UFO Nyt - No 4 juli-aug 1978

Magazine Overview

Title: ufo nyt
Issue: 4
Volume: 20.
Date: July/August 1978
Publisher: SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

Editorial Stance and Content

This issue of "ufo nyt" delves into the critical analysis and identification of UFO reports, emphasizing a scientific approach and debunking common misconceptions. The magazine's editorial stance, as articulated by Ole J. Knudsen, is to move away from a belief-driven approach towards one grounded in scientific methodology and evidence.

SUFOI's Mission and Methodology

The issue begins by outlining the purpose of SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information), an organization dedicated to collecting, processing, and disseminating information about UFO phenomena. SUFOI considers UFO reports as a valuable basis for scientific research but remains neutral on specific theories, defining a UFO as an unidentified flying object that cannot be explained by known natural phenomena after thorough investigation. The organization is led by a representative council and an executive committee. The "ufo nyt" publication itself states that articles represent contributions to understanding UFO research but do not necessarily reflect SUFOI's official views.

The Role of the Alarmcentral

Ole J. Knudsen, head of the Alarmcentral, discusses the process of handling UFO reports. He highlights the common tendency for people to misinterpret natural phenomena, such as stars and planets, as UFOs, often due to a lack of basic astronomical knowledge. Knudsen emphasizes the importance of careful questioning to gather accurate data, noting that many reports are made when the weather is clear and the object is distant, often leading to misidentification of lights as 'night lights' or 'starlight'. He describes the procedure of receiving calls, gathering details like time, direction, and appearance, and then attempting to identify the phenomenon. The goal is to provide explanations, which often leads to relief for the observer, though some may feel dismissed.

Debunking Common Sightings

Knudsen explains that many reported objects are identified as stars, planets, or meteors, which exhibit predictable movements. He notes that the public's knowledge of celestial phenomena is often limited. He also addresses the common confusion between actual UFOs and aircraft, detailing the types of lights aircraft typically display. The process of identifying a phenomenon often involves contacting aviation authorities like the Flyvetaktisk Kommando or Luftkontrol-tjenesten. Knudsen states that most reports (about 9 out of 10) are eventually identified, and only a handful remain unexplained.

The Arica Incident

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the "Arica Incident" in Chile, which occurred on April 25, 1977. The report, based on accounts from a Chilean military patrol near Putre, describes the encounter with two large, violet, silent lights with red spots. One of the lights reportedly moved towards the soldiers, causing them to shield their campfire. Corporal Armando Valdés then went to investigate and, after shouting at the object, disappeared for a short period, reappearing later feeling disoriented. The incident is presented as a case that initially defied easy explanation, though the magazine's overall tone suggests a critical examination of such reports.

UFOs vs. Satellites

Another key theme is the frequent misidentification of satellites as UFOs. An article titled "Ikke >>tallerkener<< - men satellitter" (Not 'Saucers' - but Satellites) details a series of reports from Aarhus, Denmark, describing a luminous object seen on April 7, 1978. After public appeals for witnesses, SUFOI concluded that the object was most likely a satellite, possibly even the Skylab space station, or the planet Venus. The article explains that satellites, while moving, can appear stationary or follow unusual paths to an untrained observer, and their short observation times and brightness can be mistaken for something more extraordinary.

The Evolution of SUFOI

The magazine reflects on the historical evolution of SUFOI, moving away from a belief in extraterrestrial spacecraft towards a more scientific and evidence-based approach. The article "Historisk set er SUFOI ved at udvikle sig væk fra at være en forening af »frelste«..." highlights the shift from trying to prove the existence of UFOs to employing scientific methods for investigation. The magazine calls for new members to join the Alarmkæden, emphasizing the need for individuals with practical grounding, knowledge of natural phenomena, and a willingness to dedicate time to observation, even if it means being woken up for potential satellite sightings.

Book Promotion

An advertisement promotes "Tidsloven" (The Time Law), a book by Per Andersen, described as a comprehensive statistical analysis of Danish UFO reports from 1975, offering an English summary for international readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical analysis of UFO reports, the importance of scientific methodology (specifically mentioning Occam's Razor), the frequent misidentification of natural phenomena and human-made objects (like satellites and aircraft) as UFOs, and the evolution of SUFOI towards a more skeptical and evidence-based approach. The editorial stance is clearly one of rational investigation, aiming to demystify UFO sightings by providing logical explanations, even if it means disappointing those who hold strong beliefs in extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine encourages a grounded, scientific perspective on the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 4-78, focuses on a variety of UFO-related phenomena, including a detailed report on a mysterious incident in Chile involving a corporal, photographic evidence from Japan, and numerous UFO sightings from Denmark.

The Corporal's Mystery and Beard

The issue begins with a detailed account of an incident involving Corporal Valdés and his patrol in Chile. During a night patrol near a secret military base at Pampa Lluscoma, close to the Bolivian border, the patrol encountered a strange oval object approximately 500 meters away, bathing a large area in clear violet light. The object had two small red discs at each end that rotated. The corporal, Valdés, had shaved shortly before the patrol, as confirmed by his men and superiors. However, after an apparent blackout, he found he had a beard equivalent to five days' growth, which was unusual given the altitude of the Andes mountains. His wristwatch had also stopped at 04:30, the time of the incident, and the date indicator showed April 30th instead of April 25th, indicating it had jumped forward five days.

Professor Pedro Araneda, who had extensive knowledge of UFO cases, interviewed Valdés and his men. The governor of Arica province, Colonel Oscar Figuerora, attempted to suppress the story by forbidding local newspapers from publishing anything without his office's approval and confiscating Araneda's tapes. However, the story quickly reached the press, with La Estrella in Arica being forced to withhold its report. A spokesperson for the Chilean Ministry of Defense stated the incident was being thoroughly investigated, and the story became a sensation across Chile and Argentina, with attempts to downplay it failing.

The Message

According to the soldiers, when Corporal Valdés suddenly reappeared among them, he struggled to speak, uttering the words: "You don't know who we are or where we come from... we will return soon." Valdés later expressed his eagerness for a thorough investigation, stating that while his account might sound like madness, his soldiers were witnesses, and he was willing to undergo hypnosis to clarify the events of the missing fifteen minutes.

International Reactions and Warnings

In April, the Argentine press reported that a Chilean UFO research group in Temuco had warned Valdés against using hypnosis to investigate his experience, citing the case of Dionisio Llanca, an Argentine truck driver who allegedly became completely insane after being hypnotized following a close encounter.

National Enquirer Report

The American publication "National Enquirer" obtained special permission to investigate the incident. Their report details that the event began around 03:50 on April 25th. The soldiers were shocked by the oval object, about 70 meters in circumference, which illuminated the area with violet light. Soldier Raul Vasquez stated that the object was "definitely not from this planet" and that the corporal approached it, returning shaken and laughing with a strange voice, saying, "You don't know who we are, or where we come from, but we'll be back soon." Soldier Ivan Robles confirmed the corporal was missing for 15 minutes and returned with a five-day beard, appearing disoriented. The object disappeared between 06:30 and 06:45. Valdés then rode to the village of Putre to report to Pedro Araneda, who had previously been a lecturer at the University of Chile. Araneda was surprised by Valdés's appearance and took photographs and recorded interviews. He believed the soldiers' accounts were genuine due to their consistent and shocked demeanor.

Colonel Rene Escquriza, assistant to President Pinochet, confirmed that the men were under arrest and undergoing medical and psychiatric tests. Doctors recommended waiting for the test results before proceeding with hypnosis. Journalist Luis Maturana of La Estrella noted that Corporal Valdés seemed normal but under great stress, still claiming to see the light from the UFO. He also recounted an incident where the corporal went out into the dark and suddenly reappeared behind the soldiers without them hearing him approach.

Juan Faundez of a Chilean UFO investigation organization found the case remarkable due to the change in the corporal's appearance, suggesting it was the first time he believed UFOs were extraterrestrial visitors. He theorized that the watch's five-day advance might indicate the craft had a faster time zone.

Charles R. McQuiston analyzed the interviews using a Psychological Stress Evaluator (PSE), a lie detector that has been used as evidence in 14 states. McQuiston concluded that Valdés and his soldiers were telling the truth and genuinely believed the event had occurred.

Photos from Japan

The magazine features photographs taken by 12-year-old school pupil Hirohito Tanaka in Nagoya, Japan, on September 3, 1975. Tanaka observed a large cigar-shaped craft moving slowly high in the sky, accompanied by smaller dark objects. He noted that some of these smaller objects emerged from the larger craft and flew independently. One small object made a dive, appearing circular, shiny, and with a small dome. The play continued until they disappeared. Tanaka took a total of 7 photos, which SUFOI received from Wendelle C. Stevens, the photo archivist for the American UFO organization APRO.

UFO Reports Denmark

The issue includes a section on UFO reports from Denmark, categorized using the SUFOI classification system, which is based on the book "U.F.O. Close Encounters" from US/UFO Research Lab. Inc. The classifications range from C.E.0 (ordinary observation) to C.E.4 (cases involving clear intervention by extraterrestrial beings).

Several reports are detailed:

• March 9, 1978, Brabrand: A needle-head sized object with white light and a yellow corona was observed for about 1.5 minutes, then followed for another 1.5 minutes.
• March 22, 1978, Brøderup: A phenomenon resembling a flare that quickly extinguished was observed.
• April 5, 1978, Tårs: Two parallel lights with a pulsing sound, moving south-north, were observed for 3 seconds. The observer, experienced with celestial phenomena, described the sound as similar to a pigeon's wings but faster.
• April 5, 1978, Nr. Aaby: A luminous object was observed moving in a northwesterly direction, then stopped and faded away.
• April 22, 1978, Storebælt: A "mother" object, described as round and orange, released two smaller objects that descended towards the ground before the main object blinked and disappeared.
• May 9, 1978, Valby: Three train mechanics observed a yellowish, luminous object that performed unusual maneuvers, including a curve and zig-zag patterns, and then disappeared.
• May 10, 1978, Aarhus: A bright light was observed ascending from the horizon, becoming dimmer and changing color. It was described as resembling a rocket but ascending higher. A smaller, less luminous object was released from it, which moved towards the ground and disappeared. The main object then released another similar object before blinking and disappearing.

The magazine also provides "Huskeregler" (Remembering Rules) for reporting UFO phenomena, advising observers to note astronomical events, satellites, meteors, and aircraft, and to report any unexplained sightings immediately to the alarm center.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the analysis of witness testimonies, and the presentation of photographic and observational evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO reports, aiming to clarify observations and distinguish them from conventional explanations, while also acknowledging the more perplexing and potentially extraterrestrial aspects of some cases. The magazine actively encourages reporting and provides guidelines for doing so. There is also an emphasis on international cases, as seen with the Chilean and Japanese reports.

Title: Scandi-rapport
Issue: 4-78
Volume: 1977
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of Scandi-rapport, published by SUFOI, focuses on UFO phenomena in Scandinavia, with a significant portion dedicated to reports from Norway. It includes detailed accounts of sightings, landings, and investigations, as well as a comprehensive index of articles from UFO-NYT 1977.

Norway: Ulsteinvik Sighting

On Sunday evening, October 23, 1977, Jan Kåre Brandal and three other witnesses in Ulsteinvik observed an intensely bright, silent object hovering low over the fjord. The object was described as faintly elliptical with a dark center and two sharp, intense lights on each side. It remained stationary until a passenger plane passed overhead, at which point it accelerated straight up and disappeared. The witnesses noted that the object was approximately 30-40 meters in diameter. The event was covered by local newspapers, including Sunnmørsposten.

Norway: Åsbygda Landing

On Tuesday, October 25, 1977, two 14-year-old boys, Johnny Myhr and Frank Sverre Mandt, witnessed a UFO land in a field near Alm school in Åsbygda. The object, described as green and having vents with a possible figure visible inside, landed slowly and then took off after about 10 seconds. The boys fled to the school, and the craft then disappeared over the hillside. The next day, three distinct imprints, measuring 6.60 meters apart and 10-15 cm deep, were found in the field. An employee at Alm school also reported seeing a similar object around the same time.

Later that week, NUFOC, represented by Dag Heim, investigated the site. Soil samples were taken, and a Geiger counter used by the military at Helgelandsmoen showed no unusual readings. Kjell Christensen of NUFOC compared the pH values of the soil within the imprints to the surrounding soil, finding a significant difference that suggested an unusual event.

Further reports from Åsbygda include sightings on Saturday evening, November 5, by Willy Ruud and Steinar Dalbu, who described four mysterious objects in formation. Øyvind Torp reported seeing a bright light moving rapidly along the hillside on the same Tuesday evening as the landing.

Other Norwegian Sightings and Investigations

Reports from Glåmdalen newspaper mention UFO sightings in Grue and the Oslo area. Thorstein Nesseter described a long, round, luminous object hovering over a road in Grue. Two women from Brandval also reported seeing a green object moving east to west on the highway.

The magazine also notes that the Norwegian military (Forsvarets Overkommando) reported observing a yellow light over Gardermoen Flystasjon on October 27, which they considered confirmation of activity over Åsbygda.

The Jorma Viita Case

The issue delves into the controversial Jorma Viita UFO photography case from Odense, Denmark. A reader inquired about the case, and the magazine addresses a critical response from H. C. Petersen of UFO-Kontakt, who claimed SUFOI had ignored the case. The article details SUFOI's initial investigation in 1974, including receiving and attempting to analyze three black-and-white negatives. Due to technical issues and the return of the original negatives to Viita, SUFOI was unable to continue direct investigation. The case later developed into reports of landed craft and contact with occupants, with H. C. Petersen publishing extensive material on the subject.

UFO-NYT 1977 Index

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a comprehensive alphabetical index of all articles published in UFO-NYT during 1977. This index lists topics, names, and the corresponding page numbers, serving as a valuable research tool for readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings and investigations, emphasizing the need for systematic research and data collection. There is a clear focus on Scandinavian UFO activity, with detailed case studies from Norway and Denmark. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and investigative findings while also acknowledging controversies and differing interpretations, as seen in the Jorma Viita case. The magazine also promotes its own work and encourages reader participation and subscriptions to support UFO research.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 4-78
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Date: Not specified, but issue number suggests 1978.

This issue of UFO-NYT features a range of articles on UFO phenomena, space exploration, and related theories. It includes a detailed examination of the controversial Jorma Viita UFO photographs, updates on technological developments in UFO detection and space travel, and speculative pieces on the origins of UFOs and humanity.

The Jorma Viita Case: Svindel or Sensation?

The central piece of this issue revisits the case of Jorma Viita, a photographer whose images of alleged UFOs gained international attention, including publication in "Playboy." The article details investigations by H. C. Petersen and William H. Spaulding of Ground Saucer Watch in Arizona. Using a new computer analysis technique (EDB), both investigators concluded that Viita's photographs were fraudulent. Petersen's initial conclusion was that the photos were fake, and Spaulding's analysis of two of Viita's prints corroborated this. The article notes that Viita was subsequently labeled a fraud in the press. SUFOI, the publisher of UFO-NYT, also expresses skepticism about Viita's accounts and photographs, finding it peculiar that so many photos were taken in a densely populated area without other witnesses.

The article highlights how Viita's photos were used by companies like "Educational Materials, Inc." in California and featured in "Playboy's" January 1978 issue, increasing their global exposure but also, according to the author, decreasing the credibility of the UFO subject.

FOTA & Orientering: Developing a UFO Detector

This section focuses on the work of FOTA (presumably an organization) in developing a detector for UFO-related phenomena. The primary focus is on an electronic component designed to be the core of other projects, such as a warning chain and tracking stations. The article outlines the requirements for a series-produced detector, emphasizing the need to register changes in the magnetic field, which are often reported in UFO encounters (affecting compasses, instruments, motors, etc.).

• Key requirements for the detector include:
• Reasonable sensitivity.
• Ability to register low-frequency changes.
• Low power consumption for battery operation.
• Damping of unwanted signals.
• Counteracting false alarms.
• Temperature stability.
• Audio-visual alarm.
• Connection to external relay control.
• Connection to a printer or other recording device.
• Battery/mains operation.
• No specific North-South orientation requirement.
• Handy and portable.
• Robust construction.
• Waterproof.
• Standard type battery or accumulator.
• Affordable price.

The article discusses the challenges of detecting weak field changes amidst numerous environmental sources of electromagnetic interference (e.g., refrigerators, radios, TVs). It acknowledges the trade-off between high sensitivity (leading to false alarms) and lower sensitivity with reduced range. The development aims to find a balance, with a focus on reducing power consumption for the current prototype.

Blade af en ufologs dagbog 1. (From a Ufologist's Diary 1.) by Bent Aalberg

This personal account describes an observation of a blinking light in the South Zealand region of Denmark. The author and his son investigated a light seen in a field. Initially, it appeared as a small, lynx-like object jumping up from the ground, changing colors between blue and reddish hues. After a search, the object was identified as a fluorescent tube leaning against an electric fence, near a fence post with a porcelain insulator.

Teorier og Tanker (Theories and Thoughts) - Reader Contributions

This section features reader submissions offering various perspectives on UFOs.

Contribution 1 (Author not explicitly named, but likely B.Aa. based on signature): This piece discusses the difficulty in defining UFOs, suggesting some might be ball lightning or light reflections. However, others, like a case where a woman observed an object in her garden, suggest a more advanced origin, possibly a spaceship from another planet. The author speculates that intelligent life might exist on planets in other solar systems, with different appearances and physical characteristics due to varying gravitational forces and atmospheric conditions. The idea of UFOs being probes sent by larger UFOs to gather data is also mentioned, with the larger craft descending only when further investigation is needed.

Contribution 2 by Jesper Bärentzen Jensen: Jensen notes that UFO sightings are more frequent in certain areas of Denmark (Nordsjælland, Copenhagen, West Zealand, and Fyn) compared to Jutland. He speculates this could be due to more observers in those areas or a higher concentration of UFO activity. He believes that UFOs are not primarily interested in humans but in human settlements, infrastructure, and possibly plant and animal life, which they might study in more remote locations.

Contribution 3 by Per Moliin: Moliin proposes a radical theory: that Earth was once the only inhabited planet, and humanity evolved to a higher level before a catastrophe forced an evacuation, possibly to Mars. He suggests that current UFOs might be visitors from this ancient human civilization, who have adapted to different atmospheric conditions over millennia. This theory posits that UFOs are essentially distant ancestors visiting Earth.

Teorier og mulighederne er uendelige (Theories and Possibilities are Endless)

This article by Per Moliin delves into speculative theories about UFOs and humanity's origins. He discusses the discovery of unusual treated metal objects and strange artifacts found on Earth and in France, suggesting a non-terrestrial origin. Moliin posits that humanity's ancestors might have originated on Earth, achieved a high level of cultural and intellectual development, and then, due to a natural catastrophe, evacuated the planet. He suggests they may have settled on Mars, leading to the ruins found there, and later moved on when Mars became uninhabitable. According to this theory, the beings in UFOs could be descendants of these ancient humans, who are now returning to visit their ancestral home. He also touches upon the idea of genetic manipulation by these beings.

Derfor alle disse UFO-observationer (Why All These UFO Observations)

This piece by an unnamed author explores the philosophical and scientific questions surrounding the universe and life. It questions the origin of God and the origin of the universe itself, highlighting that scientific and religious explanations often start with a premise (God exists, mass exists) without explaining the ultimate source. The author emphasizes the role of human imagination in understanding these concepts and suggests that given the existence of countless planets, stars, and solar systems, it is illogical not to believe in extraterrestrial life.

Rumfarts-notitser (Spaceflight News) by Ole J. Knudsen

This section provides brief updates on spaceflight:

1. Rumfærge Opsendelse Udskudt (Space Shuttle Launch Postponed): The launch of NASA's Space Shuttle Orbiter 102 (unnamed) was postponed from March 31, 1979, to June 13, 1979, due to difficulties with its three main engines. A 14-day charter tour from London, arranged by the British Interplanetary Society, will offer a chance to witness the launch.

2. OTS På Plads (OTS in Place): The first European communications satellite, OTS-2 (Orbital Test Satellite), has been successfully placed in orbit. The first OTS-A satellite was destroyed when its Thor-Delta launch vehicle exploded on September 13, 1977. ESA built a replacement, OTS-2, which was launched on May 11 and positioned in geostationary orbit over the equator (10° East longitude) on May 21. Geostationary orbit means the satellite orbits Earth at an altitude of 35,900 kilometers, completing one orbit in 24 hours, thus appearing stationary over a fixed point on Earth. OTS-2 is designed to test communication systems and will eventually support TV broadcasts, telephone, and telex services, with a capacity of 6000 simultaneous telephone calls. It is a precursor to the ECS system, planned for around 1990.

Russisk Rumfærge På Vej?! (Russian Space Shuttle On Its Way?!)

This article discusses the secretive nature of Russian space projects and provides information on their developing space shuttle, codenamed "Kosmolyot." Based on fragmented information from official statements and personal accounts, the article suggests that the years 1977-1979 are significant for space exploration due to the shift from disposable rockets to reusable spacecraft. The Russian shuttle is described as a two-stage system: a large, hypersonic carrier aircraft and a smaller orbital module that attaches to it. The launch is planned to be horizontal, similar to conventional aircraft. The carrier aircraft would release the upper stage at an altitude of approximately 30 km at a speed of 2.2 km/sec (8000 km/h), after which the carrier would return to Earth. The orbital module would then proceed to orbit.

A major challenge for the Kosmolyot is the thermal protection of the orbital module during atmospheric re-entry. New methods and temperature-resistant materials are being developed for this purpose. The re-entry of the orbital module is expected to take up to an hour, significantly longer than the carrier aircraft's descent. The article mentions that the Russian cosmonaut corps chief, W. Schatalow, stated that new methods for thermal protection and temperature-resistant materials would be used. He also indicated that the shuttle would employ both aerodynamic and reaction control systems for maneuvering in space.

Cosmonaut Pawel Popowitsch confirmed in a January 1977 interview that the Soviet Union was working on a space shuttle project, viewing it as economically vital. He noted that while reusable shuttles were initially thought to be ten times more economical than rockets, closer analysis showed them to be only 2-3 times cheaper, but still economically significant. Discussions were ongoing regarding the optimal configuration, with a consensus emerging for a two or three-stage design. Popowitsch confirmed the two-stage concept for Kosmolyot, with one part returning to Earth and the other entering orbit, but acknowledged that not all problems had been solved.

Further information from an Italian publication, "Air Press," suggests the Russians are developing two types of space shuttles: one for vertical launch like NASA's Space Shuttle, and the Kosmolyot for horizontal launch from a runway. Recent rumors point to developments in Aviation Week.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind

This section features a comic strip or illustration inspired by the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," created by Henrik Einspor. Einspor mentions his interest in UFOs and his work on a fanzine called "NO LIMIT."

UFO dokumenteret (UFO Documented)

A brief mention of Dr. J. Allen Hynek's book "UFO and Science," available through SUFOI for 22.60 DKK.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, investigations, and theories, often presenting skeptical viewpoints alongside more speculative ones. There is a clear interest in scientific analysis and technological developments related to UFO phenomena, as seen in the FOTA article and the discussion of new analysis techniques for photographs. The publication also covers broader space exploration news, linking it to the potential for extraterrestrial contact and the origins of humanity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and encouraging reader participation through letters and contributions.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 4-78
Date: March 20, 1978
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT covers a range of topics related to space exploration, ufology, and alternative history.

Space Exploration News

Russian Space Shuttle Reports suggest that Russia has begun drop-tests for a space shuttle, codenamed "Kosmolyot," similar to the American "Enterprise." While details are scarce, the development is being closely watched, with hopes that American reconnaissance satellites might provide better imagery of Russian launch sites.

Chinese Space Program Fang Wi, China's Minister of Science and Technology, announced plans for manned spaceflights within the next eight years. China has already launched eight satellites and successfully recovered probes or parts of them. The country aims to develop its own space laboratories, surveillance, and communication satellites.

Saljut 6 Mission Cosmonauts Vladimir Kavaljonok and A. Ivantjenko launched on Soyuz 29 on June 15th to rendezvous with the Saljut 6 space station. This mission is expected to be longer than the previous experimental period, with potential visits from other cosmonauts and resupply missions from Progress spacecraft.

Skylab's Fate The article "Falder Skylab ned?" (Will Skylab fall down?) discusses the impending re-entry of the Skylab space station into Earth's atmosphere, predicted for April 1979. Due to increased solar activity, the upper atmosphere has expanded, increasing drag and accelerating Skylab's descent from its 300 km orbit. NASA is exploring options to either boost Skylab into a safer orbit or control its descent to minimize damage.

Book Reviews

"Mystikkens Verden" by Poul Fersling This review praises Poul Fersling's "Håndbog om parapsykologi og magi" (Handbook on Parapsychology and Magic) for its comprehensive coverage of topics such as parapsychology, hypnosis, spiritualism, and occult sciences. The reviewer notes that Fersling maintains an ironic distance from the subjects, incorporating scientific knowledge where possible and acknowledging when investigations are lacking. The book includes a section on UFOs, referencing famous cases like Kenneth Arnold's sighting, the Socorro observation (misplaced in Mexico by the author), the Hill case, and encounters involving Adamski and Joe Simonton. While the reviewer finds the UFO section somewhat biased and potentially misleading to the general reader, they acknowledge the book's overall value as an informative resource.

"Däniken i søgelyset" by Willy Wegner This review examines Willy Wegner's book, which critically analyzes five of Erich von Däniken's astroarchaeology hypotheses. Wegner scrutinizes claims related to the Chichén Itza cenote, the Palenque sarcophagus lid, Nazca lines, a Yakuzia skull, and the Baalbek terrace. The review focuses on the Palenque sarcophagus lid, presenting von Däniken's interpretation of it as an astronaut in a rocket, and contrasting it with interpretations by scholars like Charles H. Long and archaeologist Alberto Ruz Lhuillier, who view the relief within Mayan religious and cultural contexts. Wegner's book is commended for its thorough research and clear presentation, aiming to provide a more grounded perspective on astroarchaeology.

SUFOI Congress 1978

An announcement for the SUFOI Congress 1978, to be held on Sunday, October 15, 1978, at Lyngby Storcenter near Copenhagen. The congress will feature lectures by SUFOI officials, presentations of UFO photos, and UFO films. The event aims to provide a platform for UFO enthusiasts to discuss the phenomenon and its implications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics related to space exploration, both official and speculative. There is a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on debunking or critically examining popular theories, such as those proposed by Erich von Däniken. The publication aims to provide factual information and encourage critical thinking among its readers, while also serving as a platform for discussion and information sharing within the UFO community, as evidenced by the announcement of the SUFOI Congress.