UFO Norr - 1995 No 8

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Norr
Issue: Nr 8
Volume: Årgång 3
Date: Juni 1995
Publisher: Föreningen UFO-Skellefteå (and other UFO associations)
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

Content Summary

This issue of UFO Norr, dated June 1995, is dedicated to exploring various facets of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on witness testimony, theoretical interpretations, and organizational activities within the Swedish UFO community.

Editorial and Lead Articles

The editorial, titled "LEDARE," reflects on the summer season and the unexpected frequency of UFO incidents. It highlights the importance of daylight sightings for clearer identification and description, contrasting them with less defined night sightings. The editorial also introduces the main theme of the issue: "Repeaters – Liars or Truth-tellers?" It announces a special study of three incidents reported by the same individual, aiming to discuss the credibility of people who have experienced multiple strange events. The editor expresses hope for an interesting summer for UFO enthusiasts and reminds readers to pre-register for an upcoming field investigation course.

UFO Theories: Spiritual Phenomena

An article titled "UFO-TEORIER 6. ANDLIGA FENOMEN" by Steve Sandström delves into the spiritual interpretation of UFO phenomena. It posits that throughout history, humans have interpreted unexplained aerial phenomena as spiritual or divine encounters. The article argues that the complexity of existence and the presence of both good and evil might suggest a divine creator who uses various means, including UFOs, to communicate or provoke thought about spiritual matters. It questions whether UFOs are merely misunderstood natural phenomena or if they represent a higher, spiritual force attempting to influence humanity. The author suggests that if a God exists and is omnipotent, then UFO phenomena, in some way, must stem from that existence.

Riksstämman 1995 – A Success

The article "RIKSSTÄMMAN – EN SUCCÉ" reports on the 25th-anniversary UFO-Sverige national meeting held in Skellefteå. Despite initial concerns about the workload for the relatively young UFO-Skellefteå association, the event was deemed a success. The public day attracted around 120 people who attended presentations by UFO-Sverige chairman Clas Svahn on the history of UFO phenomena, and Håkan Blomqvist from the Archive for UFO Research discussing UFO cults and sects. Other speakers included Mats Nilsson on UFO-Sverige's structure and Håkan Ekstrand on Hessdalen. A video recording of most of the presentations is available for purchase.

Repeaters – Liars or Truth-tellers?

This section, "REPEATERS – LÖGNARE ELLER SANNINGSSÄGARE?" by Steve Sandström, addresses the debate surrounding individuals who report multiple UFO experiences. The author analyzes the statistical probability of seeing one or more UFOs, concluding that while most sightings might have natural explanations, a small percentage are likely genuine. He categorizes 'repeaters' into those who have seen multiple actual UFOs, those who have seen one UFO and other explainable phenomena, those who misinterpret common phenomena, and outright liars. The article emphasizes that seeing multiple UFOs does not automatically make someone a liar, and that individuals with multiple verified UFO cases are rare. The subsequent articles will present three specific incidents reported by Stig Smedquist.

Case Study: UFO Landed on an Island in Torneälven

"UFO LANDADE PÅ Ö I TORNEÄLVEN" recounts a sighting by Stig Smedquist and his family in January 1979. While driving in northern Norrland, they observed a strange, blinking, red-yellow object that followed their car, hovered, and then landed on a small island in the Torneälven. The object was observed for about 30 minutes. The article analyzes the sighting, ruling out conventional aircraft due to its behavior, such as hovering and stopping. It also considers and dismisses explanations like Venus or a hot air balloon, suggesting the observation was either a significant misinterpretation or a genuinely unusual phenomenon.

Case Study: UFO Left Smoke Rings

"UFO LÄMNADE RÖKRINGAR" details another incident involving Stig Smedquist in September 1986. While driving near Kalixälven, he observed a strong blinking light that followed his vehicle. The object then emitted a strange, funnel-shaped light beam that descended. When Smedquist stopped, the object stopped too. His brothers, who arrived shortly after, confirmed the sighting. The object then ascended rapidly, leaving behind rings of smoke that glowed turquoise. The article discusses the possibility of misinterpreting the object's movement due to the car's motion but concludes that the details, including the red-yellow color and the smoke rings, suggest a genuine, unusual phenomenon.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on how to become a member of UFO-Norr and its affiliated organizations, providing contact information and payment details. A "Brev från Clas Svahn" (Letter from Clas Svahn) and "Ny fältundersökarkurs" (New field investigation course) are also mentioned in the table of contents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, witness accounts, and the investigation of these phenomena. There is a clear interest in exploring both conventional and unconventional explanations, including psychological and spiritual interpretations, alongside the more common extraterrestrial hypothesis. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging critical analysis of evidence while acknowledging the possibility of genuine, unexplained events. The publication aims to inform its readers about UFO research and activities within Sweden, fostering a community of interest.

Title: UFO-NORR
Issue: NR 8
Date: June 1995
Publisher: N/A
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Articles

Stig Smedquist's UFO Encounters

The issue features a detailed account of Stig Smedquist's experiences with unexplained aerial phenomena. The primary focus is on an incident that occurred on March 31, 1995, near Junosuando, Sweden. Stig, along with his brother Svante and nephew Mattias, witnessed a luminous yellow triangle emerge from the clouds. A red ball detached from the triangle, descended to about 50 meters below, and then rejoined it. The light from the triangle appeared to dim, and the objects then moved into the clouds and vanished. The observation lasted seven minutes.

The article discusses the possibility of a rocket exhaust cloud, but dismisses it due to the object's behavior, particularly the 'funnel light' (trattlyset) which Stig felt was 'seeking' him. Stig estimated the object's closest approach to be around 500 meters. The author, Steve Sandström, expresses skepticism about it being an extraterrestrial craft on a mission, but acknowledges Stig's belief that it was 'someone not from this planet'.

Sandström also references two earlier, similar incidents reported by Stig Smedquist in 1979 and 1986. He notes that these events, like the 1995 sighting, were witnessed by other individuals, strengthening their credibility. The author analyzes the details of the sightings, including the precise times and wind direction, and attempts to estimate the size of the objects based on witness accounts and distances. The estimated sizes range from approximately 35 to 70 meters in diameter for the main objects.

Märklig Vattenpelare Utanför Renholmen

This article reports on a strange phenomenon observed by Palmer Holmberg and two companions (Östen and Gösta) during a fishing trip near Renholmen, Sweden, in the summer of 1989 or 1990. They witnessed a water column, about 2 meters wide with vertical walls, rise from the water. It ascended higher than the trees on land and lasted for about half a minute to a minute before moving towards the shore and dissipating. While Holmberg described it as a water column, Gösta likened it to a water-created phenomenon caused by a meteor. The article speculates that it might have been a projectile from the Tåme firing range, but questions whether the fishermen were close enough to that area.

Reviews

Film: Stargate

The film 'Stargate' is reviewed and given a rating of ++++. The reviewer, Steve Sandström, describes it as a science fiction film about an archaeological discovery in Egypt leading to a portal to another world. The film's ideas are noted to be based on the works of Erik von Däniken. It is recommended for UFO enthusiasts and fans of well-made science fiction.

Bok: Mötet i gläntan

This book, 'Mötet i gläntan' (The Meeting in the Glade), by Clas Svahn, is highly praised with a rating of +++++. It is described as the most comprehensive account of a Swedish UFO case ever published, detailing Gösta "Pollenkungen" Carlsson's encounter with extraterrestrial beings in a glade near Ängelholm in 1947. The book includes contributions from Carlsson himself. The reviewer notes that Svahn maintains the mystery throughout the book, despite his own skepticism, and commends him as a critically examining ufologist.

Other Sections

News Briefs (Notiser)

This section contains several short news items:

• Hackspettar Försenade Rymdfärjan Discovery: The launch of the space shuttle Discovery was delayed due to woodpeckers creating over 70 holes in its insulation.
• Pris Sätts På Snömannens Huvud: China has placed a price on the head of the 'snowman' (Yeti), with the tourism industry involved.
• DNA Från Dinosaurier: Chinese researchers have extracted DNA from a dinosaur egg fossil that shows similarities to human DNA.
• Historisk Dockning: The space shuttle Atlantis docked with the Russian space station MIR.
• Rysk Pengabrist Drabbar Svenskt Rymdförsök: The launch of a satellite, including Swedish research material, from the Plesetsk cosmodrome was postponed due to Russia's financial difficulties.
• Raketreklam: Sweden will be the first to feature advertising on rockets, with a launch planned from Esrange in Kiruna.
• Tysk Sond Över Ryssland: A German probe flew over Russia, collecting data to predict earthquakes.
• Norsk Plattform Lyfter Ryska Raketer: A consortium is being formed to compete with the European Ariane rocket for commercial satellite launches.
• Star Trek: The seventh Star Trek film is released, and an eighth film is planned for 1996.
• Ny TV-Satellit: A new TV satellite is being developed by Swedish companies.
• Europeisk Månbas: ESA plans to land a 900 kg probe on the moon in 2001 as part of a project to build a manned moon base.
• Columbus Smartare Än Man Trott?: Thor Heyerdahl claims in a new book that Columbus landed in America in 1467, not 1497, and that it was not a mistake.
• Revolution Med Dvärgpartiklar: Subatomic particles are revolutionizing material properties.
• Mobiltelefoner Förstör För Astronomer: Mobile phone frequencies may interfere with radio telescopes.
• Sci-Fi Channel Till Kabelnäten?: The American Sci-Fi Channel may launch in Europe.
• Svensk Smygare: The Swedish Navy is using new stealth technology for its submarine hunters.
• Svensk Smygare: The Swedish Navy is using new stealth technology for its submarine hunters.
• Astrid - Succé & Fiasko: The Swedish satellite Astrid, after a successful launch, had its scientific instruments fail after only five weeks.
• Sockerdriven Raket: A homemade rocket powered by sugar has been cleared for a test flight in Wales.
• Einstein Hade Fel?: Swiss researchers are looking for a fifth fundamental force that may challenge Einstein's theory of relativity.

Membership and Events

• Till alla medlemmar i UFO-Skellefteå: A letter from Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sweden, thanking the UFO-Skellefteå group for organizing an impressive national meeting. He praises their professionalism and enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of teamwork and encouraging the involvement of young people.
• Fältundersökar Kurs Hösten 1995: An announcement for a field investigator course covering methodology, source criticism, and common misinterpretations, with registration details.
• Köp videon från riksstämman: An offer to purchase a VHS video of the national meeting presentations.
• I NÄSTA NUMMER AV UFO-NORR: A preview of the next issue, including topics like UFO phenomena at Vitberget, UFO theories, and more.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and related research. There is a strong emphasis on witness testimony and the investigation of such events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various cases and theories while also incorporating critical analysis, as seen in the review of 'Mötet i gläntan' and the author's commentary on the Smedquist sightings. The magazine also covers broader space and science news, often with a connection to potential extraterrestrial or unusual phenomena.