UFO Nyt - No 4 juli-aug 1984

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NYT
Issue: 26th Year, July/August 1984, No. 4
Publisher: SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Cover Headline: UFO-klassiker: Los Angeles 1942, Astronauter og UFOer, UFOernes fødsel, Rumskib over Danmark

Articles

Leder: EDB/Teknisk Fond - Forskningsfonden (Editorial: EDB/Technical Fund - Research Foundation)

By Jørgen Bengtvig.

This editorial discusses the EDB/Teknisk Fond, which celebrated its 6th anniversary in 1984 and was renamed the Forskningsfonden (Research Foundation). Originally proposed in 1978 as an EDB-Fond to acquire computing power for the UFODATA project, its name was changed due to the extensive technical activities within SUFOI. The fund's purpose is to support SUFOI's technical research, including the UFODATA project. The initial capital was raised partly from a TV appearance fee and a geiger counter purchase fund. The fund's goal was to raise 20,000 DKK, which was achieved in 1981. The fund has supported projects such as the development of the MFI-6 detector and a tracking station project that unfortunately stalled. It also supported the development and production of a SUFOI datalog prototype, capable of connecting to eight MFI-6 detectors to automatically register UFO alarms. Other supported projects include technical analysis of UFO photos, expanding the photo archive, and a trip to London for a meeting on UFO data processing, an area where Denmark (SUFOI) is considered a leader. In March 1984, the fund's name was changed to Forskningsfonden, and its purpose was formally documented. The fund is financially healthy with approximately 12,000 DKK in capital and has ambitious plans, welcoming contributions from members.

UFO-klassiker: Los Angeles 1942 (UFO Classic: Los Angeles 1942)

By Erling Jensen.

This article details the bizarre events of February 25, 1942, in Los Angeles, approximately 2-3 months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Amidst heightened war preparedness, the American anti-aircraft batteries fired over 1500 shells at perceived aerial threats, which were described as planes, balloons, or searchlights. At the time, the concept of flying saucers or UFOs did not exist. Former Major Colman S. VonKeviczky of ICUFON suggests this event was the first historical evidence of 'Galactic Powers' strategic reconnaissance. The article presents various accounts, including a report from the Los Angeles Times describing "foreign planes" and heavy anti-aircraft fire. It notes that no bombs were dropped, and while one plane was reportedly shot down, details were scarce. The article quotes a memorandum from General C. Marshall to President Franklin D. Roosevelt dated February 26, 1942. The memorandum stated that unidentified airplanes, not American military planes, were likely over Los Angeles and were fired upon by the 37th CA Brigade, expending 1430 rounds. It estimated between 8 to 20 planes were involved, flying at various speeds and altitudes. No bombs were dropped, and no casualties occurred. The memorandum suggested that if unidentified aircraft were involved, they might have originated from commercial sources operated by enemy agents for purposes of spreading alarm and revealing anti-aircraft positions.

The article further discusses the confusion surrounding the event, with varying reports on whether American fighter planes were involved. Some sources suggested they were deployed, while others claimed they were not due to the danger of friendly fire. The possibility of enemy planes being launched from a distant aircraft carrier was also considered, making bomb-dropping unlikely. The article also mentions reports of weather balloons being launched over Los Angeles, which might have been the cause of the initial alarm. The anti-aircraft batteries were officially criticized for wasting ammunition on targets that moved too slowly to be aircraft. The article concludes that it is unlikely the objects were planes, and the event remains largely unexplained, with the possibility of UFOs being the most plausible explanation given the lack of conventional explanations.

Udefra: Astronauter og UFOer (From Outside: Astronauts and UFOs)

By James Oberg.

This article examines the phenomenon of "UFO observations" and photographs attributed to American and Russian pilots during spaceflights. It notes that during the 1970s, UFO literature and films often claimed that astronauts had witnessed UFOs. However, the article states that more serious pro-UFO researchers have distanced themselves from these claims, finding many of them to be unreliable. Oberg asserts that at least two dozen such cases can be dismissed, with optical phenomena related to space flight providing acceptable explanations. Many popular accounts are deemed inauthentic, originating from the fantasies of naive UFO enthusiasts or unscrupulous authors.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a prominent ufologist, visited NASA's Johnson Space Center in 1976 and received a private briefing on these reports. His conclusion was that the publicly reported "astronaut incidents" had "nothing to do with the real UFO phenomenon." Skeptical researchers welcomed Hynek's revised stance, though some noted that this "space age folklore" shared characteristics with general ufology. The article questions how such a genre, often based on unsubstantiated claims, gained such credibility. It suggests that an investigation into the origins of the "astronaut UFO" myth could shed light on the gullibility and lack of critical judgment prevalent in ufology.

The article references a list of alleged astronaut UFO reports compiled by George Fawcett, which appeared in Hynek and Jacques Vallee's book "Edge of Reality." Fawcett later claimed that he only collected publicly available information and expected others to verify it. He suggested that perhaps only 1% of the reports concerned actual UFOs. The article then analyzes the first entry from Fawcett's list: John Glenn's observation on February 20, 1962, where he reported three objects following his Mercury capsule. Oberg explains that these "snowflakes" were actually small particles that detached from the capsule due to atmospheric drag, appearing to overtake it due to their lower trajectory. The article concludes that important information was withheld, leading to a misinterpretation of the event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of critical inquiry into UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena, it emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation, evidence-based analysis, and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims. The editorial highlights the importance of distinguishing between genuine UFO sightings and misinterpretations, hoaxes, or folklore. The magazine aims to inform its readers about UFO research, historical cases, and scientific perspectives, encouraging a balanced and critical approach to the subject.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 4/84, focuses on debunking alleged UFO sightings by astronauts. The main article, "Mænd af den rette støbning" (Men of the Right Stuff), reviews the film of the same name, which depicts the early days of the US space program. The magazine also features an article titled "UFOernes fødsel" (The Birth of UFOs) by John Prytz, which delves into the origins of the UFO phenomenon in the late 1940s and its connection to societal factors and potential extraterrestrial interest.

Debunking Astronaut UFO Sightings

The core of the magazine is a detailed examination of numerous reported UFO sightings by astronauts from the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and Voskhod programs. The article systematically analyzes each case, often providing counter-explanations and labeling many reports as "Ufologisk skrøne" (Ufological hoax), "FUP" (nonsense), or instances of "fordrejelse" (distortion) and "bedrageri" (deception).

Key incidents discussed include:

• Scott Carpenter (Mercury 7): Claimed to have photographed a "saucer" but the image was distorted and likely of a balloon or his Atlas rocket.
• Joe Walton (Pilot): Alleged to have photographed disc-like objects, but the report is deemed fabricated.
• Robert White (Pilot): Reported a small object, possibly ice from a rocket, but the account was selectively presented.
• Gordon Cooper: Reported a greenish UFO with a red tail, but this account is attributed to a UFO author who misrepresented Cooper's report about the Aurora Australis.
• Walter Schirra (Mercury 8): Reported a glowing mass, explained as lightning from thunderclouds.
• Jim McDivitt (Gemini 4): His famous photo is explained as a reflection in the capsule window, not an actual UFO.
• Frank Borman and Jim Lovell (Gemini 7): Their photo of "glowing undersides" is attributed to the two thruster rockets on the Gemini capsule.
• John Young and Mike Collins (Gemini 10): Reported seeing cylindrical objects, which are suggested to be debris from the rocket or capsule.
• Richard Gordon and Charles Conrad (Gemini 11): Their sighting of a yellow-orange UFO is identified as the Soviet "Proton 3" satellite.
• Frank Borman and Jim Lovell (Apollo 8): A report of a "bogie" is linked to an earlier incident and not Apollo 8.
• Apollo 11: Claims of the spacecraft being followed by a UFO are dismissed as debris from the capsule or its rocket.
• Pete Conrad, Alan Bean, Dick Gordon (Apollo 12): Their sighting is explained as a blinking piece of their rocket.
• Jim Lovell and Edwin Aldrin (Gemini 12): Reported seeing four UFOs, which were actually four bags of trash jettisoned overboard.
• John Glenn: His alleged UFO observations are stated to be fabricated.

The magazine criticizes UFO authors like Charles Berlitz, Timothy Beckley, and Joseph Goodavage for sensationalizing and misrepresenting astronaut accounts. It highlights how figures like Dr. Garry C. Henderson and Dr. Farouk El-Baz, initially quoted as confirming astronaut UFO sightings, later denied making such statements or retracted their claims.

Film Review: "The Right Stuff"

The issue includes a review of the film "Mænd af den rette støbning" (The Right Stuff), based on Tom Wolfe's book. The film chronicles the early days of the US space program, focusing on test pilots like Chuck Yeager and the selection and training of the first Mercury astronauts. The review highlights the film's portrayal of the "right stuff" – the blend of heroism, bravery, and risk-taking – and its depiction of the intense competition with the Soviet Union. It notes the film's meticulous attention to historical detail and its exploration of the pressures faced by astronauts and their families.

The Origins of the UFO Phenomenon

John Prytz's article, "UFOernes fødsel," examines the emergence of the modern UFO phenomenon in the late 1940s. Prytz questions whether these sightings were due to public imagination, extraterrestrial intelligence, or a combination of factors. He notes earlier phenomena like airship mysteries and ghost rockets but emphasizes the significant increase in UFO reports starting in 1947, particularly after Kenneth Arnold's sighting. Prytz suggests that the rise in UFO reports might be linked to the societal atmosphere of the time or an increased surveillance by extraterrestrial intelligences (ETI) due to technological advancements like the atomic bomb.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the magazine is the critical examination and debunking of UFO claims, particularly those involving astronauts. The editorial stance is skeptical, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation and a scientific approach to UFO reports. The magazine highlights the tendency of UFO literature to distort facts, sensationalize events, and rely on questionable sources. It advocates for a rational explanation of phenomena, often attributing sightings to misidentification, natural events, or deliberate fabrications, rather than extraterrestrial activity. The magazine also implicitly criticizes the media for perpetuating unsubstantiated UFO narratives.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated September 1982 (though content appears to be from 1984 based on internal dates), delves into the origins and cultural context of the UFO phenomenon. It critically examines the relationship between UFO sightings, science fiction, and public perception, particularly in the post-World War II era. The magazine also includes a report on UFO sightings in Denmark and a specific case identified as a space shuttle.

The Cultural Genesis of UFOs

The issue begins by questioning the common assumption that UFOs and the concept of extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI) were primarily products of popular imagination, particularly science fiction, before the modern UFO era. The author argues that for UFOs to be considered psychological constructs or 'fantasifostre,' there should have been a significant cultural precursor in media and public consciousness. However, research into newspapers from June 24, 1947, the date of the Kenneth Arnold sighting, revealed no mainstream coverage of UFOs, space travel, or ETI. Similarly, a review of New York City's cinema listings for that date showed no science fiction films with space or ETI themes.

The article presents data on the number of space/ETI-themed science fiction films released between 1900 and 1964, showing a dramatic increase after 1947. This suggests that the UFO phenomenon may have influenced science fiction rather than the other way around.

Media Influence: Radio and Television

The role of television and radio in shaping public perception is explored. Television, still in its nascent stages in 1947, had a negligible impact on the UFO phenomenon's emergence. The first science fiction TV series, 'Captain Video,' only began in 1948. Radio, however, was a dominant medium, with science fiction and horror genres being popular. While Orson Welles's 1938 'War of the Worlds' broadcast is mentioned as an example of radio's potential to influence public perception, the author notes the significant time lag (nearly two decades) between such events and the UFO craze, making a direct causal link less convincing.

Non-Fiction and the Rise of UFO Literature

The article also examines non-fiction literature concerning ETI and space travel. Similar to films, the number of articles and books on these topics saw a sharp increase after the UFO phenomenon gained public attention. The author suggests that the UFO phenomenon likely stimulated interest in space travel and ETI, rather than being a product of it.

The 'Flying Saucer' Era and Key Theories

The issue highlights Donald Keyhoe's influential article "'Flying Saucers Are Real'" in True magazine (January 1950), which popularized the idea of UFOs as extraterrestrial craft. Before this, theories often linked UFOs to secret weapons from World War II. The article questions the timing of the UFO 'birth,' suggesting that the cultural and psychological climate of the late 1940s was not particularly conducive to the emergence of such beliefs, and that other periods might have been more suitable for the development of 'imaginary alien spaceships.'

Bigfoot and UFOs: A Comparative Analysis

Robert Wanderer's article, "BIGFOOT OG UFOer - Samme sag?" (Bigfoot and UFOs - Same Case?), draws parallels between the Bigfoot/Sasquatch and Yeti phenomena and UFO sightings. The author notes the thousands of observations for each but the lack of solid, verifiable evidence for their existence. The article questions the biological plausibility of a large primate like Bigfoot existing in North American climates, citing expert opinions. It suggests that the desire to believe and the search for evidence are common to both phenomena, highlighting the subjective nature of belief in the unproven.

UFO Reports from Denmark

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to UFO reports from Denmark, compiled by SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information). A detailed table lists observations received between March 1 and April 30, 1984, including dates, times, locations, durations, number of witnesses, colors, and any potential identifications. The report categorizes sightings using a classification system (NL.1, NL.2 for night lights; DL.1, DL.2 for daylight phenomena; NO.1, NO.2, NO.3 for close observations).

A specific case, "Rumskib over Danmark" (Spaceship over Denmark), details a sighting on October 28, 1983, near Greve Strand. The observed phenomenon, initially described as two bright UFOs, was later identified as the space shuttle Columbia during its first orbit after launch. This case is presented as a successful identification of a UFO as a known object, contrasting with the unexplained nature of many other sightings.

Additional Content

The issue also includes a report on a SUFOI radio program broadcast from Radio Aarhus, discussing UFOs and the organization's work. It mentions the challenges of public speaking for some members ('mikrofonskrækken' - stage fright) and highlights listener interaction. Other sections include a classified ad for a telescope, a notice about available back issues of UFO-NYT, and an announcement for a SUFOI meeting in Aalborg.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the critical examination of the origins of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to lean towards skepticism regarding the idea that UFOs are solely products of human imagination or psychological conditioning. The evidence presented suggests that the cultural landscape, particularly science fiction and media, evolved in response to, rather than in anticipation of, the UFO sightings. The magazine advocates for rigorous investigation and logical analysis, as demonstrated by the identification of the space shuttle and the comparative study of Bigfoot and UFOs. There's an underlying suggestion that unexplained UFO phenomena might point towards an external, possibly extraterrestrial, origin, challenging purely terrestrial or psychological explanations.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 4/84
Date: April 1984
Content Focus: UFO phenomena, including sightings, research projects, historical cases, and related mysteries.

Article: På sporet af UFOnauten (On the trail of the UFOnaut)

This section promotes a book by Åge Skjelborg titled "På sporet af UFOnauten" (On the trail of the UFOnaut). The book is described as "interesting and readable - yes, more than that - an indispensable book for UFOlogists." The author, Skjelborg, is noted for researching a field that UFOlogists have long neglected. The book attempts to place UFOnaut reports within a sociological context, exploring potential connections between these reports and human population patterns. The book is 288 pages and was published by Berlingske Forlag in 1979. A special offer is available for readers to purchase the book for 25.00 DKK plus 10 DKK for postage and handling, by paying to SUFOI's giro account.

Article: Nye målinger i Hessdalen (New Measurements in Hessdalen)

This article, written by Kim Møller Hansen, details the efforts to study UFO phenomena in Hessdalen, Norway, a location that has experienced numerous sightings since 1981. The "Project Hessdalen" initiative, formed by UFO enthusiasts from Norway and Sweden, aimed to gather technical data. In late 1983 and spring 1984, more organized attempts were made to collect measurement results. A mobile meteorological station operated by NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning) was set up in Hessdalen from April 1 to May 1, 1984. The station's purpose was to test hypotheses about plasma phenomena and inversion phenomena. NIVFO collected extensive weather data, including wind direction, humidity, and temperature, using borrowed equipment valued at nearly 26,000 Norwegian kroner. The data was transmitted to Trondheim via radio. During the station's operation, over 180 meteorological observations were made, and 20 radiosonde balloons were launched. Preliminary results from NIVFO indicated significant temperature variations in the valley, potentially creating conditions for plasma and inversion phenomena, and also noted unusual wind patterns. Despite the data collection, the article notes that the results, as published in "UFO" and "Project Hessdalen Newsletter," have not yet yielded concrete conclusions. The project leader, Odd Gunnar Røed, is quoted as saying that the registration data needs further analysis. The second phase of the project is planned for autumn 1984 or winter 1985. The article also touches upon the local population's reactions, with some UFO witnesses expressing skepticism towards NIVFO's scientific approach, while NIVFO acknowledges a need for better communication with the locals.

Article: Kort fortalt (Briefly)

This section contains short news items. One item reports the death of Kenneth Arnold at age 68 on January 16, 1984. Arnold is remembered for his famous 1947 observation of 9 luminous objects flying in formation near Mount Rainier, USA. His description of the objects' movement led to the coining of the term "flying saucer." The objects' speed was estimated at over 2,100 km/h. The article notes that the term "UFO" (unidentified flying object) later became the standard term.

Another item discusses a UFO lawsuit in Washington, D.C., where a man sued the U.S. Air Force to release the crew of a crashed UFO, alleging a "cosmic Watergate conspiracy." The court dismissed the case, citing a lack of jurisdiction over extraterrestrial beings.

Article: Center For UFO Studies "optager" NICAP

This article details the absorption of NICAP (National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena) by CUFOS (Center For UFO Studies). Following a board meeting in January 1982, a new leadership was elected for NICAP, with Sherman Larsen becoming chairman. CUFOS effectively took over NICAP's assets, including its extensive UFO report archives. NICAP, founded in 1956, was a prominent UFO research organization that actively engaged with the media and government agencies. It played a significant role in bringing UFO reports to public attention and influencing government investigations, such as the University of Colorado UFO project led by Dr. Edward U. Condon. However, after facing challenges and a decline in support, NICAP struggled financially. The article highlights NICAP's historical importance in collecting and disseminating UFO information, often competing with official government investigations. The transfer of NICAP's archives to CUFOS ensures that this valuable data will be preserved and made accessible to researchers.

Article: UFO-retssag falder til jorden (UFO lawsuit falls to the ground)

This is a brief report about a U.S. state court in Washington, D.C., dismissing a lawsuit filed by a man from Alexandria, Virginia. The plaintiff demanded that the U.S. Air Force release the crew of a crashed UFO, alleging a government cover-up. The court rejected the claim, stating it had no jurisdiction over extraterrestrial beings.

Article: Påstand om opdagelse af magnetisk pol (Claim of discovery of magnetic pole)

This article reports on a claim by scientists at Stanford University in Palo Alto, California, of discovering a magnetic pole, a hypothetical particle believed to be the basis of magnetism. Physicist Blas Cabrera, involved in the experiment, declined to discuss details before his report was officially published. The discovery, if confirmed, would be a significant scientific triumph, as Nobel laureate Poul A. M. Dirac had predicted the existence of magnetic poles in 1931. Previous attempts to find them had failed. The Stanford experiment reportedly used a SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) to detect the magnetic pole. The article mentions that the particles are believed to be very heavy and move slowly through space, possibly created during the Big Bang.

Article: Kuglelyn som blind passager (Ball lightning as a stowaway)

This report describes an incident where a ball lightning phenomenon reportedly materialized inside a Soviet Ilyushin-18 aircraft over the Black Sea in January. The TASS news agency reported that a 10 cm diameter ball of light appeared on the aircraft's exterior, then materialized inside the cabin, moving slowly among the passengers before splitting into two glowing halves and exiting the aircraft. While the aircraft's radar and instruments were damaged, no passengers were harmed. The article discusses the nature of ball lightning and its interaction with electrical conductors, referencing the phenomenon of St. Elms Fire. It questions how ball lightning could form inside a shielded aircraft and penetrate its metal hull, suggesting that the damage might have been caused by a conventional lightning strike, with the ball lightning appearing afterward.

Article: BIGFOOT

This section continues a discussion on the Bigfoot phenomenon, questioning the lack of concrete evidence despite numerous reports. It suggests that many sightings might be misinterpretations of natural phenomena, such as trees split by lightning, or influenced by altered states of consciousness (e.g., fatigue, hypnosis, shock).

Article: HESSDALEN

This section provides a list of sources used for the article on Hessdalen, including various Norwegian newspapers, UFO publications, and reports from NIVFO and CUFOS.

Article: BORTFØRT (Abducted)

This section promotes another SUFOI report titled "BORTFØRT" concerning the Travis Walton case, which occurred on November 6, 1975. Walton, a young logger, disappeared after being struck by a UFO's beam and reappeared five days later, reportedly disoriented and having lost weight. The report is based on investigations by the UFO organization APRO and UFO skeptic Philip Klass. The report is 60 pages, illustrated, and available for 30.00 DKK plus 7.00 DKK for postage and handling.

Article: SVENSK UFO-VINDUE - Kolmården (Swedish UFO Window - Kolmården)

This article, by D. Mattsson and C.-A. Mattsson, discusses "UFO windows," areas with a high frequency of UFO sightings. It focuses on a specific region in southern Södermanland, Sweden, near Kolmården, where approximately 44 documented UFO reports have been received in the past decade. The area is characterized by its geology, including bedrock formations and the Bråviken fjord. The article notes that the region has a higher than normal radioactive level due to the bedrock. The authors suggest that the geological and environmental factors of Kolmården might contribute to the high number of UFO reports, referencing research by Deveureux (England) and Persinger (USA).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting a mix of eyewitness accounts, scientific investigations, historical cases, and skeptical analyses. There is a clear interest in documenting and disseminating information about UFO sightings and related mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives while also critically examining claims and exploring potential explanations, whether scientific or otherwise. The magazine also covers related fringe topics like Bigfoot and paranormal phenomena, suggesting a broad interest in the unexplained.