UFO-Nytt - 1994 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NYTT
Issue: NR 3/94
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO Förening
Publication Frequency: Four times per year

This issue of UFO NYTT, a member magazine from Västerbergslagens UFO Förening, delves into various aspects of the paranormal and extraterrestrial. The content spans historical accounts, contemporary sightings, scientific observations, and folklore.

Table of Contents

The issue features a comprehensive table of contents, including:

• Förord (Foreword): A personal reflection by Gudrun on the past summer, a project in Hessdalen, Norway, and the activities of UFO-SVERIGE.
• Dikt (Poem): A poem titled "FÖRUT EN GÅNG" (Once Before).
• Klipp (Clippings): Various short news items.
• Ljusfenomen (Light Phenomena): A detailed account of a sighting by William Robert Loosley in England in 1871.
• Klipp från Hemmets Journal (Clippings from Hemmets Journal): Articles on physical and psychological effects.
• Betty Hills Stjärnkarta (Betty Hill's Star Map): Discussion of Betty Hill's claims.
• Människan på Månen (Man on the Moon): A piece likely discussing the moon landing.
• De "Mystiska" Cirklarna (The "Mystical" Circles): Likely about crop circles.
• Brasiliens Armé (Brazil's Army): A military-related item.
• Från Undersökningsgruppen (From the Investigation Group): Reports from investigative teams.
• Liv i Universum (Life in the Universe): Speculation about extraterrestrial life.

Articles and Features

Foreword

Gudrun, likely an editor or representative of the association, reflects on a warm summer and the return of cooler weather. She mentions a letter from Erling Strand in Norway about the Hessdalen project, which has attracted nine scientists and will be equipped with instruments. She also notes the efforts of Clas Swan in assisting UFO-SVERIGE with applications and hopes for grants. The association, VBU, is encouraged to be more active, with members invited to submit suggestions and ideas to revitalize the 'almost sleeping' organization.

Light Phenomena: The Loosley Sighting (1871)

This article details an extraordinary experience of William Robert Loosley, a funeral director in High Wycombe, England, on October 4, 1871. At 3:15 AM, he observed a star-like light moving across the sky. Despite clear weather, he heard a thunderclap. The luminous object descended into a nearby forest. The next morning, Loosley found a metallic, knob-covered container, about half a meter long, in a pile of leaves. The object opened, revealing an eye that emitted a purplish light. It then pursued Loosley, leaving tracks of three small wheels. He witnessed another, larger machine approaching and a 'moon-like' apparatus signaling with lights. He narrowly escaped. The following evening, he saw a light descend from the sky and disappear among the clouds. The article emphasizes that the account's age (1871) lends it credibility, suggesting the object might have been a 'probe' from an extraterrestrial intelligence, possibly engaged in reconnaissance or even abducting humans.

Supersug i Vintergatan: Svart hål svalde stjärna? (Super-suck in the Milky Way: Black hole swallowed a star?)

Astronomers in Australia have observed a phenomenon described as the most violent in our galaxy in a hundred years. It is suspected to be a black hole consuming a star. The process began hundreds or thousands of years ago, and the distance to the source is yet to be precisely determined. This event is considered the most violent in the Milky Way in a century. Duncan Campbell-Wilson, an astronomer at Sydney University, stated that a large part of a star might have disappeared into a black hole, but certainty is lacking. The immense energy source in our own Milky Way is also being studied by Australian radio telescopes, which are detecting strong radio waves. The phenomenon was first detected by an American satellite observatory on July 27, with radio signal strength increasing significantly since early August.

"Klipp" - News Clippings

• Rymdfärja tog mark i ökenområde (Space Shuttle landed in desert area): The American space shuttle Columbia landed safely at Edwards Air Force Base in California after a nine-day mission. The landing was brought forward due to toilet problems and computer issues. The astronauts had a nine-day mission.
• Toalettproblem ute i rymden (Toilet problems in space): The ongoing American space mission aimed to research space mysteries faced a setback with clogged pipes in the shuttle's toilets. This issue could lead to the mission being shortened. Astronauts were instructed to use portable 'toilets' and limit their needs. The shuttle had been grounded for a year due to mysterious fuel leaks.
• FÖR 25 ÅR SEDAN... (25 YEARS AGO...): This section recalls historical events from 25 years prior. It mentions the planned but failed rendezvous of Gemini 6 and 7 spacecraft over Asia, the return of Göran Dalström from a UNICEF propaganda tour in Europe, and the inauguration of Sweden's 15th artificial ice rink in Boden.
• UFO PÅ HJÄRNAN (UFO on the Brain): A study published in the 'Journal of Abnormal Psychology' found that 49 UFO enthusiasts who took a psychological test were 'somewhat more intelligent' than 127 control individuals.
• Hamn hittad vid pyramiden (Harbor found near the pyramid): Construction workers near the Sphinx in Giza discovered the remains of an ancient harbor, believed to have been used for transporting massive stone blocks for the Cheops pyramid. Granite was transported via barges from the quarries in Aswan.

Allt du vill veta om spöken, siare och utomjordingar (Everything you want to know about ghosts, psychics, and aliens)

This is a summary of a feature from Hemmets Journal's "Stora uppslagsbok om övernaturliga fenomen" (Big Encyclopedia of Supernatural Phenomena). It covers various paranormal topics:

• Spöken (Ghosts): Discusses the belief in ghosts and spirits lingering after death, with different types like 'likspöken' (corpse ghosts) and more ethereal spirits. It mentions the concept of 'gengångare' (returners) who appear to relatives with messages.
• Teleportation: Reports of people and objects traveling vast distances in seconds, with speculation about time barriers. Medium Uri Geller is mentioned as having experienced teleportation.
• UFO:n och utomjordingar (UFOs and aliens): Covers the history of UFO sightings since the 1940s, describing them as flying objects, often disc-shaped. It mentions a report of a UFO fleet landing in a forest in 1967 for refueling and describes alleged alien encounters involving collecting samples. Some believe aliens visited Earth thousands of years ago, influencing human development, citing ancient texts and artifacts like the Palenque relief.
• Leylinjer, jordstrålning (Leylines, earth radiation): Explains leylines as magnetic lines in the earth's crust that can affect people. It notes that many ancient sites are located on leylines and that paranormal phenomena are more frequent at their intersections. Earth radiation is also discussed as a potential cause for health issues.
• Magi, häxor och shamaner (Magic, witches, and shamans): Discusses the continued practice of witchcraft and shamanism, their rituals, and beliefs. It touches upon the historical persecution of witches and the distinction between white (healing) and black magic.
• Tomtar, troll och älvor (Gnomes, trolls, and elves): Explores Scandinavian folklore about nature spirits, their roles, and interactions with humans. It includes tales of gnomes, trolls, elves, and other mythical beings like the Huldra and Näcken.
• Demoner och besatthet (Demons and possession): Differentiates demons from human souls, describing them as ancient, powerful beings. It mentions the belief in both good and evil demons and the concept of demonic possession, which can be treated with exorcism.

Other Sections

• VBU Observation Evenings: An announcement for observation evenings organized by Lars Andersson, inviting members to participate.
• Quote: A humorous quote about not eating surströmming but being willing to 'smell bad'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores phenomena that lie outside conventional scientific understanding, including UFOs, paranormal events, and folklore. There is a clear interest in historical accounts and anecdotal evidence, often presented with a tone that encourages belief or at least open-mindedness towards these subjects. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and dissemination of information related to the unexplained, aiming to inform and engage its readership in these often-controversial topics. The inclusion of clippings from other publications and a summary of a book by Whitley Strieber suggest a broad approach to sourcing content within the realm of the paranormal and ufology.

This issue of the magazine, identified by its issue number '10' and dated July 22, 1994, is published by BLEKINGE LÄNS TIDNING and focuses on the physical and psychological effects of UFO encounters, space exploration, and related phenomena. The cover headline asks, "Flygande tefat på besök?" (Flying saucers visiting?), suggesting a focus on UFO sightings.

Article: FYSISK OCH PSYKISK EFFEKT (Physical and Psychic Effect)

This article details an incident in Daw Park, South Australia, in 1976. A dog began barking and a radio started making noise. A humanoid, dressed in a silver suit and carrying a box, appeared about 10 meters from the witness. The humanoid bent down and patted the dog, saying something unintelligible. When the humanoid approached, the witness retreated indoors. The figure then ascended into a silver, cigar-shaped craft that flew north. The event lasted about five minutes. While the witness experienced no physical harm, they felt the psychological effects for at least six months. Three days later, 1-1.5 cm deep footprints were found in the grass, which were larger than those of an average-sized human and disappeared within a couple of weeks.

Article: Ur boken: VEM ÄR JAG? (From the book: WHO AM I?)

This section features excerpts from the book 'VEM ÄR JAG?' by Rauni-Leena Luukanen. It includes a piece titled "Vi tar ufon på allvar" (We take UFOs seriously) by Mikael Sjöberg. Sjöberg argues that UFO phenomena should be taken seriously and not dismissed as mere 'flying saucer religion.' He criticizes 'contact persons' who claim to have religious experiences related to UFOs, stating that while many sightings have natural explanations (around 95%), a small percentage remain unexplained and are of great interest to researchers. He emphasizes the need for an investigative, science-oriented approach.

Article: NY TOLKNING AV BETTY HILLS STJÄRNKARTA (New Interpretation of Betty Hill's Star Map)

This article discusses the work of Joachim Koch and Hans-Jürgen Kyborg from Germany, who have studied the star map drawn by Betty Hill after her alleged abduction in 1961. They propose a new explanation for the map, suggesting it is a copy of the Zeta Reticuli binary star system. Majorie E. Fish had previously suggested this connection in 1974. Koch and Kyborg argue that if the Hill case was taken seriously, then the star map should also be examined closely. They note that the original map clearly shows rings around the two largest circles. The article suggests that the rings might represent the planetary systems of Saturn and Jupiter. Using astronomical software, they mapped the planets' positions on the day the Hills were abducted and found a correlation with Betty's star map. The article concludes by posing the question of whether this is a more plausible explanation and mentions that Koch and Kyborg's theories are detailed in a 38-page booklet available from UFO NORGE.

Article: "Ett litet steg för en människa men ett jättesprång för mänskligheten!" ("One small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind!")

This article, written by Christian Rosenfeldt, recounts the author's personal experience of witnessing the Apollo 11 moon landing on July 21-22, 1969, when he was 12 years old. He describes listening to the broadcast with his parents in their summer house in southern Sweden, hearing Arne Thorén's commentary and the astronauts' transmissions. The moment Neil Armstrong announced, "The Eagle has landed," was a profound experience for him. The article then delves into the history of the moon landing, mentioning President Kennedy's 1963 challenge to land a man on the moon before the end of the decade. It details the Gemini and Mercury programs that paved the way for Apollo, and the three astronauts of Apollo 11: Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin Jr., and Michael Collins. Buzz Aldrin's mother was reportedly named Marion Moon. The launch from Cape Kennedy on July 16, 1969, is described, along with the journey and the landing on the moon. The article notes that Edwin Aldrin Jr. had Swedish ancestry.

Article: Månen (The Moon)

Continuing the narrative from the previous article, this section details the events of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin descended to the lunar surface in the 'Eagle' lander, while Michael Collins remained in orbit in the command module 'Columbia.' Armstrong's first words upon stepping onto the moon are quoted: "That's one small step for a man, one giant step for mankind." The astronauts collected samples, planted the American flag, and placed a plaque at Tranquility Base. Armstrong's statement, "We came in peace for all mankind," is highlighted. After their moonwalk, they returned to the 'Eagle,' rendezvoused with Collins, and began their journey back to Earth, landing in the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969. The astronauts were then placed in quarantine to prevent the spread of any potential lunar pathogens. The article mentions that subsequent Apollo missions continued until 1972, and that space exploration has become more routine, but Apollo 11 remains a unique historical event.

Article: Svenskättlingen "Buzz" Aldrins oförglömliga syn: Från Månen är Jorden jämnt mörkblå (Swedish descendant "Buzz" Aldrin's unforgettable sight: From the Moon, Earth is constantly dark blue)

This article features an interview with Buzz Aldrin by Gösta Olsson. Aldrin, who is 64 years old and of Swedish descent (his paternal grandfather was a blacksmith from Värmland, Sweden), shares his memories. He describes the moon landing as a mission focused on tasks and checklists, with little time for personal reflection. He recalls seeing Earth as a dark blue sphere due to the lack of atmosphere. Aldrin explains that Neil Armstrong was chosen to be the first to walk on the moon because he had been an astronaut longer. The article also mentions Aldrin's family, including his three children and a grandson.

Article: Flygande tefat på besök? (Flying saucers visiting?)

This article reports on new mysterious circles appearing in crop fields in Halland, Sweden. Lantmästare Olle Johansson found a perfect circle in his rye field for the second consecutive year. The circle, measuring 7 meters in diameter, was smaller than the previous year's but equally perfect, with no human tracks. An observer from UFO-Sverige suggested it might be a natural phenomenon rather than extraterrestrial. The article also mentions a similar mysterious circle found near Mölle, Skåne. Arne Gjärdman from the Swedish Defence Research Agency (FOA) states that while most reported circles are man-made hoaxes, some appear genuine, with ball lightning being a possible explanation. The phenomenon of crop circles dates back to the 17th century, and while it has decreased in England, it has seen a resurgence in Sweden.

Article: CROYDON, VIKTORIA

This short report describes an incident in Croydon, Victoria, in September 1976, where a circular formation was found on a football field. A dog refused to enter the circle, which was about 12 meters in diameter and had two 'tails.' The grass inside was standing upright, while the surrounding grass was wet. A strange, whining sound was heard the night before.

Article: BRASILIENS ARME (Brazilian Army)

This article details UFO observations by the Brazilian army. On May 9, 1986, the chief of a state oil company observed three bright light globes, also detected by radar, flying above Sao Paulo. Three fighter jets were dispatched, with one managing to get within six kilometers of the UFOs, which were then surrounded by thirteen light globes. The UFOs were estimated to be moving at 1500 km/h. The chase lasted for half an hour before the fighter jets ran out of fuel. The UFOs then ascended into space. General Ottavio Moreira Lima stated that there was no natural explanation for the phenomenon. A press conference was held where the pilots shared their observations. The article also mentions UFO phenomena in Pennsylvania, USA, including light globes, metallic discs, and 'snowmen' of the 'bigfoot' type.

Article: UNDERSÖKNINGSGRUPPEN (Investigation Groups)

This section reports on activities and findings of UFO investigation groups. UFO SVERIGE is planning a project in Gotland in October. The article mentions the ongoing work at Hessdalen, Norway, and the efforts to involve scientists. It notes that UFO research is still in its early stages, with a focus on documentation rather than rigorous scientific investigation. Two specific reports are included:

1. Bondhyttan, Sweden (March 11, 1994): Britt-Inger Eriksson describes witnessing a rapid light beam over a lake, followed by several strong light beams and two oval shapes. She also reported electrical problems (lights blinking) shortly before the phenomenon.
2. Leksand, Ullvi, Sweden (July 23, 1994): Lisa Bengts observed a dark object moving rapidly over the water, too fast for a boat or plane. The object was estimated to be 4-5 meters long. A friend independently observed a similar phenomenon moving in the opposite direction.

Article: LIV I UNIVERSUM (Life in the Universe)

This article, written by Henrik Glintborg and translated by Gudrun Andersson, discusses NASA's ambitious MOP (Mission to Planet Earth) project, launched on October 12, 1992. The 10-year, 100 million dollar project aims to search for extraterrestrial life. The article explains that radio telescopes are used because their waves can penetrate space better than light. The project focuses on stars similar to our sun, hypothesizing that intelligent life would have similar conditions. It is estimated that 800 stars within 75 light-years could be examined. The article acknowledges the possibility of advanced civilizations migrating from dying star systems or evolving at a faster rate than on Earth. It concludes by stating that while radio telescopes are in place to detect signals, advanced technology is needed to distinguish them from cosmic background noise.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently takes a serious approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging investigation and analysis rather than dismissing reports as mere fantasy or religious fervor. There is a clear interest in documenting unexplained events, historical cases, and scientific research related to UFOs and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking plausible explanations while acknowledging the existence of genuinely puzzling cases. The inclusion of personal accounts alongside scientific discussions and historical context suggests a broad appeal to readers interested in the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of Kontakt, dated 8-641 (likely August 1964) and part of Volume 20, features a significant focus on extraterrestrial life and UFO phenomena. The cover headline, "VAD SÄGER Saida..." (What does Saida say...), is accompanied by a reader's question, "Var det ett UFO jag såg?" (Was it a UFO I saw?). The magazine encourages reader participation, inviting submissions of articles, clippings, letters, and drawings.

Article: The Drake Equation and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

The main article delves into the work of American astronomer Frank Drake, who in the early 1960s initiated the first research attempt to listen for signals from space. The article highlights the rapid technological advancements in signal reception and data processing, noting that current technology can process in 30 seconds what previously took much longer. Drake's pioneering effort involved creating a mathematical formula to estimate the possibilities of life elsewhere. The equation is presented as R=N* xFp xNe xF1 xFi xFc xFl, where:

• N* represents the number of new stars born in the Milky Way each year.
• Fp is the fraction of stars with planetary systems.
• Ne is the average number of planets per star that have physical conditions suitable for life.
• Fl is the fraction of those planets where life actually develops.
• Fi is the fraction of life-bearing planets where intelligent life evolves.
• Fc is the fraction of civilizations that develop technology and attempt to communicate with other civilizations.
• FL is the average lifespan of such civilizations.

The article provides an example calculation using specific values: R = 10 x 0.5 x 1 x 0.1 x 0.5 x 0.5 x 1,000,000 = 125,000. This calculation suggests that there could be 125,000 planets with intelligent life in our galaxy alone. The author emphasizes that, apart from the factor N*, all other factors are uncertain and based on estimations. The next 10 years are expected to provide opportunities to advance the search for life in the universe, and regardless of the outcome, the projects will yield significant knowledge about our universe.

Reader Submission: Elsy's UFO Sighting

A reader named Elsy writes to the columnist Saida describing an unusual experience. One Sunday night, around 3:30 AM, as she was about to go to bed, she was met by an incredibly strong light that illuminated her kitchen as if it were daytime. Initially, she thought it was lightning, but then realized it was like a powerful spotlight shining from the sky. She looked into the beam for a few seconds and felt a chilling sensation, with goosebumps all over her body, and an urge to get away from the light. She grabbed the doorpost and tried to pull away as the 'spotlight' suddenly turned off. Just before it went out, she saw a gray edge around the light, approximately half a centimeter wide. She described the object's shape as resembling a saucer or an inverted lamp shining upwards. The craft then slowly slid to the left. Elsy ran into the bathroom and could follow it over the rooftops. She noted that it was a clear, calm morning with no birds chirping, and complete silence. She contacted a UFO organization, and several people visited her. However, she felt they did not believe her account. She has since confirmed that no airplanes were in the air at that time and ponders if she will experience such an event again, finding it a bit unsettling to go to bed after such an unusual occurrence.

Editorial Response to Elsy

Saida responds to Elsy's letter, stating that Elsy met the wrong people from the UFO organization. Saida assures Elsy that she did indeed see a UFO and that, unfortunately, she is unlikely to experience it again. Saida advises Elsy to cherish the unusual experience she had.

Cartoon

A cartoon strip appears at the bottom of the page, featuring three panels. The first panel shows a person looking south, with speech bubbles saying "TJA... DAR FLOG DOM SISTA ANKORNA..." (Well... there flew the last ducks...). The second panel depicts a person saying, "OCH MIN SISTA CHANS ATT FLYGA SÕDERUT I VINTER..." (And my last chance to fly south in winter...). The third panel shows a person saying, "JAG FÅR TYDLIGEN TA LANDVÄGEN IGEN!" (I guess I'll have to take the road again!). This cartoon seems to be a lighthearted commentary on seasonal migration or travel.

Call for Contributions

The magazine concludes with a prominent call to action, inviting readers to send in "URKLIPP, ARTIKLAR, INSÄNDARE ELLER SMÅ SVARTVITA TECKNINGAR!" (Clippings, articles, letters, or small black and white drawings!). The message "VAR INTE BLYG SÄTT IGÅNG" (Don't be shy, get started) encourages active participation from the readership.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of extraterrestrial life (via the Drake Equation) and the reporting of personal UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and encouraging towards both scientific inquiry and anecdotal evidence, as demonstrated by the publication of Elsy's detailed account and Saida's supportive response. The magazine actively seeks to engage its readers, fostering a community interested in these phenomena.