UFO-Revyn - 1997 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-REVYN
Issue: Nr. 3
Year: 1997
Publisher: Föreningen UFO-TRESTAD
Type: Member's journal

This issue of UFO-Revyn, the member's journal for Föreningen UFO-TRESTAD, published in 1997, delves into various aspects of ufology, emphasizing a critical and scientific approach. The magazine covers organizational news, recent sightings, and in-depth case studies.

Editorial: "Ledare"

Jörgen Bengtsson, the chairman, opens the issue with an editorial titled "Ledare" (Leader). He discusses the difficulty of being a serious ufologist in a field often associated with sensationalism and the importance of applying scientific methods. He criticizes the tendency within the UFO community to start with a conclusion and then seek evidence to support it, contrasting this with genuine scientific inquiry. Bengtsson points out that even a small percentage of unexplained cases does not automatically confirm UFOs, and that speculation should not overshadow facts. He encourages self-reflection on objectivity and suggests that a solid understanding of the history of science is more beneficial than simply reading numerous UFO books. He acknowledges that for many members, UFO interest is a hobby, but expresses the board's commitment to providing value to all members, regardless of their expertise. He also highlights the potential of the newly formed local group and calls for active member participation to strengthen the organization.

Organization Information: "Föreningsinformation"

This section details recent activities and plans of Föreningen UFO-TRESTAD. An outdoor meeting was held on June 17th by Lake Eldmörjan, involving grilling and discussions. The organization is planning more outdoor meetings, taking advantage of dark evenings for stargazing. A significant development is the launch of the association's own website, managed by Tony Ekberg, which features the organization's program, statutes, selected articles from UFO-Revyn, and links to other UFO organizations. The website aims to be a useful resource for serious UFO enthusiasts and to deter 'flying saucer fanatics'. Johan Löfgren is thanked for his programming assistance, receiving free membership until 1998. New members Peter Magnusson, Mattias Söderholm, and Robert Johansson are welcomed. The board is considering expanding its scope to include related topics like forteana, cryptozoology, and parapsychology. A discussion is ongoing about changing the organization's name from "UFO-Trestad" to something that does not include "UFO," to project a more serious image, as many Swedes view UFO organizations negatively. Suggestions for a new name are welcome. The section also mentions a film project in Trollhättan about UFOs, for which Mikael Svahn and Paul Vuijster are involved, and notes that an interview request for Jörgen Bengtsson was declined because the filmmakers expected a more 'flum' (vague/unscientific) organization.

Ufology in Trestad: "Ufologi i Trestad"

The research group has received a couple of recent UFO cases, both occurring outside their usual district. One involved an oval or triangular object with red and green lights seen in Jönköping on June 18th. Another case from Mullsjö is less detailed as the observer was not interested in reporting. The group is also investigating a case from Mellerud on July 8th, where two women saw a green shimmering orb. The section notes the difficulty in obtaining cooperation from witnesses who haven't proactively contacted UFO-Sverige. The research group also conducted dowsing rod experiments on July 4th, which yielded results deemed unlikely to be purely random, prompting plans for more controlled experiments. A long-term project is planned to collect data for a statistical study on misidentified objects, led by Jörgen Bengtsson, involving stakeouts and astronomical observations. The group has also received a letter from Anders Liljegren of AFU regarding a UFO observation evaluation system, finding common ground with their own ideas. The research group's contact information is provided.

Case Study: The Gösta Carlsson Case - "Fallet Gösta Carlsson - Vad ska vi tro?"

This extensive article by Jörgen Bengtsson re-examines the Gösta Carlsson case from May 18, 1946, where he claimed to have encountered an extraterrestrial craft and its occupants near Ängelholm. The story, popularized by Eugen Semitjov in the 1970s, has resurfaced. Carlsson, who later founded successful pharmaceutical companies (Cernelle and Allergon) based on pollen research, presented artifacts from the alleged landing site, including a green quartz rod and a ring with a stone. The article questions the credibility of Carlsson's story and the authenticity of the artifacts. It notes that while many consider this a strong case for extraterrestrial visitation, Carlsson has been reluctant to allow independent scientific analysis of the objects, citing alleged radiation that would destroy photographic equipment. The article points out inconsistencies and potential embellishments in his narrative, suggesting that some elements may be borrowed from less credible UFO authors like George Adamski. It also raises concerns about potentially antisemitic undertones in his descriptions of alien races. Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sverige, spent years investigating the case, resulting in a 300-page book, but concluded without definitive proof. The article highlights Carlsson's refusal to name the laboratories that supposedly analyzed his artifacts and his inconsistent behavior, leading to doubts about his claims. The monument erected at the alleged landing site, "Rymdgläntan" (Space Glade), has become a tourist attraction.

Miscellaneous Notes: "Blandade notiser"

This section presents a collection of brief news items:

• Cosmology: Two American space researchers suggest that new satellite data indicates the universe is "horseshoe-shaped" and will expand forever, contrasting with the "spherical" theory of eventual collapse.
• Animal Behavior: Vultures in northern Spain have begun killing sheep, a behavior not previously observed, drawing parallels to the mysterious "Chupacabra" phenomenon.
• Psychiatry and UFOs: A Dutch professor, Marius Romme, statistically analyzed "auditions" (inner voices), finding that 2.3% of people experience them without clinical psychosis. This is deemed significant for ufology, as many contactees report inner communication with aliens.
• UFO Sightings in Lövgärdet: Several UFO phenomena have been sighted near Gothenburg. Arne Gjärdman from FOA commented on unexplained "light crosses" but then went on a rambling discourse about life in the Milky Way, which the article questions as irrelevant.
• Jupiter Mission: The Galileo probe has photographed icebergs on Europa, Jupiter's moon, suggesting conditions favorable for life.
• Alien Film: A fourth "Alien" film is announced, with Sigourney Weaver returning.
• Mars Pathfinder: The Mars Pathfinder mission continues its exploration, but media interest has waned, with NASA's internet pages being the primary source of information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO evidence, the importance of scientific methodology in ufology, and the organizational activities of UFO-Trestad. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of a skeptical, evidence-based approach, distinguishing between genuine investigation and sensationalism or wishful thinking. The magazine aims to be a serious platform for discussing UFO phenomena, encouraging members to engage critically and contribute to the organization's growth and credibility.

This issue of UFO-Revyn, volume 1, issue 3, published by UFO-Trestad in 1997, delves into various aspects of ufology and related topics. The cover prominently features an article on "Falsified UFO Photographs" and includes a drawing of an alien and a UFO. The magazine also reviews a book on New Age, discusses astronomical phenomena, and offers commentary on the ufology scene.

Book Review: "New Age - en ny folktro?" by Olav Hammer

The issue begins with a review of Olav Hammer's book, "New Age - en ny folktro?" (New Age - a new folk belief?), published by Wahlström & Widstrand in 1997. The reviewer, Jörgen Bengtsson, describes the book as an interesting and thorough examination of the New Age movement by a religion historian from Lund who has personally investigated many of the ideas. The book provides overviews of the origins of New Age ideologies, tracing them back to theosophy, influenced by figures like Emerson, Helena Blavatsky, and Alice Bailey in the late 19th century. It also discusses modern offshoots like hylozoism and anthroposophy. A chapter on Jungianism and its connection to New Age is highlighted as particularly insightful. The review notes that UFO-Sverige is mentioned only once as a "fairly skeptical organization." The chapter on UFO phenomena, titled "UFO - from pseudoscience to religion," is described as having a somewhat ambiguous heading. While the "real UFO mystery" is not addressed, ideas about ethereal, otherworldly beings are discussed in various contexts. The reviewer finds most of the book to be objectively and factually presented, though some chapters are considered heavy and uninspiring. A point of criticism is Hammer's omission of commentary on the fascist and totalitarian ideologies present in some parts of the New Age movement, especially in the current climate where historical facts like the Holocaust are doubted by some students. The reviewer suggests that Hammer, while generally avoiding praise or condemnation, could have commented on this aspect. Despite this, the reviewer deems many individual chapters highly interesting and recommends the book, noting that it is not always an easy read but offers much for the curious.

UFO Beings: Classification and Description

An article titled "UFO:s besättningnar - en mångfald av främmande väsen" (UFO Crews - a diversity of alien beings) by Roger Skoog categorizes UFO entities into six types based on observations. These include Humanoids (described as wearing full-body suits or resembling humans, with heights ranging from 150-180 cm, communicating telepathically), Animals (grotesquely exaggerated animal or human features, sometimes combined, varying in size from 30 cm to three meters, communicating telepathically), Robots (communicating via metallic voices or telepathy), and Exotic beings (possessing animalistic or human traits, or a combination, with varied sizes and modes of movement and communication). Apparitions are described as similar to ghosts, capable of appearing, disappearing, changing form, or moving objects. The article notes that figures from traditional Christianity, such as Christ, cherubs, and seraphim, also fall into the humanoid category. The author states that the origin of these beings, whether physical, extraterrestrial, misinterpretations, or fantasies, is left for the reader to decide.

Creating Falsified UFO Photographs

Roger Skoog contributes an article detailing his experiments in creating fake UFO photographs. He explains that he made three UFO photos, two of which were quite successful. He emphasizes that these forgeries are for research purposes only, as he is part of UFO-Trestad's research group. The first photo shows a "UFO" suspended by a two-meter white thread from a dead branch of an apple tree. He notes that while the thread is not visible in the photo, modern analysis could reveal it, and the location can be verified to expose the hoax. The second photo, considered much better, has fewer reference points, with only a bit of a tree crown visible. He used the same object, a disc-shaped membrane from a FLO-Frys unit, and threw it into the air, capturing it in flight. This photo is harder to debunk as it lacks visible threads. The object is described as small and falling rapidly, about 8-10 meters above the ground. Skoog advises against creating fake UFO images, as they can circulate and be mistaken for genuine evidence. He concludes by stating that this was an experiment for research purposes and that future developments are not planned.

Current Astronomy

Jörgen Bengtsson provides an update on astronomical events. He notes that autumn evenings are ideal for stargazing and mentions that UFO-Trestad has several observation nights planned. Jupiter is highlighted as a prominent planet visible in the evening sky, with its four largest moons (Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto) observable with a good field telescope. Mercury is also mentioned as a challenging but fascinating object to observe, visible only for a short period before sunrise. The article details a total lunar eclipse on September 16th, visible from Sweden, occurring when the moon enters Earth's umbra. Additionally, it mentions the Pisciderna meteor shower in September/October and the Draconiderna shower around October 9th, noting its unpredictable nature.

The Andromeda Constellation and Galaxy

Another astronomical piece focuses on the Andromeda constellation. It explains that Andromeda, named after a figure in Greek mythology, is one of the oldest constellations. Its brightest stars, including Alpheratz (an A0-type star), Mirach (a red M0-type star), and Almach (a triple star system), are described. The article also discusses the Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31), visible to the naked eye as a faint smudge, which is a spiral galaxy located 2,200,000 light-years away. It is noted as the largest galaxy in the local group and twice the size of the Milky Way. A historical note mentions a former meteor shower called the "Andromedids" that produced thousands of meteors per hour in the past.

Commentary: "Ut i det blå..." (Out in the Blue...)

Jörgen Bengtsson offers a critical commentary on ufology and related media coverage. He criticizes a local newspaper's sensationalist reporting on satanic groups, suggesting it is exaggerated. He also critiques the newspaper's coverage of UFOs, particularly an article titled "Kusinerna från rymden" (The Cousins from Space) published on the children's page, deeming it unprofessional. Bengtsson also mentions a book by contactee Sten Lindgren, "Dialog med kosmisk kultur" (Dialogue with Cosmic Culture), and notes that he is offering a reference copy for the cost of postage. He expresses skepticism towards UFO-Sverige's local groups, particularly their website with the subtitle "UFO och RocknRoll," which he finds "fluffy and vague." He questions UFO-Sverige's decision to link to "Independence Day" websites, criticizing the movie as "one of the dumbest and least credible" science-fiction films ever made, and finds the idea of aliens using IBM-compatible software and the plot elements illogical. Bengtsson concludes by lamenting the uncontrolled and often unverified information flow on the internet, which he believes ufologists often blindly accept, leading to the spread of "stupidities."

Next Issue Preview

The issue concludes with a preview of the next issue (UFO-Revyn nr 4, coming in October), which will include articles on whether humans are alone in the universe, an overview of UFO literature, UFO-Trestad on the internet, and current astronomy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Revyn demonstrates a critical and analytical approach to ufology. It engages with academic research (Olav Hammer's book), practical investigation (Skoog's photo forgeries), and astronomical observation. The editorial stance, particularly in Bengtsson's commentary, is skeptical of sensationalism, unsubstantiated claims, and the uncritical acceptance of information, especially from the internet. There's a clear distinction made between serious research and what is perceived as pseudoscientific or sensationalist reporting within the ufology community. The magazine aims to inform its readers about UFO phenomena, related scientific topics, and the broader cultural context of New Age beliefs, while also encouraging critical thinking and a discerning approach to evidence.