Under stjarnorna - 1998 No 8

Magazine Overview

Title: UNDER STJÄRNORNA
Issue: Number 8
Date: August 1998
Publisher: UFO-Karlskrona

This issue of the UFO-Karlskrona member magazine, 'Under Stjärnorna', focuses on a debate about the relevance and value of investigating UFO phenomena. It features a critical article by Håkan Blomqvist and a response from Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sverige. The magazine also includes a personal account of a UFO sighting and updates on UFO-Karlskrona's activities.

UFO-fenomenet inte värt att undersökas? (The UFO Phenomenon Not Worth Investigating?)

This main article, written by Håkan Blomqvist, presents a strong argument for why the UFO phenomenon is no longer worth investigating. Blomqvist, who has left UFO-Sverige after years of involvement, believes that the UFO movement has largely become a 'new age' phenomenon, driven by myths and a desire for extraterrestrial explanations rather than rigorous scientific inquiry. He notes that the number of truly unexplained UFO cases has dwindled to 2-3 percent, and many of those that were once considered classic cases have since been explained by natural phenomena, misidentifications, or hoaxes.

Blomqvist criticizes the 'missionary' aspect of UFO organizations, which he feels prioritize convincing people of ET presence over objective investigation. He argues that the psychosocial theory, which explains sightings through psychological and sociological factors, is the most plausible explanation for the remaining reports. He also raises concerns about the political implications, suggesting that UFO themes can be co-opted by extremist groups to spread totalitarian ideologies.

He proposes that the remaining valuable work in UFO research could be conducted by a small group of dedicated individuals focusing on in-depth studies of a select number of cases, and that this work would be better suited for organizations focused on science and critical thinking rather than a large UFO organization.

Response from Clas Svahn (Chairman of UFO-Sverige)

Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sverige, responds to Blomqvist's article, emphasizing the continued value of UFO investigation. Svahn highlights that his background is in natural sciences and astronomy, and he has always approached UFOs with a scientific mindset, seeking natural explanations. He argues that UFO-Sverige's work is not about proving ET visitation but about understanding the phenomena, including the psychosocial aspects, and finding explanations for individual cases.

Svahn acknowledges that the number of unexplained cases is low but insists that these remaining cases are significant and warrant further study. He criticizes the 'vulgar skeptics' who dismiss UFO reports without proper investigation and argues that UFO-Sverige's in-depth analysis of cases provides valuable insights that skeptics have not adequately addressed. He defends UFO-Sverige's role in debunking many UFO photos, films, and crop circles, and suggests that the remaining unexplained cases might be due to secret military projects or natural phenomena like 'earthlights'.

Svahn believes that UFO-Sverige has successfully shifted towards a more scientific and critical approach, attracting new members who are interested in research rather than just belief. He states that the organization's task is to investigate reports of unknown aerial phenomena and find explanations, even if those explanations are mundane. He sees the remaining 2-5 percent of unexplained cases as a result of the successful explanation of the vast majority, not as proof of the extraordinary.

He also refutes Blomqvist's claim that UFO-Sverige leads people into extremist groups, arguing that individuals drawn to such groups usually have pre-existing interests in the occult or extreme ideologies, often influenced by media. Svahn asserts that UFO-Sverige has fostered critical thinking in young people and that the organization's work is a valuable service to the public.

UFO-Karlskrona Nytt (UFO-Karlskrona News)

This section provides updates on UFO-Karlskrona's activities:

• Exhibition in Falkenberg: Paulo Lewenhagen and Anders Sjölander participated in a UFO exhibition in Falkenberg from August 5-9, which was organized by the municipality in cooperation with UFO-Sverige and received positive feedback.
• Next Meeting: The next meeting is scheduled for August 19th at 18:00 outside Chapman School, to discuss the autumn's theme work on Roswell and other matters.

Nästan en UFO-upplevelse (Almost a UFO Experience)

This article, written by Stig Larsson, describes a vivid dream experience of encountering a flying saucer. The dream was so realistic that the author woke up with a racing heart and felt disappointed that it was not real. He meticulously documented the details of the craft, including its shape and windows. The dream experience led him to investigate the location where he had the dream, finding only a tree obscuring the view. The author also recounts a similar auditory experience of a loud sound from the sky, which he speculates might be related to his dreams.

Redaktören har ordet! (The Editor Speaks!)

Anders Sjölander, the editor, reflects on the magazine's changes, including its increased size and reduced publication frequency. He thanks contributors and discusses the nature of dreams, questioning whether they are manifestations of the subconscious or something deeper. He touches upon the certainty of dream researchers and the difficulty in distinguishing between imagination and reality, referencing Stig Larsson's article as an example.

Project Hessdalen

This section provides a brief overview of the Hessdalen phenomenon in Norway, describing it as a place where residents have reported seeing fantastic light phenomena since the 1940s. UFO-Sverige and UFO-Norway conducted a large investigation in the early 1980s but could not provide a definitive explanation. NATO also showed interest and conducted a large military exercise in the area, after which the number of observations reportedly decreased.

Underdelen av farkosten öppnade sig (The Underside of the Craft Opened)

This is a first-person account from August 1943 of a sighting near the Norwegian border. The narrator, a Swedish soldier on guard duty, describes hearing an intense sound, seeing a dark object resembling two stacked plates approaching rapidly, and then witnessing flames erupting from it. A smaller, globe-like craft descended from the main object. The experience caused him physical distress, including pain in his arm and a burning sensation in his eyes, and he was subsequently sent home sick. He later found a scorched area of vegetation approximately 500 meters from his post, with a lingering sulfurous smell.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical evaluation of UFO phenomena and organizations. There's a clear tension between those who view UFOs as a subject for scientific investigation and those who see them as part of a broader spiritual or 'new age' belief system. The editorial stance, as represented by Clas Svahn and Anders Sjölander, leans towards a scientific, evidence-based approach, emphasizing critical analysis and the debunking of misidentifications and hoaxes. The magazine aims to provide a platform for reasoned discussion and research, even when it challenges popular beliefs about extraterrestrial visitation.

Title: Under Stjärnorna
Issue: 1998:2
Date: 1998
Publisher: UFO-Sverige
Country: Sweden
Language: Swedish
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of 'Under Stjärnorna' explores a variety of topics related to ufology, folklore, and emerging technologies. The magazine positions itself as a platform for unusual experiences and a community for those interested in the unexplained.

Key Articles and Features

The Social Needs of Ufologists

The lead article, "Människors sociala behov av ufologer" (People's Social Needs for Ufologists), discusses the role ufologists play beyond just investigating sightings. The author, writing from personal experience as a member of UFO-Sverige, highlights how ufologists often become a trusted confidant for individuals who have had extraordinary experiences and feel unable to share them with anyone else. These individuals seek out ufologists because they are perceived as open-minded and non-judgmental, providing a safe space for them to recount their stories. The author notes that many of these personal accounts are shared privately, not necessarily tied to UFO-Sverige activities, but simply because the ufologist's interest in the 'supernatural' is known.

The Morabilden: A Swedish UFO Classic

The issue revisits the "Morabilden" (Morabilden), a famous UFO photograph taken in Morabilden, Sweden, on September 15, 1952. Described as one of Sweden's most enigmatic UFO images, it has been studied by researchers for nearly five decades. The phenomenon, photographed by Nils Frost on a moonless night, was a yellow light visible for ten minutes before disappearing eastward. The article quotes Clas Svahn, emphasizing the mystery of the image, stating, "It is said that a picture says more than a thousand words. Too bad, then, that Nils Frost's photos cannot speak."

Swedish Folklore and Encounters

Several articles delve into Swedish folklore and alleged encounters with supernatural beings:

• Supernatural Beliefs: The magazine touches upon unusual belief systems, including one where individuals believe humanity and Earth are merely a dream of a giant, and that waking would mean their disappearance.

• The Ouija Board and the Devil: An account from Härnösand describes a woman who used a Ouija board to ask about the devil's location. The board allegedly indicated the devil was in the city. Later, a friend of the woman reported being scratched by an unseen entity in a closet after the board indicated an 'evil spirit' was present.

• Näcken (The Water Spirit): The article discusses the continued belief in Swedish nature spirits, including 'Näcken.' One person claims to have been followed by a Näcken that could become invisible. While the traditional Näcken is known for playing the violin, this account notes the creature did not have a violin. The article also references a historical account from the book "Stockholms Spökhus" (Stockholm's Haunted Houses) by Stig Linnea, stating that King Karl IX observed a Näcken in the Stockholm stream and even shot at it.

• 'Småfolk' (Small Folk) and 'Vättar' (Sprites): The magazine notes that reports of Näcken are rare, but encounters with 'småfolk,' 'Vättar,' or 'Vittra' (as they are called in Norrland) are still common. A story is shared about a father and son in Härnösand who encountered a small, green-clad figure in the woods near Smitingen beach. After the figure fled, the father and son asked for a sign, and 'fireballs' erupted from their campfire, resembling fireworks. The article also mentions the existence of 'småfolk' in the forests around Örsjön and Murberget, areas also rumored to be haunted.

• A Man on the Wall: Another anecdote recounts a woman in a church who saw a small man walking on the wall in front of her during a sermon. She described the figure as walking majestically and moving its arms, and she felt no fear, only peace.

Technological Advancements and Future Prospects

• X-33 Spacecraft Surveillance: The issue features information about the X-33 prototype spacecraft, highlighting that three cameras are broadcasting live over the internet, providing direct surveillance of the construction process in Palmdale, California. Details are provided for accessing more information online.

• Internet and Mars Exploration: Vinton Clerf, an internet pioneer, is quoted discussing the future of the internet, suggesting it's time for it to expand beyond Earth. NASA's plans for Mars missions starting in 2001 are mentioned, along with the idea of placing an internet satellite around Mars. Challenges like the six-hour communication delay and the need for new domain addresses (e.g., '.mars') are discussed. Clerf also provides statistics on internet usage, predicting significant growth by the year 2000.

Astronomical Events

• Leonids Meteor Shower: The magazine previews the upcoming Leonid meteor shower, expected to be spectacular on the night of November 17-18. It describes the event as a "cosmic snowstorm" and recalls the significant shower in 1966, which was described as a life-changing experience by those who witnessed it. For those unable to travel to China (where the event is expected to be most visible), the Perseid meteor shower is recommended as an alternative later in the year.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

'Under Stjärnorna' consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, folklore, and emerging technologies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting anecdotal evidence and historical accounts alongside scientific and technological developments. The magazine seems to validate the experiences of individuals who report unusual encounters, framing ufologists as essential listeners and recorders of these personal narratives. There's a clear interest in Swedish cultural heritage, particularly its folklore and mythical beings, presented alongside contemporary topics like internet expansion and space exploration. The publication aims to inform and engage readers interested in the mysteries of the universe and the human psyche.