Uppsala UFO Forening medlemsblad - 1984 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue, number 2:84, of the Uppsala UFO Förening's member magazine (MEDLEMSBLAD) features a cover illustration of a technical drawing for a 'packing gauge' with Swedish labels. The magazine covers various topics related to UFO phenomena, including recent activities of the association, travelogues, historical case reports, and a critical analysis of scientific investigation methods.

Editorial and Association News

The editor, Tomas Kjelsson, expresses satisfaction with the magazine's start and notes that the association has already been cited in the local newspaper UNT, which featured a two-page spread including a photo of member Ove and details about the UFO and the association. The report from Hessdalen, concerning a sighting by Ove and others initially mistaken for a hunting cabin, was highlighted. The article also mentions the association's report central and an exhibition at the Upplandsmuseum, though the contact number for the report central was omitted.

Kjelsson reports that the autumn activities have begun and interest is growing. Ove and Roger participated in a trip to Hessdalen during week 36 to attempt spectral photography of UFOs. When asked about the results, Ove humorously indicated that the scenery was beautiful, implying no significant sightings. The last report from Hessdalen was from July 1984, suggesting a lull in activity there.

The association is nearing its goal of 1000 coded reports by July, urging codifiers to continue their work. There is a call for more members to sign up for the field researcher training, which grants the right to interview UFO witnesses.

Kjelsson emphasizes the need for members to help Ove manage the growing workload, encouraging them to contact him to offer assistance. Additionally, a group in Södertälje is developing a questionnaire to gauge public attitudes and knowledge about UFOs, which will require significant effort later on.

Case Reports

Fiery Orb near Brunna (February 15, 1984)

This section details a sighting by Tord Lindberg on a clear, windless night near Brunna, Sweden. While driving to listen for owls, he stopped his car and walked about 100 meters into a forest. Approximately 100 meters away, he spotted a stationary, fiery-colored orb above the ground. After observing it for about 5 minutes, he returned to his car, and the object followed him. It then performed a 'funny dance,' moving up and down and sideways. When Tord walked towards his car, the orb followed again, stopping when he stopped. As he entered his car, the object hovered very low. Tord, though tempted, decided not to investigate further due to being alone and drove to Uppsala. He later regretted not examining it more closely. He estimated the object's size to be about 4 meters in diameter and its distance to be around 400 meters. He noted the object's rapid movements without any audible sound, a characteristic often reported in UUF cases.

The 'Elf Dance' Witnessed in Uppsala (June 25, 1936)

This report describes an event witnessed by a couple on a summer morning on Haknäsvägen in Uppsala. Around 2 AM, they observed what appeared to be a strange dance. They saw 7-8 large, smooth, grey-white balls rotating clockwise in a circle about 50 cm above the ground. The couple stopped about five meters away, and no sound was heard. The man approached the objects, and they moved away, forming a more oval shape. They glided slowly under a barbed wire fence and resumed their circular dance in a nearby meadow. After about 5 minutes, the objects disappeared. The couple estimated their size to be about 40 cm in diameter. The objects adjusted their altitude to avoid the barbed wire. The author speculates that such phenomena might be the origin of folklore about 'elf dances,' suggesting that much of mythology could potentially be explained by UFO phenomena.

Travelogue: Trip to Hessdalen

This section encourages readers to visit Hessdalen, Norway, the site of significant UFO events, describing it as a beautiful mountainous landscape with wilderness. It suggests pooling resources with other UFO association members for the trip. Practical tips are provided: fill up on gasoline before entering Norway as it is expensive; purchase a 1:50000 scale map of Röros, Norway (map sheet Haltdalen); exchange currency to Norwegian Kroner, although Swedish Kroner are widely accepted, small roads may have toll fees payable via mail; be prepared for cold nights in autumn; and fishing permits for the lakes in Hessdalen can be bought in Ålen. The distance from Uppsala to Hessdalen is approximately 700 kilometers.

Photo Week in Hessdalen

This article is a personal account by Ove Lövgren of a trip to Hessdalen. He describes the journey, the routine of setting up equipment, and the camaraderie with fellow investigators and Norwegian colleagues. During their stay, they observed lights on Finnsåhögda's southern peak, which they initially thought were UFOs but later identified as the flashlights of their Norwegian counterparts. The group engaged in hiking, and Lövgren achieved his dream of climbing one of the Finnsåhögda peaks. A small group later joined the Norwegians on the peak. The weekend was otherwise quiet, with time spent checking equipment and resting. Arne and Tone Tommasen visited, and they spoke with Leif Havik. Lövgren concludes by thanking everyone who made the trip memorable and expresses a desire to continue their work in the winter.

Field Researcher or Scientist?

This article critically examines the methodologies used in UFO field research, particularly those taught by UFO-Sverige. The author, who attended a course, questions the scientific rigor of the methods. The process involves securing a landing site, taking soil samples to detect environmental impact, using metal detectors, and photographing the area. The author focuses on soil pH measurements, arguing that they are not very informative due to soil's buffering capacity, making it difficult to detect subtle changes caused by a UFO. While simple and cheap, the author believes these measurements are insufficient and potentially misleading. The article uses hypothetical data (Figure 1a, 1b, 1c) to illustrate how pH variations might be misinterpreted as evidence of a UFO landing, showing how a seemingly anomalous low pH in the center could be explained by natural factors like a nearby lake. The author suggests that more robust statistical analysis with numerous measurement series from different angles and multiple samples per location are necessary to avoid errors and false conclusions. The article also lists other potential measurements: radioactivity, temperature, compaction, free ions, mineral composition, bacterial content, and resistance.

Measurement Techniques Discussed

#### Radioactivity:

The author briefly mentions Donald Glaser's invention of the bubble chamber (1953), for which he received the Nobel Prize in 1960. A simplified version, potentially made from a coffee can, could detect natural radioactive decay. The article notes that this requires specific conditions like extreme cold and an atmosphere like alcohol, achieved with dry ice (CO2) and T-spirit or red spirit.

#### Temperature:

Measuring surface temperature is described as achievable with modern technology like the 'Aga Thermovision,' but it is expensive. A more accessible alternative is a non-contact thermometer, which can create a temperature map of a site. However, these are also costly (estimated at 6000 SEK), suggesting group purchases might be feasible. The article stresses the need for experience and knowledge of thermophysics, and that measurements are most effective on fresh landing sites (within a couple of hours). High summer temperatures can degrade thermal traces within 10 minutes, making nighttime investigations preferable. Measuring temperature at a depth of 10-20 cm is proposed as an alternative, using standard mercury thermometers, as the ground's insulation might preserve thermal traces longer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects a strong commitment to investigating UFO phenomena through both personal accounts and a critical, scientific lens. The magazine encourages active participation from its members, whether through reporting sightings, participating in field research, or contributing to the association's administrative tasks. There's a clear emphasis on documenting experiences and analyzing them rigorously, as seen in the critique of field research methods. The inclusion of historical cases and travelogues adds depth and context to the UFO discourse. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging members to explore the subject matter thoroughly while maintaining a degree of skepticism and a demand for methodological soundness. The humorous piece on pedestrian traffic rules suggests a lighthearted approach to some aspects of life, contrasting with the serious nature of UFO investigations.

This issue of UFO-Norge, dated 1984, delves into a variety of topics related to UFO phenomena, scientific investigation methods, and environmental concerns. The magazine features articles on soil analysis techniques, the controversial Hessdalen phenomenon, a new Soviet UFO commission, and predictions about global warming.

Scientific Investigation Methods

The issue presents several proposed methods for amateur scientific investigation of potential UFO landing sites. For measuring soil 'pack-density,' the author suggests a device similar to industrial hardness testers, using a standardized probe and force to measure penetration depth. This aims to replace subjective descriptions with objective, repeatable data.

Another proposed method concerns measuring the 'amount of free ions' in the soil. This is suggested as a potential indicator of whether the ground has been exposed to a strong electric field, which can cause electrolysis, splitting salts and other substances into ions. The method involves mixing a soil sample with distilled water and measuring its electrical resistance. Higher conductivity, indicating more free ions, suggests a stronger past electric field.

The article also touches upon the analysis of soil mineral composition and bacterial content. For mineral analysis, it's noted that common elements like iron, sodium, and potassium are ubiquitous, making unusual substances the only potentially significant findings, requiring laboratory analysis. For bacterial analysis, a 'Wolf trap' method is described for detecting the complete absence of bacteria, which could indicate exposure to sterilizing radiation or substances. However, the value of such measurements is questioned due to the complexity and potential confounding factors like industrial pollution.

The Hessdalen Phenomenon

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Hessdalen phenomenon in Norway. It describes a dispute between UFO Norge and NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning). NIVFO conducted an investigation, setting up a meteorological station and collecting data, concluding that the strange lights were likely special meteorological conditions, light reflections, and plasma phenomena. This conclusion was reported by Norwegian newspapers, with one suggesting that UFO hunting was a good source of income for the locals. However, UFO Norge members and others criticized NIVFO's approach, questioning their competence and resources. A dementi was later issued by NIVFO, clarifying that UFO activity had not been profitable for the Hessdalen residents and that their theories only explained a limited number of observations.

Soviet UFO Commission

The issue reports on the surprising establishment of an official UFO commission in the Soviet Union, announced in the newspaper TRUD. This commission, led by cosmonaut Pavel Popovits, who has personally observed a UFO, was tasked with investigating anomalous atmospheric phenomena. The article notes that previous UFO commissions in the Soviet Union were short-lived due to political reasons, and expresses uncertainty about how long this new commission would be allowed to operate before being dismissed as propaganda.

Climate Change Predictions

An article based on a report by Soviet scientist Michajl Budko predicts significant global warming in the coming century. According to Budko, rising carbon dioxide emissions will cause global temperatures to increase by nearly three degrees Celsius on average by the middle of the next century, leading to the melting of polar ice caps. However, the article suggests that the rise in sea levels might not be significant because most of the ice is already below the water's surface.

Other Content

The magazine also includes a humorous comic strip by NEA, Inc. and King Features Syndicate, and a brief mention of Dr. J. Allen Hynek's potential relocation of his UFO Studies Center from Illinois to Arizona. There is also a notice about upcoming meetings and activities organized by UFO Norge, including video screenings and visits to Sala.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in empirical investigation and scientific methodology within the UFO community, encouraging readers to engage in practical measurement and data collection. There is a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims and a desire for objective evidence. The magazine also highlights international UFO activity, particularly from the Soviet Union and Norway, and addresses broader scientific topics like climate change. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis of UFO-related events and phenomena, while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards overly simplistic explanations.