UFO Nyt - No 5 sept-okt 1983

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: Nr. 5
Volume: 25. årg.
Date: September/Oktober 1983
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Price: 22 kr. per issue (subscription 108 kr. annually).

Editorial: 'Ubrugt' (Unused) by Jørgen Bengtvig

The editorial, written by Jørgen Bengtvig, discusses SUFOI's long-standing efforts to establish itself as knowledgeable in the field of UFO phenomena. Bengtvig expresses frustration with the lack of official recognition and support for UFO research in Denmark. He highlights SUFOI's extensive archives of clippings, periodicals, photographs, and books, which have provided its representatives with significant knowledge. However, this knowledge is largely untapped by mass media and official authorities, who are hesitant to acknowledge the existence of unexplained phenomena.

Bengtvig calls for official Danish institutions, including the police, radar stations, military and civilian airfields, pilots, and scientific bodies, to cooperate with SUFOI. He argues that such cooperation would not cost society much and would be invaluable for advancing UFO research. He notes that while many scientists sympathize with SUFOI's work, they are constrained by a fear of ridicule or lack of time and resources. The editorial concludes with a plea for both official and unofficial support to help solve the nearly 40-year-old mystery of what UFOs are and why they appear.

Udefra: 'Italiensk nærobservation' (Italian Close Observation) by Antonio Chiumiento

This article details a close encounter of the 3rd kind that reportedly occurred on September 18, 1978, in S. Giorgio di Nogaro, Northern Italy. The report is based on an investigation by Italian ufologist Antonio Chiumiento of C.U.N. (Centro Ufologica Nazionale). The incident was initially brought to light by an article in the newspaper 'Gazzettino' on February 4, 1979.

The witness, Giorgio Filiputti, a railway worker, was fishing near the Corno river when he heard a strange whistling sound. He observed a peculiar, egg-shaped or disc-like object, approximately 4-5 meters long, with a dome on top, resting on three large landing struts on a muddy area. The object appeared to be made of brass-colored or yellow metal. Filiputti also observed a small, slender being, described as having an 'Asian pygmy' appearance, emerge from the object and work on a part of it. The being was between 1.30 and 1.40 meters tall, wearing a silver-like, tight-fitting suit with boots resembling those of a paratrooper. The being's eyes were slanted, and its face was partially obscured.

After about 6 minutes, the being re-entered the object, which then emitted a loud roar and a strong whistling sound as it ascended vertically. A flame, described as a 60 cm tongue of fire, was visible from the bottom of the object. The craft then tilted and disappeared at extremely high speed, leaving behind three circular marks on the ground, approximately 50 cm in diameter and 3 cm deep.

Filiputti was initially frightened and kept the experience to himself for some time. He later confided in his brother, Angiolino, who encouraged him to report it. The witness was described as credible, with no history of psychological instability. The article notes that the case shares similarities with the Maurice Masse sighting in Valensole, France.

Other Articles and Sections:

• 'UFO-klassiker: Jimmy Carter, 1969': This article revisits the UFO experience of former US President Jimmy Carter.
• 'Indrapporteringer: Danmark': A section dedicated to UFO reports from Denmark.
• 'Ufologi: Den psykologiske reaktion': Discusses the psychological impact and reactions to UFO experiences.
• 'Danske fotosager: Usynligt fænomen?': Features Danish photographic cases of UFOs.
• 'Spøgelsesfly: Status-rapport': A status report on 'ghost planes' or unidentified aerial phenomena.
• 'Ufologi: Computeranalyse': Explores the use of computer analysis in ufology.
• 'UFO '83: Billedkavalkade': A photo montage or 'picture parade' from UFO '83.
• 'Bøger og tidsskrifter: Anmeldelser': Reviews of books and periodicals related to UFOs.
• 'New Zealand: UFOnaut rapporter': Reports from UFO sightings in New Zealand.
• 'Udflugt til Ole Rømer observatoriet': An excursion to the Ole Rømer observatory.
• 'Notitser: Kort fortalt': Short news items and notes.
• 'UFO-foto: Barjols mysteriet': Focuses on a UFO photograph from Barjols, France.
• 'UFO-forskning: Detektor status': An update on the status of UFO detection equipment.
• 'SUFOIs detektor': Information about SUFOI's own detector.

The issue also includes details about SUFOI's subscription information, copyright notice, and a special offer for a joint subscription with 'Det Ukendte' magazine.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are close encounters, photographic evidence, witness testimonies, and the psychological aspects of UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as expressed by Jørgen Bengtvig, is one of persistent advocacy for the serious study of UFO phenomena and a call for greater transparency and cooperation from official Danish institutions. SUFOI positions itself as a dedicated organization collecting and processing UFO reports, aiming to contribute to the understanding of these unexplained events without prematurely endorsing any specific theory.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated May 1983 (5/83), features a prominent article titled "UFO-KLASSIKER: Jimmy Carter, 1969" by Kim Møller Hansen. The magazine is published by SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) and covers various UFO-related topics, including investigations, reports, and psychological analyses.

Jimmy Carter's UFO Sighting (1969)

The lead article delves into the famous UFO sighting attributed to Jimmy Carter, who was then a former governor of Georgia and a presidential candidate. The article quotes Carter describing a strange, large object that changed colors and was visible for about 10 minutes, witnessed by approximately 20 people. The report appeared in the National Enquirer in June 1976, during Carter's presidential campaign, and generated significant media attention, with Danish newspapers also reporting on it.

UFO organizations reportedly used Carter's sighting to gain credibility, arguing that if a presidential candidate saw a UFO, the phenomenon was worthy of serious consideration.

However, UFO skeptic Robert Sheaffer investigated the claims. He found that the National Enquirer article was based on a brief interview and that supporting witness accounts mentioned in the article were fabricated. Sheaffer's research indicated that the observation likely occurred in October 1969, not 1973 as initially reported, and took place in Leary, Georgia, not Thomaston. He contacted individuals who were allegedly witnesses, but their accounts did not corroborate the story. A former Lions Club member, Fred Hart, eventually recalled the event, suggesting it might have been a small, bluish light, possibly resembling a weather balloon, and that it had not made a significant impression on him at the time.

Sheaffer's investigation, detailed in his report, pointed to the planet Venus as the likely object. He noted that Venus was prominent in the western sky in October 1969, appearing as a bright light that could seem to move and change in intensity, especially under certain atmospheric conditions.

UFO Reports from Denmark (1983)

The magazine also includes a section titled "INDRAPPORTERINGER DANMARK" which presents a situation report from SUFOI's report center for the period May 1 to June 30, 1983. This section lists various UFO observations reported in Denmark, categorized by type (e.g., NL.1, NL.2 for night lights; DL.1, DL.2 for daytime phenomena; NO.1, NO.2, NO.3 for close observations). Each entry includes the date, location, number of witnesses, and color of the object, with some attempts at identification (e.g., Venus, balloon, fly).

A table provides a more detailed overview of observations received by SUFOI between May 1 and June 30, 1983, listing observation dates, times, locations (with postal codes), number of witnesses, and colors. Some entries include potential identifications like 'rød' (red), 'gulorange' (yellow-orange), 'hvid' (white), 'klar' (clear), 'sort/gul' (black/yellow), and 'gylden/rød' (golden/red).

UFO Reports from Turkey (1981-1982)

Another section, "UDEFRA: Tyrkiet," reports on a UFO wave that occurred in Turkey. According to Haluk Egeman Sarikaya from the Science Research Center in Istanbul, this wave began suddenly on December 15, 1981, and ended just as abruptly on January 20, 1982. The wave was concentrated in central Turkey, with some reports from coastal areas. Skeptics initially dismissed the sightings as space debris, but a research team investigated the phenomenon. They interviewed about 30 observers, examined alleged landing sites, and collected photographic evidence. The report suggests that this wave was a genuine phenomenon, not media-inspired. Local accounts describe objects with blue, red, yellow, and white lights, sometimes hovering and then disappearing. Some scientists suggested Venus as an explanation, but the timing of observations made this unlikely for some reports. One account describes an object resembling a turtle moving at about 50 km/h, emitting red and yellow light. The article notes that on January 15, three consecutive observations occurred near Nidge, Havsa, and Izmir, with one object described as like a 'card file drawer' and another two causing TV reception disturbances. The wave peaked between January 15 and 18, with sightings over various locations, including one in Tarsus that reportedly affected house lighting. The initial sighting on December 15, 1981, by Ali Ozel, described a powerful light maneuvering before disappearing. Later, military authorities and residents observed a large, silent, green-glowing object near Aksaray.

Psychological Reactions to UFO Sightings

The article "Den psykologiske reaktion" by Mark Moravec explores how people react when they see an unidentified flying object. Based on an analysis of 56 well-documented UFO reports, the study found that fear is the most common reaction (69.6%) in close encounters, followed by curiosity (15.2%). Other reactions included surprise, memory loss, confusion, and nightmares. The author suggests that the lack of serious attention from science and governments contributes to public skepticism and a feeling of powerlessness.

The study categorizes reactions into 'positive' (curiosity, surprise, excitement) and 'negative' (fear, confusion, etc.). Negative emotions dominate, largely due to the high incidence of fear. The article also discusses physiological reactions, such as hair standing on end, which are likely psychosomatic responses to fear rather than direct physical effects of a UFO.

It is argued that the psychological reaction to a UFO or an Identified Flying Object (IFO) can be similar, and the witness's perception and pre-existing beliefs play a significant role. The tendency for witnesses to develop increasingly complex hypotheses to explain phenomena is also discussed. The article concludes that fear and curiosity are the most common psychological reactions, but a wide range of other reactions exist, influenced by individual personality and circumstances. Physiological reactions like sleep disturbances and eye sensitivity are also noted. The study cautions against placing too much emphasis on a witness's emotional reaction as a measure of credibility, given the potential for misinterpretation and the difficulties in adequately investigating older cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFO phenomena warrant serious investigation, aiming to counter skepticism and provide factual reporting. The articles highlight specific cases, such as the Jimmy Carter sighting, and analyze them from various angles, including potential misidentifications and psychological aspects. The publication appears to advocate for a more open-minded approach to UFO studies, encouraging public reporting and scientific inquiry, while also acknowledging the role of skepticism and the need for rigorous investigation. The recurring theme is the exploration of unexplained aerial phenomena and their impact on individuals and society.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 5/83, focuses on UFO phenomena with a particular emphasis on reports from Turkey and a detailed computer analysis of UFO data. It also revisits historical 'ghost plane' sightings from Sweden.

Turkish UFO Wave

The issue begins by discussing UFO reports from Turkey, acknowledging that the provided information is more of a catalog than an in-depth analysis. A report from Ankara on April 23, 1982, describes two elliptical objects flying for nearly an hour before dawn. Another report from Marmaris on May 24, 1982, details an orange UFO that hovered and moved slowly, causing excitement among locals and tourists. A third incident on June 3, 1982, near Demirkoy, describes a bright, round object with a rectangular mid-section emitting orange light, observed flying erratically at low altitude.

Computer Analysis of UFO Reports

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a computer analysis conducted by MARCEN, using data from Project Blue Book and additional reports. This analysis aimed to identify common characteristics in UFO reports and challenge the conclusions of Dr. Edward U. Condon, who stated that most unexplained observations stemmed from poor observers. The MARCEN analysis, using 27,640 reports, categorized them into various groups like balloons, aircraft, lights, and unidentified. The results indicated that 26.7% of the reports were unidentified, with 22.7% being absolutely unidentified. The analysis also found that more reliable observers tended to report more unidentified phenomena, directly contradicting Condon's findings.

Further statistical analysis using the Chi Square method was performed to compare various characteristics (speed, duration, number of objects, color, shape, brightness) between identified and unidentified reports. The results consistently showed a very low probability (less than 1%) that the unidentified phenomena were statistically similar to identified ones, suggesting they represented a phenomenon unknown to conventional science.

The 'Ghost Plane' Phenomenon in Sweden

The magazine also features an in-depth report on the 'ghost plane' phenomenon observed in Sweden during the 1930s. The author, Anders Liljegren, details his research, including accessing secret military documents from the Swedish War Archives. These documents, marked 'Spökflygaren' (Ghost Flyer), date back to 1934 and 1937 and contain reports and analyses from the Swedish military command in Norrland. The investigation involved police and customs authorities, with detailed on-site examinations of many sightings. While some sightings were explained as conventional aircraft, planets, or other known phenomena, a significant portion remained unexplained.

The article discusses how the 'ghost plane' phenomenon was used for political propaganda, with the bourgeois press blaming the Russians. It also touches upon the public perception and media coverage of these events, noting their use in advertisements and even a film title.

UFO '83 Seminar

Finally, the issue includes a pictorial report on the annual UFO '83 seminar held at Hadsten Højskole in Denmark. The event, organized by Gitte and Torben Birkeholm and Inge and Per Andersen, featured panel debates, lectures, study groups, and video screenings. The panel debate focused on the 'UFO syndrome' as a challenge rather than an either/or situation. Despite a decent press turnout, attendance from the local population was lower than expected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO sightings, the use of scientific and statistical methods to analyze data, and the examination of historical UFO cases. The magazine appears to adopt a critical and analytical stance, seeking to uncover factual information and challenge established conclusions, particularly those from official investigations like Project Blue Book. There is a clear interest in the unexplained aspects of UFO phenomena and a dedication to rigorous research, even when dealing with sensitive or classified information.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 5/83, is a Danish publication from SUFOI focusing on UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features an offer for a subscription, highlighting benefits such as free postage, discounts on SUFOI books, and access to member events. The main headline, 'Der er flere fordele ved et abonnement' (There are more benefits to a subscription), suggests a strong emphasis on subscriber engagement and services.

UFO-seminar in Denmark

The issue reports on a UFO seminar that welcomed Christer Nordin from UFO-Sverige and Hansjürgen Köhler from the German UFO group CENAP. The event facilitated international discussions on UFO research. Jørgen Nielsen of Roskilde UFO Gruppe also presented on the topic of extraterrestrial life in the cosmos. The seminar also served as a platform to announce the organizers for the next year's UFO 84 seminar, with Freddy Nielsen and Jørgen Nielsen among them. The event also featured a sale of UFO literature, including the newly released report on the Travis Walton abduction case by Kim Møller Hansen.

Subscription Offer

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to promoting subscriptions to UFO-NYT and a joint subscription with 'Det Ukendte' (The Unknown). The subscription costs 108 DKK for UFO-NYT alone, providing six issues annually. The combined subscription is 192 DKK for 12 issues, offering a saving of 26 DKK. Subscribers are offered various benefits, including free postage and discounts on SUFOI publications and merchandise.

Book Review: 'Let's Hope They're Friendly!'

Kim Møller Hansen reviews Quentin Fogarty's book, 'Let's Hope They're Friendly!', which details Fogarty's personal UFO experience during a flight over New Zealand in 1978. The review highlights the book's focus on the human aspect of extraordinary events and the subsequent media frenzy, including conflicts with his employer and public scrutiny. The review also mentions Fogarty's correspondence with UFO skeptics and his interactions with researchers like Bruce Maccabee. The book is praised for its engaging writing style and is recommended for those interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of UFO incidents.

UFO Reports from New Zealand

A substantial section, 'UFOnaut rapporter' by Keith Basterfield, presents 18 UFO cases from New Zealand, dating from 1909 to 1981. The author notes the relative lack of published reports from New Zealand compared to Australia. The cases include sightings of dirigibles, cigar-shaped objects, disks, and humanoid figures. Some reports detail unusual phenomena such as time loss and physical effects on witnesses. The article maps 13 of these cases on an illustration of New Zealand.

Other UFO News and Research

UFO-forskningen i Finland (UFO Research in Finland)

This section details the activities of Suomen UFOtutkijat, a Finnish UFO research organization founded in 1973. It reports that out of 21 IFO (Identified Flying Object) reports investigated, only 9 were classified as potential UFOs, with 7 being uncertain. The article mentions a particularly interesting observation from Pielisjärvi in 1981, where two men in a motorboat experienced a time loss of 7 hours and 20 minutes after encountering a dark disk and lights.

Politichef forfølger en UFO (Police Chief Pursues a UFO)

This report describes an incident in Dubai where the police chief, Colonel Dhahi Khalfan Thamini, observed a large, shining object with a detached red part that descended before disappearing. The incident was notable for a simultaneous failure of radio communication, which only normalized after the object vanished.

UFO-FOTO: Barjols mysteriet (Barjols Mystery)

This article by Kim Møller Hansen examines a famous UFO photograph taken in Barjols, France, on March 23, 1974. The photograph, published anonymously, is discussed in the context of an observation tour by Jean-Francois Delseray, Eric Abagnale, and Jean Bedet. The tour involved using a detector and camera setup, with the intention of attracting and photographing UFOs using a projector.

Notitser (Notices)

This section contains brief news items:

• Med gasmaske og geigertæller (With gas mask and Geiger counter): Describes an exercise by the Scientific Bureau of Investigation (SBI) in the USA, simulating the recovery of an alien from a crashed UFO.
• Første bevis på et nyt solsystem (First evidence of a new solar system): Reports on astronomers finding evidence of a ring of particles around the star Vega, suggesting the presence of a new solar system.
• Projekt Blålys? (Project Blue Light?): Updates on Project Starlight International (PSI) in Austin, Texas, which aimed to track UFO phenomena using advanced equipment. The project has scaled down but retained most of its equipment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes the magazine and the organization SUFOI, emphasizing the benefits of subscription and membership. There's a strong focus on reporting UFO sightings and research, particularly from New Zealand in this issue, alongside reviews of relevant books and materials. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting findings from various sources and encouraging reader engagement. The inclusion of astronomical news and research exercises suggests a broader interest in science and the unknown.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 5/83
Publication Date: 1983
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into UFO research, with a significant focus on the SUFOI MFI-6 detector, its capabilities, and the data it generates. It also features a detailed account of a UFO sighting and photograph from France, alongside discussions on the nature of UFO phenomena and scientific investigation.

UFO Sighting and Photographic Evidence from France

The magazine presents a case involving a UFO sighting and photograph from the region of Cares-Montfort, France. Fru Bedet and the C-M couple observed a red object with green beams during the night. The object was later photographed by an unknown doctor near Albiosc on March 23, 1974. The photograph, taken with a Canon camera and a telephoto lens, shows an object emitting four downward light beams. The photographer, who wished to remain anonymous, is believed to be a doctor. The article notes that the photograph was shown to several observers who believed it to be genuine and accurately depicted the object they had seen.

An accompanying article from "Le Provencal" dated the same day as the sighting (March 13, 1974) reported a similar sighting of a large red sphere by M. Francois Santiago and his son Herve. The author of the UFO-NYT article received a letter and a photograph from an anonymous source, which he suspected might be related to his own involvement in UFO research, possibly indicated by an LDLN sticker on his car.

The article discusses the potential connection between the March 23rd photograph and the earlier sighting, and the author intends to verify the witness statements using LDLN report forms.

SUFOI's MFI-6 Detector: Technology and Data Analysis

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to the SUFOI MFI-6 detector, a device designed to detect disturbances in the magnetic field, which are theorized to be associated with UFO phenomena. The MFI-6, a product of SUFOI's technical department, has been available for purchase since late 1981.

Detector Functionality and Purpose

The MFI-6 (Magnetfelt Indikator - 6th edition) is a fully electronic device with a sensitivity of 500 μT/s. It emits a buzzing alarm when it detects changes in the magnetic field. The detector is portable, measuring 13 x 6 x 3 cm, and runs on a 9V battery that lasts approximately one year. SUFOI has distributed around 140 units across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

The detector serves two main purposes: to allow UFO enthusiasts to potentially detect magnetic field changes and to gather data for SUFOI's research into the relationship between UFO phenomena and magnetic field disturbances. Owners are encouraged to submit reports on detector placement and any alarms triggered.

Analysis of Detector Alarms

The magazine presents statistics and analysis of the data collected from MFI-6 detectors. As of the publication, 144 alarms had been registered. The analysis highlights the difficulty in distinguishing between genuine UFO-related alarms and "false alarms" caused by mundane sources like household appliances, thunderstorms, or passing vehicles. While visual observations can often be identified as known phenomena (IFO - Identified Flying Object), detector alarms lack sufficient detail for easy classification.

Geographical and Temporal Distribution of Alarms

Statistics show that the majority of alarms (82%) originate from Zealand, Denmark, with a significant portion from the Copenhagen area. However, this distribution is attributed not only to potential UFO activity but also to the higher concentration of MFI-6 detectors in these regions (62% of detectors are on Zealand and surrounding islands).

The temporal distribution of detector alarms is compared with UFO reports from 1975. While UFO reports peak in the evening (17:00-24:00), likely due to visual observation conditions, detector alarms appear more evenly distributed throughout the hours when people are awake, suggesting they are not solely dependent on light conditions.

Alarm Duration and Causes of False Alarms

Most detector alarms are short, lasting under one minute. A small percentage last longer, often associated with adverse weather conditions like thunderstorms or heavy fog. The article identifies several common causes of false alarms, including thunderstorms, passing vehicles, doorbells, and the activation of appliances like televisions, irons, and vacuum cleaners. It also notes that generally poor weather conditions and even aircraft fly-bys have been reported in conjunction with detector alarms, warranting further investigation.

Subscription Offer

UFO-NYT offers a special 5-year subscription for kr. 600,-, covering the years 1984-1988, with a deadline of February 1, 1984.

Book Review: "Liv blandt milliarder af stjerner"

The magazine includes a review of Nils Mustelin's book, "Liv blandt milliarder af stjerner" (Life Among Billions of Stars), which discusses extraterrestrial life, astronomy, and the search for life in space. The review, originally from UFO-NYT nr. 1, 1980, describes the book as well-written and accessible to a general audience.

Brief Reports

Drenge påstår at have set et UFO (Boys claim to have seen a UFO): Two 12-year-old boys from Anglesey, UK, reported seeing a "crab-like" object hovering about 60 meters above them, and experienced chest pain and coughing afterwards.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the role of technology (specifically the MFI-6 detector) in this research, and the importance of witness testimony and photographic evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, encouraging data collection and analysis while acknowledging the challenges in distinguishing genuine UFO events from misidentifications or natural phenomena. The magazine promotes SUFOI's research efforts and encourages reader participation through the use of detectors and the submission of reports.