UFO Nyt - No 3 juli-sept 1988

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-NYT, volume 30, number 3, from July-September 1988, published by Skandinavisk UFO Information, is a Danish-language magazine dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the magazine's title and a striking illustration of a prism-shaped object in a forest setting, accompanied by headlines teasing articles on the Bermuda Triangle, mind-body-spirit connections with UFOs, UFOs on video, and the 'Face on Mars'. The issue includes a detailed table of contents, listing articles on various aspects of ufology.

Editorial Stance and Key Articles

The editorial, 'Vi tror ikke på alt...' by Kim Møller Hansen, addresses a reader's concern that 'ufo-nyt' might be shifting towards sensationalism. Hansen reassures readers that the magazine maintains a serious and critical approach, emphasizing that even seemingly unusual phenomena can have natural explanations, especially when individuals are psychologically unbalanced. The editorial highlights SUFOI's commitment to a critical and serious viewpoint, noting their participation in the 'Sind, Krop, Ånd' exhibition in Aalborg as an opportunity to clarify their stance.

UFO-Rapporter: Danmark

This section, authored by Torben Birkeholm, presents UFO observations from Denmark during the second quarter of the year. It includes an account of a near-panic situation in Haderslev where a reported cigar-shaped object emitting black smoke turned out to be a school physics experiment involving hot air balloons. A significant report details a UFO captured on video near Lyngby on June 19, 1988. An unidentified couple filmed a round, blue-yellow light for approximately three minutes. The object moved slowly and disappeared behind trees. The video footage is being investigated by SUFOI, with preliminary analysis suggesting it is one of the most exciting cases encountered in Denmark.

UFO-styrt: Nedstyrtede UFO'er – nej

In this article, David M. Jacobs argues against the notion of crashed UFOs. He posits that if a UFO had crashed and been recovered by the US military, it would have triggered an unprecedented scientific and governmental effort to study its technology and occupants. This would have provided a significant advantage over the Soviet Union and advanced human knowledge exponentially. However, Jacobs concludes that the lack of any public disclosure, significant technological leaps attributed to recovered alien technology, or prominent scientists coming forward to discuss such work, makes the existence of a crashed UFO highly improbable. He suggests that the lack of evidence points away from any government-led investigation into crashed UFOs since the Robertson Panel in 1953.

Rum-mystik: En beretning om Mars-ansigtet

Walter Hain's article critically examines the 'Face on Mars' anomaly. He expresses concern over Johannes von Buttlar's book 'Leben auf dem Mars,' accusing him of plagiarism and presenting Hain's own model reconstruction of the 'Face on Mars' as a new discovery without proper attribution. Hain details his own research, including his 1977 model and its publication in his book 'Wir, vom Mars.' He notes that while von Buttlar claims there are 12 'Face on Mars' formations, Hain's research and NASA data suggest otherwise, with only the Cydonia region feature being prominent. Hain also discusses the work of researchers like Vincent Di Pietro and Gregory Molenaar, who, through computer analysis, suggested the presence of facial features like pupils. Hain concludes that while the possibility of artificial origin cannot be entirely dismissed, further investigation and new Mars imagery are needed.

Other Content

The issue also includes an overview of UFO observations received between May 1 and June 30, 1988, listing dates, locations, durations, and potential identifications. A review of the book 'UFOs 1947-1987: The 40-Year Search for an Explanation' is featured, highlighting its comprehensive compilation of UFO research and contributions from leading ufologists. Information about SUFOI's subscription services, upcoming publications, and an audio cassette of historical UFO lectures is also provided. The magazine promotes 'UFO STUDIUM,' an educational resource for studying UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-NYT maintains a strong emphasis on critical analysis and evidence-based reporting, as articulated in the editorial. The magazine actively debunks sensational claims, such as the existence of crashed UFOs, while thoroughly investigating and presenting documented sightings and anomalies like the 'Face on Mars.' There is a clear commitment to distinguishing between factual reporting and speculation, and to promoting a serious, scientific approach to ufology. The organization SUFOI positions itself as a central hub for UFO research and information in Scandinavia, actively engaging with its readership and other international organizations.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 3/88
Date: March 1988
Publisher: SUFOI

This issue of UFO-NYT, a Danish publication focused on UFO phenomena, features a prominent cover story on the "Face on Mars" and explores other mysteries including the Bermuda Triangle and various UFO sightings reported in Denmark.

The Face on Mars

The lead article, "Ansigtet på den gådefulde planet" (The Face on the Enigmatic Planet) by Ole Henningsen, delves into the numerous enigmatic phenomena associated with Mars. It highlights the "Face on Mars," a formation discovered in images taken by the American Mars probe Viking 1 on July 25, 1976. Electro-engineer Vincent Di Pietro and computer technician Gregory Molenaar analyzed these images, enhancing them with digital techniques and "false colors" to reveal details they interpreted as an eye, cheek, and mouth. They do not claim the face is artificial but find it "unbelievable" if it were a coincidence. Their findings were presented at a press conference in May 1980 and in subsequent lectures, including one using polarized light to demonstrate a three-dimensional aspect.

The article also touches upon earlier Mars mysteries, such as Jonathan Swift's mention of Martian moons in "Gulliver's Travels" and the Italian astronomer G. V. Schiaparelli's concept of "Martian canals." It also references the Russian astronomer Shklovsky's 1960 theory that Mars' moon Phobos might be hollow, a theory later disproven.

Further discussion on Mars anomalies includes the work of Johannes von Buttlar and Walter Hain, who wrote about "Mars-mysteries" and "unusual Martian surface features." Richard Hoagland, a proponent of a lost Martian civilization, identified grid patterns and pyramid-like structures near the "Face on Mars," interpreting them as evidence of an urban settlement. However, Harold Masursky, a leading Mars geologist from the U.S. Geological Survey, critiqued these interpretations, stating that the "Face" is in an area of strong erosion and that similar formations are common on Mars, often shaped by geological faults. He dismissed the pyramid-like structures as "terrible pyramids" resembling erosion products and not evidence of a civilization.

Masursky also advised against sending a Mars Rover mission to these areas, suggesting there are more interesting locations. James Oberg, another expert, believes that evidence of extraterrestrial intelligent life would likely be "cultural objects" that are directly stumbled upon, rather than subtle signs. He considers the "Mars city" theory to be part of folklore.

The article includes a section on a "happy face" crater on Mars, noted by Martin Gardner, and an experiment by the author demonstrating how light and shadow can create illusory facial features.

Bermuda Triangle Mysteries

Under the section "Vor eventyrlige verden" (Our Adventurous World), several non-UFO related mysteries are discussed. One article, "Er 'Flight 19' fundet i Bermuda Trekanten?" (Has 'Flight 19' been found in the Bermuda Triangle?), revisits the disappearance of five Avenger torpedo bombers and a rescue plane in 1945. It mentions professional treasure hunter Mel Fisher claiming to have found wreckage of an Avenger aircraft in 1971, and later recovering a parachute. However, it remains unconfirmed if this is indeed part of the lost "Flight 19" squadron.

Another piece, "Ny teori om Bermuda Trekantens gåde" (New Theory on the Bermuda Triangle's Riddle) by C.C. Brunckhorst, proposes that unexplained disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle might be caused by natural gas emissions. These emissions could reduce the buoyancy of seawater, causing ships to sink, or ignite from engine exhaust, potentially explaining the loss of aircraft. The theory is presented as a possibility, with no definitive proof yet.

The section also briefly mentions the "Inka-byen" (Inka City) formation on Mars, observed by the Mariner 9 probe in 1977, which some found geometrically precise enough to suggest intelligent design, though Masursky suggested it could be an unusual geological formation.

UFO Phenomena in Denmark

The magazine dedicates significant space to UFO phenomena reported in Denmark, particularly focusing on the activities of SUFOI (The Organization for UFO Information).

SUFOI Aalborg's Activities:
An article titled "Jubilæum i Aalborg" (Anniversary in Aalborg) celebrates the 15th anniversary of the SUFOI Aalborg branch. It highlights their extensive work in collecting UFO reports in Northern Jutland since 1973, conducting investigations on-site, and engaging with hundreds of witnesses. The article notes that Aalborg's branch handles significantly more inquiries than other regions, partly due to active self-promotion and representation.

• Several specific Danish UFO incidents are detailed:
• 1976 Radar Observation: Three lights in a triangle formation were seen near Aalborg Air Base, with an uncertain radar target. The lights disappeared abruptly.
• 1980 Car Pursuit: A woman and her children were reportedly followed by a round light phenomenon while driving between Frederikshavn and Skagen. The light moved rapidly, keeping pace with the car.
• Skagen Neon UFO: A motorist in Skagen observed a 3-meter high, luminous, elongated object. It was later discovered to be a broken neon tube, apparently discarded and then kicked by a neighbor in frustration.
• 1982 Light Cone: A bright light cone was observed in Northern Jutland, initially mistaken for a nearby phenomenon but later identified as part of an extensive aurora borealis display. The article emphasizes the difficulty in accurately judging distances to light phenomena.
• 1982 Bilstandsning (Car Stalling): A driver reported being blinded by four light sources, causing their car engine to stall. The lights vanished, and the car was able to restart. This is presented as an example of electromagnetic interference.

SUFOI's efforts in public outreach are also described, including exhibitions, lectures, and the distribution of UFO-NYT. The magazine mentions a SUFOI exhibition stand at a large multi-event in Aalborghallen, which attracted significant attention and distributed approximately 900 copies of UFO-NYT.

• Other Noteworthy Items:
• Focus på UFO'er (Focus on UFOs): A product offering from SUFOI, a slide-tape-text package providing an introduction to UFO studies.
• Fakta om... UFO (Facts about... UFO): A book published by SUFOI, described as a serious and comprehensive guide to UFO phenomena, covering Danish and international observations, theories, statistics, and more.
• Other Mysteries: Brief mentions of other phenomena include a "blue ice lump" incident in Ireland attributed to frozen toilet waste from an aircraft, and the mythical sea creature "Ogopogo" in Canada.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and anomalies on other planets like Mars. The magazine presents information from various sources, including scientific analysis, witness testimonies, and speculative theories. The editorial stance, as represented by SUFOI, appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, distinguishing itself from sensationalism while acknowledging the public's fascination with mysteries. The publication aims to inform and educate its readers about UFOs and related topics, encouraging critical thinking while remaining open to possibilities. The emphasis on SUFOI's activities highlights their role in collecting and disseminating information on UFO sightings within Denmark.

Title: UFO-VISION
Issue: 1988 Yearbook
Subtitle: Årbog for ufo-litteratur 1988 (Yearbook for UFO Literature 1988)
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country of Publication: Denmark
Original Language: Danish
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO-VISION, published by Skandinavisk UFO Information, serves as the 1988 yearbook dedicated to UFO literature. It provides reviews of both Danish and international UFO books, as well as longer articles for self-study. The publication highlights its role as a comprehensive resource for those interested in UFO phenomena.

UFO Observations in Norway (1987)

The main focus of this issue is a detailed account of UFO observations in Norway during 1987. Despite being described as a relatively 'lean' year for sightings, the few incidents that occurred received reasonable media coverage.

Sunnhordland (June 14, 1987)

An article from Sunnhordland on June 16, 1987, reports on a sighting by a couple in Nysæter on June 14. While sunbathing, they observed a luminous sphere, similar to a common airplane, flying in a northeasterly direction. This observation was linked by some to five mysterious rings (imprints) found near Nysæter Youth School.

Haugesunds Avis (July 23, 1987)

On July 23, 1987, Haugesunds Avis reported on a 'witch ring' at Åkerkvesletten, which had been a mystery for 12 years. Researchers from the University of Bergen had previously suggested it was a mushroom ring, but doubts remained.

Fædrelandsvennen (July 29, 1987)

Fædrelandsvennen reported on July 29, 1987, that a man saw an unidentified object near Songvår on July 27 at 03:50. The object was described as a luminous ball the size of a football with a 10-12 meter long tail, ending in another luminous ball the size of a tennis ball. It flew at an altitude of approximately 250 meters above sea level with the speed of a small aircraft.

Rana Blad (August 11, 1987)

Under the headline "UFO or the full moon?", Rana Blad reported on August 11, 1987, that four people saw something inexplicable over Mofjeldet between 02:10 and 02:20 on August 10. They described it as 5,000 luminous motorcycles in a semicircle shape. When it disappeared behind the mountain, the light was still visible for a time before complete darkness returned. Investigations with the rocket testing area at Andøya and Esrange in Kiruna, as well as the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, yielded no unusual activity or explanations, with the latter suggesting it was the moon.

UFO-Lillehammer and Gudbrandsdalen/Lillehammer Tilskuer (August 13, 1987)

UFO-Lillehammer stated on August 13, 1987, that the luminous phenomena seen over Moelv and Fåvang could not be stars. They had contacted eight people who, on July 28 at 20:00, saw a rocket-shaped object moving from north to south. The object, which reflected the evening sun, was the size of a small plane and flew at a similar speed. Although it resembled a rocket, no exhaust was visible. Two other observers saw a luminous phenomenon near Moelv on August 4 at 00:27. This light, smaller than the full moon, hovered and then disappeared to the northeast at high speed after about half a minute.

Oslo (September 20, 1987)

On September 20, 1987, a woman from Oslo observed a round, luminous object hovering about half a kilometer from her apartment building over a small wooded area for approximately 15 minutes before disappearing to the east. Another object, or possibly the same one, reappeared shortly after. The object emitted a very strong light, brightest in the center, surrounded by smaller 'light bulbs'. There were no nearby military installations, industries, or transformer stations.

Øvre Smålenene (September 25, 1987)

Under the headline "UFO over Sollia?", Øvre Smålenene reported on September 25, 1987, that a woman, who had previously seen a UFO in the same area, observed a large, dark, square-shaped object with a strong halo hovering over Sollia around 02:30 on September 23. The object had a long luminous 'tail'. NIVFO suggested space debris, while UFO-Norge proposed a homemade hot air balloon, indicating a natural phenomenon.

Råde (September 28, 1987)

According to Moss Avis on September 30, 1987, a 54-year-old man from Råde reported seeing a UFO around 22:00 on September 28. He described it as a hexagonal 'discus' with a dome, approximately one meter in diameter and 60-70 cm high, resembling small spaceships from cartoons. The man was frightened and noted that other cars passing by must have seen it too. Moss Dagblad, another local newspaper, reportedly ridiculed the Moss Avis report, suggesting a lack of seriousness.

Tydal to Haltdalen (October 16, 1987)

A report from NIVFO details an observation on October 16, 1987, near Fjellvejen between Tydal and Haltdalen. Four observers (J.P., D.R., B.S., and W.W.) saw luminous objects crossing the sky at high speed. Two aircraft passed, moving slower than the lights. Subsequently, two more lights appeared, illuminating the terrain and the car's interior, causing fear. W.W. then spotted a prism-shaped object approaching the car. J.P. stopped the car and turned off the lights. The object, described as a prism with a dome, descended and became clearer, appearing to be lit from within, with glass panes and four legs. The observers felt a strong pressure in their heads as the object disappeared. They later saw more luminous spheres over the mountains. A ufologist noted that the prism-shaped object matched a known observation in the USA (likely the Travis Walton case).

Hafslovandet (October 18, 1987)

Verdens Gang reported on October 20, 1987, that several people experienced 'UFO shock' early on Sunday, October 18, after seeing a flying luminous sphere over Hafslovandet, north of Sogndal. A 47-year-old hobby pilot described it as a strange and inexplicable light, as bright as a flashbulb. The sphere hovered for a considerable time before its light intensity decreased. It then tilted, revealing a dome above the intense light, casting light beams upwards and downwards. The pilot ruled out conventional aircraft, ball lightning, or light reflections in clear weather. Sogn Dagblad on October 30, 1987, featured the 74-year-old mother of the pilot, who also witnessed the event and described an oval luminous object. Her son managed to take photos, but they were unusable.

Narvik (October 26, 1987)

Under the headline "Did a UFO fly into Beisfjorden?", Fremover reported on October 26, 1987, that a man from Narvik saw a strange phenomenon on the evening of October 25. Three lights, with the center light being bright and the others faint yellow, flew silently towards Beisfjorden before turning east and disappearing. The man believed the lights flew faster than a Widerøe-fly. Ofotens Tidende on October 22, 1987, questioned the numerous strange light observations in the Narvik area, suggesting meteors, unknown aircraft, or optical phenomena. The most dramatic experience was reported by members of Ungdommens Røde Kors (URK) near Hardhaushytta, who saw strange lights moving erratically. These lights would disappear when the cabin lights were turned on and reappear when they were off. The local URK leader disagreed with the suggestion from the Tromsø Northern Lights Observatory that it might be the Orionid meteor shower, as the lights were visible for an extended period and disappeared gradually towards dawn.

Lierne (October 22, 1987)

Namdal Arbeiderblad reported on October 22, 1987, about Odd Aagård and his wife Birgitt, who saw a round luminous object larger than a star flying slowly towards Sweden around 18:00. They followed the phenomenon with binoculars for over an hour. Odd Aagård expressed interest in explanations, as neither he nor his wife could find a natural explanation and did not believe it was a UFO.

UFO Literature Reviews and Offers

This issue also features reviews of UFO literature. A prominent advertisement promotes the book "Phenomena: A Book of Wonders" by John Michell and Robert J. M. Rickard, described as an "English classic of format" for those interested in mysteries. The book, originally published in 1977 and reprinted in 1983, is A4 size with 128 pages and 216 illustrations, available for kr. 78.00 plus postage.

Another section advertises the "UFO-VISION Årbog for ufo-litteratur 1988" itself. It promises reviews of UFO literature, both Danish and foreign, and longer articles. The 1987 edition was a success, and the 1988 edition is available, with a limited stock for the first 100 buyers. The yearbook is in A4 format and professionally printed, priced at kr. 78,-. It includes a "Top 10 UFO Literature" list, an article on flying saucers in cinema, and discussions on the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, and "Top Secret UFO Documents".

Special offers are also presented for various books, including "Spøgelsesraketterne" (Ghost Rockets), "På sporet af ufonauten" (On the Trail of the UFOonaut), "Bortført. Travis Walton Sagen" (Abducted. The Travis Walton Case), "UFOer over New Zealand" (UFOs over New Zealand), and "Synspunkter - 3 UFO artikler" (Viewpoints - 3 UFO Articles), all available at reduced prices.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the reporting and analysis of UFO sightings, with a particular emphasis on events in Norway during 1987. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent reporting of witness accounts, while also acknowledging and sometimes presenting skeptical viewpoints or potential natural explanations (e.g., from NIVFO or meteorological services). The publication also actively promotes and reviews UFO-related literature, positioning itself as a central hub for enthusiasts in the field. There's a notable commentary on why people might report sightings to newspapers rather than official authorities, questioning the public's fear of ridicule and the apparent lack of follow-up by authorities on such reports.