UFO-Nytt - 1986 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO NYTT
Issue: Nr I 1986
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening
Publication Frequency: 4 times per year

This issue of the Swedish UFO magazine 'Västerbergslagens UFO Nytt' from early 1986 delves into several compelling cases and perspectives within the UFO and paranormal research community.

From the Editors

The editorial section notes that the year has started as busily as January 1985, with an increasing number of reports overwhelming the investigation group. They are seeking more volunteers to assist. The editors highlight the growing number of reports from the Soviet Union, including an article by a Russian astrophysicist. They mention the visit of Juri Lina, an exiled Soviet researcher, who shared insights and sold books. The section also touches upon events from January and February, with space reserved for further investigation group findings before the magazine goes to press. Gunnar Senbom's photographic exhibition is mentioned as a potential source of facts. The editors express a hope for increased membership to better influence authorities.

Tusentals bestörta människor såg himlen flamma upp i ljus och mönster

This feature article, attributed to Henry Gris and Camera Press, details the experiences and findings of Dr. Vladimir Azhazha, a Russian astrophysicist who led a Soviet special commission investigating UFOs. Azhazha believes that extraterrestrials are attempting to communicate through light signals.

The Moscow Sighting (May 15, 1981)

The article recounts a spectacular event over Moscow where a massive UFO, described as a 'flying saucer', appeared. It was followed by a display of lights and patterns. The incident, occurring at 2:00 AM, was immediately investigated by the KGB under Jurij Andropov. Over 2,400 witnesses reported the event. The object was first sighted over Tula, moving towards Moscow. Azhazha's scientific colleagues determined its altitude to be approximately 120 km and its size to be 600 meters in diameter. This event was not entirely unprecedented, as a similar object was observed over Moscow on June 14, 1980.

Azhazha's Commission and the 'British Flag'

Azhazha had previously led a special commission to investigate extraterrestrial visits, but it was abruptly disbanded. He has now decided to reveal the results, deeming them too important to keep secret. The article describes the UFO's movement over Moscow, including a smaller craft released over Vnukovo, a military airfield. The object's behavior was described as causing 'military excitement'. Captains and majors in the Soviet military were reportedly confused and instructed to remain calm.

A Sea of Fire and Geometric Patterns

The UFO, initially a bright blue sphere, turned orange and emitted a 'sea of fire' and strange patterns. It formed a square, then diagonal lines, resembling a 'British flag', which then distorted as if writing in the sky. The square was transparent, allowing stars to be seen through it. The object remained for half an hour before disappearing.

Multiple Craft and Unusual Maneuvers

The main craft released at least three smaller craft. One was observed over Vnukovo, another over the Perkhushkovo railway station, where it briefly submerged in a lake before reappearing. A third craft was seen over Tarasovka, near a technical institute, where students reported a 'flying saucer' hovering low, emitting a soft pink light. This craft also disappeared northward.

Public Reaction and Secrecy

Azhazha notes that people in the Soviet Union often keep such observations secret to avoid ridicule, as UFOs are not officially recognized as extraterrestrial spacecraft. He recounts an anecdote where a lieutenant, after witnessing the event, joked about the cost of the UFO, referring to a taxi fare.

Previous Phenomena

The article mentions the 'Petrozavodsk phenomenon' in September 1977, where a large, gelatinous, fish-like object appeared over a lake, emitting a silver rain. Another event in June 1980 is described as a large, dim, fish-like object.

Så minns vi 1985: DD-bilden

This section features Rune Österlund's account of seeing a UFO in January 1985. He stopped his car and took a photograph, which is presented in the magazine. This 'saucer picture' reportedly led to a surge in UFO observations reported to DD (presumably the magazine's publication or a related organization).

Av CLAIRE SAFRAN. HAR TINA ÖVERNATURLIGA KRAFTER?

This article investigates the case of Tina Resch, a 14-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, who exhibited apparent psychokinetic abilities. The case attracted attention from researchers and journalists, with debate over whether it was a poltergeist, paranormal powers, or a hoax.

The Resch Family's Experiences

Beginning on March 3, 1984, the Resch family, consisting of Joan and John Resch, their son Craig, adopted daughter Tina, and four foster children, experienced a series of unexplained events. Lights turned on and off, a shower started on its own, and later, objects began to move. Joan Resch, a woman who had cared for over 250 foster children, was visibly distressed.

Electrical Anomalies and Moving Objects

Initially, the phenomena seemed electrical, with stereos activating and lights behaving erratically. Electrician Bruce Claggett attempted to fix the issue by taping over light switches, but the lights continued to turn on. He eventually gave up, describing the experience as unsettling. The events escalated, with objects moving on their own, including tables falling from walls, glasses falling from shelves, chairs moving, and sofas tipping over. Police were called but could offer no assistance.

Tina's Role and 'The Force'

Tina insisted she was not intentionally causing the events, though a candlestick had flown and hit her. Joan Resch referred to the occurrences as 'a force' that Tina might not be able to control. Attempts to resolve the issue through prayer by their pastor were unsuccessful.

Journalist Investigation and 'RSPK'

Journalist Mike Harden from the Columbus Dispatch investigated the case. During his visit, a coffee cup flew and spilled on Tina, and newspapers fell from a table. Photographer Fred Shannon captured images of objects, including a telephone, flying. Professor Steven Shore, an astrophysicist, suggested that the phenomena might be explained by the speed of human reaction, stating, "The hand is always faster than the eye."

William Roll, research chief at the Psychical Research Foundation, studied the case. He categorized one-third of poltergeist cases as hoaxes, one-third as uncertain, and one-third as genuine. Roll proposed the concept of RSPK (Recurrent Spontaneous Psychokinesis) to explain these events, suggesting it originates from the confusion and stress experienced by adolescents.

CSICOP's Involvement and Lack of Evidence

The organization CSICOP (Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal) was reportedly denied access to the Resch home for an investigation. While witnesses often admitted they didn't see the exact moment an object moved, Shannon maintained he saw a telephone and a tissue box lift off and fly. Roll accompanied Tina to North Carolina for further study, where more phenomena occurred, such as a door opening by itself and a telephone flying and hitting Tina.

Conclusion on the Resch Case

Despite the extensive documentation, the Resch case remains difficult to definitively prove or disprove. The article concludes that whether the events were paranormal or a hoax, they stemmed from the stresses of adolescence. The pastor's comment that "There are things we cannot explain... One thing is the poltergeist phenomenon. Another thing is teenagers" encapsulates this ambiguity.

EFTERLYSNING (Request)

This section is a call for interested members of the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening throughout Dalarna to assist with reporting and investigating UFO incidents. Training will be provided in investigation techniques, reporting, interviewing, data logging, and reporting.

Utvisad sovjetisk forskare: Rymdvarelserna är fredliga

This article, by Olle Larsson, reports on a presentation given by Jüri Lina, an exiled Soviet researcher, at a meeting of the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening in Smedjebacken. Lina, who was formerly a Soviet citizen and now resides in Stockholm, discussed his experiences and research into UFOs.

UFOs in the Soviet Union

Lina stated that UFO phenomena are not discussed in Russia and that the government attempts to explain them away as illusions. He mentioned that despite daily reports from high-ranking scientists, the official stance is denial. He recounted an incident where two Russian astronauts on the space station "Salyut" observed a 80-meter diameter object resembling a flying saucer. They filmed it and recorded sounds, and saw beings described as two meters tall with blue eyes and leathery skin emerge from the craft and interact with them. This event, captured on film and tape, is difficult for the Russian regime to dismiss.

Chinese and Western Perspectives

In contrast to the Soviet Union, China allows discussion and reporting of UFOs, with government interest in the subject. Lina noted that Western countries also have numerous sightings.

Lina's Background and Views

Lina, a scientist himself, had previously written about parapsychology and UFO mysteries for a Soviet publication. After writing articles critical of the Russian government's stance on UFOs, he was given an ultimatum: leave the country or be institutionalized. He chose to leave and eventually settled in Sweden.

Peaceful Extraterrestrials

Lina firmly believes that the extraterrestrials or humanoids are peaceful towards Earth. He contrasted this with the Hollywood depiction in the TV series "V," which portrays aliens as hostile invaders.

Discussion and Books

The presentation concluded with a question-and-answer session and a discussion about UFOs and extraterrestrial activities. Lina also sold his books, including one titled "UFO-forskning i Sovjetunionen" (UFO Research in the Soviet Union).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, extraterrestrial encounters, and related unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in reports from behind the Iron Curtain, particularly the Soviet Union, and a willingness to present controversial or officially unrecognized topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging member participation in reporting and investigation, and presenting diverse viewpoints, from scientific analysis to personal accounts of paranormal events. The magazine also highlights the psychological and societal aspects of these phenomena, particularly concerning adolescent stress in the context of the Resch case.

This issue of the Vasterbergslagens UFO-Förening (UFO-Association of the Vasterberg region) from February 4, 1986, focuses on a significant increase in UFO and unexplained light phenomena sightings in the Dalarna region of Sweden. The magazine details numerous reports received by the association, highlighting the unusual nature and frequency of these events.

Board and Contact Information

The issue provides contact details for the association's board for 1986, including Gudrun Andersson (Chairperson), Ulla Hallgren (Treasurer), Ingmarie Strömberg (Secretary), and several board members (Ledamöter) and substitutes (Supleanter). It also lists the auditors and the association's postal address in Ludvika.

UFO Sightings and Phenomena

The main article, "Ljusfenomen förbryllar" (Light Phenomena Bewilder), reports that the number of incoming reports in January 1986 was nearly as high as the total for a normal full year. Gudrun Andersson of the UFO-förening notes that many of these sightings involve unusually bright phenomena that must have been seen by more people, urging immediate reporting.

Several specific sightings are detailed:

• January 19:45, Jamvik, Hedemora: A 10-30 meter high, funnel-shaped, brightly lit object that moved silently and sometimes hovered over the forest.
• January 9, 21:00, Smedjebacken: Two independent observers reported a large, oval, green object followed by an intensely shining red ball moving at high speed.
• January 9, 22:05, Säter: A red, intensely shining object moved silently across the sky.
• January 16, 21:45, Grycksbo: A spherical object observed stationary, shining with changing colors (blue, red, green).
• January 26, evening, Sunnansjö: An egg-shaped, seemingly rotating and pulsating object observed through binoculars.

Witness Accounts

Ingrid Wedberg's Experience: A detailed account from Ingrid Wedberg in Hedemora describes seeing a bus-sized object with green light emanating from square windows, a black body, and a luminous knob on top. It moved silently, sometimes hovering, and emitted flames from its underside. She observed it for 40 minutes in -29 degree Celsius weather.

Norberg Sighting: A person in Norberg photographed a strange, shining object on the night of January 6-7. The object was described as a bright sphere with a tail, observed for nearly two hours. The UFO-förening is seeking more witnesses from the Norberg area.

Håksberg Sighting: On January 9, a red fireball was observed moving silently towards the northwest.

Sören Wetterskog's Observation: A witness from Vinsbo described seeing an intensely shining white ball in the morning sky for over half an hour before it flared up and disappeared.

"Som en lysande buss" (Like a Shining Bus)

This section elaborates on Ingrid Wedberg's sighting, describing the object's shape as an "ostkupa" (cheese dome) with flames underneath. She notes that the object moved south from her farm and disappeared towards Söderbärke. She also mentions that her husband, Anton Wedberg, did not see the phenomenon but heard strange noises.

"Norbergare iakttog UFO?" (Norberg Resident Observed UFO?)

This article focuses on the photographs taken by a Norberg resident of a strange phenomenon on the night of January 6-7. The UFO-förening is seeking more witnesses from the area, noting that similar green objects were reported in Smedjebacken, Säter, and Hedemora around the same time.

"Eldklot sågs över Håksberg" (Fireball Seen Over Håksberg)

This brief report mentions increasing UFO phenomena in Dalarna, including a red fireball seen in Håksberg and a bright, glowing ball with a tail observed in Nås.

"UFO-bilder på utställning" (UFO Pictures at Exhibition)

An exhibition of UFO pictures and films was held in Säter. Gunnar Senbom, who organized the exhibition, presented numerous UFO photos, including some taken in Hessdalen, Norway. He expressed frustration at the lack of public and official interest in his findings and mentioned burning some of his photos due to disappointment.

"Ingen tror honom" (No One Believes Him)

This article further details Gunnar Senbom's efforts to document UFOs, particularly his trips to Hessdalen. He describes the difficulty in getting his photos published and the skepticism he faces. He mentions taking photos with various cameras and film types, capturing phenomena like shining spheres and other forms.

Ancient Mysteries and Extraterrestrial Theories

Two articles touch upon broader themes related to ancient civilizations and potential extraterrestrial influence:

• "Jag vet var Cheops ligger" (I Know Where Cheops Lies): This piece discusses Anatolij Vasiljev's theory about the construction of the Cheops pyramid, suggesting it was built upon natural rock formations and that the burial chambers are not where commonly believed.
• "Främlingar i det förflutna?" (Strangers in the Past?): This article explores philosopher Igor Lisevitj's arguments for extraterrestrial visitation in ancient times, citing coincidences in different cultures' histories and ancient texts describing beings with advanced technology and the ability to fly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the magazine is the prevalence of unexplained aerial phenomena and the efforts of the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening to document and understand these events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging public participation and sharing of information, while also acknowledging the skepticism and challenges faced by researchers in this field. The magazine highlights the growing interest in UFOs within the region and the desire to find rational explanations for the observed phenomena.