UFO-Nytt - 2000 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: NR II
Volume: 2000
Publisher: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO FÖRENING
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Date: 2000

This issue of UFO-NYTT, published by the Västerbergslagen UFO Association, focuses on UFO phenomena and reports from Sweden and Norway. It aims to provide information and analysis for its members, covering a range of sightings, theories, and investigations.

Editorial and Foreword

The issue opens with a foreword by Gudrun Andersson, who discusses the nature of the UFO question as one of belief versus knowledge. She asserts her personal conviction that UFOs exist, though their nature is debated. Andersson encourages an open mind, acknowledging that science has been wrong in the past and that new ways of thinking are needed. She poses numerous questions about the nature of UFO phenomena, their potential psychological or physical origins, and the possibility of discovering the truth. She also highlights the positive aspect of her involvement in UFO research: the strong friendships and solidarity it has fostered.

Gudrun Andersson also contributes a piece noting that while many UFO organizations exist, some are characterized by falsehood and corruption, driven by financial gain. She expresses gratitude that such organizations have not been long-lasting.

UFO Reports and Sightings

UFO Observations in Dalarna (1999)

A significant section details UFO observations in the Dalarna region during 1999:

• March 16, Falun: A silent, pulsating, spherical object hovered and then moved away. Unresolved.
• June 28, Ludvika: A brown-yellow, balloon-like object circled the sky and disappeared after about a minute. Likely a balloon.
• July 18, Dalviksberg: An object passed with a humming sound about a hundred meters above the treetops. Under investigation.
• August, Gagnef: An illuminated craft with windows moved across the sky for about 20 minutes. Difficult to assess.
• August 22, Älvdalen: A yellow-orange sphere moved slowly westward for a minute, accompanied by a motor-like sound. Under investigation.
• September 3, Särna: A silent, strongly blinking light point was observed for an hour. Under investigation.
• September 6, Hedemora: Four luminous objects moved back and forth at enormous speed. Observers were anonymous.
• September 12, Avesta: A strange light phenomenon was seen in the sky. Under investigation.
• September 21, Dalkarsnäs, Säter: A low-flying, airplane-like object blinked blue and appeared stationary. Likely an airplane.

"Mystiskt i Leksand"

This short report from Leksand describes three people witnessing yellowish flying objects moving silently towards Ullvi. The objects were described as having a triangular shape.

"Ljusfenomenet var en bolid"

This article discusses a bright light phenomenon seen across Dalarna on a Tuesday evening in January 2000. UFO enthusiast Gudrun Andersson identifies it as a bolid, a large meteor that does not burn up completely in the atmosphere. She expresses excitement at witnessing such an event, noting that many people reported seeing it. The phenomenon was described as having a "tail" and moving in a bow-shaped path across the sky. The article also mentions that UFO-Sverige is investigating other unexplained light phenomena in the Borlänge area, involving four to six light points.

"Några Intressanta Norska Rapporter"

This section details two reports from Norway:

• January 23, 2000, Ålesund: A couple observed an orange-colored, metallic object moving at high speed from north to south. The object had a clear, limited form when it stopped, then moved sideways before ascending rapidly. No sound was heard. Approximately 15 minutes later, a second phenomenon was observed under the clouds, resembling an upside-down metal disc, about 4-5 meters wide. It hovered over buildings before moving rapidly towards Spjelkavik. There was significant air traffic activity in the area afterward, with a propeller plane reportedly taking off from Vigra airport shortly after the observation.
• January 2, 2000, Oppland Fylke: Bodil de Wit and her son Dan Robbie observed a fluffy red light to the right of their car. The light paralleled the car, then turned and moved directly towards it, stopping above the road. A white, cone-shaped light appeared below the red light, intensifying. Later, multiple yellow lights appeared in a line. Bodil reported red marks on her neck and chest after the incident, which disappeared after two days.

Special Features and Articles

"Kan ha varit en robot" - Bo Lindebert tror på militär verksamhet vid Upprämen

This article investigates the mysterious "Upprämen" incident, where a large wake was discovered in the frozen lake Upprämen in 1968. Bo Lindebert, a retired police officer, suggests that the incident might have been caused by a cruise missile or military activity in the area at the time. He found documents related to military operations in northern Värmland in April 1968, mentioning aerial phenomena and the presence of anti-aircraft and missile units. Lindebert speculates that a robot could have been shot down and gone through the ice. He also notes reports of two airplanes observed in a field in northern Värmland, suggesting military exercises.

"I laboratoriet ser vi alla syner"

This article discusses the work of Canadian professor Michael Persinger, who uses a helmet with electronic equipment to direct weak, computer-controlled electromagnetic fields at specific areas of the brain. Subjects undergoing this stimulation report experiencing visions, emotional disturbances, religious experiences (meeting God or the devil), and out-of-body sensations. Persinger suggests that this research provides a scientific explanation for why people might suddenly see or experience strange phenomena, linking it to natural electromagnetic fields present during events like earthquakes or solar flares, which can disrupt our perception of reality.

"Good News" and "Bad News" Sections

The magazine includes brief sections highlighting positive and negative developments:

Good News:

• Rhino Conservation: A new technique using aerial photos of footprints helps track endangered rhinos.
• Genetics for Anti-Poaching: Genetic fingerprinting is used to identify poachers by comparing DNA from confiscated trophies with evidence from poaching sites.
• Wild Turkeys: Wild turkey populations in the USA have significantly increased.
• Galapagos Protection: A protected zone in the Galapagos Islands aims to prevent overfishing.

Bad News:

• Seabed Destruction: Bottom trawling causes severe damage to marine ecosystems.
• Endangered Bears: Brown bears in Spain are threatened by habitat fragmentation due to infrastructure projects.
• Toxic Recycling: Recycled paper can release more toxins than old organic waste.
• Antarctic Ice Shelf Collapse: A massive ice shelf has broken off Antarctica, attributed to climate change.
• Pollution and Seed Germination: Nitrogen dioxide, often from forest fires, stimulates premature seed germination in polluted air.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-NYTT are the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the exploration of potential explanations (both conventional and unconventional), and the personal experiences of witnesses. The magazine adopts a stance of open-minded inquiry, presenting various reports and theories without necessarily endorsing any single explanation. It highlights the work of UFO-Sverige and the Västerbergslagen UFO Association in gathering and disseminating information. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious engagement with the UFO phenomenon, encouraging critical thinking and the sharing of experiences, while also acknowledging the broader context of scientific research and societal news.

This issue of UFO-Aktuellt, dated February 2000, is primarily a compilation of witness reports detailing various unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) observed in Sweden. It also features articles on archaeological discoveries and future space exploration.

Witness Reports of UAP

The magazine presents numerous accounts from different individuals across Sweden, spanning from 1982 to 2000. These reports describe a variety of phenomena:

• February 5, 2000, Leksand: Tommy reported seeing two 'light globes' that met and separated. Later, a 'Bethlehem star' approached, emitting intense yellowish light from multiple points, stopped for about 3 minutes, and then moved away at high speed towards the northeast. The witness estimated the altitude to be around one kilometer due to clouds. Photos were taken, but their quality is uncertain. The object was described as looking like an electric light with strong light points through binoculars.
• January 4, 2000, Leksand: Witnesses driving from Leksand towards Dala Järna observed a blue, luminous object moving rapidly from northeast to southwest with a downward angle. The observation lasted about 3 seconds before the object disappeared. Its size was estimated to be one-fifth of the moon's size.
• February 7, 2000, Grängesberg: A witness driving home from Arlanda saw what they described as a 'large' meteor fall slowly towards the southwest. The visibility was clear due to the flat terrain.
• February 7, 2000, Ludvika: A witness observed a concentrated light in the sky moving or falling at a 40-50 degree angle towards the horizon. The light appeared rectangular and did not fall as fast as a typical meteor. The witness felt it was closer than usual meteors and intuitively thought it might have landed near Grängesberg. The same description, with a slight color difference, applied to another observation on February 9th.
• Autumn 1984, Torsåker: While standing outside a youth center, a witness and friends experienced a sudden power outage that made the entire town go dark. Looking up, they noticed a large object moving slowly. The object had angular, straight contours, and stars were visible around it. It moved over houses, roads, and forests at a constant, low speed, estimated to be 200-300 meters above the ground. The underside appeared to have height differences, but no sound was heard. The object was visible for 5-10 minutes, and the lights returned 2 minutes later. Notably, during the observation, traffic on a usually busy road ceased, which was considered unusual.
• Winter 1982, Övre Svärdsjö, Borlänge: A passenger in an 'A traktor' saw a light that initially looked like a locomotive but then moved upwards in a circular motion, expanding into a large triangle of nine lights (three by three). The vehicle stopped, and they observed the phenomenon for a few minutes as it moved around and upwards before extinguishing. They returned the next day but found no trace.
• Winter 1996, Hedemora: A witness saw a phenomenon moving up and down several times. It was described as a sphere with a white glow. The weather was clear and starry. The witness woke their partner to see it, who found it frightening, while the witness found it interesting. The observation lasted about 2 minutes before it disappeared.
• December 31, 1996, Avesta: Around 10 PM on New Year's Eve, a witness saw a strange light in the sky. They initially thought it might be fireworks but soon realized it was not. A broad, large, steady light moved westward for 5-10 minutes without blinking. The witness definitively stated it was neither fireworks nor an airplane and that they were sober at the time.
• Autumn 1990, Lövåsen, Stora Skedvi: A witness observed a strong white light over Lövåsen lake that disappeared over a mountain. The observation lasted about 20 seconds, and no sound was heard. The area is described as having lakes, watercourses, and abandoned mines nearby.

Archaeological Discoveries

Ancient Beer

An archaeological find at Godin Tepe in western Iran, consisting of a broken beer jug, suggests that humans were drinking beer as early as 5,500 years ago. This discovery predates the earliest known evidence of beer consumption from Egyptian papyrus scrolls (circa 3100 BC to 2180 BC) by 400 years. Researcher Virginia Badler analyzed the shards and found residues of calcium oxalate, a substance that forms in beer and makes it bitter if not removed. It is speculated that the jug's cracks were designed to help remove this bitter substance. This finding may explain ancient Sumerian drawings depicting people using straw-like tubes to drink from a large communal pot, which historians had long suspected represented an ancient beer-drinking ritual.

Ancient Agriculture

Archaeologists in Australia have found evidence suggesting that agriculture began 20,000 years earlier than previously thought. On the island of Buka, part of the Solomon Islands, stone tools with microscopic plant residues dating back 28,000 years were discovered. These residues are from two species of taro root, a plant still cultivated today. Because the residues resemble the cultivated form rather than the wild form, archaeologists believe this indicates early agriculture. They hypothesize that the island's population either adapted the wild form or that immigrants from Southeast Asia brought the adapted form. This discovery is surprising, as the prevailing view was that agriculture originated around 10,000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Recent findings in Egypt, dating between 17,000 and 18,000 years old, also point to early agriculture, but the Buka findings have diminished their significance.

Space Exploration

Future of Space Travel

The magazine looks ahead to the 21st century, predicting that humans will be living permanently on Mars and possibly the Moon before the year 2000 ends. It also anticipates landings on comets and asteroids, and visits to moons of Jupiter and Saturn. The International Space Station (ISS) is highlighted as a model for international cooperation in space exploration. Christer Fuglesang emphasizes Sweden's potential contribution due to its advanced technology and skilled workforce.

Mars Missions

Despite two Mars mission failures in the previous year, NASA remains optimistic. Mark Adler, involved in Mars exploration, states that the technology for reaching Mars already exists and that with sufficient funding, spacecraft construction could begin soon, with a journey taking about 15 years. Plans include:

• 2002: Landing a small rover and excavator near the Martian equator, with a satellite in orbit.
• 2002-2005: An unmanned, lightweight aircraft to conduct detailed surveys.
• 2003-2008: Multiple attempts to collect rock and soil samples using unmanned vehicles, with new satellites.
• 2007-2009: Deployment of more rovers, excavators, and drills.
• 2011-2015: Robot-based exploration.
• 2020-2030: Human landing on Mars, preceded by an unmanned fuel factory to ensure return capability. The first missions may involve 5-6 individuals, with options to stay for a month or 1.5 years. Return trips depend on planetary alignment.
• 2030-2050: Establishment of a permanent Mars colony.

Asteroid Exploration

• February 7, 2000: The NEAR probe will enter orbit around the asteroid Eros.
• 2003: The asteroid 1989ML will be visited.
• 2020-2050: The first manned mission to an asteroid is planned, with asteroids seen as potential sources of raw materials. These journeys would be longer than Mars missions but require less fuel.

Comet Missions

• 2001-2004: Two unmanned probes, 'Genesis' and 'Stardust', will fly by comets Wilson-Harrington and Wild 2.
• 2005: A crash landing on comet Tempel 1.
• 2006: The 'Contour' probe will fly by comet SW3.
• 2008: 'Contour' will fly by comet d'Arrest.
• 2030-2060: Human landing on a comet is projected.

Stellar Exploration

• Before 2100: An unmanned, nuclear-powered probe will be sent to a star exhibiting an Earth-like planet with an oxygen atmosphere. The required speed for such a journey would be significantly higher than current chemical rockets, as the trip would otherwise take many thousands of years.

Saturn and Venus Missions

• 2004: The 'Huygens' probe is expected to land on Titan, Saturn's moon, sending data for several minutes. The 'Cassini' spacecraft will orbit Saturn and its moons.
• 2050-2100: Human missions to Titan are considered, with its dense atmosphere potentially offering protection from Saturn's radiation.
• 2005-2015: Attempts will be made to send extremely durable probes to collect small surface samples from Venus's extremely hot surface (around 400 degrees Celsius) and return them to Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the exploration of the unknown, both in terms of unexplained aerial phenomena on Earth and the vastness of space. The magazine appears to maintain an open stance towards UAP reports, presenting them as factual accounts from witnesses without immediate dismissal. The editorial stance also promotes a forward-looking perspective on technological advancement and human endeavor, particularly in space exploration, advocating for greater international participation and investment in scientific and technological pursuits.

This issue of UFO Norges Tidning UFO, dated 2000-2025 and identified as issue 26 of volume 28, delves into a variety of topics related to space exploration, astronomical phenomena, and unexplained events. The magazine features a cover story on "Jupiter with Moons" and includes articles on future space missions, UFO sightings, asteroid threats, and cosmological theories.

Future Space Exploration

The magazine outlines ambitious future space exploration plans. Between 2003-2008, a probe is scheduled to orbit Jupiter's moon Europa, with a potential mission to search for life in its subsurface ocean. By 2010-2020, a permanent base is planned for the Moon, utilizing experience gained from the ISS. The issue also highlights the "Plutoexpressen" mission to Pluto from 2004-2012, aiming to explore the outer solar system. Furthermore, it anticipates the replacement of the Hubble telescope around 2020-2030 with a constellation of 6-12 advanced telescopes capable of detecting Earth-like planets up to 65 light-years away, potentially identifying signs of life. A human landing on Mars is projected for the year 2020.

UFO Sighting in Drammen

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a personal account of a UFO sighting in Drammen, Norway. The correspondent, Per Ottesen, relays a letter from a man who, approximately 10 years prior (between 1985-1989), witnessed a remarkable aerial phenomenon with his wife and in-laws. The sighting occurred on an autumn Saturday evening. The object, described as a bright light source, appeared to be half the size of the moon and varied in intensity. It rotated weightlessly and later descended towards a valley before ascending rapidly. The witness attempted to report the incident to local newspapers but found no interest.

The Threat of Asteroid XF11

The magazine features a prominent article warning about the potential impact of the asteroid XF11. This two-kilometer-wide asteroid is on a collision course with Earth, with a predicted impact date of October 26, 2028, at 18:30 Swedish time. The article emphasizes the catastrophic consequences, estimating the impact force to be equivalent to two million atomic bombs. It details two previous asteroid impacts on Earth, one 65 million years ago that contributed to the extinction of dinosaurs and another 2.2 million years ago that caused massive tsunamis. The XF11 impact could result in global devastation, a new ice age, and the potential end of civilization, according to astronomer Benny Peiser.

Astronomical Phenomena and Theories

Other astronomical topics covered include the possibility of future supernovae, with Betelgeuse in the Orion constellation identified as a candidate for a spectacular event. The magazine also touches upon cosmological theories, such as the idea that the universe may have rotated when young, potentially explaining the spiral shape of galaxies. This theory, proposed by physicist Saulo Carneiro, suggests the universe's expansion began 11 billion years ago. Additionally, the issue discusses the discovery of ancient rice fields in China, dating back 6000 years, and the preservation of cosmic particles in Antarctic ice.

Ancient Mysteries and Other Features

The magazine also explores ancient mysteries, including the construction of the great pyramids in Egypt, Peru, and Mexico. It posits that these structures may have been built by extraterrestrial beings, given their advanced engineering. A section on "Famous Quotes" includes various aphorisms and sports commentary. The issue also contains a comic strip titled "Hälge" and a cartoon by Laban, along with a "Glad Sommar!" (Happy Summer!) illustration.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Norges Tidning UFO consistently explores themes of the unknown, the future of space exploration, and potential existential threats. The editorial stance appears to be one of fascination with the mysteries of the universe, a cautious approach to potential dangers like asteroid impacts, and an openness to unconventional theories, including extraterrestrial involvement in ancient history and modern UFO sightings. The magazine aims to inform its readers about both scientific advancements and unexplained phenomena.