UFO-Nytt - 2003 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO - NYTT, published by VÄSTERBERGSLAGENS UFO FÖRENING in 2003 (Issue 4), is a Swedish-language magazine dedicated to UFO phenomena. The cover features the magazine's title, issue details, publisher information, and two striking black and white images: a landscape with a hovering object and a classic flying saucer. The price is listed as 125 SEK per year.

Table of Contents

The issue includes a detailed table of contents, outlining articles on UFO reports, the nature of UFO phenomena, the possibility of life on Venus, ancient ice ages in the region, mysterious spots on Mars, news from Hessdalen, a report from Hessdalen, the concept of a moon base, the universe, the location of the Milky Way, the UFO debate, and archaeological enigmas related to "heavy urns." It also features a section titled "Smått & gott" (Small & good).

Articles and Reports

Förord (Foreword): The foreword discusses a field research course in Björsjö, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in UFO reporting and suggesting a long-term project in Hessdalen to gather better information about the phenomenon. The author wishes readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

UFO Rapporter (UFO Reports): This section presents several eyewitness accounts:

• Orsa, Sweden (2003-04-03): Per Myrström reported seeing a bright, blinking light, initially perceived as a satellite, moving north and then west over Orsasjön. The object's movement was described as a steady, even motion, with blinking occurring at approximately 8-second intervals. The light was noted as being brighter than Jupiter at the time. After a few minutes, the light disappeared behind trees but appeared to swerve west. A second, similar light followed, and then a third.
• Malung, Sweden (2003-08-19): Nils Eriksson observed a luminous, silent object hovering over a lake. He initially thought it might be a bright planet but decided to investigate further. The object moved southwest and was obscured by clouds. The sighting lasted about 5 minutes.
• Låsen, Sweden (2003-09-18): Jörgen Johansson and another witness saw an object that appeared to be a satellite but was too large. Its trajectory was directly towards them, and it stopped at a 45-degree angle for about 30 seconds before moving southwest. It then stopped again for a minute before disappearing. A traffic plane was observed shortly after.
• Dunoon, Scotland (2003-05-25): A green-yellow, cylinder-shaped object was seen moving very fast across the sky. The witnesses described it as moving faster than a regular fighter jet and noted a slight pinkish hue around its edges. The object moved from north to south.

Vad ligger det bakom de sista 50-årens intensiva UFO OBSERVATIONER? (What is behind the last 50 years of intensive UFO OBSERVATIONS?): Written by Michael D. Swords of UFO NORGE, this article speculates on the nature of UFO phenomena. Swords suggests that UFO reports are reactions to high technology beyond human capabilities. He discusses the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) as the simplest explanation, acknowledging that not all reports fit this theory. The article also touches upon the implications of newly discovered exoplanets and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI).

UTOMJORDISKA MOTIV (Extraterrestrial Motives): This section, likely a continuation of the previous article, explores potential motives for extraterrestrial visitation. It considers needs and desires, suggesting that any interaction would be driven by self-interest. The author contrasts this with Earth's problems, such as resource scarcity and technological side effects, and questions whether extraterrestrials might offer solutions or have other intentions, possibly related to information dissemination or even conflict.

FORNTIDA PYRAMIDER UPPTÄCKTA I ITALIEN (Ancient Pyramids Discovered in Italy): This report details the discovery of three ancient pyramids near Montevecchia, Italy, through satellite and aerial imagery. The largest pyramid is 150 meters long. These structures, now covered by earth and vegetation, have a slope of 42/43 degrees and are aligned with the Orion constellation, similar to Egyptian pyramids. Their age is estimated to be over 3000 years.

CHANS FÖR LIV PÅ VENUS (Chance for Life on Venus): This article presents a theory by two American astronomers, Dirk Schulze-Makuch and Louis Irwin, suggesting that hardy microorganisms might exist in Venus's hot atmosphere. They base this on measurements of atmospheric layers about 50 kilometers above the surface, where temperatures are milder and water vapor is present. The article discusses unusual atmospheric conditions, such as a deficit of carbon monoxide and the presence of carbonyl sulfide (COS), which is typically produced by biological activity. It also mentions the upcoming Venus Express mission in November 2005, which will study the planet's atmosphere in detail. The article touches upon the concept of "superrotation" of Venus's atmosphere and the planet's slow, retrograde rotation.

Other Content

Fel buss (Wrong bus): A short anecdote about a man realizing he is on the wrong bus.

Bordsbön? (Grace?): A brief humorous exchange between a child and a teacher.

Glad ändå (Still happy): A short anecdote about a child's school report.

Nu kan du köpa en rymdfärd på avbetalning (Now you can buy a space trip in installments): An article about a US company offering space tourism for 930,000 SEK, with payment plans available.

SNÖBLOMMAN (Snowdrop): A poem by Anna-Lisa.

GUDRUN: A short poetic verse.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and theoretical discussions surrounding the extraterrestrial hypothesis. There's an emphasis on eyewitness accounts and the scientific study of unexplained phenomena, as seen in the reports from Sweden and Scotland and the article on Venus. The inclusion of ancient mysteries like the Italian pyramids suggests a broader interest in unexplained historical or archaeological anomalies that might be linked to advanced or non-human intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various theories and reports for the reader's consideration, while also acknowledging the scientific challenges and ongoing research in related fields like astronomy and astrobiology.

This issue of Illustrerad Vetenskap, dated 11/2002, features a cover story titled "Mystiska fläckar kommer och går" (Mysterious Spots Come and Go), focusing on phenomena on Mars. The magazine also includes articles on ice ages, archaeology, and UFO sightings.

Har det funnits istider i söder? (Have there been ice ages in the South?)

This article explores the history of ice ages in Antarctica. It explains that Antarctica has been covered by an ice sheet for approximately 40 million years, with variations in its size. While the ice ages in the north and south did not always align, the most recent major ice age, which ended around 10,000 years ago, affected both hemispheres. Some researchers suggest that the current melting of the Antarctic ice sheet indicates that the ice age in the south is not yet over, and if the melting continues at its current pace, the ice could disappear in 7,000 years.

Nya satellitfoton avslöjar kanske liv på Mars: Mystiska fläckar kommer och går (New Satellite Photos May Reveal Life on Mars: Mysterious Spots Come and Go)

This main article discusses mysterious dark spots observed by the Mars Global Surveyor probe near the poles of Mars. These spots appear in spring and disappear in summer. The phenomenon has been observed in sand dune areas within 50 craters. A leading theory suggests that microorganisms might be responsible, utilizing sunlight for photosynthesis, which warms the local area and creates moist, dark spots. However, a geological theory proposes that the spots are caused by the uneven evaporation of frost, revealing darker sand underneath that absorbs more sunlight and heat. The article also mentions that Mars Odyssey has detected significant amounts of water ice beneath the surface in the south polar region. The thin Martian atmosphere, which allows high levels of ultraviolet radiation, is considered a challenge for life, though microorganisms can adapt. Future missions, including the European probe Mars Express, aim to investigate these phenomena further, potentially leading to a landing mission if evidence of life is found.

Jättehöjd var en stor spiral (A Giant Height Was a Large Spiral)

This section reports on an archaeological discovery at Silbury Hill in England. Seismic surveys have revealed that this nearly 40-meter-high hill is not a natural formation but a constructed spiral pathway leading to a platform at the top. The hill, made of chalk, was originally nine or ten-sided, about 31 meters high, and 160 meters in diameter at the base. Archaeologists believe it may have been used for ritualistic purposes.

NYHETER I HESSDALEN (News from Hessdalen)

This section, written by Gudrun, discusses the UFO Centre in Ålen, Norway, which was a failure. The locals in Hessdalen had hoped for a centre in their own area with a café and accommodation. The article notes that UFO activity continues in Hessdalen, with sightings of strange craft during both day and night, but the local population is reluctant to report sightings due to past ridicule. The author calls for greater international cooperation among UFO researchers for long-term projects with people on-site to better observe and analyze phenomena.

BJARNE LILLEVOLD I HESSDALEN (Bjarne Lillevold in Hessdalen)

This article, translated by Gudrun Andersson and written by Arne Løken, features an interview with Bjarne Lillevold, a prominent UFO observer in Hessdalen. Lillevold, who has lived in Hessdalen since 1963, has reported 58 UFO sightings since 1982. He describes his first observation on December 18, 1982, of a light phenomenon that followed his car. He also recounts a significant sighting on January 21, 1983, where he and two neighbors witnessed three large, kulformade (bowl-shaped) craft on the ground near Finnåshögda. The objects performed complex maneuvers, including ascending rapidly. Lillevold notes that UFO activity has decreased significantly in recent years, with observations now occurring weeks or months apart, compared to the frequent sightings in the 1980s.

Liten aktivitet (Little Activity)

This brief section reiterates that UFO activity in Hessdalen has decreased, with fewer observations compared to the peak period of 1981-1987.

RAPPORT FRÅN HESSDALEN (Report from Hessdalen)

This report from UFO Norge details a sighting by Rut Marry Moe on November 3, 2002, of an orange light ascending rapidly from behind a shed. The phenomenon lasted about 3 minutes and was not registered by the automatic monitoring station.

ASTRONAUTER ODLAR BÖNOR I RYMDEN (Astronauts Grow Beans in Space)

This short piece discusses a space experiment where soybean plants completed their full life cycle on the space shuttle Atlantis over 97 days. The successful growth and reproduction of these plants bring the possibility of space-based greenhouses for astronauts closer to reality.

Ljudvågor kan skapa byggnadsmaterial i rymden: Månbas skall uppstå ur stoft (Sound Waves Can Create Building Materials in Space: Moon Base Will Rise from Dust)

This article explains how researchers, led by Narayanan Komerath at Georgia Institute of Technology, have developed a method to create solid objects in space using sound waves. By directing sound frequencies at small polystyrene beads within a chamber, they can form complex structures. This technique, which requires microgravity conditions (achieved in free-fall aircraft or spacecraft), could potentially be used to construct large fuel tanks, modules for moon bases, and other structures in space.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics at the intersection of science, mystery, and the unknown. It presents scientific findings (like ice ages on Earth and Mars, and space experiments) alongside unexplained phenomena (UFO sightings, mysterious Martian spots) and historical/archaeological curiosities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting different theories and evidence without necessarily endorsing one over the others, particularly in the case of UFOs and potential extraterrestrial life. There's an emphasis on ongoing research and future exploration.

This issue of Illustrerad Vetenskap, volume 20, issue 4/2003, dated April 2003, explores a diverse range of scientific and archaeological topics. The cover story, "Ljudet används som gjutform" (Sound is Used as a Mold), details a fascinating experiment where sound waves are used to shape polystyrene balls in zero gravity, with potential applications for future space construction. The magazine also delves into astronomy, archaeology, and the ongoing debate surrounding UFOs.

Sound Waves as a Space Construction Tool

The main article describes an experiment initiated by a space researcher and his students at the Georgia Institute of Technology. They discovered that by sending sound into a chamber filled with small polystyrene balls, these balls could be arranged into specific structures. This method, however, only works effectively in a zero-gravity environment, as demonstrated during a parabolic flight. The sound waves, reflected from the chamber walls, cause the balls to move and assemble into a solid disk or sheet. The researchers believe this technique could be revolutionary for building materials in space, potentially enabling the construction of modules, greenhouses, and other structures on the Moon or other celestial bodies, thus reducing the reliance on costly Earth-based materials.

Astronomy: The Age and Structure of the Universe

Another significant section focuses on recent astronomical discoveries, particularly those derived from the WMAP probe. The probe provided unprecedentedly detailed images of the early universe's cosmic microwave background radiation, confirming the theory of cosmic inflation. This data has allowed astronomers to more accurately determine the universe's age, now estimated at 13.7 billion years, with a margin of error of only one percent. The article also reveals that the first stars formed about 200 million years after the Big Bang. Furthermore, it breaks down the universe's composition: 4% ordinary matter (atoms), 23% dark matter, which holds galaxies together, and 73% dark energy, which drives the universe's expansion. The issue also addresses the question of our location within the universe, explaining that the universe is likely infinite or has a closed, boundless structure, making it impossible to pinpoint a specific center or edge. The Milky Way, therefore, does not occupy a special place but is part of the Local Group, which in turn is part of a larger supercluster centered around the Virgo Supercluster.

Archaeology: Mysterious Stone Jars and Ancient Ships

Archaeological discoveries are also featured. One article highlights the "Tunga gravurnor" (Heavy Burial Urns) found in Laos, specifically on the Krukslätten (Pot Plain). These are enormous stone jars, some weighing up to 15 tons and measuring over two meters in diameter. Their purpose and age remain a mystery, though they are speculated to be burial urns from ancient times, possibly used to hold the cremated remains of the dead along with grave goods. The article notes that many jars are found overturned, possibly due to later invasions or attempts to appease ancestral spirits. Another archaeological find discussed is an ancient Egyptian ship, at least 5000 years old, discovered in Abydos. This remarkably well-preserved ship, measuring 25 meters long, was likely used in the burial rituals of a pharaoh, intended to transport the deceased to the afterlife. The construction technique, involving planks joined edge-to-edge and sealed with plant fibers, is also detailed.

The UFO Debate

The magazine also touches upon the persistent UFO phenomenon. An article titled "UFOSTRIDEN ÄR OAVGJORD" (The UFO Debate is Unresolved) presents arguments both for and against the idea that UFOs are extraterrestrial spacecraft. Arguments for include the vast number of reported sightings and unexplained close encounters. Arguments against point to the lack of clear photographic evidence and the possibility of misidentification or psychological factors. The article also references astronomer Alan Hynek's classification system for UFO sightings, which categorizes them from simple light phenomena to encounters involving beings.

Other Features

Additional short pieces cover the unique characteristics of Lake Baikal in Russia, described as the world's deepest, most voluminous, and oldest lake, and a tidal phenomenon in Norfolk, England, that reveals a prehistoric wooden circle known as Seahenge, believed to be a ritual site.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of the unknown, whether in the vastness of space, the depths of history, or the mysteries of unexplained phenomena. The magazine adopts an objective and informative stance, presenting scientific findings, archaeological evidence, and different perspectives on controversial topics like UFOs. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific method and empirical evidence, while also acknowledging the enduring human fascination with the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a commitment to disseminating knowledge across a broad spectrum of scientific inquiry.