Under stjarnorna - 1997 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: UNDER STJÄRNORNA
Issue: Number 2 - 97
Publisher: UFO-Karlskrona
Date: 1997

This issue of 'Under Stjärnorna', the member's magazine for UFO-Karlskrona, features a cover with the iconic 'I WANT TO BELIEVE' poster, depicting a flying saucer over a forest. The magazine delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, perception, and the organization's online presence.

Redaktören har ordet (The Editor's Word)

The editorial, written by Elin Henriksson, reflects on the human need for light and warmth, especially during winter. She humorously contemplates the idea of hibernation but acknowledges missing out on important celebrations like Christmas and New Year's. Henriksson then shifts to a more speculative tone, questioning how an alien might perceive human behavior, such as excessive eating, spending on material goods, and the common portrayal of UFOs in movies as hostile entities intent on destroying Earth. She suggests that perhaps these alien portrayals stem from a need to protect their own planet, mirroring humanity's own environmental concerns.

Ögats anatomi orsakar UFO-rapporter? (The Eye's Anatomy Causes UFO Reports?)

This article, originally published in UFO-Revyn nr. 2 1997, explores the idea that many UFO reports might be explained by the limitations and workings of the human eye and brain. It highlights that the eye is a complex but imperfect optical instrument, susceptible to distortions caused by environmental factors or emotional states.

• Key points from the article include:
• Physical Imperfections: Small particles in eye fluid can be mistaken for objects in the sky. Hershel W. Leibowitz, an expert in perceptual psychology from Pennsylvania State University, states that many people experience 'smudges in their tears' and will eventually see light phenomena that aren't there.
• Refractive Errors: Nearsightedness and farsightedness can also distort visual perception. The article notes that a significant percentage of the population in parts of Europe and Japan are nearsighted, suggesting this could lead to misidentification of objects.
• Psychological Factors: The human brain relies on context and familiar references to interpret the unknown. Even a single, stationary light point in a dark room can be perceived as moving due to the brain's interpretation. This phenomenon can explain how observers might genuinely 'see' movement where there is none.
• Emotional Influence: Emotional states like fear or fascination can heavily influence how sensory input is registered. An example cited is a 1978 incident in Illinois, USA, where dozens of people reported seeing a giant flying saucer. In reality, they had seen a flying advertisement, but their pre-existing beliefs and emotional responses led them to interpret it as a UFO.

The article concludes that many UFO sightings could potentially be explained by these perceptual and psychological factors rather than actual extraterrestrial craft.

Meddelande från Hemside@nsvarig (Message from the Website Manager)

Tommy Rickardsson and Tomas Hultgren, the website managers, announce the launch of the new UFO-Karlskrona website. They explain that they have worked diligently to create a comprehensive site, opting for a large, content-rich single page rather than spreading information across multiple addresses. They secured a spot on UFO-Sverige's server through persistent effort, which provides more space and a better domain name.

• The website structure is detailed:
• Huvudsidan (Main Page): Features minimal information, primarily serving as a gateway with buttons to other sections and the organization's logo.
• Aktiviteter (Activities): Lists upcoming events from UFO-Karlskrona and other related organizations.
• Verksamhet (Business/Operations): Provides in-depth information about the organization's activities, statutes, and other relevant details.
• Bli Medlem (Become a Member): Offers a form for individuals wishing to join UFO-Karlskrona.
• Länkar (Links): Contains links to other UFO-related websites on the internet.

The managers express hope that members will enjoy the new site and welcome feedback and ideas. They also propose creating a data archive, which would be password-protected for members only, if there is sufficient interest.

The end

The final page contains a holiday greeting from UFO-Karlskrona, wishing readers "God Jul & Gott Nytt År" (Merry Christmas & Happy New Year). It also provides contact information for Elin Henriksson for questions, articles, and advertisements, including her postal address and email address ([email protected]). The message concludes with a reminder that "we live under the stars."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes UFO awareness and investigation, encouraging critical thinking about sightings while remaining open to the possibility of unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, balancing skepticism with a genuine interest in the subject. The emphasis on the new website indicates a commitment to communication and member engagement. The inclusion of an article questioning the origin of UFO reports suggests an editorial policy that explores both conventional and unconventional explanations for sightings.