UFO-Nytt - 1985 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO-NYTT
Issue: Nr 2, 1985
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening
Frequency: 4 times per year

This issue of UFO-Nytt, the publication for the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, presents a collection of UFO sightings and close encounter reports, primarily from Sweden and the United Kingdom. The editorial section highlights that this issue includes translations from FSR, two articles on close encounters, and a 'Warning to the people of Earth'. It also mentions a story that captured national attention in Norway and a profile of UFO-Sweden. The editors encourage readers with thoughts and questions about UFOs to write in.

Key Articles and Reports

EN LANDNING OCH NÄRKONTAKT INTILL ALDERSHOT (A Landing and Close Encounter Near Aldershot)

This detailed report, based on an interview with O. Fowler, recounts the experience of Mr. Alfred Burtoo, a 77-year-old witness from Aldershot, Hampshire.

On October 10, 1983, Mr. Burtoo was contacted by a local newspaper regarding a UFO landing report near Hampshire. He agreed to investigate. The witness, who had extensive experience hunting in the Canadian wilderness, was not easily frightened. He reported that on August 11, 1983, around 01:15 AM, while preparing to fish by the Bosingstoke Canal Bank, he heard footsteps and encountered a police officer. After the officer left, he proceeded to the canal bank. He observed a bright light descending rapidly from the south, which he initially thought might be a plane or helicopter but noted its low altitude (under 100m) and unusual flight path. The object landed on the path, and its sharp light extinguished. Shortly after, two figures, approximately one meter tall, dressed in green overalls with masks covering their faces, approached him. One gestured for him to follow. He followed them about 30 meters to where the craft was parked near the water's edge. A ramp extended from the craft, and he entered. Inside, a voice spoke in broken English, instructing him to stand under a light. He described a central raised platform and a light source. He was asked his age and told he was too old and weak for their purposes, then instructed to leave.

Mr. Burtoo described the craft's interior, noting a Z-shaped handle and two beings. He speculated these were different from the ones who escorted him. The craft had a 'tower' on top and rotated counter-clockwise. After leaving, he observed the craft ascend to about 100 meters and speed away towards the southwest, passing over a military cemetery and eventually disappearing.

Mr. Burtoo, despite his age, expressed curiosity rather than fear, stating he had previously dismissed UFOs as hoaxes but now believed after his experience. He also mentioned that his wife was informed upon his return.

Further details from the interview reveal the beings wore green overalls and helmets, with masks that obscured their faces. They had no visible buttons, zippers, or tools, and their movements were described as slightly swaying. The craft's interior was dimly lit, and the walls appeared blackish. The construction was noted as exceptionally fine, with no visible seams or welds.

Mr. Anonym's Account

This section presents a letter from an anonymous individual who claims to have witnessed a UFO.

In November 1935, the author, then 12-13 years old, saw a round, flat, grey object with windows emitting yellow and blue light hovering over a field near his home. His parents also witnessed it. Later, during a summer Sunday, he encountered three short figures (125-130 cm tall) dressed in grey overalls with transparent helmets. He felt an inexplicable urge to go to a deserted area where he saw a round, grey object on three legs. He was carried into the craft and placed on a couch. He felt numb and unable to clearly perceive his surroundings. He described a room with a control panel and another figure. He was then taken out and placed on the grass. The craft ascended and disappeared. He later returned to the site and found the grass trampled and burnt.

In a separate account, the same anonymous author describes another encounter. While cycling near Vänern, he saw a bright object emerge from the lake. It hovered above him, and its lights changed. He felt paralyzed and drawn towards the craft. He estimated its size to be 15-20 meters. The object then departed at high speed towards the north. He also recounts an incident where he was taken into a craft, and beings examined his teeth and navel, causing him to feel numb. He describes the beings as having square faces and wearing transparent helmets. He also mentions seeing two men in beige suits inside a craft, who seemed to be observing him.

"Allt är sanning" (All is Truth)

This section features a letter from 'Mr. Anonym' responding to a previous article in Hemmets Journal about an encounter with beings in a luminous sphere. Mr. Anonym states that his own account, which he has kept in a bank vault to be opened after his death, is true and that he wishes to protect his family from ridicule.

He recounts an experience from May 6th, his birthday, while working as an electrician at the Ringhals nuclear power plant. He and his wife were on their balcony when they saw two bright blue sparks, which they initially mistook for something close but soon realized were high in the sky. The objects ascended at incredible speed and disappeared. He considered them rockets but noted their synchronized movement. He later saw a TV program about UFOs where a man described seeing two saucer-like objects on the Onsala peninsula on the same date and time, moving in the same direction from Bua. This synchronicity reinforced his belief.

Ett rött klot lyste upp skogen (A Red Sphere Lit Up the Forest)

This report by 'Berit' describes an encounter in 1974 near Sandviken.

While visiting a friend's house in Klangberget, Berit and two friends observed a large red sphere hovering about a hundred meters above the ground. It was silent and did not appear to be a helicopter or airplane. They went inside, and later, the friend's daughter reported seeing a large red light ascend towards Kungsberget, illuminating the forest for several minutes. Berit reflects on the experience, questioning if there are other explanations for such phenomena and emphasizing that seeing the unexplained does not make one crazy.

Jag såg ett ljus – och plötsligt flyttades min bil! (I Saw a Light – and Suddenly My Car Was Moved!)

This account by 'Eja' describes an event on August 13, 1968, around 8:30 PM.

While driving home, Eja encountered an orange light slightly above the road. It grew larger, eventually covering the entire road, about 12-15 meters wide. The object then moved to the right. Her car's headlights went out, the engine stalled, and it became completely dark. She tried to restart the car but failed. After a few minutes, the headlights and engine returned, but she found her car on the wrong side of the road. The entire event lasted two to three minutes. She saw the object descend near a haystack, emitting white light from a windowed ramp before the windows extinguished one by one. She rushed home to get her film camera, intending to capture the object. Her husband, however, was hesitant and advised against it, fearing it might be dangerous. She considered reporting it to the police or media but was dissuaded, believing she would be ridiculed. She emphasizes her practical nature and lack of a vivid imagination, making her experience particularly significant to her.

During the incident, while her car was stalled, she experienced a strange phenomenon: she found herself in a round room with two men sitting in chairs. She heard laughter and a comment about her fear. She felt angry, responding that they would be laughing if an accident had occurred. The men then lowered their heads. She described the men as about 175-180 cm tall, wearing beige suits and hats, and having stylish appearances.

Min vän hittades död efter mötet med UFO (My Friend Was Found Dead After a UFO Encounter)

This report, attributed to 'Al', describes an incident involving a friend who had a UFO encounter.

The friend, who was recovering from a back injury at a convalescent home, was on his balcony one night when he saw a strong green-blue light directed at him from a UFO. He lost his speech and motor functions for a short period. Upon waking, he saw the craft ascend. Later, he called the author to report the incident. The author contacted a UFO expert, who visited the friend's room but found him dead on the floor. The friend had been healthy otherwise, with only a back injury.

Redaktörens kommentarer (Editor's Comments)

The editor notes that the Aldershot incident shares many details with previously known cases, particularly the central raised platform in the craft, which is theorized by some to be a polarized magnetic apparatus related to the propulsion system.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, close encounters with extraterrestrial beings, and the physical characteristics of UFO craft. The magazine presents these accounts as credible testimonies, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of alien visitation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a belief in the reality of UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the detailed reporting and the encouragement for reader participation. The publication aims to document and share these experiences within its membership and the broader public interested in the subject.

This issue of the magazine, identified by issue number 12 and volume 12, features a cover headline "FRÅN det övernaturligas värld" (From the World of the Supernatural) and a cover story titled "UFO ÖVER DJURA ?" (UFO Over Djura?). The publication date is indicated as 1984. The magazine appears to be published by the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening and is in Swedish.

UFO Sighting in Djura, Sweden

The lead article details a UFO sighting in Djura, Sweden, in late July or early August 1984. Anders Lindberg recounts an experience where he and a friend saw a yellow spherical object, estimated to be 20-30 meters in diameter, hovering at approximately 200 meters. The car they were in began to vibrate, and the ground also seemed to vibrate. No sound was heard. Despite attempts to photograph the phenomenon, the photos were likely unsuccessful due to darkness and being taken through the car's windshield.

Supernatural Experiences

Another section, "Underliga händelser" (Strange Events), presents personal accounts of supernatural occurrences. One story describes a man seeing an old-fashioned woman in a villa who vanished. The same individual has experienced other unexplained phenomena in various homes. Another account involves a brother-in-law who heard someone moving upstairs and felt a chill. A story from Färna recounts an incident with an orienter who experienced disturbances in an empty cabin, where later human bones were found under the floor. A different account describes a brother seeing a strange face in an antique mirror. The author also recounts feeling the presence of her deceased first husband.

The Supernatural Train

A separate account, "Ett övernaturligt tåg" (A Supernatural Train), describes a vision from 1913 in Råneå, Sweden. The narrator, as an eleven-year-old, saw a train with two locomotives and 40 carriages, complete with Red Cross emblems and invalids, passing through the sky. The vision is linked to the later outbreak of war.

Brazilian UFO Encounter and Message

The issue features a detailed report on a Brazilian UFO case involving Antônio Nelso Tasca. Tasca, a 49-year-old man, reported an encounter on December 14, 1983, near Chapecó, Brazil. He described seeing a bus-like object with lights, which turned out to be a circular craft emitting white light. He claims to have been taken aboard the craft, where he experienced physical sensations and received a message from an alien entity named Cabalà from the world Agali. The message was a warning to humanity about destroying the planet, the dangers of nuclear war, and the need to preserve human essence. Tasca was reportedly returned to Earth on a cliff near a factory, with unusual burn marks on his back.

Isaac Asimov Profile

The magazine includes a profile of science fiction author Isaac Asimov, written by Daniel Atterbom. Asimov, who has just turned 65, is described as prolific, having written approximately 330 books. He is a professor of biochemistry but is best known for his science fiction. Despite living in a high-rise apartment in New York, he suffers from a severe fear of heights and flying. He works extensively, writing for about 16 hours a day. The article mentions his most famous work, the "Foundation" series, and his personal life, including his wife Janet Jeppson, who is a psychiatrist.

Czechoslovakian UFO Sighting

Another report details a UFO sighting over Czechoslovakia on December 2, 1983, as reported by the Yugoslavian magazine ARENA. Thousands of people witnessed a bright, multi-colored object moving across the country. Reports from observers, including soldiers, described it as a silent "phantom plane" flying at an altitude of about 300 meters, with lights and a luminous tail. The object was observed for at least a minute.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alien encounters, and supernatural or unexplained phenomena. The magazine presents these accounts as reports and personal testimonies, often with a tone of wonder and seriousness. The inclusion of a message from an alien entity suggests an editorial stance that entertains the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and communication, and a concern for humanity's future. The profile of Isaac Asimov, a prominent science fiction author, also aligns with the magazine's focus on speculative and extraordinary topics.

This issue of the magazine, identified by page numbers 21, 22, 23, and 25, and featuring a cover headline "Bilden som hela Norge talar om" (The picture that all of Norway is talking about), appears to be a Swedish publication from around April 13th, given the date stamp on page 25. The content primarily focuses on UFO sightings and related investigations, with a significant portion dedicated to debunking a famous Norwegian UFO photograph and detailing a sighting in Czechoslovakia.

Czech Sighting

The magazine reports on a significant UFO sighting that occurred over the Czech Republic, observed by multiple witnesses. One witness, engineer L.K., described the object as resembling the tail of a comet, with the front part clearly visible and three smaller white lights seen from below on the unseen portion. The object reportedly changed its profile from round to oval without altering its height or direction.

An engineer from Prague, J.V., initially mistook the object for a jet plane with landing lights. However, as the object passed, additional lights illuminated, creating a vivid, shimmering effect. He counted nine distinct light points of varying intensity, either white, yellow, or orange, but could not discern the object's contours. He described it as "pear-shaped-ish," through which stars could occasionally be seen. This "pear" was followed by a luminous tail, partly short and clear, partly less distinct.

The phenomenon was observed across the entire Czech Republic and even at the borders of Poland and East Germany. The duration of the event was estimated to be between 10 seconds and 3 minutes.

Witnesses who observed the phenomenon for its entire duration reported first seeing a single point of light, followed by a blinding glare, and then several points of light with varying brightness, sometimes sparkling. The most common colors reported were white, yellow, and orange.

Some suggested it was an American "space shuttle" returning from its "space lab station," but this was deemed unlikely as the object had passed over Czechoslovakia at 16:45 on the same day, three hours earlier.

Czech scientists considered the possibility of it being a meteor, but the astronomical section of the Czechoslovak Academy of Sciences stated that no meteor had been registered that night. British scientists monitoring satellites and their orbits reported that none of the 5,000 satellites or their parts had been registered as falling or off course.

An expert emphasized that if so many witnesses across the country could see the object, it must have been flying very high, suggesting it was a colossal object.

Mlada Fronta (a Czech newspaper) urged its readers to organize special surveillance for such phenomena and report them. The article suggests that attempts by malicious scientists to find explanations are not bringing those who witnessed the event any closer to understanding it.

A Czech newspaper noted: "If extraterrestrial beings are truly operating here, without our knowledge, we will likely never know unless they themselves are kind enough to tell us."

Norwegian UFO Photo Hoax

The magazine prominently features the story of a photograph that "all of Norway is talking about," which was claimed to be of a flying object. The photograph was taken by Pål Kristian Vaag in Nordmöre, near Trondheim.

Vaag stated that he accidentally discovered the flying object outside his home on August 19th of the previous year. The image was subsequently examined by numerous experts. Vaag claimed the object was about ten meters in diameter and emitted a faint light. It hovered silently before rapidly ascending and disappearing. He managed to take a picture with his simple amateur camera.

Experts reportedly had no explanation for the object. The Norwegian Air Force's photo-technical investigation laboratory found no signs of forgery. The image was also examined using Norway's best electron microscope at the Technical University of Trondheim, but this also failed to provide an answer as to whether the picture was fake or real.

However, a later section reveals the truth behind the photograph. For six months, Norwegian defense experts tried to solve the mystery of the UFO picture from Northern Norway. Photographer Pål Kristian Waag, 21, is now revealing the secret that has baffled the world. He admits, "I built the saucer myself at home in the basement."

In August of the previous year, the Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang published the sharp picture of a flying saucer. When questions began to pour in, he presented a very credible account. He described how the flying saucer appeared among the mountain peaks on a pleasant afternoon, hovering at a distance of 200 meters before disappearing after a minute. The defense image analysts were enthusiastic, calling the picture "unique" and "so sharp and clear."

Vaag claims he was constantly interrogated by experts and journalists worldwide. He maintained his facade until the picture was sent for analysis to Ground Saucer Watch in the USA, at which point he decided to reveal the truth. GSW's digital technology is very advanced, and when they enlarged the picture 30,000-40,000 times, even his "UFO picture" was exposed.

Vaag confesses: "First, I built a UFO, which is 25 cm in diameter, out of wood. I attached it to the house wall with a stand and a nylon line. Then I just had to take out the pocket camera."

UFO Sweden and Expert Profiles

The magazine introduces UFO experts Mats Nilsson and Håkan Ekstrand from UFO Sverige, the Swedish UFO Association. They note that people are no longer considered "crazy" for reporting sightings and are more willing to share their experiences. UFO Sverige, founded in 1970, has over 3,000 members and registers between 300 and 400 observations annually. They explain that they can filter out satellites and space debris, which differ from meteors by having multiple colors.

Witness Accounts and Incidents

Several other incidents are mentioned:

• Ystad, Sweden (1960s): During a warm summer evening, witnesses saw a sharp blue-white light that pulsed. They then observed "strange objects" like "large cigars" flying past in the bright light, one after another. The event was silent.
• Mariannelund, Sweden (1959): A man reported seeing a strong light approaching his farm, which turned out to be a dome-shaped craft. He saw two short, thin, spider-like beings with kind eyes inside, wearing safety belts. The craft scraped a maple tree upon landing, which later died. The craft hovered a few decimeters above the ground. The man tried to signal the beings to land on the grass, but they did not. The light then extinguished, and the craft vanished. The man experienced leg cramps and later had his leg amputated. His son also witnessed the event. The man was reportedly mocked when he told his story, forcing him to move. Years later, other witnesses reported seeing the same craft.
• Dalarna, Sweden (January): Two girls riding a sleigh behind a horse in the forest were stopped by a buzzing, luminous sphere. The horse refused to move initially, but they eventually got it to go. Upon returning home, they reported the incident, which led to a wave of similar observations in Dalarna. A photographer for Dala-Demokraten managed to take a picture of the aerial craft.
• Soviet Union (January 13th): A passenger plane en route from Tbilisi, Georgia, to Tallinn, Estonia, was accompanied by a UFO that emitted a very strong light beam. The light was so intense that passengers could see details on the ground. The object then descended and directed its light beam at the passenger plane, following it almost like an escort. The object was visible on radar control in Minsk. This event was reported by Moscow Radio and in the trade union newspaper Trud, which is considered significant given the Soviet Union's official stance on UFOs as a "capitalist invention."

Mars Anomaly

An article briefly mentions a "1600-meter long image of an ape" carved on the planet Mars, surrounded by four pyramids. The Mars Group, a team of 30 scientists at Berkeley University, is studying images taken by the Viking space probe in 1976. They speculate it could be an ancient ruin of an observatory, and some believe it could be the first evidence of past life on Mars.

Book Review

There is a review of Bengt Gustafsson's book "Kosmisk resa i gungstol" (Cosmic Journey in a Rocking Chair), published in 1984. The reviewer praises the book for offering "cosmic journeys" through the universe, making complex astronomical concepts accessible and fascinating.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the phenomenon of UFOs, presenting witness testimonies, expert analyses, and investigations. There is a clear interest in distinguishing genuine sightings from hoaxes, as demonstrated by the detailed debunking of the Norwegian photo. The publication also highlights the growing public acceptance of UFO reporting and the efforts of organizations like UFO Sverige to document and understand these events. The inclusion of the Mars anomaly suggests a broader interest in unexplained phenomena beyond Earth. The overall tone appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of unexplained aerial phenomena while also maintaining a critical approach to evidence.