UFO-Nytt - 2004 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYTT
Issue: 4
Volume/Year: 2004
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO-NYTT, the publication of the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, presents a collection of UFO reports, astronomical news, and speculative articles. The cover features the magazine's title, issue details, and several black and white images, including a stylized star and a flying saucer.

Table of Contents

• The table of contents lists various sections:
• Förord (Foreword)
• Rapporter (Reports)
• Från Norge (From Norway)
• Ring av egendomliga stenar (Ring of peculiar stones)
• Indiana polismän uppledve... (Indiana policemen experienced...)
• Skördecirklar (Crop circles)
• Många önskar att vi inte är ensamma (Many wish we are not alone)
• Blandat,,klipp (Miscellaneous clippings)

Foreword

The foreword, signed by Gudrun, reflects on human curiosity, intelligence, and our place in the universe. It questions whether humans are truly intelligent given their short-sighted energy policies, particularly reliance on nuclear power, and their pursuit of money over sustainable, free energy sources. The author expresses a lack of full trust in science and researchers, suggesting that 'everything can be bought for money.'

Astronomical News: 'New' Planet with Atmosphere and Life?

This section reports on the discovery of an exoplanet orbiting the star HD 209458, located in the constellation Pegasus, approximately 150 light-years away. The planet is described as being 220 times heavier than Earth and resembling Jupiter. Astronomer David Charbonneau used the Hubble Space Telescope to detect an atmosphere around this planet. The star HD 209458 acts like a lamp, allowing astronomers to analyze the planet's atmosphere by observing the starlight passing through it. The atmosphere is believed to contain sodium, and potentially simple elements like hydrogen and helium. The article quotes René Liseau, an astronomer at Stockholm Observatory, who suggests that the presence of carbon dioxide, water, and oxygen would indicate the production of these elements by some form of life. Liseau is involved in the Darwin project, a space telescope planned for launch in 2013 to study exoplanets and their atmospheres. Over 70 planets have been discovered outside our solar system, but HD 209458 is the first for which an atmosphere has been confirmed.

Reports from Sweden

The magazine includes several reports from witnesses in Sweden:

• Borlänge, January 1, 2004: Staffan Nises reported seeing a round, yellow-white, luminous object resembling 2-3 stars. After about five minutes, an identical object appeared, and both were visible for approximately two minutes before disappearing in the same direction. The investigation suggested the possibility of UFO balloons.
• Davidshyttan, Hedemora, July 1998: Einar Forsberg witnessed an oval object with a strong white light flying towards him at an altitude of 70-80 meters. The object made no sound and disappeared instantly, described as if a switch was turned off. It was determined not to be a plane or helicopter due to the lack of sound.
• Torsby, December 31, 2002: Mona Haraldsson Grahn and Henry observed three gold-yellow 'light orbs' in the sky, two in front and one behind. They disappeared to the east without any sound, under overcast and windless conditions.
• Torsby, August 2002: An anonymous witness, Karin, heard a loud noise and saw a white object, approximately 10 meters long and 2 meters wide, flying very low. The object flew rapidly at a low altitude, causing concern about it hitting trees. The witness's neighbor also heard the noise and saw a brief flash of light. Guests at a nearby campsite were reportedly frightened by the sound.

Reports from Norway

Reports from Norway are also featured:

• Sagvåg, January 20, 1991: Kai Rune Olsen reported seeing a large, square, bright white light that illuminated the area as if it were daytime. The object hovered silently in the sky for several minutes before disappearing without a sound. The weather was clear, and the sighting occurred on a dark, deserted road.
• Tyristrand, Buskerud, February 1999: An observer took a photograph of a metallic object that initially moved with the wind but then stopped and remained stationary in front of the observer's window. The object was described as metallic and its size was difficult to estimate. It eventually disappeared at high speed.

Investigation near the Swedish-Norwegian Border

An investigation was conducted in the Värmland region near the Norwegian border, focusing on reports of low-flying objects. The team met with witnesses and visited the locations. They also explored the possibility of a hidden tunnel or 'power tunnel' in the area, described as being oversized for its time. They found evidence of a road that could have served as a landing strip, though local legends suggested it was blocked by stones. The investigation encountered some reluctance from locals to speak, but the team emphasized their respectful approach. The article suggests that the phenomena observed in Värmland and near the border may have multiple explanations, and questions who benefits from 'cover-ups'.

Article: Would the Moon's Orbit Be Affected by a Comet?

This article discusses the potential impact of a large comet or asteroid on the Moon's orbit. It references the impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 on Jupiter in 1994, noting that Jupiter's orbit was unaffected. The article explains that a comet or asteroid would need to be significantly large (about one-tenth the diameter of the Moon) and traveling in the opposite direction with equal speed to cause a noticeable change in the Moon's orbit. Even in such an extreme scenario, it is unlikely the Moon would be knocked off course to hit Earth. A direct frontal impact with an object of equivalent mass and speed would be catastrophic for the Moon, but the risk of such an event is considered extremely low, belonging to the realm of science fiction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), astronomical discoveries, and the human quest for knowledge and understanding. The editorial stance, as suggested by the foreword, appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning established scientific and societal norms, and advocating for open-minded investigation into phenomena that lie outside conventional explanations. There is a clear interest in collecting and disseminating witness accounts of UFO sightings and exploring the possibility of extraterrestrial life and advanced technologies.

This issue of Illustrerad Vetenskap, dated June 2004 (Issue 6, Volume 2004), delves into unexplained aerial phenomena and related mysteries, with a cover headline asking "Were there visitors from outer space?". The magazine features several detailed accounts of UFO sightings and the phenomenon of crop circles.

Braathens Pilots' Sighting Over Rörås

On November 29, 2003, at 17:30-17:37, two pilots from Braathens-SAS flying a Boeing 737-700 from Oslo to Bodö reported a significant sighting at 41,000 feet over Rörås, Norway. They observed a strong blue-green luminous object, brighter than a standard navigation light, appearing about 5 nautical miles to their right. The object moved to the left and disappeared within seconds. They described a faint rear edge and a size comparable to a fighter jet. A second SAS plane traveling from Oslo to Trondheim also witnessed the same phenomenon. When contacted, air traffic control in Trondheim reported no other traffic in the area, and the pilots had no explanation for what they saw.

Mexican Air Force Encounters Unidentified Objects

The article "Var det besökare från yttre rymden?" (Were there visitors from outer space?) details an encounter on March 5th, involving the crew of a Mexican Air Force Merlin C26/A aircraft. While flying along the US border, Captain Magdaleno Castañón Muñoz and Radar Operator German Martin Ramirez spotted unidentified lights in front of their plane. The aircraft's infrared equipment and video camera documented the phenomenon for fifteen minutes. The objects exhibited high speed and sharp turns, with the crew observing up to eleven lights at one point. When the aircraft changed course to avoid crossing into the US, the lights disappeared. The Mexican Ministry of Defense, after two months of investigation, released the video and some stills, but could not provide a natural explanation. UFO specialist Jaime Maussan interprets this as proof of alien visitation, highlighting the significance of military confirmation.

Keri, Norway Sighting

Another report, from Keri, Norway, describes six witnesses, including a couple with four children, who saw a blue light circling in the sky about 100 meters above their heads. The object had an outer circle and two inner circles and moved slowly northward. They heard a sound similar to a foghorn at intervals but saw no physical form, only the rotating light. Upon entering their home, the doorbell rang 25 seconds after the door was opened. Attempts to photograph the object with a digital camera were hampered by battery issues; even newly inserted batteries failed to function. The object remained almost stationary at the same altitude above their house. They managed to take one more photo before the batteries died.

Polish Crop Circle and Stone Phenomenon

An article by Nancy Talbott details an event near Golabki, Poland, that occurred in July or early August 1998. Evelina Kuss, an elderly woman, reported seeing a red, intensely glowing, elliptical object descending slowly towards a field outside her bedroom window. The object, estimated to be 3-4 meters across and several meters long, descended slowly, sometimes pausing before continuing. She initially thought it might be a meteorite but realized it was not due to its slow descent. She expected the field to catch fire, but the object's glow faded, and it disappeared. The next morning, her grandson Milosz Kuss investigated the field and found about 10-15 dark green, heavy stones, roughly the size of a basketball, arranged in an irregular circle or ellipse. These stones pressed down on the ground. Milosz described them as having sharp edges and a peculiar glow, particularly around the edges, which lasted for about half a year. He noted that the stones were heavier than he could lift. Later, the stones appeared black with greenish shifts, and it was suggested that fluorescent lighting might have influenced his initial description of their color. The family found little interest from others in their story.

Indiana Police Officers' Observation

Roger Sugden, a MUFON researcher, reports on an incident in Huntington, Indiana, on December 26, 2003. Police officer Chip Olinger, along with radio operators Greg Hedrick and Randy Hoover, observed a circular object in the sky. The object moved from the northwest, drifted towards a church tower, then shot straight north without any sound, lasting less than a minute around 2:30 PM. They described it as the size of a hot air balloon or a trampoline, moving so fast that Olinger thought it would crash. A pilot also saw the object from his car, noting it was flying low (under 1000 feet) in broad daylight and was larger than a Cessna airplane. The officers were reportedly bewildered by the sighting.

Jenny Randles on Crop Circles

Jenny Randles contributes an article titled "VIEW FROM BRITAIN" discussing crop circles. She notes that crop circles become a subject of intense public interest every five years and have revitalized the UFO movement. Randles has been interested in the phenomenon since before media attention, referencing Paul Fuller's 1986 book "Cirklarnas mysterium". She acknowledges that many crop circles are hoaxes created by artists and pranksters, but also believes there are genuine phenomena. She points out that crop circles have been reported for centuries, with early accounts linking them to supernatural or atmospheric events. Randles argues that while many are man-made, the complexity of some patterns suggests a non-human origin. She also notes that crop circles are not limited to grain fields and can appear in other locations. She expresses skepticism about overly complex designs in media, suggesting that genuine circles are rare and often simple. Randles concludes that crop circles may indeed have a UFO component, sharing characteristics with UFOs such as atmospheric forces, light phenomena, and effects on witnesses, suggesting they might be a form of communication from an unknown intelligence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, focusing on witness testimony, photographic and video evidence, and the challenges of finding natural explanations. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded stance towards UFOs and related mysteries, presenting various cases and expert opinions, including those that suggest extraterrestrial involvement. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained events that defy conventional understanding, prompting further investigation and speculation about their origins and meaning. The editorial stance leans towards presenting the evidence and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while acknowledging the possibility of genuine, extraordinary phenomena.

This issue of UFO-Sverige, dated September 30, 2004, delves into a variety of topics related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs), extraterrestrial life, and space phenomena. The cover story, "Efterlyses: Passagerare till rymden" (Wanted: Passengers for Space), highlights the burgeoning field of space tourism and the Ansari X Prize.

Articles and Features

UFO Sightings and Research

Crop Circles and UFOs in Italy: The magazine reports on a connection between crop circles and UFO sightings in Italy, with the Italian Centre for UFO Studies noting that 16 out of 47 crop circle reports in June coincided with UFO reports. Tuscany reported 10 cases, followed by Piedmont and Marche with six each. Specific sightings mentioned include a disc-shaped object over Florence, a triangular object in Verbania, and a missile-like object observed by a pilot near Benevento.

Mysterious Radio Signals: The article "Radio från rymden förbryllar" (Radio from Space Baffles) discusses a mysterious radio signal, dubbed "SHG-bo2+14a," detected by the Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico. This signal, which has been registered three times for up to a minute, is of particular interest to SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) researchers because it operates on a frequency related to hydrogen, the most common element in the universe. The signal's origin is puzzling as it comes from an area of space with no stars or planets within a thousand light-years.

Clas Svahn's UFO Investigations: Journalist and UFO-Sverige chairman Clas Svahn shares his lifelong pursuit of UFO evidence. He states that while most phenomena can be explained, about 3-4% remain unexplained. Svahn has not found definitive proof of extraterrestrial visitation but is intrigued by the work of solving these mysteries. He recounts a personal experience of seeing three glowing crosses fly in formation with his wife, Anneli, in 1995. Svahn also discusses the common misidentifications of UFOs, attributing most sightings to planets like Venus, Jupiter, aircraft, or atmospheric phenomena.

The Betty Hill Case: The issue notes the passing of Betty Hill, a famous UFO contactee, at the age of 85. The article recounts the 1961 incident where Betty and Barney Hill reported seeing a UFO, being taken aboard, and undergoing examinations. It also mentions that Betty Hill later became critical of the extensive use of hypnosis in abduction cases, as detailed in her book "A Common Sense Approach to UFOs."

Misidentified Images: The "FELTOLKADE BILDER" (Misinterpreted Images) section presents several photographs that have been mistaken for UFOs, explaining them as aircraft, weather balloons, reflections, or photographic effects like long exposure.

Other Features:

• Mystisk ljusshow över Mexiko (Mysterious Light Show over Mexico): A video captured by a Mexican Air Force pilot shows six luminous objects over Campeche, Mexico, described as unidentified flying objects.
• Kan signaler från jorden höras rymden? (Can Signals from Earth Be Heard in Space?): This piece explores the possibility of Earth's radio communications being detected by extraterrestrial civilizations, noting that signal strength diminishes with distance.
• Upplev himlen slå gnistor (Experience the Sky Sparkle): An article on lightning, detailing its electrical power and the science behind thunderstorms.
• Ger vitlök friskare hjärtan? (Does Garlic Give Healthier Hearts?): A brief mention of a study suggesting garlic tablets may improve arterial health.
• Är det utomjordingar som söker kontakt? (Are Aliens Seeking Contact?): A section featuring brief opinions from individuals on the possibility of extraterrestrial contact.
• Frågesport "TOP 13" (Quiz "TOP 13"): A quiz with 13 questions related to general knowledge and UFO topics.

Space Tourism and Exploration

Wanted: Passengers for Space: This cover story details the progress of space tourism, mentioning Michael Melvill's flight on "Spaceship One" and the ongoing pursuit of the Ansari X Prize, which rewards the first private company to achieve suborbital spaceflight with passengers.

Cosmic Orchestra: An article discussing how astronomers observe and measure sound waves from various cosmic objects like stars, planets, and black holes, likening them to instruments in an orchestra.

Planets Beyond Earth: The discovery of two new planets, described as Earth's "older siblings," is mentioned. These planets are significantly larger than Earth and are believed to be part of a solar system similar to our own.

Sun and Jupiter Sounds: Brief segments on the Sun being a "violin star" due to its internal vibrations and radio signals from Jupiter being translated into sound.

Other Content

• Förstånds-handikappad apa ompysslad (Handicapped Ape Cared For): A story about a rhesus ape named Azalea who, despite a chromosomal abnormality causing intellectual disability, received care and affection from her mother and troop.
• Visste du att... (Did you know...): A collection of trivia facts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, particularly UFO phenomena, while also maintaining a critical and analytical approach. There's a clear effort to distinguish between genuine mysteries and misidentifications or hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond conventional explanations but grounding the discussion in research and evidence where possible. The inclusion of topics like space tourism and scientific discoveries suggests a broader interest in humanity's place in the universe and our exploration of it. The magazine also touches upon the cultural impact of UFO beliefs and the human desire to not be alone in the cosmos.