UFO-Nytt - 1994 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-nytt
Issue: Nr 2-1994
Publisher: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO-FÖRENING
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-nytt, published by the Västerbergslagens UFO Association, covers a range of topics relevant to the UFO community in early 1994. It includes internal organizational matters, personal accounts of sightings, and scientific perspectives on phenomena related to UFOs.

Table of Contents

The issue's table of contents lists the following articles:

• Page 2: Foreword
• Page 3-5: An open letter from Clas Svahn
• Page 6-7: Whitley Strieber breaks his silence...
• Page 8: On the hunt for the key to the universe.
• Page 9-10: The sensational UFO picture...
• Page 11-13: From the investigation group.
• Page 14: "Channie" in Grängesberg.
• Page 15: The priest who believes in UFOs.
• Page 16: The riddle of Stonehenge.
• Page 19: Clip
• Page 20-21: The horoscope that changed the world.
• Page 22: Bergslagsposten writes about our association meeting.

Foreword by Gudrun Andersson

The foreword encourages readers to contribute to UFO-Nytt, emphasizing the need for diverse opinions and the importance of respecting different viewpoints within the UFO community. The author expresses pride in the VBU (Västerbergslagens UFO-förening) as a stable organization that operates freely, belonging to UFO-Sverige and prioritizing joint reporting. The foreword touches upon a distressing letter received by the association, accusing UFO-Sverige and VBU of involvement in 'very nasty things,' and laments the internal disputes within the community. VBU has decided to distance itself from such disputes, aiming to be an open and investigative organization that shares facts about UFO reports. The author acknowledges that definitive proof of UFOs is lacking, with only theories available, and stresses the importance of respect, truth, cooperation, and human love. The current UFO climate is described as harsh and cold, and UFO-Sverige is noted to have a significant task ahead, requiring all available positive forces.

Open Letter from Clas Svahn

Clas Svahn, Chairman of UFO-Sverige, addresses a smear campaign initiated by Jan-Ove Sundberg, who is referred to as "Texas." Sundberg has published three stenciled pamphlets titled "Hårda Tider" (Hard Times), spreading alleged lies and unfounded rumors about UFO-Sverige, including accusations of embezzlement and collaboration with Olof Palme's murderers. Svahn refutes these claims, calling Sundberg's criticism childish and low-level. He details his own ten-page response to Sundberg and notes that despite attempts at dialogue, Sundberg has continued his personal attacks against various UFO-Sverige board members and associates. Svahn recounts a particularly aggressive phone call from Sundberg after he declined a radio debate, which he suspected would not be a genuine discussion about UFOs. Svahn asserts that Sundberg's efforts to discredit UFO-Sverige aim to silence dissenting voices and promote a singular belief in the ET theory. He advocates for serious research and critical examination of contactees and cult groups, suggesting Sundberg himself is an example of the negative aspects that can arise.

Svahn argues that Sundberg's tactic of spreading rumors about internal turmoil is meant to make people believe his claims. He contrasts this with the current state of UFO-Sverige, which he describes as strong and united, with growing subscriptions to UFO-Aktuellt, a stable economy, and new local groups forming. He notes that their critical and open approach to alternative theories makes them a target for those with fixed beliefs. Svahn also shares a positive interaction with Nina Harder of the new age organization Pans vänner, who praised his participation in a TV debate. He acknowledges that the UFO subject often leads to conflict but emphasizes that UFO-Sverige will continue its research despite attacks. Svahn outlines a busy schedule of producing UFO-Aktuellt, responding to letters, planning a board meeting and a field investigation course, writing two books, and giving lectures. He reiterates his commitment to critical investigation, stating that the UFO phenomenon is real, but its origin can only be determined through serious, unbiased research. UFO-Sverige offers a 'third way' ufology, avoiding fanaticism and denial.

Whitley Strieber Breaks His Silence

This article, translated from MUFON Sept. 1993, reports on author Whitley Strieber's experiences and his decision to step away from public discussions about UFOs and his own experiences. After a three-year struggle with media and the UFO community, Strieber announced he was closing his foundation. He discusses the challenges of understanding and utilizing his experiences, stating that without a positive perspective, he would have felt like he was living in hell. Strieber feels that UFO-loges offer little help in making his experiences disappear. He describes the UFO community as intolerant and prejudiced, comparing his own discrimination to that faced by Black people in the American South in 1925. His son was severely bullied at school due to Strieber's fame, leading to a school change. Strieber's family has faced threats, and he is no longer welcome at meetings of the bookkeeping association where he was once an honorary member, all because he wrote the book "Communion." The article mentions that Strieber and his family were forced to move due to constant threats, including a man with a rifle appearing at their home at night. The police response to these threats was described as professional.

On the Hunt for the Key to the Universe

This article discusses the scientific pursuit of neutrinos, subatomic particles that travel at near light speed and pass through matter unimpeded. Swedish scientists are participating in a project at the South Pole, using a giant telescope embedded in the ice to detect neutrinos. The goal is to identify the sources of these high-energy neutrinos, which could help answer fundamental questions about the universe, such as the nature of dark matter. Dark matter, which constitutes 90% of the universe's matter, is invisible and its existence is inferred from its gravitational effects on galaxies. One theory suggests that dark matter particles could be heavy, 'supersymmetric' particles left over from the Big Bang, which, when captured by the sun's gravity, are converted into high-energy neutrinos. The article explains the detection method, which involves identifying the faint blue-violet glow (Cerenkov light) produced by muons created when high-energy neutrinos collide with protons and neutrons in the ice. The project is a collaboration between Swedish and American universities, with Sweden contributing one-third of the costs.

The Sensational UFO Picture

This section recounts the story of Christer Sundström, who in 1974, at the age of 15, witnessed and photographed a flying object in Värnamo, Sweden. While home sick from school, he observed an object that moved in a zig-zag pattern, which he initially mistook for a bird of prey but soon realized was a black, metallic craft resembling a disc with a dome. He managed to take five pictures with a small-format pocket camera. The object disappeared briefly and then reappeared closer, allowing him to take the shots before it ascended and vanished. Sundström kept the photos secret initially, fearing ridicule. Upon developing the film, he found that four of the five pictures were blank, but one captured the object. The article notes that despite initial skepticism and accusations of fakery, the picture is now acknowledged as genuine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-nytt demonstrates a commitment to exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon, from internal organizational disputes and personal testimonies to scientific inquiry. The editorial stance, as expressed in the foreword and Clas Svahn's letter, champions critical thinking, open investigation, and respectful dialogue within the UFO community, while actively refuting what they perceive as unfounded attacks and misinformation. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between belief and evidence-based research, advocating for a 'third way' ufology that avoids fanaticism. The inclusion of scientific research, such as the neutrino project, suggests an effort to bridge the gap between anecdotal evidence and empirical study. The magazine also highlights the personal impact of UFO experiences and the challenges faced by those who speak out, as seen in the Whitley Strieber and Christer Sundström accounts.

This issue of Nya LUDVIK, dated Monday, February 28, 1994, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and related mysteries. The cover story, "Rymden anropade Grängesberg" (Space called Grängesberg), highlights a UFO lecture by "Channie" Centara. The magazine also features a retrospective on Christer Sundström's famous UFO photograph, the theories of UFO researcher Tim Good, and the beliefs of priest Ma Oftedal.

Christer Sundström's UFO Photograph

The article details the story of Christer Sundström, who, 20 years prior to the publication, took a photograph of what he believed to be a flying saucer from his window in Värnamo. Initially, he was ridiculed and accused of being a fraud, with organizations like Gicoff attempting to debunk his photo. However, UFO-Sverige, through its chairman Clas Svahn, later analyzed the photograph and concluded that it was genuine, finding no evidence of manipulation on the negative. Sundström, who had a Christian upbringing, maintained his innocence throughout the ordeal.

Witness Reports from Sweden

The issue includes several reports from individuals who claim to have witnessed UFOs across Sweden:

• Mora/Färnäs: Karin Grannas and a friend saw a bright, fast-moving object described as 5 cm wide and one meter long.
• Ludvika: Sven Ryden reported seeing a round object with blinking red lights and a humming sound.
• Grängesberg: Lars-Gunnar Hammar observed a stationary object with red, green, and white lights.
• Smedjebacken: An anonymous older man recounted seeing a large, bright yellow sphere moving silently over treetops.
• Småländska Höglandet: A witness described an elliptical, silent object resembling a zeppelin.
• Sörmland: A reader reported seeing a cigar-shaped object.
• Öland: Another similar cigar-shaped object, estimated to be 300 meters long, was seen emitting smaller objects.

Tim Good's Theories on UFOs and Government Secrecy

Tim Good, a UFO researcher with nearly 40 years of study, is featured discussing his belief that extraterrestrial contact has been established and that governments are actively concealing this information. He claims that the US government possesses crashed alien spacecraft and frozen alien bodies. Good suggests that world governments have an agreement to maintain silence and are subtly preparing the public for the revelation of extraterrestrial contact through disinformation and controlled information flow.

Priest Ma Oftedal's Beliefs

Priest Ma Oftedal from Stockholm shares her experiences and beliefs about UFOs. She states that she has both seen and felt UFOs on multiple occasions and believes they are here to help humanity, not as a threat from the Antichrist. She recounts an experience where she saw an elliptical, luminous object and later felt a strong connection to something while standing in a labyrinth, receiving a message of peace and rest.

"Channie" Centara's UFO Lecture

The magazine covers a UFO lecture by "Channie" Centara from Vallentuna in Grängesberg. Centara claims to have had contact with aliens since she was five years old and has been working with them for the past 16 years. She spoke about alien technology, including a potential energy source that could power half of Sweden, and a plan for alien contact that was delayed. She also mentioned that prominent figures would soon reveal their own alien encounters.

Other Articles

• Stonehenge Mystery: An article discusses new archaeological dating methods that suggest Stonehenge is over 1,000 years older than previously believed, with its construction dating back to around 1400 BC.
• Telescope Technology: The issue briefly touches upon the history and capabilities of telescopes, mentioning Lord Rosse's telescope and the large telescopes at Mount Palomar and in the Russian Caucasus.
• Editorial Commentary: An opinion piece titled "Märkligt föredrag" (Strange Lecture) criticizes "Channie" Centara's lecture, calling it a fabrication and accusing her of profiting from fantasies without providing any evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged alien contact, and the potential for government cover-ups regarding these phenomena. The magazine presents a range of perspectives, from skeptical debunking to fervent belief in extraterrestrial visitation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness testimonies and researcher theories while also including critical viewpoints. The inclusion of both scientific and spiritual perspectives (e.g., the priest's beliefs) highlights the multifaceted nature of the UFO phenomenon as explored in the publication.

This issue of BergslagsPosten, dated November 23, 1993, features a cover story titled 'UFO – sanning eller påhitt?' (UFO – truth or fiction?). The magazine delves into two main topics: the historical and astronomical interpretations of the Star of Bethlehem and the contemporary phenomenon of UFO sightings.

The Star of Bethlehem: A Celestial Enigma

The article begins by addressing the long-standing problem for scientists regarding the Star of Bethlehem, as described in the New Testament. It questions what phenomenon, visible in the east and guiding the Three Wise Men, could have stopped over Jesus' birthplace.

One popular theory suggests that Halley's Comet, visible in the Holy Land around the time of Jesus' birth, might have been interpreted as an omen by the Wise Men. Evidence points to the comet being visible in the Near East in 11 BC, appearing most clearly at a northern celestial latitude of 31.5 degrees, directly above Bethlehem. However, the article raises a critical point: if the star was so visible, why did Herod have to ask the Wise Men where the child was?

Matteus's account describes the Wise Men coming from the east, seeing the star, and then seeking out Herod. After hearing Herod's words, they departed, and the star they had seen in the east led them until it stopped over the child's location. The article argues that neither Halley's Comet nor any other comet could behave in this manner – moving forward and then stopping over a specific point.

Furthermore, Jesus is believed to have been born around the time of the Roman census, which most historians place in 4 BC. There are no sources indicating a comet was visible in that year.

Another theory proposes that the Star of Bethlehem could have been a supernova, a star that suddenly explodes. Such an event can be visible for months and be bright enough to be seen in daylight. However, there are no testimonies of such a phenomenon being observed around the time of Jesus' birth.

The article also considers the possibility of meteors, but dismisses this as meteors are only visible for a few seconds and cannot stop or appear to stop.

A more widely accepted theory, particularly among theologians, suggests that the Wise Men were astrologers who calculated that a star would rise in the east, heralding the birth of a Messiah. The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in a cave near the Dead Sea, lend some support to this theory. These scrolls contain fragments with zodiac signs and texts about the influence of stars and planets on individuals born under different segments of the zodiac. They also refer to a 'teacher of righteousness' and 'light prince,' whom some scholars identify with John the Baptist and Jesus. This suggests that contemporary astrologers might have studied the heavens carefully to identify a planetary constellation that foretold the birth of a Messiah.

Cardinal Danielou's theory aligns with this, suggesting that the Wise Men's statement, 'For we have seen his star in the east,' referred to a star rising, which is a crucial factor in creating a horoscope. He posited that in Jewish circles at the time, those who engaged in astrology and hoped for the awaited Messiah speculated about which star he would be born under. When a constellation occurred that matched predictions in existing horoscopes, the initiated believed the Messiah was born and began searching for his birthplace. This might explain why the Wise Men, or astrologers, sought out Herod.

UFOs: Truth or Fiction?

The second major topic of the magazine is the phenomenon of UFOs. Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO Sverige (UFO Sweden), shared his insights on various UFO phenomena observed in Sweden.

Svahn categorized UFO reports into those that are genuine and those that can be dismissed. He stated that approximately 15 cases each year in Sweden are considered interesting and genuine.

UFO Sverige has received a significant number of reports, with 250 in the current year and 150 the previous year. All reports are archived and checked. Svahn noted that most UFO phenomena have natural explanations, such as airplanes, northern lights, weather balloons, or spotlights, which are often mistaken for alien craft. A small fraction of reports are dismissed as hoaxes, and some individuals may intentionally try to fool UFO enthusiasts.

The article also addresses the issue of fake UFO photographs, which are often manipulated. Svahn suggested that people who claim to have seen extraterrestrial beings or craft might have psychological explanations for their experiences, or that the phenomena could be related to parapsychology rather than extraterrestrial visitors.

Svahn emphasized that he does not dismiss any possibilities and remains open to all explanations. He recounted historical UFO sightings, including the 1896 'airship' wave in the Western and Central USA, where people reported seeing objects resembling airships, as airplanes were not yet common. He also mentioned a 1946 incident where a pilot flying over Malingsbo, Sweden, reported chasing a cigar-shaped object.

Regarding the Swedish defense, Svahn mentioned that the Defense Research Agency has a unit for collecting UFO material but lacks the resources to thoroughly investigate all cases. Consequently, UFO organizations often handle most of the investigation. While the defense has kept some reports secret, the material Svahn has accessed is described as harmless, such as light phenomena.

The article touches upon the defense's involvement in investigating UFOs, noting that some personnel involved in UFO investigations are the same ones who track submarines. Svahn observed that submarines and the Palme assassination receive more serious attention than UFO reports.

Svahn's own interest in UFOs began in 1974, after being an amateur astrologer. He has a background in natural sciences and believes in understanding various phenomena. While he remains skeptical about UFOs, he does not dismiss the possibility of unexplained events.

The article mentions specific cases, such as Ante Jonsson from Småland, who claimed to have encountered aliens, and suggests that some aspects of his story might hold truth.

Regarding crop circles, the article notes that most of them have been created by humans. Svahn humorously wonders if some power in space is playing tricks on us.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine adopts a balanced approach, presenting various theories and perspectives on both the Star of Bethlehem and UFO phenomena. It encourages critical thinking while remaining open to unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the possibility of genuine mysteries. The article highlights the intersection of historical religious narratives with scientific and astronomical interpretations, and contrasts this with modern-day UFO sightings and investigations.

An announcement at the end of the magazine invites members of UFO Sverige to a barbecue in Stimmerbo on May 15th at 5:00 PM, indicating an active community around the topic.