UFO-Nytt - 2011 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NYTT
Issue: Nr 1
Volume: 2011
Publisher: Västerbergslagens UFO Förening
Location: Smedjebacken, Sweden

This issue of UFO NYTT, published by the Västerbergslagens UFO Förening in Smedjebacken, Sweden, for 2011, delves into a variety of topics including astronomy, potential extraterrestrial life, doomsday prophecies, and UFO sightings.

Table of Contents

The issue features the following articles:

• Förord (Foreword): By Gudrun Andersson, reflecting on reader feedback and the challenges of maintaining an active UFO association.
• 3-8 Domedagprofetia (Doomsday Prophecy): An article by John Ventre discussing the 2012 prophecies, pole shifts, climate change, and potential global catastrophes.
• 8-20 Utländska UFO fall. översättningar. (Foreign UFO Cases. Translations.): A section dedicated to translated UFO case reports.
• 21-26 UFO under förstoringsglas. (UFO under a magnifying glass.): An article likely examining UFO phenomena in detail, possibly from the book "In i det okända" (Into the Unknown).
• 27 Klipp. (Clips.): A collection of short news items or clippings.

"Det är troligt att liv uppstått även på andra planeter" (It is likely that life has also arisen on other planets)

This lead article, referencing a report from Aftonbladet on February 27, 2011, highlights that the Kepler telescope has discovered 1200 planets similar to Earth. Astronomer Geoffrey Marcy suggests that based on the chemistry of life, it is probable that life has arisen on other planets within our galaxy, the Milky Way. The article notes that approximately one in twenty planets are at a suitable distance from their star to potentially have liquid water, a key factor for life. Marcy's findings were presented at a symposium at Uppsala University.

ÅRSMÖTE! (Annual Meeting!)

The Västerbergslagens UFO-förening announced its annual meeting in Stimmerbo on March 22 at 19:00. Members were asked to register with Gudrun by March 15 to attend.

Förord (Foreword)

Gudrun Andersson's foreword addresses reactions to the previous issue's editorial. She acknowledges two letters received: one from someone who has lost interest in the UFO movement and another criticizing her for discussing the association's problems. Andersson defends her honesty about the difficulty in attracting new, active members, emphasizing the need for transparency as the current active members age. She expresses hope for a pleasant spring and summer and a recognition of UFO existence by authorities.

2012 Domedagsprofetia (2012 Doomsday Prophecy) - By John Ventre

This article, the second part of a series by John Ventre, discusses various 2012 prophecies. It touches upon pole shifts, noting that the Earth's magnetic poles are weakening, which could disrupt electronics and communications, increase the greenhouse effect, melt polar ice, and cause significant climate changes. The article reviews historical climate fluctuations, including ice ages and warming periods, and predicts a rise in sea levels. It also explores theories about human evolution, suggesting that humans only use a fraction of their brain capacity and DNA, and that future evolution might lead to increased psychic abilities and interconnectedness.

Ventre also discusses prophecies from Tibetan monks, who reportedly foresee extraterrestrial intervention to save Earth from regional wars, terrorism, and a potential nuclear war between China, India, and Russia in 2012. He mentions that extraterrestrials have intervened before and will reveal themselves to prevent humanity from destroying the planet.

The article references Sir Isaac Newton's extensive work on deciphering the Bible, suggesting it contains prophecies, including one about the "end of the earth" in 2012. It also touches upon the current state of the world, citing overpopulation, ozone depletion, terrorism, climate change, and economic collapse. The author points to the decline of bat and bee populations as indicators of environmental distress and mentions the increase in diseases like HIV and SARS. The concept of collective memory within DNA is introduced, linking it to sudden evolutionary leaps and the creation of new species, suggesting humans might possess DNA from two different races.

The discussion extends to the possibility of an asteroid impact or supervolcano eruption, referencing the Book of Revelation's prophecy of a star named Wormwood falling to Earth. It details the potential catastrophic effects of an asteroid impact, including global earthquakes and heatwaves. The article also highlights the threat posed by supervolcanoes, citing the example of the Indonesian eruption 74,000 years ago and the Yellowstone caldera in the USA.

UFO Cases and Sightings

Frederik Valentich Disappearance

The magazine recounts the case of Frederik Valentich, a young Australian pilot who disappeared in 1978 after reporting a strange, oblong, green-shining object that flew towards him. His last words described the object hovering and not being an aircraft before radio contact was lost. Despite extensive searches, no trace of him or his aircraft was found.

New Zealand Sightings

Following Valentich's disappearance, several reports of strange, luminous objects were received from Australia and New Zealand. One notable incident involved three TV reporters flying from Wellington to Christchurch on New Year's Eve 1978. They observed peculiar, moving, luminous points and a blinking light. The object was tracked by radar and documented on film. Physicist Bruce Maccabee analyzed the film, which showed a clock-shaped object with a bright underside and a transparent capsule. One frame suggested the object moved extremely fast, possibly indicating a looping maneuver. Another sequence showed a pulsating light that alternatively appeared as a light yellow-white circle and a darker, reddish triangle.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NYTT include the possibility of extraterrestrial life, the interpretation of prophecies (particularly those related to 2012), and the reporting of UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as expressed in Gudrun Andersson's foreword, appears to be one of open discussion and honesty regarding the challenges faced by UFO organizations, while also maintaining an interest in the unexplained phenomena and potential future events.

This issue of 'UFO' (Volume 3, Issue 10, dated 1979) delves into the history and investigation of unidentified flying objects, presenting a mix of historical cases, scientific analysis, and skeptical viewpoints.

The New Zealand Case

The article begins by detailing the investigation of a UFO sighting by Maccabee, who concluded that a radar-indicated object was between 20-35 meters wide and emitted a powerful light, potentially moving at nearly 5000 kilometers per hour. The film and documentation were then shared with a group of American scientists specializing in optics, biophysics, radar, optical physiology, and astronomy. They unanimously agreed that the events could not be explained by conventional means, ruling out planets, stars, meteors, balloons, aircraft, or atmospheric illusions. The scientists concluded that the observations were not a hoax and were indeed UFOs.

This New Zealand case is highlighted as unique due to the extensive documentation, including ground recordings, film, and radio registration, made at the time of the observation. Dr. Maccabee stated that if UFOs were not involved, it would imply an extraordinary series of coincidences.

Historical Context and Statistics

The magazine notes that while the New Zealand case is well-documented, it is not the only significant sighting. Over the past 30 years, at least 70,000 reports of mysterious aerial objects have been made, with many more likely going unreported. However, the vast majority of these are explained as conventional objects. Only about 5% remain unexplained, forming the core of what is termed UFO phenomena.

Defining UFOs and Early Research

The term 'UFO' is defined as an abbreviation for Unidentified Flying Objects. The phenomenon has been described by J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer and renowned UFO researcher, who noted that UFOs are often ridiculed due to their strangeness but have gained increasing global interest. Reports have come from 133 countries, with various names for these objects in different languages, such as 'Objetos Voladores no Identificados' in Spain and 'Soucoupes volantes' in France.

Scientific Skepticism and Theories

While some scientists speculate that UFOs are spacecraft from other worlds, many researchers dismiss extraterrestrial or supernatural explanations. They argue that most sightings are normal phenomena, misperceptions, mass hysteria, or deliberate hoaxes. Edward U. Condon, a physicist and former chairman of the American Academy of Sciences, led a UFO investigation for the US Air Force and strongly criticized pseudoscientific claims.

Ancient and Historical Sightings

The article touches upon ancient accounts that could be interpreted as early UFO sightings, referencing the story of Jacob's ladder in the Book of Genesis and Christopher Columbus's sighting of a light before reaching the New World. It also mentions reports of giant aerial craft before 1900 in America, speculated to be of extraterrestrial origin. The description of the prophet Ezekiel's vision is presented as a particularly vivid early account of a UFO.

Erich von Däniken is mentioned as a researcher who views these ancient accounts as evidence of past extraterrestrial visitation, suggesting that ancient structures like the Pyramids could not have been built without advanced alien help. However, UFO opponents often point out that descriptions of these phenomena seem to align with the technology of the time.

The Modern Era of UFO Sightings

The modern history of UFO phenomena is built on eyewitness accounts and documentation. The period after World War II saw a surge in sightings. Kenneth Arnold's classic 1949 sighting near Mount Rainier, where he described nine silver, disk-shaped objects flying erratically like 'plates thrown over water,' is credited with popularizing the term 'flying saucers.' This led to hundreds of reports worldwide, many describing objects resembling saucers or teacups.

Early on, some were convinced these were alien spacecraft. Within a month of Arnold's sighting, reports emerged of aliens landing, with descriptions of 2-meter tall beings in transparent suits, dwarfs, hairy creatures, and other bizarre figures.

Contactees and Cults

The phenomenon of 'contactees'—individuals claiming to communicate with extraterrestrials—emerged, with George Adamski being a prominent figure. Adamski, who founded a sect in California, claimed in 1952 to have met a visitor from Venus and subsequently reported taking space trips, even describing the Moon as populated.

The article notes that whether Adamski was a hoaxer or deluded, he was not the last to profit from UFO beliefs. Numerous UFO cults developed with their own mythologies. Stories also circulated about crashed UFOs with alien occupants being recovered by the US Air Force and hidden, and about the mysterious 'Men in Black' who allegedly intimidated witnesses.

Official Investigations: Project Blue Book

While the public was reporting sightings, authorities often denied the phenomena. However, the sudden increase in sightings in the late 1940s prompted the US Air Force to launch an investigation. This project, known by various names including 'Project Sign,' 'Project Grudge,' and 'Project Blue Book,' lasted over 20 years. The article suggests 'Project Blue Book' may have been more of a public relations effort to calm the public than a thorough investigation.

J. Allen Hynek's Role

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an astronomer from Ohio State University, was hired as a consultant for these investigations. Initially skeptical, he later became convinced that UFO phenomena, whether real or not, were significant enough to warrant scientific study. He collaborated with other scientists to form an 'invisible college' and later founded an institute led by him in Evanston, Chicago. Hynek's group identified patterns in UFO reports, noting they often occurred at night, in rural areas, and involved objects that defied physics and aerodynamics.

Hynek's classification system categorized sightings based on distance. Group I included sightings over 150 meters away (night lights, daytime discs, radar-visuals). Group II involved close encounters (less than 150 meters). The article mentions that witnesses came from all walks of life, including a president, astronauts, and pilots.

Skeptical Counterarguments

Philip J. Klass, a prominent skeptic and electrical engineer, argued that most UFO reports could be explained by misidentification. He cited an instance where an astronomer mistook a test rocket for a UFO. Klass maintained that after reviewing numerous reports, he had not found a single case that contradicted known physical principles or could not be explained by ordinary, earthly terms.

Close Encounters

The second category of UFO phenomena, close encounters (less than 150 meters), is considered harder to dismiss. Hynek classified these into three degrees: first degree (seeing a UFO at close range without physical traces or occupants), second degree (involving physical effects on the environment or occupants), and third degree (sightings of occupants). The article details a first-degree encounter experienced by policeman Dale Spaur in Ohio, who, along with a colleague, pursued a bright, dome-shaped object for over 11 miles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine presents a balanced view, acknowledging the extensive documentation and scientific investigation into UFOs while also highlighting the persistent skepticism and the tendency for many sightings to be explained by conventional means. The underlying theme is the enduring mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena and humanity's ongoing quest to understand them, whether through scientific inquiry, historical analysis, or personal testimony.

This issue, titled "UFO UNDER FÖRSTORINGSGLAS." (UFO Under Magnifying Glass), published in 2009, delves into the phenomenon of UFOs and close encounters, focusing on the physical evidence and effects associated with these events. The magazine explores various reported incidents, witness testimonies, and the analysis of photographic evidence.

Close Encounters and Physical Traces

The issue begins by stating that close encounters of the second kind leave tangible traces, indicating a measurable effect on the environment. A particularly strange case from Etiopien (Ethiopia) in 1970 is detailed, where a UFO incident in the village of Saladare reportedly caused significant damage. Over approximately 10 minutes, a glowing orb was heard and seen, destroying houses, knocking down walls of a stone bridge, uprooting trees, and melting asphalt and household items. Remarkably, no fires were started. The article also mentions mysterious radioactive traces found near Namsvatn, Norway, in 1972, possibly linked to UFO contacts. Another account from Rumänien (Romania) in the same year describes a night watchman seeing a peculiar object land in a grain field, leaving a perfect circular imprint with a central hole 15 cm in diameter and nearly 3 meters deep. A farmer in Valensole, France, reported seeing an egg-shaped, metallic object with four legs in a lavender field; after the object flew away, it left a scorched patch where the lavender reportedly ceased to grow.

Witnesses of such encounters frequently report disturbances in electrical devices. TVs flicker, car headlights extinguish, and motors may stutter or stop completely, with everything returning to normal once the UFO departs.

Analyzing UFO Photographs

The second section, "UFO UNDER FÖRSTORINGSGLAS.," discusses the limitations and possibilities of using photographs to prove or disprove UFOs. It states that while photographs alone are not definitive proof, they can be subjected to analysis. Special tests can reveal hoaxes, and photogrammetric analysis can determine if an object photographed at a distance was actually close to the camera. Overlapping images might indicate double exposure. The context provided by the photographer's testimony is also crucial and must be cross-referenced with the photographic evidence. The article notes that most UFO images can be explained by ordinary phenomena, deception, or equipment malfunction. However, a few cases remain unexplained, and experts suggest that detailed analysis, including computer technology, can provide insights into an object's size, color, brightness, speed, and shape.

A significant case of electrical disturbances occurred in Levelland, Texas, on November 2, 1957. A police officer on duty received multiple calls from motorists reporting a large, luminous object hovering over the road. Their car headlights went out, and their engines stalled. Shortly after, five police officers also reported seeing UFO phenomena.

Physical Experiences and Healing Encounters

Further accounts describe purely physical experiences during UFO encounters. A man in Florida reported temporary paralysis of his arms and legs, with his clothes feeling very hot. A teacher in Wisconsin described her car being stopped by a UFO, while she felt an intense heat in her feet. Conversely, some encounters are described as having a peculiar, healing effect. The French researcher Aime Michel documented the case of a French doctor who had partially lost the use of his right arm and leg due to a landmine injury. One night in 1968, he witnessed two disc-shaped objects merge into one, emitting a powerful beam of light. Although he had injured his leg three days prior, he found that the swelling and pain had disappeared, and later, the effects of his war injuries also vanished. He also developed a triangular red mark around his navel, which his child also developed, with these marks appearing and disappearing simultaneously.

The Socorro Incident and Humanoid Encounters

The issue touches upon the possibility of encounters with human-like beings, which it notes can seem incredible and belong to science fiction. It mentions that J. Allen Hynek, a scientist who consulted on a science fiction film based on such stories, initially joked about "little green men." However, his skepticism was challenged by the Socorro, New Mexico, incident in 1964. Police officer Lonnie Zamora, known for his strict enforcement, reported seeing two figures in white overalls next to a cigar-shaped craft in a ravine. When Zamora approached, the craft took off with a roar, enveloped in blue and orange flames. Hynek investigated the case, finding physical evidence like indentations from landing and burnt bushes. Zamora's credibility was deemed impeccable, and the case was filed as "unresolved" in Project Blue Book.

Hundreds of reports of encounters with living UFO beings exist, with descriptions varying from human-like to giant, hairy, or fairy-like. Witnesses come from all walks of life, including priests, technicians, farmers, housewives, and police officers. However, no one has produced a physical object as proof of these encounters. Philip Klass noted that none of the individuals claiming to have been aboard flying saucers have brought back even a paperclip or an ashtray.

The Barney and Betty Hill Case and Cultural Reactions

Many witnesses claim to have only seen the beings, while others report being taken aboard UFOs. Some accounts emerge months or years later, sometimes only under hypnosis. Hypnosis can help recall memories, but its accuracy cannot be definitively proven. The case of Barney and Betty Hill from New Hampshire is highlighted as interesting, where both independently, under hypnosis, described being taken aboard a UFO and traveling with it.

Reactions to UFO experiences often reflect local mentality and cultural traits. In France, authorities are generally open to UFO phenomena, and those who report encounters are often curious about the visitors. In the USA, reactions tend to be more anxious or hostile. An incident in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, involved a farming family attempting to scare away visitors by shooting at them. The beings were described as about 1 meter tall with long arms and large heads, and gunfire seemed ineffective.

Latin American Encounters and the Villas Boas Case

Encounters in Latin America often involve very close contact. Antonio Villas Boas, a young farmer in Brazil, recounted in 1957 how he encountered three beings while working in the fields. They took him aboard a large, egg-shaped craft, removed his clothes, and took a blood sample from his chin. He then described a naked woman, about 1.35 meters tall with large, slanted blue eyes, who embraced him, initiating what he called the most intense close contact. A doctor examined Villas Boas and found traces supporting his story, including scars on his chin and signs of exposure to a strong dose of radioactivity.

The Papua New Guinea Incident

The issue details a dramatic case in Papua New Guinea in 1959, involving 38 people and an Australian missionary, Father Willian Gill. Reports of UFOs had been frequent in the area, but Gill was initially skeptical. Just hours before his own experience, he wrote to a UFO enthusiast colleague stating he needed more tangible proof. That evening, Gill and others at the mission station saw a "sparkling object," described as a circular craft on a base with four legs. Gill's account, signed by 25 others, stated the craft hovered at 100-130 meters. Four human-like beings, surrounded by blue light, emerged. The craft was visible for about four hours, sometimes with smaller objects nearby. The next evening, it reappeared, and Gill and dozens of others saw the figures again. Two beings appeared to be working on the deck, bending and lifting their arms as if arranging something. One being looked down at them, and when Gill waved, the being waved back, astonishing everyone.

The Papuan assistant also waved, and all four beings waved back. The mission students were reportedly breathless with excitement or astonishment. When darkness fell, Gill signaled the craft with a flashlight, and after a minute or two, the visitor seemed to confirm the signal by rocking and swinging the craft like a pendulum. The beings then seemed to lose interest and went below deck. Gill found it strange that he then went in to eat dinner, but he explained that he initially believed the craft was of earthly origin, perhaps a new type of hovercraft developed by Americans. He only found the event truly strange in retrospect.

Astronomer Dr. Donald Menzel of Harvard University investigated this episode, having previously declared himself a "sworn enemy of UFOs." Menzel suggested that Gill and his companions had seen the planet Venus. He theorized that Gill, being nearsighted and not wearing his glasses, mistook Venus for a UFO. For the other witnesses, Menzel believed the indigenous people simply went along with their "great white leader." Gill countered that he did indeed see Venus, which he noted in his initial report, and that he was wearing his glasses. Regarding the indigenous witnesses, Gill pointed out that the incident occurred during a period of inflamed attitudes towards Europeans in Papua New Guinea, making it unlikely they would see strange things in the sky simply because a white missionary told them to.

California Observation and Satire

The issue concludes with a "CALIFORNIA OBSERVATION" from San Francisco, where a witness reported no objects above a hotel at 09:47 on September 21, 2009, but later noticed an object. Three photos were taken at the hotel, with only one showing the anomaly. The case is under investigation by MUFON in California. The magazine also includes a satirical comic strip titled "Nu har satelliten kommit till skämttecknarna" (Now the satellite has come to the cartoonists), humorously depicting flying saucers and space travel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents accounts of UFO sightings and encounters, emphasizing the physical evidence and effects reported by witnesses. It appears to adopt a stance of investigating these phenomena seriously, presenting various cases and expert analyses, while also acknowledging the possibility of misidentification or hoaxes. The recurring themes include close encounters, physical traces, electromagnetic disturbances, and the analysis of photographic and testimonial evidence. The inclusion of both dramatic and seemingly mundane accounts, alongside satirical elements, suggests an aim to engage readers with the topic from multiple perspectives.