UFO-Nytt - 2004 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: NR 3 2004
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO förening
Date: 2004

This issue of UFO-NYTT, published by Västerbergslagens UFO förening, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, astronomical events, and related topics. The cover features the magazine's title, issue details, and a stylized star graphic alongside images related to UFOs and landscapes.

Table of Contents

The issue includes a detailed table of contents on page 2, listing articles such as:

• Förord (Foreword)
• Hur bemöter vi våra observatörer (How do we treat our observers?)
• Stjärnor och vidskepelse (Stars and superstition)
• Skulle en stor asteroid träffa oss... (What if a large asteroid hit us...)
• Polisen såg lysande föremål i Stockholm (Police saw a luminous object in Stockholm)
• Asteroid kan träffa jorden (Asteroid can hit Earth)
• Värmlands projektet (The Värmland project)
• Klipp (Clippings)
• Skiva flög tätt intill huset (Disc flew close to the house)
• Arizona refat glimmade som guld (Arizona saucer gleamed like gold)
• En farkost observerades i Canada (A craft was observed in Canada)
• Lorraine o Coraline bidusppsdes av ryasusrelser? (Lorraine and Coraline were helped by Russians?)
• Från Västerbergslagen (From Västerbergslagen)
• Visst finns utamfordingor... (There are certainly extraterrestrials...)
• Vår hypnos (Our hypnosis)

Articles and Features

Meteorit landade i soffan (Meteorite landed in the sofa)

This article reports on a meteorite that fell through the roof of Brenda Archer's house in Auckland, New Zealand, landing in her sofa. The meteorite, identified as the Ellerslie meteorite, weighed 1.3 kilograms. Fortunately, no one was in the sofa at the time of impact.

Sensommarbrevet (Late summer letter)

A poetic letter from Anna-Lisa reflecting on the transition from late summer to autumn, describing the changing natural scenery and her feelings.

En nolla for mycket (One zero too many)

A short anecdote about a father sending his son money and humorously pointing out the difference between writing '50' and '500'.

Sömnproblem (Sleep problems)

A humorous dialogue between a doctor and a patient named Kalle who suffers from sleep problems, with a punchline about his wife's refusal to sleep alone.

Förord (Foreword) by Gudrun

Gudrun reflects on the passage of time and the challenges of planning and executing the magazine's content. She notes the unusual summer weather and the association's mandatory barbecue event. The foreword also mentions a lack of UFO reports during the summer, suggesting the phenomenon might be on 'vacation'. Gudrun expresses hope for good participation in the upcoming field researcher course, emphasizing its educational value and the welcoming environment for learners.

Signal från rymden (Signal from space)

This article discusses an unexplained radio signal detected from outer space, located between the Pisces and Aquarius constellations. A telescope in Puerto Rico picked up the signal three times. While previous unexplained signals have been identified as pulsars, astronomers are intrigued by this new signal. The article mentions that if extraterrestrials were to contact humanity, they would likely use the frequency associated with hydrogen. The signal was detected via the SETI@home project.

Hur bemöter och uppträder vi mot våra observatörer (How do we treat our observers?)

This piece offers guidance on how UFO investigators should interact with witnesses. It stresses the importance of a good first impression, active listening, polite questioning, and prompt completion of forms. It advises against immediate skepticism and encourages an open and critical approach while respecting the observer's experience.

Vad jag längtan känt (What I have longed for) by Anna-Lisa

A short poem expressing longing for the stars, moonlight, and the crispness of frost, contrasting with the warmth of summer nights.

Sommaräventyr (Summer adventure) by Anna-Lisa

A humorous poem about a calf's playful antics and the narrator's clumsy attempt to catch it, resulting in a fall.

Stjärnor och vidskepelse (Stars and superstition)

This article explores the historical connection between celestial bodies and superstition, particularly astrology. It explains how the movements of stars and planets were once believed to determine human destiny. The text clarifies that while celestial bodies like the Sun and Moon influence Earth (day/night, tides), they do not 'control' human lives. The article also touches upon the phenomenon of UFOs ('flying saucers') as a manifestation of humanity's fascination with the unknown, noting that most reported sightings can be explained by natural phenomena, hoaxes, or misidentifications.

"Tefatsrapporter" (Saucer reports)

Extensive investigations into 'saucer reports' in the USA and Europe have consistently found that most can be explained by known events, with some being outright hoaxes. However, the article acknowledges that some reports remain unexplained, though it cautions against immediately attributing these to extraterrestrial visitors.

Travel to the stars

The article discusses the immense distances involved in interstellar travel, suggesting that even for advanced extraterrestrial beings, such journeys would be a monumental undertaking. It notes the lack of scientific loopholes to bypass the speed of light and mentions the speculative possibility of using black holes for travel, though this would still involve vast distances. Contact via radio signals is considered more probable, with large radio telescopes actively 'listening' for such transmissions, though without success so far.

Asteroid kan träffa jorden! (Asteroid can hit Earth!)

This section details the threat posed by asteroids, defining meteoroids and asteroids based on size. It explains how smaller objects burn up in the atmosphere as meteors, while larger ones can create craters and cause destruction. The article highlights significant past impacts, including Siljansringen (Sweden), an event that wiped out much of life, and the Yucatan impact (Mexico) linked to dinosaur extinction. It discusses the asteroid 2002 NT7, which was predicted to potentially impact Earth in 2019, causing a global catastrophe. While the probability was low, the article explores methods for deflecting asteroids, such as using nuclear charges or altering their surface reflectivity to change their trajectory.

Vad är vad? (What is what?)

A glossary defining meteoroids (less than 100 meters) and asteroids (greater than 100 meters).

Vad händer? (What happens?)

Describes the fate of objects entering Earth's atmosphere, from small meteoroids burning up as meteors to larger objects causing craters.

Kända meteorit-nedslag (Known meteorite impacts)

Lists notable meteorite impacts in Sweden (Siljansringen) and Mexico (Yucatan Peninsula), and the Tunguska event in Siberia.

Polisen såg ett lysande föremål mitt i Stockholm! (Police saw a luminous object in Stockholm!)

This article recounts a sighting by two police constables, Johan Haglind and Clas Kraft, in Stockholm on February 28, 1879. They observed a bright blue, luminous object, described as round and the size of a full moon, hovering briefly before moving away. The object reportedly emitted a hissing sound and heat. The report was sent to the Meteorological Central Institute. UFOlogist Gösta Rehn later suggested it was a genuine flying saucer, while others speculate it might have been an early form of arc lamp demonstration.

Världen är så stor så stor... (The world is so big so big...)

A metaphorical comparison illustrating the vastness of the universe by scaling down the Sun to an orange and Earth to a pinhead, highlighting the immense distances involved.

Hönan och ägget kom samtidigt (The hen and the egg came at the same time)

This brief science note discusses the biological 'chicken or egg' dilemma concerning the origin of life, focusing on ribozymes as molecules that can carry genetic information and act as enzymes, potentially solving this puzzle.

Värmlands projektet (The Värmland project)

This personal account details the author's participation in a UFO investigation project in Värmland, Sweden. The author, along with Anita, joined other participants and a reporter from Sveriges Radio. Their task involved driving through rural areas, knocking on doors, and collecting information about potential sightings. The team covered areas near the Norwegian border and reported some success in gathering information in the afternoon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of the unknown, scientific inquiry, and public perception. There's a clear interest in UFO sightings, astronomical phenomena, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis while also grounding discussions in scientific understanding and debunking hoaxes. The publication aims to inform its readers about both unexplained aerial phenomena and relevant scientific discoveries, fostering a critical yet curious approach to these subjects. The inclusion of personal reflections, poems, and anecdotes suggests a community-oriented approach to ufology.

This issue of UFO Journal, dated December 2003, focuses on a variety of unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, and alleged alien encounters, primarily from Sweden but also including international reports. The magazine features investigative work, witness testimonies, and discussions on the scientific and speculative aspects of UFOlogy.

Investigations and Witness Accounts

The issue begins with a detailed account of a UFO investigation conducted by a group, possibly affiliated with UFO-Sverige, in the Västerbergslagen region of Sweden. Over several days, the team interviewed witnesses, investigated reported sightings, and documented findings. They recount experiences of following up on tips about UFO sightings, including a person who reported seeing a figure in their lawn. The investigation involved visiting various locations, interviewing people, and dealing with challenging weather conditions.

One significant report details the experience of Lee Blackmore in Mosgiel, Iceland, in 1978. He describes a loud rumbling sound, shaking windows, and a large, dark, disc-shaped object with grey lights hovering above his house. The object moved away at high speed. This sighting was reportedly reported in local newspapers and radio.

Another article covers a sighting by KINGMAN in Arizona, USA, on October 5, 2003. The witness described a large, gold-shimmering disc-shaped craft, followed by a swarm of approximately 40 planes that met and dispersed. Later, a bright green light descended near the witness's house, and more planes appeared. A gold-shining light was also observed over Kingman's airport.

A report from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, on October 31, 2003, describes a large craft with white to white-blue luminescence, resembling a plane but with unusual flashing lights. The witness attempted to get a better view but the object disappeared.

Alien Abduction Case: Lorraine and Caroline Bishop

A prominent feature is the detailed account of Lorraine and Caroline Bishop's alleged abduction on March 5, 1991. While driving home on a dark, rainy night, their car was lifted by a bright white light. They recall being taken aboard a "giant spaceship" and undergoing a painful "medical examination" by "curious aliens" with grey skin. They lost five hours of memory, waking up by the side of the road with bruises and needle marks. They contacted a UFO group and were interviewed by Dr. Scott Andrew, a UFO researcher from Australia. Through hypnosis, they began to recall details of the abduction, including being forcibly removed from their car and subjected to invasive procedures, such as blood samples and tooth extraction.

Unexplained Phenomena in Sweden

The magazine highlights several unexplained phenomena reported in Sweden:

• Mysterious Rings in Fields: In Davidshyttan, near Hedemora, a circular pattern measuring 30 meters in diameter with smaller rings outside was discovered in a field. Gudrun Andersson from Västerbergslagen UFO-förening investigated the site, noting the absence of human tracks and the similarity to previous ring formations reported in Sweden and worldwide.
• Röjden Cross: An article discusses the mysterious cross in Röjden, Nordvärmland, where vegetation does not grow within the cross-shaped pattern, a phenomenon observed since at least the mid-19th century. The area is now enclosed by the Södra Finnskoga local heritage association.
• Mysterious Lights: Reports from Fredriksberg mention red globes seen in the sky, which were later explained as paraffin-soaked plastic bags set alight and released. However, other light phenomena, like those in Dalarna, were attributed to weather-related events.

Astronomical and Scientific Perspectives

Karsten Jöred, a researcher at FOI (Swedish Defence Research Agency), is featured discussing his extensive archive of UFO reports dating back to World War II. Jöred believes in the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life but is skeptical about alien visits to Earth due to the vast distances involved. He suggests that humanity is more likely to discover alien civilizations than for them to reach Earth.

The issue also includes a brief astronomical note about the asteroid 2002 NT7, which was initially predicted to pose a collision risk to Earth in 2017 but was later found to have a safe trajectory. Another piece discusses the Earth's shape, noting that while it is slightly flattened at the poles, recent observations suggest it is becoming slightly wider at the equator.

UFO Classification and Research

An article explains the classification of galaxies, based on Edwin Hubble's system, into elliptical and spiral types, with further subdivisions. It mentions that the universe may contain far more galaxies than previously estimated, including numerous dwarf galaxies.

The magazine also touches upon the history of UFO research in Sweden, mentioning the "ghost flyers" of the 1930s and 1940s and the government's initial interest during the Cold War, fearing that UFOs might be advanced foreign aircraft or weapons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of unexplained aerial phenomena, the possibility of extraterrestrial life and visitation, and the ongoing efforts to investigate and document such events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting witness accounts and research findings while also offering potential conventional explanations where available. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of documenting these events, even if definitive explanations are not always found. The magazine encourages public participation in reporting sightings and supports the work of UFO research organizations.

This issue of UFO Magazine, identified as Volume 20, Issue 20, published in November 1981, focuses on historical UFO sightings and a detailed personal account of a hypnotic regression experience. The magazine's cover features a grainy photograph of a UFO and the provocative headline 'UFO - besök från andra världar?' (UFO - visits from other worlds?).

Historical UFO Sightings in Sweden and Beyond

The magazine chronicles a series of notable UFO events, beginning with the mysterious 'spökflygarna' (ghost flyers) in Sweden between 1933 and 1937, which puzzled the Swedish military. Following World War II, a new wave of sightings, termed 'spökraketer' (ghost rockets), occurred in 1946, with reports of glowing cigars, fireballs, and luminous spheres. The infamous Roswell incident in New Mexico, USA, in July 1947, is recounted, detailing farmer Mac Brazel's discovery of debris and the subsequent military involvement and alleged cover-up.

Further historical accounts include Nils Frost's photographs of two strong lights in Mora, Sweden, in 1952; Esse Jansson's 1960 photographs of disc-shaped craft in Norrtälje; Åke Lejon's 1973 images of a triangular object in Penttäjä; and Christer Sundström's 1974 photograph of a saucer-shaped object in Värnamo. The period between 1985 and 1995 saw numerous reports of 'UFO waves' in Sweden, particularly in Dalarna, Bergslagen, and on the West Coast. The 1990s are noted for the appearance of crop circles in countries like England, Sweden, and Scotland, which were later attributed to pranksters.

A Hypnotic Regression Experience

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a personal narrative detailing a series of hypnosis sessions undertaken by the author and a person named Barney with a hypnotist named Dr. Simon, beginning in January 1964. The sessions, which lasted for two hours each, aimed to access memories and induce a state of 'medical hypnosis' to open up memory loss. The author describes initial apprehension and the process of entering a trance, including the use of a code word. The sessions involved recalling dreams and past events, with Dr. Simon emphasizing the importance of regular sessions to prevent memory loss from returning.

During one session, the author recounts a vivid dream of a major earthquake in Alaska, which later mirrored a real event. The sessions also involved playing back recorded tapes of their experiences. A particularly detailed account describes a road trip to Montreal, during which they experienced a hypnotic regression that revealed an alleged encounter with extraterrestrials. This encounter involved being taken aboard a spacecraft, where they were subjected to examinations and given a star chart, which was later retrieved by the astronauts to ensure they would forget the event.

The narrative explores the psychological aspects of these experiences, questioning whether they were real memories, fantasies, or hallucinations. The author describes physical evidence, such as worn shoes, a torn dress, and strange spots on their luggage, which seemed to corroborate the experience. The issue also touches upon the idea that Barney's subconscious mind knew how he acquired infected warts, which later disappeared, suggesting a connection between subconscious knowledge and physical manifestations.

UFOs and Scientific Inquiry

The magazine also briefly discusses the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, mentioning FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency) and Säpo (Swedish Security Service) beginning to register UFO cases in 1965. It references Dr. James Mac Donald and a radar reportage from the 1970s concerning UFOs over a specific area in the USA. The article on 'How many ice ages have there been?' provides a geological perspective on Earth's climate history, mentioning the Snowball Earth theory and the Little Ice Age, suggesting that changes in Earth's orbit might be a cause for ice ages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, the nature of memory and consciousness, and the potential for extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting historical cases and personal experiences while also acknowledging the possibility of misinterpretation, dreams, or hoaxes. The detailed account of the hypnotic regression suggests a belief in the validity of such experiences, even if they blur the lines between reality and imagination. The magazine aims to inform readers about UFO phenomena and encourage critical thinking about these mysterious events.