UFO-Nytt - 1989 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO NYTT, identified as number 1 from 1989, is a publication from the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening. The cover features the prominent title "UFO NYTT" and "VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS", along with the issue number and year. A circular emblem of the "VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO-FÖRENING" is also displayed. The magazine is published in Swedish and focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena in Sweden.

UFO Enthusiasts Meet for Video Gathering in Rättvik

The lead article, "Ufo-entusiaster möttes för videoträff i Rättvik" (UFO Enthusiasts Met for Video Gathering in Rättvik), reports on a meeting organized by the Dala-Gävleborgs Ufo-förening in Rättvik. The meeting included a video presentation showcasing UFO sightings from Sweden and other countries. Notably, many sightings were reported in the Dalarna and Härjedalen regions, which are described as "UFO windows" due to a higher frequency of observations. The article mentions that reports sent to the central report center in Eskilstuna are taken seriously, and witnesses are believed. Common observations include light globes, and sometimes witnesses report headaches, itching, and nightmares in connection with sightings. The article also touches upon natural explanations for some light phenomena, such as flares, searchlights, and meteor showers, with some now being referred to as a "new type of aurora."

The article notes that the UFO organization in Sweden was founded in 1970, with 21 local groups and approximately 3000 members nationwide. The Dala-Gävleborgs Ufo-förening is part of the Mellersta Sveriges Ufo-förening, which comprises five associations. The Siljansringens Ufo-grupp hosted the meeting in Rättvik.

From the Editorial Office

This section details the contents of UFO-NYTT nr 1 1989. It includes 10 pages of reports from the investigation group, articles titled "The Pilot Who Disappeared Over Australia," "A Riddle is a Riddle," and "Jacques Vallée's Trailblazer in the UFO Jungle" from the magazine "Sökaren." An article by Jenny Randles, "200 People Have Been Kidnapped by Aliens," is also featured, posing the question: "What Should We Believe?" The editorial office also includes a call to action for all members from the chairperson of the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening.

Membership fees for 1989 are listed as 60 kronor, with a reduced rate of 25 kronor for those under 16. The postal address for the association is Box 71 771 01 Ludvika.

Our Goal Under 1989, On the UFO Front

This section outlines the goals for 1989, emphasizing the continuation of collecting and analyzing UFO reports. The association is working on compiling data from 1986 and 1987, which will be entered into a database. The material will then be disseminated to the press, mass media, and "experts" to demonstrate their work. A primary objective is to influence authorities to address the UFO issue seriously. The article acknowledges that the organization was less visible in 1988, having focused on exhibitions and research in 1987. In late 1988, promotional items like embroidered patches and matchboxes were introduced. The magazine also mentions efforts to increase membership through the UFO-Sveriges member magazine, welcoming nearly 50 new members. The editorial staff encourages members to submit their own articles and thoughts to foster debate and improve the publication. The goal for the current year is to be more assertive and impactful in the mass media, ensuring that good material is presented effectively.

Woman Struck by Lightning from a UFO

This is a detailed account of a UFO observation in Bispberg, Säter, on the night of New Year's Eve 1987. The witnesses, identified as Kerstin (59, retired nurse) and Rolf, were awakened by their distressed pets. Kerstin observed a disc-shaped object in the sky, described as ice-blue with a metallic sheen and an aura of grey mist with orange specks. The object emitted flashes and caused Kerstin to become temporarily paralyzed and experience a sensation of pressure on her forehead. She also felt a burning sensation on her right shoulder blade. The object then moved sideways and disappeared. Rolf heard a humming sound and noted that his wristwatch had stopped. Later, Kerstin discovered a burn mark on her jumper, which was analyzed by the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOA). The analysis suggested the mark was caused by fused fibers from another material, indicating a strong electrostatic phenomenon with local sparking.

Aftermath

Kerstin experienced headaches for four days following the incident, and the stinging sensation in her shoulder blade persisted for nine months, eventually turning into itching.

Several Witnesses

Initial door-to-door inquiries in Bispberg yielded no witnesses. However, on January 4, 1988, another witness reported seeing a blue, disc-shaped light over Bispbergs klack on the same night. This witness observed the light for about 10 minutes, initially mistaking it for an airplane before realizing it was unusual.

Mining Area

The house where Kerstin and Rolf live is near the Bispbergs mine, which was closed in 1967. The area is known for its iron ore, including magnetic deposits and quartz.

Investigation by VBUF

The investigation into this incident was conducted by VBUF field researchers Berit Bergqvist and Birgit Sälgström.

Balloon Flights Halted

This section discusses the issue of "nuisance flights" by hot air balloons. The Swedish Civil Aviation Administration (Luftfartsverket) plans to establish a register with photographs of all balloons to identify and penalize reckless pilots. Bo Eckerbert, head of flight operations at Luftfartsverket in Norrköping, notes that numerous reports of nuisance flights were received, causing distress to people and animals. Proving low-altitude flights is difficult as pilots often claim they were looking for landing spots. The current regulations set minimum flight altitudes of 300 meters over populated areas and 150 meters elsewhere. Luftfartsverket is considering lowering these limits to 150 and 75 meters, respectively, due to pressure from balloon enthusiasts, but expects greater respect for the rules in return.

Regulations Lacking

Luftfartsverket is also addressing the increasing number of commercial balloon ascents, where individuals can pay for a ride. Unlike airplanes and helicopters, balloons lack specific safety regulations for passenger flights. The Swedish Accident Investigation Board has urged Luftfartsverket to review the regulations following several balloon accidents, including one in October 1986 that injured five people. Bo Eckerbert acknowledges that passengers may experience rough landings and that regulations for balloon ascents need to be clarified, as these are considered recreational rather than transport activities.

UFO Over Växsjö Area

This report details a peculiar observation on March 14, 1988, in southern Sweden. Lars Ohlsson of Rottne witnessed a large, luminous sphere over Helgasjön. The object moved rapidly and reappeared in front of him. Upon reaching home, Ohlsson observed the object descend slowly and disappear. He then noticed red and green blinking lights and a steady white light, possibly two separate objects. A third, more unusual object appeared: a large, luminous triangle composed of seven glowing crosses, each intensely bright at its ends. This formation flew with its point forward, emitting light puffs or flashes from its base. Ohlsson believes this was a single craft. The object flew in the same direction as the red-green-white lights and disappeared to the northwest. No civilian or military aircraft were observed in the area. The phenomena occurred twelve hours after a Viggen plane crashed a few miles east of Rottne. The investigation is ongoing.

Observation in Ockelbo

On November 19, 1988, at 00:05-03:00 in Ockelbo, two witnesses observed three light sources in the west. These lights were described as large flashlights in circumference, with a weaker halo. They formed a triangle, rotated, and moved up and down. The distance between the lights was 15-20 cm. The lights moved into the trees, and one stopped and backed towards the house before disappearing into the trees. One light was still visible when the witnesses went to bed. The handler for this report was Roland Östlund, with the assessment "UFO."

Observation in Kristinehamn

On November 21, 1988, between 18:23 and 18:28 in Kristinehamn, four witnesses observed a white, stationary light. The object then moved slowly sideways, stopped, and emitted a brief, rumbling sound. It accelerated rapidly to the right, changed direction, ascended steeply, and began blinking red. It then accelerated upwards to double its height in no time and disappeared. Leif and his children, who are accustomed to flying, ruled out the possibility of it being an aircraft. Military personnel had reportedly spoken with the family but found no activities in the area.

Observation in Ludvika

On December 3, 1988, between 08:10 and 08:15 in Ludvika, a witness spotted a cigar-shaped object stationary in the sky. The object then began to move sideways, stopped, and remained stationary again. This occurred repeatedly for 4-5 minutes before the object disappeared towards Smedjebacken. The object was orange and had no visible wings. The witnesses were frightened and did not initially consider it a UFO.

Discussion on the Ludvika Sighting

This section discusses the Ludvika sighting, suggesting it might be related to the "Oslo plane" incident, which was reportedly in the area at that time. However, the witnesses insist the object bore no resemblance to an airplane. The article points out that many people saw the object at different times, and it was observed from locations such as Avesta, Malung, Ludvika, and Söderbärke. The witnesses describe the object as stationary at times and then suddenly accelerating, which is inconsistent with known aircraft. The article concludes by stating that after this date, UFO observations decreased, similar to how they had increased simultaneously in various parts of the country.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Nytt revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, witness testimonies, and the challenges of investigating and validating UFO reports. The magazine consistently emphasizes the need for serious consideration of UFO sightings by authorities and the public. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for the UFO phenomenon as a legitimate area of study, encouraging member participation, and striving to present credible evidence to a wider audience. There is a clear effort to document and analyze sightings, while also acknowledging potential natural explanations for some phenomena. The publication serves as a platform for sharing experiences and fostering a community of UFO enthusiasts in the Västerbergslagen region of Sweden.

Title: Sökaren
Issue: 13
Volume: 15
Date: November 7, 1988
Publisher: Trollhättans Tidning

Värmland UFO Wave

The magazine reports on a UFO wave that affected Värmland and surrounding areas from late September until the Christmas week. The most common sightings were of "fireballs," but many reports also described large oval, round, or cigar-shaped phenomena. Several incidents are detailed:

• September 30: In Kristinehamn, a large object was observed descending and hovering over the power plant before ascending rapidly with a loud noise that rattled windows. Despite nearby military exercises (F6 in Karlsborg), neither the police nor the military considered the matter worthy of further investigation.
• Edane: Sven Jakobsson reported a blinding orb with arms approaching him while he stood in his yard. He feared a Russian satellite crash.
• October 27: Many residents of Västerås witnessed 15 bright, shining orbs moving rapidly across the sky in a northeasterly direction, moving independently of each other in a horizontal path.
• November 6: In Västerdalarna, witnesses reported an oblong, uniformly thick object moving against the wind. Later that day, the same object was seen at low altitude, believed to be landing. The report notes that sightings from Västerdalarna on December 3, 1988, were very similar.

The Disappearance of Fred Valentich

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the mysterious disappearance of 20-year-old pilot Fred Valentich on October 21, 1978. Valentich, a competent pilot with two years of flying experience, was flying his Cessna 182 L from Moorabbin to King Island, Australia, to gain night flying hours for his license.

His final communications with air traffic control at Moorabbin are transcribed. At 19:06, Valentich reported an unknown object near his plane. He described it as having four sharp lights, possibly a large aircraft under 5,000 feet, which was approaching from the east and seemed to be playing with him. He noted its high speed and oblong shape, with a green light and metallic exterior. The object circled him, and his engine began sputtering.

At 19:12, Valentich stated, "Melbourne..." followed by a 17-second metallic sound before his transmission cut out. This was his last message.

Search efforts involving civilian and military aircraft found an oil slick 30 km north of King Island, but analysis determined it was not from Valentich's plane. The search was eventually called off. The incident gained public attention when other pilots who overheard the radio conversation came forward.

Numerous other UFO sightings were reported around the time of Valentich's disappearance, including a green light seen by witnesses near Bass Strait and a silver, round object seen near King Island. Several people in Victoria reported seeing two cigar-shaped craft that changed color and flew north.

Frederick Valentich's father, Guido Valentich, believed his son was taken by beings from another world. His girlfriend, Rhonda Rushton, suggested he might have landed elsewhere. Official explanations from the Australian aviation authorities, such as reflections from the plane's lights or aerodynamic maneuvers, were met with skepticism, especially given the six-minute radio communication.

Dr. Richard Haines, a UFO expert, analyzed the 17-second metallic sound, concluding it was not from a crash. He speculated that Valentich might have been a victim of secret military experiments at Pine Gap.

UFOs Over Malöga?

This section reports on a strange light phenomenon observed over Hunneberg, Sweden, on November 7, 1988. A pilot landing an SF 340 at Trollhättan-Vänersborg Airport reported disturbances in the electromagnetic field around the airport. Simultaneously, several residents of Trollhättan saw a peculiar light phenomenon.

Witnesses described the object as a large orb with a glowing ring, changing colors from green to red, and having a halo. One witness, Inga-Lill Andersson, saw it pulsating and changing shape. Berthold Hellström, an air traffic controller at the airport, received calls about the lights, which were described as being smaller than the moon and shimmering orange. While Hellström himself hadn't seen the object, he recalled an incident in the 1970s where his plane experienced electrical failures and autopilot issues when a similar luminous object appeared nearby.

He emphasized the importance of taking such reports seriously.

UFO Sightings from Other Locations

• Stimmerbo, Smedjebacken (November 12, 1988): Five hunters observed a large, oval, grey-orange object, larger than the full moon, with no wings, moving at high speed without sound. They described it as unlike a conventional aircraft.
• Dejefors (November 12, 1988): Travelers in a car saw a large, intensely shining light in the southern sky that changed from yellow to green and then turquoise-blue. It stretched across the sky, appeared to shimmer, and then moved rapidly south over the river before disappearing.

The Skepticism of Curt Roslund

Docent Curt Roslund is presented as a prominent skeptic of UFO phenomena in Sweden. He argues that UFO reports can be explained by natural phenomena, psychological factors, or misidentifications. He cites examples like a 1971 sighting in the USA where a ring on the ground was identified as a fungus, and claims that most UFO photos are fakes. Roslund points to the work of ufologists like Allan Hendry, who reportedly provided natural explanations for a large percentage of cases.

However, the article critiques Roslund's stance, suggesting that his dismissiveness ignores significant aspects of UFO phenomena, such as cars stalling or people experiencing burns. It argues that many UFO reports, particularly those involving unexplained car malfunctions, deserve serious investigation.

Jacques Vallée: A Pioneer in UFOology

This section profiles Jacques Vallée, a researcher who has dedicated nearly 30 years to studying UFOs. Vallée, who began his career in mathematics and astrophysics, became interested in UFOs in 1961. He argues that much of the published UFO literature is unreliable, with only 10-15% being worth serious consideration.

Vallée's research has evolved from focusing on the physical aspects of UFOs to examining them as social and psychological phenomena. He suggests that UFOs might be manifestations of psychotronic technology, potentially used by intelligence agencies to influence human consciousness and create social change. He views UFOs as a form of myth-making, similar to ancient tales of elves, trolls, and demons, and believes that the belief in extraterrestrial visitors is often driven by a gap between the public and scientific institutions.

Vallée advocates for a scientific and investigative approach to UFOs, warning against both naive belief and rabid skepticism. He emphasizes that UFOs are not just a scientific problem but also an intelligence issue, requiring a detective-like approach.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a subject worthy of serious investigation, even when official explanations are lacking or dismissive. It highlights numerous eyewitness accounts from Sweden and the prominent case of Fred Valentich. While acknowledging skeptical viewpoints, the editorial stance leans towards exploring the unexplained aspects of UFOs, featuring researchers like Jacques Vallée who propose complex theories involving technology, psychology, and potential intelligence operations. The recurring theme is that UFOs represent a significant mystery that warrants continued scientific and public attention.

This issue of HJ magazine, identified as issue number 46 from volume 24, appears to be from 1988. The cover prominently features the headline "200 människor har kidnappats av rymdvarelser" (200 people have been kidnapped by aliens), suggesting a focus on abduction accounts. The cover also includes a quote from J. Allen Hynek and a small image that might depict a UFO.

Article: J. Allen Hynek on UFOs

The issue begins with a quote from J. Allen Hynek, a renowned UFO researcher, in response to a Swedish journalist. Hynek states that he has not yet committed to a specific theory regarding UFOs. He draws a parallel between the current understanding of UFOs and the historical understanding of the aurora borealis, which was once a mystery but is now explained by solar wind and charged particles bombarding Earth's atmosphere. Hynek believes that while our current knowledge may not fully explain UFOs, it is crucial to study the phenomenon and gather data. He asserts that UFOs cannot simply be dismissed as misinterpretations of ordinary objects, marking this as the first step towards serious UFO research. He also notes that many UFOs exhibit intelligent behavior, though the origin of this intelligence remains unknown, leaving open the possibility of an extraterrestrial source.

Personal Account: "I thought it was a dream - until I found my flashlight!"

This section recounts a personal experience where the narrator picked up a hitchhiker on a dark evening. A strange noise under the car led him to stop. Upon investigating, he was struck on the back of the head and lost consciousness. He woke up at home, assuming it was a bad dream. Later, driving the same route, he found his lost flashlight by the roadside, confirming the reality of the event. This incident highlights the disorienting nature of some UFO-related experiences.

Cover Story: 200 People Kidnapped by Aliens

The main article details the experience of police officer Alan Godfrey in Manchester, England. While investigating a lost flock of sheep, Godfrey encountered a hovering oval object. He began sketching it in his notebook, but suddenly found himself a kilometer down the road, with no memory of how he got there. The object was gone, his boots were scratched as if he had been dragged, and 14 minutes of his time had vanished. The road where the object had been was inexplicably dry and showed a swirl pattern. Initially hesitant to report, Godfrey later learned that three other officers had reported seeing a bright light in the same area, prompting him to share his story. Under hypnosis, Godfrey recounted an experience of being floated into a room where he underwent a medical examination by small beings with "head-like lamps." A tall, human-like figure in a white coat, who identified himself as Josef, communicated telepathically, assuring Godfrey that they would return. This account initially led Godfrey's superiors to believe he was mentally unfit, but he eventually convinced enough people of his experience to resign with his honor intact.

UFO expert Jenny Randles is introduced as someone who believes that these abduction experiences are genuine. She has written a book detailing over 200 such encounters from around the world. Randles emphasizes that these individuals should be taken seriously and not dismissed as delusional. She likens the psychological impact of an abduction to that of a rape victim, noting that it can lead to shame, isolation, and difficulties in daily life, sometimes resulting in divorce or job loss.

Article: The Day Family Encounter

Another detailed account comes from the Day family in Aveley, England. In October 1974, they saw a blue light in the sky and later drove into a green mist on the road. Their car radio crackled, and after what felt like seconds, they emerged from the mist with a "thump." They were shocked to discover it was already 1 PM, having lost two and a half hours with no memory of the intervening time. Following this event, their lives were filled with supernatural experiences, including objects moving inexplicably and spectral figures. Under hypnosis, family members described being taken from their car by human-like beings in silver suits and protective hoods. A 20-year-old shop assistant also reported an encounter where a light transformed into a green, spherical object. A beam of light descended, and a tall, silver-clad figure materialized, touched his face, and he felt his consciousness leave him before being reabsorbed into the object.

Article: Common Patterns in Abductions

Jenny Randles points out a recurring pattern in most abduction cases. She highlights telepathic conversations where aliens tell victims not to be afraid, and the common experience of time loss. She is particularly struck by the similarities in cases from different parts of the world, from Africa to South America, noting that witnesses often describe the exact same events without any prior contact with each other.

Randles urges people to understand that what these individuals describe is real to them and deserves serious investigation. She draws a parallel to historical beliefs about epilepsy, which was once attributed to demonic possession but is now understood as a medical condition. She advocates for a similar shift in attitude towards UFO accounts to understand what is happening.

Article: The Owl Explanation

Jenny Randles estimates that about nine out of ten UFO observations have natural explanations. She mentions that 175 different phenomena can be mistaken for UFOs. An example is given of fishermen reporting a luminous object above a forest, which turned out to be an owl that had eaten decaying, phosphorescent mushrooms. However, she stresses that one in ten observations remain unexplained, meaning that out of 300-400 reports annually, 30 to 40 are genuine mysteries.

Randles concludes by emphasizing the importance of not dismissing these accounts as nonsense. She wishes that doubters would look beyond the sensational headlines and understand the profound impact these experiences have on individuals. She believes that those affected need help to process their experiences, as for them, it is very real.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are alien abductions, UFO sightings, and the psychological impact of such encounters. The magazine presents these accounts with a degree of seriousness, featuring expert opinions from J. Allen Hynek and Jenny Randles. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of genuine extraterrestrial phenomena and the need for further study, rather than outright dismissal. The use of hypnosis to recall details of abductions is presented as a valid investigative tool.