UFO Nyt - No 1 jan-mar 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: Nr. 1
Volume: 29. årg.
Date: January-March 1987
Publisher: SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

Editorial Content

Leder: UFOer 1947-1987

This editorial, written by Kim Møller Hansen, marks the 40th anniversary of Kenneth Arnold's seminal 1947 sighting. It highlights that this event is considered a major milestone that ignited widespread UFO interest. The editorial mentions that various organizations worldwide will commemorate this anniversary. In England, the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA) is publishing a comprehensive book titled "UFOs 1947-1987". SUFOI has contributed a chapter on UFO case histories. The magazine also announces its own new publication, "UFO-VISION: Årbog for UFO-litteratur 1987", a yearbook for UFO literature. The editorial notes that the anniversary will likely prompt status reports on UFO work in major journals, including an early report from Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) analyzing UFO photos. It also points out that France is the only Western country officially supporting UFO research, a program that began 10 years prior. SUFOI itself will celebrate its 30th anniversary in November 1987 and encourages members to be active by reporting sightings, submitting clippings, organizing meetings, or forming study groups. The editorial also mentions a recent report in "Politiken" about a Japanese cargo plane being followed by mysterious objects tracked by radar.

Bag Jerntæppet: Observationer fra Polen

Written by Bronislaw Rzepecki, this article details UFO observations in Poland. It traces the history of UFO organizations in Poland, starting with the formation of the "Klub Kontaktów Kosmicznych" (Space Contacts' Club) in 1978 and the first Polish UFO magazine, "Wizje Periferyjne" (Peripheral Visions), in 1981. By 1983, there were over ten UFO organizations, though many have since merged into stronger entities. The article presents older observations from Poland, including a sighting of a yellow flying object in Zalesie in 1908, a silver object in Warsaw in 1922, a disc-shaped object landing on Wolin island in 1953, and the first Polish UFO photo taken in Muszyna in 1958. It also describes a triangular object seen near Kolobrzeg in 1959. The article then focuses on two selected incidents from 1978-1981, investigated by Krzysztof Piechota of Space Contacts' Club. The first, a "Blinking UFO" sighting on May 22, 1979, in Piastów, describes a dark object with yellow lights that emitted geometric patterns and an aura. The second, a "Close Encounter of the 3rd Kind" in August 1979 near Człuchów, details a witness observing a silent, elongated object on the water, followed by an encounter with two humanoid figures dressed in black, and a bright, rectangular object in the sky. The article notes the unusual behavior of the witness's dogs during the encounter.

Norge: Mystisk styrt i Alta-fjorden

This article by Bent Hunderup investigates a mysterious incident on June 1, 1958, when a silent aircraft crashed into Alta-fjorden, Norway. Despite reliable eyewitness accounts and an intensive naval search, the case remained unexplained. Eyewitness Bjørn Taraldsen reported seeing a delta-winged jet flying at low altitude without national markings. The aircraft lost altitude and crashed into the water. The subsequent search involved frigates, a destroyer, a submarine tender, and divers. Military authorities, including Major General Tufte Johnsen, found no record of any missing aircraft in Norway or allied countries, despite extensive inquiries. Newly released archival material suggests that the search should have continued, citing evidence of a movable object on the seabed detected by sonar and a wire towed by the frigate Arendal. A new witness, Nils M. Turi, came forward ten years later describing a dark, twin-engine jet. The article also touches upon speculation involving American involvement, possibly due to the presence of US reconnaissance aircraft like the U2 in the region, and the possibility of the object being a UFO. The article concludes by noting that locating and identifying such objects still poses problems for the Norwegian navy.

Statusrapport: 40 ægte UFO-fotos

Authored by William Spaulding, this article presents the findings of Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) after nine years of analyzing UFO photographs. GSW analyzed hundreds of photos using computer analysis, comparing observational data with photographic details. The photos were categorized into five groups: Swindle (fraudulent), Misinterpretations, Balloons, Photographic Errors, and Bona Fide (genuine). The largest category, Swindle, includes simple and advanced forgeries, often using models or cutouts. Misinterpretations include aircraft, balloons, astronomical phenomena, and birds. Photographic errors are attributed to processing issues. The article highlights that only 40 photos were classified as Bona Fide, meaning they depict objects with multi-dimensional appearances that cannot be explained by known stimuli, without necessarily confirming them as alien spacecraft. The article includes a table listing these 40 photos with their locations and dates, and a breakdown of the total number of analyzed photos by category. It also discusses the famous 'snowman UFO' photo taken by Apollo 11 astronaut Edwin Aldrin, which GSW claims is a manipulated image.

Notitser: Kort fortalt

This section provides brief news items. One report mentions a Japanese cargo plane followed by mysterious objects tracked by radar, which was reported in "Politiken".

UFO-rapport: Danmark

This section is not detailed in the provided pages.

Afsløring: Sølvmanden – den retoucherede virkelighed

This section is not detailed in the provided pages.

UFO-forskning: Regeringsstøttet UFO-forskning

This section, likely related to the editorial's mention of French government support, is not detailed in the provided pages.

UFO-VISION: Årbog for UFO-litteratur 1987

This section is not detailed in the provided pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting detailed case studies, historical analyses, and photographic evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the collection and analysis of UFO reports while maintaining a critical approach to photographic evidence, as demonstrated by the GSW analysis. There is a clear emphasis on the historical significance of UFO sightings and the ongoing efforts to understand them, supported by both amateur and, in some cases, governmental research. The magazine also promotes its own publications and encourages reader participation.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 1/87
Publication Date: January 1987
Publisher: SUFOI (Scandinavian UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated January 1987, provides a comprehensive look at UFO phenomena, focusing on photographic analysis, government research, and notable sightings. The magazine features articles that critically examine UFO evidence, discuss international research efforts, and report on recent events.

Analysis of UFO Photographs

The lead article, "Analysis of UFO Photographs," discusses the challenges and methodologies involved in evaluating photographic evidence of UFOs. It notes the wide variety of reported object shapes, colors, and sizes, questioning why there are so many different types if they are from extraterrestrial visitors. The article highlights that while photographic analysis methods can provide some data, they often cannot offer definitive answers. It mentions the "bona fide" group of photos, which include both daylight and nighttime images, some with clear disc shapes and others more indistinct. The analysis of these photos is ongoing, pending further investigation.

Several specific photo cases are presented:

• Warren Smith Photos (July 3, 1967, Calgary, Canada): Two images from the same film, one considered a "bona fide object" and the other a "clumsy attempt at fraud." The article questions how both could be true if taken from the same location and time.
• Mike Lindstrom Photo (January 2, 1975, Hawaii): A computer-enhanced copy of a photo showing a peculiar square object.
• Dieter Croll Photo (July 11, 1977, Würzburg, East Germany): A photo of a UFO, with a question raised if it's the same as GSW case file #41 from Würzburg, West Germany (July 1979).
• Jimenez Family Photos (November 3, 1973): Three color photos of a pear-shaped, metallic object with five tentacle-like appendages.

The article also touches upon the criticism of GSW's analysis methods, including the use of computer programs not designed for photographic analysis, misunderstandings of pixel characteristics, and questionable profiling techniques. It notes that GSW has sometimes analyzed poor copies of photos and used jargon-filled reports.

UFO Sightings and Reports

Several individual sightings are detailed:

• Cargo Plane Incident (December 31, 1986): A Boeing 747 cargo pilot reported being followed by three UFOs for 650 km, one of which was described as twice the size of an aircraft carrier. Radar confirmed the presence of objects following the plane.
• Red Squares (October 20, 1985, Denmark): A night watchman observed two red, square lights hovering low over a lake near Fredensborg Slot. The lights vibrated and disappeared after 7.5 minutes. The watchman's assessment of their height made explanations like car taillights unlikely.
• UFO Landing in Chile (August 19, 1985): A UFO reportedly landed on a hill in the Chaca valley, near Arica, Chile, emitting a red-violet light. Local villagers found a 20-meter wide area where vegetation was scorched. This followed another UFO sighting in Santiago the previous day.
• UFO Filmed in Japan (November 1987): A local TV journalist filmed a large, star-like object moving erratically near Nagasaki.

Government UFO Research in France

The article "Government-Supported UFO Research" details the French government's official support for UFO research, initiated 10 years prior. France is presented as the only Western country officially funding such studies. The research began in 1974, with the Defense Minister Robert Galley granting an interview about the subject. An internal department had been collecting and studying UFO reports since 1954, with about 50 cases documented by 1970. Since 1970, reports were sent to France's Space Study Center.

Dr. Claude Poher, who led a 4-year study of 1,000 serious UFO reports (200 from France), concluded that the phenomenon occurs worldwide and is influenced by weather and population density. His findings indicated that most witnesses reported round objects, often red-orange at night and metallic during the day. Many sightings occurred at night, and objects moved in unusual ways.

In May 1977, the official UFO research group GEPAN (Groupe d'Etudes des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux non Identifiés) was formed as part of the French National Center for Space Studies (CNES). Dr. Poher became its first chief. The project had significant scientific resources, including a scientific council composed of top scientists from various institutions.

The French gendarmerie had been involved in UFO observation investigations since 1975, and their findings were reported to GEPAN.

Book Reviews and Organization News

• "Nye facts om ufoer" (New Facts on UFOs) by Hilary Evans: This book selects and classifies 72 typical UFO observations. While not presenting new facts, it offers a structured and critical perspective on the phenomenon.
• "Clear Intent" by Lawrence Fawsett and Barry Greenwood: This book, discussing declassified US UFO documents, has received little attention in Western Europe, despite its US re-publications and Japanese translation. The review notes that some chapters are questionable.
• APRO (Aerial Phenomena Research Organization): The death of Jim Lorenzen, co-founder of APRO, is noted, marking the loss of a key figure in UFO research. The future of APRO is uncertain, with many former members active in MUFON and CUFOS.
• Karen M. Linneballe: The passing of Karen M. Linneballe, former secretary of SUFOI, is reported. She was instrumental in establishing SUFOI's secretariat and fostering good relations with organizations like CENAP.
• UFO Congress 1987: Per Andersen is stepping down as Denmark's representative to ICUR, replaced by Lars K. Lassen. A meeting is planned for July 9, 1987, in conjunction with the BUFORAS congress.

The "Silver Man" Photograph Debunked

An article titled "The 'Silver Man' - The Retouched Reality?" by Ole Henningsen presents a reader's solution to the famous "Silver Man" photograph. Claus Westh-Henrichsen, a commercial artist, suggests the image is a composite and retouched photograph. He analyzes the perspective, the figures' stances, and the lighting, concluding that the "Silver Man" is likely part of a staged scene, possibly involving a baby carriage and a juggler. This explanation aligns with previous critical analyses of the photo.

Further information from Hans-Werner Peiniger suggests the "Silver Man" image originated as an April Fools' joke in a German weekly magazine, with the authors' names being puns for "falsified" and "fabricated." This explanation, though not definitively proven due to the inability to locate the original publication, is considered plausible.

SUFOI Activities and Reports

SUFOI's report center received 5 UFO observations between November and December 1986, fewer than usual for the season. A detailed report from the period 1/11-31/12 1986 lists observations in Ringsted, Holbæk/Roskilde, Århus C, Åbybro, and Risskov, noting the date, time, duration, location, and color of the phenomena.

The magazine also includes information on how to contact SUFOI, order back issues, and a call for readers to spread awareness about UFO-NYT.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical analysis of UFO evidence, particularly photographs, the role of government in UFO research, and the reporting of various sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, seeking to debunk hoaxes while also exploring genuine unexplained phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on scientific methodology and logical deduction, as seen in the detailed analysis of the "Silver Man" photo and the critique of GSW's methods. The magazine also highlights the international nature of UFO research and reporting.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 1/87
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Date: 1987

This issue of UFO-NYT provides an in-depth look at the activities of GEPAN (Groupe d'Études des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non-Identifiés), the French agency dedicated to the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena.

GEPAN's Early Investigations and Data Collection

The article begins by detailing how GEPAN received information from the French Gendarmerie, which forwarded UFO observation materials to them. This collaboration allowed GEPAN to receive early reports, enabling them to investigate cases promptly. In 1977, GEPAN focused on verifying Dr. Claude Poher's earlier statistical studies on UFOs. By the start of 1978, GEPAN had received 354 UFO reports via the Gendarmerie. Of these, 25% (89 cases) were initially classified as unidentifiable by GEPAN. Further analysis showed that 42% of these were related to 'night lights,' 4% to 'daylight discs,' and one case involved a radar observation. Reports of close encounters of the first, second, and third kind constituted 21%, 28%, and 4% of the cases, respectively.

The Secret GEPAN Report

GEPAN's work was structured around three special groups: an alarm section for rapid response, a group for physical evidence, and a group for radar alarms. However, these groups saw limited use in 1978. The primary focus was on investigating 11 UFO incidents of high credibility and peculiarity. In June 1978, this research was presented to the scientific council overseeing GEPAN's work in a comprehensive report comprising 5 volumes and totaling 500 pages. SUFOI became aware of this report through information received from the Danish UN mission in connection with a 1978 UN hearing on UFOs. An attempt by SUFOI to obtain a copy of the report in January 1979 was unsuccessful, as the Danish Embassy in Paris was informed by GEPAN that the report was an internal working document and could not be released.

Despite the report's secrecy, some of its contents were mentioned in the UN information material. Three of the five volumes were dedicated to analyzing the 11 UFO incidents, with the oldest case dating back to 1966 and the most recent to 1978. Only one of these observations had a natural explanation. In the remaining 10 cases, the distance between observers and the objects was less than 250 meters. Two of these incidents involved sightings of humanoids. The investigation and analysis of these cases were conducted by a team of 4 researchers, including a psychologist who specifically examined witness testimonies. The conclusion for these 10 cases was that the observers had witnessed a material phenomenon that could not be explained as a known natural phenomenon or a man-made object. A key conclusion of the report was that 'behind the total phenomenon is a flying machine, whose propulsion is unknown to us.' The original French report was produced in only 140 copies.

Meeting with UFO Organizations and New Leadership

On September 12, 1978, GEPAN organized a meeting with private French UFO groups at the CNES in Toulouse. This meeting was attended by numerous French UFO enthusiasts and several scientists associated with GEPAN. The 7-hour meeting was led by Dr. Claude Poher, who detailed GEPAN's activities. However, the meeting was not perceived as a direct invitation for collaboration by some participants, including French researcher Dr. Jean F. Gilles, who later criticized the event. Gilles considered GEPAN a state-sponsored advertising agency with limited chances of fulfilling expectations due to limited resources, lack of interest in collaboration with private organizations, and bureaucratic reporting processes.

In late 1978, Dr. Claude Poher resigned as head of GEPAN and was succeeded by the 31-year-old Dr. Alain Esterle. Under Esterle, GEPAN began publishing a series of information materials, including four issues of 'Notes d'Information.' These covered topics such as Soviet UFO observations and US investigation projects. Additionally, the 'Notes Techniques' series saw 18 publications, detailing GEPAN's research, including methods for studying UFOs and specific investigations. Notably, 'Note Technique' No. 16 ('Enquête 81/01 Analyse d'Une Trace') described an extensive investigation of a suspected UFO landing in 1981 in South France, near Nice, a case previously detailed in UFO-NYT.

In mid-1983, Dr. Alain Esterle left GEPAN, and Jean Jacques Velasco was appointed as his successor, along with a new secretary. The article notes that the entire GEPAN staff now appears to consist of these two individuals. GEPAN was integrated into another department of the French Space Studies Center, named ESO/SCIENCE/GEPAN, led by researcher Caroff. Other former GEPAN team members were reassigned to different departments within the space center. Speculation about these changes pointed to the change in government, with the new administration finding the original intentions for GEPAN too costly to maintain, although political motives were officially denied.

New Hope for UFO Research?

In 1985, the French Prime Minister sought advice from independent experts on planning GEPAN's future. The late Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. Richard C. Niemtzow from the USA were invited to meet with French government representatives. Dr. Jacques Vallée was also invited due to his expertise. On June 23, 1985, these three met with former GEPAN head Dr. Claude Poher.

A conference was held on June 24 at CNES in Paris, attended by 20-30 officials and researchers. Hynek and Niemtzow gave presentations. Hynek supported GEPAN's activities and recommended its continuation. Both offered collaboration with American UFO organizations and encouraged international cooperation on UFO cases. Dr. Vallée, attending unofficially, also recommended GEPAN's continuation.

Dr. Niemtzow, fluent in French and having studied medicine in France, held discussions with top French space program officials. Mr. Lions, head of the national space center, believed GEPAN should continue despite political and scientific challenges. Colonel Gruan, General Inspector from the space center and secretary of GEPAN's scientific council, also strongly supported the continuation of the work. A representative from the Prime Minister's office attended to report on the meeting's outcome.

Access to Archives and Continued Support

The day after the Paris meeting, guests attended a symposium-like event at CNES headquarters in Toulouse. Vice-director P. Bescond welcomed them. Dr. Jacques Vallée presented a method for determining if a case warrants further research via telephone interviews and computer-selected questions. All three guests emphasized the importance of GEPAN's continued work to prevent the loss of valuable collected material. During their visit, Hynek and Niemtzow reviewed GEPAN's UFO archives and databases, finding no evidence of humanoid sightings or crashed UFOs. The information about these meetings in France came from Dr. Richard C. Niemtzow, who participated as a private individual and physician. Niemtzow had a long-standing affiliation with the American UFO organization MUFON as a consultant in radiation cases and was employed as a major in the US Air Force.

GEPAN's Continued Existence?

Since the information about these significant meetings regarding GEPAN's future, there has been no further news. However, given the positive statements from high-ranking French individuals, there is a good chance that an official state-supported research center for UFO phenomena will continue in France. The article argues for the value of such a center, even with limited resources, for investigating UFO observations. It highlights that in many countries, UFO registration and investigation are handled by the air force, which does not always foster international scientific collaboration. If GEPAN continues, it could provide a platform for researchers in other countries to collaborate and potentially benefit from GEPAN's experience, fostering better international cooperation.

SUFOI intends to maintain contact with GEPAN and share any significant news with its readers.

Intelligent Control of UFOs

The article also touches upon the views of French astrophysicist Pierre Guerin, who participated in GEPAN's work. In a 1979 article in 'Flying Saucer Review,' Guerin concluded that an intelligence controls UFOs, stating, 'And it is certainly not ours!' Guerin has been less visible in UFO circles since then.

Pilot Encounters UFOs

A book review highlights 'Piloter ser UFO'er' (Pilots See UFOs), a 78-page publication detailing 12 UFO encounters experienced by Australian pilots, including the case of Frederick Valentich, a pilot who disappeared in October 1978 after reporting a UFO.

UFO-VISION 1987 Yearbook

Another section promotes the 'UFO-VISION 1987' yearbook, which features reviews of Danish and foreign UFO literature, longer articles for self-study, and contributions from various authors. It lists several article titles, including 'The Arrival of Flying Saucers in Denmark,' 'UFO Research in the Soviet Union,' and 'UFOs and Science.' The yearbook is A4 format, 60 pages, and costs 78 DKK plus postage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for the continuation of official, scientific UFO research, highlighting GEPAN as a crucial example. It emphasizes the importance of collecting and analyzing UFO data systematically and the potential for international collaboration. The editorial stance is supportive of UFO research, viewing GEPAN's work as valuable despite bureaucratic hurdles and political shifts. There is a clear interest in promoting UFO literature and research within Denmark, as evidenced by the book reviews and promotions.