UFO-Nytt - 1992 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-nytt
Issue: Nr 1
Year: 1992
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-nytt is a magazine for the members of the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, published four times a year. The cover features the title 'UFO-nytt' prominently, along with the issue number and year, and a circular emblem depicting a UFO. The magazine contains a table of contents outlining various articles and reports.

Table of Contents and Key Articles

From the Investigation Grounds (Pages 2-7)

This section details the work of the investigation group over the past year. It highlights the importance of accurate data collection, including astronomical calculations for moon and planet positions relative to the sighting location. Several witness reports are presented:

• Avesta, Krylbo, Björsjö, Ludvika Area (1990): Reports of a solid, wingless object were met with skepticism, but the investigation group is re-evaluating these cases. The area experienced thick fog, which did not affect Dalarna, leading to diverted flights.
• Nås (November 9, 1991): Ester Andersson reported seeing a bright light, like a strong sun, moving up and down over a lake before disappearing towards Björbo. Her pensionat is isolated, and she was certain of what she saw. A follow-up mentioned a report of stolen parachute flares in the same area.
• Skillingmark, Värmland (August 15, 1965): Ingemar Stridsberg and a friend, while crabbing, observed a star-like object descend with a whistling sound, bathing the area in a pulsating red light. The object then ascended rapidly. They did not report it at the time due to its fantastical nature. A follow-up with one of the wives confirmed she remembered a large star but not the details.
• Grängesberg (Autumn 1983-1984): Elisabeth Broström witnessed a pulsating light that changed colors (yellow, pink, violet) and then exploded with an ear-splitting sound. She was the only one to perceive this phenomenon.
• Krylbo (October 25, 1991): Inga Bobacka saw a blue-yellow round object, smaller than the moon, hovering for about 15 minutes before disappearing south. Her husband dismissed it as a plane, but she insisted it was not, noting the blue light.
• Vansbro (November 5, 1991): An anonymous witness saw his toilet window illuminated by a bright, blank light that faded away eastward.
• Grängesberg (November 6, 1991): Anders Gustavsson observed a sphere with moving orange stars and a single star in front, which then vanished. The object was the size of the full moon and made no sound.

The investigation group received 20 reports but struggled with incomplete forms. They emphasize their work is voluntary and prioritized based on interest. They acknowledge that the UFO phenomenon ebbs and flows.

Norwegian UFO Reports (Pages 8-9)

• Raufoss (October 25, 1991): Two boys, Dag Monrad and Eirik Skrinde, saw an object with multi-colored lights (orange, yellow, white) hovering over a forest edge. The object moved towards them, then changed direction and disappeared with a light explosion and a whistling sound. The next morning, distinct marks were found in the forest. Dag's sister also saw a light phenomenon that evening. UFO Norge investigated the site five days later.
• Storen (September 27, 1991): Leif Havik reported seeing a red-orange light that resolved into 12-16 square lamps in the forest edge. The lights quickly disappeared. Another witness from near Trondheim has also come forward.

Other Content

• UFO in Belgium (Pages 11-12): Content not detailed in the provided scans.
• Did the USA Have Spaceship Remnants? (Page 13): Content not detailed in the provided scans.
• New Witnesses to the Agustinkraschen (Pages 14-15): Content not detailed in the provided scans.
• The Swedish People Tell Their Stories (Page 16): Content not detailed in the provided scans.
• What Did I Film on Video? (Pages 17-19): Content not detailed in the provided scans.
• A Brief on Astronomy (Pages 20-21): Content not detailed in the provided scans.
• Torsten's Database Has Gone Silent (Page 22): Content not detailed in the provided scans.

Membership and Contact Information

Membership for 1992 costs 75 kr, or 25 kr for those under 16. The address for Västerbergslagens UFO-förening is Box 99, 77723 Smedjebacken, Sweden. The phone number is 0240-79135, and the Postgiro is 16099-4.

Special Features

• A New Year's greeting: "GOD FORTSÄTTNING PÅ DET NYA ÅRET! OM NÅGOT HÄNDER... RING!"
• A comic strip titled "Kalle & Hobbe" by Bill Watterson.
• A small advertisement regarding the release of four aliens held by the US government, attributed to Kip Lee.
• A poem titled "Då vårtiden åter syns randa..." by J.A.N.
• A quote: "Att inse att man är okunnig, är ett bra steg mot kunskap..."
• A call for translators (English and German) for the association.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine strongly focuses on UFO sightings and investigations, presenting firsthand witness accounts and the findings of field researchers. There is an emphasis on the importance of detailed reporting and accurate data collection. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging members to report their experiences. The inclusion of astronomical information suggests an effort to differentiate UFO sightings from celestial bodies. The magazine also incorporates lighter elements like comics and poetry, alongside a call for volunteer assistance, indicating a community-oriented approach to the subject.

Title: Svenska folkets berättelser (Swedish People's Stories)
Issue Date: December 19, 1991
Publisher: Aftonbladet
Theme: UFOs and alleged extraterrestrial encounters.

This issue of "Svenska folkets berättelser" delves into the intriguing world of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena, presenting a collection of witness testimonies, expert analyses, and investigative reports. The magazine aims to give serious consideration to these often-dismissed accounts, as indicated by the cover headline: "Vi måste ta folks berättelser på allvar" (We must take people's stories seriously).

FOA's Perspective on UFOs

The article begins by introducing Arne Gjärdman, an investigator at FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency), who handles UFO reports. Gjärdman explains that while UFOs are not a high priority, he investigates unexplained sightings. He notes that many phenomena can be explained by natural occurrences like falling meteorites, cloud formations, or even weather vanes. However, a few cases remain unexplained, such as a sighting of lights in formation moving at high angles and speeds, which he speculates could be similar to a previously unexplained report involving a privately flown zeppelin.

Gjärdman himself has not personally witnessed a UFO but expresses respect for those who have, acknowledging the vastness of the universe and the possibility of other civilizations. He dismisses the idea of easy interstellar travel and questions why, if aliens can reach Earth, they don't make themselves known.

Belgian Air Force Takes UFOs Seriously

The magazine then shifts focus to Belgium, where the Belgian Air Force Chief, Wilfried de Brouwer, along with scientist Auguste Meesen and Lucien Clerebaut of SOBEPS, are taking UFO reports seriously. De Brouwer acknowledges that extraordinary phenomena have been appearing in the skies over Belgium for a couple of years, describing them as intelligent, high-tech machines unlike anything known. Meesen suggests these phenomena likely originate from space, not Earth.

Observations in Belgium date back to 1990, with numerous sightings reported. Notable incidents include a radio journalist's sighting and an event where over 200 people witnessed a UFO. Amateur filmmaker Richard Rodberg captured footage of a UFO near Braine le Comte. The object, described as a silent, blindingly white light, moved erratically before disappearing towards the Tihange nuclear power plant. Belgian F-16 fighter jets have been scrambled to investigate, with radar confirming the presence of three objects out of nine sightings. These objects performed evasive maneuvers when approached by the jets.

Unexplained Aerial Phenomena and Technology

The Belgian Air Force has ruled out secret aircraft projects, as the observed objects hover and move in ways no conventional aircraft can. Professor Meesen believes they are technological products with unknown propulsion systems. Hermann Oberth, a pioneer in space navigation, stated that UFOs are undoubtedly spacecraft from other worlds, and that their occupants could teach humanity much if approached intelligently.

The article also touches upon other reported incidents, including a Hungarian report of two luminous objects chasing a truck, and a case in New Mexico involving alleged recovered spacecraft debris and extraterrestrial bodies, though this is presented as unconfirmed information. The Roswell incident is mentioned, with the military attributing the findings to a weather balloon.

Kenneth Arnold and the "Flying Saucer"

The origin of the term "flying saucer" is attributed to Kenneth Arnold, a private pilot who, on June 24, 1947, observed nine disc-shaped objects near Mount Rainier, Washington. He described their movement as like saucers skipping on water. His report led to widespread public interest and numerous subsequent UFO reports.

The Barney and Betty Hill Abduction

A detailed account is given of the Barney and Betty Hill abduction case in New Hampshire, USA. They reported seeing a UFO land and encountering a non-human being. Following the encounter, they experienced missing time and later, under hypnosis, recalled being taken aboard the craft and subjected to medical examinations by its occupants. Their drawings of star maps from the craft were later found to correspond with newly discovered stars.

Presidential Testimony and Government Cover-ups

Former US President Jimmy Carter is quoted as being convinced of UFO existence, having witnessed one himself. The article also mentions claims that US authorities have recovered crashed spacecraft and extraterrestrial bodies, with efforts to suppress this information. Physicist Robert Sarbacher reportedly claimed to have seen classified documents about such events.

Tom Joneström's Filmed Evidence

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to filmmaker Tom Joneström, who captured mysterious objects on video. While filming a Swedish flag in 1989, he noticed missile-like objects on his footage. Further review of his videos, including footage from a military exercise in Skåne, revealed multiple instances of these objects "grazing" the area, appearing to observe the ground. Joneström describes the objects as cigar-shaped and moving at extremely high speeds, making it difficult to discern details. He has shared his footage with the military, who deny they are their own aircraft, and with UFO organizations, who find the films highly intriguing.

Joneström himself is uncertain about the nature of the objects, stating he would give anything to know what he has filmed. He suggests the possibility of extraterrestrial spy missiles, a theory that alarms him given Sweden's focus on terrestrial defense. He also mentions receiving calls from people who have seen similar phenomena after his footage was broadcast.

Expert Opinions and Theories

UFO experts are divided on the origin of the objects filmed by Joneström. Some, like Sune Hjort, believe they are surveillance craft from extraterrestrial civilizations using advanced technology. Others, like Clas Svahn of UFO-Sverige, are more cautious, acknowledging the films are highly interesting and not a hoax. Svahn notes that the objects resemble missiles but appear "unreal," moving as if in a different dimension, and that the lack of sound is also peculiar. He considers the theory of secret spy missiles from a foreign military power as unlikely as extraterrestrial origins.

The article also briefly mentions the "ghost rockets" phenomenon from 1946, where numerous reports of rocket-like objects were made.

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

The magazine concludes by discussing the SETI project, which uses radio telescopes to search for signs of intelligent life in outer space. It highlights the long-term efforts of scientists like Frank Drake and the upcoming ambitious NASA project planned for 1992. The article frames the search for extraterrestrial life as not just a scientific endeavor but also a spiritual one, reflecting humanity's deep-seated hopes for peace and understanding.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, and the role of governments and military in investigating or potentially concealing such events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and a desire to give serious consideration to witness accounts that might otherwise be dismissed. The magazine encourages readers to share their own experiences, suggesting that many people may be hesitant to come forward due to societal skepticism.

This issue of the magazine, identified as volume 22 and issue 20, published in 1989, focuses on astronomy and UFO-related topics. The cover prominently features an article about a star named Beta Pictoris, around which a new planetary system is believed to be forming.

Astronomy Section

Solar System Facts

The magazine opens with a section of "Facts about Astronomy," presenting several interesting tidbits:

• The Sun accounts for 99% of the solar system's mass and is approximately 5 billion years old, with an estimated lifespan of another 4 billion years.
• Five planets (Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) have been known for so long that their discoverers are unknown. Pluto is noted as the smallest planet in our solar system and has one moon.
• Earth is described as the most compact body. Uranus is 67 times larger in volume than Earth, yet a human weighs less on Uranus.
• A list of planets and their known moons is provided: Mars (2), Jupiter (16), Saturn (17), Uranus (16), Neptune (8), and Pluto (1).
• A solar flare can emit enough energy to power a city of one million for 200 million years.

Star Birth: The Beta Pictoris System

Astronomers C. M. Telesco and R. F. Knacke have observed that the dust cloud around the star Beta Pictoris resembles the silicates found in comets. This observation suggests that the dust and gas originate from crushed comets and indicates the purification process occurring after a planetary system has formed.

Beta Pictoris has long been a favorite object of study because it resembles our Sun in its early stages when planets were forming. By studying Beta Pictoris, astronomers can learn more about the formation of our own solar system and assess the presence or formation of other planetary systems in the Milky Way.

The star is surrounded by a cloud of dust and gas, which is believed to conceal a young planetary system. Theoretically, this cloud should have dispersed like the one in our solar system, leaving behind only planets, asteroids, and a limited number of comets. The continued presence of the cloud around Beta Pictoris might be due to a constant supply of new dust and gas.

A leading theory, supported by Telesco and Knacke's observations, posits that numerous comets, remnants from the planet formation stage, are still present. These comets, and possibly asteroids, are colliding with planets or being drawn into the star, where they vaporize. These collisions replenish the surrounding cloud with fresh dust and gas, thus facilitating the formation of a new planetary system.

The Sun's Age Revised

Astronomer David B. Guenther has revised the age of the Sun. Based on new observations that make it easier to estimate the age of meteorites, he concludes that the Sun is 4.49 billion years old, rather than the previously accepted 4.7 billion years. This revision does not significantly alter the Sun's future development. Approximately half of the hydrogen in the Sun's core has fused into helium, but there is still enough hydrogen for it to burn for about five billion more years before it becomes a red giant.

Rare Meteorites Found in Chile

Astronomers Holger Pedersen and Harri Lindgren, along with geologist Caludio Canut de Bon, have discovered over 3400 kilograms of a rare meteorite type called 'vaca muerta' in the Atacama Desert in Chile. This discovery, made over four years, has more than tripled the known amount of 'vaca muerta' meteorites on Earth. These findings are significant because studying them can provide new insights into the history of our solar system.

Why Are Planets Round?

Planets are round primarily due to gravity, which pulls matter inward, forcing a spherical shape. However, other forces can cause deviations. Small bodies with weak gravity, less than 400 kilometers in extent, can have irregular shapes like elongated cigars or potato-like forms. Even large bodies are not perfectly round; they are often flattened at the poles due to rotation. The faster a planet spins, the more flattened its equator becomes as centrifugal force tries to fling material outward, while gravity holds it together. If two stars orbit each other, tidal forces can create egg-shaped celestial bodies.

Earth May Get Rings Like Saturn

Danish research professor Kaare Lund Rasmussen has analyzed data suggesting that Earth may develop rings within 100 years, similar to Saturn. Historical records from 800 BC to 1750 AD show periods with an unusually high number of meteor falls and shooting stars, which could indicate that Earth was surrounded by a ring during those times. These periods begin with many shooting stars, then decrease, and finally increase to a maximum before returning to normal, suggesting a meteor is captured in a low orbit, breaks up, and forms a thin ring. The debris is then slowly drawn inward, eventually hitting Earth as a meteor shower.

UFO Section

Torsten's Database Goes "Silent"

This section is an obituary and tribute to a UFO researcher named Torsten, who has passed away. The author expresses shock and sadness, recalling Torsten as a dedicated and active member of the UFO association for over a decade. He is remembered for his incredible work with data and translations, his cheerful disposition, and his multilingual abilities (English, German, French, Spanish, and Russian).

The text highlights Torsten's recent loneliness after his wife's death five months prior and his efforts to make new friends. The author reflects on the uncertainty of life and the importance of engaging younger generations in UFO work, noting that the average age of UFO Sweden members is over 45, with few under 30. Torsten had apparently been planning to teach young people about data, recognizing their interest in it as a way to get them involved.

The piece concludes with a hopeful wish for Torsten's peace and a poignant message from Elsa-Britta, who extended her hand to him on "the other shore."

Invitation to Annual Meeting

An invitation is extended to the annual meeting of the Västerbergslagens UFO Association. The meeting will be held on Sunday, March 15th, at 3:00 PM at the A.B.F. premises, Fredsgatan 8, Ludvika. The agenda includes annual meeting proceedings, coffee, and a presentation by Juan Manzanares titled "UFO in Spain." Those unable to attend are asked to call if they wish to receive the activity report.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a strong interest in both mainstream astronomy and UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting scientific findings alongside UFO-related news and personal accounts. There is a clear concern for the future of UFO research organizations, particularly the aging membership of UFO Sweden, and a call to action to involve younger people. The tone is informative and reflective, with a blend of factual reporting and personal tributes.