UFO Nyt - No 4 okt-dec 1987

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: Nr. 4
Volume: 29. årg.
Date: October-December 1987
Publisher: SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

Articles and Content

Statusrapport: Vi har lært en hel del...

This article by Hilary Evans, a leading British ufologist, reflects on the 40 years of interest in UFOs since the Kenneth Arnold sighting. Evans highlights the complexity of UFO research, stating that simple answers are unlikely. He discusses how the phenomenon is not easily explained by known natural or man-made objects and suggests that understanding UFOs requires interdisciplinary approaches, involving astronomers, meteorologists, geologists, psychologists, sociologists, anthropologists, and mythologists. Evans points out that many reports involve lights with unusual movements and shapes, and that the phenomenon might involve natural objects, manufactured objects, or psycho-social reactions. He acknowledges the challenges in UFO research, including the lack of definitive proof and the potential for misinterpretation or even deliberate deception by witnesses.

UFO-rapport: Danmark

This section provides a situational report of UFO observations received by SUFOI in Denmark between June 1 and September 30, 1987. It includes a map and a list of sightings, categorized by type (Night Light Phenomena NL.1, NL.2; Day Light Phenomena DL.1, DL.2; Close Observation NO.1, NO.2, NO.3). Notable incidents detailed include:

• June 1 - September 30, 1987: An overview of the third quarter's sightings.
• August 13, 1986: A light beam forming a cone was observed near Mariager by three people, which ascended and dissipated. The event was compared to a football stadium's lighting.
• May 3, 1987: A woman in Farum observed a cloud-like object that moved erratically, followed by a fast-moving 'dot'.
• August 13, 1987: A red/orange light sphere was seen hovering over a lake in Sorø and then landing near Sorø Akademi, emitting light like a large lamp. The object later flew away without noise.
• September 16, 1987: In Vojens, a 17-year-old and his father observed a light point moving at high speed, stopping, and then ascending, followed by another blinking light. The phenomenon was difficult to explain as a satellite.

Afsløring: Rumskib fra en fremmed planet

This article by Ole Henningsen investigates the controversial Cedric Allingham case. In 1954, Allingham published a book claiming he photographed a spaceship from Mars and made contact with its pilot. The article details Allingham's background, including his birth in Bombay, his education, his military service, and his later nomadic life. It describes the alleged encounter in Scotland in February 1954, where Allingham claimed to have photographed a landed craft approximately 15 meters in diameter and 6 meters high, with features like ko-holes and landing wheels. He also claimed to have photographed the 'Mars-man'. The article notes that the photos were considered primitive and that investigations by ufologists revealed inconsistencies and a lack of verifiable records regarding Cedric Allingham and his witness, James Duncan. Robert Chapman, a science correspondent, concluded the case was a well-orchestrated hoax. The article also mentions Patrick Moore's book, which reportedly discusses meeting 'Allingham'.

UFO-styrt på Amager?

This section appears to be a brief mention or title related to a UFO sighting on Amager, but the content is not fully detailed in the provided OCR.

Naturfænomen: Haloer og bisole

This article discusses natural atmospheric phenomena, specifically halos and sun dogs (bisole), which can sometimes be mistaken for UFOs. It explains how these optical illusions are formed by ice crystals in the atmosphere.

Notitser: Kort fortalt

This section likely contains brief news items or updates related to UFO research and sightings.

SUFOI-Aalborg: 15 års jubilæum

This section celebrates the 15th anniversary of the SUFOI branch in Aalborg.

Kære læser

This is a reader's letter section, allowing for correspondence and feedback from the magazine's audience.

Book Review: UFOs 1947-1987: The 40-Year Search for an Explanation

This section reviews a comprehensive book compiled by Hilary Evans and John Spencer for BUFORA, marking 40 years of UFO research. The book features contributions from over 40 leading ufologists, covering various aspects of UFO phenomena, including historical cases, scientific investigations, and theoretical frameworks. It is described as an extensive international work with illustrations, bibliographies, and lists of UFO organizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the complexity and multifaceted nature of the UFO phenomenon. It highlights the challenges in UFO research, including the need for rigorous investigation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and critical analysis of witness accounts and evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena while also being critical of hoaxes and misinterpretations. There is a clear effort to present a balanced view, exploring various hypotheses and the scientific and psychological aspects of sightings. The magazine also promotes SUFOI's activities and publications, encouraging reader participation and subscription.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 4/87
Date: April 1987
Publisher: SUFOI (The Danish UFO Information Society)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

The Cedric Allingham Case: A Hoax Uncovered

The issue begins by exploring the mysterious case of Cedric Allingham, whose book "Flying Saucer from Mars" gained notoriety. Patrick Moore, a well-known amateur astronomer, claimed to have met Allingham personally at a lecture in Turnbridge Wells, England. However, investigations by UFO researchers Christopher Allan and Steuart Campbell, published in the English journal "Magonia," cast serious doubt on Allingham's existence.

Allan and Campbell's analysis of the language used in Allingham's book suggested a connection to Patrick Moore's own writings. Further investigation led them to Peter Davies, a journalist who admitted to being involved in the Allingham book and confessed that it was a fraud. Davies revealed that he had revised the text to obscure the original author's identity and even admitted that the photograph of 'Cedric Allingham' in the book was actually himself, masked.

Davies also confessed to giving the lecture in Turnbridge Wells, where he claimed to have had an assistant who knew more about the subject. This assistant was possibly Patrick Moore. The article highlights that Moore himself wrote about attending this lecture and meeting 'Allingham.' Davies also admitted to being an old friend of Patrick Moore, who had previously published books with the same publisher. The evidence strongly suggests that the Allingham affair was a fabrication linked to Patrick Moore.

Further evidence comes from Patrick Moore's own book, "The Observer's Book of Astronomy" (1971 edition), which features a photograph of his 12.5-inch telescope. This telescope is identical in every detail to the '10-inch telescope' shown in the Allingham book, next to Peter Davies (posing as Cedric Allingham). This strongly implies that Allingham's telescope was, in fact, Patrick Moore's.

The Amager UFO Crash: A Case of Misidentification

The main article, "UFO-styrt på Amager?" (UFO Crash on Amager?), investigates a reported UFO incident in Denmark. On March 27, 1985, a witness named Jens reported seeing a light streak descend rapidly and a glowing red object land on Kalvebod Fælled, Amager.

Jens, along with friends Maria and Erik, drove closer to the site and observed what they believed to be military vehicles and men in uniform surrounding a 5-meter diameter object. They described it as glowing red, emitting sparks, and producing black smoke. The object was reportedly being covered with a screen.

SUFOI, the Danish UFO Information Society, launched an investigation. Initial inquiries to the military and fire departments yielded confusing and contradictory information. The military suggested it was a fire drill, but the fire department denied any such exercise. This led to speculation that authorities were attempting to conceal something.

However, through detailed investigation by SUFOI rapportoptager Arne S. Petersen, the incident was eventually explained as a case of misidentification. The 'glowing object' was determined to be a slag heap, likely from a fire used for disposing of waste, located on Sjælland, not Amager as initially believed. The light streak was identified as a meteor burning up in the atmosphere.

The witnesses' misjudgment of the object's location was attributed to the darkness, the distance, and a lack of familiarity with the local geography. The presence of vehicles and people around the slag heap was likely due to its use as a waste disposal and burning site, possibly by fishermen or authorized personnel.

The article concludes that the incident highlights the importance of thorough investigation and not taking witness accounts at face value, especially when geographical misjudgments can lead to dramatic but ultimately mundane explanations.

UFO Landing at Hillerød: A Mysterious Encounter

Another case, "UFO-landing ved Hillerød" (UFO Landing near Hillerød), details an encounter reported by a young woman on September 19, 1983. While driving alone near Hillerød, she stopped her car and witnessed a large, silent object land about 10 meters in front of her. The object was described as round, flat on top, pointed at the bottom, resembling a spinning top, with square windows emitting a strong, blinding yellowish-white light. It stood on five slender legs and was about 5 meters above the ground, with a diameter of approximately 7 meters and a height of 5 meters.

After 5-10 minutes, a powerful white column of fire shot from the object's tip to the ground. The lights in the windows went out, and the object ascended with a hissing sound, retracting its legs. Simultaneously, the woman's car engine stalled, and its lights and dashboard lights went out. These effects ceased after the object disappeared.

The witness, who had previously been skeptical of UFOs, appeared credible and honest. Despite a thorough investigation, the incident remains unexplained, adding to the mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena.

Natural Phenomena: Halos and Sundogs

The final section, "Haloer og bisole" (Halos and Sundogs), by Ole Henningsen, explains atmospheric optical phenomena. It describes halos as luminous rings around the sun or moon caused by light refracting through ice crystals in cirrostratus clouds. Sundogs (bisole) are bright spots that appear on either side of the sun, often connected by a luminous arc, also caused by ice crystals.

The article references historical accounts, including the Vädersolstavlen (Sun Dog Table) from Stockholm (1535), which depicts these phenomena, and a manuscript from Strahov Monastery in Prague (1583). It clarifies that these are natural atmospheric events and not necessarily UFOs, dispelling potential misinterpretations of historical artwork.

Scientific explanations are provided, referencing the work of astronomers like Donald H. Menzel and David K. Lynch. The article includes diagrams illustrating how halos and sundogs are formed and how they appear in the sky. It emphasizes that while these phenomena can be striking, they are well-understood optical effects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the boundary between genuine UFO phenomena and hoaxes, misidentifications, or natural events. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, seeking rational explanations for reported sightings while acknowledging the possibility of genuinely unexplained events, as seen in the Hillerød case. There's a clear emphasis on scientific analysis and debunking when possible, as demonstrated in the Allingham and Amager crash investigations. The magazine aims to educate readers about both UFOlogy and related natural phenomena.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 4/87
Date: October 1987
Publisher: SUFOI (Svensk Amatör Astronomisk Förening)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT, a Danish magazine for amateur and professional astronomers, focuses on UFO phenomena, space exploration, and related scientific discussions. The cover prominently features Timothy Good's book 'Above Top Secret' and announces special offers for astronomy and space-related materials for 1988.

Atmospheric Phenomena and UFO Sightings

The magazine begins with an article discussing various atmospheric phenomena, including halos and sun dogs, referencing meteorological journals and scientific works. It highlights that while many of these phenomena are stationary, their unusual appearance attracts attention. The article provides a list of recommended sources for further reading.

Following this, a section titled 'Kort fortalt' (In Brief) presents several eyewitness accounts. Two reports detail UFO sightings near Haslev, Denmark. One describes a large, shining sphere of light observed on a field at night, which moved towards the witness and then ascended rapidly. Another report from a 17-year-old girl describes being followed by a large, shiny sphere that emitted sparks and appeared to be doing something on the road before ascending. The magazine also mentions a brief report from Dagens Nyheter about flying saucers.

An incident from Papua New Guinea is reported, where residents of Kimbr observed twelve unidentified flying objects flying in a wedge formation. The objects were described as round with car-stop-light-like illumination.

Scientific Discussions: Origin of Life and Meteorites

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the scientific debate surrounding the origin of life. It discusses Francis Crick's theory of panspermia, suggesting that life on Earth may have been seeded by extraterrestrial civilizations. The article highlights new research concerning the Murchison meteorite, which fell in Australia in 1969. Scientists have found that this meteorite contains amino acids that are not found on Earth, and their age suggests they may have formed before the solar system, potentially from interstellar dust clouds. This finding supports the idea that the building blocks of life could have originated from interstellar space and been transported to Earth via meteorites, and possibly to other planets as well.

In Memoriam: Eugen Semitjov

The issue includes an obituary for Eugen Semitjov, a well-known Swedish journalist, author, and illustrator who passed away at the age of 64. Semitjov was noted for his work in science fiction illustration and his reporting on the space age, including being the first Western journalist to interview cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin. He authored several popular science books, including 'De ufattelige UFO'er' (The Unbelievable UFOs), and was recognized with the 'Stora Journalistpriset' in 1972 for his contributions to popular science journalism.

Publisher's Message and Subscription Information

The magazine concludes with a letter from the editors of UFO-NYT, thanking readers for their continued support, especially after a difficult year for the publication. They announce upcoming articles for 1988, including topics like secret UFO documents, the Mars face, and the 'JAL UFO case'. Readers are encouraged to renew their subscriptions, with a special offer for referring new subscribers. The deadline for submissions for UFO-NYT is January 1, 1988, with the first issue of 1988 due out in mid-March. The editorial team also extends holiday greetings to their readers.

Special Offers and Events

Several advertisements and special offers are included. One promotes Timothy Good's book 'Above Top Secret' for 246 Danish Kroner. Another offers a selection of 1988 space and astronomy calendars and slide shows at discounted prices, available from Germany. SUFOI-Aalborg announces a 15th-anniversary event with lectures, exhibitions, and UFO photos on Wednesday, February 16, 1988. There is also an advertisement for UNICOS SOFTWARE and COSMO DATA, offering business management solutions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-NYT maintains its focus on UFO phenomena, presenting both eyewitness accounts and scientific perspectives. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, encouraging reader participation and the collection of data. The magazine also demonstrates an interest in the broader implications of space exploration and the scientific search for extraterrestrial life, as evidenced by the articles on atmospheric phenomena, panspermia, and the Murchison meteorite. The inclusion of a book review and an obituary for a prominent figure in UFO and space reporting further solidifies the magazine's commitment to its subject matter.