UFO-Nytt - 2000 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO 2000 NYTT
Issue: 1
Volume: 2000
Publisher: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO FÖRENING
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Date: 2000

This inaugural issue of UFO 2000 NYTT, published by the Västerbergslagens UFO Förening, serves as a platform for sharing UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports and investigations. The magazine aims to provide a detailed account of sightings, with a commitment to identifying the field investigators responsible for each case, fostering direct communication with interested readers.

Table of Contents

The issue features a comprehensive table of contents, outlining the articles and reports included:

• Foreword (sid 2): An editorial piece by Gudrun.
• Reports (sid 3-12): A collection of eyewitness accounts and case files.
• Troende väntar - Allersartikel (sid 13): A reference to an article, possibly from another publication.
• Saxat (sid 14, 17): Snippets or brief news items.
• Tyst triangel sedd i Queensland (sid 15): A report of a silent triangle sighting in Queensland, Australia.
• Triangel över Melbourne (sid 16): A report of a triangle sighting over Melbourne, Australia.
• Hur experter ser på ufologins framsteg (sid 18-24): An in-depth discussion on the progress of ufology from an expert perspective.
• Klipp (sid 25, 26): Clippings or short articles.
• Har han lyckats filma ett UFO? (sid 27-28): An article questioning whether a UFO has been successfully filmed.
• Klipp (sid 29): Another clipping.

Foreword

The foreword, written by Gudrun, reflects on the start of the new year and a personal sighting of a large, bright bolide on the evening of January 4th. The bolide was described as having a faint tail and was so bright that stars were not visible when it passed. Many people reported seeing the same phenomenon, describing it similarly. Gudrun notes a significant increase in reports, particularly from Borlänge, where witnesses have seen formations of 4-6 objects. The editor also addresses feedback on the magazine, acknowledging that while some find the material good, others feel there are too few reports. Gudrun emphasizes the need for field researchers to be more thorough and gather more facts, stating that the magazine should not be insular and must stay informed about developments in the field. A key change announced is that the field investigator handling each report will now be identified, allowing interested readers to contact them directly. Gudrun welcomes suggestions from readers.

Reports Section

The "Reports" section (sid 3-12) presents a chronological and geographical array of UFO sightings, with a focus on cases from Sweden. The reports are handled by various investigators, including Bengt Karlsson, Gudrun Andersson, and Gunnar Örjas.

**Early Reports:

• Borlänge Area (Late 1960s): Two women observed a bright, red-yellow, flattened, oblong object with a short tail moving low and silently from north to south over Lergärdet. The object was described as being about twice the size of a full moon and disappeared behind houses.
• Falun Area (Late 1950s/Early 1960s): A family in a car witnessed a large, bright, yellowish, spherical object hovering silently over a lake. After 20-30 seconds, it developed a tail and disappeared.

**1990s Reports:

• Ansta, St. Skedvi (1990): A cyclist saw a flaming, silent object hovering at 30-50 meters above the ground. It then moved rapidly towards Anstaberget. The witness's mother also reported seeing a similar fiery object flying over their farm.
• Hedemora (1993 or 1994): Two individuals in a car observed a large, oblong, yellowish object with red streaks hovering above treetops near Långshyttan. It was silent and disappeared behind trees after about 30 seconds.
• Grycksbo (1996): Two people driving from Leksand towards Sågmyra saw a strange light above the treetops. The object was described as a red triangle with blue dots and a yellow-white streak underneath. It moved fast towards Leksand.
• Åsenbo, Älvdalen (1999): A person was awakened by a pulsating, low, engine-like sound. They observed a silent object hovering over a field, which then disappeared.
• Floj Fäbodar (1999): A person heard a growing, hissing sound and saw a round object moving slowly before it suddenly disappeared. The investigator, Gudrun Andersson, notes the witness experienced an unpleasant feeling during the event.
• Borlänge (1999): A night shift worker at Borlänge Hospital observed a yellow-red object hovering outside the hospital. The object pulsed, changed brightness, and intermittently disappeared and reappeared. It was later identified as a light from the Spånsan mast.

**Investigative Notes and Drawings:

The issue includes several hand-drawn sketches illustrating the observed phenomena. One sketch depicts a red triangle with blue dots and a yellow streak, with arrows indicating movement and location relative to a mast and the horizon. Another sketch, labeled "Kartskiss över observationsområdet" (Sketch of the observation area), maps out the location of a sighting near Borlänge, indicating the position of the observer, the phenomenon, and geographical landmarks like Idkerberget and the Spånsan mast.

**Analysis of Two Cases (Floj Fäbodar and Åsenbo):

An investigation into the Floj Fäbodar and Åsenbo cases suggests the area is a remote summer pasture with no electricity or public roads. The moon phase during the sightings was noted (half moon), and its position in the sky was described in relation to the time of year and location. The report dismisses the possibility of aircraft due to the distance to the nearest town.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO 2000 NYTT revolve around eyewitness accounts of unidentified aerial phenomena, primarily from Sweden. The magazine adopts a stance of serious investigation, encouraging detailed reporting and direct engagement with readers through the identification of field investigators. There is an emphasis on gathering factual data and avoiding insularity within the UFO community. The issue also includes international reports (Queensland, Melbourne) and touches upon the broader field of ufology and expert opinions on its progress. The editorial tone is informative and aims to be a reliable source for UFO enthusiasts.

This issue of UFO-Magazinet, dated November/December 1999, delves into a variety of topics including UFO sightings, religious prophecies, archaeological discoveries, and the search for extraterrestrial life. The cover story focuses on the anticipation of Jesus' return to the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem for the millennium, highlighting potential religious fanaticism and police preparations.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The magazine features several detailed accounts of UFO sightings:

• Hedemora, Sweden (October 17, 1999): Rut Wilden reported seeing a fiery red, two-part light that resolved into a large, pyramid-shaped object with a dark field and a row of blue-lit windows. She described the object as having a triangular shape on top, a dark middle section, and a lower section with pulsating red light. She estimated its size and noted it faded and disappeared.
• Hedemora, Sweden (1976): An anonymous witness described a loud, engine-like sound followed by the house shaking and radio interference. Later, a snow-free circle, approximately 2 meters in diameter, was found on the roof, suggesting a possible landing or close proximity of an object.
• Russell Island, Queensland, Australia (August 1999): Barbara Griffin and Margie Griffin observed seven sharp, luminous balls moving silently across the sky. They described the formation as triangular with seven pulsating red lights. The object moved east towards Russell Island and disappeared without sound.
• Melbourne, Australia (August 15, 1999): Multiple witnesses reported seeing 12 yellow-orange lights in formation moving east-northeast of Melbourne. The lights were described as having a clear circular shape and appeared to be about 1/6th the size of a full moon. They later formed a triangle and then a line formation before fading. A local radio station received a report, and similar reports were made to Melbourne International Airport, which reported nothing unusual.

Religious Prophecies and the Millennium

The cover story, "Troende väntar att Jesus landar på Oljeberget" (Believers await Jesus to land on the Mount of Olives), discusses the widespread expectation of Jesus' second coming around the year 2000. It notes that in Jerusalem, where fanatical Christians are gathering, there are fears of riots and unrest on New Year's Eve. The article mentions the arrest of eight members of an extreme American doomsday sect called "Berörda kristna" (Touched Christians) who were suspected of planning an attack. It also highlights the case of Monte Kim Miller, a sect leader who claimed he would die in Jerusalem on New Year's Eve and be resurrected three days later. Professor Richard Landes of Boston warns of fanatics occupying the Mount of Olives and potential disillusionment if Jesus does not return. The article traces historical instances of predictions for Jesus' return, citing John's Book of Revelation and various historical figures like the monk Druthman and the Baptist preacher William Miller, who made specific date predictions that failed.

Archaeological Discoveries

Several archaeological findings are presented:

• Stone Age Cave in Egypt: Archaeologists discovered a cave near al-Qoseir dating back to the younger Stone Age (circa 7000 BC). The cave contains primitive wall paintings and artifacts like granite axes, knives, and hunting tools, suggesting significant human activity during that period.
• Venus Figurines: Randall White, an anthropologist, proposes that the numerous statuettes of pregnant women from the Stone Age, commonly believed to be fertility symbols, were actually used to ensure a safe childbirth. He argues that Stone Age people, like modern hunter-gatherer societies, likely aimed to control population size and thus would not have focused solely on encouraging fertility.
• Ancient Giraffe Carvings: In the Sahara Desert, remarkable carvings of giraffes, some over six meters high, have been found on a sandstone wall. These carvings, dating between 9000 and 7000 BC, suggest that the Sahara region had a much more pleasant climate in ancient times.
• Dinosaur-Era Mammals: American researchers suggest that most mammal families lived alongside dinosaurs, contrary to previous beliefs that mammals only flourished after the extinction of the dinosaurs.
• Ancient Child Burial in Portugal: An approximately 28,000-year-old child's grave was found in a cave in Portugal, representing one of the oldest discoveries of modern humans in Europe. The child was buried with a shell necklace and covered in ochre.

Astronomy and Space Exploration

• SETI@home Project: The magazine introduces the SETI@home project, which aims to use the processing power of home computers to analyze radio signals from space in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The project plans to link one million computers, with the goal of detecting signs of life beyond Earth. It highlights the challenge of analyzing the vast amount of data collected by radio telescopes.
• Comet Tails: Contrary to previous beliefs that comet tails were primarily composed of water, astronomers have discovered high concentrations of carbon monoxide. This gas is released as ice and dust from the comet's nucleus melts due to solar radiation. Water molecules are more fragile and break down, leaving carbon monoxide.
• Earth's Core: Geologists have confirmed that Earth's core is solid, despite previous seismic tests suggesting it was liquid. This conclusion is based on wave patterns from the 1996 Indonesian earthquake.
• Mars and Earth's Future: Japanese geologists predict that Earth could become as dry and desolate as Mars in about a billion years due to water leaking into the planet's mantle. While volcanic activity returns some water to the surface, the net loss is significant.
• Astronaut Eileen Collins: The magazine notes that NASA has designated 1999 as the year of women in space, with Eileen Collins set to become the first American female commander of a space shuttle in July. Three other women are awaiting the landing of their probes on Mars.

Expert Opinions on UFO Research

A section titled "HUR EXPERTER SER PÅ UFOLOGINS FRAMSTEG" (How Experts View the Progress of Ufology) presents the views of various ufologists. Key themes emerging from their responses include:

• Need for Scientific Rigor: A desire for a more scientific approach to UFO evidence and a call for more experienced scientists to engage in UFO research.
• Consensus and Cooperation: The need for greater agreement among UFO researchers and a plea for them to set aside egos and collaborate.
• Public Awareness: The importance of educating the public about the reality of UFOs.
• Skepticism and Misinformation: Acknowledgment of the presence of individuals who lie and exhibit religious fanaticism, which complicates the field.
• Challenges and Outlook: Many experts express pessimism about solving the UFO enigma in the near future, citing the difficulty in obtaining hard scientific data and the lack of consensus on the nature of UFOs.

Notable figures quoted include Barry Chamish, Bill Hamilton, Bruce Maccabee, Jerome Clark, Jim Marrs, John Schueller, Kenny Young, Kevin Randle, Linda Howe, Maurizio Baiata, Michael Strainic, Per Andersen, Peter Davenport, Philip Mantle, Roger Leir, Ryan Wood, and Timo Koskenniemi.

Kevin Randle is quoted stating that the most important goal is to answer the question: "Are we being visited?" He emphasizes that a positive answer would lead to many more questions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of unexplained phenomena (UFOs) with human beliefs (religious prophecies, ancient mysteries) and scientific inquiry (archaeology, astronomy, SETI). The magazine appears to present a broad spectrum of topics related to the unknown, from eyewitness accounts of aerial phenomena to historical and scientific investigations. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and findings without necessarily endorsing any single explanation, while also highlighting the challenges and complexities within the field of ufology and related disciplines.

This issue of UFO Aktuellt, dated 1998 and designated as nr 22, is a Swedish magazine focused on UFO phenomena, research, and related topics. The cover prominently features the question: "Has he managed to film a UFO?" accompanied by a photograph of a couple, hinting at a significant sighting or piece of evidence.

Ufology's Goals and Progress

The magazine opens with a discussion on the goals of ufology, posing questions about the origin and intentions of UFOs. Michael Hesemann emphasizes the need to prove the reality of the UFO phenomenon and stop secrecy. Ryan Wood, an American researcher, suggests that dismantling the government is high on his list. Linda Moulton Howe, an author, believes a key goal for ufologists is to compel the American government to reveal what it knows about extraterrestrial life and alien technology. Bill Hamilton of Skywatch International echoes the sentiment, stating that a major goal is to achieve a breakthrough in the government's UFO information cover-up. Researchers like Peter Davenport and Jim Marrs stress the importance of public education and raising awareness for a serious debate on the subject.

The issue then explores the progress made in ufology over the past decade. Some experts are optimistic, while others are not. Jerome Clark notes that ufology has been in a deadlock despite increased public interest, partly due to the presence of deceivers and liars. Kevin Randle points to the debate over autopsy films as an example of how the field has gone wrong, wasting time on the wrong entertainment. Linda Howe acknowledges that progress at an official level has been slow, but significant developments have occurred.

Official Silence and Scientific Scrutiny

Despite the public's interest, an "official wall of silence" persists, according to Bill Hamilton. He believes that eventually, information will emerge from informants or disgruntled officials. He also suggests that extraterrestrial intelligences may have been manipulating genetics on Earth for millennia, and that the phenomenon has multi-dimensional aspects and involves time travel, complicating understanding.

Bill Hamilton highlights progress, noting that videocameras have provided photographic UFO evidence. However, he stresses the need for more scientists to get involved in analysis and research. Barry Chamish of Israel shares Hamilton's interest but notes that UFO discussions are often mixed with New Age elements, fantasies, and doomsday prophecies, which he feels have unfairly discredited the topic.

Ryan Wood characterizes ufology's progress as "piss-poor," criticizing the focus on membership numbers, quality of work, press control, ridicule, and internal power struggles. Maurizio Baiata suggests starting from scratch. Some researchers believe ufology is dead, with Michael Strainic from Canada finding it difficult to identify a clear research methodology in an organized manner, stating that most ufologists are fumbling in the dark.

Kenny Young describes the ufo-realized research as a thin layer, questioning the sincerity and objectivity of many researchers whose work may not align with their worldview. Peter Davenport, however, notes significant progress in recent years, with the collection of valuable data. The internet has made it easier for ufologists to communicate with witnesses and gather detailed information, which was not possible before. John Schuessler of MUFON agrees, stating that the quality of investigations has improved, and communication between ufologists has become more efficient. Jim Marrs calls the progress "extraordinary."

Achieving Acceptance and Future Prospects

The magazine then addresses what needs to be done to achieve acceptance for ufology. Bill Hamilton emphasizes better organization, coordination of activities, and a central scientific body for reports and evidence. Jerome Clark highlights the need for established research, noting that skilled UFO group members often lack the capital, equipment, and experts needed for significant physical investigations.

John Schuessler calls for new perspectives and brave collaborators. He believes university professors should be able to secure funding for UFO research on par with other fields. Many experts desire a more scientific approach, with Kevin Randle urging for improved scientific standards in research and a willingness to accept scientific answers, even if they are unwelcome. Dr. Roger Leir advocates for a "marriage" between hard science and ufology, also stressing the need for funding.

Per Andersen from Denmark distinguishes between religion and research, stating that individuals with personal UFO experiences may not be capable of objective research. Others call for greater political support, with Michael Hesemann arguing for better public relations and financing. Jim Marrs believes public pressure is sufficient to force politicians and media to react positively. Timo Koskenniemi suggests the involvement of top politicians and a political forum.

Ryan Wood outlines five potential scenarios for significant developments: a government explaining UFOs, the first ufonaut coming forward, Congress scrutinizing the government, a significant observer emerging, or a former president or leader stepping forward.

Regarding when ufology's goals might be achieved, few ufologists are willing to give a definitive answer. Jerome Clark suggests a UFO event with overwhelming evidence or a prominent scientist coming forward. He also mentions the possibility of government organizations revealing hidden evidence or astronomers discovering extraterrestrial life, prompting questions about life throughout the universe. He speculates that scientific breakthroughs might occur after a scientist's death.

Kenny Young does not foresee this in the near future, viewing ufology as "fringe science" or entertainment, which has damaged its credibility. Roger Leir compares it to the disclosure of secret data. Philip Mantle notes pessimism due to current conditions, while Kevin Randle and Per Andersen express optimism about the truth eventually emerging.

Michael Hesemann sees a potential breakthrough within the first decade of the new millennium. Jim Marrs believes significant revelations and public acceptance could happen within two years, and certainly within ten years. John Schuessler suggests that "our presumed guests" have something to say, and that UFO activity is beyond human control and could escalate to a critical level unexpectedly.

Other Articles and Features

Comet Impact and Extinction

An article discusses a comet or asteroid impact 3.3 million years ago in Argentina that led to the extinction of 36 species. Geologists have studied a three-mile layer of greenish glass and red stones on high sea cliffs, linking the mass extinction to the impact, which may have caused direct death or climate change.

Greek Pyramids Older Than Egyptian Ones

An archeological report suggests that the Greeks invented pyramids simultaneously with the Egyptians. Researchers using a new dating method involving luminous sand grains have found that Greek pyramids are between 4200 and 4700 years old, making the oldest one approximately 200 years older than the Cheops pyramid in Egypt. The method, thermoluminescence, normally used for dating fossilized deposits, had not been applied to buildings before because sunlight erases the luminescence. The Greek researcher Ioannis Liritzis successfully applied it to dating buildings.

The Bible's Historical Accuracy Questioned

Israeli archaeologist Professor Ze'ev Herzog from Tel Aviv University claims that the stories in the Bible are myths and not historical events. He states that after 70 years of excavation, no evidence has been found to support the biblical accounts of the Israelites' exodus from Egypt or the large kingdom ruled by King David and Solomon. He suggests that the actual kingdom was much smaller than described in the Bible.

Surftips: Searching for Extraterrestrials Online

This section highlights online resources for UFO and extraterrestrial research. SETI@home allows PC users to contribute to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence by analyzing data from radio telescopes. Links are provided for downloading the screensaver and accessing further information.

Astronomical Observations

Several astronomical news items are included:

• Eye to the Sky: SETI is now also looking for extraterrestrial life using optical light meters on telescopes in the USA.
• Mysterious Star: Astronomers at ESO in Chile discovered a star, S50, with an unusually high amount of lithium, possibly due to the consumption of a giant planet or a brown dwarf.
• Satellite Measures Ice: NASA's ICESAT satellite, launched in 2001, will use laser technology to measure ice depth and changes in Greenland and Antarctica.
• Moon Rock Adrift: A 50-meter-wide boulder is orbiting the sun, possibly a fragment of the moon dislodged by a meteorite impact.
• Milky Way Devours Neighbors: Australian astronomers have observed that the Milky Way galaxy is consuming its neighboring galaxies, explaining the origin of Magellanic clouds.

The Sun: A Typical Star

A detailed explanation of the sun's nature as a main-sequence star. It discusses stellar composition, color, size, and life cycles, explaining that stars are formed from interstellar clouds of gas and dust. The sun is about five billion years old and halfway through its life cycle. The article also touches upon the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram used to classify stars.

UFO Filmed in Skövde, Sweden

This feature details the sighting and filming of a triangular object by Rolf Wallinder and his fiancée Britt-Marie Gullberg in Skövde, Sweden. The object pulsed with various colors and then accelerated away at high speed. The eight-second video is being analyzed by the military intelligence's image analysis group. Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sweden, considers the footage highly interesting and unprecedented in Sweden and possibly worldwide. Investigations have ruled out conventional explanations like aircraft.

Bermuda Triangle Theory

Donald Davidson proposes a theory that "giant farts" of methane gas released from the seabed cause ships and planes to disappear in the Bermuda Triangle. High pressure and low temperatures on the ocean floor can create methane gas ice crystals, which, when released by underwater volcanic activity, form a large bubble that can engulf vessels. If the gas ignites from aircraft engines, it can cause explosions.

Earth Calls E.T.

This section promotes the SETI@home project, allowing PC users to contribute to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence by downloading a screensaver that analyzes data from NASA's radio telescopes.

UFOs Sighted in Shanghai

Reports of over 100 UFO sightings in Shanghai airspace coincided with the launch of a promotional campaign for the movie "The X-Files."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the pursuit of UFO knowledge, the challenges of gaining acceptance for ufology, and the persistent issue of government secrecy. There's a strong emphasis on the need for scientific investigation, evidence-based analysis, and public education. The magazine seems to advocate for transparency and a more open approach from authorities regarding UFO phenomena. The inclusion of diverse articles, from astronomical discoveries to historical critiques and specific sighting reports, suggests a broad interest in unexplained phenomena and scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging the skepticism and difficulties within the field.