UFO-Nytt - 2005 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NYTT
Issue: 2
Volume/Year: 2005
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening
Country of Publication: Sweden
Original Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO NYTT, the second of 2005 from the Västerbergslagens UFO-förening, presents a compilation of UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports, predominantly from Norway. The magazine aims to document and share eyewitness accounts, often including details about physical evidence and the witnesses' experiences.

Foreword (FÖRORD)

The foreword, likely written by an editor or long-time researcher, reflects on the human experience of trauma and loss, contrasting how conventional losses are addressed versus how UFO encounters are treated. The author notes that UFO incidents are reported and investigated, but sometimes witnesses become hesitant to report due to perceived excessive criticism or skepticism from researchers. The foreword emphasizes the need for strong evidence and rigorous investigation, acknowledging the difficulty faced by witnesses who have experienced extraordinary events. It highlights the role of authorities in potentially 'covering up' information and stresses the importance of UFO researchers being more assertive. The author, with 30 years of experience in UFO research, recounts how initial reports of 'flying saucers' have evolved into a more nuanced understanding of the phenomenon. The piece concludes by asserting that while experts may claim there is no life elsewhere in the universe, the question of life and intelligence remains open, and the author promises to continue exploring it.

Content Highlights

Norwegian UFO Reports

NORSKA ÄLDRE RAPPORTER FRÅN RAPPORTNYTT (Older Norwegian Reports from Rapportnytt)

• November 5, 1957: Knut Halvorsen and taxi driver Akxel Bekkavik reported seeing a dark sphere flying over a ridge near Botngård, Bjugn, Norway. The object, visible against the starry sky, changed direction and descended rapidly towards their car. It then performed a 'crazy display' about 30 meters away, spinning and changing colors. The witnesses felt observed and communicated with 'something' without understanding how. The object then glided towards them, appearing as a dark 'mass' with a structure similar to the sphere, before moving northwest in a steep curve at high speed.
• 1958 or 1959 (July): A sighting occurred at the Eie farm in Drangedal, Telemark, Norway, around 2-3 PM. Witnesses heard a sound and saw a bright light, initially resembling a small aircraft, descending. It turned out to be a white, strong light, about 2-3 meters in diameter, hovering and emitting a loud humming sound. The light stopped near a neighboring house, about 25 meters from the observers. A faint detail was seen on the lower part of the sphere, with vertical lines visible on one edge. The object then moved over the water and disappeared behind a wooded hill. The witnesses noted its slow speed, which made its disappearance puzzling.

Vefsna vid Mosjön

• August 1996: Two friends, Tommy and the narrator, were fishing in Vefsna near Mosjön, Nordland, Norway. Around 11:15 PM, while fishing, they experienced a series of strange events. Their fishing lines were repeatedly cast with the same result, and the hooks would come up without catching anything. They felt that 'something' was preventing them from fishing. The situation became eerie, with a 'crazy magnetic field' causing vibrations. They realized they had moved inland without noticing. Tommy became visibly nervous, stating something 'strange' was happening. They attempted two more casts, and the lures came up only 2 meters into the water. They perceived 'something' in the water that seemed to deny them the ability to fish. The experience was described as terrifying and sickening. Later, they discovered their watches were running 1.5 hours slow, while Tommy's girlfriend's watch was accurate. The narrator emphasizes their experience as seasoned outdoorsmen and states they will never forget that night.

Hessdalen Case

• November 15, 1996 (around 9:45 PM - 10:00 PM): A strange craft, described as being as large as a single-story house, landed on the grounds of Lökken farm in Hessdalen, Norway. It emitted many blinking, pulsating blue-white lights. The witnesses, a couple from the Oslo area seeking to experience the Hessdalen phenomenon, initially saw a light on the road and then something moving towards them. They panicked and drove back to a crossroads, experiencing ringing in their ears. They proceeded into Hessdalen and observed blinking lights to the right, about 300 meters away, near Lökken farm. The object was perceived as tall and large, like a house with a chimney. One witness described it as blue-white, while the other saw multiple colors. The lights faded and then reappeared, blinking from left to right, revealing lower lights. The object's behavior was described as frightening, prompting them to seek shelter at a nearby house. The residents, Petra and Ludvig Grönås, were familiar with such occurrences. After the object stopped blinking, the witnesses left for Röros, a journey that took over an hour instead of the usual 40 minutes, possibly due to heavy snowfall. The next day, they returned to the observation site and found a large oval imprint, 8-10 meters in diameter, in the snow on the farmyard. The center of the imprint had partially melted into ice lumps, indicating heat exposure, with water runoff towards the farm. Three smaller, triangular imprints were found on the outskirts of the oval. The craft that landed was estimated to be as large as the house. The investigation also noted unusual animal tracks resembling large shoes with claws. Photographs were taken, though slightly unclear due to lighting conditions. The report adds a postscript from VBU, mentioning that Petra and Ludvig Grönås were frightened during the event. Ludvig has since passed away, and Petra is in a nursing home. The phenomena have been occurring in Hessdalen for many years, and the local population is no longer afraid.

Fimreite i Sogn og Fjordane

• Circa July/August 1960 (mid-morning, 10:00-11:00 AM): The narrator, then 10 years old, was on a boat trip with his family in the Sognefjorden. He observed an object he initially thought was an F-104 Starfighter. However, its behavior was unlike any known aircraft; it made no sound and exhibited unusual flight characteristics. The object descended, appearing grey and cylindrical, with a capsule-like front that narrowed inwards. It moved parallel to the fjord arm at a shallow angle, appearing to fall uncontrollably at first, then executing a controlled maneuver. It descended to about 100-200 meters altitude, with an estimated length of 100-100 meters. The narrator felt no fear, only a sense of being observed. He describes the object as having a metallic grey color, a symmetrical construction, and plates on the front that followed its rounded shape. It had no visible wings or steering mechanisms. The object then ascended and moved southwest at high speed. Other passengers, including the narrator's mother, also saw it, mistaking it for a rocket. The narrator emphasizes that this was not a typical aircraft and that the experience was profound, leading him to seek others who share this understanding of not being alone in the universe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO NYTT consistently highlights the importance of eyewitness testimony in UFO research. The magazine appears to adopt a stance that encourages reporting while also demanding credible evidence, as indicated in the foreword. There's an underlying theme of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that authorities may be withholding information. The detailed accounts of sightings, including descriptions of object characteristics, behavior, and physical traces, suggest a commitment to documenting the phenomenon thoroughly. The inclusion of older reports alongside more recent ones indicates a historical perspective on UFO activity. The magazine also touches upon the psychological impact of these experiences on witnesses and the challenges they face in being believed.

This issue of "Rapporter" (Reports) is a collection of witness accounts detailing sightings of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and unexplained aerial phenomena. The reports are primarily from the 2000s and cover various locations including Sweden, the USA, Norway, Ireland, and the UK. The magazine focuses on presenting these accounts with minimal editorial commentary, often including follow-up notes from handlers or investigators.

Witness Reports

Sweden

Nyberget, Stora Skedvi (March 4, 2005): An anonymous witness and his wife observed a sharp white light in the sky for about 5 seconds, estimated to be 100 meters high and the size of a full moon. The weather was clear and calm, with a temperature of -12 degrees Celsius. No sound was heard, and no flight paths were known in the area. A follow-up with Dala Airport confirmed no aircraft were in the air at that time.

Dala Järna (December 19, 2004): Isak Wallenberg, a 10-year-old boy, reported seeing a large white rectangle of light on a mountain while shoveling snow with his siblings. He described it as a light shining on the mountain, with unclear contours. No sound was heard. The handler noted that the boy was certain of his observation and suggested it might have been a popular UFO balloon.

Ireland

Dublin (December 15, 2003): A witness on a bus described seeing a shining blue light high in the sky, which then faded. The object was dark, wing-shaped, and had flashing lights. It was seen again as a rectangular light and appeared to be flying about 600 meters high, too low for a commercial flight in a populated area. The report thanks Peter Davenport.

Clogher, County Tyrone (December 11, 2003): Milton Clarke reported a UFO approaching from the north, described as a glowing, shiny triangle. It was very close to the ground, at one point 20 meters high. The object moved rapidly, stopped, and then flew west. Clarke took photographs, but it was uncertain if they were successful due to the darkness and film type. Thanks are given to UFO-Round-UP.

USA

Guilford, Connecticut (January 6, 2004): A witness was asked by his sister to look at something in the sky. He saw a flying triangle with hundreds of lights ascending rapidly. The object stopped, blinked subtly, and then flew out of sight. The witness's dog was agitated during the sighting. The object then ascended, pointed its nose down, and flew away. Peter Davenport of the National UFO's Reporting Center (NUFORC) spoke with the witnesses, finding them credible.

Oslo, Norway (December 15): An observer saw three white lights in a triangle formation hovering over a hill about 1.5 km away. The object remained stationary for 15 seconds before disappearing behind the hill without sound. Thanks are given to Peter Davenport and UFO-Center.

Kent, UK (September 29, 2004): A witness saw two objects ascend into the sky. One object remained stationary while the other flew away. The stationary object was cross-shaped and began to ascend. The second object was saucer-shaped with a dome and legs. Both objects moved sideways and then ascended, separating. Thanks are given to Peter Davenport.

Riverside, California (November 1, 2004): A police officer observed a white object flying from north to south, reflecting sunlight. The object was described as a short tube with rounded ends, similar to a vitamin capsule or airplane fuselage, and was not self-luminous. It moved silently and fast, higher than commercial planes. The officer, with 18 years of experience, described the speed as similar to a military jet performing a fly-by. No notable sound was heard, only background noise from the wind.

Indiana (October 14, 2004): A witness driving west observed a bank of clouds being lit up. A craft with three strong white spotlights descended, illuminating a round or disc-shaped structure. The object hovered 18 meters above the witness's vehicle before stopping and then disappearing. No navigational lights were observed, and no sound was heard. The witness described the object as "big."

Mondovi, Wisconsin (July 23, 2004): A family (parents and two teenagers) reported seeing a strange red light in the sky, followed by a triangular object with three white lights underneath. The object moved slowly (about 5 km/h) without sound. Later, the object reappeared on the north side of the road. The family drove back to the field where they first saw the light. The object then moved in a strange formation, appearing to be on a "collision course" before stopping high in the sky and changing direction. The mother described the sound as "driving me crazy." The family also reported seeing a single light that seemed to wait for them and then disappeared.

Wisconsin (July 24, 2004): The same family returned to the area the following night and saw the same light. When they tried to drive away, their car seemed to be braked, limiting their speed to 40 km/h. The light then pursued them rapidly. The father later tested his car on the same stretch of road and found he could accelerate to 70 km/h. Investigators Chad Lewis and Terry Fisk found the family credible. No other residents reported seeing the lights.

South Carolina

Oconee Landscape (1971 or 1972): A woman reported seeing a silver-grey, disc-shaped object hovering just above the ground. No sound was heard, but vibrations were felt. Later, she observed beams of light coming from the underside of the object. The sighting lasted about 20 minutes, and the object moved very fast when it disappeared. The report was investigated by George Fawcett and submitted by George Lund.

Drawings and Maps

Two sections include drawings and a map related to UFO sightings:

• Drawing(s) of the phenomenon: This section encourages witnesses to draw their sightings, including details like wings, smoke, their field of vision, and the position of the sun or moon. One drawing depicts a rectangular object in the sky above a landscape with stick figures.
• Map sketch of the observation area: This section prompts witnesses to draw a map of the area where the observation took place, marking north and the location of the phenomenon and its movements. A sketch shows a house labeled "Vårt Hus" (Our House) with surrounding features like "berget Hoghorn" (Hoghorn mountain), "jaga" (hunt), and roads.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the variety of UFO shapes and behaviors observed, the commonality of silent flight, and the impact of these sightings on witnesses. The magazine appears to adopt a neutral stance, presenting witness accounts without overt skepticism or endorsement, often relying on the credibility of the witnesses and the details of their reports. The inclusion of follow-up notes and investigator comments suggests an effort to provide some level of verification or context to the sightings. The recurring mention of Peter Davenport indicates his significant role in collecting and disseminating UFO reports.

This issue of Illustrerad Vetenskap, dated 2/2005, features a cover story on the discovery of Quaoar, a celestial body comparable in size to Pluto, located in the outer Solar System. The magazine also delves into findings from the Mars Odyssey mission regarding frozen water on Mars, discusses environmental issues like ozone depletion and the greenhouse effect, and presents a critical perspective on UFO phenomena and the role of experts. Additionally, it includes articles on a lunar meteorite, historical figures in medicine, and archaeological discoveries.

Astronomy and Space Discoveries

Quaoar: A New Solar System Body

The lead article, "Frostig kusin till Pluto upptäckt" (Frosty Cousin to Pluto Discovered), announces the discovery of Quaoar, a celestial body half the size of Pluto, located in the Kuiper Belt beyond Neptune. The name Quaoar is derived from a North American Indian mythology, representing a creator god. The article suggests that Quaoar, along with Pluto and possibly Neptune's moon Triton, might be trans-Neptunian objects. Johan Warell, an astronomer at Uppsala Observatory, notes that these objects have a chemical composition similar to comets, primarily nitrogen ice, methane ice, and carbon dioxide ice. The Hubble Space Telescope provided high-resolution images of Quaoar, allowing its surface features to be discerned, a feat previously only possible for Pluto and Triton. The discovery was made by Michael Brown and Chadwick Trujillo at Caltech, using the Palomar Observatory's Oschin-Schmidt telescope, followed by Hubble observations. Quaoar is described as being ten thousand times fainter than the dimmest star visible to the naked eye.

Permafrost on Mars

Another significant article, "Permafrost på Mars" (Permafrost on Mars), reports on the initial images sent back by the Mars Odyssey space probe. These images suggest the presence of substantial frozen water beneath the Martian surface. The Mars Odyssey is equipped with instruments to map the abundance of elements like silicon, oxygen, iron, and hydrogen, aiming to understand Mars' geological history and the potential for past or present water. A key mission objective is to determine if water exists on Mars. Johan Warell explains that future manned missions to Mars would ideally land in areas where water and oxygen can be extracted. The probe has identified a large area, approximately 300 miles in diameter, of permafrost near the Martian South Pole. While the probe cannot directly detect liquid water, its spectrograph has detected hydrogen up to 1 meter deep, strongly indicating the presence of frozen water. The next step for researchers is to investigate whether liquid water exists in sediment layers beneath the surface, which could suggest the possibility of primitive life. Most Mars researchers believe Mars was once a wetter planet.

Lunar Meteorite Found on Earth

The article "Månsten var kosmisk vagabond" (Moon Rock Was Cosmic Vagabond) details the discovery of a meteorite that originated from the Moon. Despite falling to Earth about 9,700 years ago, its lunar origin was only recently confirmed by American and European geologists. The meteorite was once part of a rock on the Moon's surface, ejected by a major impact approximately 340,000 years ago. It then traveled through the solar system for about 300,000 years before being captured by Earth's gravity and landing in the Arabian Peninsula, where it was found two years prior to the article's publication.

Environmental Concerns

Ozone Layer

The "Ozonlagret" (Ozone Layer) section outlines the discovery in 1974 that CFC gases were depleting the ozone layer. This led to global concern about increased skin cancer, damage to animals and plants, and disruption of the food chain. The Vienna Convention in 1985 and the Montreal Protocol in 1987 resulted in a ban on CFCs. The article notes that while reduced plankton production has been observed in Arctic and Antarctic waters, the international effort to reduce CFC emissions has been largely successful, and no major problems for inhabited areas have occurred.

Greenhouse Effect

The "Växthuseffekten" (Greenhouse Effect) section highlights that the amount of greenhouse gases has increased by one-third since industrialization, with the 1990s being the warmest decade since global temperature measurements began in 1860. Scientists predict a temperature increase of 1.4 to 5.8 degrees Celsius by 2100, along with changes in precipitation patterns and more extreme weather. While national efforts have been made, the Kyoto Protocol's global approach appears to be faltering. The article concludes that there are numerous early signs indicating that the human-caused greenhouse effect is indeed a reality.

UFO Phenomena and Skepticism

Experts Under Scrutiny

A section titled "EXPERTER!" (EXPERTS!) presents a critical view of so-called experts who claim UFOs do not exist, stating that science has proven this. The author questions the basis of these scientific proofs and considers accusations of being unserious for reporting UFO sightings as slanderous. The author believes that while 97% of UFO cases can be explained, the remaining 3% are difficult to resolve. The article criticizes how "experts" have historically had their views presented in the media without challenge, often at a cost to those with dissenting opinions. It argues that people who have experienced unusual phenomena are often dismissed as unstable or liars, and that the consistent descriptions of similar phenomena by different people across various locations suggest something real is occurring. The author asserts that UFOs exist and that the phenomenon has not remained static long enough for researchers to study it effectively, citing Hessdalen in the 1980s as a place where the phenomenon occurred daily but experts were absent.

Personal Investigation

The author expresses distrust in experts and authorities, preferring personal investigation and intuition. They suggest that if there were a 'medial path' for people, the state would lose out on potential revenue, implying that such abilities are suppressed. The article also touches upon parapsychology, stating that while the author is not deeply versed in it, they believe that phenomena from 'the other side' cannot be explained away by experts. The author concludes that humanity is beginning to think for itself, causing experts to lose their grip.

Health and Science

Genetic Modification Debate

The "OPTIMISTEN" (OPTIMIST) and "PESSIMISTEN" (PESSIMIST) sections present opposing views on genetic modification. The optimist argues that genetic modification is a natural progression of plant breeding, capable of improving food taste and nutrition, reducing the need for water and pesticides, and potentially eradicating diseases like malaria by creating sterile mosquitoes. The pessimist, however, fears that creating organisms with novel combinations of traits could disrupt natural balances, outcompete wild species, or become susceptible to new diseases, leading to irreversible ecological damage.

Gossyfol for Prostate Cancer

A brief note mentions "gossyfol," a natural material derived from cottonseed oil, as a potential effective treatment for prostate cancer. It is said to destroy cells' ability to divide uncontrollably.

Historical Medical Figures

Short biographies are provided for three influential historical medical figures: Hippocrates (Greek physician, "father of medicine"), Leonardo da Vinci (Italian artist and inventor, known for anatomical drawings), and Paracelsus (Swiss physician, chemist, and philosopher, who introduced chemical thinking into medicine).

Other Articles

"ETT AVSKED OCH ETT MÖTE!" (A Farewell and a Meeting!)

This is a poetic reflection on life, death, and the mysteries of existence, written by Gudrun Andersson.

"ATT SPRIDAS I RYMDEN GÅR FORT" (Spreading in Space Happens Fast)

This article presents a thought experiment on the exponential spread of human colonies throughout the Milky Way galaxy. It calculates that if colonies were established on planets around nearby stars, humanity could potentially colonize every star in the galaxy within approximately 40,000 years, or even faster if considering multiple civilizations. The author questions whether all advanced civilizations would choose natural extinction over expansion.

"Johannes döpares grotta hittad utanför Jerusalem?" (John the Baptist's Cave Found Outside Jerusalem?)

This news brief reports on the claim by British archaeologist Shimon Gibson that he has found evidence linking John the Baptist to a cave near Jerusalem. Gibson believes the cave, carved 24 meters into a mountainside, may have been visited by both Jesus and John the Baptist. The cave, discovered in 1999, contains a large basin and artifacts used in anointing ceremonies. Gibson suggests the cave might have been used by John the Baptist during his early years seeking solitude.

"FRÅGESPORT" (Quiz)

A quiz with 15 questions covering general knowledge, with answers to be submitted for a chance to win lottery tickets.

"Synvillor" (Optical Illusions)

This section presents several optical illusions, including checkerboard patterns that appear to have curved lines and an image of an elephant with an ambiguous number of legs, challenging the viewer's perception.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, mystery, and human curiosity. There's a clear interest in space exploration, astronomical discoveries (like Quaoar and Martian water), and unexplained phenomena (UFOs). The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question established narratives and "experts," and to rely on personal observation and critical thinking, particularly in areas like UFOs and parapsychology. Environmental issues are presented with a balanced view, acknowledging both the problems and the efforts to address them. The inclusion of historical figures and archaeological findings suggests an appreciation for the long arc of human knowledge and discovery. The magazine aims to inform and engage readers on a wide range of scientific and speculative topics.