UFO-Nytt - 2001 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-NYTT, NR 2, published in 2001, is from the VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO FÖRENING (Västerbergslagen UFO Association). The cover headline, "Nya planeter väcker frågan om liv i rymden" (New planets raise the question of life in space), sets the tone for a significant portion of the content.

Articles and Content

"Nya planeter väcker frågan om liv i rymden" (New planets raise the question of life in space)

This article, reported from San Francisco by TT-S, discusses the increasing evidence for the existence of life beyond Earth. It highlights how new instruments are revealing planets outside our solar system. Since 1995, technology has identified planets orbiting sun-like stars. Recent findings suggest that even stars within the Milky Way once had planets, which were likely consumed by their stars between 100 million and 1 billion years after the universe's birth. Astronomers at the AAAS conference in San Francisco presented these findings. John Percy from the University of Toronto-Mississauga notes that only debris, like iron, remains on these stars' surfaces. The article mentions the discovery of at least 30 stars with planets as large as Jupiter, and nine of these have multiple such giant planets. The focus is shifting to finding smaller, Earth-like planets around other stars, requiring advanced instruments. Norman Murray from the University of Toronto emphasizes that while the possibility of life is increasingly suggested, no signals from extraterrestrial life have been detected yet.

"Förord" (Foreword)

Written by Gudrun, this foreword reflects on humanity's historical drive for exploration and dreams of the future, citing space travel to the Moon and Mars as examples. It acknowledges that current experts believe we cannot yet travel far into the universe due to technological limitations, but questions if this will always be the case. Gudrun questions the assumption that other civilizations must have intelligence similar to ours and suggests that scientists, politicians, and churches might prefer humanity to believe it is unique. She posits that authorities might keep people in check by maintaining this belief, fearing the implications of discovering something more advanced. The foreword concludes with a seasonal greeting and a hint that a new UFO theory might be launched in the autumn.

"Har forskarna hittat någon signal?" (Have researchers found any signals?)

This article discusses instances where computers have registered signals that could potentially originate from an alien civilization. The 'WOW' signal from 1977, detected by the Ohio State Radio Telescope, is detailed. Jerry Ehman's exclamation 'wow' on the data printout gave the signal its name. It was a narrow-band signal, strong and with characteristics suggesting an extraterrestrial source, located near the forbidden 1420 MHz hydrogen line. Despite extensive searches, the signal was never found again. The article also mentions other short, narrow-band signals detected over the years, which appear to come from specific regions of space rather than being randomly distributed, hinting at unknown astrophysical phenomena or interference patterns. The article ponders the implications of detecting a signal, questioning whether it would bring hope or fear, and how society, religions, and governments would react. It suggests that any discovery would be made public and that while initial reactions might be surprise and curiosity, panic is unlikely. The long-term impact is compared to Copernicus's discovery that Earth is not the center of the universe, suggesting a gradual societal shift rather than immediate upheaval.

"Viskningar och rop..." (Whispers and cries...)

This section presents intriguing historical artifacts and concepts:

• Ancient Batteries: Excavations in Baghdad have uncovered 2000-year-old clay jars containing copper cylinders and iron rods sealed with asphalt, resembling primitive electrical batteries. Similar artifacts found near ancient Babylon suggest they were used to generate electricity, with some possibly wired in series for higher voltage.
• Ancient Egyptian Technology: An ancient Indian text from King Rama's era (around 5000 years ago) describes the manufacture of an electric battery using copper and zinc to produce light. Egyptian temple reliefs are also mentioned, depicting figures operating what appear to be oversized light bulbs connected to cables and supported by high-voltage insulators.
• "Domedagsvapnet" (The Doomsday Weapon): This part explores the legend of the 'Brahma-weapon' from ancient India, described as a devastating force capable of destroying the entire world. The text questions whether this was a real weapon or a myth, speculating if ancient cultures possessed advanced technology, possibly including flying machines and electrical light, and if a total annihilation occurred, leaving no trace.

"Stigen - Backen och jag" (The Path - The Hill and I)

This is a poem by Anna-Lisa, reflecting on a solitary walk through nature, experiencing the joy of spring and the warmth of the sun, only to find the path and the stream parting ways, leaving the narrator to continue alone.

UFO Reports

The magazine includes several detailed UFO sighting reports from various locations in Sweden:

• Rättvik/Leksand (1972-01-01): Three witnesses reported a rotating yellow light with a humming sound, observed for 15 minutes. It was later identified as a large meteor that was visible across Sweden.
• Säter (1978): Four people observed a light phenomenon above Lake Ljustern. It reappeared after disappearing behind a mountain, moved at high speed, and was accompanied by a faint whining sound. A car also stopped to observe it.
• Grängesberg (ca 1996): A witness saw a silent, yellow, spherical object gliding in a northwest direction. It was too distant to observe with binoculars upon their return.
• Österby/Gustafs (Oct-Nov 1996): A witness saw a strong red light illuminating a large area, brighter and larger than car headlights. The light disappeared without sound, and the witness's dog did not react.
• Engelsfors (1999-08-11): A witness observed a black, triangular object flying at high speed and altitude in a north-south direction. It was nearly silent, possibly due to nearby military installations.
• Idkeberget (2000-01-04): A witness saw an orange light clump with a white-blue-red tail approaching rapidly. It moved to the right and disappeared over the treetops.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-NYTT are the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence, the exploration of space and the discovery of new planets, and the examination of historical accounts and artifacts that suggest advanced ancient technologies. The magazine also dedicates a significant portion to documenting and analyzing UFO sightings, primarily from Sweden. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, historical mysteries, and the possibility of life beyond Earth, encouraging readers to consider alternative explanations and question conventional wisdom, as suggested by Gudrun's foreword. The inclusion of diverse reports, from scientific findings to eyewitness accounts and historical speculation, reflects a broad interest in the UFO phenomenon and related subjects.

Title: MUFON UFO Journal
Issue: January 2001
Volume: 34
Date: 2001-01
Publisher: MUFON UFO Journal
Country: Sweden
Original Language: Swedish

This issue of MUFON UFO Journal delves into a variety of UFO sightings and related phenomena, spanning historical accounts and recent reports. The magazine aims to document and investigate unexplained aerial events, providing a platform for witnesses and researchers.

Contents

Norway: Hessdalen Sighting

The issue begins with a report from Norway, detailing a sighting by a woman named Synnevi in Hessdalen on the night of April 28th. She awoke to a large, reddish-brown, egg-shaped light hovering outside her kitchen window. The light was described as bright but not illuminating downwards. By the time she alerted her husband, the object had vanished. Her observation was corroborated by a nearby monitoring station, which recorded three anomalous events prior to her sighting. The author, Gudrun, notes that the phenomenon appeared larger than the full moon and seemed quite close, though its exact size and proximity were difficult to judge. April appears to have seen a slight increase in activity in the Hessdalen area.

Pets and Stress Reduction

A brief article, possibly a 'KLIPP' (clip), discusses a psychological study suggesting that pets, such as cats and dogs, can help reduce stress and lower blood pressure. In an experiment with stockbrokers, those who acquired pets showed significant drops in blood pressure, and their stress response was better managed compared to those receiving traditional medication.

The Possibility of a New Ice Age

An inquiry from a reader, Claes Malmberg of Karlstad, asks for clarification on a statement by Krister Brood in 'FoF 1/84' about the imminent arrival of a new ice age. Malmberg questions whether this is a widely accepted theory or merely a probability based on past ice ages, requesting literature references.

The response, titled "The Ice Age Could Come Quickly!", explains that there is a general consensus on the conditions that could lead to an ice age. These include long-term continental drift causing continents to move into polar regions, leading to ice sheet formation and global climate impact. Additionally, shorter-term cyclical astronomical processes, such as variations in Earth's axial tilt, precession, and orbital eccentricity, are cited as contributing factors.

Jupiter's Origin and Earth's Safety

An astronomy segment discusses the possibility that Jupiter formed further out in the solar system and later moved into its current orbit. This theory is supported by measurements from the Galileo probe, which indicated higher-than-expected levels of argon, krypton, and xenon in Jupiter's atmosphere. These findings suggest that Jupiter may have formed through the collision of numerous comets and that its current position might have been a matter of luck, preventing it from disrupting Earth's orbit.

UFO Sightings from Around the World

The journal features several reports of UFO sightings:

• Oregon, USA: A witness reported a large, triangular object with red and white lights, emitting a low, humming sound. It moved slowly and silently, disappearing after about 20 seconds.
• Poland: A cigar-shaped UFO was observed near Warsaw, described as being about 3 km away and showing reflections of the sun. Two white V-shaped streaks emanated from the object.
• New Jersey, USA: A witness described a clear, low-flying, triangular light with red and green lights and two white central lights. It made a low, almost inaudible jet engine sound.
• Oklahoma, USA: A massive, black, triangular object with a pulsating red glow was seen hovering. It was described as being larger than a city block.
• West Allenhurst, USA: A V-shaped formation of lights, later appearing as a bow or half-moon formation, was observed. The objects were dimly lit and moved silently.

The Dawn of the Flying Saucer Era

A historical piece recounts the origin of the term 'flying saucer,' attributed to private pilot Kenneth Arnold's sighting of nine discs in 1947. It also mentions the Roswell incident and the US Air Force's Project Blue Book, which investigated UFO reports. The article notes that while many sightings were explained, some remain under investigation. It also touches upon the recent wave of crop circle phenomena, many of which have been exposed as hoaxes.

Historical European UFO Accounts

The journal presents a collection of historical European UFO observations:

• 1322, Japan: General Yoritsume documented mysterious lights in the sky, described as a scientific investigation. The report concluded they were merely stars flickering due to wind.
• 1271, Japan: A bright, full-moon-like object appeared in the sky during the execution of priest Nichiren, causing panic and halting the proceedings.
• 1361, Japan: A drum-shaped object, about six meters in diameter, emerged from the sea.
• 1468, Japan: A dark object emitting a "wheel-like sound" was observed.
• 1733: A description of a shimmering, silver-like object that moved with a sparkling, rapid motion, compared to a shooting star.
• 1742, London: A light rose from behind buildings, moved parallel to the horizon, and emitted a bright light and fire.
• 1799: A beautiful ball of white light was seen moving across the sky.
• 1799: A large, red pillar of light was observed, preceded by electrical flashes.
• 1799: Sharp flashes of light from a fireball were seen.
• 1733, England: Mr. Cracker reported seeing a "flying saucer" in broad daylight.

Editorial Stance

The editorial section expresses a critical view of the common perception that extraterrestrial visitors must be benevolent. The author argues that historical reports, particularly those concerning small, big-headed beings found in crashed saucers, suggest a less friendly reality. The editorial also critiques the tendency within the UFO community to idealize aliens, citing films like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "E.T." as potentially influenced by these beings. It concludes with a cautionary anecdote about a man who approached a landed UFO and was incapacitated by a beam, suggesting that a prayer to God might be the best response to such an encounter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation of UFO sightings across different eras and geographical locations, the investigation into the nature and origin of these phenomena, and a critical examination of popular beliefs about extraterrestrial visitors. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards the notion of benevolent aliens, emphasizing the need for caution and a realistic assessment of the evidence. The magazine encourages readers to report their own sightings and contributes to the ongoing discourse on unidentified aerial phenomena.

Title: Forskning & Framsteg
Issue: 20
Volume: 1995
Issue Date: 1995
Publisher: Forskning & Framsteg
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Price: 23:50

This issue of Forskning & Framsteg, dated 1995, features a prominent cover story about NASA's innovative drill designed to search for life on Mars. It also includes articles on amateur astronomy, UFO phenomena, and a controversial theory about ancient astronauts.

Mars Drill: The Hunt for Life

The lead article, "Borren ska leta efter liv på Mars" (The Drill Shall Search for Life on Mars), details NASA's new drilling technology developed for the red planet. The drill, about a meter long, is ingeniously designed to penetrate Mars' surface and reinforce the borehole walls simultaneously. It utilizes extreme heat (1500°C) at its tip to melt through sand and stone, while a cooling gas protects the drill shaft. Geoff Briggs, head of NASA's Mars Research in California, explains that while the drill is effective, it might destroy any potential life forms it encounters. NASA's plans include sending small robotic vehicles and ambitious projects to bring samples back to Earth.

UFO Phenomena and Misinterpretations

Several smaller articles address UFO sightings and their explanations. "Lampa som reflekteras i fönsterruta" (Lamp Reflected in Window Pane) describes an incident near Frösötornet in 1995, initially perceived as a UFO but later explained by UFO-Sverige investigators. "Linsmoln över Anderna 1966" (Lenticular Clouds over the Andes 1966) notes similar cloud formations appearing in known UFO images. "Reflexer i flygplansfönster" (Reflections in Aircraft Windows) recounts a famous 'UFO photograph' from Norway in 1954, which was actually caused by reflections in the plane's cabin windows. Another piece, "Reflexer i linsen" (Reflections in the Lens), debunks a photograph of the U.S. Capitol building, explaining the supposed UFOs were lens flares from streetlights. Similarly, a photo from Bolivia, initially thought to be a landed UFO, was identified as a cactus-covered island on a salt lake.

Amateur Astronomy Guide

"Att se mot stjärnorna" (Looking Towards the Stars) provides a comprehensive guide for amateur astronomers. It highlights that while professional instruments are expensive, much can be observed with the naked eye, especially in rural areas. The best times for observation are autumn and winter, avoiding city lights, bright moonlight, and thin clouds. The article mentions visible celestial objects like the Milky Way, stars such as Betelgeuse and Mira, star clusters like the Pleiades and Hyades, the Orion Nebula, and the Andromeda Galaxy. It also notes that the five brightest planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn) are easily identifiable. For those with binoculars, Jupiter's moons, lunar craters, and nebulae are accessible. The guide differentiates between refractors (lens-based telescopes) and reflectors (mirror-based telescopes), emphasizing that aperture size is more critical than magnification for light-gathering capability. It also touches upon the importance of proper telescope mounting and the possibility of using clockwork or electric motors for tracking celestial objects, enabling astrophotography.

The Three Space Travelers Theory

The most extensive article, "De tre rymdmännen som skulle frälsa jorden" (The Three Space Travelers Who Would Save the Earth), presents the theories of Russian philologist Vjatjeslav Zaitsev. After years of research, using computers to decipher ancient texts, Zaitsev proposes that figures from ancient history and religion were extraterrestrial visitors. He theorizes that around 2000 years ago, a large spacecraft arrived from another solar system, and three individuals were sent to Earth. These individuals, described as highly trained psychologists, were tasked with influencing human development and guiding cultures. Zaitsev identifies these figures with Quetzalcoatl in Mesoamerica, Jesus Christ in Asia Minor, and Djan Dao Riin in China. He points to similarities in their appearance, teachings, and departures (ascension) as evidence of their common extraterrestrial origin.

Zaitsev further suggests that the architectural styles of temples and churches, with their skyward orientation, mimic the spacecraft these visitors arrived in. He interprets the Bethlehem Star, a central element in Christian tradition, not as a star but as a spacecraft or satellite, and suggests that Jesus's birth narrative might be a constructed legend to make his presence more understandable.

He also highlights perceived inconsistencies in the biblical accounts of Jesus's life, such as his apparent unfamiliarity with local customs and laws, suggesting he was a disoriented stranger. Zaitsev posits that Jesus's miracles, like feeding thousands or walking on water, could be interpreted as mass hypnosis or advanced technology. He believes a mysterious box Jesus carried, referred to as "my heavenly Father's words," was a combined TV transmitter and receiver, through which he received instructions from the commander of a large spacecraft orbiting Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to explore the intersection of science, technology, and unexplained phenomena, with a particular interest in UFOs and potential extraterrestrial influence on human history and religion. While presenting scientific advancements like the Mars drill and practical advice for amateur astronomers, it also gives significant space to more speculative theories, such as Zaitsev's ancient astronaut hypothesis. The editorial stance seems open to exploring unconventional ideas, presenting them alongside more established scientific topics, encouraging readers to consider alternative interpretations of historical and celestial events.