UFO Nyt - No 1 jan-mar 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: ufo nyt
Issue: Nr. 1
Volume: 30. årg.
Date: January-March 1988
Publisher: SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Cover Price: 39 kr. pr. nummer

This issue of "ufo nyt" delves into significant UFO phenomena, with the prominent "JAL-affæren" as its lead story. The magazine also features local Danish sightings and reviews of UFO literature.

Radar-Visual Observation: The JAL Affair

This extensive article by Bent Hunderup details the November 17, 1986, incident where a Japan Airlines (JAL) Boeing 747, en route from Reykjavik to Anchorage, encountered unidentified aerial phenomena. The flight crew reported seeing two pillars of light approximately 1.5 km ahead, which closed to within 300 meters. Later, radar contact was established with a large object approximately 13 kilometers away. The crew attempted evasive maneuvers, but the lights persisted. Near Fairbanks, the captain observed a massive, round object estimated to be the size of two aircraft carriers.

Upon landing in Anchorage, the crew was interviewed by representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other agents. The article notes that these interviews were not recorded and lacked depth.

The "JAL-affæren" gained significant media attention, prompting the FAA to reopen its investigation. The article outlines the timeline of FAA's involvement, including interviews with the pilot, co-pilot, and flight engineer, and the submission of radar recordings for analysis. Despite initial reports suggesting the FAA would release the material, a press release on March 5 stated they were "unable to confirm the incident." The FAA attributed the radar contact to a "split radar echo" from the JAL 747, suggesting a technical anomaly. However, the article points out that this explanation was contradicted by the fact that the "split radar echo" did not appear consistently when the radar swept the area.

The article meticulously transcribes portions of the air traffic control (AARTCC) and JAL1628 communications, detailing the crew's observations of lights, their color (white and yellow), and their movement. The communication logs highlight the crew's confusion and fear, as well as the air traffic controllers' attempts to identify the phenomena.

Captain Terauchi's testimony is central, including his drawing of the observed objects. He described the lights as "bluish-white" and later saw the silhouette of a "gigantic spaceship." The crew experienced communication difficulties during the encounter, which they attributed to the presence of the objects.

The article also discusses the military's involvement, with AARTCC checking with ROCC (Regional Operations Control Center) and the Air Force about potential military aircraft in the area. ROCC initially reported a "flight of two" and a "primary contact" on military radar, but later lost contact. The FAA's official explanation is critically examined, with the article suggesting that alternative explanations like Jupiter or Mars, or even moonlight reflections, are insufficient to explain the full scope of the crew's observations, particularly the radar data and the synchronized movements of the objects.

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 (British UFO Research Association). The book features contributions from over 40 leading ufologists worldwide, covering UFO history, case studies, and various hypotheses. It includes references, author biographies, illustrations, a bibliography, and a list of UFO organizations. The review highlights the book's extensive scope and its aim to provide a thorough overview of the UFO phenomenon over four decades.

Observations: Elves in Mid-Zealand?

This article by Kim Møller Hansen reports on a series of sightings in Mid-Zealand, Denmark, since August 1987, which have led to comparisons with old legends of elves and trolls. Witnesses of various ages have reported seeing a mysterious "boy" associated with a light sphere or a luminous ring.

The sightings began with a report in the local newspaper "Dagbladet, Ringsted," concerning an observation in Sorø. Following an appeal for witnesses, more reports emerged. One account from the morning of August 12 describes an orange or red light sphere circling over Sorø lake, which then descended slowly and disappeared. Later that day, the same phenomenon was seen on the ground at Sorø Akademi, appearing as a large lamp before ascending and flying away silently.

Another incident occurred around midnight on August 12 in Pedersborg, where a "boy" was seen standing by the water. The area around the boy was illuminated by red light, which formed a ring and moved. The light turned white in the center and grew, causing the witness to turn away. The boy and the light then vanished without a sound.

A 17-year-old girl reported being followed by a large, shiny sphere while cycling home on October 14. The object, about 20-30 meters behind her, emitted sparks and appeared to have wings. It was described as red and yellow inside and made no sound. The girl was frightened and did not report the incident to her parents.

Another report from October 15 describes a large, shining light sphere on a field near Førslev Bygade. The sphere moved towards a person standing in the field. The light grew larger, and then disappeared in an arc at high speed. The witness felt uneasy and questioned what the person was doing in the field in the rain.

A sighting on November 6 involved a red glowing ring descending over a boy near the cemetery in Køgevej (Ringsted). The boy, wearing a dark T-shirt and blue pants, sat down by the cemetery wall. A dark red, strong flash of light occurred, and the boy disappeared. The witness interpreted this as a "sign from the Bible."

The article concludes by questioning whether these modern accounts of "elves" and "mountain folk" are similar to contemporary UFO reports.

Special Offers

The magazine includes a "Jubilæums-Tilbud" (Anniversary Offer) on several UFO-related books, including "Spøgelsesraketterne," "Bortført. Travis Walton Sagen," "På sporet af ufonauten," "UFOer over New Zealand," and "Synspunkter - 3 UFO artikler." These books are offered at reduced prices, with details on how to order by mail.

Book Review: Above Top Secret

This section features a review of Timothy Good's book "Above Top Secret: The Worldwide UFO Cover-up." The review highlights Good's assertion that UFOs exist and are alien spacecraft that threaten security and challenge scientific and religious beliefs. The book is described as containing 440 pages and 100 official documents, many previously unpublished. The price and ordering information are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, with a strong emphasis on detailed case studies and investigations. The "JAL-affæren" is presented as a significant event, meticulously analyzed through witness testimony and air traffic control logs. The magazine also explores more localized and potentially folkloric sightings, suggesting a connection between modern UFO reports and older legends. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting evidence and analysis while acknowledging the lack of definitive explanations. The inclusion of book reviews and special offers indicates an effort to engage readers with UFO literature and research.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 1/88
Date: January-March 1987 (published in 1988)
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into several intriguing UFO-related topics, with a central focus on a series of sightings involving a mysterious boy and luminous spheres in the Midtsjælland region of Denmark during late 1987 and early 1988. The magazine also features a debate section discussing the nature of UFO phenomena and SUFOI's research approach, alongside a report on SUFOI's 30th-anniversary event.

The Mysterious Boy and Luminous Spheres

The cover story highlights the case of a mysterious boy seen in various locations around Midtsjælland, including Roskildevej and Ringsted. Several witnesses recount their encounters. One account from Ringsted on November 12, 1987, describes a boy standing next to a luminous sphere, approximately 3 meters in diameter, emitting red flames. The sphere enveloped the boy and then ascended. Another witness on Roskildevej on November 26, 1987, encountered a boy in a T-shirt who stared intently and seemed unusual. Further accounts include a sighting near Gyrstinge on December 24, 1987, where a boy seemingly passed through a cemetery wall, and a report from Vetterslev on January 4, 1988, where two red spheres were observed, followed by the discovery of small tracks resembling hare-spoor, which the photographer questioned if they belonged to the mysterious boy.

Debate: SUFOI's Stance and UFO-Phenomena

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a debate initiated by an article in "Information" by Frederik Stjernfeldt, who criticized UFO-NYT's approach. The magazine presents Stjernfeldt's critique, a reader's reaction from Svend Rygaard, and SUFOI's response, articulated by chairman Torben Birkeholm.

Stjernfeldt questioned the purpose of a magazine focusing on "unidentified" phenomena and suggested that the decline in UFO sightings might be due to a lack of media attention rather than a decrease in occurrences. He also noted a perceived "religious" or "cult-like" tendency in some reader contributions.

Svend Rygaard, in his letter, echoed some of Stjernfeldt's points, urging SUFOI to be more direct in its interpretations and to present more recent observations. He outlined three possible explanations for UFOs: physical realities, misinterpretations of natural phenomena, or psychological manifestations. Rygaard expressed that if UFOs are not extraterrestrial craft, he would lose interest.

SUFOI's response, through Torben Birkeholm, defended the magazine's balanced approach. They acknowledged the challenge of satisfying readers who are convinced of extraterrestrial visitors while maintaining a critical and evidence-based stance. SUFOI stated its mission is to keep attention focused on the phenomenon, acknowledging that there's no scientific reason to believe or disbelieve in UFOs. They also noted a general decline in UFO observations globally in recent years, attributing most to natural explanations but emphasizing the need to investigate the remaining unexplained cases. SUFOI also highlighted the difficulty in defining what constitutes a UFO, as many reported events might not involve flying objects at all.

"UFO-Poisoning" and Personal Experiences

Another notable article, "The Menace of UFO-Poisoning" by Maj Hedvard, offers a personal and deeply emotional account of a witness's reaction to a sighting. Hedvard describes experiencing intense fear and panic after observing a light in the sky, which led to her pets reacting unusually. She recounts her struggle with hysteria and confusion, seeking solace in psychological literature and her husband's support. The article highlights the psychological impact of unexplained phenomena on individuals.

Press Clippings and Other News

The magazine includes a "Press Clip" section summarizing various media reports related to UFOs. These include:

• A report on the "Morgenrødens Internationale Universitet" project in Brazil, which plans to establish a spaceport for interplanetary spacecraft.
• A mention of Carl Sagan's science-fiction novel set in the 1990s, featuring a female president and an astrophysicist searching for extraterrestrial signals.
• Reports of a "UFO-mania" in the USA, with references to Budd Hopkins' books on alien abductions and a witness claiming to have met John Lennon on a spaceship.
• A Chinese news agency report about a military pursuit of an unidentified flying object over Shanghai.
• An article from Jyske Tidende discussing the nature of UFOs and reviewing UFO literature.
• Information about UFO-related lectures and events, including those organized by Vejle UFO Gruppe and the association "Nye Veje."

SUFOI's 30th Anniversary Event

A detailed report covers SUFOI's 30th-anniversary event held on November 21, 1987, at Lyngby Storcenter. The event attracted around 300 paying guests and featured numerous lectures on various aspects of UFO research, including Danish UFO research history, UFO theories, and specific cases. Speakers included SUFOI chairman Torben Birkeholm, Ole Henningsen, and Ole J. Knudsen. The event also included an exhibition and book sales. Ole Henningsen was recognized for his 25 years of service to SUFOI.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the importance of empirical investigation and open-mindedness regarding UFO phenomena. SUFOI positions itself as a facilitator of debate, presenting various viewpoints and encouraging readers to contribute their observations and insights. The magazine navigates the line between acknowledging the potential for genuine, unexplained phenomena and the prevalence of misinterpretations and psychological factors. There's a recurring theme of folklore and its potential connection to modern UFO reports, as well as a commitment to maintaining a critical yet engaged approach to the subject matter.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 1/88
Date: January 1988
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, investigations, and personal experiences, with a particular focus on Danish sightings and the history of the UFO movement in the country. It also highlights the 30th anniversary of SUFOI (The Scandinavian UFO Information Organization).

Key Articles and Reports

UFO Legede med Familie (UFO Played with Family)

The cover story details a police investigation into a bizarre incident in Australia where a family reported being chased by an egg-shaped UFO. The object allegedly emitted cosmic ash and a foul odor, and caused the family's car tires to become completely shredded. The authorities have taken the family's car for examination. The report notes that similar mysterious and disturbing experiences have been reported by a truck driver and a fisherman, lending some credibility to the family's account. The witness, 24-year-old Patrick Knowles, described the smell as being like corpses and stated that the UFO forced their car to swerve. The family claims the UFO, described as egg-shaped, pursued them for nearly an hour and a half before landing on the car roof and gripping the vehicle with suction cups. The article concludes that "there is something out there that we cannot explain."

Sjællandske Observationer (Zealandic Observations)

This section compiles several UFO sightings reported in the Zealand region of Denmark. Sjællands Tidende is seeking witnesses to an observation made on September 30th, where a reader reported a very broad and long light passing across the eastern horizon, described as very long and bright but with an indeterminate size. The issue also revisits a previous UFO-NYT report (issue #7) about a red light sphere observed at Akademiet in Sorø on August 13th, which was also reported by the local newspaper in Ringsted. A follow-up report from October 6th mentions another incident on August 12th near Pedersborg, involving a boy surrounded by a mysterious light. These observations are further detailed in this issue of UFO-NYT.

Interview med Peter Nørgård

An interview with Peter Nørgård, the 24-year-old SUFOI representative for Midt- and West Jutland, conducted by Steen Bay Jensen for Midtjyllands Avis on October 10th. Nørgård discusses his interest in UFOs and his investigations into local sightings on behalf of SUFOI. He also explains the methods used to investigate alleged UFO photographs and theories about the origin of UFO phenomena.

Farvel til de flotte fyre fra Venus (Farewell to the Handsome Guys from Venus)

This article by Per Borgaard, published in Jydske Tidende on November 8th, reflects on the beginnings of the "UFO movement" in Denmark, specifically the start of SUFOI in November 1958 and its initial "belief system." Borgaard recounts how George Adamski's "blonde Venusians" gradually faded from public consciousness as space probes sent back new information from distant worlds. He expresses skepticism about Adamski's claims, such as seeing a small, furry animal running on the Moon's surface. This skepticism, shared by others in SUFOI's early leadership, contributed to the formation of the SUFOI known today.

SUFOIs 30 års jubilæum (SUFOI's 30th Anniversary)

Several articles and notices in the press during October and November highlight SUFOI's 30th-anniversary celebration in Lyngby Storcenter. The event itself is covered in more detail elsewhere in the magazine.

Allan Reib om astronomi i dagspressen (Allan Reib on Astronomy in the Daily Press)

An article by Allan Reib in Det fri Aktuelt on December 7th discusses "Planets in December 1987" and mentions George Adamski. Reib notes a decrease in UFO reports, but does not speculate on the reasons, such as weather or the "video fever."

AKTIVITETER: UFO'er i Radio Sydhavsøerne (Activities: UFOs on Radio Sydhavsøerne)

Written by Ole Henningsen, this piece profiles Bende Øgendahl, a host on local radio station Sydhavsøerne in Nykøbing F. Øgendahl's programs cover a wide range of topics including psychology, graphology, astrology, and numerology, as well as local history and genealogy. Henningsen himself was a guest on Øgendahl's show on October 1st, where they discussed the history of UFO phenomena and local sightings. They also sought witnesses for the post-war "ghost rockets." The broadcast included a segment on Orson Welles' famous 1938 radio play and its panic-inducing effect in the USA, along with a mention of Evald Hansen Maarup's 1970 observation.

Ældre observation fra Horbelev (Older Observation from Horbelev)

During the radio program, listeners were encouraged to share their UFO experiences. Fru Inger Petersen from Horbelev on Falster reported an observation in 1957 with her two sons. She describes a round object, larger than the full moon, with a bright belt, moving slowly and emitting a humming sound. The object was described as clearly defined and close, with a light similar to a strong light bulb. The object disappeared after about 4 minutes.

Observation ved Farøbroerne (Observation at the Farø Bridges)

JWH from Vordingborg recounts an experience from before the opening of the Farø Bridges (approximately 3 years prior to the article). While with a friend near midnight, they observed two green lights approaching from the southeast at a low altitude. The lights stopped about 200 meters away, and a dark object was visible between them. The object then turned a quarter turn, and the green lights disappeared, leaving only the object, which then moved along the bridge and vanished into the darkness. JWH's friend attributed the sighting to "Russians."

These reports have been forwarded to SUFOI's reporting department for processing and registration.

UFO-forgiftning (UFO Poisoning) - Continued

This personal account continues from page 19. The author describes experiencing intense psychological distress, believing they were seeing UFOs everywhere, including in everyday objects like airplanes and helicopters. This led to a state of paranoia and confusion, making it difficult to distinguish reality from imagination. The author sought help but found it unhelpful, describing the interactions as condescending. They eventually decided to confront their problem by researching UFOs, which initially increased their confusion but eventually led to a realization that they were not alone in their experiences. The author expresses a desire to help others suffering from similar psychological distress related to UFO phenomena, emphasizing the need for empathy and understanding rather than ridicule.

The postscript, attributed to Torben Birkeholm, suggests that JWH's observation at the Farø Bridges was likely a satellite, possibly the Soviet space station MIR or SALJUT 7, given the timing (37 minutes before sunrise) and brightness. SUFOI agrees that the phenomenon was natural, but the observer's reaction was unusual. The article concludes by stating that such experiences, while not unique, require support and understanding, and encourages reader reactions.

SUFOI 30th Anniversary Event

• This section promotes a historical audio recording of four lectures from SUFOI's 30th-anniversary event held at Lyngby Storcenter on November 21, 1987. The lectures include:
• "Welcome Speech" by Torben Birkeholm
• "SUFOI's Early Years" by Per Andersen
• "UFOs and the News Media" by Per Borgaard
• "UFO Crash at Spitzbergen - and Other UFO Myths" by Ole Henningsen
• The 90-minute recording costs 48 DKK and can be ordered by mail.

FOCUS PÅ UFO'er (Focus on UFOs)

This is an advertisement for a comprehensive package on UFO phenomena, including 36 color and black-and-white slides, a 25-minute audio tape, and a 32-page text booklet with captions, references, and a bibliography. The package is presented in a 3-ring binder and costs 340 DKK. It is described as a good introduction to the study of UFO phenomena, covering classic Danish and foreign observations, photo analysis, UFO studies, and ufology in Denmark.

UFO-VISION Årbog for ufo-litteratur 1988 (UFO-VISION Yearbook for UFO Literature 1988)

This is an advertisement for the 1988 edition of UFO-VISION, a yearbook that reviews UFO literature from Denmark and abroad. It features new and older books, as well as longer articles for further study. The 1987 edition was successful, and the 1988 edition is available but limited to the first 100 buyers. The yearbook promises hours of exciting reading and lists several topics covered, including "UFO Literature's Top 10," "When Flying Saucers Took Over the Cinema," "The Limits of Science" (covering the Loch Ness Monster, the Abominable Snowman, and UFOs), "Borderline Science Literature," "Top Secret UFO Documents: Manipulation and Forgery," and "The Year's Books in the USA and Europe." UFO-VISION is in A4 format and professionally produced, costing 78 DKK.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-NYT include the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the historical development of the UFO movement in Denmark (particularly SUFOI), the psychological impact of intense UFO experiences, and the promotion of UFO literature. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging the psychological and societal aspects involved. There is a clear effort to document sightings, interview witnesses, and provide a platform for discussion and research. The magazine also demonstrates a commitment to its readers by offering resources like audio recordings and literature reviews. The personal account of "UFO poisoning" highlights a more sensitive and empathetic approach to individuals experiencing distress related to their UFO encounters, emphasizing the need for support and understanding.