UFO-Nytt - 1997 Extra läsning

Magazine Overview

This is a special "extra number" of the Swedish UFO magazine "UFO NYTT", published in 1997 by Västerbergslagens UFO förening. The cover features a bold headline "EXTRA LÄSNING!" (Extra Reading!) and highlights the organization's contact details.

Table of Contents

• The table of contents on page 2 lists a variety of articles, including:
• "Where the sky meets the sea" (about Haväng)
• "Klipp" (Clips/Excerpts) scattered throughout
• "The Unknown"
• "UFO landing in Gyttarn"
• "The Wanderer"
• "UFOs' remarkable phenomena"
• "Brahehus"
• "Three human species..."
• "Jesus cries..."
• "Burned by a UFO"

The editorial notes that this extra issue contains no UFO reports but rather "clips and diverse material" intended to interest members. It also reminds members to renew their subscriptions for 1997 and to update their addresses.

Articles

Haväng: Where the Sky Meets the Sea

This article describes the atmospheric and historical significance of Haväng on Österlen, Skåne, Sweden. It highlights a 5,200-year-old pagan burial site discovered there, likely uncovered by a severe storm. The area is rich in ancient history, with burial mounds, settlements, stone settings, and a "domarring" (a type of stone circle). The main feature is a "dös" (dolmen), a prehistoric burial monument. The article also mentions other archaeological finds near the Verkeån river, including daggers, axes, and gold artifacts, suggesting it was once a thriving trading post. The area is now a popular tourist destination, known for its natural beauty and beaches, though it is near a military firing range.

The Man Who Gave Comets a Timetable: Edmund Halley

This piece recounts the story of Edmund Halley, an English astronomer who revolutionized the understanding of comets. Contrary to the ancient belief that comets were omens of disaster, Halley collected historical records of comets and calculated their orbits. He noticed that a comet seen in 1682 shared a similar orbit to those seen in 1531 and 1607, leading him to hypothesize that it was the same comet returning approximately every 76 years. He predicted its return around 1758. Halley died in 1742, but his prediction was confirmed when the comet reappeared in 1758, 1835, 1910, and 1986, earning it the name Halley's Comet.

Mushroom Breaks Record with 50 Million Years

A paleontological discovery in New Jersey, USA, has yielded the world's oldest preserved mushroom, embedded in amber. This find, made by paleontologist David Hibbitt, is 94 million years old, surpassing the previous record by at least 50 million years. The preserved mushroom closely resembles modern-day cap mushrooms.

Weather Forecast for Sweden

This section provides a weather forecast for Sweden for the summer, attributed to Enok Sarri from Nikkaluokta. He predicts a warm and sunny summer, with the most sunshine expected in Lapland. The forecast is divided into Northern, Central, and Southern Sweden, detailing expected conditions for winter, spring, summer, and autumn.

The Unknown: Erich von Däniken Returns

This article marks the return of Erich von Däniken, author of "Chariots of the Gods?", who gained international fame for his theories about ancient astronauts. After a period of criticism and discrediting, von Däniken is back with his book "The Eyes of the Sphinx," reaffirming his belief that extraterrestrials influenced human evolution and visited Earth in ancient times. He points to inscriptions like the "motorcyclist" in Palenque, Mexico, and ancient myths as evidence. He is particularly excited about a secret chamber discovered in a pyramid in 1993, which he believes holds answers to humanity's origins.

Comets Brought Water to Earth

This article discusses the theory that a significant portion of Earth's ocean water originated from comets. Researchers at Cornell University suggest that comets, composed of about 50% water, could have delivered enough water to Earth early in its history to account for the current oceans. This is supported by the presence of heavy water in comets, similar to that found in Earth's oceans.

UFO Landing at Nitro Nobel in Gyttorp

This is a detailed report of a suspected UFO landing on Lake Vikern near the Nitro Nobel facility in Gyttorp, Sweden, on January 21, 1997. A witness, Allan E. Jansson, described seeing a large, dark, disc-shaped object hovering over the ice for about five hours. The object emitted a steady red light. An investigation by UFO-Sverige found a circular ice imprint, 41 meters in diameter, with unusual ice crystallization patterns in the center. The report notes that Nitro Nobel is a defense industry with secret projects, and the IG (Ice and Cloudiness Department), which monitors ice conditions for potential military use, was also consulted. While the IG's official stance suggested a natural explanation related to extreme cold and humidity, the article implies a possible UFO connection.

Werner von Braun: Science and Religion

This section features a summary of a lecture by Dr. Wernher von Braun, a leading space researcher. Von Braun discusses the perceived conflict between science and religion, stating that both are essential forces shaping civilization. He believes science seeks to understand the mysteries of creation, while religion seeks to understand the Creator. He argues that science and religion are not mutually exclusive and that a true scientist should acknowledge a higher reality beyond the universe, just as a theologian should not deny scientific progress. He concludes that while humans cannot fully comprehend an omnipotent God, the exploration of the universe through science confirms faith in a Creator.

Spacecraft Search for Life on Mars

This article discusses upcoming missions to Mars, including American and Russian spacecraft. It mentions that scientists have found evidence of microbial life in Martian rocks. The missions aim to map Mars' surface, study its geology, and potentially search for signs of life. The Pathfinder rover is highlighted as a vehicle that will explore the Martian surface.

Take the Last Chance to Say Hello to Extraterrestrials

This is a call to action for readers to send a short message (up to 60 characters) to be included on a CD-ROM aboard the "Cassini/Huygens" spacecraft, which will travel to Saturn and its moon Titan. The message will be part of a project to send greetings to potential extraterrestrial life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings and investigations, ancient astronaut theories, and space exploration. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts and investigative findings, while also exploring scientific and historical topics that may intersect with these interests. The inclusion of articles on Halley's Comet, the origins of water, and space missions suggests a broader interest in scientific inquiry alongside the core UFO focus. The editorial stance seems to be one of presenting information and encouraging member participation, as evidenced by the call for subscription renewals and address updates.

This issue of Året Runt, dated 1996, features a diverse collection of articles, blending historical accounts, scientific discussions, and fictional narratives. The cover story, "Vandringsmannen," is a fictional tale of a man's journey and encounters. Other articles delve into historical sites like Brahehus, ancient human evolution, and the persistent phenomenon of UFO sightings in Sweden.

Vandringsmannen

The issue opens with a fictional story titled "Vandringsmannen." It recounts the journey of a young man who has been traveling for three days, exploring beyond the mountains. He discovers a lush valley teeming with wildlife. While resting, he encounters a young girl with long, light hair, dressed in animal skins. She appears strong and leaves faint tracks. The man and the girl share a meal of fish they catch and fruit. They spend the night outdoors, protected by a fire from predators. The next day, the girl washes herself in the stream and shows the man her dwelling, a skin tent supported by poles, containing baskets of nuts and fruits. She shares her story of being orphaned when an evil spirit caused an earthquake that destroyed her home. She has been alone for a year and decided to wander. The man invites her to join him on his travels, and she accepts. They travel through diverse landscapes, including steppes, forests, and mountains. They discover a peculiar stone by a lake with strange carvings and a "Star Light," which they interpret as a warning. One night, they witness a large light over the lake, which approaches their camp before stopping and disappearing. The following morning, they find large marks in the sand. The girl becomes ill, and they decide to move on, seeking a new valley to settle in, anticipating the rainy season. They find a beautiful, fertile valley filled with exotic flowers and scents, which they decide to make their temporary home. They establish a camp, hunt, and dry meat. The girl collects flower petals for her hair. Later, the man realizes the girl is pregnant, though she claims no man has been with her, attributing it to a spiritual union. He decides to wait until they can contact other tribes to formally claim her. They continue their journey and find a large mountain plateau with a cult site and many people. They hear stories of dragons in the sky that sometimes take people with them.

UFOs - Himla Fenomen

This section explores the history and phenomenon of UFO sightings in Sweden. It begins by stating that 50 years prior to the article's publication, reports of unidentified flying objects began to increase significantly. A secret commission concluded that "foreign experimental activity" was undoubtedly occurring over Sweden, though no clear answers were found. The article highlights several specific sightings:

• 1974: A disk-shaped object with a transparent dome and bright beams was observed hovering over Åkerhagen, Borgholm.
• 1983: A bright light was seen ascending from a field near Lilla Edet.
• 1995: A strange object with window-like openings was seen over Värnamo.
• 1965: A silent, fast-moving object was observed flying over Northern Sweden.
• 1992: A round object with blinking lights was seen near Gävle.
• 1946: Over 1,500 UFO sightings were reported in Sweden.

The article also mentions a supposed UFO landing witnessed by two enthusiasts in Kolmården, though the author expresses skepticism. It touches upon the idea that UFOs might be linked to ancient texts, referencing Ezekiel's vision in the Old Testament. The section also includes accounts of personal experiences, such as Vera Carlson seeing a strange light near Ronneby and Monica Frick witnessing a hovering object near Gävle.

Ancient Human History

This article discusses recent findings that challenge our understanding of human evolution. It reports on new dating methods suggesting that Homo erectus may have coexisted with Homo sapiens and Neanderthals as recently as 27,000 years ago. This challenges the idea that Homo erectus died out much earlier. The findings are based on the analysis of buffalo teeth found in the same geological layers as Homo erectus fossils in Ngandong, Java. The article presents two competing theories for human evolution: the multiregional hypothesis (suggesting gradual evolution from Homo erectus across different regions) and the out-of-Africa hypothesis (suggesting Homo sapiens evolved in Africa and then migrated). The new dating seems to favor the latter, as it's difficult to explain how Homo erectus could have evolved into Homo sapiens across the globe while still existing much later.

Mayan Flutes

This segment explores the significance of Mayan flutes, suggesting they were more than just toys. New archaeological findings from Belize indicate that these flutes were used in burial rituals and other religious ceremonies. The article describes how Mayan flutes were crafted in various shapes, including animals and mythical beings, and could produce multiple tones. It highlights a specific ocarina that could produce 17 tones. The complexity and artistry of these flutes suggest they played a crucial role in Mayan culture, possibly in their attempts to communicate with and appease their gods.

Brahehus: A Ruined Dream

This article details the history of Brahehus, a castle built by Per Brahe in the 17th century on a cliff overlooking Lake Vättern. Although completed in 1645, the pleasure house was destroyed by a severe storm and fire in 1708. The article describes the storm's ferocity and how it led to the destruction of the castle, along with several surrounding farms. It recounts Per Brahe's vision for the castle and its eventual transformation from a pleasure house to a more fortified structure. After Per Brahe's death, the castle fell into disrepair and was eventually looted and destroyed. Despite its ruin, Brahehus remains a significant tourist attraction.

World's Oldest Dwarf Found in Italy

This short piece reports on the discovery of a dwarf's skeleton in Southern Italy, dating back approximately 11,000 years. The skeleton, found in a cave adorned with paintings, indicates that the dwarf lived to be about 17 years old. This discovery challenges the notion that early human societies were solely focused on survival, as the care provided to the dwarf suggests a level of compassion and social support. The dwarf's condition is identified as a rare form of dwarfism called achromesomelia, characterized by a large head and short, bent limbs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue showcases a blend of historical curiosity, scientific inquiry, and fictional storytelling. The recurring themes include the exploration of the unknown, whether through fictional journeys, historical mysteries, or the unexplained phenomena of UFOs. There's a clear interest in ancient civilizations and their practices, as seen in the articles on Mayan culture and the discovery of the ancient dwarf. The magazine also engages with contemporary scientific debates, such as human evolution. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded exploration, presenting various perspectives and encouraging readers to form their own conclusions, particularly on topics like UFOs and human origins. The inclusion of reader contributions and historical accounts suggests a commitment to documenting and sharing diverse human experiences and discoveries.

This issue of the magazine, identified by its issue number '20' and the prominent headline 'Jesus gråter' (Jesus is crying), delves into several intriguing topics, primarily focusing on a reported religious miracle and a significant UFO sighting, alongside scientific and historical discoveries.

Jesus Weeps in Bethlehem

The lead story details a phenomenon occurring in Bethlehem at the Church of the Nativity, where a Jesus statue is reportedly weeping. Fader Anastasios, the highest representative of the Greek Orthodox Church in Bethlehem, has officially declared the event a miracle, suggesting Jesus is crying due to the poor state of the world. Several eyewitnesses, including Sadika Hamida, claim to have seen tears on the statue's face, with some even reporting it blinked. However, skeptics propose that the 'tears' might be condensation from the church's roof. The article notes that this event is particularly timely, potentially boosting Bethlehem's tourism industry, which is heavily reliant on the Christmas season. The Roman Catholic Church, also having interests in the Church of the Nativity, has not yet officially declared it a miracle but is studying the reports. The last major 'miracle' mentioned in the Middle East was the Virgin Mary's appearance in Cairo in 1967.

The Bo Svensson UFO Incident

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the story of Bo Svensson, a 58-year-old pilot from Emmaboda, Sweden, who claims to have been a 'spaceship' for ten years. This narrative clarifies a long-standing UFO sighting near Emmaboda. Svensson recounts a plane crash in 1985 near Gusemåla, where his glider malfunctioned, forcing him to make an emergency landing in a clearing. He sustained injuries, particularly to his back. Following the crash, local newspapers reported the incident, with a UFO expert interpreting it as a UFO landing where one craft was being rescued by another. Svensson remained silent for years to avoid negative publicity for his flying club. He later experienced further health issues, including headaches and diarrhea, and developed blisters and swelling. The article also mentions a separate, but related, incident involving Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and Colby in Texas on December 29, 1980. They witnessed a large, diamond-shaped, silver craft hovering at tree-top height, emitting flames, and causing intense heat that burned their skin and melted parts of their car's dashboard. All three experienced severe symptoms. Their subsequent legal battle against military and civilian authorities for compensation was unsuccessful, with a judge ruling in 1986 that no such craft existed in the US military. UFO experts John Schuessler and Allen Hendry investigated the case but found it to be a mystery.

Ancient Warfare and Martian Ice Ages

The magazine also features articles on historical and scientific topics. One piece discusses findings from cave paintings in Arnhem Land, Australia, suggesting that humans were engaged in organized warfare as far back as 10,000 years ago. These paintings depict scenes of conflict, including people being speared and others helping the wounded, pushing back the timeline for organized warfare from the advent of agriculture to hunter-gatherer societies. Another scientific article focuses on Mars, presenting evidence from Viking orbiter images that indicate the planet has experienced two major ice ages and periods of warmer climate with oceans. Studies of glacial features and impact craters suggest these ice ages occurred about a few billion years ago and again less than 300 million years ago. The presence of water and a denser atmosphere in the past suggests Mars may have once had conditions suitable for life, and the possibility of microbial fossils is not ruled out.

Visionary Rumours and UFOs

An article titled 'Visionary rumours' explores the psychological aspects of UFO sightings, referencing Carl Jung's concept of 'visionary rumours.' It posits that many UFO observations stem from psychological stress, lack of metaphysical hope in modern humans, and can be exploited for manipulation and indoctrination by extremist groups, including neo-Nazis. The article also touches upon the scientific question of extraterrestrial life, mentioning the potential for life on Jupiter's moon Europa due to a subsurface ocean.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to cover a range of phenomena that challenge conventional understanding, from religious miracles and unexplained aerial phenomena to historical evidence of human conflict and scientific exploration of other planets. The editorial stance seems to be one of reporting on these events, presenting both the extraordinary claims and the skeptical counterarguments or scientific explanations. There's a clear interest in mysteries, historical enigmas, and the potential for the unknown, whether it be divine intervention, extraterrestrial visitation, or ancient human capabilities.