UFO Norr - 1994 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NORR
Issue: No. 5
Volume: ÅRGÅNG 2 (Year 2)
Date: September 1994
Publisher: Föreningen UFO-Skellefteå (UFO-Skellefteå Association)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO NORR, published by the UFO-Skellefteå association, marks its second year and fifth issue. The magazine serves as a forum for UFO enthusiasts, particularly those in the Skellefteå region, and is affiliated with the national organization UFO-Sverige.

Editorial: 'LEDARE' (Page 3)

Steve Sandström, the editor-in-chief, reflects on the first year of UFO-Skellefteå, noting its growth from 20 to approximately 70 members. He highlights the upcoming field investigator training course and the national UFO-Sverige meeting to be held in Skellefteå, emphasizing the potential for increased interest and resources. Sandström stresses the importance of taking people's UFO experiences seriously and investigating them promptly. He also discusses the evolution of UFO research, distinguishing the UFO question from the question of extraterrestrial life. He argues that while space exploration has shown no life on Venus, the UFO phenomenon remains intriguing, prompting questions about the origin of these craft and the possibility of life beyond our solar system. The editorial encourages an open mind and a humble approach to understanding the complex nature of reality and the UFO phenomenon.

Article: 'BARN SÅG SNABB-FLYGANDE UFO' (Children Saw a Fast-Flying UFO) (Page 4-5)

This article details a sighting by two boys in Bergsbyn, Sweden, on June 12th. While playing with a homemade go-cart, they witnessed a bright, white, intense light, described as a plywood disc about 50-60 cm in diameter, fly past them at high speed, only a few meters away. The object reappeared moments later, moving in a counter-direction, and flew very low, almost touching the ground. The observation lasted about three seconds, suggesting a speed of several hundred kilometers per hour. The UFO-Skellefteå team visited the boys, finding no physical traces but noting the boys' credibility and genuine surprise. The incident is significant as it occurred only a few hundred meters from a previous UFO landing site reported in the magazine's prior issue.

Article: 'UFO-TEORIER 3. PERCEPTIONSTEORIN' (UFO Theories 3. Perception Theory) (Page 6-7)

Authored by Steve Sandström, this article explores the 'perception problem' in UFO research. Sandström posits that UFOs might be present all around us, but we are unable to perceive them. He uses the analogy of a fly, whose world is limited to its immediate surroundings, to illustrate how even intelligent beings might have a restricted perception of reality. He argues that humans, despite considering themselves the 'crown of creation,' are also limited in their perception. The theory suggests that higher intelligences might exist nearby, perhaps even trying to communicate, but we lack the common language or symbols to understand them. Mathematics is proposed as a potential universal language. Sandström concludes that humility is essential to understanding the UFO phenomenon and that we are only at the beginning of comprehending our reality.

Article: 'UFO I CENTRALA SKELLEFTEÅ!' (UFO in Central Skellefteå!) (Page 8)

This report describes an incident on June 15th where an elderly couple, Agge and his wife Söderström, observed a bright, flickering, fireball-like object flying past their apartment on Östra Nygatan in Skellefteå. The object was visible for six to eight seconds, appearing to be about 1.5 to 2 cubic meters in size and at an estimated altitude of 50-100 meters. It reappeared twice more before disappearing. The couple contacted the local newspaper, which led to another witness coming forward. The investigation found no aircraft in the area at the time, and the weather was clear. The couple's account was deemed credible, though they could not offer an explanation, considering possibilities like a bird illuminated by the sun but dismissing it due to the object's size, brightness, and shape.

Article: 'BLUFFEN' (The Hoax) (Page 9)

This article details an investigation into a potential hoaxer. Following the sighting by Agge Söderström, another individual contacted the magazine claiming to have seen similar objects. This witness, who did not request anonymity, described a large, multi-colored, round object. However, during the investigation, inconsistencies emerged in his story, and he appeared eager for attention. The investigators visited the witness and found no corroborating evidence. They concluded that this individual was likely a 'mythomaniac' (a person with a pathological need to lie), possibly motivated by wanting to be associated with the Söderström case after reading about it. The article emphasizes that while hoaxes exist, they are usually detectable, and the investigation ultimately strengthened the magazine's resolve.

Article: 'UFO-BILDEN FRÅN STORUMAN I NY BELYSNING' (The UFO Picture from Storuman in New Light) (Page 10)

This article re-examines a UFO photograph taken by Doris Stenman near Storuman, Sweden. Initially, the photo appeared to show two missile-like objects. However, an investigation by UFO-Skellefteå revealed that the objects were not UFOs. Doris Stenman had mistakenly recalled the circumstances of taking the photo; she was indoors, not outdoors as she initially stated. The 'UFOs' were actually reflections of a coffee pot on her kitchen table, captured in the double-glazed window. The strong sunlight reflecting off the coffee pot created the illusion of solid objects, and the double-glazing caused a double image. The article includes mathematical proof and an inverted image to demonstrate the coffee pot as the source of the reflection, identifying it as a 'Vissel-Johanna' (a type of whistle).

Other Content

• Table of Contents (Page 2): Lists articles including 'Ledare' (Editorial), 'Barn såg litet UFO' (Child Saw Small UFO), 'UFO-teorier, del 3: Perceptionsteorin' (UFO Theories, Part 3: Perception Theory), 'UFO i centrala Skellefteå' (UFO in Central Skellefteå), 'Bluffen' (The Hoax), 'UFO-bilden från Storuman i ny belysning' (The UFO Picture from Storuman in New Light), 'Parallella universa — teori eller verklighet?' (Parallel Universa - Theory or Reality?), 'UFO över Holmträsk' (UFO over Holmträsk), and 'Är Bermudatriangelns gåta löst?' (Is the Bermuda Triangle's Riddle Solved?).
• Contact Information: Details for UFO-Skellefteå, including address and phone number, and contact for the Rapportcentralen (Reporting Center).
• Editorial Stance: The magazine appears to maintain a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It emphasizes rigorous investigation, distinguishing between genuine sightings and potential hoaxes or misidentifications. While exploring various theories, including psychological and perceptual aspects, it does not dismiss the possibility of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO NORR demonstrates a commitment to investigating UFO reports with a critical eye, distinguishing between credible sightings, misidentifications, and outright hoaxes. The magazine actively engages with its readership by publishing case studies, theoretical discussions, and investigative findings. The editorial stance leans towards a scientific and methodical approach, encouraging members to contribute their observations and participate in investigations. There is a clear effort to ground UFO research in observable evidence and logical deduction, while acknowledging the inherent mysteries and the limitations of human perception. The magazine also highlights the local aspect of UFO research, focusing on events in the Skellefteå region while also covering national and international cases and theories. The recurring theme is the ongoing quest to understand the UFO phenomenon through careful documentation, analysis, and open discussion.

Title: UFO-NORR
Issue: NR 5
Date: September 1994
Publisher: UFO-NORR
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-NORR delves into a variety of topics, from the enigmatic Roswell incident of 1947 to complex cosmological theories and mathematical analyses of photographic evidence.

The Roswell Incident: Mystery and New Developments

The cover story, "I ROSWELL -47," revisits the infamous Roswell crash. It highlights the initial military announcement of a captured flying saucer, quickly retracted and explained as a weather balloon. The article questions the military's swift retraction and the continued secrecy surrounding the event, suggesting that the prolonged declassification indicates something more significant than a weather balloon. The piece also introduces the potential involvement of filmmaker Steven Spielberg, who reportedly claims to possess archival film footage of the autopsy of the craft's occupants. This alleged evidence, if authentic, could revolutionize ufology and lend significant weight to the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The article notes that while many UFO researchers, like Leonard Stringfield, have sought evidence of crashes, the sheer number of claimed incidents is questioned, with the author suggesting that such advanced craft should not be prone to crashing. The piece also touches upon the possibility of a nuclear accident as a cover-up, given the presence of nuclear weapons in Roswell at the time, but finds this theory less convincing due to the initial press release.

Mathematical Analysis of a Photographic Anomaly

Pages 11-13 present a detailed mathematical analysis titled "MATEMATIKEN BEVISAR REFLEXTEORIN" (Mathematics Proves Reflection Theory). This section, with calculations and sketches by Kjell Lidström, attempts to explain a mysterious image captured by Doris Stenman. The analysis uses geometry and trigonometry to demonstrate how a coffee pot might have appeared in the photograph due to reflections from a window, specifically exploring different scenarios for the placement and angles involved. The calculations involve variables like 'a', 'b', 'c', 'd', 'x', and 'y' to determine distances and angles, concluding that a reflection is a plausible explanation for the anomaly.

UFO Crashes and Historical Accounts

Page 4, "UFO-KRASCHEN" (The UFO Crash), by Steve Sandström, begins a historical overview of UFO sightings, tracing the surge in reports back to Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting in the Cascade Mountains. It reiterates the Roswell incident and the subsequent military cover-up. The article questions the military's ability to distinguish between a spacecraft and a weather balloon and ponders why the event remains classified after so many years. It also touches upon the idea that similar stories have existed for centuries, suggesting that the 1947 events may have simply emboldened people to share their experiences.

Cosmological Theories: The Big Bang and Parallel Universes

Pages 8-10 feature an article by Jörgen Andersson, "PARALLELLA UNIVERSA - TEORI ELLER VERKLIGHET?" (Parallel Universes - Theory or Reality?). This piece explores the vastness of the universe, the nature of black holes, and the Big Bang theory. It delves into Alan Guth's Inflation Theory, which posits a rapid expansion of the universe in its earliest moments to explain its homogeneity. The article discusses the concept of condensation energy released during the universe's expansion and how it might have led to the formation of matter, galaxies, and stars. It further explores the idea of parallel universes, suggesting that our universe might be one of many, potentially with different physical laws. The author uses the analogy of a beetle on dust witnessing an explosion to illustrate how different observers might perceive the creation of a universe. The article also touches upon the four fundamental forces of nature (strong nuclear, weak nuclear, gravity, and electromagnetism) and how variations in these forces could lead to vastly different realities.

Sci-Fi Channel Delay

A brief note on page 10 mentions that the launch of the Sci-Fi Channel in Europe has been delayed and is now expected in the first quarter of 1995, with broadcasts potentially being encoded via Astra.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and alleged crashes, with scientific inquiry and theoretical physics. There is a clear interest in debunking or providing rational explanations for sightings, as seen in the reflection theory article, while also engaging with speculative scientific concepts like parallel universes and the Big Bang. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, seeking evidence and logical explanations while acknowledging the enduring mysteries of the universe and unexplained events. The Roswell incident is treated as a pivotal event, with a focus on uncovering new details and challenging official narratives. The magazine encourages reader engagement, as evidenced by the call for help in organizing the 1995 UFO-Skellefteå meeting.

This issue of UFO-NORR, dated September 1994 (NR 5), delves into a variety of topics related to UFOs and unexplained phenomena. The cover story recounts a startling UFO sighting in Holmträsk, Sweden, on March 20, 1994, where a woman witnessed a powerful red light and observed her stove sinking.

Holmträsk Sighting

The article details the experience of Nora Marklund, who observed a strange phenomenon on the evening of March 20, 1994. While looking out her kitchen window, she saw a bright red light and then witnessed her stove sink. The report suggests this event is linked to UFO activity.

The Bermuda Triangle Mystery Solved?

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the enduring mystery of the Bermuda Triangle. The article by Mats Nilsson explores the history of speculation surrounding this area, mentioning figures like Christoffer Columbus and authors such as Charles Berlitz, Alan Landsberg, and Ivan T. Sanderson. It highlights numerous disappearances of ships and aircraft within the region, including the USS Pickering, the Bella, the Lotta, and the famous Mary Celeste. The article also references the fictional portrayal of 'Flight 19' in the movie 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'.

Scientific Explanations for the Bermuda Triangle

The magazine presents several theories attempting to explain the Bermuda Triangle's enigmas. These include ideas about magnetic storms, gravitational anomalies, and strong undercurrents. A more recent and detailed theory, explored by researchers Richard McIver and Larry Khulman, posits that the phenomenon is caused by the release of methane gas from the seabed. When underwater seismic activity occurs, large quantities of methane gas can bubble to the surface, reducing the water's surface tension. This can cause ships to sink rapidly and planes to lose engine power due to lack of oxygen and potential ignition of the gas. The article notes that Russian oceanographers have observed similar phenomena in the Ochotska Sea.

Other Phenomena and Research

Beyond the Bermuda Triangle, the magazine touches upon other intriguing events and scientific findings. It mentions a passenger plane in 1974 that experienced a green shimmering cloud and boiling sea, disappearing from radar for ten minutes. The article also discusses the magnetic effects observed in the Bermuda Triangle, linking them to the gas release theory.

Notiser (Notices)

This section provides brief updates on various topics:

• Astronomy: Astronomers in Minneapolis have detected water in the galaxy Markarian 1, 200 million light-years away. They also discuss the discovery of the amino acid glycine, a protein-building component, in the vicinity of the Milky Way's center.
• Jupiter Collision: The collisions of the Shoemaker-Levy comet with Jupiter are noted, with scientists puzzled by the absence of expected water vapor.
• Space Missions: There's a mention of a mild collision between the Russian spacecraft Soyuz and the Mir space station.
• NASA Telescope: NASA plans to deploy a telescope on a balloon 12 kilometers above the North Pole, offering a cost-effective alternative to the Hubble telescope.
• Mir Space Station: Russian cosmonauts on the Mir space station faced a near-starvation situation due to a failed resupply mission.
• TV Series: The popular TV series 'Arkiv X' (The X-Files) is recommended, with a note that several episodes have focused on UFOs and abductions.
• UFO-Sveriges: The chairman of UFO-Sveriges, Clas Svahn, visited Skellefteå and brought materials related to Gunnar Thorén's research.
• Illustrerad Vetenskap: A mention of a magazine claiming to have solved the UFO mystery, labeling it as bluff and delusion, while paradoxically discussing mysterious signals detected by NASA.
• TV Program: A TV3 program titled 'Möte Med Det Okända' (Encounter with the Unknown) on September 26 is highlighted for its segment on UFO investigations.
• UFO-Skellefteå Article: The local newspaper Västerbottningen featured an article about the UFO-Skellefteå organization.

UFO-Skellefteå Activities and Announcements

• Field Investigation Course: UFO-Skellefteå is offering a field investigation course starting October 1st, covering investigation methodology, source criticism, and common misinterpretations. The course costs 300 SEK.
• Observation Evenings: An observation evening is scheduled for October 1st at Vitberget, open to both course participants and the public.
• Film Night: A film night on November 26 will feature 'Communion' (based on Whitley Strieber's work) and another film.
• Christmas Party: A casual 'Christmas party' is planned for December 17.
• Merchandise: The organization is selling a 'luxury pen' with the 'UFO-Skellefteå' logo for 15 SEK.
• Seeking a Location: UFO-Skellefteå is actively seeking a new, larger venue to accommodate its growing membership and activities, as their current location is becoming too small. They are looking for a space that can host at least 50-60 people and be used permanently for activities like book lending and film screenings. They are unable to afford significant rent and are appealing for a kindly disposed individual or entity to offer a suitable location.

Next Issue

The December issue (NR 6) will feature 'UFO Theories, Part 4', 'UFO Cases in Brännvattnet', the winter program, and more.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and related research. While it presents scientific theories and investigations, it maintains an open stance towards the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various perspectives and theories, including those that attempt to debunk or explain phenomena scientifically, as well as those that lean towards more mysterious interpretations. The inclusion of local UFO group activities and announcements suggests a focus on engaging the readership and fostering a community around the subject.