UFO-Nytt - 1986 No 4

Magazine Overview

This is issue number 4 of "Västerbergslagens UFO Nytt" from 1986, a Swedish magazine published by the Västerbergslagens UFO-Förening. The magazine is dedicated to members and is published four times a year. The cover prominently features the title "UFO NYTT" and a circular emblem of the UFO association.

From the Editors

The editorial section introduces the content of this issue, highlighting an interesting article by Torsten Karlsson about information found on a data screen that hasn't been published in the press. A book list is also provided, offering books from the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening for a small fee plus postage. The investigation group contributes reports, including one by Birgit from Säter on the development of UFO problems between 1980-83 and the Cach/Landrum incident in Texas. The editors express gratitude to all contributors, translators, and the printer. They announce that the subscription price will increase by 20 kronor next year due to rising costs. The editorial concludes with holiday wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The editorial team consists of Bernt Berglund, Ingvar Källving, and Monica Eriksson. Membership for 1987 is 60 kronor, with a reduced rate of 25 kronor for those under 16. The association's address is Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, Box 71 771 01 Ludvika.

Articles and Reports

"Dunderstart för 'UFO-loger'"

This article reports on the formation of the Siljansringens UFO-grupp in Rättvik in February of the same year, which already has 30 members. The group hosted a planning conference for UFO-Sverige, attended by 35 people from nine local groups. Christer Nordin, chairman of UFO-Sverige, praised the group's strong start. The article notes that Dalarna is a region with significant UFO activity, with three UFO groups in the area. The formation of the Rättvik group was partly motivated by 240 UFO observations reported in January 1985. Pär Anders Långsvens, the chairman of the Rättvik group, recalls that 22 people attended the first meeting. He has personally experienced UFO observations and received seven reports in the autumn. The article discusses the use of radar in UFO investigations, citing a project in Hessdalen, Norway, that led to the discovery of a new type of aurora. UFO groups are compiling reports centrally in Eskilstuna and using data to analyze observations. It is stated that about 85% of observations have natural explanations, but unexplained phenomena do exist. The Siljansringens UFO-grupp aims to demonstrate the existence of UFOs and promote their acceptance. They encourage people to contact them with information and observations. The article is attributed to Hans Bloon.

Commentary on UFO-Sverige's Planning Conference

A separate piece expresses disappointment with the planning conference organized by UFO-Sverige. Seven members from Västerbergslagens UFO-förening attended to plan future activities. The author criticizes the conference's structure, stating that the plans were already made and attendees were expected to simply approve them, rather than having members decide on the agenda. The author urges UFO-Sverige to decentralize activities to local associations to foster more engagement.

"ÄR DET LIV BARA PÅ VÅR PLANET?"

This article discusses the possibility of life beyond Earth, referencing a study in "Illustrerad Vetenskap" from 1986 that estimated 90 million Earth-like planets. It also mentions M.I. Fogg's hypothetical universe containing 7500 solar systems and 86 habitable planets. The article touches upon the composition of Earth and the age of stars and planets. It also includes astronomical information for November, such as the visibility of planets and celestial events like a lunar eclipse. The article notes that the Earth is a relatively young planet at 4.6 billion years old compared to some planets that are 9.3 billion years old.

Discussion on Extraterrestrial Life and UFOs

This section delves into the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the scientific community's stance on UFO phenomena. It mentions that astronomers are searching for elements necessary for life and that radio waves have been monitored without success. Professor Roman Sorotjenko is cited as stating that there is no definitive proof of life in the universe, only many indications. The article posits that humans have seen strange objects long before the invention of aircraft and that such testimonies have been suppressed. It suggests a potential convergence of UFO research and astronomical facts. The author notes that while astronomers may have differing opinions on extraterrestrial life, some have personally witnessed advanced objects not of human origin. The importance of understanding our own planet and solar system is emphasized, along with a plea for environmental protection.

UFO Reports from Around the World

This section compiles several brief reports of UFO sightings:

• Lerida, Spain (TT-AFP, 801019): Several UFOs were sighted, reportedly responding to light signals from a police patrol. The objects emitted strong light and engaged in communication via flashing signals for about an hour and a half before leaving at dawn.
• China (TT-AFP, 801106): A UFO was photographed by two readers, described as crescent-shaped and visible for half an hour, moving up and down.
• Borlänge, Sweden (TT, 801127): Two boys reported seeing two burning fireballs, yellow and white, hovering 40-50 meters above a lake and moving up and down. They were bright enough to illuminate the surroundings.
• Trondheim, Norway (TT-NTB, 820324): Numerous sightings of strange luminous objects in Hessdalen have prompted the Norwegian military to take UFO observations seriously. A radar station reported five objects, four of which were identified as aircraft, but the fifth remained unidentified.

Soviet Union and UFOs

An article from "Sovjetskaja Kultura" (Moskva, TT-REUTER, 830107) suggests that unidentified flying objects (UFOs) might be connected to extraterrestrial civilizations. It states that many Soviet researchers do not deny the existence of such phenomena and calls for scientists to gather more material. The article recounts an incident in 1981 where a Soviet jet pilot encountered a five-meter diameter fireball that passed through the plane, causing damage that couldn't be explained by ball lightning. The Soviet Union is reportedly planning unmanned spacecraft missions to other star systems to search for signs of civilization. The first world conference on UFO phenomena was held in Armenia.

Alleged UFO Landing in New Mexico

A report from Washington (TT-REUTER, 830716) discusses a 23-year-old official report claiming that nine extraterrestrial beings landed in New Mexico in 1950 with three flying saucers. Larry Bryant, chairman of the "Citizens Against the Secrecy of UFOs" organization, asserts the report is true and is suing the Air Force to release the remains of the beings. The report, part of a memorandum from Guy Hottel, describes the beings as human-like, one meter tall, wearing metallic suits, and bandaged like test pilots. The Air Force spokesman dismissed the report as unreliable, but Bryant remains convinced, citing the Pentagon's former "Department of Interplanetary Phenomena" as evidence.

French UFO Investigation and Swedish Sightings

A state investigation in France (Paris, TT-AFP, 840104) concluded after two years that an unusual phenomenon was observed near the village of Trans. Farmer Renato Nicolai reported a UFO landing near his house, which was later analyzed by Gepan (France's center for unidentified aerial phenomena). Laboratory tests found evidence of burnt grass and soil at the landing site. Gepan and Cnes declined to comment on whether it was a flying saucer.

In Stockholm (TT, 850117), Professor Sture Wickerts of the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOA) stated that clear winter weather has led to an increase in UFO sightings. He noted that most reports (around 70 per year) have natural explanations, such as the planet Venus, meteorites, or aircraft. Dalarna has experienced a "saucer fever," with some people photographing the objects. FOA has requested original images for analysis.

Falun UFO Wave

A report from Falun (TT, 850121) describes luminous and blinking phenomena in the night sky, observed as yellow, red, and blue lights that descended and disappeared. This was part of a larger UFO wave in Dalarna. However, a Borlänge newspaper report explained a similar phenomenon as a homemade hot air balloon. The balloon, made of silk paper, wire, and flammable liquid, was launched by a local resident and observed by onlookers. The article notes that such balloons, if launched in calm weather, can ascend very high and travel long distances. The phenomenon caused a "UFO fever" at the time.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and the broader implications of potential extraterrestrial life. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing UFO phenomena, encouraging public participation in reporting sightings, and promoting the idea that UFOs are a serious subject worthy of scientific study. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards UFOs, while also acknowledging that many sightings have natural explanations. The magazine serves as a platform for sharing information, research findings, and personal accounts related to the UFO phenomenon within Sweden and internationally. There's an underlying theme of advocating for greater transparency and seriousness in the study of UFOs by official bodies. The magazine also touches upon astronomical topics and the search for life beyond Earth, linking these to the UFO subject.

Cover Description

A red cover with the large black text "UFO NYTT" at the bottom, and "VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO" in large black letters at the top. A circular emblem with "VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO-FÖRENING" is in the center, and the issue number "nr4 1986" is on the left.

This issue of "UFO-Sverige Aktuellt" from 1984 focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena, with a particular emphasis on alleged government involvement and public preparation for disclosure. The magazine presents several witness accounts from Sweden and the USA, discusses theories about a coordinated release of information by authorities, and includes a book list related to UFOs and astronomy.

Witness Accounts

Swedish Sightings:

• Aspans Badplats Sighting: On August 14th, a person fishing for crayfish reported seeing a circular object, the size of a full moon, with a blue ring and a white light in the center. The object remained stationary for about two minutes before disappearing to the west, leaving the blue ring visible for another minute. The witness wished to remain anonymous and had experienced recurring UFO-related dreams.
• Anonymous Father and Son Sighting: On the night of August 18th-19th, an anonymous father and son observed a mysterious light in the sky. The father had driven a bus trip to Falun and woke his son to witness the phenomenon. The observation lasted about four minutes, starting at 01:50. The son, who had a hobby of flying, noted the object was star-sized and made no sound or showed any lights. It disappeared suddenly, possibly straight up. The weather was clear with a cloud bank to the south, and it was calm and dry with a temperature of +10°C.
• Elsie Kulla Sighting: On October 11th, Elsie Kulla, her husband, and her brother were traveling on highway 60 between Ludvika and Borlänge. Around 17:15, near the Naturreservat nature reserve north of Gräsberg, they saw a luminous object above the treetops. The object was described as having a blunt end, like a flying ingot, and emitted no light itself but illuminated the surroundings. It passed over the road and then seemed to have its light extinguished. The observation lasted about one minute. The object was described as being the size of an airplane at a relatively close distance.

US Sighting: The Cach/Landrum Incident

• Texas Encounter (December 29, 1980): This incident involved Betty Cach, a 51-year-old restaurant owner, her friend Vickie Landrum, and Vickie's 7-year-old grandson, Colby. While driving through a pine forest near Huffman, Texas, Colby spotted a UFO. Betty attempted to drive away, but the UFO descended onto the road about 50 meters in front of their car. The object was large, with a wingspan spanning the trees on either side of the road, and emitted a bright light that illuminated the entire forest. It had a diamond shape and a ramp of blue lights. Short flames shot out from its underside towards the road, creating intense heat inside the car. The witnesses were terrified, believing it to be the end of the world. They opened the car doors due to the heat. The object's flames fortunately did not ignite the trees. Betty Cash remained outside, fascinated by the light. After a few minutes, Betty rejoined Vickie and Colby in the car. The object then ascended and was surrounded by helicopters, some of which were large twin-rotor Boeing CH-47 Chinooks, making a deafening noise. The helicopters seemed to be guarding or guiding the UFO. After about 20 minutes, the UFO and helicopters departed, and the witnesses drove home, deeply shaken.

Aftermath of the Texas Incident:

• Health Effects: Betty Cach, Vickie Landrum, and Colby all suffered from severe headaches. Colby vomited during the night, and his skin turned red and sunburned. Vickie also experienced similar symptoms. Betty Cash's condition worsened significantly; her skin became red and blistered, and she was almost unconscious. She was hospitalized for two weeks, receiving intensive care. Doctors initially attributed her injuries to burns from fire, but her symptoms, along with those of Vickie and Colby, were later linked to strong radiation from the UFO. Colby eventually revealed the cause, leading to the UFO story emerging. Vickie and Colby also experienced hair loss and temporary vision problems.
• Legal Action: Betty Cash sued the US government for her injuries and, in January 1984, received a settlement of 20 million dollars, shared with her lawyer, Peter Gersten, and CAUS.

UFO-Problemets Utveckling 1980-1983 (Development of the UFO Problem 1980-1983)

This section discusses a theory that governments worldwide have been coordinating a gradual disclosure of UFO reality to the public. The author suggests that a TV documentary was planned to reveal the truth, but it may not have been produced. The strategy involved using films like Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (1978) and "E.T." (1982) to normalize the idea of friendly extraterrestrials. The article notes that in 1981, Dr. Alain Esterle, head of GEPAN (the only government-funded UFO group in France, operating under CNES/NASA), stated that their work proved UFOs were extraterrestrial. In 1982, the Australian government offered a leading civilian UFO researcher access to all their reports, encouraging media dissemination. In 1983, the British Ministry of Defence began releasing selected UFO reports, and other countries also eased secrecy. The author posits that this coordinated approach is intended to make the public more receptive when the final revelation occurs.

Soviet Union's UFO Investigation:

On May 31, 1984, the Soviet Union announced an immediate UFO investigation following a dramatic incident involving radar detection. The commission was tasked with examining cases reported by credible witnesses. The prevalence of UFO sightings in the Soviet Union was high, with hundreds reported annually. The investigation was led by former cosmonaut Pavel Popovich. However, upon reaching news agencies in England, only "The Times" and "The Daily Telegraph" published the information, with journalist Adrian Berry attempting to downplay it by suggesting all Soviet UFOs were illegal rocket launches.

"Sky Crash" Book Recommendation:

The article mentions a recently published book, "Sky Crash," by Brenda Butler, Dot Street, and Jenny Randles, which details a significant UFO case near an RAF base in Ipswich. The author recommends the book, available for purchase in Denmark for 73 Danish Kroner.

Information Section

This section provides updates on UFO organizations and activities in Sweden:

• New Groups: Paul Hellberg has started a new group in Nyhammar, and Karl Jansson is attempting to start one in Borlänge, facing difficulties in finding active members.
• UFO-Sverige: The organization currently comprises 24 local groups, a decrease from the previous 45, due to a lack of active volunteers. Communication between groups is minimal.
• Regional Division: Sweden is being divided into four regions to improve cooperation. The author's region includes Siljansringen, Sala, Uppsala, and Gävleborgs UFO-föreningar.
• New Members: Three new members have joined the investigation group: Gunnar Senbom and Birgit Sälgström from Säter, and Berit Bergqvist from Gustafs.
• Project Dalarna: This project is scheduled for January 6-12, 1987. Contact information for inquiries is provided (Gudrun, Börje, Johan, Conny).
• Membership: Members who have paid their 1987 fees can discard their payment cards.
• Call for New Leadership: The current leader expresses a desire to step down from the chairmanship, emphasizing the need for new individuals to take on the role.
• Winter Outlook: The author expresses anticipation for potential UFO "flaps" during the winter, possibly around Christmas or New Year's, or during the Project Dalarna period.

Book List (Boklista)

This extensive list provides titles and authors of books related to UFOs, ancient technology, astronomy, and parapsychology. Notable entries include works by Adamski, Berlitz, Butler, Charroux, Däniken, Hynek, Jessup, Sagan, Spielberg, and Sitchin. The list also includes information on how to borrow or purchase these books through Västerbergslagens UFO-förening.

Acknowledgements and Closing

• Gratitude to the Working Group: Gudrun, the editor, expresses thanks to the members of the working group: Conny, Ingmarie, Börje, Johan, Gunnar, Birgit, and Berit, for their contributions to the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening.
• Thanks to Specific Individuals: Bernt is thanked for managing the magazine and providing support. Ulla is thanked for managing the finances. Torsten is acknowledged for obtaining IT telegrams, which are presented as a unique resource.
• Holiday Wishes: The issue concludes with a holiday greeting from Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, wishing readers "God Jul & Gott Nytt År" (Merry Christmas & Happy New Year).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the potential for government cover-ups and gradual disclosure of information, and the physical and psychological effects of UFO encounters on witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts and theories about governmental and scientific responses, while also promoting UFO research organizations and related literature. There is a clear interest in the historical development of UFO investigations and the international aspects of the phenomenon.