UFO Nyt - No 4 juli-aug 1980

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-NYT, volume 22, number 4, dated July/August 1980, is published by SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION (SUFOI) and is in Danish. The cover features a stylized depiction of space with two planets and the magazine title prominently displayed.

Editorial Content

End of an Era: International UFO Reporter Ceases Publication

The editorial section announces the discontinuation of the International UFO Reporter, a respected UFO journal published by J. Allen Hynek's Center for UFO Studies in Illinois. The journal, known for its factual and thorough reporting, primarily featured American UFO reports. Due to publication difficulties, it has ceased to exist as a standalone publication. Starting from this issue, its content will be integrated as a dedicated UFO section within a new Californian magazine called "PROBE". This new publication focuses on "popular and future science." J. Allen Hynek and Allan Hendry will continue to edit this UFO section. The author expresses concern that this move might dilute CUFOS's identity and reputation, despite the potential benefit of reaching a wider audience. The author also notes that "PROBE" will compete with the existing Danish science fiction magazine OMNI.

London Trip and BUFORA Collaboration

Per Andersen recounts his trip to London in April 1980. Originally, he was scheduled to attend a meeting of the "Provisional International Committee" for UFO research, but the meeting was canceled due to the unavailability of key figures like Allen Hynek and Alain Esterle. However, BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) invited Andersen to give a lecture to their members, covering his travel expenses. The lecture, titled "Danish UFO Research - An Update," presented recent UFO events in Denmark, including contact with authorities, investigations into witnesses, the Vestjylland "cobweb case," the "smoke ring case," SUFOI's UFO detector, and new UFO book releases in Denmark. The audience asked many follow-up questions. Andersen also met with Bjarne Håkansson from Sweden's Projekt URD.

During informal meetings with BUFORA board members, including Robert Digby and Stephen Gamble from BUFORA's computer committee, Andersen learned about their plans for electronic data processing of UFO reports. They aim to utilize off-peak hours for their computer system, which differs from SUFOI's SPSS-based Project UFODATA. Andersen shared SUFOI's plans for Project UFODATA, which will continue for several more years before a revision. He also presented SUFOI's new Danish report form, sparking interest from BUFORA, who were developing their own. Andersen cautioned against the challenges of balancing user-friendliness for observers with the strict format requirements of data processing, a point on which he disagreed with BUFORA's computer group.

Further discussions with BUFORA board members, including Peter Hill, focused on the "Provisional International Committee." They agreed to aim for a new meeting in Copenhagen in October 1980, coinciding with SUFOI's congress. This meeting would focus on structuring the committee, its finances, data processing, and classification systems.

Profile: Peter A. Hill, English Ufologist

The magazine features a profile of Peter A. Hill, a prominent figure in British UFO research. Born in London in 1928, Hill became interested in UFOs in 1947. He has been involved with various British UFO organizations and leads BUFORA's Edinburgh department. His professional background is in the national health service, focusing on information work, statistics, and data processing, areas that strongly influence his UFO research. He is involved in statistical analysis of British UFO reports and is transitioning BUFORA's manual card system to an electronic one. Hill led the international working group that established the "Provisional International Committee for UFO Research" and is expected to continue playing a significant role.

Peter Hill has previously written an article for UFO-NYT titled "UFO Research - A Scientific Approach." He has given numerous lectures and appeared on radio and television, including the BBC. UFO-NYT readers will have the opportunity to meet Peter Hill when he visits Denmark from October 17-19, 1980, to give a lecture at SUFOI's congress.

SUFOI's EDB/Technical Fund

An appeal is made for financial support for SUFOI's EDB/Technical Fund, which has been operating for two years and has collected nearly three-quarters of its 20,000 DKK goal. The fund is crucial for the technical aspects of UFO research, enabling stable exploration of UFO phenomena. The fund is needed to continue the work of the Research-Technical Department (FOTA) and for electronic data processing of UFO and IF reports. As of July 15, 1980, the fund had received 14,769.80 DKK. Contributors will receive a small duplicate titled "Danish UFO Research in the Eighties."

Venus - A Hellish Planet!

This section presents scientific findings about the planet Venus, based on data from Soviet Venera and American Pioneer-Venus space probes that reached the planet in December 1978. Venus, Earth's "twin sister" in size, is closer to the Sun, resulting in vastly different conditions. The probes revealed a layered atmosphere with distinct cloud layers composed of sulfuric acid particles. The uppermost layer of haze is about 10 km thick, starting around 80 km above the surface. The main cloud layers begin at 70 km, with the lowest layer (C) having a density comparable to Earth's clouds. Layer A contains sulfuric acid and is around 13°C. Layer B has a pressure of about half an atmosphere and a temperature of 20°C, with sulfur particles also present.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO research, reporting, and the organizations involved in these activities, both domestically and internationally. There is a strong emphasis on scientific methodology and the potential for technological advancements (like data processing) to aid in UFO investigations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to understand the UFO phenomenon without prematurely endorsing specific theories. The publication also highlights the importance of international cooperation and information exchange among UFO researchers and organizations.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 4-80
Date: April 1980
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into several intriguing topics, including a detailed investigation into a mysterious ice fall incident, updates on space exploration, and a new publication on UFO detection methods.

Ice Fall Incident in Brabrand (June 4, 1980)

The lead story details an incident where a large ice lump fell from the sky near Brabrand, Denmark, on June 4, 1980. The report, authored by Torben Birkeholm, describes the event from the initial alarm call to the on-site investigation. The ice lump was observed falling in a steep trajectory, accompanied by a rushing sound. Witnesses described it as a "white streak" or "bright flash" and later found a pile of ice fragments, estimated to be the size of a football. The ice was collected and sent for analysis to the Jydsk Teknologisk Institut. Initial meteorological assessments ruled out natural phenomena. Further investigation involved contacting aviation authorities, including SAS and the Flyvetaktisk Kommando (FTK). While initial theories considered ice formation on aircraft, the analysis of the ice revealed significant amounts of urea, leading to the conclusion that it was likely frozen toilet waste. The investigation pointed towards a C-130 aircraft as the probable source, although SAS denied any issues with their DC-10 flights regarding toilet tank integrity or dye coloring. The case was officially closed on June 23, 1980.

Ice Fall Incident near Hobro (August 18, 1979)

This section revisits a similar incident from August 1979, where a two-kilogram ice lump fell near Redsø, Hobro. Despite witnesses not observing any aircraft, a high-flying plane was suspected. SUFOI requested an investigation from the Directorate of Civil Aviation, which concluded that meteorological conditions did not support natural ice formation. The investigation identified a possible source as an Icelandair DC-8 aircraft (flight FI 264) that had passed through an occlusion front zone where ice formation was possible. The report also mentions that similar incidents, including one involving Sterling Airways, have been attributed to ice forming from leaks in aircraft water tanks.

Venus Exploration

The magazine provides insights into the conditions on Venus, drawing from data from probes like Pioneer Venus and the Soviet Venera missions. The atmosphere of Venus is described as extremely dense, with high pressure and temperatures reaching up to 453°C. The atmosphere is composed mainly of carbon dioxide, with significant amounts of water vapor and sulfur, creating a powerful greenhouse effect. The surface is characterized by a reddish light, with limited visibility due to the dense atmosphere and pressure. The topography includes vast plains, valleys, and canyons, with one large rift being hundreds of kilometers long and several kilometers deep, suggesting geological activity. Radar mapping from orbit has provided detailed information about the surface, revealing features like "Ishtar Terra," a continent comparable in size to the USA, featuring a mountain over 11 km high.

New SUFOI Publication: UFO Detectors

A new report titled "UFO-DETEKTORER - generelt om indsamling af information" by Hans Voigt, an engineer working with SUFOI, is announced. The report covers the use of UFO detectors, detector sensitivity, placement, data recording methods (analog/binary), time registration, monitoring, data processing, and alerting. It is described as a long-awaited overview and essential for anyone interested in the subject. The report is 38 pages, illustrated, and available to members for 15.00 DKK, with an additional 5.00 DKK for shipping, totaling 20.00 DKK. Orders can be placed by payment to giro 9117725, SUFOI, Postbox 6, 2820 Gentofte.

New US Fund for UFO Research

An article announces the establishment of a new fund in the USA in 1979 dedicated to supporting UFO research. The initiative comes from ten prominent American and English scientists, including Eugenie Clark (zoology professor), Richard Haines (NASA psychologist), Richard C. Hendry (physics professor), and Lou Purnell. The fund's purpose is to provide financial support for research projects aimed at increasing scientific knowledge and public interest in UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) and related investigations, scientific exploration of other planets (specifically Venus), and the role of technology and scientific inquiry in understanding these subjects. The magazine adopts a serious and investigative stance, presenting detailed reports on incidents, scientific findings, and new research initiatives. The editorial focus is on providing factual information and analysis, encouraging reader engagement through publications and investigations.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated April 1980 (4-80), features a cover story on UFO sightings in oil-rich countries, alongside a debate on Eugen Semitjov's book 'De ufattelige UFOer' and various reader reports from Norway and Denmark.

UFOs Over Oil Countries

The cover story by Terence Kenndy details UFO sightings in Bahrain, Dubai, and Qatar. Salem Al Musallah, a harbor master assistant in Bahrain, reported an object that exploded into a cascade of fire, illuminating the night sky. The heir apparent of Bahrain, Sheik Hamed Ben Isa Al-Khalifa, also observed a serpentine object emitting flashes and flying at high speed on August 24, 1979. Jassim Jamsheer, Bahrain's customs chief, wondered if it was similar to Skylab. On the same date, witnesses on the Al Jazair coast observed a UFO that appeared like a shooting star but had a long, broad light trail and lost altitude. The article highlights that these observations were official, with pilots and air traffic controllers in Bahrain and Doha reporting 'unknown objects' flying at high speeds, some even seeing multiple orange UFOs.

Debate on Eugen Semitjov's Book

The issue features a significant discussion surrounding Eugen Semitjov's book 'De ufattelige UFOer.' The book, reviewed by Aalborg Stiftstidende, suggests that the numerous flying objects sighted in 1946 over Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway were not alien spacecraft but likely Soviet experimental rockets launched from Peenemünde. Semitjov's work aims to debunk UFO myths, drawing parallels between UFO beliefs and belief in Santa Claus, as argued by astronomer Carl Sagan.

Torben Birkeholm, representing SUFOI in Aalborg, strongly disagrees with the book's premise and the newspaper's review. He argues that a UFO is, by definition, an unidentified flying object, and that while many can be identified later, a significant portion remains unexplained. Birkeholm criticizes the book for selectively presenting information and attempting to create prejudice against UFOlogists.

Another review by Per Borgaard in Jydske Tidende calls Semitjov's book 'intellectually dishonest,' accusing him of manipulating readers by presenting information that fits his agenda while downplaying contradictory evidence. Borgaard suggests Semitjov traces the origin of flying saucer reports to comic strips and Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting, implying that these influenced later perceptions.

Eugen Semitjov himself is quoted as saying that Clyde Tombaugh, the discoverer of Pluto, could have provided sensational information but instead gave him the 'truth,' implying Tombaugh's sightings were not alien encounters.

Letters to the Editor

Else Jensen from Glumsø writes about an object seen on November 1, 1973, near Midtsjælland, described as a 'Skyship' with a dark stripe and a matte white surface. She submitted a report to SUFOI, and the object was initially classified as a UFO. The editor's response suggests it was unlikely to be the 'Skyship' mentioned in relation to potential new airships, leaving it classified as unidentified.

Reports from Norway

Several reports from Norway detail UFO sightings:

• Nøtterøy (Autumn 1953): Arne Foss and a passenger observed a luminous, disc-shaped object with green light flying at high speed and silently near Oserød farm. The object later turned towards Oslofjorden.
• Sørreisa (August 22, 1979): A strong light was seen moving rapidly, initially thought to be an aircraft, but it exhibited unusual maneuvers.
• Jevnaker (October 3, 1979): A luminous object was observed flying eastward, stopping briefly before accelerating and disappearing silently.
• Herøysundet (October 26, 1979): Nils S. Drangsvoll saw a 'strange' star-like object that rapidly accelerated towards an aircraft before ascending and disappearing.
• Hullene i Sildsetvatnet (January 19, 1980): Approximately 100 holes were discovered in the ice of Sildsetvatnet, ranging from 20 to 80 cm in diameter. The holes were circular, conical, or funnel-shaped and spread across the ice. Photos of these holes are included.

Reports from Denmark

While the 'Reports from Denmark' section states that reports are missing this time, it notes that the 'case handlers' require more detailed information, which can be difficult to obtain.

Ice Lumps from Aircraft

A response from the Danish Directorate of Civil Aviation addresses the risk of ice falling from aircraft. They acknowledge the danger but deem it unlikely for a certified modern aircraft to accumulate large ice lumps. They suggest that such ice might originate from a defective fuel tank, citing a 1972 incident where ice from a faulty drain splinted an engine.

Space Exploration News

Briefly, the magazine mentions that France has been offered a place for a cosmonaut on a future Russian mission in 1982. It also notes that Alexei Leonov stated in 1978 that the Soviet Union had no female cosmonauts in training, and in 1979, Russians announced a new space station following Saljut 6 would be ready in 1981. The article speculates on the lifespan of Saljut 6 and the possibility of longer missions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the critical analysis of UFO literature, and the ongoing debate between skeptics and believers in extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine appears to present a platform for various viewpoints, from official reports to personal testimonies and critical reviews, while maintaining a focus on unidentified phenomena. The editorial stance, particularly through the critiques of Semitjov's book, suggests a leaning towards rigorous investigation and a cautious approach to unsubstantiated claims, while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 4-80
Date: April 1980

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into UFO phenomena reported in the Middle East and offers a critical analysis of a sighting in the Canary Islands. It also includes book reviews on astronomy.

Flyveledere plotter lys (Air Traffic Controllers Plot Lights)

This section presents a logbook excerpt from the control tower at Bahrain Airport on August 24, 1979. Several sightings are reported:

• 20:35: British Airways flight 3610 reported a light crossing from right to left, 110 nautical miles northwest of Bahrain.
• 20:40: Kuwait Air flight 370 reported lights 80 nautical miles from Bahrain, initially thought to be a comet or meteor, which later broke into three parts. These lights were later confirmed by the control tower in Doha.
• 20:45: A possible UFO observation occurred in the eastern area near Dubai. Four orange UFOs with orange tails were reported by Scandinavian Airlines flight SK 984, Quantas flight QF1, and British Airways flight 601, flying south.

The source is cited as Gulf Mirror, September 1-7, 1979, with translation by Kim Møller Hansen.

Dubai: Her er det - Dubai's UFO (Dubai: Here it is - Dubai's UFO)

This article discusses a UFO photograph taken by a young man in Dubai. The photograph, taken with a Polaroid camera, is claimed to be the first UFO picture taken by an Arab and one of the best and sharpest ever captured. The incident occurred on December 2nd, when Abdullah Mohammad Salimeen, an employee at the Immigration Office, was walking along the coast. He saw a stationary object, initially mistaking it for fireworks, but then observed it moving from south to north. He managed to take three pictures; the first two were blank, but the third was successful. The image was presented to Al Ittihad and Emirates News.

Salimeen described the object as a disc with a dome, illuminated like a neon sign or a self-luminous tube, leaving a tail of light. He noted that the object moved at high speed.

Kuwait: Regeringskomiteens rapport om UFOer (Kuwait: Government Committee's Report on UFOs)

This section details a report from a Kuwaiti government committee formed to investigate UFO reports. The committee, established after UFO reports began surfacing in November 1978, comprised engineers and officials from various ministries (Interior, Defense, Communications, Electricity, and Water Supply), the Civil Aviation Department, and KISR (Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research).

The committee's findings, presented in a 200-page report to the Minister of Minister's Council Affairs, Abdul Aziz Hussain, rejected claims that UFOs were spy craft or extraterrestrial. However, they recommended continued investigation and the implementation of scientific measures to ensure Kuwait's airspace and territorial integrity, particularly protecting its oil resources. The report included data, reports, and experiments, and was supported by correspondence with international organizations interested in the subject.

Key points from the report include:

• The objects were neither spy craft nor extraterrestrial.
• Investigations should continue.
• Protection of oil and land is required.

The article mentions several individuals who claimed to have seen UFOs, including military officers and police personnel.

Eight UFO Incidents in Kuwait

The report lists eight occasions where UFOs were observed:

1. November 9, 1978, 00:50: Near KOC Gathering Centre no. 24. Observed by groups at 100m and 5km distances. Described as a disc, approx. 45m in diameter, 20m high, visible for 10 minutes.
2. November 1978, 4:00 AM: Near the same location, north of Kuwait.
3. November 21, 1978, 05:30: Between Gathering Centres no. 23 and 24.
4. November 23, 1978, 05:30: Near Kuwait's satellite station at Umm El Aish.
5. November 29, 1978, 11:30: A photograph was taken and given to the Minister of the Interior.
6. December 1, 1978, 00:50: A radar officer saw a UFO near Umm Qasr military post, close to the Iraqi border, flying rapidly towards Iraq.
7. December 13, 1978, 04:30: Seen by a high-ranking police officer near Al Messilah Palace.
8. December 14, 1978: Seen again by people working at the Umm El Aish station.

Experiments and Results

The scientific team analyzed soil and dust samples using microscopes and X-rays, and took aerial photographs with infrared film. No conclusive results were obtained, but the report noted that the areas were often associated with oil-producing zones and gas flares, suggesting that the phenomena might be reflections of gas, vapor, or dust particles mixed with moisture.

Historical Context

The report mentions that UFO phenomena were first recorded in the 16th and 17th centuries in the USA, with major powers beginning to register observations from 1947 and 1969. The total number of UFO sightings globally was stated as 5,887.

Proposals

The committee proposed:

1. The UFO issue should not be ignored, and the government should continue to support investigations with all available resources.
2. Rapid warning systems and control posts should be established in certain areas of Kuwait.
3. The Ministry of the Interior should continue its investigations.
4. The country must develop its own security measures around its oil fields.

De Kanariske Øer igen (The Canary Islands Again)

This section addresses the phenomenon observed in the Canary Islands on March 5, 1979, which was previously mentioned in UFO-NYT issue 3/1979. The article refers to a letter published in "The MUFON UFO JOURNAL" from a reader named Will Nelson of Villa Park, California.

Nelson's letter critically examines the phenomenon, suggesting that the most likely explanation is a rocket or missile launch, rather than a UFO. He compares the visual evidence to rocket launches observed from Los Angeles after launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base. He posits that such launches, possibly from submarines (Polaris missiles), might not be readily admitted by governments. Nelson also mentions a "mysterious prediction" of a UFO appearing after the first part of the phenomenon.

He describes a cylindrical object and light in the sky, similar to what he and others saw from the Los Angeles South Bay area years prior, which was a satellite-carrying rocket ascending into orbit after sunset. The bright light was the rocket's exhaust, which expanded into a large luminous area in the upper stratosphere, changing color from white to bluish. The exhaust plume swirled and faded over an hour.

Nelson concludes that the "cylindrical object" was likely the column of fire behind the rocket, and the rocket itself was not visible from such a distance. The colors were formed by electrochemical reactions between air molecules and gases from the exhaust. He attributes the visual effects to the lighting conditions just after sunset.

He dismisses the idea of a US experimental launch from that location, as such launches typically occur from submarines off Cape Canaveral. He finds it unlikely that the Russians would conduct such tests near Tenerife, and notes that such events are usually announced to shipping traffic. He suggests it might have been a Spanish research rocket launch, but finds it strange that it wasn't announced and that Spanish authorities seemed unaware, according to newspaper articles.

Another contributor, OJK, agrees with Nelson's assessment, suggesting the initial part of the observation might be "luminous mother-of-pearl clouds" (ice crystals high in the atmosphere) illuminated by the setting sun. He also notes that such launches are often surprising if one is not prepared for them and advises UFO researchers to familiarize themselves with this phenomenon.

Boganmeldelse: Astronomi (Book Review: Astronomy)

This section reviews three astronomy books published by Gyldendal:

1. Astronomi: A comprehensive astronomy collection, 495 pages, richly illustrated with color plates. Price: 525 DKK (368 DKK in Gyldendal's book club).
2. Verdensrummet og Vi (The Universe and Us) by Bergsøe and Rossen: 462 pages, illustrated. Price: 220 DKK / 250 DKK (hardcover).
3. De første tre minutter (The First Three Minutes) by Steven Weinberg: 184 pages, illustrated. Price: 75 DKK.

The reviewer praises the collection for its comprehensive and accessible coverage of astronomy, particularly highlighting Weinberg's book on the Big Bang theory, which explains the first three minutes of the universe's existence without formulas, making complex topics understandable. The reviewer encourages readers to purchase or borrow these books.

rumfarts - notitser (spaceflight - notes)

This section contains brief news items related to spaceflight:

• Meteorit-krater i Østsibirien (Meteorite Crater in Eastern Siberia): A swampy depression in the Tajmyr Peninsula, previously thought to be a volcanic remnant, has been identified as a meteorite impact crater formed about two million years ago. It is located about 350 km from the Popigaj crater, known to be of meteoritic origin. The newly discovered crater is smaller, 8 km in diameter, but was caused by a large, high-velocity object.

• Støvsuger Type U-2 (Vacuum Cleaner Type U-2): The article mentions that the U-2 spy plane, famous from the Cold War, is still in use by NASA for peaceful purposes. Two U-2s are used to collect cosmic dust from the upper atmosphere at altitudes of 20 kilometers. The collected material is analyzed using advanced methods to understand the solar system's formation 4.5 billion years ago. The Earth accumulates about half a ton of this cosmic dust daily.

• Hjælp søges (Help Wanted): The press bureau APN issued a message in August 1979 seeking information about a case. The magazine is asking readers for ideas or further information, directing inquiries to Ole J. Knudsen.

• Flyvende tallerkener - eller forurening? (Flying Saucers - or pollution?): This is a brief mention, likely introducing a topic related to the U-2's dust collection or the Canary Islands phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, presenting eyewitness accounts, official reports, and scientific analyses. There is a clear tendency to critically examine claims of extraterrestrial visitation, often favoring conventional explanations such as rocket launches, atmospheric phenomena, or misidentifications. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, encouraging rigorous investigation and scientific understanding of unexplained aerial phenomena. The inclusion of astronomy book reviews suggests an interest in broader scientific topics related to space and the universe.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 4-80, is a Danish publication focusing on UFO phenomena, space exploration, and related scientific discoveries. It features articles on atmospheric turbulence, China's burgeoning space program, Soviet contributions to fisheries research via space observation, astronomical findings about galaxy clusters, details from the Pioneer 11 mission to Saturn, geological changes in California, and Sweden's upcoming VIKING satellite.

Atmospheric Turbulence and UFOs

An article, citing a publication from the Soviet Union's Academy of Sciences, suggests that the phenomenon of UFOs, or 'flying saucers,' might be a consequence of increasing atmospheric pollution. These 'discs' are theorized to be lens-shaped sections of air turbulence, similar to phenomena observed in water. They are normally invisible unless they capture airborne dust or aerosols, making them visible through reflected sunlight or moonlight. The formation of these turbulence discs is considered more probable on the windward side of mountain ranges.

China's Space Program

The "Chow-chow?" section humorously touches upon China's space program. It notes that China launched its first satellite, which played the song "The East is Red," in 1970. Since then, China has launched approximately one satellite per year and is expected to have a Chinese astronaut in space soon. The article mentions that a NASA delegation recently visited China's space center in Shuang Cheng-Tsu, hinting at a potential increase in openness.

Fisheries Research and Space Exploration

Cosmonauts Kovaljonok and Ivantjenkov, during their stay on the Soviet space station Saljut-6, maintained contact with fisheries research organizations on Earth. The goal was to determine how observations from the space station could aid the fishing industry. Their collaboration led to the discovery of a correlation between changes in the ocean surface appearance, as viewed from space, and the presence of fish schools. It was observed that larger fish populations tend to occur where warm and cold waters meet. Subsequent crews, like Vladimir Ljakhov and Valerij Rjumin, used these findings, along with visual cues, infrared photography (detecting warmer areas above fish schools), and measurements of thin oil films on the water surface, to provide clearer guidelines for fishing operations.

Galaxy Clusters

An article reports on the discovery of the largest galaxy cluster found to date, detected by a microwave sounder aboard a high-altitude NASA U-2 aircraft. This cluster spans approximately 2 billion light-years, significantly larger than our own galaxy. Astronomers have long known that galaxies group into clusters. Our own Milky Way galaxy is part of the 'local group,' which includes the Andromeda galaxy and about 15 dwarf galaxies.

Saturn Findings from Pioneer 11

The Pioneer 11 space probe, after completing its mission, is heading out of the solar system. NASA expects to receive signals from it until the end of 1980. Key findings from its Saturn flyby include the discovery of an eleventh moon, the detection of a planetary magnetic field, the identification of two new rings (bringing the total to five), and new details about Saturn's structure. Notably, Saturn emits 2.5 times more energy than it receives from the Sun, indicating it produces its own energy. Its radiation belts are similar in strength to Earth's, and its cloud cover is less detailed than Jupiter's.

Geological Changes in California

Dr. A. E. Niell and his colleagues at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, have observed a geological expansion in the state. By measuring time differences in radio signals from distant quasars, they found that the distance between JPL and NASA's Goldstone tracking station has increased by 20.3 cm over seven months. This expansion, occurring since 1978, is much faster than a previous slower contraction. This geological change, equivalent to 1/10 hectare over a 24x32 km area, is the first observed rapid geological transformation. If this expansion continues, it could lead to a major earthquake in the San Andreas fault area sooner than anticipated, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Sweden's VIKING Satellite

Sweden, like Denmark, is a member of the European Space Agency (ESA). The Swedish Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Education are planning a Swedish satellite named VIKING. This satellite will study Earth's magnetosphere at altitudes up to 15,000 km, particularly around the poles. The mission aims to better understand climatic changes by studying energy transport from the Sun's radiation into Earth's atmosphere. The satellite will have a polar orbit, passing over both Earth's poles, with its closest approach to Earth at 820 km. This will be the first magnetosphere satellite launched into such an orbit. The VIKING satellite is scheduled for launch in 1984 by ESA's Ariane rocket, with costs estimated between 50 and 100 million Danish kroner. The satellite will carry 50 kg of instruments, with a total weight of approximately 500 kg.

Books and Media for Sale

The magazine includes a section listing books and audio-visual materials available for purchase, including UFO-related books, reports, an emblem, postcards, original graphics, and cassette tapes featuring UFO accounts and a radio play adaptation of H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds." It also lists back issues of UFO-NYT for sale.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of scientific inquiry with unexplained phenomena, the progress and potential of space exploration by various nations, and the ongoing effort to understand Earth's environment and the cosmos. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting scientific theories alongside reports of unusual observations, and encouraging further research into UFOs and related subjects, as evidenced by the book and media offerings that promote deeper study and discussion.