UMEÅ UFO-FÖRENINGS INFORMATIONSBLAD

Magazine Overview

This issue of UMEÅ UFO-FÖRENINGS INFORMATIONSBLAD (Umeå UFO Association Information Bulletin), dated November 1997 (ver. 1.11), is published by the Umeå UFO-förening (UUF). The magazine covers various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including historical context, physical data of observed objects, case studies, theories, and the activities of UFO organizations in Sweden.

What is a UFO?

The term UFO, an abbreviation for Unidentified Flying Object, was coined by American Edward Ruppelt in the early 1950s. It encompasses any object or light source observed in the sky that cannot be immediately identified. The earlier term 'Flying Saucer' originated from pilot Kenneth Arnold's 1947 observation of silver discs. The bulletin notes that the UFO phenomenon is not new, with historical accounts found in ancient artifacts and descriptions, citing biblical references like 'burning clouds'. Pre-1947 terms for UFOs included 'ghost rockets', 'foo-fighters', and 'fireballs'.

UFO - Physical Data

Shape: Common shapes are balls, discs, ellipses, or cigar-shaped.
Size: Varies from small discs to enormous 'motherships'.
Speed: Extremely high speeds and incredible acceleration/deceleration are reported, which are difficult to explain.
Movement Pattern: Predominantly straight-line or slightly curved paths.
Color: In daylight, objects are usually gray, silver, or white. At night, colors vary from red to violet, with white, red, and orange being most common.
Sound: Typically silent, though a faint humming sound has been reported.
Smell: Unusual but can be strong.
Effects: UFOs usually leave no trace, but sometimes thread and vegetation are damaged, or ground imprints are left. Animals can become frightened. Electromagnetic effects are also noted, including power outages, sudden vehicle stops, radio/TV interference, and occurrences of high radioactivity.

Close Encounters

• UFO researcher Allen Hynek classified close encounters into three degrees:
• First Degree: UFO object in the air at close range.
• Second Degree: Landed UFO or some form of influence on the surroundings.
• Third Degree: Landed UFO and observation or contact with extraterrestrials.

Later, a fourth degree (abductions) and a fifth degree (pure kidnapping with physical and mental examination, and visits to extraterrestrial home planets) were added.

UFO Cases

• The bulletin mentions several well-documented UFO incidents worldwide and in Sweden. Notable cases include:
• The Roswell incident (1947) in the USA.
• Betty and Barney Hill (1961) in the USA.
• The Andreasen affair (1967) in the USA.
• Imjärvi (1970) in Finland.
• Hessdalen (1981) in Norway.
• Gulf Breeze case in the USA.
• Gösta Carlsson's experience (1946) in Ängelholm, Sweden.
• The Ängelholmsfallet (1956) and Väddö-fallet (1958) cases in Sweden, involving physical evidence like rings, rods, and metal fragments.
• 'Angel hair', a thin fibrous mass that disintegrates quickly, has also been reported.

Evidence

While a large amount of UFO photo and video documentation exists, the bulletin states that about nine out of ten are misinterpretations of everyday phenomena or hoaxes. However, some images, like those from Trent, Oregon (1950), are considered credible.

UFO Theories

Several theories attempt to explain the UFO phenomenon:

Origin of UFOs:
1. Extraterrestrial Hypothesis (ET-Hypothesis): Visitors from other star systems or planets within our solar system.
2. Ultra-terrestrial Hypothesis: Beings from parallel universes with more dimensions.
3. Earth-Based: Originating from deep oceans, hollow Earth, or secret terrestrial weapons.
4. Time Travelers: From our own future.
5. Atmospheric Intelligence: So-called 'space animals'.
6. Psychological/Parapsychological Theories: UFOs appearing in the human psyche as fabrications, dreams, or abnormal phenomena; influenced by mystical forces; or psychological manipulation of witnesses.

• Propulsion of UFOs:
• Utilizing Earth's magnetic fields and creating artificial gravity.
• Atomic or photon drives.
• Ramjets.
• Conventional rotor drives.
• Energy transfer via beams (e.g., high-energy lasers).
• Operating in different dimensions.

Who are the occupants?
Descriptions vary, including small beings (1.1-1.3m) with large eyes (ET-type), human-like beings (1.7-1.8m), large beings (up to 3-4m), animalistic creatures, robots, and giant larvae.

• Why are they here?
• Observation: Due to humanity's dangerous and warlike nature.
• Development: Assisting humanity through gradual knowledge increase, often with selected contact persons.
• Exploitation: Extracting necessary or rare raw materials.
• Scientific Expeditions: Exploring planets in the Milky Way.
• New Home: Their own planet becoming uninhabitable.
• Destruction: Planning the annihilation or reduction of the human race.
• Space Littering: Investigating why humanity pollutes space with atomic waste and radio waves.
• No specific motive: Curiosity or tourism.

UFO-Sverige Activities

UFO-Sverige is a national organization comprising 23 local groups dedicated to serious and scientific UFO research and information dissemination. They offer basic courses for field investigators and operate a reporting center (018-555 000) that is open 24/7. The organization also houses the foundation Arbetsgruppen för UFO-forskning (AFU), which maintains a large library of UFO literature. The magazine also lists contact information for the Umeå UFO-förening (UUF), including its chairman Anders Johansson and treasurer Göran Sundqvist, and provides details for their program, including meetings, film screenings, lectures, and stargazing events, mostly held at Mimerskolan on Tuesdays at 18:30.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The bulletin adopts a stance of open inquiry, presenting various theories and data without definitively endorsing any single explanation. It acknowledges the controversial nature of the UFO phenomenon and the perceived lack of interest from mainstream science and authorities, suggesting a potential cover-up. However, it also notes the increasing public interest and media reporting on UFOs. The editorial encourages readers to study the subject with an open yet critical mind, emphasizing that the reported phenomena are likely just the tip of the iceberg. The publication itself serves as a platform for disseminating information and fostering discussion within the UFO community in Sweden, particularly in the Umeå region. The program for 1998 indicates regular meetings, film viewings, lectures, and discussions, highlighting the ongoing engagement of the Umeå UFO-förening with the subject matter. The magazine concludes with an invitation to join the organization and participate in their activities.