UFO-Nytt - 1997 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO NYTT, identified as Nr 4 1997, is published by Västerbergslagens UFO Förening and is written in Swedish. The cover features a stylized logo, a silhouette of the Earth, and the text "NR 4 1997". The main cover headline highlights "UFO filmat över Svalbard". The magazine appears to be a newsletter or fanzine format, with a significant focus on investigative reports and witness accounts.

Table of Contents and Editor's Note

Page 2 provides a table of contents for the issue:

• Förord (Foreword)
• UFO i Namsen fjorden? (UFO in Namsen Fjord?)
• UFO filmat över Svalbard. (UFO filmed over Svalbard.)
• Rapporter (Reports)
• Marsansiktet... (The Face on Mars...)
• Styrelsen presenteras... (The Board is presented...)
• Mor o dotter såg ett 'tefat (Mother and daughter saw a 'saucer')
• Vad är din åsikt... (What is your opinion...)

The issue also includes contact information for Västerbergslagens UFO förening (Box 99, 777 23 Smedjebacken, Tele: 0240/79135) and a reminder to pay membership fees for the next year (100 SEK for adults, 35 SEK for under 16s). It announces that the association will host the UFO-Sveriges Riksstämma (UFO-Sweden National Meeting) in Ludvika on April 25-26, 1998.

Foreword by Gudrun Andersson

Gudrun Andersson, likely the editor, reflects on the passage of time and the past UFO year, noting that a large number of reports, including older ones, have been collected for documentation. She highlights the dedication of a few "eldsjälar" (enthusiasts) within the association who manage finances and report intake. The upcoming UFO Sveriges Riksstämma in Dalarna in 1998 is mentioned as a major undertaking, with hopes for many interesting speakers. Andersson notes the continued strong interest in the UFO question, citing an investigation by "Marie" which is detailed in the magazine. Marie's work involved handling reports, observing interviews, and manning the UFO hotline. Andersson mentions taking a week's "vacation" from UFO work. She encourages members to submit interesting material for the magazine and calls for more active members. The foreword concludes with holiday wishes ("GOD JUL och ett härligt GOTT NYTT ÅR!") and a plea for continued membership.

UFO i Namsen fjorden? (UFO in Namsen Fjord?)

This article, authored by Arnulf Løken and translated by Gudrun Andersson, investigates the 1959 observation at Namsenfjorden. Løken has spent the last six months researching the case, aiming to provide a historical overview for both older and younger readers. The investigation involved digging through old newspaper archives and contacting previous researchers. The article is presented as the first part of a two-part series.

Background:

In late December 1959, forest warden Lorentz Johnsen saw a flying, cylinder-shaped craft heading towards Namsenfjorden as he opened his garage. The craft moved over Sundsråa, and several objects were heard to fall into the sea with a loud splash. A nearby resident also heard the splash. In 1963, a fisherman lost his trawl in the same area, and another fisherman recorded an unusual sonar reading.

In the summer of 1968, Trondheims UFO-förening hired two divers to investigate the bottom of Sundsråa. Lorentz Johnsen guided them to the area where he saw the objects descend. Sonar detected an object of interest. The divers descended to 80 meters, a risky dive, and observed two parallel, strange tracks on the bottom, resembling tracks from a cart or wagon, before visibility was lost in the darkness.

Kjolsøya in Namsenfjorden, summer 1972:

On June 9, residents around Bangsund experienced strong TV interference, causing the picture to disappear entirely.

Page 5 continues the investigation:

Two days later, Ola Dahl observed strange tracks outside his house, described as triangular and round, with sides about 1.5 meters long and 1.5 meters deep. Calculations suggest a weight of 20-30 tons. Many tracks were found around Sundsråa, and some were found to be radioactive. The press showed significant interest.

In the summer of 1973, the Bakke family saw a craft moving at high speed over Namsenfjorden, heading towards Kjolsoya, before ascending at a 45-degree angle and disappearing.

In the summer of 1974, Norsk UFO Center re-examined the tracks. After two years, they remained almost unchanged. An underwater camera sent down to 80 meters in Sundsråa malfunctioned, producing only black images. A crash site was also noted on a nearby mountain face. In the autumn of 1996, UFO NORGE conducted another sonar investigation, which indicated the presence of something, but a definitive examination would require a mini-submarine.

Explanation of the images:

The image shows a sonar screen. The upper half displays the seabed from 0-80 meters, with a red line marking the bottom, which appears flat. A raised area in the middle, about 10 meters high, is noted as the most interesting point. The lower half of the screen shows the bottom and 10 meters above it. An echo was detected after the sonar beam hit an unknown flat surface or wall, 7 meters above the bottom. The article concludes that further investigation with a mini-submarine is needed to determine the truth.

"Jag såg ufo på Sydpolen" (I saw a UFO at the South Pole)

This section features Monica Kristensen, a Norwegian polar traveler, who is inaugurating a large UFO conference in Oslo. She claims to have seen a UFO herself while photographing the sky over Ny-Ålesund in Antarctica. She describes a luminous object that moved slowly and swept over the area with what appeared to be a searchlight. Kristensen, who is the head of the Norwegian Meteorological Institute in Tromsø, states that the object could not have been a helicopter as it was completely silent. She advocates for a meeting between scientists and ufologists to discuss reported cases worldwide.

UFO FILMAT ÖVER SVALBARD (UFO filmed over Svalbard)

Authored by Ole Henningsen and translated by Gudrun Andersson, this article details an observation by the renowned Norwegian polar researcher Monica Kristensen. Twenty years prior, during her stay at the Norwegian Polar Institute's research station on Svalbard, Kristensen observed a UFO phenomenon. The event was recorded by an All-Sky camera, but the images were never officially released.

Kristensen recounts the experience on a frosty winter evening near "Kongsbrozzen". She describes a circular light, several meters in diameter, appearing as a ring of light without distinct contours. It was not a helicopter, as she was familiar with the aircraft in the area. The object emitted a faint glow from its round ring, illuminating the ice below. It swayed back and forth, as if searching, and sometimes hovered motionless about 100 meters above the ice. Kristensen felt a chill and decided to investigate further, going out towards the shore.

She describes a "circular disc of light" that flew over the fjord towards Ny-Ålesund, moving over Shetelig Pjeldet before disappearing. She later discussed the event with fellow researcher Ole, who asked if she had been up to change the film in the All-Sky camera. They realized that if they both saw the phenomenon, and it was captured on film, it would provide confirmation. Other colleagues were skeptical.

Several months later, the film was sent from the observatory. It showed a strange light moving across the film, which could not be identified. The article concludes that they had successfully captured a UFO on film, providing confirmation of their sighting. The article also mentions that Monica Kristensen is now the head of the Norwegian Meteorological Institute's department for the Northern Lights in Tromsø. Ole Jonny Branne attempted to get more details from Kristensen and the observatory but received no response.

RAPPORTER (Reports)

This section contains a report from Hans Bergqvist in Säter, Sweden, dated September 3, 1997. On the evening of July 23, 1997, Bergqvist and his wife were stargazing when they observed a yellow-white point moving in the North-Northwest. After 15-20 seconds, a blue light suddenly appeared from the object, expanding outwards like a lamp turning on. The object then continued its path without any apparent hopping movements. Bergqvist followed it with his eyes until it was nearly level with the Big Dipper. Due to ambient light and some haze, it disappeared briefly. He saw it again faintly after checking his watch. Suddenly, the object became much larger (larger than when first spotted) and then vanished. The blue light lasted for 5-6 seconds and was described as transparent and very bright.

The report includes a sketch of the sighting, showing the house, an altar, and the direction of the object's movement. A note at the bottom says "Jakt underifrån seft" (Hunt from below, seen) and "intryck att det skulle se ut från Sida" (impression of what it would look like from the side).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NYTT are UFO investigations, witness testimonies, and the scientific study of unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine appears to have a strong focus on documenting historical cases, such as the Namsenfjorden incident, and contemporary sightings, like the one over Svalbard and the report from Säter. The editorial stance, as suggested by the foreword and the call for dialogue in the article about Monica Kristensen, seems to be one of open-minded inquiry and a desire to bring together researchers and the public to discuss and investigate UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on collecting and preserving data, as highlighted by the collection of past reports and the use of scientific methods like sonar and All-Sky cameras. The magazine also serves as a platform for the local UFO association, promoting its activities and encouraging membership.

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt, dated 1997, focuses on a variety of topics including UFO sightings, the mysterious 'Mars face', and historical references to alcohol. The magazine features witness accounts, interviews, and articles that explore unexplained phenomena and historical records.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The issue presents several detailed reports from individuals who claim to have witnessed unidentified flying objects. These accounts span various dates and locations, primarily in Sweden, with one report from Norway.

Dala Husby, Sweden (1988-89)

A witness describes seeing a craft with a bright, sharp light of yellow-gold and blue-purple that made a faint whistling sound and moved slowly across the Dalälven river. The object was described as elongated, and one person recalled seeing windows on it. The witness requested no follow-up.

Near Rembo, Hedemora, Sweden (November 1980)

Driving at approximately 9:40 PM, the witness encountered several slow-moving cars. Behind the last car, they spotted a saucer-like craft about 100 meters away, to the right and at a low altitude. The witness maintained the same speed as the object, around 40 km/h, until the craft turned east and disappeared. The experience left the witness surprised and frightened.

St. Skedvi-Hofors, Sweden (1981-83?)

A witness reported seeing a reddish object on the right side of the road, approximately 200 meters away, resembling an upside-down plate. Initially thought to be a covered work tool, the object was gone when the witness returned two hours later. There was no road leading to the location.

Dyviken Säter, Sweden (July 1990)

Annika Ragnarsson-Kvist and her husband were walking on a summer evening when they observed a small object on the horizon, initially mistaken for a distant airplane. They then saw the object descend and hover in front of a small wooded area. It was described as small and close. After remaining still for a few minutes, it suddenly moved away with great speed and vanished. The report notes that the object was later seen in the news, with others reporting similar observations.

Källviken, Falun, Sweden (November 14, 1996)

Elisabeth Söderberg, a UFO skeptic, reported an encounter at around 4:00 PM. While walking, she noticed a strong white light on an island. A yellowish-white sphere with uneven edges lifted off the island and ascended. It then appeared to change shape, resembling a ruler, and shifted through white, yellow, orange, and faint blue light. The object then returned to a spherical shape and landed on the island. A man on a nearby truck also witnessed the light. The object then moved to the mainland. This experience significantly reduced the witness's skepticism.

Stora Skedvi, Sweden (February 10, 1997)

Yvonne Johansson heard a strange humming sound and saw a cylinder-shaped object with a short wing and windows. The object, described as greyish, flew over a lake (Lissjön) and towards some old mines. The object was approximately 5 meters long and 2 meters high, with square windows that emitted a strange shimmering light. No propellers or tail parts were visible.

Stora Skedvi, Sweden (February 10, 1997)

Stig Andersson and his wife Astrid were standing by a road when they heard a strange sound over a lake (Lylsjön). Initially thought to be a helicopter, it was then described as a whistling sound before the object disappeared over a disused mine. The object was described as about 5 meters long and 2 meters high, with a small wing and square windows emitting rainbow-colored light. It was dark grey.

Hessdalen, Norway (August 16, 1997)

Witnesses in Hessdalen observed a light phenomenon resembling a Christmas tree on the west side of their house. The object blinked and moved up and down for about 3 minutes before the light became dim. The report notes that similar sightings of this 'Christmas tree' had occurred in Hessdalen in 1981, and two Italians also saw it in 1997.

The Mars Face Mystery

An article titled "MARSANSIKTET MÅSTE FÅ EN FÖRKLARING" (The Mars Face Must Be Explained) discusses the controversial rock formation in the Cydonia region of Mars that resembles a face. For years, this formation has fueled speculation about intelligent life on Mars. NASA has reportedly changed its stance, with a probe scheduled to photograph the 'face' again. Global Surveyor is expected to capture images in September 1997. NASA researcher Arden Albee is quoted expressing confidence that all possible answers are being pursued.

Historical References to Alcohol

A section titled "För 3 000 år sedan omtalades alkohol i Gamla testamentet" (3,000 years ago, alcohol was mentioned in the Old Testament) explores early mentions of alcohol. It references a response to a query about the oldest indication of human knowledge of alcohol, suggesting a 8,000-year-old cave painting. The article then delves into the Old Testament, specifically the story of Lot and his daughters in Genesis, detailing how they made their father drunk to continue their lineage. It also mentions Noah's intoxication. The article notes that the First Book of Moses was written around 900 BC, but its stories existed in oral tradition much longer. Archaeological findings in Iraq suggest the time of the "Great Flood" was around 4000 BC.

Interviews with VBU Board Members

The magazine includes interviews with several board members of VBU (presumably UFO-Sverige), a UFO research organization. These interviews, conducted by Marie Sohlström, a trainee, cover:

• Gudrun Andersson (Chairman): Became interested through astronomy. Other interests include archaeology, dance, and travel. Considers report collection and cohesion within the organization most important. Has been active for 23 years.
• Ingmarie Strömberg (Secretary): Her interest in UFOs is unclear. Enjoys painting and handicrafts. Considers the organization's goals most important. Has been active for 16 years.
• Birgitta Andersson (Treasurer): Has always been interested in UFOs. Interests include UFO-treasury work and handicrafts. Believes in the importance of sticking together. Active since 1986 (11 years).
• Lars Andersson (Member): Became interested after a colleague saw a newspaper article. His main interest is UFOs. Considers cohesion most important. Active since 1985 or 1986 (10-11 years).
• Bernt Berglund (Member): Became interested in 1947. His main interest is music. Believes the organization could function better and emphasizes their current work. Active since the organization began in 1976.
• Stig Olhsson (Member): Became interested through reading. Enjoys bowling, cycling, and fishing. Believes in coming out and being visible. Active since 1982 (15 years).

Other Content

The cover also features a prediction by an astrologer named Hassan Charni about future events, including a car crash involving Princess Diana's son William, the death of Pope John Paul, and a nuclear power plant accident. Another small article discusses a fortune teller's predictions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), the exploration of scientific and historical mysteries (Mars face, ancient alcohol use), and the internal workings of UFO research organizations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts and scientific discussions without definitive conclusions, while also touching upon other areas of public interest like astrology and historical trivia. The inclusion of interviews with board members suggests an effort to provide insight into the organization behind the magazine and its members' dedication.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated November 24 - December 1, features a prominent cover story about a mother and daughter's sighting of a flying saucer. The magazine includes interviews with members of UFO-Sverige, a report on UFO sightings in Scotland, and resources for UFO enthusiasts.

Interviews with UFO-Sverige Members

The issue begins with interviews with several individuals who are 'Suppleants' (deputies or substitutes) within UFO-Sverige. Gunnar Örjas became interested in UFOs through an exhibition and reading newspapers. His other interests include car racing, old buildings, and almost everything. He finds the organization functions well and considers its economy and investigations most important. He has been active since 1982.

Bengt Karlsson's interest in UFOs was sparked by seeing one. His other interests are ice hockey. He finds the organization excellent and emphasizes togetherness and social interaction. He has been active since 1989.

Börje Hellsing was introduced to UFOs through Gudrun Andersson. His interests are hunting and fishing. He finds the organization is doing well and believes meeting people is the most important aspect. He has been active since 1977.

Anna-Lisa Gustafsson's interest stems from reading books. She enjoys writing poetry and being in nature. She finds the organization functions 'quite well' and values their meetings and social gatherings. She has been active for a few years.

Marie Sohlström, a student doing a work placement (Prao) at Bergaskolan, spent her first Prao at Gudrun Andersson's. She found it challenging to find a Prao placement and was suggested to seek one within a UFO organization. She describes the work in a UFO organization as not simple, involving sorting reports, checking data, and producing a magazine. She conducted an investigation into the board's other interests and plans to research the public's interest in UFOs. She notes that the work includes translations and answering the phone for interviews. Marie finds the UFO question to be more than just flying saucers and believes the UFO organization is important for the public who have seen unexplained phenomena.

Cover Story: Mother and Daughter See Flying Saucer

The main article details the experience of Kerstin Vennerholm (42) and her then 13-year-old daughter Tina, who witnessed a UFO in Björkvik, Sweden, on September 9, 1989. They had been hesitant to share their story for years, fearing ridicule. The incident occurred around 10:10 PM as they were driving home. They observed a round, hovering object above the treetops, which Kerstin initially questioned. Tina was frightened and cried, not knowing what might happen. Kerstin slowed down and stopped the car, observing the object about ten meters above them. They saw three irregularly blinking lights – yellow, red, and green – on its underside. Kerstin estimated the object to be about five meters in diameter, made of 'tårtbits' (wedge-shaped) metal pieces, with a round hatch in the middle. Tina's fear subsided into curiosity, but when Kerstin considered exiting the car, Tina urged her not to. Kerstin noted the eerie silence; normally, people would be visible, but the streets were empty, and no birds were heard.

After a few minutes, the object began to spin counter-clockwise, tilted, and moved towards Lake Yngaren at a very high speed, disappearing instantly. Kerstin briefly saw a dome on top and lights that appeared to be windows, but no crew. Upon returning home, Kerstin told her husband Sture, who initially disbelieved her until he saw the distress of Tina and Kerstin.

UFO-Sverige's Involvement and Analysis

Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sverige, stated that this case is one of the very few for which they cannot find a natural explanation. He confirmed that no other aircraft, balloons, or similar objects were present that night. UFO-Sverige has thoroughly investigated the case. The article mentions that another person in Björkvik may have seen the craft but is unwilling to come forward publicly.

Local UFO Phenomena and Theories

Björkvik, a small village in Sörmland, has a history of UFO sightings. The article mentions a 25-year-old incident where a backhoe operator discovered large triangular imprints in the snow, suggesting a landing. Three years prior to the main article, two sisters saw a triangular object flying low near Jönåker. Theories for the phenomena in southern Sörmland include the presence of minerals and strong earth radiation attracting visitors from distant solar systems.

Kerstin and Tina Vennerholm no longer feel fear but curiosity, expressing a desire to meet a UFO crew and ask why they maintain distance and what interests them about Earth. The UFO sightings have inspired a study circle about flying saucers in Björkvik, which Kerstin and Tina attend.

UFO Encounters in Scotland

Nick Pope, a high-ranking Ministry of Defence officer who investigated UFO observations for the government from 1991-1994, considers an OBS (Observation) evening in Bonnybridge, Scotland, to be the best choice for UFO enthusiasts. He describes seeing a low humming sound and a fast-moving flying triangle that maneuvers more sharply than RAF aircraft. The article notes that UFOs were seen worldwide in the past year, with sightings occurring on roads at night, and mentions a report from a commuter on Waterloo Bridge. It also highlights sightings near nuclear power plants and military bases, including a notable landing in Rendles Forest in 1980, where a patrol saw a metallic craft, found three circular landing gear marks, and detected radiation 10 times stronger than normal. Bonnybridge is suggested as a good location for observation. The article states that nine out of ten UFOs have conventional explanations, such as aircraft lights, weather balloons, satellites, meteorites, fireballs, space debris, lasers, and reflections from low clouds.

Nick Pope's book, 'Open Skies, Closed Minds,' is mentioned, published by Simon and Schuster, priced at 150 SEK.

Resources for UFO Enthusiasts

The magazine provides a list of online resources for those interested in UFOs:

• Ufopedia: An English encyclopedia with links to UFO organizations, magazines, and astronomy sites (http://www.bahnhof.se/~mike/ufo/).
• The ten most compelling ufo cases in history: A site detailing significant UFO cases, though it focuses heavily on American incidents (http://www.travlink.com.au/col/alien/tenmost.htm).
• CSICOP: The official website of a skeptical organization that publishes articles on various phenomena, including UFOs, and provides a list of skeptical organizations worldwide (http.//www.csicop.org/).
• Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige: The Swedish UFO organization aiming to be the best UFO site on the internet (http://www.ufo.se).
• UFOINFO: A comprehensive resource for UFO information, including addresses, phone numbers, and emails for organizations, museums, and magazines, as well as upcoming conferences (http://www.ftech.net/~ufoinfo/index.htm).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFO phenomena are real and often unexplained, providing platforms for eyewitness accounts and investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation, while also acknowledging the existence of conventional explanations for some sightings. The emphasis on UFO-Sverige's work suggests a commitment to documenting and analyzing UFO reports. The inclusion of resources for enthusiasts indicates a desire to engage and inform the readership about the broader UFO community and research efforts.