UFO-Nytt - 2007 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NYTT
Issue: 3
Volume: 2007
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO-förening
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish

This issue of UFO NYTT, dated 2007, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, blending anecdotal reports with scientific updates and historical accounts. The cover features a cartoon depicting a cow being abducted by a UFO, humorously questioning if it's a 'scan'. The magazine covers a wide array of topics, from specific sightings and alleged encounters to broader discussions on government secrecy and the search for extraterrestrial life.

Foreword (FÖRORD)

The foreword, written by Gudrun Andersson, reflects on the summer of 2007, noting the warm weather and the approaching autumn. It touches upon the renewed interest in the possibility of life on Mars, questioning humanity's unique position in the universe. Andersson also discusses environmental concerns, suggesting that Earth's climate changes are natural cycles rather than solely human-induced. The foreword notes a low number of UFO reports during the summer, expressing a hope for a new wave of sightings. It also mentions Bengt Karlsson, who has built a lodge with a glass roof for stargazing.

Articles and Reports

UFO.

This section questions why it is so difficult to obtain information about the UFO phenomenon from military and government authorities. It contrasts the investigative prowess of journalists in uncovering scandals with their apparent inability to penetrate UFO-related secrecy. The article suggests that if there were genuine UFO secrets, they should be accessible. It ponders whether the right tools and channels are being used and speculates on the involvement of military or other organizations. The author suggests that any discovery of intelligent extraterrestrial visitors would likely not be revealed quickly and that the investigation process could take decades, drawing a parallel to the long-standing investigation into the Estonia incident.

Spanien (Spain)

This article reports on an alleged sighting of a large, hairy creature in Spain in February 1968. Initially dismissed as a rumor, the report gained traction when children and later adults claimed to have seen the creature near Vilovi. The accounts describe a group of 'ligisters' attacking houses, and the presence of a large hairy creature with long arms and a heavy gait. The description is compared to that of a motorist who saw a similar creature near Hostalrich. Despite initial panic, the report was downplayed, with suggestions that it might have been a badger. The article also mentions a circus in the area and the possibility of escaped animals, but no reports of missing circus animals were found.

Malaya

This section details UFO sightings in Kampong Keramat, Malaya, reported in the Malaya Mail on March 4, 1968. Residents reported seeing two unidentified flying objects, described as 'Flying Tefats'. Neither the Kuala Lumpur Airport control tower nor the Royal Malaysian Air Force could confirm the presence of any unidentified objects. The first sighting was by Inche Abdul Hassan, a retired supervisor, who observed a bright, luminous object resembling a tefat moving across the sky. Later, his daughter and a friend saw another object described as a huge tefat, moving up and down with a bright light and a slight smoke trail.

Hjälp, ET anfaller (Help, ET attacks)

This article commemorates the 60th anniversary of the alleged UFO crash in the Nevada desert on July 8, 1947. It discusses the enduring myth of Area 51, a highly secretive US military base that has become a pilgrimage site for UFO enthusiasts. The article mentions claims of alien bodies being stored and examined at Area 51, referencing the movie 'E.T.' and the testimony of Bob Lazar, who claimed to have worked with alien spacecraft there. It also touches upon the conspiracy theory that the first moon landing was faked and staged at Area 51.

Ljuset vandrar på Gotland (The light wanders on Gotland)

This feature explores the phenomenon of the 'Martebo light' on the island of Gotland, Sweden. For 80 years, a mysterious, shimmering light has been observed at night, wandering along an old forest road. Described as a bright, yellow object, it is said to hover near the ground and sometimes causes a popping sensation in the ears. The article compares this phenomenon to the 'Min Min light' observed in Australia. Scientific explanations, such as light refraction or swamp gas, are discussed but found to be insufficient. Local folklore also attributes the light to the ghost of a torpare named Knut Stare searching for his lost son.

Jätte-ufon i sikte (Giant UFOs in sight)

This article reports on a sighting by British pilot Ray Bowyer, who observed two enormous, cigar-shaped UFOs. He initially estimated them to be 1.5 miles away but later realized they were much farther, possibly up to 6.5 miles. Bowyer described the objects as sharp, narrow, yellow, with a green area, hovering at an altitude of 2,000 feet. He stated that he had never seen anything like it in his piloting career.

Enorma mängder vatten funnet på Mars (Enormous amounts of water found on Mars)

This section reports on the discovery of significant ice reserves at the south pole of Mars by the European Space Agency's Mars Express probe. The ice layer is estimated to be thick enough to cover the entire planet with a 11-meter deep layer of water. This finding is significant in the search for life beyond Earth and provides clues about the planet's past development. The article also mentions NASA's plans to send the Phoenix probe to Mars in 2007 to search for signs of life near the planet's polar regions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon with a blend of skepticism and open-mindedness. While acknowledging the lack of definitive proof for many claims, it presents various sightings and theories, encouraging readers to consider the possibilities. There is a recurring theme of government secrecy and the difficulty in obtaining official information regarding UFOs. The magazine also highlights scientific advancements, particularly in space exploration, linking them to the broader search for extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity and a desire to document and discuss unexplained phenomena, while also grounding some reports in scientific findings and folklore.

This issue of the magazine, titled "UFO," published in May 1968, delves into a variety of intriguing topics, from the natural phenomenon of tides to the possibility of extraterrestrial life and numerous reported UFO sightings.

Tides: Why Are They Higher in Some Places Than Others?

The magazine explains that tidal variations are a global phenomenon but differ significantly in magnitude from one coast to another. The primary factor influencing tidal height is water depth; water is compressed more in shallow areas as the tidal wave approaches the coast, leading to higher tides. Factors such as narrow channels, passages, and the collision of waves from different seas can further amplify tidal differences. The article also touches upon the daily variation in tidal height, attributing it to the gravitational pull of the sun and moon, and the Earth's rotation. It notes that most coastlines experience two high and two low tides per day, with the effect being particularly pronounced during new and full moons when the sun and moon align.

Can Life Exist Without Water?

This section explores the fundamental role of water in life. While life on Earth exhibits immense diversity, a common requirement is the dependency on water. The article highlights water's ability to remain liquid across a broad temperature range, allowing life to adapt. It mentions extremophiles like thermophilic bacteria thriving in hot springs and organisms in deep-sea hydrothermal vents surviving under high pressure where water can remain liquid above boiling point. The conclusion is that while other life forms based on different principles might exist, liquid water is currently considered the essential foundation for life by scientists.

Astronomy: Gigantic Outburst from a Black Hole

Utilizing data from the Chandra X-ray observatory, astronomers have gained new insights into the black hole at the center of the Milky Way, Sagittarius A*, located 27,000 light-years away. For the first time, an object being consumed by a black hole has been observed. Black holes, formed from collapsed stars, absorb all nearby matter. As matter approaches a black hole, it heats up to millions of degrees before disappearing. This process releases a powerful burst of X-ray radiation. The article notes that Sagittarius A* has never before shown such an intense outburst, which increased in intensity by 45 times within minutes. This event, observed from a distance of 27,000 light-years, suggests the consumed object was significant enough to cause this dramatic emission, despite black holes being difficult to observe due to obscuring dust and gas clouds.

UFO Reports from Around the World

The magazine features a collection of UFO sighting reports from various locations:

Northern Ireland

• Armagh (April 25, 1968): A mysterious, brightly shining object, described as football-sized, was seen flying across the sky from Monaghan towards the south of Armagh. Witnesses, including two police officers, observed it for five minutes before it disappeared into the fog. It was described as moving like snow in a straight line.

Australia

• Östra Victoria (May 2, 1968): Two sanitation workers reported seeing a string of red lights and a dome with white lights in a pasture near Heyfield. The following day, the area where the object was seen had visibly withered grass, as if sprayed with poison. Later, more lights were observed moving at low altitude.

England

• Brough (May 24, 1968): Three people in a van observed a phenomenon described as a "spinning clump like a whirlpool" that lit up the sky. One witness described it as a large orange ball of fire followed by five smaller balls, which then vanished with a flash of light, leaving the sky dark.

Canada

• Nova Scotia (May 2, 1968): A farmer's cows went missing, and during the search, a "sharp shining object" was seen about 300 meters up, emitting a bright light. The object hovered and then flew away. Witnesses reported a humming sound. The incident was linked to animals reacting to loud noises, as in other cases where UFOs were discovered.

Portugal

• Azores, Terceira Island (February 1, 1968): A Portuguese watchman reported being attacked by a flying object near Cinso Picos. He experienced interference on his radio and then saw the object, which he described as a "saucer" (tefat). It emitted a "gaseous" cloud that caused him to fall to the ground. He later reported seeing two men inside the craft. A meteorological balloon was suggested as an explanation, but the watchman maintained he saw two men and was attacked.

USA

• New Mexico (June 1967): During a rocket launch at White Sands Missile Range, an engineer observed a disc-shaped object flying in a circular pattern above the launch site. The object was described as a small black dot with reflective edges and was not detected by radar. It flew alongside the ascending rocket.

• New Jersey (June 2, 2001): A V-shaped, black, flying "triangle" was observed by witnesses for eight minutes. It hovered, rotated, and then ascended rapidly. It was described as maneuvering effortlessly, defying gravity.

• Long Island, New York (June 2, 2001): On a flight from Teterboro, passengers observed a large, rusty red, boomerang-shaped object hovering about 1000-3000 feet above them. It was compared to a 747 jet in size and had no visible windows or lights. It was described as a "flying triangle."

• North Carolina (December 12, 2005): A spherical object emitting red, blue, and green lights was seen hovering 60 meters above high-voltage power lines near Grey's Creek. It moved across the road and then hovered 30 meters above the lines before disappearing.

Brazil

• Paraná (March 2005): A witness reported seeing a strange brown, star-shaped object with four points flying near streetlights. It was described as being about 11 meters above the ground, the size of a man's outstretched arms. The object flew straight and was compared to a reconnaissance machine.

Astronomers' Observations

• Soviet Union (1967): Reports from Mountin Astronomers station and private individuals described "Giffel"-shaped UFOs, which were luminous orange and 15-20 feet in diameter. Sometimes a flaming disk was observed preceding the "Giffel." Kasans astronomers estimated the diameter of some "Giffels" to be between 5-600 meters, traveling at 5 km per second. These objects were deemed not man-made.

• Kherson, Ukraine (October 20, 1966): A director of a meteorological school observed a round, pearl-silver disc, about one-third the size of the sun, moving slowly eastward over a stadium.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings, presenting them as unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, documenting witness accounts and physical descriptions of unusual aerial objects without definitively concluding their origin. The inclusion of scientific articles on tides and astronomy suggests an interest in exploring both natural and potentially anomalous phenomena. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained aerial objects and the human drive to understand them, whether through scientific investigation or eyewitness testimony.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 22, features a cover story on a British pilot's sighting of two giant UFOs over the Channel Islands. The magazine explores various UFO-related phenomena, scientific investigations, and reader contributions.

Långsby-By-Dikanäs-Lappland Sighting

The issue details an incident on March 25, 1967, where youths Britt-Marie Söderström and Leif Jonsson, guests at Alfred Hamrevy's farm near Åsele, observed two luminous, cigar-shaped objects. Initially mistaken for radio interference, the sound persisted after the radio was turned off. The objects emitted a strong light and a scraping sound. The observation lasted for 20-25 minutes, with the objects appearing and disappearing multiple times. At one point, something seemed to drop from one object, accompanied by a flash. The light from the objects was intense enough to illuminate the surrounding area.

Kvarnbrånet, Hällnäs, Västerbotten Sighting

Another report from April 10, 1967, describes Torsten Lindmark's experience while driving home. He encountered a strong wind and then noticed two luminous, multi-colored objects at a height of 15 meters. The objects were described as round, with one having a sharp edge and a thickness of a few centimeters. They moved east at high speed. The following day, Lindmark found small branches scattered on the ground at the location of the observation. He initially considered the possibility of a self-illuminating whirlwind but was unable to find a scientific explanation.

British Pilot Reports Giant UFOs

A significant article highlights a report from Sky News about British pilot Ray Bowyer, who claimed to have seen two enormous, cigar-shaped UFOs over Guernsey. Bowyer, an Aurigny Airlines pilot, described one object as sharp, narrow, and yellow with a green area, observed at an altitude of 2,000 feet. He initially estimated its distance to be over half a mile but later realized it was much farther, possibly up to 65 kilometers away. He estimated the size of one object to be as large as a mile (approximately 1.6 kilometers) in length. Bowyer emphasized that while he wasn't claiming they were extraterrestrial, he had never seen anything like them before. Other pilots and passengers also reportedly witnessed the phenomenon.

UFOs and Scientific Explanations

John Spencer of the British UFO Research Association suggested that it's not clear if the UFOs were extraterrestrial spacecraft, noting that such observations have been reported since the 1940s. He stated that while many believe they are aliens, others suggest they are more likely natural atmospheric phenomena that science cannot fully explain.

Mysterious Figures Puzzle Archaeologists

An unrelated article discusses a discovery in Arizona, where archaeologists found 21 small figurines made of fired clay at a thousand-year-old Hohokam Indian village. These figures, previously thought to be llamas, are now believed to represent domesticated dogs, about the size of a palm, each with individual facial expressions. The purpose for which the Native Americans used these figures remains a mystery.

Future of Flight and Environmental Concerns

A section titled "ATT FLYGA SKA BLI ETT RUNT NÖJE" (Flying will become a round pleasure) discusses future environmentally friendly aircraft designs developed at Delft University in Holland. It includes reader comments, one of which expresses concern about the materials used, comparing them to 'iPods' that break after three months. Another comment questions the environmental impact, noting that planes account for only two percent of greenhouse gas emissions, suggesting other areas are more critical.

Drake Equation

The issue includes a visual representation of the Drake Equation, outlining seven factors that determine the number of communicative extraterrestrial civilizations in our galaxy: N = R* x fp x ne x fl x fi x fc x L. The factors are: the rate of star formation, the fraction of stars with planets, the number of planets per star that can potentially support life, the fraction of those planets that actually develop life, the fraction of life-bearing planets that develop intelligent life, the fraction of civilizations that develop technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space, and the length of time such civilizations release detectable signals.

Reader Contributions and Trivia

Several short, humorous pieces are included, such as a riddle about a lost dog, a joke about a woman trying to exchange a bra, and a humorous anecdote about a man's cold. The magazine also congratulates the winners of a contest where the winning word was "MIDSOMMARSTÅNG" (Midsummer pole), with winners receiving lottery tickets.

New Technology for Analyzing Clay Tablets

An article details a new technique developed by Tom Malzbender at Hewlett-Packard that uses 50 light bulbs and a camera to illuminate ancient Babylonian clay tablets. By taking 50 images from different angles, a computer can reconstruct the surface details of the tablets, making it possible to read cuneiform script that was previously illegible due to wear. These tablets were historically used to confirm trade in oil, livestock, and wine.

Mysterious Radiation from Mysterious Particles

Astronomer Douglas Finkbeiner at Princeton University has reportedly found microwave radiation emanating from the center of the Milky Way that could be linked to dark matter. This radiation, not explained by cosmic background radiation or other known processes, is hypothesized to originate from the annihilation of dark matter particles, specifically WIMPs (Weakly Interacting Massive Particles). These particles are theorized to be able to become their own antiparticles, thus emitting radiation when they destroy each other. This phenomenon aligns with theories about neutralinos, hypothetical particles that have not yet been observed.

The Hunt for Genuine UFOs

An extensive article discusses the challenges of identifying genuine UFO photographs. It notes that since Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, despite numerous alleged photos and films, there is still no definitive photographic evidence of extraterrestrial spacecraft. The article suggests that clearer photos are often more likely to be fabrications, while blurry ones are harder to analyze. It lists numerous potential explanations for daytime and nighttime sightings, including weather balloons, aircraft, planets (especially Venus), meteors, clouds, birds, and optical illusions. The article also points out the possibility of photographic errors, such as lens flare, reflections, double exposures, and processing issues. It concludes that the probability of a "UFO picture" being a genuine extraterrestrial craft is extremely low, and that all UFO images must be suspected of being forgeries unless the witness can provide irrefutable proof of the circumstances under which the photo was taken.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a focus on UFO sightings and related phenomena. It balances anecdotal reports with scientific inquiry, presenting new research in physics and astronomy alongside discussions of photographic evidence and potential misidentifications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards unexplained events, while also maintaining a critical perspective on the evidence presented, particularly concerning photographic proof. There is an underlying theme of scientific curiosity and the ongoing human quest to understand the unknown, whether in the skies, in ancient history, or in the fundamental nature of the universe.