UFO-Nytt - 1999 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NYTT
Issue: Number 4, 1999
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO Förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Cover Headline: MILLENIE 2000 (Millennium 2000)

This issue of UFO NYTT, published by the Västerbergslagens UFO Förening, focuses on the turn of the millennium and features several intriguing UFO-related incidents and discussions.

Foreword: The Last UFO-NYTT of the 1900s

The foreword, written by Gudrun Andersson, reflects on the significance of writing the last editorial for the magazine in the 20th century and the approaching millennium. The author contemplates humanity's progress over millennia, touching upon women's suffrage, technological advancements like electricity, penicillin, moon travel, and computers. However, the core question posed is whether humanity has become happier and more content despite these advancements. The author suggests that perhaps the best times were in the hunter-gatherer era, where basic needs were met, allowing for more leisure time. The piece touches upon the changing nature of social interaction due to technology, the potential decline of family life, and the increasing isolation of individuals. The author questions humanity's goals and whether development can be more balanced and sensible.

The foreword also lists notable personalities of the century, including sports figures like Stenmark, leaders like Gustav Vasa, and controversial figures like Hitler. It also acknowledges key UFO figures such as Hainek, Jenny Rendells, Clas Svahn, Torvald Bertelsen, Erling Strand, and Leif Havik, who have significantly contributed to the field.

Berömda citat (Famous Quotes)

A collection of anonymous and attributed quotes offering various perspectives on life, wisdom, and human nature. These include proverbs and sayings that encourage self-reflection and caution.

Content Overview (Innehåll)

The table of contents outlines the articles and sections within the magazine:

• Pages 2-3: Foreword by Gudrun. Christmas riddles...
• Pages 4-5: Something fell into the lake...
• Pages 6-8: Now we want to know...
• Pages 9-13: U.F.O. reports.
• Pages 14-16: Norwegian U.F.O. reports.
• Page 17: SAS pilots encountered a U.F.O.
• Pages 18-19: "Saxat" (Clippings)
• Page 20: Pyramids of Tenerife
• Page 21: Intensive search for life in space
• Pages 22-27: From the Danish "UFO-NYT"
• Page 28: Clippings...
• Page 29: Answers to the Christmas riddles.

Svensk militär finkammade Backsjön efter det mystiska föremålet (Swedish Military Searched Backsjön After the Mysterious Object)

This article details the mysterious incident at Backsjön, Värmland, on July 27, 1999. Seven witnesses reported seeing a flying object crash into the lake. The military quickly cordoned off the area, conducting extensive dives and searches, which they officially termed a 'routine exercise.' The local population, however, felt that the military's actions were overly secretive and suspicious, especially after the military initially denied any unusual activity and later claimed the operation was successful in managing media and curious onlookers. The article highlights the frustration of the locals, who felt they were being deliberately misled. The press chief of the FO-staben in Värmland, Stellan Jansson, stated they were being cautious about revealing methods and equipment due to potential misuse by criminal organizations. This explanation did little to quell speculation. Ann-Mari Gundahl, a witness, described the military's behavior as secretive and dismissive. The article questions why the military would deny the event if it were a simple exercise or a known phenomenon like a fiskgjuse (osprey). The military's report, which was partially released, stated the operation cost 150,000 SEK and was successful in handling the media. The other half of the report was allegedly classified or non-existent. The article also includes witness testimonies and local reactions, emphasizing the feeling of being kept in the dark.

"Vi vill bara vara försiktiga” (We Just Want to Be Cautious)

This is a quote from Stellan Jansson, press chief of the FO-staben in Värmland, explaining the military's reluctance to share details about the Backsjön operation, citing security concerns about equipment and methods falling into the wrong hands.

"Det är något annat...?" ("It's Something Else...?" )

This section presents the perspective of UFO researchers, who believe the Backsjön incident is not a military matter. Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sverige, points out that the military waited weeks to dive, suggesting they were not the primary responders. He believes it's "something else strange." The article notes that since the 1940s, at least 20 similar objects have been reported in Sweden. The theme of "The truth is out there," from the TV series "Arkiv X," is invoked, with locals believing a secret lies beneath the waters of Backsjön.

Vad orsakade det mystiska hålet i isen? (What Caused the Mysterious Hole in the Ice?)

This extensive article investigates a mysterious event that occurred in Lake Upprämen, western Dalarna, in the spring of 1968. A large hole, approximately 500 square meters, appeared in the 90 cm thick ice. Local fishermen reported the incident, leading to a significant military response involving divers and sampling. The military's involvement was shrouded in secrecy, with personnel ordered to remain silent. The article details the timeline of events, from the initial report to the military's investigation, which included divers like Eskil Sall. Sall described finding a strange, thin crust on the lakebed where the hole was, unlike normal sediment disturbance. He collected samples, but they disappeared. The military initially denied any involvement, then admitted to being there but finding nothing. The article highlights the ongoing mystery and the local community's desire for answers, especially concerning potential radioactive contamination or harm to the fish population. The local community has formed a group to seek clarification from the Swedish Armed Forces. The article also mentions similar unexplained ice formations in Hedfjorden and the involvement of UFO researchers, though the local community prefers a terrestrial explanation tied to military secrets.

Klimatforskare varnar för ny istid (Climate Scientists Warn of a New Ice Age)

This section discusses recent findings by climate scientists, particularly Jeffrey Severinghaus, who suggests that climate shifts, including the formation of an ice age, can occur much more rapidly than previously thought, potentially within decades rather than millennia. The article links this to the greenhouse effect and the risk of a significant climate change. It also mentions the potential impact on Europe's climate if the Gulf Stream were to weaken, leading to much colder temperatures, comparable to northern Canada.

Nu kan du boka rymd (Now You Can Book Space)

This short piece touches upon the burgeoning space tourism industry. It mentions the availability of flights for around 720,000 SEK and the plans of companies like Virgin Galactic Airways and Space Adventures for space travel and hotels. Richard Branson is mentioned as planning a new venture with a lower price point.

RAPPORTER (Reports)

This section contains a specific UFO sighting report:

• Date: 1999 0105 (January 5, 1999)
• Time: Approx. 13:35 - 13:40
• Location: Skinnskatteberg, Sweden
• Witness: Karin (narrating her experience)

Karin was in her kitchen when her daughter asked her to look towards Emma's house. She initially thought she saw a forest fire to the west. Upon turning back, she saw a large, oval, intensely glowing object with a short tail moving directly towards her, then heading south. Her son, who lives in Staffas, observed the object for 5 minutes longer than she did. The report includes a sketch of the object and a note that the witness contacted Västerås airport, which had no record of any sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and alleged military cover-ups in Sweden. There's a strong emphasis on citizen investigation and the demand for transparency from authorities. The editorial stance appears to favor the belief that many of these incidents are not easily explained by conventional means and often involve hidden information from military or governmental bodies. The inclusion of historical cases like Upprämen alongside contemporary events like Backsjön suggests a long-standing interest in uncovering the truth behind UFO phenomena in Sweden. The magazine also touches upon broader scientific and societal issues, such as climate change and the future of humanity, framing them within a context of uncertainty and the need for deeper understanding.

This issue of "Norska UFO-Rapporter" (Norwegian UFO Reports), identified as issue number 10, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena reported primarily in Sweden and Norway. The cover prominently features the headline "SAS-PILOTER MÖTTE UFO" (SAS Pilots Met UFO), indicating a significant article about pilots encountering unidentified flying objects. The magazine also includes articles on astronomical discoveries and a historical mystery.

UFO Sightings and Witness Testimonies

The bulk of the magazine is dedicated to detailed accounts of UFO sightings, presented chronologically and geographically.

Borlänge, Sweden (January 17, 1985)

Torbjörn Lusth and two other individuals witnessed a red and yellow glowing orb in Borlänge. It moved in a large arc from southwest to southeast, approximately 200 meters in the air, without making any sound. Lusth attempted to photograph it but was unsuccessful. The object was observed for several minutes.

Hedemora, Sweden (Autumn 1989)

Jan-0lov and a friend were near Lake Viggen outside Hedemora when they observed a phenomenon high in the star-filled sky. It appeared as a large star that moved slowly, stopped for about 25 seconds, changed course, and repeated this pattern before disappearing. They also noted seeing satellites.

Stora Skedvi, Sweden (September 9, 1997)

Four adults in Stora Skedvi saw a disc-shaped object emerge suddenly from the sky, moving north at high speed with a descending trajectory. The object emitted a strong blue light with radiating flashes. The phenomenon was observed about 5 km away, moving towards Långhyttan, and was reportedly seen in Hedemora and Svinö as well.

Vretstorp, Sweden (April 18, 1989)

A bus driver and passengers passing Vretstorp near Kumla witnessed a powerful white light for 5-10 seconds. The weather was clear, and the landscape open. The witnesses found the event inexplicable.

Mockfjärd, Sweden (June 20, 1997)

Four people in Mockfjärd observed a large, white, disc-shaped light ascending from tree height. On another occasion at the same location near Lake Tansen, three people saw a disc-shaped object moving slowly horizontally, not high but far away, emitting a white light.

Ludvika, Sweden (June 28, 1999)

A witness in Ludvika initially perceived an object as a bird of prey circling overhead. Using binoculars, the object appeared to be a camouflage-colored (brown and yellow) balloon. It turned, seeming flat on one side, and then vanished. The observation lasted about one minute.

Bastberget, Sweden (August 1999)

Two witnesses, Anna and Kjell, observed an object moving down behind Bastberget. It reappeared above the mountain and expanded, resembling a large "craft" with numerous glowing windows. It moved sideways and then down again, remaining visible behind the mountain for 15-20 minutes. Anna reported hearing voices before seeing the object.

Namdalseid, Norway (September/October 1992)

Two anonymous women driving from Steinkya to Namsos experienced a bright light behind their car, causing the driver to nearly go off the road. Their car radio stopped functioning. They saw a fluorescent green and white light in the forest. The object was described as smooth, cigar-shaped, blinding, and silent, estimated at 10-12 meters in length. The radio resumed working after they drove away.

Gullholmsstranda, Namsos, Norway (February 1994)

Vidar Smines (18 years old) saw a cigar-shaped, luminous object flying southwest at a constant altitude and direction. A whistling sound was heard, which faded as the object moved away. It disappeared rapidly after about 35 seconds, traveling at high speed. The object was estimated to be 10-15 meters long.

Namsenfjorden, Norway (July 18, 1997)

Runar Hegdahl and Anders Watnan observed a self-luminous object over an island in Namsenfjorden. The object was estimated to be 200 meters away, 15-20 meters long with a 5-6 meter circumference, and had wings. It moved at high speed northeast and disappeared after 3-4 minutes. No sound was heard, and the temperature was around 20 degrees Celsius.

Cover Story: SAS Pilots Meet UFO

This article details an incident where pilots from four different aircraft reported seeing an unidentified flying object. A private jet from Debonair, en route from Linköping to Humbberside, encountered a UFO described as a red, strong light. The object moved at extreme speed along the plane's side and disappeared. The pilot was reportedly very shaken. Sören Schütt, an air traffic controller at Kastrup, confirmed that two SAS planes and a Sabena plane also reported similar phenomena. The object was described as a blinding light and a fast-moving object. Military aircraft were not in the area, and the sighting occurred over water, ruling out ground-based light phenomena. Schütt, with 25 years of experience, stated that this event was unexplainable by conventional means.

Astronomical Discoveries

Europe Explores Mars

The European Space Agency (ESA) plans to send a Mars probe, "Mars Express," in late 2002 or early 2003. The probe will conduct atmospheric composition measurements and surface observations. A lander will also be deployed. Other international Mars missions mentioned include Japan's "Nozoni" (2004) and a French mission in 2005.

Star Measurements Made the Universe Younger

New precision measurements suggest the universe is approximately twelve billion years old, younger than previous estimates. A team of astronomers at NASA, led by Wendy Freedman, used measurements of 800 stars to determine the Hubble constant, which relates to the universe's expansion rate. Their findings indicated galaxies are accelerating at 70 kilometers per second, with a 10% margin of error. This contradicted astronomer Allan Sandage's earlier estimates, which suggested a younger universe (14-18 billion years old) depending on mass calculations. The expanding universe theory supports the Big Bang model.

First Solar System Like Ours Found 44 Light-Years Away

Astronomers have discovered a solar system with three large planets orbiting the star Ypsilon Andromedae, located 44 light-years away. This discovery suggests that many of the galaxy's 200 billion stars may host planets, indicating that planetary systems form more readily than previously thought. The planets are significantly more massive than Jupiter, with orbital periods ranging from 4.6 Earth days to nearly four Earth years. The presence of such massive planets makes it unlikely for Earth-like planets to exist in this system due to gravitational forces.

Other Articles

Mysterious Manuscript Confuses Researchers

The Voynich Manuscript, a 210-page medieval document at Yale University, remains undeciphered. It features illustrations of strange plants, astronomical charts, and naked women. The text is written in an unknown code, with some recognizable elements like early Arabic numerals and alchemical symbols. Researchers believe it was written by at least two people, and the consistent frequency of certain words and symbols suggests it is not a hoax. Roger Bacon is suggested as a possible author, based on a 1666 letter. The manuscript was acquired by Wilfred Voynich in 1912.

Fountain of Antimatter in the Milky Way

New measurements from the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory reveal a trillion-kilometer-long fountain of antimatter erupting from the Milky Way's center. This phenomenon occurs when matter and antimatter annihilate each other, releasing immense energy. The origin of this large amount of antimatter is unknown, possibly related to radioactive elements from supernova explosions or processes near black holes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO sightings as credible phenomena, often highlighting witness testimonies from seemingly reliable sources, including pilots and multiple observers. The tone suggests an open-minded approach to unexplained aerial phenomena, contrasting them with conventional explanations. The inclusion of astronomical news indicates a broader interest in space and the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and presenting UFO reports for public consideration, without necessarily offering definitive explanations, especially in cases like the SAS pilot encounter where conventional explanations were ruled out.

This issue of the magazine, identified by issue number 20, focuses on three distinct topics: the pyramids of Tenerife, the search for extraterrestrial life and UFO phenomena, and a massive iceberg drifting in the Southern Ocean.

Teneriffas Pyramider (Tenerife's Pyramids)

The article "Teneriffas pyramider" introduces the pyramids located in the Güimar Valley on the Canary Island of Tenerife. The author's interest was sparked by an article by Thord Neumüller. Despite previous visits to Tenerife, the author had never heard of these pyramids. The site is located south of Santa Cruz and is accessible by rental car, with organized tours being limited. The entrance fee is 1,200 pesetas, and the site is open until 6 PM daily.

Thor Heyerdahl was the first scientist to recognize the significance of the Güimar pyramids after amateurs sent him a local newspaper clipping. Local archaeologists had previously ignored them, believing them to be old stone heaps from early Spanish agricultural work. In 1990, Heyerdahl's friend Fred Olsen purchased the area and funded a cultural park and a foundation for international archaeological research on the origins and spread of cultures (FERCO). The most recent pyramid was excavated in 1997, and the site opened for tourism in December 1997. The facility is well-planned and organized, offering a simple informational leaflet at the entrance and a room with a slideshow about the connection to South American pyramids.

The pyramids are described as step-pyramids, similar to those in South America and even the oldest in Egypt, the Sakkara pyramid. They are believed to have been built by sun worshippers. Ongoing archaeological excavations indicate that a cavity under one of the pyramids was used as a dwelling by the indigenous Guanche people of Tenerife. The site also features Chacona House, one of the three oldest houses in the valley, which is 'K'-marked and contains an exhibition. A full-scale replica of Heyerdahl's reed boat "Ra 2" is also present, which, despite its smaller-than-expected size, was used by seven men to cross the Atlantic. The article notes that similar pyramids may exist in Sardinia and Sicily, encouraging readers to visit the Tenerife pyramids for a unique experience that prompts questions about the spread of human culture.

Intensiv spaning efter liv i rymden (Intense Search for Life in Space)

This section, written by Torbjörn Kristoffersson, discusses the ongoing scientific search for extraterrestrial life. The idea of life beyond Earth has always fascinated humanity, and astronomers are now more intensely searching for signs of it than ever before, though results have so far been inconclusive.

In the early 20th century, there was a strong belief that Mars was inhabited due to its seemingly hospitable appearance. However, this has since been disproven, and higher life forms in our solar system are now ruled out.

The 1960s saw a surge in space exploration and research, including the SETI project (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), which aimed to detect radio signals from space. Stig Wramdemark, a docent at Lund University's astronomy department, explains that the technology has advanced significantly, with current searches having immense range and scope compared to the 1960s. The META SETI project in the USA, running since 1985, scans 160 million radio channels for signals. These signals are captured by radio telescopes, while simultaneously, signals are sent out into space to announce humanity's presence.

Wramdemark notes that while some signals lack natural explanations, they are not considered evidence of communication with another life form. He also mentions the current intense period of exoplanet discovery. Many stars in the Milky Way have planets orbiting them, with about 15 such planets (or planet-like objects, as Wramdemark prefers to call them) found so far. These discovered planets are enormous, mostly larger than Jupiter, which is attributed to observational bias as they are easier to detect. The 'wobble' of a star indicates the presence of a planet. However, determining if these planets harbor life is a much more distant goal, and their composition and appearance remain unknown.

The article touches upon the study of star positions to determine distances and the phenomenon of stars 'wobbling,' which suggests the presence of planets. It also addresses UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects), with Wramdemark stating that contemporary astronomers do not believe in or study them, suggesting that if extraterrestrials wished to visit, they would likely make contact more openly rather than through mysterious sightings.

NASA HAR KUNSKAP OM UFO (NASA Has Knowledge About UFOs)

This multi-part article presents claims by Clark C. Mc Clelland, an alleged former aerospace engineer at Cape Canaveral, who is preparing to release material about UFOs and extraterrestrial beings. He claims to have 40-year-old, previously unknown information.

Mc Clelland alleges that Wernher von Braun, a leading figure in the German rocket program who came to the US after WWII, saw UFOs from Roswell. Mc Clelland states he worked on national space programs, learning from German scientists like von Braun. He claims to have spoken with von Braun, who, when asked about the Roswell incident, revealed details about his investigation of the crashed object. Von Braun reportedly described the object as non-metallic, biological in nature, with a skin-like texture, and extremely thin, light, and strong. It contained no instruments, suggesting the beings and the craft were a single entity. He also mentioned that deceased alien beings, described as small, rough, with large heads and big, gray eyes, were taken to a medical tent.

Mc Clelland asserts that he was sworn to secrecy by von Braun and is only now revealing this information because von Braun is deceased. He claims that he and his colleague were brought to the crash site, while most military personnel were kept away. Mc Clelland's background includes work on projects like Atlas Titan, Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and ISS planning. He was also involved with NICAP and MUFON. His claims are supported by Walter Kollosch, a retired engineer who worked with Mc Clelland at Martin Company and on the Gemini program. Kollosch describes Mc Clelland as outgoing and friendly, and someone well-liked.

Dennis Bestwick, a former SCO Senior Specialist, confirms Mc Clelland's work on the spaceflight program but states that Mc Clelland was denied security clearance for reasons not fully disclosed, possibly due to a minor error in his data. Bestwick also mentions rumors of UFO contacts during the time of the astronauts, but he cannot elaborate further.

Mc Clelland claims he was blacklisted by NASA in 1992, preventing him from working in the aerospace industry since then. He also recounts an incident during the Gemini Titan 2 launch on April 9, 1964. While working as a designer on the Titan 11 Launch Operations Team, he and an engineer named Chuck were tasked with resolving a "POGO" effect (a vibration issue) in the rocket. After modifications, the launch appeared successful, with data indicating the POGO effect was reduced. However, RCA instruments detected that the Gemini capsule was not alone in space; it had four "guests." NASA, USAF, and Martin Marietta were reportedly baffled. The official explanation was that the objects were small particles from the Titan rocket. Mc Clelland found this explanation unconvincing, suggesting it was a cover-up. He continued to investigate, and a week later, a friend named Vince, a security officer at Pan American, mentioned transporting men with "top secret" clearance to Cape Canaveral. These men, who behaved like military personnel, were discussing returning to Washington D.C. The official explanation for the Gemini incident was later given as small particles from the Titan rocket, an explanation Mc Clelland found implausible.

Richard Hall, a former leader of NICAP, vouches for Mc Clelland's honesty and integrity, stating that he has worked closely with him and respects him. Hall mentions that Mc Clelland sent many interesting UFO reports to NICAP, some of which remain classified.

Isberg stort som Öland är på drift (Iceberg as big as Öland is drifting)

This article reports on a massive iceberg, designated B-10A, which is drifting in the Southern Ocean. The iceberg is described as being only the tip of a much larger mass, extending 300 meters below the surface. It is 6.4 kilometers long and 1.8 kilometers wide, comparable in size to Manhattan or the Swedish island of Öland. Currently, B-10A is located 700 kilometers south of Cape Horn in South America.

B-10A broke off from Antarctica in January 1992, and in the summer of 1995, the larger ice mass split into two parts, with B-10A being the larger of the two. It is moving at a rate of 1.5 miles per day towards South America. While not currently in major shipping lanes, it poses a potential hazard. Captain Luis Catalan of the Chilean Navy warns that such large floating objects are a danger to navigation, especially when smaller blocks break off.

The article also mentions an even larger iceberg, A-38, which is 16 miles long and four miles wide. However, A-38 is currently in a safe location, far from land. The article includes a comparison of B-10A's size to Öland and provides details about its dimensions, position, and depth. It also references the sinking of the Titanic in 1912 after colliding with an iceberg named Tempano, highlighting the dangers of icebergs.

Svar på Julnötterna (Answers to Christmas Puzzles)

This final section provides the solutions to various puzzles, including riddles (Gåtor), a flight problem (Flugproblem), a caramel problem (Karamelligt), a potato sack problem (Potatissäck), a water jug problem (Hinkvis), and a snail's progress problem (Snigelfart). It concludes with holiday greetings: "God Jul & Gott Nytt År!" (Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to cover a range of topics that appeal to a curious readership interested in mysteries, science, and exploration. The articles on Tenerife's pyramids and the search for extraterrestrial life suggest an interest in ancient civilizations and unexplained phenomena. The detailed account of alleged UFO encounters within NASA, including claims of cover-ups and the involvement of prominent figures like Wernher von Braun, points towards a critical stance on official narratives and a willingness to explore controversial theories. The inclusion of the iceberg report demonstrates an interest in natural phenomena and their potential impact. The overall editorial stance seems to be one of presenting intriguing information, even if it is speculative or controversial, encouraging readers to question and explore beyond conventional explanations. The inclusion of puzzle solutions and holiday greetings adds a lighter, more engaging element to the publication.