UFO-Nytt - 1998 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NYTT
Issue: Nr 1 1998
Publisher: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO FÖRENING
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO NYTT, published by the Västerbergslagens UFO Förening, presents a collection of UFO reports, investigations, and related information. The cover features a stylized logo, the issue number and year, and an illustration of a flying saucer interacting with the Earth, along with the name of the publishing organization.

Table of Contents (Innehåll)

• The issue includes a table of contents listing various sections:
• Foreword, Knobs & Knots (Förord, knep o knåp)
• Information
• The incident at Cherry Creek (Händelsen vid Cherry Creek)
• UFOs in Västerbergslagen (UFOs i Västerbergslagen)
• Reports (Rapporter)
• Clippings (Klipp)
• UFO in Norway (UFO i Norge)
• Miscellaneous (Diverse)

The contact information for VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO-FÖRENING is provided: BOX 99, 77722 SMEDJEBACKEN, Tel 0240 79135.

Personal Sightings (VI HAR OCKSÅ SETT UFO....)

Three personal accounts of UFO sightings are featured:

Svart metalliskt (Black metallic) * Witness: Peter Lundström, photographer * Date: August 21, 1985, 10:45 PM * Location: Vasaparken, Norrköping * Description: Saw a large black object with a metallic surface reflecting streetlights. It resembled a large cigar-shaped airship and was rotating. Small red windows were visible along the sides. The witness reported feeling their hair stand on end.

Gled över gården (Glided over the yard) * Witness: Anders Hassler, priest * Date: Autumn evening * Location: North Värmland * Description: While on the phone, the witness saw an object glide past over the yard about 100 meters away. The object had a lit dome window and lights that pointed downwards, with lamps hanging. The witness, who was not previously a UFO enthusiast, felt strange and could not explain what happened, describing it as some kind of craft.

Kom rakt mot oss (Came straight towards us) * Witness: Kjell Karlsson, florist * Date: April 16, 1988, between 1:10 AM and 1:30 AM * Location: Uvberget, Smedjebacken, Dalarna * Description: Eight people witnessed a UFO approach them directly, stop, and then return. This maneuver repeated four times. The object was absolutely silent. Karlsson took several photos when it hovered for four minutes. He stated he often looks for UFOs and is convinced they are craft from space, no longer feeling fear after his first sighting.

Foreword (FÖRORD)

The foreword encourages readers to attend the UFO SVERIGE National Meeting on April 25th, promising presentations on the latest developments and research in the field. It mentions an intensive spring for the VBU (presumably a local UFO group) and an upcoming annual meeting. The foreword notes that UFO NYTT issue number 2 will not be published until May. It also states that while the winter has been quiet regarding new reports, the organization has many older reports to share.

Puzzles (KNEP & KNÄP....)

• This section contains several puzzles:
• STJÄRNOR (Stars): A geometric puzzle asking to divide a figure into seven parts using three straight lines, with each part containing a star.
• Pyramid construction: A puzzle involving a pyramid built from 21 cans, asking how many cans to remove so the remaining ones form a pyramid with a total sum of 51.
• Place names: A word puzzle asking to identify eight Swedish place names based on clues.

Solutions are promised on the last page.

EXTRA

This section announces an Annual Meeting (ÅRSMÖTE) on March 3, 1998, with registration deadlines and contact persons (Birgitta Andersson and Gudrun Andersson). It also details the National Meeting (RIKSSTÄMMAN): the internal session on April 25th at BJÖRSJÖ SKOGSHEM and the open session on April 26th at KYRKSKOLAN LUDVIKA. Speakers include Inga-Lill Wallin (discussing the 'Mattebo phenomenon' on Gotland), Rikard Svensson (talking about UFOs), Clas Svan (discussing UFO photos), and an unnamed Swedish author. Ticket prices are listed: 50 SEK for full access, 20 SEK for exhibition only, and 25 SEK for youth under 16.

The Cherry Creek Incident (HÄNDELSEN VID CHERRY CREEK)

This is a detailed report, attributed to Per Andersson of Danska UFO-Nyt, investigating the 1965 UFO landing near Cherry Creek, New York. The incident was re-examined by American civil engineer Robert A. Galganski, involving NICAP and the US Air Force.

• Initial Sighting (August 19, 1965): 16-year-old Harold A. Butcher was in a barn when a strange sound was heard. A bull tied to a pole had bent it. Looking out, Butcher saw a shiny, American football-shaped object, estimated at 20 meters wide and 7 meters high, hovering about 150 meters away. It appeared metallic with two parallel rows of dots and what looked like red windows. The radio emitted a whistling sound. The object descended behind trees, emitting a beeping sound and a red beam. The phone line went dead. The object then ascended rapidly with a loud, explosive sound, turning green as it disappeared into the clouds.

• Subsequent Observations: Harold heard the object again and saw a green object, but no other family members witnessed it. His brother Robert also saw an object with a red beam that disappeared into green clouds.

• Police Involvement and Further Investigation: The boys' mother reported the sightings. A family friend, Kathleen, reported the object's return. It reappeared near the barn, emitting a yellow trail. Police officers E.J. Haas and P.M. Neilson investigated but found nothing unusual, noting a strange calm in the area.

• Physical Evidence: Harold later found an oily, purplish substance on the ground, which he collected. Five men from the air force at Niagara Falls conducted an investigation and took samples. NICAP's investigation group also collected samples.

• Analysis and Conclusions: The substance was analyzed and suggested to be a mixture of Blu-kote (containing gentian violet) and wood oil. The bent pole was deemed impossible for a bull to bend without injury. The marks on the ground could not be proven to be from a landing. Radio interference was not directly linked to the observation. Notable peculiarities included the explosion sound only heard by Harold and the green clouds not being seen by others.

• Later Re-evaluation: In 1996, Galganski re-interviewed Harold, who provided new details, such as the object being gray with three legs and leaving three burn marks 1.2 meters deep (later revised to 70 cm - 1 meter). These details were not in the original 1965 documentation, leading investigators to question their reliability. A NICAP investigator stated they never saw any ground imprints. The final conclusion of the later investigation deemed Harold an unreliable witness, thus falling a 'fascinating case'.

• Other Observations: Two police officers on patrol on August 21, 1965, observed a formation of seven bright orange lights in a line, followed by a red light, moving silently from north to south at a high altitude. This observation was considered an unknown phenomenon.

• Final Assessment: Despite the later doubts about Harold's reliability, the incident is presented as a case that, like many others, remains unexplained.

UFOs in Västerbergslagen (UFO:s i Västerbergslagen)

This article from Söndagstidningen Ludvika Allehanda (Week 3, 1998) highlights the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening as one of Sweden's largest, with half of Dalarna's reported sightings in 1997 occurring in Ludvika/Smedjebacken. The article quotes Gudrun Andersson, the chairperson, emphasizing the group's serious interest and openness to explanations.

• Membership and Data: The organization has nearly 100 members in the Ludvika and Smedjebacken areas. All observations are entered into a data archive in Norrköping, which holds about 13,000 reports.

• Methodology: The group does not conduct field investigations but receives and analyzes reports. They are open to unexplained phenomena.

• Theories: The article touches upon 'earthquake lights' (jordbävningsljus) as a potential explanation for some phenomena, possibly linked to geological activity or even projections from parallel worlds. Physicists are consulted.

• Reported Cases: In 1997, Dalarna had 40 reports, with twenty from Ludvika and Smedjebacken. Most were light phenomena, but two involved 'craft' (farkoster).

• Investigation Process: When a sighting is reported, a member visits the witness, takes a report, and asks for drawings. Contact with the air force and military sometimes provides explanations. About 95% of cases have natural explanations, but the remaining 5% are considered highly interesting and potentially indicative of unknown worlds.

• Personal Experience: Gudrun Andersson shares having personally experienced two unexplained light phenomena.

• Arkiv: The reports are studied by professionals like astronomers and physicists.

• Humanoider: The article notes that sightings of 'humanoider' (human-like beings) are particularly disturbing.

• Warning: Andersson warns against 'fortune seekers' who may try to exploit people, especially those with UFO photos.

• Contact: The Västerbergslagens UFO-förening has a special phone number for reporting sightings: 0240-791 35.

Reports (RAPPORTER)

Grycksbo Sighting * Location: Grycksbo * Name: Anonymous * Date: 1996-01-01, 1:22:00 * Observation Time: Approx. 20 seconds * Description: Two people driving from Leksand towards Sågmyra saw a strange light above the treetops about 200 meters away. The object had a peculiar shape: a red triangle with blue dots behind it and a yellowish-green streak underneath. It hovered stationary for a moment before disappearing rapidly towards Leksand. The object was completely silent. The witnesses stopped the car and rolled down the windows to listen, confirming the silence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, investigations, and the serious study of unexplained aerial phenomena. The Västerbergslagens UFO Förening is presented as a credible organization dedicated to collecting and analyzing reports, emphasizing a scientific and open-minded approach. The detailed investigation of the Cherry Creek incident highlights the challenges and complexities of UFO research, including witness reliability and the limitations of official investigations. The magazine also touches upon the psychological impact of sightings and the importance of distinguishing between natural explanations and genuinely unknown phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent inquiry and a commitment to understanding UFOs, while also cautioning against sensationalism and exploitation.

Title: UFO-Aktuellt
Issue: 10
Volume: 1997
Date: 1997
Publisher: UFO-Aktuellt
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt, dated 1997, focuses on numerous UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings and related physical trace evidence reported primarily in Sweden and Norway during the 1990s. The magazine presents a collection of witness testimonies, some accompanied by sketches and geological investigations.

Witness Reports and Sightings

The issue details several distinct incidents:

• Ansta, Stora Skedvi, Sweden (January 13, 1997): An anonymous witness reported seeing a large, round, green light moving very rapidly from left to right. The object then stopped, hovered, and disappeared into nothingness. The witness was indoors, and no sound was heard.

• Stora Skedvi, Sweden (January 4, 1997): Mårten Robery reported seeing two yellowish spheres hovering at an altitude of approximately 100 meters, about 300-400 meters away. They remained stationary for about 5 minutes, and were still present 10 minutes later. The phenomenon was observed again on February 13th at 22:00, described as a clear, starry night. When the witness drove towards the location, the objects disappeared.

• Malung, Sweden (February 25, 1997): An anonymous witness described a triangular, yellowish light about 200 meters away, moving slowly from west to east. This report was part of a series received from the Dalarna region around the same time.

• Stora Skedvi, Sweden (March 5, 1997): Bengt Karlsson and Elin Henriksson observed an object that initially appeared to be a plane. The object then approached, circled a mountain, and repeated this maneuver twice before disappearing over another mountain. The estimated speed was around 40 km/h, and no sound was heard.

• Fäggeby, Sweden (March 16, 1997): Four people in a motorhome saw a red light in the sky towards Hedemora, initially suspecting a fire. However, when they drove towards Hedemora to investigate, the light had vanished, and no smoke was visible.

• Stora Skedvi, Sweden (1993-1994, December 30, 20:00-21:00): Yvonne Johansson reported seeing a light from Fiskarbohållet approaching at low altitude. The object passed over the road, moved towards Trädgårds, ascended rapidly, and disappeared. It was described as cylinder-shaped with a strong yellowish glow and internal lights resembling small windows.

• Nås, Sweden (March 14, 1995, 01:20-01:25): Sven Blom, a former air traffic controller, observed a red-orange object that appeared stationary before it rapidly intensified in brightness and vanished. He had never witnessed anything similar.

• Malung, Sweden (September 12, 1994, 21:30-22:00): Viviann Berntsson and four other individuals saw a red-yellow light between tree branches. The object was described as large, with a rounded upper part and a triangular lower part. It moved slowly away and disappeared over the horizon within 15-20 minutes. No sound was heard.

UFO Traces in Norway

The magazine also features detailed reports on physical traces found in Norway:

• Rødal, Tafjord, Norway (August 1977): Anna and Astor Furseth discovered a large, U-shaped imprint in the ground, approximately 3 meters wide and 10-12 meters long, with a pattern of long grooves. The incident occurred in an area known for its geological features. The imprint was investigated by geologists Johann G. Heim and Hallvard Eide. They noted that trees were broken and earth was thrown over 100 meters from the site. Theories of landslides and meteorites were considered and largely dismissed due to the angle of impact and the nature of the traces. Some soil and vegetation appeared burnt, with a black color. Samples were taken for analysis.

• Stordal, Norway (September 1977): New tracks were found in Kleivabotten, 16 km northwest of Valldal. Jakob Øvrebrust discovered 11 tracks within an hour. The largest track was 47 meters long and 3 meters wide, oriented west to east. Evidence suggested a high-speed, low-altitude object that scraped trees and moved a large stone (estimated at 60 tons) 20 meters. The stone, covered in moss and small plants, showed no signs of rolling, indicating it was lifted and moved. The total weight of displaced material (stone and earth) was estimated at 70 tons.

Public Interest and Media Influence

The article "ETT NYTT ÅRTUSENDE" (A New Millennium) discusses the growing public fascination with UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena, particularly in the context of the approaching year 2000. It references the popularity of TV series like "Arkiv X" and movies such as "Independence Day," which have heightened public interest. Antoon Geels, an Assistant Professor of Religious Psychology, suggests that the belief in aliens reflects an inner anxiety and a need for salvation, serving as a collective mental hygiene mechanism. Irre Bredin, a ufologist from Ufo-Sverige, emphasizes the organization's grounded approach, requiring concrete evidence before accepting claims of extraterrestrial visitation. She notes that many calls received are from people reacting to media portrayals of aliens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the investigation of physical trace evidence, and the societal context of belief in extraterrestrial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and investigating reports, while maintaining a degree of skepticism, as exemplified by Ufo-Sverige's approach of requiring proof. The magazine aims to present detailed accounts of sightings and the scientific or geological efforts to understand them, highlighting the persistent mystery surrounding these events.

This issue of UFO NORGE, dated 1997 and identified as issue number 24, delves into the investigation of multiple ground traces found in Stordalen, Norway, and examines the subsequent media coverage. It also reports on a significant international conference on extraterrestrial phenomena held in Costa Rica.

Detailed Investigation of Ground Traces in Stordalen

The magazine meticulously documents several distinct ground traces, referred to as 'spår', found in the Stordalen area. Each trace is described with its location, direction of travel, dimensions, and specific physical characteristics.

• Spår 2: Located south of a large stone, oriented south (190 degrees). It was approximately 10 meters long and 2.5 meters wide at its widest point, with two characteristic grooves visible at one end, similar to those in Spår 8. The grooves, likely widened by rain, were about 20 cm wide with 20-25 cm spacing.
• Spår 3: Found near Spår 2, this trace was 3-4 meters long and about 2 meters wide. It featured a pile of earth at its direction of travel (north to south, 180 degrees) and two faint parallel scratches at the bottom, spaced 0.5-0.6 meters apart.
• Spår 4: Located 10 meters from Spår 1, this trace had a direction almost perpendicular to Spår 1. It consisted of two parallel grooves about 2 meters apart. The western groove was longer (7 meters) and wider (1.5 meters), while the eastern groove was 3 meters long and 0.6-0.8 meters wide.
• Spår 5: Identified in a dense wooded area between 200-250 meters up from Spår 1, where trees were damaged over a 30-40 meter width. Something had scraped the ground in the center, removing grass and small birch. Trees were pressed into the ground, and stones were displaced. It was inferred that 'this something' had then lifted off and continued towards Spår 1.
• Spår 6: Located in the woods between Spår 1 and 5, this trace showed scraped ground that had severely damaged the terrain.
• Spår 7: Found north of Spår 1, about 10-12 meters from the large stone, this trace measured approximately 3x3 meters.
• Spår 8: Located 10 meters west of where Spår 1 began, this trace ran north-south (180 degrees). It was about 10 meters long and up to 2 meters wide, with two distinct parallel grooves, some up to 4-5 cm deep. The spacing between these grooves was 15-20 cm, with a 20-25 cm gap.
• Spår 9: Found south of Spår 8, this trace involved a large amount of displaced earth and stones, moving from north to south, parallel to Spår 8.
• Spår 10: Located south of Spår 2, this trace was about 2 meters wide and 2.5 meters long, with a west-to-east direction (100 degrees). It featured clear parallel grooves identical to those in Spår 2 and 8, measuring 15-20 cm wide with 20-25 cm spacing and a depth of 3-5 cm.
• Spår 11: Adjacent to Spår 10, this trace was 4-5 meters long and about 1 meter wide, consisting of two parallel formations moving west-to-east (90 degrees) down a gentle gravel ridge.

Mönster (Pattern): A peculiar pattern was found near the large stone in Spår 1, oriented south. It consisted of three perfectly straight lines pressed into the ground: one 5 mm wide line, with two smaller marked lines above and below it, totaling 15 mm. Leif Skodje confirmed this pattern was identical to one found in Rodal.

Provtagning (Sampling): Geiger counter readings of Spår 1 and the large stone showed no unusual radioactivity, with values consistent with the surrounding terrain. Soil samples were taken for bacteriological analysis, which also yielded no abnormal results.

Nya spår (New Traces): The article mentions that new traces were found on September 27th, a few hundred meters east of Spår 10 and 11. These traces were 4-6 meters long, oriented north-to-south (180 degrees), and had two grooves in the bottom.

Media Coverage and Public Reaction

The discovery of these traces generated significant media attention in local and national Norwegian newspapers and on radio and television.

• Sunnmørsposten (September 3, 1997): Reported on a 'crash landing or ball lightning?' suggesting ball lightning as a cause, but a commentator named T.H. Bryn from Ålesund dismissed this, stating it was not ball lightning. The article included photos taken by the person who first spotted the traces, featuring geologists Heim and Eide.
• Sunnmørsposten (September 16, 1997): Described a 60-ton stone moving through the terrain and interviewed UFO NORGE representatives about the Stordalen traces. It noted that photos from the defense research establishment had been ordered, and alleged that the journalist had severely misrepresented the work by speculating and taking hypotheses.
• Verdens Gang (September 17, 1997): Featured an article titled "Mysterious Visit," describing the Stordalen traces and mentioning Jakob Øvrebrust awaiting answers about potential extraterrestrial visits.
• Gudbrandsdalen (September 19, 1997): Discussed "UFO tracks on film roll?" mentioning the Stordalen traces and satellite images from the defense department. It incorrectly stated that Arnulf Løken from UFO NORGE had ordered the pictures, when it was Hallvard Eide. The article also claimed Løken suggested the traces were from time travelers or visitors from other dimensions, which the magazine states was a misrepresentation of Løken's theories.
• Dagbladet (September 20, 1997): Titled "Sunnmøre's Little Green Men," the article humorously covered the Stordalen traces and their discoverer, Jakob Øvrebrust.
• Storfjordnytt (September 24, 1997): Featured an interview with Sigurd Hjelme, who suggested that the traces in Tafjord and Stordalsfjällen might be caused by wet snowflakes carrying large stones at high speed, based on similar tracks he had seen in Valldalsfjällen.
• Radio and TV: NRK's Dagsrevyn featured Johann G. Heim discussing his investigation. NRK More og Romsdal's attempt to film in Stordalen was canceled due to other assignments and bad weather. TV 2 contacted the author to travel by helicopter to film in Stordalen, but due to bad weather, they traveled by car to Ålesund. A Dagbladet report was also made from Kleivbotten in Stordal.

Further Investigations: A report from the analysis lab at Østfold University College was being written, and geologists Johann G. Heim and Hallvard Eide were preparing their own report on the investigations in Tafjord and Stordal.

International UFO Conference in Costa Rica

The magazine also reports on a conference held in Miramar, Costa Rica, in early July, which gathered 1500 people interested in extraterrestrial phenomena. Many attendees claimed to have been contacted by beings from outer space.

• Conference Experience: While no UFOs were visually confirmed during the conference, attendees felt united by their shared belief in extraterrestrial life. Charlie Paz stated, "We are like tenants in the same house: humans make noise, and the aliens come here to try to make us change our lifestyle."
• Attempts to Contact UFOs: Media from Hawaii unsuccessfully tried to contact UFOs. One follower, Robin de Melho, organized an outdoor gathering for participants to try and summon extraterrestrials, with some claiming to have seen UFOs, while others were disappointed.
• Conclusion: Despite the lack of tangible proof, the participants were in agreement that aliens exist, their belief strengthened by the shared conviction of others.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue highlights the challenges of investigating unexplained phenomena, the role of media in shaping public perception, and the persistent belief in extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough, evidence-based investigation, as demonstrated by the detailed reporting of the Stordalen traces and the scientific tests conducted. The magazine also critiques media misrepresentation and sensationalism, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting on UFO-related matters. The Costa Rica conference report underscores the global interest and conviction surrounding the existence of alien life, even in the absence of definitive proof.