UFOInfo - 1994 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOINFO
Issue: 1/94
Publisher: UFO Gotland
Date: January 1994

This issue of UFOINFO, published by the non-political and idealistic association UFO Gotland, delves into UFO research and unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on the island of Gotland. The cover features a stark warning: "Don't believe everything you see and not half of what you hear...", setting a tone of critical inquiry. The magazine highlights local UFO research, the enigmatic Marteboljuset, and discusses the prevalence of hoaxes in the UFO field.

UFO Research on Gotland

The magazine opens with an article titled "UFO research on Gotland," introducing the concept of a UFO as an unidentified flying object. It notes that Sweden receives around a hundred UFO reports annually to UFO-Sverige. The article emphasizes that unidentified flying objects have been observed by credible witnesses across various societal strata and that UFOs have been photographed, filmed, and detected by radar, sometimes at high speeds. The organization UFO Gotland is presented as a group dedicated to increasing information about unexplained phenomena, with a current focus on understanding the Marteboljuset. They actively seek observations from the public and organize meetings for film viewings, discussions, and field research, including trips to Martebomyr.

Hoaxes and Misidentifications

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to debunking or questioning UFO sightings, emphasizing the cover's cautionary message. An article titled "Don't believe everything you see and not half of what you hear..." presents several cases:

• Tefat i Visby (Saucers in Visby): A photograph taken in Visby in the winter of 1991, which appeared to show a UFO, is revealed to be a hoax. The photographer, Alvar Johansson, admitted to cutting out a paper UFO (about 10 cm in size) and pasting it onto a window to photograph through it, demonstrating how easily UFO images can be faked.
• Drakfest på Gärdet i Stockholm eller UFO? (Dragon Party at Gärdet in Stockholm or UFO?): In July 1954, Bengt Schölin submitted a photograph to the Swedish Armed Forces (Försvarsområde Fo 51) that showed several objects. After examination by the Air Force and Aviation Department, it was concluded that the objects were caused by a hole in the camera's bellows, not external phenomena. However, Schölin remained uncertain if the camera was solely to blame.
• Globalt UFO (Global UFO): This section discusses how images can be manipulated with computer software to create the illusion of UFOs, citing an example of manipulating a photo taken inside the Stockholm Globe Hotel's relaxation area. The author notes that faking UFOs for attention is common and admits to creating such a manipulated image for the magazine.

The Marteboljuset Phenomenon

The central focus of the issue is the "Marteboljuset" (Martebo Light), a phenomenon observed over Martebomyr on Gotland. Sightings of mysterious lights have been recorded in church records since the 1700s. The lights are described as varying in appearance, resembling bicycle lights, flashlights, or car headlights, and sometimes appearing inexplicably. They have been seen hovering over the gravel road crossing the mire, appearing over surrounding fields, or even within the forest. Some witnesses report the lights hovering directly above them when they were in a car or walking on the road, only to disappear. Theories about the cause include car headlights, ball lightning, swamp gas, or someone using a flashlight. One particularly unusual theory mentioned is that the light might be a finch from Chernobyl.

The magazine states that while many theories exist, there is no consensus on the cause of the Marteboljuset. It is described as both exciting and mysterious, making it a potential destination for unusual evening outings. The article notes that the phenomenon is considered by some to be "worthless knowledge" (värdelöst vetande), but argues that all knowledge can eventually prove useful. The author suggests that understanding the Marteboljuset could potentially lead to advancements in areas like optical communication, as some theories link the lights to magnetic or electrical energy, raising questions about the source of such energy.

UFO Sverige Collaboration and Future Research

UFO Sverige visited UFO Gotland in the spring prior to the magazine's publication to prepare for a larger, more scientific investigation into the Marteboljuset. This investigation, scheduled for the autumn, is expected to involve physicists from FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency). During the visit, UFO Sverige could not definitively identify the cause of the lights.

Egna biltester (Own Car Tests): UFO Gotland conducted tests using car headlights on May 25th. By driving a car on the road near Pajse towards Martebomyr, observers on the ground saw a light estimated to be 500-600 meters away. Upon closer inspection, it was determined to be the car's headlights from a distance of 1-1.5 km. This suggests that many reported Marteboljuset sightings might be misidentified car or moped lights. However, the article acknowledges that some observations remain unexplained and that further research is planned.

Har du sett ljuset på Martebomyr? (Have you seen the light at Martebomyr?): UFO Gotland actively seeks public input, inviting readers to share their observations and theories about the Marteboljuset. Contact information for UFO Gotland members is provided.

Club for Worthless Knowledge

Alvar, writing in the "Club for Worthless Knowledge" section, reflects on the nature of knowledge. He argues that there is no such thing as useless knowledge and that even seemingly obscure phenomena like the Marteboljuset could eventually yield practical applications. He draws an analogy to Samuel Morse, suggesting that without the perceived need for communication, his famous alphabet might not have been invented.

He encourages readers to investigate the Marteboljuset, stating that even if the knowledge gained this year is not immediately useful, it might be in ten years. He posits that if the phenomenon is classified as "worthless knowledge," its potential benefits will remain unknown.

Editorial Stance and Contributions

The magazine appeals to readers to submit their own stories and experiences to contribute material for future issues. UFO Gotland aims to publish three issues per year. The magazine also includes contact information for UFO Gotland, including a new address at Stenkrogen, 7km north of Visby, with a phone number for Bobo Ginzel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO investigation, the critical evaluation of evidence, the distinction between genuine phenomena and hoaxes, and the exploration of local mysteries like the Marteboljuset. The editorial stance is one of cautious skepticism, encouraging critical thinking and thorough investigation rather than blind acceptance of claims. The magazine promotes the idea that even seemingly obscure topics can hold hidden value and encourages public participation in research. The emphasis on debunking hoaxes suggests a commitment to scientific rigor and a desire to separate fact from fiction in the field of ufology.