UFO-Nytt - 1989 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO NYTT
Issue: Number 3, 1989
Publisher: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO-FÖRENING
Frequency: 4 times per year
Content Focus: UFO phenomena, reports, investigations, and related discussions.

Editorial and Content Summary

Editorial: The Quiet Before the Storm?

The editorial section, penned by Gudrun Andersson, notes a significant decrease in UFO reports in Dalarna and across Sweden during the current year. This lull is contrasted with the solar maximum, which historically correlates with increased UFO activity, and the summer period when more people are outdoors. The editor questions the reasons for this quiet period, wondering if it is 'the calm before the storm.' Despite the lack of new cases, the interest in UFOs is reportedly growing, evidenced by a steady influx of new members to the association. The editorial team expresses gratitude to members who contribute material to the magazine and encourages them to continue doing so. They also plan to review and re-publish older, significant reports from the association's archives, dating back to 1976, to inform newer members.

A key focus for the organization is building a stronger network within VBU (Västerbergslagens UFO-förening) to enable rapid response to UFO events. The need for more 'field researchers' is emphasized, individuals with local knowledge who can investigate sightings on-site immediately after they occur. The editorial also invites members to attend meetings to discuss UFO phenomena, offering to organize local gatherings if requested.

OBS-kvällar (Observation Evenings)

Several dates are listed for upcoming OBS-kvällar in the autumn: September 26, October 8, October 29, November 13, November 27, December 10, and December 28. These evenings are described as opportunities to observe UFOs, learn about the night sky, identify planets, and discuss UFOs, often in a social setting with barbecues. Attendees are advised to wear warm clothing. Interested individuals are instructed to contact Gudrun for participation.

Reports from the Archive (Ett axplock ur Rapportpärmen)

The magazine features several witness reports from the archive:

• November 1988, Uppsala: Benitha Persson reported seeing a bright, silent object moving high in the sky, which changed direction and then ascended rapidly, disappearing at high speed. The object was described as larger than the full moon.
• November 18, 1988, Åkersberga: Solveig Gyring observed an oval light descending slowly above treetops for about 45 minutes under a clear, moonlit sky.
• November 2, 1988, Möklinta: Börje Johansson witnessed a very strong light scanning his house for about 5 minutes. The light, described as a spotlight, circled the house at an estimated height of 25-30 meters and emitted a hissing sound. The witness dismissed the police explanation of a helicopter.
• March 14, 1989, Kumla-Ransta: Multiple anonymous witnesses reported seeing a low-flying object making a sharp turn and disappearing under treetops. Later, the same object, described as airplane-sized, was seen gliding low over treetops, emitting a whining sound. A local hospital staff also reported seeing a strange flying object with flashing blue-green lights and a steady red light underneath.
• March 29, 1989, St:a Rimmö: Harriet observed a large, golden-orange light, approximately 2 meters high and 6-10 meters long, hovering stationary in the sky. She became frightened and ran inside, later seeing the light through the door glass. Another acquaintance reported seeing a similar bright light over Rimmö around the same time.
• August 17, 1989, Örbyhus: Two individuals on a walk noticed a silent, wingless, rocket-like object moving like a boat on water above the treetops for 8-10 minutes. Afterward, they saw a black object with blinking lights emerge over a field, described as having a rounded top and a flat bottom, with regular, silent blinking.

"JA! - vi har sett UFO:s" (Yes! - We have seen UFOs)

This section presents several historical sightings:

• Spring 1909, Stockholm: A witness reported seeing four large gray spheres moving slowly from west to east, with the last sphere accelerating and the formation disappearing eastward.
• Early November 1935, Otterbäcken-Sjötorp: A bus-sized object emerged from a lake, hovered, and then moved rapidly north with multi-colored lights.
• October 15, 1981, Eksjö: A reddish light was observed, which intensified to a bright white light, illuminating houses. A silent, dark object with a lit underside flew low overhead.
• October 20, 1988, Kristinehamn: An orange sphere was seen flying slowly towards a forest, descending, ascending, and disappearing.

Article: "MYSTERIUM MED ROTERANDE ISFLAK UPPLARAT" (Mystery of the Rotating Ice Floe Solved)

This article details a phenomenon observed in Pite älv where a large, 850-ton ice floe rotated in a circular ice hole for two months. Researchers from the Technical University of Luleå investigated and concluded that the phenomenon, dubbed 'wankelis' due to its similarity to a Wankel engine's movement, was caused by strong currents and vortices in the river. The ice floe was approximately 49 meters in diameter, and the surrounding ice hole was 54 meters. The ice floe rotated on its own axis and also moved in a circular path within the hole. The ice was found to be about 0.50 meters thick, with a layer of slush underneath. The phenomenon ceased when the river currents changed, causing the floe to freeze in place.

Article: "HIMLASPELEN SOM INGEN KAN FÖRKLARA" (Celestial Games That No One Can Explain)

This article by Clas Svahn discusses a puzzling case involving photographs taken by Nils Frost in Mora on September 15, 1952. The images show two bright, round objects resembling miniature suns moving across the night sky. Experts at the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOA) and the Stockholm Observatory analyzed the photographs and could not identify the objects as known astronomical phenomena, aircraft, meteors, or comets. Even renowned physicist Hannes Alfvén found the phenomenon unlike anything previously observed. The article notes that at the time, satellites had not yet been launched, ruling out that possibility. Professor Harald Norinder also confirmed that the light was not of an electrical nature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, emphasizing witness reports and the investigative process. There's a clear stance on encouraging public participation in reporting sightings and supporting the organization's research efforts. The editorial tone suggests a belief in the reality of UFO phenomena, even when new cases are scarce, and highlights the importance of documenting and analyzing past events. The magazine also covers related natural phenomena that might be mistaken for UFOs, as seen in the Pite älv ice floe case, demonstrating a commitment to thorough investigation and explanation where possible, while acknowledging the truly inexplicable cases.

This issue of Allers, dated July 25, 1988, features a cover story on the first reports from Neptune, accompanied by an image from the Voyager 2 spacecraft. The magazine also includes articles on UFO sightings and encounters, as well as astronomical news.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The issue presents several accounts of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and related phenomena.

The Mora Incident (1952)

Two unidentified objects were sighted over a forest near Mora, Sweden. The larger object, with its intense brightness, overexposed the photograph, but a smaller image shows a perfectly round, sun-shaped core. Major von Vegesack investigated the possibility of forgery but found no evidence, and witness Nils Frost maintained the veracity of his account, stating he was sure of what he saw even without an explanation.

The Västerås Encounter (August 14, 1946)

A Swedish fighter pilot reported an encounter with an elongated, dark grey, cigar-shaped object near Västerås. The object lacked wings and tail fins and was observed at an altitude slightly higher than the pilot's B 18A aircraft. The pilot attempted to pursue the object, which moved at an estimated speed of nearly 700 kilometers per hour, outrunning the aircraft. The object was last seen disappearing into an overcast front. A thorough investigation by the Swedish Defense Staff could not explain the sighting and ruled out misidentification with a known Swedish aircraft.

The Dala-Järna Sighting (March 7, 1956)

Erik Gevestad reported a sighting near Dala-Järna, Sweden. While driving a timber truck, he observed a silver, spherical object surrounded by a bluish gas. The object changed direction sharply and approached him. Gevestad described it as having no gondola, lines, or propellers, and it hovered silently for ten minutes, emitting blinding flashes of light. He estimated its size to be at least ten meters. The object then departed northward. Gevestad's detailed report was noted for its clarity and detail.

Estonian Contact Case (Late August 1980)

A factory worker on an island in Estonia reported an encounter with a peculiar, colorful object about 30 meters away. He observed two cubes next to the object, one with a rotating 'spak'. The main object was described as a cylinder, widest in the middle, with multi-colored light beams. The witness was inside the object briefly and felt a warmth when a beam of orange light struck him. He reported feeling ill afterward but did not tell anyone for a week. Investigations at the site found no unusual traces.

The Åselet Sighting (November)

Ture Lundkvist from Åselet, Sweden, reported seeing a craft with a dome and several flashing lights hovering silently for a few minutes. He believes it was not an earthly machine and that the beings were technologically advanced. He was not harmed but felt a sense of wonder. Lundkvist encourages others to report their sightings to military and UFO organizations.

Borlänge Green Light (September 12, 1989)

Camilla Nyleen and two friends in Borlänge, Sweden, were followed by a large, green light on a Saturday night. The light stopped and started with their car. They also heard a humming sound. The light was present outside Camilla's house and continued until 3:30 AM. UFO enthusiasts in the area were reportedly monitoring the skies with cameras and lasers.

Astronomical News

Neptune and Voyager 2

The issue includes a report on the Voyager 2 spacecraft's mission to Neptune. The probe passed Neptune's north pole at a height of just under 500 miles. Images revealed atmospheric phenomena on Neptune, including blue and pink hues, and possibly glaciers, ridges, and rock formations on its largest moon, Triton. The report mentions the discovery of two smaller moons and the confirmation of a second ring around Neptune. Voyager 2, launched in 1977, carried a message from humanity into interstellar space.

Meteor Showers

A section on meteor showers lists several events occurring in the autumn, including the Draconids, Orionids, Taurids, Leonids, and Andromedids, noting the constellations from which they appear to originate.

Reader Mail and Advice

A Frightening Experience

A reader named 'Undrande stenbock' writes about her best friend's terrifying encounter with small, metallic-clad beings from a flying craft. The friend was taken inside the craft, subjected to a bright light, and experienced a time lapse. She is now fearful of going outdoors. The advice column, written by 'Fråga Else', acknowledges the strangeness of the experience and suggests that while such encounters are hard to believe, the friend was not harmed. The columnist encourages the reader to write again with more details.

Asteroid Near Miss

A report details an asteroid, 1989 PB, that will pass relatively close to Earth. While not posing an immediate collision risk, scientists acknowledge the possibility of future catastrophic impacts. The asteroid is approximately three kilometers in circumference and will pass at a distance of 3.2 million kilometers from Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports on UFO sightings and encounters, encouraging witnesses to come forward and share their experiences with investigators. There is an underlying theme of curiosity and openness towards unexplained phenomena, balanced with scientific reporting on space exploration and astronomy. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging documentation and investigation of UFO reports, while also providing factual information on space missions and celestial events.

This document appears to be a collection of short news items related to UFO sightings and related phenomena, likely from a Swedish publication given the language. The issue number is 2, and the volume is 4, with a raw date of 1969-07.

Utrikesnytt i Korthet (Foreign News in Brief)

UFO ELLER BALLONG? (UFO or Balloon?)

This article reports on sightings in Beira, Mozambique, where residents observed an unidentified flying object (UFO) for three consecutive evenings. The object was described as self-luminous by the newspaper 'Noticias'. The newspaper speculated it might be a weather balloon, but the local meteorological station denied this. The article also mentions that a giant boomerang-shaped object was seen over the city in February.

TEFAT ÖVER KINA (Saucers Over China)

This report details an incident where passengers and crew on a flight between Peking and Urumqi in China's Xinjiang province observed a luminous object, described as being the size of a football, flying alongside their plane for three minutes. The object then suddenly split into two parts and disappeared at high speed, surrounded by a luminous green ring. A similar event was reported half an hour later near a plane traveling from Guangzhou to Urumqi, according to the Chinese news agency 'Nya Kina'.

FLYGANDE TEFAT (Flying Saucers)

This brief item announces plans to build a landing strip for flying saucers near the village of Elmwood in the American state of Wisconsin. Tom Weber, the man behind the project, stated on Tuesday that he and his supporters believe intelligent beings from other planets will visit Earth and use the facility.

Map of Sweden with UFO Sightings

The second page contains a hand-drawn map of Sweden, divided into its counties, with various annotations indicating UFO sightings. Several locations are marked with 'UFO' and specific place names or regions, such as 'UFO-NORD', 'UFO-2', 'SUNDSVALLS-U70', 'SILIANS RINGENS - UFO', 'VÄSTERBEROSLAGETVI UFO', 'KOPINGS U70', 'GÄVLEAMAES. UFO', 'SALA UFO', 'EN KOPINGE UFO', 'JAB STOCKHOLMS UTO', 'NYKÖPINGS- UFO', and 'GOTLANASUFO'. There is also a handwritten note at the top: "Hjälp oss! Vi behöver fältforskare i många län, både i norr och söder, ring 0240-79146 för upplysning." (Help us! We need field researchers in many counties, both north and south, call 0240-79146 for information.)

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting of unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings from around the world, including Africa, Asia, and North America. The publication seems to be dedicated to documenting such phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting these events, with a clear call for public participation and research, as indicated by the plea for field researchers and the provision of a contact number.