UFO Nyt - No 2 mar-apr 1977

Magazine Overview

Title: ufo nyt
Issue: 2
Volume: 19
Date: March/April 1977
Publisher: S.U.F.O.I. SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION

This issue of the Danish UFO magazine "ufo nyt" (published by Skandinavisk UFO Information - SUFOI) covers several topics related to UFO phenomena and investigations.

SUFOI Organization and Purpose

SUFOI is described as a self-governing institution dedicated to spreading knowledge about unidentified flying objects (UFOs) through publications, lectures, and public outreach. It aims to contribute to the understanding of UFO phenomena. The organization is led by a board of directors (Forretningsudvalget) elected by a representative council (Repræsentantskabet). The magazine "UFO-NYT" is published by SUFOI, and the articles presented reflect the contributors' views, not necessarily the official stance of SUFOI.

The issue lists key personnel within SUFOI, including the chairman Flemming Ahrenkiel, the representative for UFO-NYT Iver O. Kjems, and other board members. It also details the structure of the representative council and various departments and regional representatives across Scandinavia.

Article: "Hvad gjorde nat til dag?" (What Made Night into Day?)

This article revisits the Tunguska phenomenon and its potential connection to UFOs. It focuses on the "White Night" event observed in the northern hemisphere around June 30, 1908. The phenomenon, described as an unusually bright and layered light in the sky, was witnessed across a wide area, from England to Russia, and was so intense that people could read by it. The article notes that houses were illuminated on their northern sides, which is unusual for those latitudes. While some initially attributed it to the Aurora Borealis, spectroscopic analysis suggested the light originated from the Sun. The prevailing theory presented is that the phenomenon was caused by a widespread layer of solid or droplet-like particles high in the atmosphere, possibly up to 50-90 km altitude, which reflected sunlight. These particles might have been similar to those found in noctilucent clouds, but the rapid appearance and disappearance of the light suggest they were not part of Earth's atmosphere, possibly being "cosmic dust" or remnants of a comet.

Article: "Beretningen om den mystiske sten" (The Report on the Mysterious Stone)

This lengthy report details the investigation of an object found on Bornholm, Denmark, which was initially speculated to be related to a UFO. The object, discovered on February 10, 1975, by Ole Bendtsen in Rønne, was described as a metal-like substance that crystallized easily, displayed rainbow colors, and caused sneezing fits in a dog that sniffed it. Frank Simonsen of the UFO-klubben på Bornholm strongly believed it was UFO debris and sent a sample to the Technological Institute for analysis. The article recounts the involvement of the police and civil defense, who initially found no radioactivity. The Technological Institute's initial analysis, dated March 26, 1976, identified the material as a compound of iron and sulfur, specifically svovljern (iron sulfide), with the chemical formula FeS, stating it was a common mineral. However, the article reveals that the discovery date was actually May 16, 1974, and the object was found on Snorrebakken, Rønne. This date coincided with a UFO sighting by members of the Bornholms UFO Club the previous evening. The investigation continued, with further analysis by the Technological Institute's laboratory for metallurgy and scanning electron microscopy. The results, dated March 31, 1976, indicated the material was ferromanganese, an alloy of manganese and iron used in the steel industry. The report concludes that the "stone" was definitively identified as ferromanganese and had no connection to UFOs, suggesting the initial UFO connection was a media sensation. The article also mentions that a sample was sent to the Mineralogical-Geological Institute, which deemed it an industrial product outside their scope.

Article: "Film om UFO'er" (Film about UFOs)

This section briefly mentions Stephen Spielberg's upcoming film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," which deals with UFOs visiting Earth. It notes that Spielberg claims the film is based on real events, though surrounded by secrecy. The film's title refers to a classification scale used by UFO researchers, where the third kind signifies contact with extraterrestrial beings. The film was produced by Julia and Michael Phillips and was expected to be released in early 1977.

Article: "UFO-kongres i Chicago" (UFO Congress in Chicago)

This short piece announces a major international UFO Congress to be held in Chicago on June 24-26, 1977. The event is hosted by Curtis G. Fuller, publisher of the magazine "FATE." The congress is timed to coincide with the 30th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's famous "flying saucer" sighting. The article highlights "FATE" magazine's extensive coverage of UFOs and invites interested individuals to attend, suggesting it as a potential vacation plan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's recurring themes include the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the analysis of physical evidence potentially related to UFOs, and the reporting of UFO sightings and related events. The editorial stance, as exemplified by the "mysterious stone" article, is to critically examine claims and provide scientific explanations where possible, while acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs and the role of media in sensationalizing such events. The magazine also serves as a platform for disseminating information about UFO research organizations and upcoming events in the field.

This issue of "Observationer" (Issue 2-77, dated March 1976) delves into two significant UFO-related incidents: new developments in the Travis Walton case and a detailed account from Staff Sergeant Charles L. Moody regarding his alleged UFO abduction.

The Walton Case: New Information

The magazine revisits the Travis Walton case, providing further details and clarifications. It reports on a polygraph examination undergone by Mrs. Mary Kellett, Travis Walton's mother, in Phoenix, Arizona. The examination was conducted to address press speculation that she and Travis were "hardcore ufologists" prior to the incident and to investigate rumors concerning her reaction to Travis's disappearance.

One rumor suggested Mrs. Kellett was calm and unsurprised upon hearing about Travis's disappearance. However, her account, corroborated by Mike Rogers and Ken Coplan, indicates she was initially shocked and asked, "Why my child?" She attributes her composure to her experience raising six children, which taught her not to panic in emergencies.

Another point of contention involved Police Chief Flake's visit to Mrs. Kellett's home. Mrs. Kellett stated she was unaware of any visit from Flake on the Monday in question and denied ever refusing him entry. Duane Walton, Travis's brother, recalled Flake stopping by on Thursday morning (November 11th) while Duane was refueling a truck. Flake briefly spoke with Duane before continuing his route. These details were reportedly addressed in the polygraph test.

The polygraph report from George J. Pfeifer Jr. of "Associated Polygraphers" in Phoenix concluded that Mrs. Mary H. Kellett answered all questions truthfully, in accordance with her knowledge and beliefs. The report confirmed she was not under medical treatment, had not taken stimulants, and was in satisfactory physical and mental condition for the test. A 'Known Lie Test' was administered to establish baseline responses.

Relevant questions and answers from Mrs. Kellett's polygraph include denials of participating in a conspiracy, prior deep involvement in UFO issues, or knowledge of Travis's whereabouts between November 6th and 10th, 1975. She also denied telling anyone that Travis might have been abducted by a flying saucer and denied ever reading a book about flying saucers.

Polygraph Examinations of Witnesses

The issue also details polygraph examinations of six witnesses related to the Walton incident. These tests were conducted by C. E. Gilson, Polygraph Investigator for the Department of Public Security. The witnesses were John E. Goulette, Dwayne D. Smith, Kenneth E. Peterson, Michael H. Rogers, Jeff S. Pierce, and Allen M. Dalis. The purpose was to determine if any of them had intentionally concealed a criminal act, such as an assault or murder, involving Travis Walton.

Questions posed to these witnesses included whether they had inflicted serious physical harm on Travis Walton, whether any member of their work crew had injured him, whether Travis's body was buried or hidden, and whether they had actually seen a UFO on the day of his disappearance.

All six men answered 'no' to the first three questions and 'yes' to the fourth. The test results were described as unambiguous. The examiner concluded that Goulette, Smith, Peterson, Rogers, and Pierce were truthful. This suggested that these five men had indeed witnessed an object they believed to be a UFO, and that Travis Walton was neither harmed nor murdered by them on that Wednesday, November 5th, 1975. If the UFO was a hoax, five of the men had no prior knowledge of it. The results for the sixth man were unclear.

Concerns and Further Investigations

The article notes concerns within UFO circles about conflicting opinions and information from various organizations involved in the case. It suggests that some police officers in the Holbrook, Snowflake, and Heber areas may have spread rumors to discredit the main figures in the case, possibly due to discomfort with the implications of the incident. Sheriff Gillespie's political motivations are also questioned, suggesting he might cater to voters who prefer not to believe in UFO abductions, despite appearing more of a UFO enthusiast than Walton himself.

APRO's bulletin had previously addressed NICAP's reliance on a rumor attributed to undersheriff Ken Copland, which Copland himself later denied. Doubts were also raised about the polygraph tests of the first six witnesses. C. E. Gilson's report to Sheriff Gillespie is reproduced, detailing the polygraph tests of Goulette, Smith, Peterson, Michael H. Rogers, Jeff S. Pierce, and Allen M. Dalis. The tests aimed to ascertain if they were attempting to hide a criminal act against Travis Walton.

Charles L. Moody's Abduction Account

The magazine features a lengthy account from Staff Sergeant Charles L. Moody, a decorated US Air Force veteran with psychiatric clearance, who claims to have been abducted by a UFO and taken aboard its craft. Moody, who had access to classified military documents, kept his experience secret for months due to the shocking nature of the event.

His story was recorded by a journalist and analyzed by a Psychological Stress Evaluator (PSE), a lie detector accepted as evidence in eight US states. Charles McQuiston, one of the PSE's inventors, stated that Moody showed no signs of stress or deception and was telling the truth.

Moody's abduction occurred near Alamogordo, New Mexico, approximately 400 km from where Travis Walton was reportedly taken. Moody, 32, described his experience in an interview on an overseas airbase.

He recounted being at a remote desert location to observe a meteor shower on August 13th, 1975, when a craft descended rapidly. The object was disk-shaped, glowed with a matte metallic-grey color, measured 12-15 meters in diameter and 5.5-7.5 meters high, with three spheres underneath. It hovered about 100 meters away, then glided towards him, wobbling. Moody, a flight controller with 1500 hours of flight experience, stated he could identify any aircraft but had never seen anything like this.

When Moody tried to start his car, it was dead, despite a new battery. The craft then landed about 15 meters in front of his car. He heard a high-pitched voice and saw a window with shadowy figures. A strange glow enveloped his car, causing him to become numb. He then found himself back in his car, watching the craft ascend rapidly and disappear.

Upon starting his car, Moody drove home and told his wife about seeing a UFO. He later realized he had lost 1 hour and 20 minutes of time.

Moody's memory of the event gradually returned, including images of alien beings approaching him. He described them as floating, not walking. They placed their hands on his car door, and when he pushed the door open, one alien was thrown backward. Moody then punched one of the aliens in the face, describing the impact as soft, and the alien falling backward before he lost consciousness.

He awoke on a hard table with a stone-like surface. A being stood looking at him. The alien's skull was about one-third larger than a human's, with no eyebrows, and a lot of hair. Its eyes were round, dark, and deeply set, with a prominent forehead. Its ears, nose, and mouth were smaller than human's, and its lips were thin. The being was about 150 cm tall, slender, and wore a tight-fitting white suit. Its skin was greyish-white.

The alien spoke in perfect English with an American accent, asking if he was alright. When Moody confirmed, the alien asked why he had struck it, and then touched him with a metal rod, after which Moody regained full control of his body and lost his fear.

The alien, who seemed to be the leader, helped Moody down from the table into a clean, hygienic room with a hard, metallic floor and three arched doorways. The room had a sweet, sickening smell like burnt sugar or molasses, and the light was indirect, seeming to emanate from the walls.

Curious about the craft's propulsion, Moody was shown another room that appeared larger on the inside than the outside. Three other beings were present; two hovered near the floor, and the third spoke in a clear, feminine voice that sounded like a mix of German and Chinese. There were two pilot seats in front of a flat panel with a handle.

The leader had Moody stand on a 1x1 meter section of the floor, which then sank, leading to a room below. In this room, the tops of three domes, containing large diamonds or crystals, protruded from the floor. The leader explained the propulsion system by saying, "Try not to understand it," and suggested that with "a little thought from your side, this could be developed by your people."

The alien revealed that their craft was a small observation vessel from a much larger mothership 8,000 to 10,000 km away. They also stated that their people would reveal themselves to humanity within three years, possibly as early as that summer. They planned limited contact initially to study humans further, expressing fear of nuclear rockets, which could destroy their craft.

Moody mentioned that his people were part of a clan or league and that humanity might one day be accepted into this "race league," but the decision rested on whether humans would accept them. As he left, the alien told him, "I will not harm you. I will never harm you."

Moody was instructed to report for a medical examination and was told he would forget the incident for a while before the light went out. He then found himself back in his car, watching the craft disappear.

The next day, Moody experienced a burning sensation in his lower spine, where his wife Karon discovered a strange, square-shaped wound. Karon, who had previously worked in an operating room, had never seen such a wound.

Moody also reported other physical changes, including red blotches on his body that were later treated by doctors. He was advised by a legal advisor on his base not to discuss the cause of these symptoms. He has also experienced hair loss, frequent headaches, and increased irritability.

Despite these issues, Moody does not regret his experience, stating that seeing the alien craft made him feel like Orville Wright seeing a 747, and that their craft made human aircraft seem antiquated.

Supporting Testimonies and Comparisons

Technical Sergeant Arthur Wright, Moody's superior, affirmed his belief in Moody's honesty, citing Moody's participation in the Air Force's Human Reliability Program and his psychiatric clearance.

The article draws parallels between Moody's and Walton's abduction experiences, noting that both described similar alien beings and craft. Jim Lorenzen of APRO highlighted that Moody's descriptions of the aliens and their craft closely matched Walton's. Both men reported receiving strange puncture wounds (Moody on his back, Walton on his inner right arm). Moody's account was detailed in a letter to Lorenzen before Walton's incident was public, and Walton was unaware of Moody's experience.

Both men reported being rendered unconscious and waking up on a table inside the UFO, being studied by aliens. Their descriptions of the craft were similar: Moody called it "disk-shaped," while Walton described it as a "saucer." Both stated the craft hovered, wobbled slightly, and glowed.

Editorial Notes and Observations

An editorial note from "Observationer" suggests that many involved in the investigation have been less truthful than the witnesses. It calls for individuals whose accounts differ from those of Mrs. Kellett, Travis, and Duane Walton, and the other six witnesses, to undergo polygraph examinations. These individuals include Sheriff Gillespie, Stanford Flake, Ken Copland, Bill Spaunding, Lester Steward, and Phillip Klass. APRO offered to cover the costs.

Article on Venus Observation

A separate article, "KIG PÅ HIMLEN..." (Look at the Sky...) by E. Amby Knudsen, describes an amateur astronomer's observation of Venus on a clear winter night. The author, an enthusiast of stargazing, recounts his experience of observing Venus, which he found mystifyingly absent from its expected position. He then describes seeing a red light, similar to a contact switch, that appeared and disappeared, eventually realizing it was Venus exhibiting unusual behavior, possibly due to an "invisible fog" over the sea.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly supports the credibility of UFO abduction witnesses, particularly Travis Walton and Charles L. Moody, by presenting polygraph results and detailed personal testimonies. The magazine appears to be critical of official investigations and skeptical individuals, suggesting a potential cover-up or lack of thoroughness. The editorial stance favors the accounts of abductees and witnesses, emphasizing the need for further investigation and validation of their experiences. The comparison between the Walton and Moody cases serves to bolster the idea of a consistent pattern in alleged alien encounters.

This document is the "STIKORDSREGISTER UFO-NYT 1976," serving as a comprehensive index for the UFO-NYT magazine from the year 1976. It is organized alphabetically by subject, providing page numbers for each entry, and includes contributions and reports from various individuals and organizations.

Content Highlights

International UFO Reports

The index details numerous UFO sightings and encounters from around the world. Notable reports include:

• Peru: An incident where two beings, approximately 175 cm tall, emerged from a UFO and touched witnesses, causing a sensation of intense heat.
• Spain: A sighting in Santander where a circular flying disc, about 15 meters in diameter, hovered over a campsite for five minutes, emitting blueish lights.
• Northern Ireland: An egg-shaped object followed a car near Ballymena, exhibiting hopping movements and emitting bright lights before ascending into a cloud.
• Greece: A photograph taken by students in Thessaloniki captured a clear, lenticular-shaped object, which was considered a high-quality image by a meteorologist.
• Denmark: Several reports from Denmark detail sightings of various objects, including a silent, silver object near Vedde, a glowing red object at Jydsk Væddeløbsbane, a luminous white object near Helsingør, a color-changing object near Odense, and two metallic objects near Seden. A sighting near Slotsbjergby described a yellowish, moving object.

UFO Organizations and Research

The magazine features a section on Scandinavian UFO organizations, highlighting the collaboration between SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) and other groups in neighboring countries. It specifically details the structure and membership of Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige, founded in 1970, and its operational methods.

Historical Context

The issue touches upon historical UFO phenomena, referencing Donald Keyhoe's book "The flying saucers are real" and the World War II-era "foo fighters" or "Kraut fireballs" observed by Allied pilots. It suggests that these phenomena were considered by some to be small, intelligent beings.

Specific Articles and Features

• "Kort fra Udlandet" (News from Abroad): This section, edited by Flemming Ahrenkiel, presents selected reports received by SUFOI from international correspondence, including the Peru and Spain incidents.
• "Scandi-rapport" (Scandi Report): Contributed by Carsten Pedersen, this section focuses on UFO activities and organizations within Scandinavia, emphasizing the cooperative efforts between different national groups.
• "Ufo rapporter DANMARK" (UFO Reports Denmark): This segment provides detailed accounts of UFO observations within Denmark, often including specific dates, times, locations, and witness descriptions.

Object Characteristics and Behavior

Reports describe objects with various characteristics, including:

• Shape: Disk, circular, egg-shaped, spherical, and lenticular.
• Color: Blueish, silver, glowing red, white-yellow, orange-red, and metallic.
• Size: Estimates range from 1-1.5 meters to 15 meters in diameter.
• Behavior: Hovering, erratic movements, stopping, ascending, descending, hopping, and changing course.
• Speed: Described as fast, with specific estimates like 30-40 km/t and 20-30 km/t.
• Altitude: Reported at various heights, from 1.5 meters above treetops to 50-75 meters above ground.

Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to be a platform for reporting UFO sightings and related research, with a focus on factual accounts and investigations. The editorial tone encourages the sharing of information and collaboration among UFO enthusiasts and organizations. The inclusion of a detailed index suggests a commitment to organizing and archiving UFO-related data for its readership.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this index are UFO sightings, international reports, the activities of UFO organizations, and the historical context of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of diligent reporting and information dissemination, aiming to catalog and present UFO-related events and research to a dedicated audience. The emphasis on detailed witness accounts and the inclusion of organizational information suggest a serious approach to the subject matter.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 2-77, focuses on UFO organizations, space exploration, and UFO sightings. It provides an in-depth look at UFO-Sverige, a Swedish UFO organization, and details scientific missions to Mars and Venus.

UFO-Sverige: Organization and Goals

The magazine outlines the structure and objectives of UFO-Sverige. The central group serves as the highest decision-making authority, elected annually. The organization has various departments, including Service (for developing investigation guidelines and study materials), Information (responsible for all communication and editing of informational material), and Rapportcentral (coordinating report intake, field researcher contact, and publication of results). UFO-Sverige publishes a 24-page magazine called UFO-Information six times a year, priced at 50 Swedish kronor annually, covering Swedish and international UFO observations, astronomy, space travel, and parapsychology. All work within the organization is voluntary.

According to UFO-Sverige's statutes, the organization is a national body for UFO-related groups and individuals, acting as a cooperative platform. Its objectives include proving the existence of unidentified flying objects, gaining knowledge about the phenomenon, serving as an information and contact point for the public, and stimulating interest in UFOs in Sweden. UFO-Sverige aims to investigate UFO incidents and actively disseminate information to the public, media, scientists, and politicians. Notably, the organization has chosen not to take a stance on the postulation that governments are hiding UFO truths, instead focusing on its own initiatives to study the phenomenon. It has established a well-organized visual aerial surveillance system covering most of Sweden.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

The issue reports several UFO sightings:

• Norway:
• July 29, 1970: Two women in Sollia, Vest-Torpa, Hedmark, observed a bright, star-like object that appeared as a silver shining object with pulsating lights when viewed through binoculars.
• June-July 1976: Several cigar-shaped objects were sighted in Hedmark county. One witness described an object with a constant, strong light, estimated to be 300-400 meters high, descending slowly.
• July 18, 1976: A couple in Stavsjø, Hedmark, observed a cigar-shaped object moving silently across the sky at an estimated altitude of 300 meters.
• August 20, 1976: Four people in Lillehammer observed an oval object, initially mistaken for an airplane.
• February 1974: A woman in Nordland observed a cone-shaped UFO with a strong light and a tail of sparks descending low over a railway track.
• Russia:
• January 1976: A UFO reportedly hovered over Natchik for 36 hours.
• 1961: A UFO reportedly hovered over a railway junction near Golystino, causing car engines to stall.

An alert is also issued regarding unusual lights reported near Greenland, associated with the planet Venus.

Viking I on Mars: Scientific Discoveries

The issue details the Viking I mission to Mars, which landed successfully on July 20, 1976. Initial challenges included a stuck sampling arm, which was later freed. The mission's landing was precise, and the separation of the Lander and Orbiter modules was smooth.

During descent through the Martian atmosphere, the mass spectrometer detected nitrogen and Argon. The revised atmospheric composition is now understood to be 95.5% CO2, 3% N2, and 1.5% Ar. This discovery is considered significant for the potential for life.

The 599 kg automatic laboratory landed in the Chryse Planitia region at 22.4° N latitude and 47.5° W longitude. Initial images revealed a desert landscape resembling areas in New Mexico and Arizona, with a clear sky. Early color images showed a reddish landscape with blue-gray rocks, but the blue sky was later determined to be an artifact of the analysis procedure. The corrected images revealed a pinkish sky due to atmospheric dust from weathering and oxidation of the Martian surface.

Biological Experiments: The Search for Life

On July 28, Viking I's scoop began collecting soil samples for biological analysis. The gas analysis part of the experiment initially showed a surprising release of oxygen when the soil was moistened, leading to speculation about photosynthetic activity, though the absence of light ruled this out. A chemical reaction was proposed as a more likely explanation.

A second experiment involved moistening a soil sample with a nutrient solution containing radioactive carbon. If microorganisms were present and consumed the nutrients, they would release radioactive carbon dioxide (CO2). An unexpectedly high level of CO2 was detected after a 5-day incubation period. However, Dr. Gilbert V. Levin expressed doubt, noting the constant CO2 level rather than a gradual increase expected from microbial growth. He suggested further investigation into non-biological explanations.

A third experiment, lasting 12 days, tested the uptake of radioactive carbon compounds by potential microorganisms. After exposure to a simulated Martian sunlight (minus UV), the sample was heated to release any captured radioactive carbon. The results were comparable to those from terrestrial soil samples known to contain microflora, leading to a "weak, but positive biological signal." However, scientists remained cautious, with Dr. Klein and Horowitz stating that the instruments had not definitively proven life, adhering to the rule that biological claims require repeated confirmation.

A final experiment, planned to last two months, was initiated before Viking 2's landing. The question of whether life exists on Mars remains unanswered, with scientists acknowledging the complexity and the possibility that the data from Viking I and II might not provide a definitive answer.

Venus Probe Testing

In December 1976, tests were conducted for maneuvers planned for the upcoming Venus probes, scheduled for launch in 1978. The probes will orbit Venus and analyze its atmosphere. Tests involved simulating atmospheric entry and parachute deployment procedures, with the probes expected to reach the Venusian surface at approximately 43 km/t after a one-hour descent.

Rumfarts-Notitser (Spaceflight Newsbriefs)

• Enhanced Image Detail: NASA has developed a new photographic technique called "computer image processing" to enhance details in images, used for studying the seabed and potentially for analyzing UFO images.
• ATS-1 Satellite Active: The ATS-1 satellite, launched in 1966, continues to operate far beyond its expected lifespan, providing communication for remote Alaskan areas and conducting meteorological measurements.
• Solar Magnetic Field: Measurements from the Pioneer 11 probe suggest the Sun has a nearly spherical magnetic field encompassing the solar system, with a distinct north and south pole.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights the ongoing efforts of UFO organizations to systematically investigate and document UFO phenomena. The scientific articles focus on the rigorous, yet often inconclusive, nature of space exploration, particularly in the search for extraterrestrial life. The magazine maintains a stance of reporting on both UFO sightings and scientific endeavors, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while emphasizing the need for careful analysis and avoiding premature judgments, especially in the context of the search for life on Mars.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 2-77
Date: February 1977
Publisher: SUFOI (Danish UFO Organization)
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into various aspects of ufology and space exploration, featuring news from both Soviet and American space programs, as well as reports on UFO sightings and research activities.

Lunar Samples from USSR to USA

The magazine reports that several grams of lunar material, brought back by the Soviet Luna 24 probe, have been handed over to American scientists. This sample is of particular interest because it originates from an area not previously sampled, and the Luna 24 probe managed to retrieve a complete 2-meter core sample. This, combined with samples from the Apollo 15, 16, and 17 missions (which drilled down to 3 meters), is expected to provide further insights into the different layers of the Moon's surface.

Spacelab Project

The first flight of the Spacelab is scheduled for July 1980, with the final selection of experiments to be completed by January 1977. One of the experiments, submitted by the Technical University of Denmark, focuses on growing organic crystals with special electrical properties. This experiment aims to study the effects of gravity, which Spacelab will allow to be regulated, a factor crucial for crystal growth and alloy manufacturing. Spacelab is Europe's contribution to the American Space Shuttle program, with the European Space Agency (ESA) building a complete laboratory module for the shuttle's cargo bay. Research into the behavior of various materials and alloys under different conditions will be a primary focus of the research conducted in this laboratory.

A Wet Trip - Soyuz 23

On October 14th of the previous year, Soviet cosmonauts Vyacheslav Zudov and Valery Rozhdestvensky were launched in Soyuz 23. The mission aimed to dock with the Salyut 5 space station, but an automatic docking system malfunction prevented the operation, similar to the failed attempt of Soyuz 15 with Salyut 3 in 1974. On October 16th, the crew prepared for their return to Earth. However, due to darkness and a snowstorm in the landing area, the landing module was blown off course and landed in Lake Tengiz, 195 km southwest of Tselinograd in Kazakhstan. The cosmonauts were rescued by helicopters and ships. The temperature was +15°C. This marked the first time a Soviet cosmonaut crew landed on water, an event that occurred against their will.

UFO Encounters on Lolland-Falster

This section announces a series of meetings for UFO enthusiasts on Lolland-Falster, scheduled for March 30th, April 26th, and May 23rd, all starting at 7:30 PM at Duegård, Nakskovvej 5, 4920 Søllested. The meetings will feature films, slide shows, and discussions of reports. Additionally, a public lecture titled "UFO - Hoax or Incredible Reality?" will be held at the Nakskov Library on Tuesday, May 3rd, at 8:00 PM. An exhibition of UFO-related material will also be on display at the Nakskov Library from May 24th to June 6th, featuring slide shows.

Member Information

Under the heading "Medlemsorientering" (Member Information), SUFOI welcomes new readers and notes the increasing number of UFO-NYT subscribers, which supports the organization's work. The article mentions that SUFOI's turnover in 1976 exceeded 100,000 Danish Kroner, funding activities such as sending out questionnaires, contacting witnesses, publishing reports for international distribution, and covering laboratory and administrative costs. Members are also entitled to purchase SUFOI's own books at a reduced price, including the new book "3 UFO-artikler."

Older Issues of UFO-NYT

SUFOI is also offering older issues of UFO-NYT for sale to collectors who may be missing them from their collections. Details on available years and pricing are provided.

Reader's Letterbox

L. Berg from Silkeborg writes to inquire about the "Stifinder" rocket's capability to hit a UFO, and whether UFOs possess dangerous weapons or can defend themselves. Berg also expresses disappointment with U.S. President Carter's alleged broken promise to release all UFO reports.

SUFOI's response, signed by Peter A. Hansen of the Information Department, states that the organization does not hold a single theory about UFOs, considering possibilities ranging from rare natural phenomena to extraterrestrial visitation. They acknowledge that UFOs have not been found to possess weapons, though some witnesses report seeing light beams. Regarding President Carter, SUFOI notes that American UFO organizations are investigating whether he made such statements, suggesting that he may have had statements attributed to him that he never made.

Peter A. Hansen also adds a postscript explaining that "stifinder" rockets are programmed to hit specific ground targets and are designed to evade detection, but many countries have other missile types capable of tracking and hitting moving targets.

Pilot Requests UFO Sightings

This section highlights the growing recognition of the UFO phenomenon within aviation organizations. It features a letter from Robert Sapienza, a KLM functionary in Canada and an investigator for MUFON, published in KLM's personnel magazine "De Wolkenridder." Sapienza requests that KLM employees, especially flight crews, report any unidentified aerial phenomena they observe. He assures confidentiality for all reports and mentions that organizations like NASA and The Jet Propulsion Laboratory are also engaged in UFO research. The article concludes by stating that the era of dismissing UFO reports is over, with many professionals in various fields reporting significant observations.

The Crew of Apollo 11 Saw UFOs

This article recounts a story from a student (Hr. X) who had access to NASA's inner control room during the Apollo 11 mission. While listening to transmissions, the astronauts reported seeing "them again." The official transmission was cut, but the student heard that the astronauts were describing three disk-shaped shadows following them over the Moon's surface, which they had seen on their first orbit. These objects were observed moving in and out of other shadows on the Moon during the third orbit before the crew departed for Earth. The article notes that it would be difficult for astronauts to determine the direction of these objects if they were directly between the spacecraft and the Sun. The student's father, who worked at NASA, advised him never to reveal what he saw and heard, and indicated that NASA members were reluctant to discuss UFOs publicly, fearing public panic.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of space exploration and UFO phenomena, the growing acceptance of UFO research by official organizations, and the reporting of specific UFO incidents. SUFOI's editorial stance, as articulated in the response to the reader's letter, is one of open-mindedness, considering multiple explanations for UFOs without rigidly adhering to any single theory. They emphasize the importance of scientific investigation and the collection of data from credible sources, including professional pilots and researchers.