UFO Nyt - No 2 mar-apr 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Nyt
Issue: 2
Volume: 20. årg.
Date: March/April 1978
Publisher: S.U.F.O.I. SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO Nyt, the publication of Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI), presents a retrospective look at the organization's history and its approach to UFO research, alongside contemporary reports and analyses. The magazine emphasizes a critical and scientific methodology, aiming to distinguish factual observations from speculation and sensationalism.

"Et tilbageblik" by Frank Pedersen

This article is a personal reflection by Frank Pedersen, former chairman of SUFOI from 1965-1970, on the occasion of the organization's 20th anniversary. Pedersen recounts his entry into the UFO field, initially driven by curiosity after hearing about Captain-Lieutenant H. C. Petersen's lectures. He describes the early days of SUFOI, a diverse group united by an interest in the UFO phenomenon, and the challenges of establishing the organization and its publication, UFO-NYT.

Pedersen highlights the initial difficulties, including a lack of material, unprofessionalism, and sporadic contact with international sources. He notes the impact of public and media reactions, which often sensationalized UFO reports, sometimes involving religious or pseudoscientific interpretations. He contrasts this with his own leanings towards a more technical and evidence-based approach, influenced by organizations like NICAP.

The article details the internal divisions within SUFOI, particularly the philosophical versus technical approaches, and the eventual departure of H. C. Petersen in 1965. Pedersen took over leadership, aiming to steer SUFOI towards a more fact-based direction. He acknowledges the crisis surrounding "Universal Link" in 1966-1967, taking responsibility for not recognizing it sooner, but emphasizes that this period led to a more critical and serious approach to UFO research.

He praises the work of individuals like Ole Henningsen and Erling Jensen in developing the organization's research capabilities and maintaining a rigorous standard for UFO-NYT. Pedersen concludes by reflecting on what he gained from his involvement: a changed perspective on the phenomenon, the conviction that UFOs are a reality, an interest in space research, and the recognition that the phenomenon remains unexplained, necessitating continued serious investigation.

"Præsident Jimmy Carters UFO-observation"

This section details an account of a UFO observation made by then-US President Jimmy Carter in October 1969, when he was governor of Georgia. The report, originally submitted to NICAP, describes Carter and ten members of the Lions Club witnessing a bright, hovering object that moved erratically for about 10-12 minutes. The object was described as brighter than planets, varying in size from a grapefruit to the moon, and changing color from blue to red. No sound was heard, and no conventional aircraft were observed in the vicinity.

The article notes that many Americans believe in UFOs, citing a Gallup poll from 1973 indicating that 51% of the US population considered UFOs to be real phenomena. The report hopes that publicizing Carter's experience might encourage others to report their own observations without fear of ridicule.

"Danske amatørforskere har jaget UFOer i 20 År (II)"

This is the second part of an article by Per Borgaard, continuing the historical overview of Danish UFO research, focusing on the period after SUFOI's 10th anniversary in 1967. The article recounts the challenges faced by SUFOI, including the negative impact of the "Orthon" hysteria, which temporarily discredited UFO research. The organization's survival and shift towards a more scientific approach are attributed to leaders like Frank Pedersen and H. C. Petersen.

The article discusses the significant blow dealt by the Condon Report in 1969, which concluded that further UFO research was not warranted. However, it also highlights the subsequent criticism of the Condon Report by figures like Robert Low and J. Allen Hynek, who argued for a more open-minded and interdisciplinary approach. Hynek's work in establishing an "invisible college" of scientists is mentioned as a positive development.

The narrative then shifts to the Danish context, detailing how SUFOI, under Frank Pedersen and later Erling Jensen, maintained a realistic and fact-based line. The article lists numerous UFO sightings reported in Denmark throughout the 1970s, particularly in 1974 and 1975. These reports often describe physical effects on vehicles (engine stalling, lights going out) and sometimes on individuals (headaches, rashes). Examples include incidents on Fyn, Sjælland, and near the Skrydstrup airbase.

The article touches upon the public perception of UFOs, noting that many people believe in them. It also mentions the ongoing challenges for SUFOI, including its lack of financial resources for scientific research and the lingering skepticism from the scientific community. The need for more active "laypeople" to collect data is emphasized, alongside the call for a multidisciplinary approach to the UFO problem.

Other Sections

• "Indholder bl.a.:" (Table of Contents): Lists articles such as "A look back," "President Carter's UFO observation," "Danish amateur researchers (11)," "Theories and thoughts," "UFO reports, Denmark," "Scandi-report," "SUFOI talks with Spielberg," and "Do epidemics originate in space?"
• "Repræsentantskabet - UFO-NYT": Provides contact information for key SUFOI personnel, including the chairman, editor, and heads of various departments and regional representatives across Scandinavia.
• "Abonnement": Information on how to subscribe to UFO Nyt and SUFOI membership, including subscription fees and payment details.
• "Byttehandel": An announcement regarding the exchange of UFO-NYT issues.
• "Vi er ikke dygtige nok!": A plea for assistance from a PR consultant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the history and evolution of UFO research in Denmark, the importance of a scientific and critical approach, and the persistent nature of UFO sightings and reports. The editorial stance, as articulated by Frank Pedersen and reflected in the content, is one of cautious investigation, prioritizing evidence over speculation. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between the public's interest in UFOs and the scientific community's often skeptical stance, advocating for serious, evidence-based study of the phenomenon.

This issue of UFO-NYT, identified as issue 2-78, focuses on "Fart i forskningen" (Speed in research), highlighting advancements and discussions within the field of UFO investigation. The magazine is published by SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) and originates from Denmark.

SUFOI's New Technical Department (FOTA)

The lead article announces the establishment of SUFOI's technical department, FOTA, a long-awaited initiative. The department's primary goals are to create a nationwide automatic warning chain for UFO reports, aiming for more detailed and well-substantiated reports, and to develop suitable electronic equipment for tracking stations. FOTA seeks to coordinate scientific and technical expertise to understand the nature of UFO phenomena. They are actively seeking individuals with specialized knowledge, even if they don't wish to be directly involved in the UFO problem, to contribute their insights. The department plans to keep members informed about its projects through UFO-NYT, specifying areas of expertise sought, such as microwave technology, magnetic field measurement, infrared photography, and VHF/UHF technology.

Call for Reader Contributions

Following up on previous requests, the magazine reiterates its call for readers to submit their theories and thoughts on UFOs. It presents two reader-submitted articles as direct responses to this call, indicating that the submission channel remains open for further contributions.

Reader Article: "ET FORSLAG" (A Suggestion) by Jørgen Steen-Pedersen

This article explores various theories about the origin and propulsion of UFOs. It considers the possibility of habitable planets in outer space but acknowledges the vast travel times involved. The author suggests that alien life spans might differ significantly from human lifespans. New theories about the limits of speed, space-time curvature, and the relationship between mass and energy are discussed as potentially reducing travel times. Regarding propulsion, several hypotheses are presented:

1. Vacuum Creation: UFOs might use cathode ray generators on their leading edge to ionize the air, creating a vacuum that pulls the craft forward. This could explain the atmospheric disturbances reported by pilots.
2. Fusion Drives: A propulsion method similar to jet propulsion but infinitely faster, potentially approaching the speed of light, powered by fusion reactors using readily available materials and water. This might explain UFOs observed 'sucking' water from lakes.
3. Dimensional Shift Theory: This theory, based on Einstein's unified field theory, suggests that UFOs might shift between dimensions or time-chains using special electromagnetic fields. These fields could potentially transfer matter between dimensions, explaining how UFOs might materialize and dematerialize.

The author believes that intelligent beings are directing UFOs, not just collecting samples or observing human development (citing interest in Cape Kennedy and space probes), but possibly returning to ancient sacred sites or energy centers now submerged. The article touches upon the possibility of ancient civilizations on the seabed and suggests that UFOs might be linked to them.

It is noted that while attempts have been made to communicate with potential extraterrestrial intelligences (e.g., the Pioneer 1 and 2 probes), official scientific interest in UFOs is lacking, despite numerous credible reports. The author expresses concern that humanity might face a significant shock if forced to accept the existence of extraterrestrial beings.

Reader Article: "UFOer - HVAD ER DET?" (UFOs - WHAT ARE THEY?) by F. Paludan Müller

This article delves into the nature and origin of UFOs, questioning whether humanity can discover the truth independently or must wait for extraterrestrial disclosure. The author estimates that if observations per capita are similar globally to Denmark, there could be around 42,000 UFO reports annually worldwide, leading to approximately 8.4 million observations over 25 years. This vast number suggests a significant phenomenon that is difficult to explain. The author considers the possibility that UFOs originate from within our solar system, acknowledging life's adaptability to extreme conditions. However, the sheer number of potential craft leads to a further hypothesis: the phenomenon might be twofold, with some craft coming from distant locations and others representing time-travel tourism from Earth's future. This could also explain prophecies mentioned in the Bible.

The article highlights the remarkable capabilities of UFOs, including their ability to maneuver at incredible speeds (up to 70,000 km/h) and perform abrupt changes in direction and speed. Key characteristics reported are a strong pulsating light surrounding the object and the absence of sound, except for a faint 'whooshing' when very close. The author speculates that the pulsating light might be an artificial 'atmosphere' or force field that allows the craft to move without displacing air particles, thus enabling high speeds without sound. The possibility of utilizing Earth's magnetic field or more advanced methods for propulsion is also considered. The author suggests that the craft might be in a state of weightlessness within this force field to withstand extreme acceleration.

The article concludes by emphasizing that these ideas are speculative but necessary for advancing knowledge. It calls for gathering and analyzing such ideas to eventually have scientists test the most plausible theories.

UFO Reports from Denmark

The magazine includes a section titled "UFO Rapporter - DANMARK" which details specific UFO sightings reported to the SUFOI Rapportcentralen (Report Center). These reports are categorized using the SUFOI classification system:

• O.O. (Ordinær observation): Ordinary observation.
• C.E.-0: Close observation without specific characteristics, where the object's structure or form is clear enough to rule out conventional aircraft.
• C.E.-1: A flying object as in C.E.-0, seen within 150 meters or less.
• C.E.-2: A flying object as in C.E.-0 or C.E.-1, which also leaves traces such as landing marks, radiation, or damaged vegetation.
• C.E.-3: A flying object as in C.E.-0, C.E.-1, or C.E.-2, where a 'setting' (perhaps a landing or interaction) is observed nearby.
• C.E.-4: Cases where witnesses report that alien beings associated with an unidentified flying object have directly intervened in their lives.

Each report includes the date, time, location, duration, and a description of the sighting, often with witness accounts and estimations of object size, speed, and altitude. Notable reports include:

• 1965-1971, Vejle: Two large, luminous, orange-yellow spheres, about 10 meters in diameter, seen hovering silently.
• November 3, 1977, Bagsværd: A detector alert led to the observation of five dark objects under cloud cover.
• November 28, 1977, Madslunde: A low-flying, slow-moving object with diffuse lights, a blue light, and a red pulsating light was observed.
• November 30, 1977, Holbæk: An object described as needle-headed with diffuse lights moved slowly and then stopped.
• November 30, 1977, København Ø: An oval object with blinking lights and two white-yellow lights was observed hovering silently.
• November 30, 1977, Hillerød: A white-yellow object with two lights, one large and one smaller, moved rapidly through the air.
• January 4, 1978, Dianalund: A white-yellow object with two lights stopped, then moved slowly back and forth before disappearing.
• January 14, 1978, Skibby: An object with two yellow lights emitting downward beams performed a 'sightseeing' tour.

Scandi-Rapport (Scandinavian Report)

This section provides UFO news from neighboring Scandinavian countries:

• Steinkjer, Norway (August 3, 1977): A truck driver reported seeing three strong lights, possibly one object with three searchlights or three smaller objects, hovering slowly before accelerating like a jet.
• Norway (June 12, 1977): Multiple witnesses observed five luminous, spherical objects moving at high speed across the sky, maintaining formation for 10-15 minutes. Witnesses were certain they were UFOs, not meteors, due to their speed and sharp turns.
• Ottå, Sweden (August 6, 1977): A train conductor observed a blank metallic light moving upwards at a 50-degree angle, resembling two rockets joined tip-to-tip.

UFO-78 Event

An announcement for the UFO-78 event, scheduled for July 22-29 in Mellerupcenteret, Agerskov, is included. Information on accommodation and program details can be obtained from the Åbenrå UFO-gruppe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the establishment and goals of organized UFO research (FOTA), the exploration of theoretical explanations for UFO phenomena (propulsion, origin, nature of the beings), and the detailed reporting of specific UFO sightings from Denmark and Scandinavia. The editorial stance, as expressed in the call for contributions and the establishment of FOTA, is one of active investigation and a desire to move beyond mere speculation towards documented, serious research into what is considered a highly interesting phenomenon. There is a clear emphasis on gathering data, encouraging reader participation, and seeking scientific validation for theories. The magazine also highlights the challenges in gaining official recognition and scientific interest for UFO research.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 2-78, focuses on a variety of UFO-related phenomena, including witness accounts, scientific analysis, and interviews with prominent figures in the field. The magazine explores alleged UFO sightings, physical evidence, and theoretical discussions about extraterrestrial life and its potential impact on Earth.

Sightings and Incidents

Steinkjer, Norway (August 7, 1977)

Bjørg Holien reported observing a luminous object near Steinkjer. The object ascended rapidly to zenith, then descended slowly to 15 degrees altitude before disappearing. The witness described it as star-yellow, vibrating strongly, and silent. The observation lasted 15 minutes, leading to speculation it was not a rocket.

Svelvik, Norway (August 13, 1977)

A mysterious imprint was discovered in Svelvik. The witness, a 57-year-old specialist worker, found the circular mark on his lawn. The imprint was approximately 1 km outside Svelvik center. The witness had not heard or seen anything unusual the night before, suggesting the imprint was made between midnight and morning. Analysis of the site revealed no signs of magnetism. The height of the grass before being cut was estimated at 6 cm. The object that formed the imprint was estimated to weigh around 200 kg. Grass samples from the inner and outer circles, measuring 75 cm and 107 cm in diameter respectively, with ring widths of 3.5 cm, were sent for analysis and found to be normal. Leaf samples from a nearby tree were also taken. Four other witnesses reported seeing a bright, fast-moving light over Svelvik on Tuesday evening of the same week, between 11:00 PM and 11:30 PM, as they were entering the fjord by boat.

Finland: Fragment from a UFO (August 1964)

This section details a significant event in Finnish UFO research: a fragment from a UFO that allegedly fell into Kallavesi lake in August 1964. The witness, Raimo Blomqvist, provided extensive documentation, including photos, interviews, and analyses. The fragment was examined at two universities and four laboratories in Finland and Sweden. Over 100 photographs, interview tapes, and microscopic, X-ray, and personal assessments were collected. No natural objects or machines have been identified as the source of the fragment. Blomqvist described the event: while traveling by boat, he saw a bright light in the NE that grew stronger and moved towards him. The silent UFO hovered about 10 meters away, a few meters above the water, emitting a diffuse light and appearing multi-colored and oval. It vibrated and had a strange shape on its left side, as if it had collided with something. There was no reflection in the water, but the water beneath the object was rippled. The object was estimated to be 3-4 meters in diameter and a couple of meters high. After hovering for about 20 seconds, a small piece fell into the shallow water with a whistling sound, shining brightly like a welding flame. The UFO then ascended rapidly into the clouds. Blomqvist retrieved the piece, which was about 20 cm deep. In February 1975, he met UFO researchers in Turku, leading to the case's publication. The fragment was analyzed at Åbo Akademi University. Professor Edelman stated that such material could be found near active volcanoes but not elsewhere geologically. Professor Papunen confirmed it was not a meteorite, although its iron content was high. The fragment, 36 mm long, 6 mm thick, weighing 15 grams, and with a density of 4 kg/dm³, was magnetic but not radioactive. It consisted of 5 layers, with a bright metallic iron core and darker and lighter gray layers. Analysis of its composition revealed elements like Fe, O, Mn, Cu, Si, V, Ti, P, Na, Sn, Cr, W, K, Ca, Ta, Zr, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Pr, Pb, Sr, and Ba. The fragment was not of volcanic origin, not a meteorite, and not part of any known machine. It was likely exposed to high temperatures (around 650 degrees Celsius), causing the loss of sulfur and carbon, which hindered precise origin determination. Suomen Ufotutkijat ry. plans to continue studying the case.

Interview with Steven Spielberg

SUFOI interviewed Steven Spielberg in Copenhagen regarding his film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." Spielberg stated his interest in UFOs began in childhood and he believes in extraterrestrial life, considering it a mathematical impossibility otherwise. He has studied numerous reports but has never personally seen a UFO. He acknowledges the compelling evidence for UFOs, comparing it to historical legal cases. He has been oriented through leading journals and had access to Project Blue Book archives before declassification. Spielberg is aware of other UFO organizations like APRO and NICAP. He expresses skepticism towards claims of travel to Venus but respects Dr. Hynek's cautious approach. Spielberg believes his film has created a comfortable atmosphere for people to report UFO experiences, leading to an increase in reports, including older ones. He receives many UFO-related letters, which he forwards to Dr. Hynek. His goal with the film was to open people's eyes to the possibility of life in the universe and to encourage a positive attitude towards UFOs, viewing potential contact as a significant event in human history. He believes humanity is influenced by UFO presence, despite government secrecy.

Har Epidemier Deres Udspring I Verdensrummet? (Do Epidemics Originate in Outer Space?)

This article by Per Andersen discusses the theory that life on Earth may have originated from comet impacts. It posits that comets could have delivered viruses and bacteria, causing diseases in plants and animals. The article references the theory by Sir Fred Hoyle and Candra Wickramasinghe, suggesting that cometary impacts billions of years ago could have initiated terrestrial life. They also propose that later comet arrivals might bring biological or pre-biological material that could influence Earth's biology, potentially causing new infectious diseases. The article notes historical accounts of plagues and epidemics, such as the 1918-19 influenza pandemic, and questions how such widespread outbreaks could occur so rapidly, especially before modern travel. It suggests that the relatively short duration of major epidemics might be significant. The theory implies that extraterrestrial biological invasions might be ongoing, manifesting as new infections.

Ruinbyer På Mars? (Ruins on Mars?)

This section discusses a NASA photograph from the Mariner 9 mission showing mysterious rectangular formations near Mars's south pole, dubbed "Inca City." These structures, precisely set and resembling terrestrial ruins, have baffled scientists. Dr. Harold Masursky of the U.S. Geological Survey Center described them as geometrically precise, suggesting intelligent life or a unique geological formation, noting the 90-degree angles. NASA planned a "Mars rover mission" to investigate whether these formations are natural or artificial. Dr. Jim Cutts, part of the Viking project team, coined the term "Inca City" due to its resemblance to an ancient, eroded city with regular terraces. He noted that while other formations on Mars are more irregular, these are highly geometric. If life existed on Mars, it would likely be in polar regions where water is known to exist. A robotic vehicle is planned for a Mars landing in the mid-1980s to analyze soil samples and potentially solve the mystery of these formations, which are 4-5 km wide.

José Antônio da Silva's Utrolige Eventyr (José Antônio da Silva's Incredible Adventure) (Part 3)

This installment details the reconstruction of an alleged abduction event involving José Antônio da Silva in Bebedouro, Brazil. A team of six investigators, including members from CICOANI and military personnel, visited the site. The witness guided them through the reconstruction of his experience, including being taken into a machine. Photographs were taken. The investigation also involved questioning local inhabitants about any unidentified flying objects. One child reported observing an object resembling an umbrella moving at high altitude with no sound. The report mentions no traces or man-made objects found at the site. Personality information about the witness is provided: he is 24, unmarried, has eleven siblings, and a father who is still alive. He has completed elementary school and served as a soldier and orderly. He is described as reliable, proactive, and religious. The case is being jointly investigated by CICOANI and SBEDV.

Gordon Creighton - Flying Saucer Review

This section presents comments from Gordon Creighton regarding the da Silva case. Creighton highlights the similarity of the witness's description of a helmet to accounts from Felipe Martinez in Argentina, who reported being forced to wear a "space suit" and experiencing circulatory disturbances. He also notes similarities to another case (nr. 44 in "The Humanoids" by Charles Bowen) where a witness was paralyzed and taken on a journey towards Mars. Creighton points out that in the Argentinian case, the beings threatened to set fire to Earth if their existence was not believed. He also mentions a "light-haired being" over two meters tall with small lights on its arms, possibly part of an electronic communication system. Furthermore, Creighton references a 1967 FSR report about a UFO's high-speed directional change, similar to an incident in Salzburg, Austria, in 1951, where a witness was paralyzed and taken on a journey to Mars. The beings in that case reportedly intended to take the witness to Mars. The article also notes that beings with fish-like mouths have been described before, and that the "ufonauts' base" material appeared to be made of stone.

Nærkontakt... - En Anmeldelse (Close Encounters... - A Review)

This is a review of Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The reviewer notes that while other films like "Moonbase Alpha" and "Star Trek" deal with life in the universe, Spielberg's film is the first true UFO movie since the documentary "UFO" from the 1950s. The reviewer praises the film's cinematic qualities, recommending it for large theaters with good sound systems. The reviewer acknowledges that some UFO enthusiasts might find Spielberg's depiction of the mothership too fantastical but notes that the lighting effects on smaller craft resemble real UFO reports. The film's core message is that humanity should not fear contact with advanced extraterrestrials but should embrace it as a potentially significant event. Spielberg believes humanity is influenced by UFO presence, even if this is downplayed by authorities. The film's success in reaching millions is seen as a way to foster a more positive attitude towards the UFO phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include witness testimonies of UFO sightings and alleged encounters, scientific investigations into physical evidence (like the Finnish fragment), and theoretical discussions about the origins of life and potential extraterrestrial influences on Earth. The magazine also engages with popular culture through the review of Steven Spielberg's UFO film. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting evidence and theories while maintaining a degree of skepticism and encouraging further investigation, particularly through organizations like SUFOI and the work of researchers like Dr. Hynek.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 2-78
Date: January 1978 (based on issue identifier)
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into significant UFO-related events and research, with a primary focus on the 'Operation Mainbrace' NATO exercise of September 1952 and an interview with filmmaker Steven Spielberg.

Operation Mainbrace: A UFO Sighting and Photographic Evidence

The lead article details the 'Operation Mainbrace' NATO naval exercise in September 1952. It highlights the reporting of a UFO sighting and the subsequent capture of color photographs by Wallace Litwin, a photographer aboard the US aircraft carrier USS Franklin D. Roosevelt. The object, described as a white, spherical entity, was observed flying at high speed and at an altitude of approximately 5,000 meters over the Topcliffe airbase in the UK. The magazine emphasizes the efforts made by SUFOI to track down the photographer and obtain the images, which were eventually released after a lengthy examination by U.S. military authorities.

René Fouéré, president of GEPA, is quoted extensively, offering his perspective on the incident and the nature of UFO reporting. He expresses a critical stance towards sensationalist articles, yet defends the publication of the Mainbrace report due to its credible nature. Fouéré also discusses the possibility of an electro-luminescent mechanism behind the strange lights reported in some UFO cases.

Jacques Vallée's work on the 'invisible college/brotherhood' is also mentioned, linking the Bebedouro incident to the initiation rites of secret societies. This analysis suggests a symbolic interpretation of the event, moving beyond a purely literal understanding.

Franck Boitte's commentary on the Bebedouro case stresses the need for extreme caution and critical analysis, particularly when material evidence is lacking. He outlines criteria for evaluating such reports, emphasizing the importance of verification and the proportionality of evidence to the peculiarity of the phenomenon.

Analysis of the Bebedouro Incident

The magazine presents a detailed breakdown of the Bebedouro incident, as analyzed by Jacques Vallée. He outlines ten points that mirror the stages of initiation into a secret society, including blindfolding, navigating obstacles, entering a ritualistic chamber, and facing a 'master.' The significance of the stone construction and the inverted pyramid is also noted as a potentially esoteric detail.

Boitte's critical assessment of the Bebedouro case highlights several points of concern: the single witness, lack of physical evidence, ambiguous physical effects on the witness, and the seemingly contradictory behavior of the alleged 'extraterrestrials' (e.g., asking for firearms despite advanced technology). He invokes Laplace's principle, stating that the weight of evidence must be proportional to the strangeness of the phenomenon.

Steven Spielberg Interview: UFOs and Secrecy

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to an interview with filmmaker Steven Spielberg, discussing his approach to creating a UFO-themed film. Spielberg expresses his belief that UFOs are not a threat and that their presence is part of a long-term process of acclimatization for humanity. He asserts that UFO secrecy is actively maintained by governments, particularly the U.S. military.

Spielberg discusses his film's narrative, which leaves many questions unanswered to engage the viewer's imagination. He touches upon the possibility of extraterrestrial communication through music and tones, suggesting it could be a universal language. He also shares his views on the 'poltergeist phenomenon,' distinguishing it from UFO-related effects, and emphasizes the importance of scientific investigation, citing J. Allen Hynek's work.

He recounts how his film project was supported by authorities and mentions the role of Dr. Hynek as a mentor. Spielberg also discusses the perception of Hynek as a skeptic within the UFO community and elaborates on the idea of extraterrestrial influence as a means to foster global unity.

Other UFO Reports and Commentary

The issue also briefly mentions other UFO observations, including those from the NATO fleet exercise. The magazine notes that the Main-Brace incident is officially cataloged in U.S. archives as an unidentified case.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical analysis of UFO reports, the role of photographic evidence, the potential for government secrecy surrounding the phenomenon, and the psychological and symbolic interpretations of UFO encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation, encouraging a rational yet open-minded approach to the subject, while also acknowledging the more speculative and philosophical aspects of UFO research.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 2-78
Date: January 1978 (inferred from issue number)
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into the world of UFO phenomena through an in-depth interview, an astronomy report, and an announcement for a SUFOI meeting. The magazine also promotes a new book analyzing Danish UFO reports.

Interview with Filmmaker S. SP.

The central piece of this issue is an extensive interview with filmmaker S. SP., who discusses his approach to creating UFO-themed films. He emphasizes his love for fantasy and imagination, stating that his job is to fantasize rather than to present reality as fact. He finds the UFO subject compelling due to its many loose ends.

S. SP. discusses the ending of his film, which offers a hope for future communication with extraterrestrials. He believes humanity could handle such a contact, describing it as a potential 'eighth or ninth wonder of the world,' but anticipates that humans might react with greed, seeking solutions for earthly problems rather than engaging in genuine understanding.

He touches upon the concept of government and military secrecy regarding UFOs, suggesting that authorities control the level of public interest, increasing it during periods of few sightings and decreasing it during UFO waves. He views this as a form of 'earthly diplomacy' to avoid a societal shock.

Regarding the depiction of aliens in his film, S. SP. explains that while he could have imagined more fantastical beings, he aimed to present a truth already known to many: that the visitors are not a physically superior race but rather small beings. He cites common descriptions of aliens being around 1.20 meters tall, with large heads and eyes, a slit mouth, no ears, and no hair, often wearing a jumpsuit. He notes similarities to descriptions from the Betty & Barney Hill case and the Schirmer case, and mentions the Hopkinsville case. He wanted his aliens to be messengers, not comedic figures.

S. SP. acknowledges that some viewers might find his film's ending too abrupt or wish for a more direct contact. He defends his choice of cooler colors (white and blue lights) in the spaceship scenes, explaining that he wanted to maintain a sense of mystery and distance, and that the warm music provided the emotional warmth.

He expresses a desire for other filmmakers to create serious UFO films rather than exploiting the genre for commercial gain, referencing the negative impact of poorly made films after the success of 'Dødens Gab'. He rates his own film at about 68% satisfaction.

He also mentions that Columbia-Fox, the film's Danish representative, is collaborating with UFO organizations, partly at the suggestion of Dr. Hynek, to gather more information and engage with the UFO community.

When asked about the possibility of contact within his lifetime, S. SP. expresses hope but also concern about whether such contact would be kept secret. He believes that smaller, less conspicuous contacts may have already occurred.

SUFOI Activities and Publications

The magazine highlights SUFOI's collaboration with Columbia-Fox, the Danish representative for the film. Together, they have created a film folder that includes a UFO report form, intended to encourage more people to submit their UFO sightings. This initiative aims to gather more UFO reports from the public.

An announcement is made for a SUFOI membership meeting in Fredericia on Friday, May 19th, at 7:30 PM at Kobæks Cafeteria. The meeting will feature SUFOI's chairman, Flemming Ahrenkiel, and will include a presentation of 'exciting new slides.' The event is open to all, including those from Fyn who may have missed a previous meeting due to winter weather.

Furthermore, the issue promotes a new SUFOI extra book titled 'TIDSLOVEN' (The Time Law). This book is presented as the first systematic, scientifically based analysis of Danish UFO reports, investigating the distribution of observations throughout the hours of the day and exploring whether it confirms a 'time law.' The 48-page A-5 format book is described as beautifully printed and illustrated, with an English summary, making it suitable as a gift for international friends. It is available for members at 15 Danish Kroner and for non-members at 20 Kroner, ordered via giro to Skandinavisk UFO Information.

Astronomy Report

A section titled 'Planeternes op- og nedgange 1. maj 1978' (Planetary risings and settings May 1, 1978) provides astronomical data for Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, including their rising and setting times, constellation, and time of southing.

It notes that Mercury, the innermost planet, is usually close to the Sun and difficult to see. On May 9th, it will be furthest west of the Sun and rise 15 minutes before it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, alien encounters, and the scientific or investigative aspects of these topics. There is a clear interest in promoting discussion and information sharing within the UFO community, as evidenced by the SUFOI meeting announcement and the promotion of the 'TIDSLOVEN' book. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, while also acknowledging the need for serious, scientific approaches, as exemplified by the promotion of Dr. Hynek's work and the book's analytical nature. The interview with S. SP. highlights a balance between acknowledging the fantastical elements of UFO lore and seeking a grounded, albeit speculative, understanding of the phenomenon.