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UFO Nyt - No 5 sep-okt 1979

Summary & Cover 1979

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Overview

This issue of UFO-NYT is the 5th issue of the 21st volume, dated September/October 1979. It is published by SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION (SUFOI), a Scandinavian UFO information organization. The cover features a striking graphic with the title prominently displayed. The issue…

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-NYT is the 5th issue of the 21st volume, dated September/October 1979. It is published by SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION (SUFOI), a Scandinavian UFO information organization. The cover features a striking graphic with the title prominently displayed. The issue includes a joint subscription offer with another magazine, 'DET UKENDTE'.

SUFOI and its Mission

The magazine begins by outlining the purpose of SUFOI, which is to contribute to understanding UFO phenomena through data collection, processing of reports, publications, and public outreach. SUFOI views the numerous UFO reports as a significant scientific research basis, and does not promote or dismiss any specific theory about their nature or origin. They define 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.

Joint Subscription Offer: 'DET UKENDTE'

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a special offer for UFO-NYT readers: a joint subscription with the magazine 'DET UKENDTE'. This offer aims to satisfy reader interest in a broader range of 'borderline sciences' beyond UFOs, including parapsychology, pyramid theories, and other mysterious phenomena. 'DET UKENDTE' is described as a 48-page magazine with a larger format than UFO-NYT, featuring numerous images and articles on topics such as pyramid power, Tantra, ancient mysteries, and historical enigmas. The joint subscription for both magazines in 1980 is priced at 125 DKK, offering a substantial saving. The magazines are coordinated to be delivered monthly, with 'DET UKENDTE' arriving on the 15th of even months and UFO-NYT on the 15th of odd months.

Feature Article: The 'Men in Black' Case

The main feature article, titled "En »mænd i sort«-sag undersøges - og vindes!" (A 'Men in Black' Case is Investigated - and Won!), by Allan Hendry, details a complex UFO encounter and its aftermath. The case involves Ray and Cathy Thomas, who reported seeing what they believed to be a UFO land near a highway in Nevada. The object was described as disc-shaped, made of mat aluminium, with blank blue landing gear and 60 cm high letters on its dome, possibly 'TLK' or 'TLE'. It emitted a pulsating sound and illuminated the ground beneath it.

The Encounter and its Effects

Ray Thomas approached the object, experiencing a strange tingling sensation on exposed skin. His dog, Duke, a German Shepherd, became distressed, covering its ears and hiding. Both the Thomases' watches malfunctioned, with digital displays showing incorrect dates. The object reportedly remained on the ground for 15-20 minutes before ascending and disappearing.

Investigation and 'Men in Black'

Following the encounter, Ray Thomas contacted a local radio station and Nellis Air Force Base. The radio station confirmed the call, but the Air Force base's response is not detailed in this section. The dog, Duke, later died after a period of lethargy, which the Thomases suspected was due to radiation from the UFO. A veterinarian was reluctant to conduct an autopsy due to fear of repercussions.

The 'Men in Black' Intervention

The situation escalated when two men, claiming to be from the Air Force and identified as Major Painter and his associate, visited the Thomases. They presented documents for signature, ostensibly to allow the Air Force to retrieve the dog's body. The Thomases were pressured and threatened, with the men implying that the matter was related to 'national security'. The Thomases' accounts of these events, and their interactions with the authorities and the 'Men in Black', became increasingly contradictory, raising suspicions of fabrication or a cover-up.

Dr. Hynek's Involvement

Dr. J. Allan Hynek, a prominent figure in UFO research, became involved in investigating the case. He interviewed the Thomases and visited the alleged landing site, collecting photographic evidence. However, the inconsistencies in the Thomases' stories, particularly regarding the dog's death and their interactions with the 'Men in Black', led Hynek to question the veracity of their claims. The article highlights the difficulty in obtaining official confirmation and the potential for misdirection or deliberate deception in such cases.

Potential Explanations and Theories

Several theories are explored, including the possibility that the object was a secret experimental aircraft from Nellis Air Force Base or the nearby nuclear testing range. The effects on the dog and the tingling sensation on the Thomases are tentatively linked to ultrasonic effects. The malfunctioning watches are attributed to strong electromagnetic fields, a known phenomenon.

Other Articles and Sections

Table of Contents

The issue includes a table of contents listing various articles such as "En 'mænd i sort'-sag" (The 'Men in Black' Case), "Forsvarstale for ufologi" (Defense Speech for Ufology), "UFO-rapporter, Danmark" (UFO Reports, Denmark), "Opklaring med forhindringer" (Clarification with Obstacles), "Breve fra læserne" (Letters from Readers), and articles on the French Air Force and UFOs, space travel news, and Jupiter.

New Type of Aircraft

A short article titled "Ny type luftfartøj" (New Type of Aircraft) describes a new observation platform developed by the German company Dornier. This platform, resembling a flying saucer, is designed for military use and can be remotely controlled, equipped with a TV camera for surveillance.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and data collection. SUFOI's stance is to remain open to all possibilities while avoiding premature conclusions. The 'Men in Black' case highlights themes of potential government cover-ups, the psychological impact of UFO encounters, and the challenges faced by independent researchers in obtaining credible information. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to present detailed accounts and encourage reader participation in the investigation of these complex phenomena.

This issue of UFO-NYT, identified as issue 5-79, features a prominent article titled 'Forsvarstale for ufologi' (Defense Speech for Ufology) by Frank B. Salisbury and L.J. Lorenzen. The magazine is published by SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) in Denmark and is in Danish.

Defense Speech for Ufology

The main article, 'Defense Speech for Ufology,' by Frank B. Salisbury (Professor in Plant Physiology at Utah State University) and L.J. Lorenzen, argues for the scientific legitimacy of ufology. Salisbury and Lorenzen contend that despite humanity's vast scientific knowledge, many phenomena, particularly UFOs, remain profound mysteries. They highlight that organizations like APRO and the Center for UFO Studies, comprising recognized scientists, are dedicated to investigating the UFO enigma. While not necessarily endorsing the hypothesis of extraterrestrial spacecraft, these scientists are willing to risk their reputations to explore these difficult questions. The article notes the scarcity of tangible evidence for UFOs, with most investigations focusing on debunking hoaxes or misidentifications rather than understanding the phenomenon itself. The authors emphasize the importance of analyzing the thousands of available reports, suggesting a need to specialize, as APRO has done. They also propose that reports involving 'humanoids' and UFOs warrant as much consideration as those solely about craft. Two key motives are presented: the potential value of direct communication if the UFO phenomenon is real, and the reluctance of many private UFO investigation groups to engage with 'close encounter' cases due to fear of ridicule.

The article further discusses the 'CE IV' category, defined as abduction cases by UFO occupants. A consistent 'roadmap' is observed in these cases: individuals are subjected to some form of control, undergo physical and sometimes psychological examinations (possibly telepathic communication), and then experience memory loss, only to later seek help due to lingering anxieties. Regressive hypnosis can often restore these memories, though the anecdotal content varies widely. The authors acknowledge that while individual sightings might be dismissed as hallucinations, supporting testimonies often exist. They raise questions about the psychological factors influencing witness accounts and the potential use of advanced psychological tools by alien visitors.

Salisbury and Lorenzen then delve into the implications of UFOs for our understanding of the universe. They suggest that the ability of these beings to travel interstellar distances implies possibilities beyond our current technological grasp. Biologists' theories on alien life forms are discussed, referencing Lorin Eiseley's 'The Immense Journey' and George Gaylord Simpson's 'The nonprevalence of humanoids.' Both authors suggest that alien life, if it exists, would likely not resemble humans due to the vast diversity of evolutionary paths. However, they propose alternative scenarios: either life was divinely created with inherent similarities, or advanced civilizations have seeded life across the galaxy, leading to humanoid forms.

The article concludes with a strong statement about the significance of the UFO mystery, regardless of its origin, for humanity's future, urging that ignoring its warnings would be unwise.

UFO Reports

This section presents a collection of UFO sighting reports, categorized by date and location:

  • Summer 1908: A 77-year-old woman in Hevring, Djursland, Denmark, observed a luminous, silver-glowing sphere moving slowly across the sky.
  • July 1971: A triangular, metallic grey object was observed hovering high above Struer, Denmark, for about 90 minutes.
  • June 22, 1973: Fru Nielsen at a campsite near Faxe, Denmark, witnessed a strange object, initially mistaken for the moon, accompanied by a rushing sound.
  • August 15, 1975: In Skarild, Kibæk, Denmark, a man observed a yellowish light beam concentrated around a pine tree, which then rapidly disappeared.
  • July 23, 1978: A Danish tourist in Pinau, Normandy, France, observed an elliptical object with a white corona from a car.
  • September 27, 1978: A young man in Højrup, Gram, Denmark, saw a faint, oval object with two yellowish lights that maintained a constant speed and course.
  • November 16, 1978: A boy in Dronningmølle, Denmark, reported a glass-like, light blue, box-shaped object hovering near his neighbor's fence, emitting a whistling sound. The object was described as approximately 6 meters long, 2.6 meters high, and 1.3 meters wide, with a smooth, metallic/glassy surface and a horizontal black stripe.

UFO Classification System

The magazine includes a diagram and explanation of the SUFOI classification system for UFO observations:

  • O.O. (Ordinær observation): Ordinary observation.
  • C.E.-0 (Close Encounter - Ordinary Observation): Close observation without specific characteristics, where the object's structure or form can be determined with enough certainty to exclude conventional flying objects.
  • C.E.-1: A flying object as in C.E.-0, but seen within 150 meters.
  • 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 interaction or intervention in the immediate vicinity of the object is observed.
  • C.E.-4 (Close Encounter - Intervention): Cases where witnesses report that alien beings associated with an unidentified flying object have clearly intervened in their lives.

Observations referenced in UFO-NYT are marked with a star. The classification system is based on the book 'U.F.O. Close Encounters' from US/UFO Research Lab. Inc.

UFO Photography Investigation

An article titled 'Opklaring med forhindringer' (Clarification with Obstacles) details the investigation of a suspected UFO photograph. The author, SUFOI's area leader in Northern Jutland, describes receiving a report from an advertising photographer in Aalborg who discovered a round, dark object on a photograph of a tractor. The investigation involved contacting the advertising agency and the company that commissioned the photos. It was revealed that the negatives were from a company in the Århus region, taken in the autumn of 1977 near Næstved. The photographer was eventually identified through an article in the trade magazine EFFEKTIVT LANDBRUG. The investigation confirmed the presence of what appeared to be UFOs in multiple frames of a KODAK film, suggesting the photographer had tracked an object. The article highlights the time-consuming and complex nature of such investigations, often requiring the assistance of experts and modern photographic equipment.

Pioneer in Space

A brief note mentions the Pioneer 11 space probe's mission to Saturn, including its photography of Saturn's moons and the critical phase of its journey to avoid destruction from debris. The probe's activities were scheduled to conclude with Saturn on October 1st.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports of UFO sightings, often with detailed eyewitness accounts and attempts at scientific analysis. There is a clear editorial stance supporting the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, advocating for ufology as a legitimate field of study despite skepticism. The publication aims to document and analyze these events, providing a platform for both researchers and the public to engage with the UFO mystery. The recurring themes include close encounters, potential alien visitation, the challenges of scientific investigation, and the broader implications for humanity's understanding of the universe and its place within it.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 5-79
Date: May 1979
Type: Magazine

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into various aspects of UFO research and reporting, featuring a report on the UFO-79 seminar held in Fredericia, Denmark, an in-depth analysis of French UFO reports by Colonel Gaston Alexis, and reader contributions.

UFO-79 Seminar

The UFO-79 seminar, held in Fredericia from July 21-27, was organized by Bent Eriksen and Jens-Henrik Glintborg. The event brought together interested individuals from across Denmark to discuss the exploration of unidentified flying objects. The seminar featured presentations on various topics:

  • Frank Petersen, former leader of Skandinavisk UFO-Information, spoke about SUFOI and its 20 years of UFO work, highlighting the organization's critical approach.
  • Bent Aalberg, a radio technician, discussed his work with physical measurements of UFOs and his project to establish a tracking station across Denmark.
  • The seminar included an observation tour on Trelde Næs, though no UFOs were sighted.
  • X.P. Madsen, a project leader, unfortunately had to cancel his presentation due to illness.
  • P.M. Frederiksen, a teacher, gave a talk on "New Times, New Thinking," exploring humanity's encounter with parapsychological phenomena.
  • Ole J. Knudsen, head of SUFOI's alarm central, presented on "Space Travel: Yesterday and Tomorrow," discussing science fiction and modern space exploration.
  • Niels Sarnov discussed field research and the practical aspects of UFO investigation, emphasizing the need for technical equipment like Geiger counters.
  • The seminar concluded with a panel debate involving representatives from three Danish UFO organizations, discussing the UFO issue in Denmark and the importance of report collaboration.
  • The organizers for the next year's seminar, "UFO-80," were announced as Bent Eriksen, Jens-Henrik Glintborg, Niels Sarnov, and Kim Lykkegaard.

Case Study: Tractor Photographs

The magazine details an investigation into a set of tractor photographs that were initially suspected to be UFOs. The photographs were acquired from a magazine, and the photographer, Ove Høeg Christensen, was contacted. It was revealed that the photographs were taken during a machine demonstration on September 23, 1977. Further investigation with KODAK identified the "UFOs" as air bubbles on the film's emulsion side, caused by improper development procedures. The article emphasizes that such cases are now excluded from serious UFO investigation.

Analysis of French UFO Reports by Colonel Gaston Alexis

Colonel Gaston Alexis, an expert on UFO phenomena, presented his findings based on French UFO reports. His analysis covered several key areas:

The Role of the French Air Force

Since 1975, UFO reports have gained significant media attention. In 1954, the Minister of Armed Forces requested the Air Force to officially follow the UFO issue. A scientific office was established within the Ministry of Aviation to study space technology and flight, which later expanded to include UFO investigations. The Air Force's mission is to identify reports of interest to national defense and to connect observations with known atmospheric or physical phenomena.

Findings from 25 Years of Air Force Reports (1976)

  • National Defense Perspective: No aggressive actions by UFOs towards civilians or military personnel have been recorded. UFOs do not appear to disrupt the Earth's environment. Radar and military aircraft have detected UFOs in only 0.8% of cases. No UFOs have been photographed on the ground, nor have any physical fragments been recovered.
  • Scientific Perspective: UFO phenomena are not unique to modern civilization, with evidence suggesting their presence throughout history. Some UFOlogists believe ancient drawings and sculptures point to their existence in primitive civilizations.

Analysis of Witness Representativeness

The analysis of French witnesses showed a diverse social background, indicating no privileged social stratum from which UFO witnesses are recruited. The distribution included shepherds, astronomers, researchers, pilots, engineers, technicians, military personnel, workers, and farmers.

Analysis of Witness Testimonies

  • Age Distribution: Similar to international findings, the age distribution of witnesses is proportional to the general population.
  • Credibility: In a large majority of cases, witnesses are considered to be in good faith, and their identities are known. Observations are typically made by more than two adult individuals.
  • Geographic Distribution: The number of reports is proportional to population density.
  • Description Improvement: Descriptions of phenomena have improved, with detailed accounts allowing for comparison with known events.
  • Explanations: In 80% of cases, "strange" observations are attributed to known phenomena, indicating that witnesses accurately observed something peculiar but explainable.

Sorting of Witnesses

For scientific investigation, only unexplained observations made by at least two adult witnesses were considered. This resulted in approximately 150 cases between 1951 and 1975, representing 8% of the total.

Observation Conditions

Analysis of 20 landing reports revealed that most occurred in isolated rural areas, with only a few near populated zones. Only 8 of these cases reported distinct tracks on the ground.

Phenomenon Characteristics

The forms, dimensions, and colors of observed phenomena are highly varied. Size estimates range from 1 meter to 70 meters. Speeds vary greatly, from stationary to supersonic. Flight paths are described as linear, abnormal (erratic), or stationary.

Effects on Witnesses and Environment

Most witnesses reported only surprise, with no significant psychological effects. No witnesses claimed to have received a "mission" or formed an ideological group. Animals also appeared undisturbed. In 15.5% of cases, witnesses exhibited fear.

Other Effects

Reported effects include engine stops in vehicles with electric ignition, and some impact on vegetation. Some reports mention electromagnetic effects like interference with radios and electrical grids, but actual measurements are rare.

Temporal Distribution

UFO sightings show periodicity, with peaks in 1954, 1964, 1967, and 1975. A possible correlation with abnormal changes in Earth's magnetic field is suggested.

Conclusions on the Phenomenon

  • Approximately 8% of cases describe a truly unknown phenomenon.
  • The wide variation in characteristics makes it difficult to establish a scientific theory, but the phenomenon is not of human technological origin.
  • Witness testimonies are generally reliable, with over 80% comparable to known atmospheric or physical events.
  • The effects on humans and the environment are harmless.

Reader Contributions

Læserkonkurrencen (Reader Competition)

This section features an entry from M.M. Rasmussen on the definition of intelligence and how it might be applied to UFO phenomena. Rasmussen argues that intelligence requires consciousness, memory, and reasoning. He suggests that observing UFOs exhibiting memory-like behavior, such as changing course to follow objects, could be an indicator of intelligence.

Luftspejling (Mirage)

P.I. Nissen Jøker recounts an experience from 1974 where he observed a round, moon-like object in the sky that moved rapidly and appeared to explode. Initially believing it to be a UFO, he later concluded it was likely a mirage or possibly a military exercise.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-NYT maintains a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It emphasizes rigorous investigation, the importance of distinguishing between genuine anomalies and misidentifications or processing errors, and the need for scientific analysis. The magazine actively engages its readers through competitions and letters, while also highlighting the challenges faced by researchers, such as the lack of funding and the need for qualified volunteers. The editorial stance leans towards a scientific methodology, seeking to explain phenomena through known principles while acknowledging the possibility of genuinely unexplained events.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 5-79
Date: September 15, 1979

This issue of UFO-NYT, a Danish publication focused on UFO phenomena and related scientific topics, features a mix of organizational updates, scientific reports, and reader contributions. The magazine maintains a stance of open inquiry into UFOs while emphasizing the need for rigorous research and avoiding premature conclusions.

SUFOIS EDB/Tekniske Fond: A Call for Support

The lead article on the cover announces a fundraising campaign for SUFOI's EDB/Technical Fund, aiming to raise DKK 20,000. The fund is crucial for continuing and expanding SUFOI's technical research into UFO phenomena. Specifically, it will support Project UFODATA, which handles the electronic data processing of numerous UFO reports, and the acquisition of advanced technical equipment for automatic electronic tracking stations being developed by FOTA. The article stresses that the realization of these projects depends on financial support from UFO-NYT readers. Donors contributing DKK 65 or more will receive a personally dedicated copy of the book "Tidsloven" (The Law of Time). As of September 15, 1979, the fund had collected DKK 8,287.60.

Conference on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena

A summary of a conference by Colonel Gaston Alexis, presented by Gay Capet, discusses the challenges in analyzing UFO phenomena. Alexis acknowledges the current limitations of scientific instruments in understanding these events, which are primarily documented through numerous witness accounts. He calls for scientific vigilance and caution against hasty conclusions, admitting that the origin and nature of the phenomenon remain open questions. The notes mention that Alexis prefers the term "unidentified aerial phenomena" and that the conference text was previously published in military and UFO-related journals.

Astronomical Discoveries and Space Exploration

New Russian Telescopes and Space Missions

The magazine reports on a new, large astronomical telescope being projected for the Crimean Observatory with a 25-meter diameter. Due to limitations in manufacturing large single mirrors, this telescope will be composed of 50 hexagonal segments that can be independently controlled. The goal is to achieve greater light-gathering power and resolution, overcoming atmospheric turbulence through computer-aided image synthesis.

In space exploration, the article "Russians on the Red Planet" suggests a manned landing on Mars within 10 to 15 years. Soviet cosmonauts have reportedly overcome most medical challenges associated with long-duration spaceflight, making a Mars mission feasible. A round trip, including a month on Mars, is estimated to take about 1.5 years.

The Origin of Life Hypothesis

Astrophysicist Vsevolod Troitskij of Moscow has proposed a hypothesis on the origin of life in the universe. He believes life arises on planets in other solar systems within a short period during a specific stage of universal development. Troitskij suggests that the universe pulsates, expanding and contracting, and that the opportune moment for a biological breakthrough occurs during the expansion phase, possibly within a few thousand years.

Space-Based Radio Telescope

Cosmonauts Lyakhov and Rjumin installed the first radio telescope in space aboard the Salyut-6 space station. This telescope, assembled from a kit delivered by the Progress 7 supply ship, will work in conjunction with the 70-meter radio telescope in Crimea. The combined system, with a potential distance of over 10,000 km between the telescopes, aims to achieve a resolution equivalent to a 25-meter telescope on Earth, enhanced by computer processing.

The Universe: Weighed and Found Wanting?

This section discusses the significant advancements in astronomy over the last decade, largely attributed to the ability to study space from Earth-orbiting satellites. The Earth's atmosphere blocks most cosmic radiation, except for two 'windows' in the radio and visible light spectrums. Satellites, however, can observe in the infrared and ultraviolet ranges, with an optical telescope, the Space Telescope, planned for future deployment.

HEAO Satellites and X-ray Astronomy

The article details the HEAO (High-Energy Astronomical Observatory) program, focusing on X-ray astronomy. HEAO-1, launched to survey the X-ray sky, ended its mission by burning up in the atmosphere in March 1979. HEAO-2, named the Einstein Observatory, was launched in November 1978 for more detailed X-ray observations, and HEAO-3, an even more advanced telescope, is under construction.

Initial data from HEAO-1 suggested that the universe was closed, based on uniform X-ray radiation detected from all directions, interpreted as originating from hot gas in intergalactic space. This implied a vast amount of intergalactic gas, potentially outweighing all stars and planets, leading to the conclusion that the universe would eventually collapse back on itself in a 'Big Crunch'.

However, subsequent findings from HEAO-2 have challenged this view. The X-ray radiation appears to originate from a multitude of distant quasars, rather than uniform gas. The total mass of these quasars, along with other celestial bodies, may not be sufficient to cause the universe to close. The universe might, in fact, be open, with galaxies moving apart indefinitely. The possibility of cold intergalactic gas, which does not emit X-rays, is also considered.

Studying Nearby Celestial Objects

HEAO satellites also contribute to studying closer celestial objects. The article mentions the supernova in Cassiopeia, observed via its X-ray radiation from hot gases, located 11,400 light-years away.

USA Researchers: Searching for Life

A report from the US government suggests that the current time and technology are suitable for serious investigations into contacting extraterrestrial civilizations. Prominent researchers like Carl Sagan, Charles Townes, and Joshua Lederberg are involved. They are not planning to send messages but will actively scan all directions of the universe for signals. The goal is to find even a single signal as proof that advanced technology can be sustained without self-destruction. However, increasing radio signal pollution from Earth poses a challenge to detecting faint extraterrestrial signals.

JUPITER-nyt: Discoveries from the Voyager Mission

This section highlights discoveries made during the Voyager 1 mission's passage through Jupiter's system.

Io's Volcanic Activity

Observations confirmed volcanic activity on Jupiter's moon Io. Material was seen ejected into space along ballistic trajectories. At least four volcanoes were erupting simultaneously. The ejected material reached heights of nearly 100 km and was several hundred degrees Celsius. Io's surface is described as being covered in red and yellow deposits, likely sulfur and salts, and its atmosphere is tinged yellow by sodium released by Jupiter's particle streams.

Jupiter's Ring System

The discovery of a faint ring around Jupiter is reported. The ring is approximately 30 kilometers thick and up to 8000 kilometers wide, with its outer edge 57,000 km from Jupiter's surface. It is not visible from Earth without specialized equipment.

Teorier og Tanker (Theories and Thoughts) - Reader Contributions

The Tangent Staff

K. S. Larsen from Birkerød describes a simple astronomical tool he uses: a tangent staff. It is a 130 cm wooden stick with a tangent scale (divided every 5 degrees from 0° to 60°). By holding the staff vertically and aligning the zero mark with the horizon, one can read the angular height of celestial objects. The scale is calculated by multiplying the distance from the eye to a closed fist (length 'l') by the tangent of the angle.

Rya Rugs with SUFOI Logo

A fundraising initiative offers hand-knitted rya rugs measuring 50 x 70 cm for DKK 190. The proceeds go entirely to SUFOI's EDB/Technical Fund. Interested buyers are instructed to contact Per Andersen in Brabrand for details.

"Kosmoljot" and "X-20 Dyna-Soar"

K. S. Larsen responds to a previous article by Ole J. Knudsen regarding the "Kosmoljot" spacecraft. Larsen argues that Knudsen's comparison of Kosmoljot to the American X-20 Dyna-Soar project, which was abandoned due to its limitations, is misleading. Larsen explains that the X-20's concept of 'skimming' the atmosphere to save fuel was ultimately hampered by the extreme heat generated, requiring a heavy protective layer that negated the fuel savings. The X-20 project was cancelled in 1963. In contrast, Kosmoljot, like Enterprise, enters a normal orbit and uses retro-rockets for atmospheric entry, making it fundamentally different and not comparable to the defunct X-20.

Spaceships or What?

This section features a discussion on the 'spaceship hypothesis' for UFOs. The author, responding to previous comments, emphasizes that SUFOI and UFO-NYT, as organizations, should remain open to all possibilities regarding UFOs, but as individuals, their personal beliefs are separate. The author argues that while all possibilities should be kept open, the organization should focus its resources on hypotheses supported by sufficient research results, avoiding excessive attention to extreme or speculative aspects. The author also addresses Erik Schou's suggestion that the spaceship hypothesis is 'banal' because it involves ordinary spaceships from ordinary planets. The author counters that the primary challenge lies in the distances involved and suggests that 'other dimensions' might offer a possible explanation for transport. The author also notes that the Dutch UFO organization Werkgroep NEBOVO is skeptical of the spaceship hypothesis, though the reason is unclear. The possibility that Dr. Jacques Vallee's theory of the 'Invisible College,' emphasizing the paranormal aspects of UFO phenomena, might be influencing this skepticism is raised.

Anonymous Contribution

An anonymous reader submitted a contribution titled "Another Contribution" to the "Theories and Thoughts" section. However, due to the sender's anonymity, the editors are unable to publish it. They request the sender to provide their name and address to their postbox, stating that while anonymous contributions are generally published, the identity of the contributor must be known to the editorial staff.

Looking at the Sky

A brief astronomical calendar provides planetary conjunction and rising/setting times for September, October, and November 1979. It notes that Mercury is usually difficult to observe due to its proximity to the Sun, but will be visible in the evening sky around October 29th. Mars is located in the constellations Cancer and Leo, Jupiter in Leo, and Saturn in Leo and Virgo.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes scientific inquiry and open-mindedness regarding UFO phenomena, while also highlighting advancements in astronomy and space exploration. The editorial stance encourages readers to support SUFOI's research efforts and engage in thoughtful discussion about complex topics. There is a clear distinction made between the organization's official stance (openness to all possibilities) and individual members' beliefs. The magazine also demonstrates a commitment to publishing reader contributions, provided they meet certain editorial standards, including identification of the author.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 5-79, is published by S.U.F.O.I. (Skandinavisk UFO Information) and is in Danish. The cover prominently features a joint subscription offer for UFO-NYT and the magazine 'Det Ukendte', promising a saving of 25 Danish Kroner.

Joint Subscription Offer

UFO-NYT and 'Det Ukendte' have entered into a collaboration that allows subscribers to save 25 kr. The offer is valid from the second year of 'Det Ukendte' and the 1980 volume of UFO-NYT. Individually, both magazines cost 75 kr. per year for a subscription. The joint subscription price is 125 kr. This means readers will receive a new magazine every month, as 'Det Ukendte' will be published in even-numbered months and UFO-NYT in odd-numbered months, starting from the 15th of each month.

How to Subscribe

Subscribers can sign up for the joint offer by paying 125 kr. to the standard subscription giro account. Alternatively, they can pay an additional 50 kr. to their existing subscription for either magazine, and the other magazine's subscription will be automatically added.

Free Trial Issue

Readers have the option to receive a trial issue of 'Det Ukendte' before committing to a subscription. A trial issue can be ordered from 'Det Ukendte' at 4470 Svebølle.

Book Review: UFO Fænomenet

The issue includes a critical review by OJK of Johannes von Buttlar's book, "UFO Fænomenet - beviser for uhyggelige nærkontakter af første, anden og tredje grad." The book, published by Bogans forlag, is 192 pages long and costs 78 kr. The reviewer finds the book to be "mildest talt unyttig" (useless at best), stating it brings no new ideas to UFO research and is merely a rehash of known UFO classics. The reviewer notes the book's sensationalist chapter titles and criticizes the author for not mentioning existing explanations for the cases presented. The review also points out significant translation errors, such as 'spøgelsesraketterne' (ghost rockets) being translated as 'ånd-raketter' (spirit rockets), and criticizes the overall awkwardness of the Danish translation from German. OJK concludes that the book offers no proof of "close encounters of any kind" and expresses concern about the "scientific information center for Central Europe" that Johannes von Buttlar leads. The reviewer hopes this is the only one of his popular science works to be published in Danish.

SUFOI Offers

SUFOI is offering two items:

UFO Emblem

An elegant UFO emblem, described as being of fine goldsmith quality, golden with deep blue enamel, and 25 mm in diameter. It is available with a pin or as a brooch for 26.50 kr. Orders are placed by paying to giro 9 11 77 25, SUFOI, Postbox 6, 2820 Gentofte, specifying 'emblem' and the desired attachment type.

Nærkontakt-plakaten (Close Encounter Poster)

Single copies of a large format poster (80 x 120 cm) featuring the motif from the film "Nærkontakt af Tredje Grad" (Close Encounters of the Third Kind) are available for 27.40 kr. (including postage in a cardboard tube). Orders are placed similarly to the emblem.

Back Issue Sale (UDSALG)

Following a successful auction of older UFO-NYT issues, there are still many back issues available for sale at a reduced price of 5 kr. per issue plus postage. This includes full volumes from 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, and 1976, as well as loose issues from various years between 1960 and 1977. A complete set of volumes from 1969 to 1977 is also available for 350 kr. The proceeds from these sales, like the auction funds, will go towards SUFOI's EDB/Technical fund for research. Interested parties are directed to contact Ole J. Knudsen in Århus C.

Reader's Letter: "Var det en reklameballon?" (Was it an advertising balloon?)

Poul Nielsen from Ringsted writes in response to a previous inquiry in UFO-NYT nr. 4/79. He states that the "thing" (tingesten) in question bears a striking resemblance to advertising balloons sold at the EUREKA 78 inventor's fair in Brussels. He describes these balloons as being made of a silvery metallic fabric and notes that some were seen rising to the ceiling before descending. He offers to investigate who made them if there is interest. He also thanks UFO-NYT for its articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-NYT focuses heavily on subscription drives and sales of related merchandise and back issues, highlighting the financial needs of SUFOI's research efforts. The editorial stance is critical, as evidenced by the harsh review of Johannes von Buttlar's book, which dismisses it as sensationalist and poorly executed. The inclusion of a reader's letter about a potential misidentification of a UFO as an advertising balloon suggests an ongoing effort to critically examine and explain phenomena.