UFO-Nytt - 1992 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-nytt
Issue: Nr 4, 1992
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: Varför har ni övergivit oss? (Why Have You Abandoned Us?)

This issue of UFO-nytt, a publication for the members of Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, addresses the significant decrease in reported UFO sightings and encounters. The magazine explores various theories behind this phenomenon, ranging from extraterrestrial disinterest in humanity to potential governmental interference and psychological operations.

Contents Overview

The issue features a table of contents that outlines the articles and sections within:

• Pages 2-3: Från undersökningsgrunnen (From the investigation grounds)
• Pages 4-8: Debattinlägg: blir vi utnyttjade? (Debate contribution: are we being exploited?)
• Pages 9-25: Various 'Klipp' (clips), translations, and a competition.
• Pages 17-18: Närkontakt över Ural-bergen (Close encounter over the Ural mountains)
• Pages 19-20: Dom kallar oss knäppskallar.. (They call us crazy..)
• Pages 21-22: Brasilien är fortfarande UFOtätt (Brazil is still UFO-dense)
• Pages 24-25: Williamsports flaven, Tävling (Williamsport's flaven, Competition)

Additionally, the issue includes membership information for 1993 (85 kr, 35 kr for under 16s) and contact details for Västerbergslagens UFO-förening. It also advertises a sale of the video "UFO - det olösta mysteriet" (UFO - the unsolved mystery) for 100 SEK from UFO Sverige.

Articles and Discussions

Undersökningsgruppen (Investigation Group)

This section notes a lack of new UFO reports, attributing it partly to difficult economic times and a trend towards rationalization, where smaller sightings or light phenomena are dismissed. The author expresses concern about potential infiltration of UFO organizations by individuals who do not believe in UFOs, suggesting this might be a deliberate tactic. The article calls for a closer look at the personalities involved in UFO work, especially when reports are scarce, and notes that even other UFO magazines are experiencing a decline in submissions.

Debattinlägg: Blir Vi Utnyttjade? (Debate Contribution: Are We Being Exploited?)

This section delves into concerns about infiltration and manipulation within UFO organizations. H.C. Petersen of IGAP is mentioned as claiming that some SUFOI representatives are on the CIA's payroll, with the argument that they are paid to remain silent about UFOs being spaceships. While the author dismisses the CIA payroll claim, they acknowledge that UFO groups are observed with great interest by non-UFO enthusiasts, including potential infiltration. The article recounts an incident where a Russian military attaché, Commander Alexander Poroshin, showed unusual interest in UFOs after a public lecture in Copenhagen.

Ryssar ute med håven (Russians casting their net)

This part of the debate discusses an encounter at a UFO lecture in Copenhagen where a Russian military attaché showed significant interest in UFOs. The author suggests this was not a casual encounter but an attempt to gather information.

Vi skall räddas (We Shall Be Saved)

This section touches upon a person who worked at a dialogue center in Aarhus, Denmark, described as a critical counterweight to new religious movements. This individual reportedly showed a strong interest in UFO phenomena and engaged in discussions with UFOlogists. The article questions whether this interest was genuine or part of a manipulation tactic, possibly to steer people away from UFO beliefs and towards religious ones.

Militara Kontakter (Military Contacts)

This section highlights the historical interest of military personnel in UFO organizations. SUFOI, for instance, was visited in 1957 by Major H.C. Petersen, who had developed an interest in UFOs in the USA. Similar interest has been shown by other military figures and organizations like NICAP, which has had members from military circles, including CIA personnel, leading to accusations of CIA infiltration.

Teorierna (Theories)

Several theories are presented regarding military and governmental interest in UFOs:

1. Government Knowledge and Control: Governments already know UFOs are alien spaceships and are actively hiding this information. They infiltrate organizations to control the narrative and discredit the phenomenon, possibly by spreading outlandish stories (like meeting Hitler on the moon) to make the UFO topic seem absurd.
2. National Security Concerns: The military views UFOs as a potential security threat, fearing that hostile powers could use UFOs for attacks or that UFO interest could undermine public trust in the military. This led to the Robertson Panel in the US, which concluded there was no direct security threat but recommended mystifying the UFO issue.
3. Psychological Experiments: Intelligence agencies may be conducting psychological experiments on the population, testing reactions to various phenomena, including alien visitations. UFO groups might be fed false information as part of these experiments.
4. Information Gathering: UFO organizations are seen as valuable sources of information due to their dedicated work in collecting and analyzing data. Their persistent efforts to monitor the skies make them of interest to the military.

Psykologisk Krigföring (Psychological Warfare)

This part elaborates on the theory that UFO organizations are used for psychological experiments. It references Jacques Vallee's books, "Messengers of Deception" and "Revelations alien contact and Human Deception," which provide examples of manipulation. The article mentions a project where UFOlogists were to be briefed on classified UFO material, but it was canceled. It also notes the controversy surrounding William Moore and Richard Doty, and the TV documentary "UFO COVER UP: LIVE."

Ännu en teori om Frank Fontaine (Another theory about Frank Fontaine)

This section discusses the case of Frank Fontaine, a Frenchman who disappeared after a UFO observation in 1979 and reappeared a week later with no memory of the event. While some UFOlogists dismissed it as a hoax, Vallee suggests Fontaine was kidnapped by a terrestrial group involved in an experiment. The theory posits that UFOs are spaceships and that governments have known this for 40 years.

Varför har ni övergivit oss? (Why Have You Abandoned Us?) by Anders Falkirk

• This article reflects on the dramatic decrease in UFO sightings worldwide. The author expresses a sense of loss and nostalgia for the era when UFOs were frequently observed. Several theories are proposed for this disappearance:
• Extraterrestrial Fatigue: Aliens have grown tired of humanity's wars and self-inflicted problems, and their attempts to help have failed.
• Exploration Complete: Their exploration of Earth is finished, and they have moved on to other parts of the universe.
• Loss of Belief: The lack of definitive proof after decades of observation has led people to stop believing, turning their attention to other phenomena like submarines.

The article notes the exception of Belgium, which experienced a surge of nearly 1000 UFO sightings in a few months. These were later suggested to be American stealth bombers flying at very low speeds. The author concludes with a poignant plea, "ET, phone earth, pliis."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the perceived decline in UFO activity, the potential for manipulation and infiltration of UFO organizations by governmental or intelligence agencies, and speculative theories about the nature and motives of UFO phenomena and their visitors. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, exploring various possibilities without definitively endorsing any single theory, while also expressing a sense of concern and even melancholy about the apparent absence of UFOs. The magazine encourages readers to think critically about the information they receive and the organizations they are involved with.

This issue of Aftonbladet, dated Sunday, October 11, 1992, under the 'VÄRLDEN/SONDAG' section, features a prominent cover story titled 'USA starts the hunt for ET,' discussing a research group's investment in searching for extraterrestrial life. The magazine delves into various UFO phenomena, including detailed accounts from Brazil and the USA, a close encounter by a Soviet pilot, and the enduring mystery of famous UFO photographs.

UFO Sightings in Brazil

The magazine reports on a significant increase in UFO sightings in Brazil, describing numerous cases from the 1970s and 1980s. One account details a man pursued by a UFO for six months in 1990. Another incident from 1977 in Pinheiro, Maranhao, involved UFOs seen nightly for four months, with the mayor confirming 50,000 witnesses who reported being chased, injured, or burned. The article highlights the challenges faced by UFOlogists in Brazil due to the country's vast size and limited resources, noting that many cases go unreported.

• Several specific encounters are detailed:
• Janunicio's experience (February 1979): The 78-year-old rancher was reportedly pulled upwards by invisible forces from a cylinder-shaped UFO, sustaining burns from a hot, oil-like substance.
• Beato's encounter (August-November 1979): A 51-year-old man encountered a round, bluish UFO and was pulled upwards before hot oil-like substance was dropped on his arm, causing blisters.
• Hermelindo's incident (1976): Near Belo Horizonte, Hermelindo was approached by a UFO and struggled with a small grey creature before being pulled up by cables. He fell after his leg hit the craft, landing in a Yucca plant.
• Antonio's sighting (November 1979): A 76-year-old man near San Antonio was lifted off the ground by a brown, cigar-shaped object, and hot oil-like substance was dropped on him.
• Franciska's sighting (1979): Franciska and her daughter saw a bright, disc-shaped object that rapidly increased in size and brightness.

The article also mentions a recent event in May 1992, where a shaky video of a disc was shown on TV near Casimiro de Abreu.

Soviet Pilot's Close Encounter

An article titled 'NÄRKONTAKT ÖVER URAL-BERGEN' describes a close encounter experienced by Wladimir Kuzmin, a 29-year-old Soviet pilot, in December 1989. While flying near the Ural Mountains, Kuzmin observed a dark grey, cigar-shaped object. Upon landing, he noticed his face was slightly burned and sensitive to touch, with his skin later peeling. The pilot's cockpit was made of lexan, which acts as a filter for ultraviolet rays, but the observed effects suggest a possible radiation exposure.

The McMinnville UFO Photographs

Another significant piece focuses on the famous McMinnville UFO photographs, taken by Paul Trent on May 11, 1950, in Oregon, USA. The article states that 42 years later, no one has been able to prove these images are forgeries. Paul Trent, a farmer, had no prior belief in UFOs and initially thought the object was part of a secret military experiment. The photographs, showing a disc-shaped object, have undergone numerous analyses by military, scientific, and civilian experts, who found the Trents to be honest and credible witnesses.

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

The cover story, 'USA startar jakten på ET,' details the HRMS (High Resolution Microwave Survey) project, formerly known as SETI. This ambitious endeavor involves a research group investing 550 million kronor over ten years to search for signs of extraterrestrial life. The project aims to scan 800-1000 stars using the world's largest telescopes, listening for radio signals from other civilizations. The article notes that the project, like Columbus's voyage, faces skepticism. Dr. Frank D. Drake, an astronomer, is optimistic, predicting that Earth might receive radio signals by the year 2000 and estimating that there could be at least 10,000 potentially inhabited planets in the Milky Way.

Other Content

The issue also includes a letter to the editor from Fred Andersson in Östersund, expressing skepticism towards UFO enthusiasts and recommending Eugen Semitjov's book 'De otroliga tafaten.' Fred Eriksson also writes in, questioning the 'Big Bang' theory and inviting discussion. Gunnar Schelin responds to Fred Eriksson, sharing his extensive experience with UFO sightings over 50 years, including personal observations and reports from numerous witnesses across Sweden and Germany. A short comic strip titled 'kalle & hobbe' is also present, along with a Christmas greeting from the V.B.U. board.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the topic of UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, presenting witness accounts, photographic evidence, and scientific investigations. While some articles highlight the unexplained nature of sightings and the ongoing scientific search for life beyond Earth, there is also a thread of skepticism and a call for critical evaluation of evidence, as seen in the letter from Fred Andersson. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the phenomenon, balanced with a degree of critical analysis.

This issue of UFO-Sverige, identified as volume 22, issue 21, published by Allers, presents a nuanced perspective on the UFO phenomenon. The cover boldly proclaims "DOM KALLAR OSS KNÄPPSKALLAR..." (They Call Us Crackpots...), hinting at the organization's stance and the public's perception. The main headline features a stylized flying saucer. The magazine's price is 21:-, and the issue date is indicated as '21' which, in context with the volume and publisher, likely corresponds to an early 1993 publication.

UFO-Sverige's Chairman and Philosophy

The lead article focuses on Clas Svahn, the chairman of UFO-Sverige. Despite leading an organization dedicated to flying saucers, Svahn reveals he does not believe they are from outer space. He suggests that UFOs might be a psychological phenomenon or natural occurrences not yet fully understood. Svahn, a 34-year-old journalist for Dagens Nyheter, has been interested in unexplained aerial phenomena for 18 years, driven by journalistic curiosity. UFO-Sverige, founded in 1970, boasts approximately 2500 members, publishes the magazine "UFO Aktuellt," and maintains an extensive archive in Norrköping with thousands of books and periodicals. It also operates a report center where the public can submit sightings.

Debunking and Common Sightings

Kurt Persson, who manages UFO-Sverige's report center, states that about 95% of reported sightings can be explained by natural causes. He recounts an incident where people reported seeing two UFOs chasing each other over Stockholm, which turned out to be searchlights from a stock exchange advertisement. The magazine highlights that truly interesting cases are rare, with most reports involving mysterious nocturnal lights. Classic daytime 'flying saucer' sightings are infrequent, occurring perhaps once every three years.

Witness Accounts and Case Studies

One of the few individuals claiming to have seen a UFO is Owe Lewitzki, a 52-year-old freight forwarder. He recounts an experience on Walpurgis Night in 1971, where he, his ex-wife, and their son witnessed two round, metallic objects hovering behind a birch tree and then over their house before disappearing. Lewitzki theorizes that these might be emissaries from an ancient or future civilization, suggesting time might not be linear.

Inga-Lill Wallin, a lecturer, expresses frustration with the proliferation of sensationalist books, articles, and video films about UFOs, criticizing those with extreme views who spread misinformation. The magazine also addresses the issue of hoaxes and fabricated stories, showing a video featuring an "anonymous interview" with someone claiming to be a UFO pilot named Edeesha, who alleges a secret mission from the Andromeda galaxy. This individual is identified as a former member of UFO-Sverige who became disillusioned after not witnessing anything significant and resorted to creating his own alien narratives.

Svahn shares another anecdote about a false alarm where a woman called claiming a UFO had landed at Globen in Stockholm, which he attributes to psychological factors. He acknowledges that the UFO topic attracts individuals with extreme beliefs, referring to them as "crackpots."

UFOs in Brazil

The magazine dedicates significant space to UFO phenomena in Brazil, detailing incidents from March 1991 where a couple on a motorcycle encountered a UFO that repeatedly appeared and disappeared, eventually dropping a bomb of fire that exploded harmlessly. The article notes that Brazil has experienced numerous unsettling UFO encounters since the 1970s, with a period from 1975-1985 characterized by what are described as "practical jokes" by UFOs. These included attempts to abduct people with hooks and spraying them with hot liquid. More recent encounters are described as "peaceful," though doubts remain. A case from Caera in April 1991 involving burn marks on an eight-year-old girl and her friend is mentioned. The article also recounts how UFOs would hover low over people at night, sometimes exploding in bright lights and chasing individuals. During the early 1980s in Amazonas, fishermen stopped venturing out at night due to UFOs hovering just above their boats, forcing them to seek refuge in the jungle.

A research trip to 30 cities, towns, and villages in Northern and Central Brazil is described. The investigators interviewed 38 witnesses who reported seeing 42 unexplained objects. They found that 20% of the cases were from 1991, with nearly half within a three-year span. While many UFO researchers worldwide believe UFOs and their occupants are benevolent, the reputation of UFOs in Brazil was poor. Witnesses reported unsettling experiences, and some feared being "sucked dry" by UFOs, referred to locally as "Chupa-Chupa." Panic-induced escapes often led to injuries from running into trees or falling into pits. A unique hazard mentioned is a poisonous bush that can cause blindness if its sap comes into contact with the eyes.

UFO Sightings in Pennsylvania and Military Involvement

An article titled "WILLIAMSPORTS FLAPEN" discusses numerous UFO observations in Pennsylvania during 1991 and into 1992. Many of these sightings remain undocumented. Reports described large objects resembling triangles or boomerangs. In February 1992, a group interested in UFOs contacted Mufon. Investigator Samuel D. Greco, with a military background and experience as a USAF aircraft engine mechanic, was assigned to investigate. Greco interviewed witnesses, while the author handled phone interviews. The investigation also involved contacting the military and air force, who reported no unusual activity. A police constable in Montcarsville mentioned receiving reports of low-flying objects, but the investigation had stalled. Contact with the Williamsport-Lycoming airport control tower revealed that an operator had seen unexplained objects on radar, and the Harrisburg approach control confirmed no military aircraft were in the area, though they couldn't rule out military activity due to nearby flight routes.

Historical Context and Folklore

An older piece discusses a letter to the editor from "Frank" describing a UFO sighting from twenty years prior, which he perceived as malevolent and possibly Satanic. The author of this piece argues that UFO phenomena are well-documented, especially in the US Air Force, and that it's unlikely humans are alone in the universe, suggesting UFOs might be piloted by advanced beings thousands of years ahead in technological development. The vastness of the Milky Way galaxy, with its billions of stars, is cited as evidence for the potential existence of other inhabited planets.

A separate section, "Då Delsbo-Tapper skulle invigas till trollkarl" (When Delsbo-Tapper was to be initiated as a magician), recounts a historical anecdote from the late 19th century. Per Tapper, a young man, was taken by his uncle Martin Tapper to witness a secret initiation ceremony at a graveyard. The event involved a mysterious light and a closed church, suggesting a connection to the paranormal or occult rather than UFOs.

Another brief note, "MAKAR I RYMDEN" (Spouses in Space), mentions astronauts Mark Lee and Jan Davis being the first married couple to travel together on the space shuttle Endeavour, with NASA emphasizing that sexual relations are prohibited during space missions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's overall stance appears to be one of critical inquiry rather than blind belief. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena, UFO-Sverige, through its chairman Clas Svahn, emphasizes rational explanations, psychological factors, and natural phenomena over extraterrestrial visitation. The publication actively debunks hoaxes and sensationalism, aiming to provide a more grounded approach to UFO research. The inclusion of historical anecdotes, paranormal folklore, and even a lighthearted quiz on Swedish place names suggests a broader interest in the unexplained and the cultural impact of such phenomena, beyond just strict UFOlogy. The recurring theme is the challenge of discerning truth amidst a sea of speculation, misinformation, and genuine, albeit rare, unexplained events.