the theory that UFOs might be vehicles from the future, traveling through time rather than space. It begins by explaining the concept of dimensions and the irreversible nature of time as experienced by humans. The author discusses the "time paradox" or "Butterfly Syndrome," where traveling to the past and altering events could prevent one's own existence. However, alternative theories suggest that such actions might create parallel universes. The article then presents a hypothetical scenario of a UFO sighting that could be interpreted as a time machine. It posits that if time travel becomes possible, evidence of it should already be observable today, as our present is the past for future generations. The challenges of navigating through time, particularly the need for faster-than-light travel and the difficulty of precisely calculating Earth's position in the past, are discussed. The article suggests that future time travelers might use a system of "patrol robots" to monitor and prevent alterations to the past, potentially explaining some UFO sightings as these robots entering or exiting the atmosphere. The theory is supported by the frequent "flaps" (clusters of sightings) in certain areas and UFOs appearing and disappearing suddenly. The article also notes that humanoid sightings might be explained by future humans encountering their ancestors. The main argument against the theory is the immense energy required for time travel and the unresolved issues of time paradoxes. The author concludes by drawing parallels to past scientific beliefs, such as the Earth being flat or space travel being impossible, suggesting that time travel, while currently seeming impossible, might become a reality in the future.

Other Sections

• "Nyheter i föreningens utlåningshörna" (News from the association's lending library): Mentions new items available for borrowing.
• "Sensationell UFO-händelse: UFO landade i Ursviken!" (Sensational UFO Event: UFO Landed in Ursviken!): This is the main cover story, likely detailing the Ursviken incident with photographic evidence.
• "Interstellär trafik - ett framtida projekt inom räckhåll." (Interstellar Traffic - A Future Project Within Reach.): A brief mention, possibly related to the broader context of space travel and UFOs.
• "Matematik och ufologi, del 3: Beräkna UFO:ts position!" (Mathematics and Ufology, Part 3: Calculate the UFO's Position!): This article likely delves into the mathematical aspects of tracking UFOs.
• "Föreningsnytt med vårens och sommarens program..." (Association News with Spring and Summer Program...): Updates on the activities of UFO-Skellefteå and UFO-Sverige.
• "Notiser" (Notices): Brief news items.
• "I nästa nummer" (In the Next Issue): A preview of future content.
• "BÄTTRE SENT ÄN ALDRIG..." (Better Late Than Never...): An apology from the editors for the late publication of the issue, attributing it to the extensive investigation of the Ursviken landing and the adoption of new digital imaging technology.
• "RAPPORTCENTRALEN" (Report Center): Contact information for reporting UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Norr are the investigation of specific UFO events (Ursviken landing, Boden sighting), the exploration of theoretical frameworks for understanding UFOs (time travel), and the promotion of serious, methodical UFO research and investigation (field course). The editorial stance is one of advocating for a more balanced and accurate media portrayal of the UFO phenomenon, emphasizing the need for critical thinking, proper methodology, and a distinction between the phenomenon and speculative origins. The magazine positions itself as a source for in-depth reporting and theoretical discussion within the Swedish UFO community.

Title: UFO-NORR
Issue: NR 4
Date: April 1994

This issue of UFO-NORR, published by UFO-Skellefteå, focuses on recent UFO news and investigations, alongside articles on ufology and space exploration.

UFO Landing in Bergsbyn

The main feature details a significant UFO incident that occurred on Saturday, February 5, 1994, at 22:30 in Bergsbyn, Sweden. Four individuals—Leif and Inga Nilsson, and their two children—were leaving their friends' home when they witnessed a large, unknown object appear in the sky. The object was described as descending slowly and making a soft turn before disappearing behind a hill. The witnesses reported no sound. The hosts, Erik and Dagmar Petterson, also observed the phenomenon.

Following the sighting, an investigation was conducted by UFO-Skellefteå, involving Steve Sandström and Melle Lundberg. They searched the area where the object was last seen and discovered a peculiar imprint in the snow on a nearby marsh. The imprint measured approximately 3.3 x 1.5 meters and contained three deeper pits. No natural explanation for this mark could be found, and it was noted that the snow was not compressed to the ice layer beneath, suggesting it wasn't a heavy landing.

Magnus Holmberg, a local resident who was out with his dog, confirmed that the witnesses were indeed agitated and that the event occurred as described. Another resident, Bosse Holmqvist, stated that no natural phenomena like cold springs were present at the site. The investigation concluded that the object was not a natural phenomenon like a plasma event, ball lightning, bolide, or meteorite, due to its controlled movement, braking, and apparent landing. The witnesses' names were kept anonymous at their request.

Book Reviews

The magazine includes a section on books, divided into Swedish and English titles.

Swedish Books Reviewed:

• Antikens matematik by Asger Aaboe (Prisma, 1989): Explores four episodes in the history of ancient mathematics.
• Nemesis by Isaac Asimov (Legenda, 1989): A science fiction novel about a group of emigrants approaching a red dwarf star system.
• Parapsykologin och bibeln by Ingvar Laxvik (Gothia, 1984): An introduction to parapsychology and paranormal phenomena as evidenced in the Bible.
• Stjärnor och planeter by Günther D. Roth (Norstedts, 1977): A guide to the night sky with star charts.
• Fakta om flygande tefat och deras drivmetoder by Wilbert B. Smith (Parthenon, 1967): Presents evidence for the existence of flying saucers and their propulsion methods.
• På resa i universum - Framtidens rymdfärder (Lademann, 1991): A book about future space travel plans.

English Books Reviewed:

• The Roswell Incident by Charles Berlitz and William Moore (Granada, 1980): Discusses the famous UFO crash incident in Roswell, 1947.
• Beyond Earth: Man's Contact With UFOs by Ralph and Judy Blum (Bantam Books, 1974): Explores the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation.
• UFO's Past, Present and Future by Robert Emenegger (Ballantine Books, 1974): Features case descriptions, including the Socorro incident, Project Blue Book, and space probes.

Lending Rules

The 'UTLÅNINGSREGLER' section outlines the borrowing policies for members of UFO-Skellefteå. Loans are free, with a 4-week duration and a limit of two books at a time. Members outside the local area can receive books by mail for a postage fee. Borrowers are responsible for any damage or loss of borrowed items.

Interstellar Traffic: A Future Project Within Reach

This article by Jörgen Andersson discusses the prospects of interstellar travel. It highlights that humanity has explored much of the solar system and even landed on the Moon. However, reaching distant stars like Proxima Centauri (4.3 light-years away) poses significant challenges due to vast distances and the limitations of current technology. Even with chemical rockets traveling at 30 km/s, the journey would take 42,000 years. Ion engines offer higher exhaust velocities (50 km/s), potentially reaching speeds of 300 km/s, but still result in extremely long travel times (4,200 years to Proxima Centauri with current technology).

The article introduces the concept of the 'Daedalus' starship, a design by the British Interplanetary Society. This unmanned craft would use a series of hydrogen bomb explosions to generate thrust, aiming for a speed of 36,000 km/s (12% of light speed). The estimated travel time to Proxima Centauri is 48 years.

Another concept discussed is Robert W. Bussard's proposed ramjet, which would collect hydrogen from interstellar space using a large magnetic field to fuel its fusion drive. This would require the spacecraft to reach speeds of 15-20% of light speed (45,000-60,000 km/s) to gather enough fuel.

The article also touches upon the need for self-repairing computers for long-duration space missions, as communication delays make real-time control impossible.

Mathematics and Ufology - Part 3

This section, authored by Steve Sandström and illustrated by Gert Sandström, explains the mathematical method of triangulation for analyzing UFO sightings. It describes how two witnesses observing the same phenomenon, even without estimating distance, can use triangulation to determine the location of the UFO. Method 1, the 'map method,' involves plotting the witnesses' positions and drawing lines in their indicated directions. The intersection of these lines pinpoints the UFO's location. The article notes that if the lines are nearly parallel, it suggests the object is distant or a different type of phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. It appears to adopt a serious, investigative approach, presenting witness testimonies and scientific analysis. The editorial stance seems to be open to the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and advanced technology, as evidenced by the articles on interstellar travel and the detailed reporting of the Bergsbyn incident. The inclusion of mathematical and scientific analysis suggests a desire to approach the subject with rigor.

Title: UFO-NORR
Issue: NR 4
Date: APRIL 1994
Publisher: UFO-Skellefteå
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-NORR, a Swedish magazine focused on UFO phenomena, presents a mix of analytical methods, news, and organizational updates. The cover prominently features the title 'Föreningsnytt UFO-Skellefteå informerar' and announces the location of the 1995 national meeting.

Articles and Features

UFO Sighting Analysis Methods

The issue delves into methods for analyzing UFO sightings. Method 1 (described in relation to Figure 2) suggests that if witnesses' directional observations diverge, they likely did not see the same object. It proposes defining a zone of probability based on witness estimations of the object's left and right boundaries, increasing the chance of finding witnesses who made close observations. The distance to the UFO can be measured using a map scale.

Method 2 is presented as a purely mathematical approach, useful when a map scale is unavailable or witnesses are close together. This method, illustrated by Figure 3, involves setting up a system of trigonometric equations using two right-angled triangles formed by a hypothetical line. The equations derived are:

• L = L₁ + L₂ (equation 1)
• X = L₁ × cos(α₁) (equation 2)
• Y = L₁ × tan(α₁) (equation 3)
• Y = L₂ × tan(α₂) (equation 4)

These lead to equation 5: L₁ × tan(α₁) = L₂ × tan(α₂). Equation 6, L = L₁ - L₂, is also presented. Substituting these into equation 5 and solving for L₁ yields:

L₁ = L × (tan(α₂) ÷ (tan(α₁) + tan(α₂)))

Substituting this expression into equation 2 provides a general formula for calculating distance:

X = L × (tan(α₂) ÷ (cos(α₁) × (tan(α₁) + tan(α₂))))

The article stresses that while this formula provides an exact numerical result, its accuracy depends on the precision of the input variables. It warns that even a slight error from one witness can render the calculation misleading. The author emphasizes that mathematical analysis is most effective when applied to recent cases, as witness memories can fade and become inaccurate over time. A concluding caution advises against treating calculation results as absolute truths.

UFO and Space News

UFO on TV: The BC Super Channels program 'On The Air with Clive Pearse' dedicated two hours to UFOs, featuring British UFO expert Timothy Goode. The program included interviews and music videos, but its content was often announced too late for timely notification.

Roswell Incident: The American news magazine 'Inside Edition' featured a report on the well-known Roswell incident of 1947 on April 26th.

TV3 Program: On April 26th, the TV3 program 'Möte med det okända' (Meeting the Unknown) focused on UFOs.

Bermuda Triangle: Kanal 1's 'Vetenskapens Värld' (Science World) on April 24th explored the Bermuda Triangle mystery. The theory presented suggests that gases released from the seabed create bubbles that reduce water buoyancy, explaining shipwrecks in the area.

Space News (Rymdnytt):

• Alpha Space Station: Russia plans to develop the Alpha space station, intended to replace the American 'Freedom' station. The project, involving the US, Canada, Japan, and eleven European countries, is slated to begin construction in 1997.
• New Cosmodrome: Russian authorities are investigating the construction of a new spaceport to replace an older one in Baikonur, Kazakhstan.
• Finland Joins ESA: As of January 1, 1995, Finland will become a full member of the European Space Agency (ESA), bringing the total number of member nations to 14.
• South Africa's Satellite: South Africa has launched a modern environmental satellite called 'Greensat'.

Life in Space? (Liv i Rymden?):

The American Institute for searching for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) was saved from closure by significant donations from William Hewlett, David Packard, Gordon Moore, and Arthur C. Clarke. The article notes that researchers have found planets around a star, increasing the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe.

NASA's Ten-Year Project: Kanal 1's 'Vetenskapens Värld' on April 10th covered NASA's ten-year project to find extraterrestrial civilizations, funded partly by proceeds from Steven Spielberg's film 'ET'. A researcher suggested that there could be at least 10,000 civilizations more advanced than humanity.

UFO on Radio

UFO i Radio: On April 24th, P4 broadcast a re-edited version of an educational radio program about UFOs that had originally aired on January 25th. This rebroadcast allowed the entire Swedish population to hear the program.

UFO i VK: The April 16th edition of Västerbottens-Kuriren featured a 16-page supplement dedicated to UFOs, including articles by Steve Sandström (UFO-Skellefteå chairman) and Clas Svahn (UFO-Sverige chairman).

UFO-Skellefteå Organization News

Föreningsnytt (Organization News):

• National Meeting 1995: UFO-Skellefteå has been chosen to host the 1995 national UFO meeting in Skellefteå.
• New Phone Number: Effective May 16th, the organization's phone number will be 0910 – 77 68 72.
• Exhibition: UFO-Skellefteå will participate in a festival organized by UrKraft during the midsummer weekend, presenting an exhibition on the UFO phenomenon and local cases. They will also sell refreshments and UFO literature.
• Membership Drive: The organization is growing, with 50 members compared to 35 in 1993. They are seeking support, including donations of books for their library and financial contributions for the exhibition project.
• Luxurious Pen: Members can purchase a 'UFO-Skellefteå' branded pen for 15 SEK, including postage.
• Spring/Summer Program: The schedule includes meetings for exhibition work (May 4th, May 18th), an observation evening (May 6th), a film screening of 'Fire In The Sky' followed by discussion (May 14th), and the exhibition itself (June 24-26th).

Next Issue Preview

I NÄSTA NUMMER AV UFO-NORR (In the Next Issue of UFO-NORR):

The upcoming issue will feature a sensational UFO photo taken in Storuman in 1993, UFO theories (part 3), a UFO case from Brännvattnet, the autumn program, and more. The next issue (NR 5) is scheduled for August.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, analysis methods, and related scientific and cultural topics. There's a strong emphasis on local UFO activity through the UFO-Skellefteå organization's news and events. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical yet open-minded investigation, particularly advocating for the use of scientific and mathematical tools while cautioning against dogmatism. The organization actively seeks member support and participation, highlighting its growth and commitment to promoting the study of UFO phenomena.