UFO-Nytt - 1984 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO NYTT
Issue: Nr 3, 1984
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening

This issue of UFO NYTT is a Swedish-language magazine for members of the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, published four times a year. The cover prominently features the title "UFO NYTT" and the issue details.

From the Editor

The editorial section, titled "FRÅN REDAKTIONEN", acknowledges that this issue is slightly delayed due to rain and the summer holiday season. The editors apologize for the delay but state that they are already working on issue number 4, which is scheduled for release the week before Christmas. This current issue contains an interesting article on "UFO beings," local events in the Ludvika area, and brief articles on the Russian space race and research, as well as the adventures of Betty and Barney Hill. The editorial also mentions that the UFO-förening's investigation group has visited Norway, but reports are not yet available. A promised report from the national meeting in Karlskoga on March 31st has been postponed due to space limitations. The editors encourage members to send in interesting newspaper articles they find, and to spread the local magazine to their acquaintances. The editorial team consists of Bernt Berglund, Ingvar Kjällving, and Monica Eriksson. Membership for 1985 is set at 40 kronor, with a reduced rate of 25 kronor for those under 16. The address for the organization is Box 71, 771 01 Ludvika.

Article: A Brief Account of the True Nature of "UFO Beings"

This lengthy article, "EN KORTFATTAD REDOVIUNING ÖVER 'UFO-VARELSERNAS' SANNA NATUR," delves into the nature of beings that may be connected to UFO phenomena, drawing heavily from Islamic theology and traditions. The author posits that adherents of various religions often believe they possess the sole truth, discouraging them from exploring other perspectives. The article suggests that studying world religions, particularly Islam, can provide valuable clues to understanding UFO phenomena and dispelling "space-alien mythology."

According to Islamic tradition, there are three distinct and intelligent types of beings in the universe:

1. Angels (Änglar): Described as messengers, created from light.
2. Humans (Människor): Created from clay or mineral and chemical elements, forming a "planetary body."
3. Al-Jinn (Al-Jinn): Beings created before humans, whose name derives from the Arabic verb "jenna," meaning "to hide" or "to conceal." Their bodies are described as being made of something akin to "fire" or "flames," and they are mentioned in the Quran as being created before humans.

The article discusses the Arabic terms "min nari al-samumi" and "min marijin min narin," which are translated as "fiery wind" or "fiery flames." It speculates whether these refer to "pre-Adamite humans" mentioned in the Bible. The author notes that modern students of Arabic debate the meaning of these terms, with some scholars suggesting they refer to what Western occultism calls the "supernatural" or "astral plane," or even plasma.

The article then explores the origin of Jinns, suggesting their origin is close to humanity but in a different dimension or space-time continuum, possibly an "anti-matter world" or a "mirror universe." It references Dr. Meade Layne's writings, which suggest UFO visitors and their machines originate in the mind, and speculates that benevolent Jinns might be our "guardian angels."

The author highlights a close kinship between Jinns and humanity, noting that while many Jinns are considered demonic, the Quran also speaks of "good" Jinns capable of salvation. The article mentions that Muhammad was sent as a messenger to both humanity and Jinns, and that some Jinns will enter paradise on the final day, while others will go to hell. The role of IBLIS (Satan) is discussed, noting that he is described as a Jinn in the Quran but also as an angel, possibly a high-ranking being who rebelled against God, akin to Lucifer in Christian texts.

Jinns' Main Characteristics:

• Invisibility: Normally invisible to the human eye.
• Materialization: Capable of materializing and appearing in the physical world, or becoming visible/invisible at will.
• Shapeshifting: Can change their appearance and take on any form, large or small.
• Animal Forms: Can appear in animal forms (e.g., Snowman, Dumas, Loch Ness Monster).
• Deception: Known as inveterate liars and deceivers, skilled in trickery and misleading humans through various means, including spiritualist séances and UFO encounters.
• Abduction: They are known to abduct and kidnap people. The article cites the case of Robert Kirk, who allegedly wrote about "The Secret Society" in 1691 and was killed by them.
• Sexual Encounters: They are said to engage in sexual relationships with humans, with Arabic literature containing numerous accounts of such contacts.

The article also touches upon the historical acceptance of Jinns in Islamic law and jurisprudence, referencing "The Encyclopaedia of Islam." It notes the presence of similar traditions in Chinese literature and mentions the Fihrist, a catalog compiled in 995 AD, which lists 16 works on the topic of Jinns and human connections. The author contrasts the advanced Arab civilization of that era with later Western development, emphasizing that much of Greek philosophy reached the West through Arabic translations.

Further points include:

• Jinns can kidnap and teleport humans, returning them miles away in an instant.
• Some individuals have been "united with Jinns" or made pacts with them, gaining "unnatural powers" (psychic abilities), becoming known as miracle workers, seers, or magicians.
• They possess enormous telepathic abilities and can "cast a spell" on their human victims.

The author suggests that many UFO accounts provide evidence of this, and that the control and interference of these "unseen forces" in human lives may be the cause of dangerous situations, including the potential for war.

Religious and Philosophical Parallels

The article draws parallels between Jinns and concepts from other religious and philosophical traditions:

• Christianity: The New Testament, particularly in Greek, is said to contain knowledge of these matters, with Jesus and his disciples, especially Paul, being aware of them. Jesus is referred to as "ISSA, son of Mary, Word of God" in Islam.
• Zoroastrianism: The ancient Persian civilization had teachers like Zaratustra, whose scripture, the AVESTA, speaks of demonic forces called AHRIMAN, the enemy of light. Humanity is seen as a creation of ORMAZD, the highest being, in constant conflict with AHRIMAN.
• Dr. Rudolf Steiner: The article highlights Dr. Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925), founder of the Anthroposophical Society, as a teacher who deeply understood these issues. Steiner's writings from 1917 reportedly predicted the political, social, and military outcomes of the Russian Revolution, similar to the "Lady" of Fátima's revelations. He also foresaw the consequences of a materialistic path, including artificial insemination and the development of a "world of 1984" characterized by soulless, dehumanized beings.

Steiner believed a major conflict would occur in the last 30 years of the 19th century between AHRIMAN's forces and the forces of Light (Michael's hosts in Christian tradition). He predicted a victory for Light, but with many powerful demonic beings being cast down to Earth, increasing their influence on humanity.

Steiner anticipated incredible upheavals as this great battle approached its end, affecting individuals' hearts. The article references his book "Stürtzet der Mächte der Finsternis" (The Fall of the Powers of Darkness) from 1917.

The article concludes by noting that the "smart modern pop-age men" often deny the existence of demons and "great forces" that govern the universe, citing a quote from C.S. Lewis' "The Screwtape Letters" where the Devil states, "Our greatest trump card is, of course, that everyone knows we don't exist." The author suggests that, like the Devil, Jinns, UFOs, and UFO beings benefit from this widespread disbelief.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, often linking them to spiritual, religious, and esoteric concepts. This issue heavily emphasizes the connection between UFO beings and entities described in Islamic tradition (Jinns), drawing parallels with angels and demons. The editorial stance appears to be open to exploring unconventional explanations for UFO sightings, integrating religious and mystical perspectives with ufology. There is a clear interest in ancient wisdom and alternative spiritual frameworks, as evidenced by the detailed discussions on Islam and the works of Rudolf Steiner. The publication encourages member participation and the sharing of information, positioning itself as a community-driven resource for those interested in the unexplained.

This issue of Diala-Demokraten, dated Saturday, September 8, 1984, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena and the growing concerns about the militarization of space. The cover story, "Mystiskt ljussken" (Mysterious light phenomenon), details an incident in Avesta where a dog was terrified and a car's engine stopped during a reported UFO sighting. Other articles delve into similar sightings in Ludvika and the broader implications of space-based weaponry.

UFO Sightings and Witness Accounts

Ludvika Incident

The article "UFO ELLER LYSRAKET?" by Johan Kinneryd reports on a strange event on the night of September 8-9, 1984, in Ludvika. Ingrid Hällström and six other people witnessed a strong red light over Lake Hillen, which then transformed into a square-shaped object with a glowing red outline. The object ascended and disappeared into the clouds. The police were contacted, and UFO-Sverige was alerted. The event was also reported in the local press, leading to more witnesses coming forward, including Roswitha Jonsson and Sune Hellström, who described similar phenomena but with variations in shape and behavior.

Avesta Incident

The main cover story, "Hunden blev vettskrämd och bilen fick motorstopp" (The dog became terrified and the car stalled), details an event in Avesta on Sunday evening, September 9, 1984. A retired man was walking his dog when he observed a bright light that caused his car's lights to go out and the engine to stop. He saw a glowing ball that disappeared towards Norberg. His dog was so frightened that it refused to go on the same walk the next day. Stig Aggerstad from UFO-Sverige described the Avesta incident as a "classic UFO event" and expressed interest in contacting the driver of the stalled car.

Other Sightings and Theories

Page 4 of the "DIALA-DEMOKRATEN" section includes a report titled "UFO i Ludvika!" which reiterates the Ludvika sighting and mentions similar observations in Örebro. The article "Var det en lysraket?" (Was it a flare rocket?) explores the possibility that the phenomena could be military flare rockets, citing Lieutenant Ekman from Dalregementet who explains their function and appearance. However, the article also notes that the descriptions don't perfectly match the typical behavior of flare rockets, especially Ingrid Hällström's account of a square object.

Page 5 continues this discussion, with witnesses describing the light phenomenon and the potential for it to be a rocket. The article "Var det en lysraket?" quotes Lieutenant Ekman explaining how military flare rockets work, including their use for detecting enemies at night and their parachute mechanism for extended visibility. The red glow after extinguishing is also mentioned.

Ball Lightning

Page 8 features an article titled "KULBLIXTARNA HACKADE VETENSKAPEN" (Ball lightning hacked science) which discusses the phenomenon of ball lightning. It traces historical accounts from ancient Greeks to modern scientific observations, noting that while initially dismissed by science, ball lightning has gained more acceptance, particularly after observations related to submarines and aircraft.

Space Militarization and Soviet Perspective

"Rymdkapprustning meningslös" (Space Arms Race is Meaningless)

This section features an interview with Soviet space expert Vsevolod Avdujevskij, who discusses the risks associated with the militarization of space. He criticizes US plans for space-based weaponry, such as modified Minuteman missiles and armed satellites, warning that they could lead to accidental nuclear war and make it impossible to prevent or control such conflicts. Avdujevskij argues that such an arms race is meaningless and would condemn humanity to a passive waiting for destruction.

Soviet Space Program

The issue also highlights the peaceful applications and economic benefits of the Soviet space program. Articles on pages 9 and 10 detail how Soviet satellites are used for search and rescue (SARSAT-KOSPAS), weather forecasting (Meteor), navigation, remote sensing for resource prospecting, and communication (Molnija 2). The economic impact of these applications is estimated to be billions of kronor annually. The potential for industrial production in space, such as creating unique materials and pharmaceuticals, is also discussed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) and the growing threat of space militarization. The editorial stance appears to be one of caution and concern regarding both the unknown nature of UFO sightings and the potentially catastrophic consequences of an arms race in space. The magazine presents witness accounts of UFOs while also providing a platform for critical analysis of military space programs, particularly those of the United States, from a Soviet perspective. There is a clear emphasis on the peaceful potential of space exploration and a warning against its weaponization.

This issue of the magazine, dated 1977, features a prominent cover story titled "Hur kunde hon rita stjärnan som upptäcktes 12 år senare? Betty och Barney kidnappades av rymdmän!" (How could she draw the star discovered 12 years later? Betty and Barney were kidnapped by aliens!). The article, written by Örjan Björkhem with illustrations by Decző Sternoczky, focuses on the highly unusual and scientifically significant case of Betty and Barney Hill.

The Betty and Barney Hill Abduction

The article begins by acknowledging the many fantastical stories of UFO encounters but highlights the Betty and Barney Hill case from September 19, 1961, as unique because it was taken seriously by scientists. The couple reported a two-hour period of missing time during a drive home. Both were deeply disturbed and confused, unable to recall what happened.

Betty began experiencing nightmares and obsessive thoughts, while Barney's old ulcer flared up. Betty, a social worker, sought advice from a psychiatrist who suggested they had experienced something so terrifying that it caused amnesia, assuring them their memories would return over time.

However, their memories did not return, and their anxiety persisted. After two years, they underwent hypnosis with a psychiatrist. While initially unsuccessful, after several months, the psychiatrist managed to elicit a peculiar story from them.

Betty described a clear, starry night during their drive home from Canada through New Hampshire. They saw what they initially thought was a falling star, but it moved irregularly and seemed to approach them. They stopped the car to get a better look. As it got closer, they realized it was disk-shaped.

Barney took out binoculars and stepped out of the car. He saw that the object had windows, and inside stood humanoid figures staring at him. Terrified, Barney rushed back to the car and drove away at high speed. However, for an unexplained reason, he drove the car onto a side road where five figures stood waiting.

Betty stated they felt as if they were no longer in control of themselves. They exited the car and were taken into a spaceship. Inside a cold room, they were undressed and thoroughly examined. The beings seemed to communicate directly with Betty through some form of telepathy. Barney could only observe.

Betty asked where the beings came from, and in response, they showed her a strange, three-dimensional map. The map contained 14 stars connected by lines. The beings then told them they would forget everything that had happened and allowed them to return to their car and drive home.

The Star Map Verification

After the hypnosis sessions, the psychiatrist, Benjamin Simon, concluded that the couple could not have fabricated the story. He presented two possibilities: either the abduction genuinely occurred as described, or they experienced a highly unusual hallucination. The experience had significant repercussions for the Hills; their story was leaked to the press, and individuals who reported similar experiences in the US had lost their jobs. Both Barney, a politician, and Betty, a social worker, had their careers and reputations at stake.

The uniqueness of their story lay not only in the identical accounts they gave under hypnosis but also in their inability to describe the beings or the spaceship in detail, despite multiple sessions. Their testimony was scrutinized by scientists and UFO researchers, but the conclusion remained divided, with some believing them and others dismissing the story as fiction.

Marjorie Fish's Contribution

Crucially, Betty Hill was able to draw the map she had seen. This map, containing 14 stars and connecting lines, was then examined by amateur astronomer Marjorie Fish. Fish became intensely interested and began creating three-dimensional models of the night sky using beads and threads. Her goal was to find a celestial arrangement that matched Betty's drawing, considering that the beings might come from a star system relatively close to Earth (within 55 light-years, approximately 900 billion miles).

This was a painstaking process, as there are about 1000 stars within that range, and only 46 are G-type stars similar to our Sun. Fish's efforts were initially fruitless until 1973, when a new star catalog was released, providing updated measurements for stars, including binary star systems. When Fish used the newly measured binary stars, specifically Zeta Reticuli, as a starting point for her model, it precisely matched Betty Hill's drawing.

The map indicated pathways between various sun-like stars, suggesting possible trade routes or civilizations. The chance of such a match occurring randomly was estimated to be less than one in 100,000. This finding was further corroborated by computer analysis at Ohio University, which produced a map showing the same similarities.

Scientific and Public Reaction

The "Hill incident" became world-famous, sparking debate in the esteemed journal *Astronomy*. The article notes that if Zeta Reticuli has planets, they might be Earth-like, though the year would be longer (about 390 days), gravity different, inhabitants smaller, and the climate colder. Betty Hill herself complained of the cold in the spaceship.

The author expresses personal skepticism about extraterrestrial visitors but finds it difficult to dismiss the case, especially Betty's ability to draw a star map of stars that were not officially measured until 12 years after her experience.

The article concludes by reflecting on the implications of the Hill case, suggesting that if we are not alone, perhaps the beings from Zeta Reticuli are now aware of our Sun and might even be convinced that they are not alone either.

Astronomy in the Magazine

Another section of the magazine, titled "Roligt att veta" (Fun to know), touches upon the history of space travel fantasies, referencing Jules Verne's "Journey to the Moon" and early concepts of rocket propulsion. It also mentions a political prisoner, Nikolas Kiba, who fantasized about space travel via a rocket-powered craft.

A more contemporary piece, "Det gäller det stjärnornas liv och död!" (It's about the life and death of stars!), discusses modern astronomy. Astronomer Björn Stenholm from Lund is featured, explaining how contemporary astronomy has moved beyond romantic stargazing to focus on scientific research, particularly the life cycles of stars. He mentions the use of satellites and data processing, and the shift from visual observation to more technical methods.

Stenholm highlights the importance of observatories like the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile and facilities on La Palma and Tenerife. He discusses the ongoing research into stellar evolution, including white dwarfs, black holes, and neutron stars. While acknowledging the difficulty in studying these phenomena, Stenholm firmly believes that life exists beyond Earth, stating, "I don't think we are alone in space."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to lean towards presenting extraordinary claims, particularly concerning UFOs and extraterrestrial encounters, with a degree of seriousness and scientific inquiry. The Hill case is presented as a prime example of an unexplained phenomenon with verifiable details. While the author expresses personal skepticism, the overall tone suggests an openness to the possibility of alien visitation and the mysteries of the universe. The inclusion of modern astronomical research alongside the UFO case indicates an interest in both the speculative and the scientific aspects of space and our place within it.