UFO-Nytt - 2002 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: 2
Volume/Year: 2002
Publisher: VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO FÖRENING
Country: Sweden
Original Language: Swedish

Content Summary

This issue of UFO-NYTT, published by the VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO FÖRENING, focuses on the nature of UFO research and presents several eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Editorial: The Difference Between an Amateur and a Researcher

The issue opens with an editorial titled "SKILLNADEN MELLAN EN AMATÖR OCH EN FORSKARE" (The Difference Between an Amateur and a Researcher). The author, an anonymous amateur, posits that while professional researchers have formal training and are bound by scientific methodology and the need for results, amateur researchers, though lacking formal education and financial backing, possess a unique freedom to explore subjects openly and make discoveries that established science might overlook. The author argues that both types of investigators are valuable and necessary, each contributing to the understanding of phenomena from their distinct perspectives. Amateurs are not pressured to produce quantifiable results and can explore unconventional ideas, while professionals provide rigorous analysis and validation. The piece concludes that both approaches are vital and can achieve significant results.

Poetry Corner

The magazine includes two poems: "DAGEN" (The Day) by Anna-Lisa, a reflective piece on the passage of a day from morning to evening, and "SOMMAR" (Summer) by Gudrun Andersson, which evokes idyllic summer scenes of beaches, freedom, and simple pleasures.

Contest Announcement

There is a "GRATTIS!!!" (Congratulations!!!) section announcing the four winners of a "giraffletartävling" (giraffe tart competition). The winners, Olof Fredriksson, Ivar Djus, Vallentin & Yvonne Johansson, and Veronica Hansson, each receive a Trisslott (a type of lottery ticket). The correct answer to the contest was that the giraffe was on page 22.

UFO Reports (Rapporter)

The core of the magazine consists of several detailed UFO sighting reports, many investigated by field researcher Bengt Karlsson, and one by Gudrun Andersson. These reports cover a range of experiences:

• Ostbo Långshyttan, Sweden (Autumn 1996): An anonymous witness reported seeing a disc-shaped craft, described as two plates joined together, with four pulsing lights (white, green, red, blue) hovering over fields at approximately 2:00 AM. The object moved backward and was observed for about 10 minutes. A second, darker craft was also noted. The object was estimated to be about 5 meters in size and approximately 200 meters from the witness's house.
• Nyberget, Sweden (March 25, 2001): Lars Forsner reported seeing a star-like object that suddenly lit up, became elongated, and moved westward. This was followed by another similar sighting 10 minutes later. The events lasted only a few seconds each.
• Husby, Sweden (October 1989): Two witnesses driving in a car observed a large, ball-shaped object with a yellow-white light. The object was seen near Fäggeby and was visible for about 15 minutes. It moved slowly, and no sound was heard.
• Särna, Sweden (Winter 1978): Christer Svensson reported seeing a strange, yellow-white light resembling a bus with illuminated windows hovering over a mountain ridge. The object remained stationary for about 20-30 seconds before accelerating rapidly and disappearing over the forest. The sighting occurred between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
• Grängesberg, Sweden (March 12, 2002): Ulla Karlsson reported hearing a whistling, crackling sound while trying to free her car from snow. She then observed a round, ball-shaped or cylinder-shaped object above her, emitting flashing yellow-white and red lights, with a grey-white tail.
• Vikarbyn, Sweden (Summer 1945-1950): Two young men playing ball saw a silent, brown, hexagonal object with a swaying motion hovering at an altitude of approximately 500 meters. The phenomenon was observed for about 10 seconds before disappearing behind a mountain.

Early MUFON Report

• "TIDIG IAKTTAGELSE AV BUMERANG FORMAT FÖREMÅL KÄND" (Early Sighting of a Known Boomerang-Shaped Object) by Walter H. Andrus Jr., former MUFON International Director. This report details a significant sighting that occurred on April 8, 1969, in Quincy, Illinois, USA. Three women—Genevieve (Jeanne) P. Andrus, Mary Lynn Andrus, and Betty Smith—witnessed a long, boomerang-shaped object with multiple colored lights (red, green, blue, orange, white) flying low over their residence. The object moved in a wavy, up-and-down motion and disappeared over the roofline. The observation lasted about 3 minutes. Andrus notes that this sighting predates other published reports of boomerang-shaped objects, such as those documented in the book "Nigth Siege" concerning the Hudson Valley UFO sightings. He speculates that the alternating lights might have created the illusion of wavy movement. No sound was heard, and the object was not part of the official UFO-res-plan of 1969.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights the value of amateur investigation in the field of UFOlogy, contrasting it with the more structured approach of professional researchers. The reports themselves focus on direct eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, often occurring in rural or less populated areas. There's an emphasis on detailed descriptions of the objects, their lights, movements, and the environmental conditions. The publication also includes lighter content like poetry and contests, suggesting a community-oriented approach to its readership. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, valuing both personal experiences and systematic investigation.

This issue of UFO Journal, dated February 2002, is published by MUTUAL UFO NETWORK. It features a mix of UFO sighting reports from various locations and a scientific article on a newly discovered type of cosmic matter.

Articles and Reports

The Boomerang Mystery Philip I.Imbrogny, a speaker at the 1984 MUFON UFO Symposium, presented a case titled 'The Boomerang Mystery'. During a film screening of a boomerang-shaped craft, his wife Jeanne recognized it as similar to something she had seen. Previously, she had difficulty describing the object, but her simple drawing depicted a roughly boomerang-shaped craft.

Mystiska föremål (Mysterious Objects) This section highlights sightings from Grangärde, Sweden, by Juan Manzanares and from Uvberget by Anita Zäther and her daughter. These reports detail observations of unidentified flying objects.

Extremt tung materia har upptäckts (Extremely Heavy Matter Discovered) Astronomers have identified a new type of matter in space, theorized to be composed of free quarks. These quarks, normally bound in threes to form protons and neutrons, might exist freely in collapsed stars. Such matter is incredibly dense, with a teaspoon weighing billions of tons, approaching the density of black holes. Two such 'quark stars' have been observed by the Chandra space observatory.

Arizonaföremål synligt för vittnen (Arizona Object Visible to Witnesses) Leonard Chavez reported an encounter on May 29, 2001, near Casa Grande, Arizona. He observed multiple lights, initially two about 6-10 feet in diameter, hovering at 50 feet. These were joined by others, forming patterns. Chavez described the lights as dim, like through frosted glass, but white and glowing, with visible divisions. He noted the objects were large, dimly lit, and silent. He later brought his nephews to witness the phenomenon, but the object had moved. They pursued it south, observing the same light pattern. The object then moved towards a mountain range and disappeared. Chavez's nephew, Terry Day, confirmed the sobriety of the witnesses, and researcher Ken Kerber vouched for their honesty.

Lysande blå fyrkant i New York (Glowing Blue Square in New York) On October 1, 2001, near Lafayette, New York, a witness reported a low-flying object that changed from a glowing blue square to a red rhombus. The object emitted a loud sound initially, then became silent as it moved at high speed and disappeared. The witness was traveling with his two children.

Romb-form i Missouri (Rhombus-shaped in Missouri) On October 4, 2001, in Ashgrove, Missouri, three witnesses observed a saucer-shaped object with white lights on the underside and sides, and a blinking white light on top. One light on the left side was dimmer and intermittently disappeared. The object hovered for about 7 minutes before moving slowly south, exhibiting slight up-and-down and side-to-side movements without sound. It was estimated to be 9 miles east of Springfield, near the airport. The object was described as five times wider and longer than a 727 airplane. The sighting lasted about 14 minutes before the object vanished. This event is under investigation by the Missouri Investigation Group.

Pyramidformat föremål rapporterat i Chile (Pyramid-shaped Object Reported in Chile) On October 5, 2001, near Cavancha, Chile, a taxi driver and two passengers witnessed a pyramid-shaped object about 300 yards long. It had red, yellow, and green blinking lights, along with a white light on top, resembling a large stealth bomber. A bright light emanated from the bottom, illuminating the beach and waves. The sighting lasted approximately 20 minutes.

Diskusliknande föremål i Nebraska (Disc-shaped Object in Nebraska) A witness in Fredericton, Nebraska, reported seeing a disc-shaped object with 6 or 7 red lights on September 28, 2001. The object flew slowly overhead, and the witnesses tried to keep it in sight. They noted the absence of clouds and the object's smooth, perfect flight, unlike an airplane. The sighting lasted about a minute before the object vanished.

Kentucky UFO Landning Rapporterat (Kentucky UFO Landing Reported) On October 7, 2001, Peter Davenport informed the reporter about a UFO landing witnessed near Fort Knox, Kentucky. The witnesses later saw the craft depart. Investigators visited the site and found evidence of a landing, including burnt marks and tracks on the ground.

Ett speciellt minne om Betty och Barney Hill (A Special Memory of Betty and Barney Hill) Kathleen Marden, niece of Betty and Barney Hill, recounts an incident from September 20, 1961, when she was 13. While her mother was doing laundry, she received a phone call from Betty. Betty asked her to check the car's radioactivity. Kathleen's mother then relayed Betty's account of a UFO observation involving a tutting sound and a large glowing object. Kathleen's mother also shared her own UFO observation. The narrative details the family's reaction, including a visit to Betty and Barney's home. They found strange circular marks on the car's trunk, and a compass needle spun erratically over these spots. The experience left Kathleen with a lasting sense of unease and a changed perception of safety.

Intrång (Intrusion) This section continues Kathleen Marden's account, describing a period of perceived harassment following the 1961 UFO incident. This included a break-in at the Hills' home, where a pile of dried leaves was found on the dining table. Betty's blue earrings, missing since September 19, were also discovered. Kathleen's father advised installing security locks, but these did not deter further intrusions. The harassment included a bowl of dirty ice cream left on the breakfast bar. After Barney's death, tax information compiled by Betty was stolen and later found scattered in her apartment. Kathleen, living downstairs, noticed footsteps and later discovered more evidence of harassment. The author notes that the harassment ceased, and Betty defended her truth with determination. However, she laments that inaccurate portrayals by writers and TV producers have distorted the public's understanding of the UFO experience, replacing the truth with superficial narratives that cast doubt on the events.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features witness accounts of UFO sightings and alleged encounters, emphasizing the need for investigation and the search for truth. There's a recurring theme of personal experiences being dismissed or distorted by media, with a strong editorial stance advocating for the validation of these accounts. The inclusion of scientific findings on cosmic matter suggests an interest in bridging the gap between unexplained phenomena and established science. The publication appears to support ufology research and aims to present diverse perspectives on UFOs and related mysteries.

This issue, identified as number 20 and likely from the 1970s, focuses on the mysterious "Crystal Skulls," with a particular emphasis on the skull associated with Anna Mitchell-Hedges. The magazine explores the known history, debated origins, and scientific analyses of these enigmatic artifacts.

The Tiffany Skull

The issue begins by discussing a crystal skull purchased by the Museum of Mankind from Tiffany's, a New York jeweler, in 1898 for $120. The skull's background is largely unknown, with speculation suggesting it might have been part of a trade with a soldier in Mexico during the 19th century.

The Anna Mitchell-Hedges Skull

The main focus is on the crystal skull belonging to Anna Mitchell-Hedges. Her father, F. A. (Mike) Mitchell-Hedges, was a British adventurer, gambler, and cowboy who traveled extensively in North and South America in the early 20th century. During the Mexican Revolution, he met and adopted a young orphan girl named Anna le Guillon, giving her his name.

Anna Mitchell-Hedges discovered the skull in 1927 while her father was excavating the ancient Maya city of Lubaantum in British Honduras. She found the upper part of the skull at an altar on her seventeenth birthday. The lower jaw was discovered a few months later nearby. According to Anna, her father was given the skull back by the Maya Indians as a farewell gift after he provided them with medicine and clothing. The Maya reportedly believed the skull was their god of healing or death.

Mysteries and Doubts Surrounding the Discovery

The article highlights that the skull's origin has been a point of contention from the beginning. The exact circumstances of its discovery are unclear. Experts question how such a significant artifact could appear so suddenly during excavations and why Anna didn't find the lower jaw until months later. Some speculate that the skull might have been "planted" by her father to cheer her up, especially since she was recovering from malaria and feeling depressed on her birthday. It's also suggested that her father might have acquired it during his travels in Mexico.

Mitchell-Hedges' Own Account

F. A. Mitchell-Hedges himself wrote briefly about the skull in his autobiography, "Danger My Ally," published in 1954, five years before his death. He referred to it as the "ominous doom skull" and stated it was made of pure rock crystal, estimating that it took 150 years to create. He mentioned a legend that it was used by Maya high priests for secret rituals and that it could bring about inevitable death if used to wish for someone's demise. He described it as the personification of evil. However, many found it strange that he dedicated only thirteen lines to such an exotic possession, and even more curiously, this "doom skull" was omitted from later editions of his book.

The Sotheby's Auction and Ownership

In 1943, the skull appeared at a Sotheby's auction in London, listed as lot number 54 and sent by art dealer Sydney Burney, not Mitchell-Hedges directly. It was revealed that Burney had received the skull as security for a loan that Mitchell-Hedges had taken out. The British Museum attempted to purchase it at this auction, hoping to display it alongside another known crystal skull. Records from the British Museum indicate that the skull was bought by Burney for £400 after an initial bid of £340. This episode raises further questions, as Burney seemingly bought it back and then sold it to Mr. Mitchell-Hedges for £400. Anna Mitchell-Hedges clarifies that the skull was placed with Burney as collateral for a loan and was redeemed by her father when he noticed it was for sale. The skull remained in the Mitchell-Hedges family until F. A. Mitchell-Hedges died in 1959. Since then, Anna has kept the skull, occasionally lending it out for exhibitions or research.

Scientific Comparisons and Dating Challenges

The article discusses a comparison of two main crystal skulls by anthropologist Dr. G. M. Morant. He noted that while the skulls were anatomically similar, the British Museum skull was carved from a single piece, whereas the Mitchell-Hedges skull had a detachable lower jaw. Morant found the Mitchell-Hedges skull to be more realistic and detailed. He concluded that they were likely made from the same human skull, with one possibly being a copy of the other. He suggested the more detailed Mitchell-Hedges skull might be older, as it would be unlikely for an artist to copy a cruder British Museum skull and add more detail. However, Morant's comparison did not definitively resolve the dating or origin. Other authorities disagreed with his findings, and the British Museum skull's round eye sockets and simple teeth were deemed characteristic of Mexican art, while the Mitchell-Hedges skull seemed more like an anatomical study from a later technological era.

A significant challenge is that there is no scientific method to accurately date crystal. Furthermore, it is difficult to determine the country of origin, as small skulls were made in Italy and South America during the 15th century.

Aztec and Maya Connections

French experts agree on the dating of a smaller crystal skull in the Musée de l'Homme in Paris, attributing it to the Aztec people of the 14th or 15th century, possibly used as an ornament on a scepter. The Aztecs were known for their preoccupation with death. Rock crystal was favored by the Aztecs for its transparency and supposed ability to ward off venomous snakes and aid in seeing the future. Traces of copper tools have been found on some skulls, suggesting Aztec craftsmanship.

Anna Mitchell-Hedges remains convinced that her skull is a genuine Maya artifact. The article concludes by acknowledging the magical power attributed to the skull, its prism-like eyes, and its movable jaw, which might have impressed primitive peoples. Whether ancient or modern, the skull is described as an unforgettable work of art, both beautiful and frightening.

The Legend of Atlantis

The issue also includes a section on the legend of Atlantis, drawing from Plato's dialogues "Timaios" and "Kritias." An ancient Egyptian priest told Solon that a vast continent outside the Strait of Gibraltar sank into the sea thousands of years prior, after the Greeks defeated the Atlanteans. Plato's account describes Atlantis as a powerful empire that controlled islands and continents, including parts of Libya and Europe. The description suggests a continent on the other side of the Atlantic, unknown to the Greeks of Plato's time. The article links the destruction of Atlantis to catastrophic earthquakes and floods, explaining why the area is now impassable and difficult to explore. It suggests that the island of Santorini (Thera), which was destroyed by a volcanic eruption around 1400 BC, might be the Atlantis Plato described.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, ancient mysteries, and archaeological enigmas. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and historical accounts while acknowledging the lack of definitive answers. The focus on crystal skulls and Atlantis suggests an interest in ancient civilizations, their artifacts, and the enduring power of myths and legends. The inclusion of a crossword puzzle related to nature and popular culture, along with contact information for a UFO association, indicates a broader interest in the unexplained and a desire to engage readers.