UFO Nyt - No 4 okt-dec 1988

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-nyt
Issue: Nr. 4
Volume: 30. årg.
Date: October-December 1988
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Price: 39 kr. per issue

This issue of UFO-NYT, the 30th year, number 4, from October-December 1988, features a cover headline about a Danish pilot seeing a UFO, and other articles on contact with the Pleiades, UFOs in Argentina, and a 'Santa Claus at light speed' theme. The magazine is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) and is priced at 39 DKK per issue, with an annual subscription costing 147 DKK.

Editorial: UFO-NYT is Growing Larger

Kim Møller Hansen, the editor-in-chief, reflects on 1988 and looks forward to 1989. He notes that SUFOI's information activities have been successful, with new members and local groups contributing to serious information dissemination about UFO phenomena. The number of reports received was modest, allowing more time for investigation. The ongoing investigation into a video recording from Lyngby (mentioned in UFO-NYT 3/1988) is detailed, with analysis suggesting the camera's autofocus may have been the issue, complicating a thorough analysis. The results are expected in a few months and will be published in the next issue. The editor thanks readers for helping to make UFO-NYT known and for bringing in new subscribers. He encourages readers to request brochures to distribute to friends or local libraries. A new, exciting Danish observation from a private plane is highlighted, which will be discussed further. Peter Nørgaard's report on the Australian case, which received significant media coverage, is also mentioned. Ole Henningsen examines sensational UFO stories appearing in Danish weekly magazines. The editorial team is committed to improving the magazine's content and presentation. This issue is printed on Danish recycled paper to reduce environmental impact, and the new paper is expected to enhance readability. The editorial team is closely following international UFO debates, with a focus on alleged abductions planned for 1989. They are also preparing articles on classified CIA UFO documents and crop circle imprints in England. As a special Christmas gift, UFO-NYT number 1 of 1989 will be expanded to 32 pages. The editorial team wishes readers and advertisers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, looking forward to meeting them again in March 1989.

Observations: Denmark

This section, compiled by Torben Birkeholm, reports on observations from the third quarter of 1988. The number of reports is consistent with previous periods. Several observations are highlighted:

• Fireball over Himmerland: On April 24th, a 63-year-old man fishing observed a round 'fireball' on the water's surface. When he looked up, the object was directly overhead. It moved slowly and silently towards the northeast, changing from red to yellow with a tail as it disappeared over the horizon, visible for four minutes.
• Daylight Observations: On May 23rd, three daylight observations were reported. One in Søborg and another in Vanløse are still under investigation. In Fredericia, four adults and two children observed a black, cylindrical object hovering silently for about 30 minutes, 45 degrees above the horizon, before disappearing.
• Silver Sphere Seen from Aircraft: On June 7th, a pilot and a passenger in a PA 28 aircraft observed a silver sphere, approximately 50 cm in diameter, flying alongside their plane at an altitude of about 1,000 feet. The object maintained its position relative to the aircraft, even during turns, and changed color between silver, red, and blue. The pilot estimated its speed at around 120 knots. They contacted air traffic control, but the object was not detected on radar, possibly due to its size or lack of radar echo. The observation lasted for about 2-3 minutes before the object was lost from sight.

SUFOI is seeking further witnesses to these events.

The War of the Worlds Scares Again!

This short piece recalls Orson Welles' 1938 radio drama 'The War of the Worlds' and notes that a similar panic occurred in Denmark on October 30th, 1988, when Danish Radio P3 broadcast excerpts from the story. The radio announcer Ole Aabye reported on a supposed Martian invasion, leading to over 125 calls from listeners wanting to know if it was real. The news report had to clarify that it was fiction. The article concludes by pondering the potential chaos if a real alien visit were to occur.

UFO-NYT Contact

SUFOI's Alarmcentral can be reached at 06-54 21 21 for those who have seen a UFO and wish to contact the organization. Readers are encouraged to contact their local area representative.

Situation Report: July 1 - September 30, 1988

This section provides a table summarizing UFO observations registered in Denmark during the third quarter of 1988. It lists observation dates, times, durations, locations (with postcodes and town names), the number of observers, colors, and any potential identification. The observations include various phenomena, such as night lights and daylight objects, with colors ranging from orange-red and blue-white to green, yellow, and red.

Meteor-like Phenomena

On August 21st, shortly after 1 AM, observers in North Jutland, Mid-Jutland, and Funen reported seeing meteor-like phenomena, possibly a single event. Differences in timing and descriptions are noted, which is common when multiple witnesses report independently. The article suggests that while separate meteor observations cannot be ruled out, several factors point towards the same phenomenon, and more witnesses would be needed to confirm.

Revelation: Contact with the Pleiades?

This article by Ole Henningsen delves into the controversial claims of Eduard Meier, a Swiss individual who, since 1975, has asserted ongoing contact with extraterrestrials from the Pleiades star constellation. The article acknowledges that Meier's claims and photographs have often been perceived as fantastic. However, due to reader interest, further background information is provided. Meier is described as having produced numerous color photographs of 'flying spaceships' at close range. The article notes that he presents his experiences in popular magazines, supported by 'experts' and photo analyses, to bolster his claims. His first publicly known contact began in January 1975, when he took photos of flying objects near his farm in Switzerland. He claimed to have had a conversation with a pilot, a young, blonde woman in a tight-fitting suit. The conversation, allegedly translated by an 'automatic transmission apparatus' on board the spaceship, is presented with a sample dialogue between Meier and the alien named Semjase. Semjase states they have studied him for years, and Meier responds that he knows no fear and is objective. The article also touches upon Meier's background, including an early UFO experience at age five and contact with a spiritual teacher named SFATH. He later encountered other female extraterrestrials, with the female crews reportedly being a deliberate choice due to a perceived less hostile attitude from humans towards women. Meier has shown interest in metaphysical subjects and has been involved in study groups. He lived in an ashram in India in the early sixties, studying yoga and meditation. During his time in India, he also had contact with an alien named Asket from the 'DAL universe'. Asket is featured in one of Meier's photographs, which Meier states can be published as she no longer has a mission on Earth.

The 'One-Armed Photographer'?

Eduard Meier has supported himself and his family through various jobs, including truck driving. He reportedly lost an arm in an accident. Since 1975, Meier has presented numerous accounts of his contacts and hundreds of color photographs of various spacecraft. His supporters often highlight the difficulty of faking these images with only one arm.

The Pleiades Star Cluster

The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters, is an open star cluster in the constellation Taurus. To the naked eye, it appears as a tight group of 6-7 stars, but a prism binoculars can reveal many more. A curious historical note mentions a misunderstanding in 1846 when studies of the Pleiades' proper motion led J. H. von Maedler to incorrectly conclude it was the center of the universe.

Swindle Exposed by Computer Analysis

In 1981, Kal K. Korff and William L. Moore published 'The Meier Incident - The Most Infamous Hoax In Ufology!', which included computer analyses of Meier's photos conducted by organizations like Ground Saucer Watch (GSW). GSW concluded that Meier's photos were faked, depicting small models suspended by strings, with the strings becoming visible through computer analysis.

The Disappearing Tree

Colman VonKeviczky of ICUFON investigated Meier's claims and observed photos showing a spaceship flying around a tree. VonKeviczky discovered that no tree was present at the alleged location, and there was no evidence a tree had ever stood there. Analysis of cloud movements in the photos suggests they could not have been taken in a few seconds, as claimed by Meier. The article suggests the photos depict a well-staged scene with a small 'spaceship model' suspended by a string, possibly near a bush or small tree in a pot.

Other Mysterious Recordings

The article examines other images published by Meier, including one he claims is 'God's eye,' which astronomers identify as the Ring Nebula in the constellation Lyra, albeit out of focus. Meier's photos of a spaceship around a tree are contrasted with a NASA illustration of the Apollo-Soyuz docking. The article points out discrepancies in the solar panels of Meier's alleged Soyuz spacecraft compared to the actual one and the NASA illustration, suggesting Meier's photo is based on a cartoon. Meier's drawing of the entrance to the 'DAL universe' is also compared to a similar illustration, questioning its originality.

Investigation of Top Experts?

An article in 'Ude og Hjemmet' magazine (2/1988) claimed that a top aviation expert was convinced by Meier's accounts. The article identifies this expert as Wendelle C. Stevens, a retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel known in SUFOI circles. Stevens co-authored a book on Meier's photos and experiences in 1979, described as a visually impressive UFO book. He later privately published a 542-page work in 1982 detailing Meier's contacts. However, the article also references Kal K. Korff's book, which presents computer analyses suggesting fraud.

Astronomy & Spaceflight: Humanity's Future in Space

This article by Kim Møller Hansen discusses predictions for humanity's future in space over the next century, based on a study involving 15 spaceflight experts. The Delphi method, a technique for gathering expert opinions through questionnaires and controlled feedback, was used. This method is considered suitable for long-term predictions in areas where objective data is scarce. The process involves experts providing predictions, which are then analyzed and returned to them for justification, leading to a refinement of the forecasts. The article aims to present the results of this study.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, alien contact cases, and the analysis of photographic and video evidence. There is a critical approach to claims, with investigations into potential hoaxes and the use of expert analysis. The publication also touches upon broader themes related to space exploration and humanity's future. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and evidence while maintaining a critical eye, particularly concerning photographic evidence. The magazine aims to provide serious and critical information on UFO phenomena to the public.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated April 1988 (4/88), is published by SUFOI and features a cover story on an Australian family's close encounter with a UFO, titled "Australsk familie forfulgt af UFO, 2. del" (Australian family pursued by UFO, Part 2). The magazine includes a variety of articles on UFO sightings, investigations, theories, and related astronomical topics.

Delphi Study: Future Space Missions

The issue begins with a "Delphi-undersøgelsen" (Delphi Study) outlining a four-round process used to gather expert opinions on the likelihood of future space events. The participants, including R. A. Buckland, R. L. Forward, and G. L. Matloff, provided estimations for events such as the first manned mission to Jupiter (median year 2029, IQR 2024-2037), colonization of another planet (median year 2260, IQR 2210-2320), and contact with extraterrestrial intelligence (median year 2066, IQR 2050-2100). The study also includes predictions for the discovery of exoplanets (median year 1992, IQR 1990-1995) and the development of artificial intelligence.

Australian UFO Sighting: The Knowles Family Case

The main article details the experience of the Knowles family, who reported being followed by a UFO on January 20, 1988, near Mundrabilla, Australia. The incident involved strange lights, a sticky substance inside their car, a grey/black fog, and a punctured tire. The article describes the family's attempts to evade the object, a near-collision with another vehicle, and the subsequent investigation. The car, a blue Ford Telstar GL, was examined for physical evidence, including marks on the roof and a black "ash-dust" residue. Police assistant Trebilcock and investigators Keith Basterfield and Ray Brooke were involved. The investigation noted four marks on the car's roof and the presence of dust similar to brake lining material. The punctured tire was found to have been driven on for some time. The article also mentions interviews with truck drivers Graham Henley and "Porky" De Jong, who witnessed parts of the event.

Other Investigations and Witness Accounts

Further investigations into the Knowles' car revealed that the dust samples contained iron oxide, silicone, magnesium, and copper, consistent with brake lining. The car's electrical systems were checked, with only the right brake light showing a malfunction. The article notes that by February 2, 1988, the black dust had disappeared. The media coverage of the case was extensive, with Jenne Randles collecting 87 newspaper clippings.

UFOs in Argentina

Another section focuses on UFO observations in Argentina. It reports on large, horseshoe-shaped tracks found on a football field near Bajo Hondo Colony, interpreted as a UFO landing sign. It also recounts an incident where two brothers observed a UFO absorbing river water near the Paraná River, followed by a local power outage. A teacher in Rio Colorado reported a loud noise and a bright object causing her car to slow down, leading to a nervous breakdown. Additionally, an incident near Miramar involved a falling, burning object observed by tourists, possibly a balloon or a UFO.

UFO Theories: "We Are Not Alone"

This article by Kim Møller Hansen explores the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), or spaceship hypothesis, which posits that UFOs are alien spacecraft visiting Earth. It outlines various interpretations of this theory, including UFOs as ancient visitors, potential colonizers, or even tourists. The article also presents the scientific skepticism towards ETH, exemplified by Carl Sagan's argument about the logistical impossibility of interstellar travel within human lifespans and the sheer volume of reports being counter-evidence. The author emphasizes the distinction between belief and fact.

Other Noteworthy Items

UFOs and Natural Disasters

This section discusses how UFOs have been linked to natural disasters, citing instances in Mexico and Brazil where bright explosions were observed prior to events like landslides. While some interpret these as UFO activity, the editorial suggests they might be caused by geological processes releasing flammable gases.

Swedish Saucer Recovery?

A brief report mentions a claim from the American publication "Solar Space-Letter" about an international research team recovering a 90-foot saucer from the Bermuda Triangle in September 1987. The object was reportedly transported to Sweden or Britain for study.

"Wild Man" in China

A brief note on researchers in China investigating a mysterious "wild man" in the Shennongjia mountains, described as a human-like mammal distinct from humans, apes, or bears.

Meteor Strikes Goose

A report from Northants, England, describes a goose being struck and killed by a sudden flash of light, speculated to be a meteor.

SUFOI Activities

The magazine highlights SUFOI's activities, including a UFO evening in Århus featuring a talk by chairman Torben Birkeholm on close encounters. It also mentions the SUFOI representative meeting in Hjortshøj, discussing finances and ongoing investigations, including the Lyngby video film.

Book Offers

An advertisement offers a catalog of books on UFOs, parapsychology, and occultism from Andersen Bogservice, and a special offer for UFO-NYT readers on astronomy and spaceflight books.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of UFO sightings, particularly close encounters with physical evidence, and the exploration of various UFO theories, contrasted with scientific skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts and investigative findings while also acknowledging the lack of definitive proof for extraterrestrial visitation. There's a clear emphasis on the scientific method and critical analysis, as seen in the discussion of the Delphi study and the critique of the ETH. The magazine also highlights the challenges of media sensationalism and the importance of rigorous research.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 4/88
Date: 1988

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, ranging from cryptozoology and UFO sightings to paranormal investigations and speculative scientific theories.

Dinosaurus Eventyr (Dinosaur Adventure)

Roy Mackal, a biologist from the University of Chicago, is preparing for his third expedition to the Congo in early 1988 to search for the Mokele-mbembe. This creature, described by locals as being 6 to 9 meters long and resembling a brontosaurus, leaves three-toed tracks the size of a frying pan. The upcoming 90-day, 40-person expedition, financed by Dawn Star Productions and investors, is Mackal's most extensive yet, with hopes of generating profit from films and videos.

En forhistorisk flyvende øgle (A Prehistoric Flying Lizard)

An account from July 1987 describes an unusual event in the Asteroussia mountains on Crete. Three young men, Nikolas Sfakianakis, Nikolas Chalkidakis, and Mannolis Calaitzis, hunting near a river, heard a strange sound and then encountered a large, dark grey creature flying low and slowly. They described it as a giant bird with membranous wings, large claws, and a beak similar to a pelican's, resembling a Pterodactyl. Fearing ridicule, they initially kept silent but later identified the creature from books. This report is linked to Charles Fort's accounts of thunderbirds in Native American legends.

Ualmindeligt flyvende objekt (Uncommon Flying Object)

On August 1, 1987, Jim Blum and his parents witnessed a UFO over Chardon, USA, at 1:00 PM. It appeared as a swarm of silver, balloon-like objects, resembling diving bells, with a red rope and dangling cylinders. They initially mistook it for skydivers. A neighbor, Arnold Melby, also observed the phenomenon. Investigations with the Air Force, National Weather Service, NASA, and Coast Guard yielded no explanation. Even local authorities in Holden Arborerum, where the object reportedly descended, had no reports. A spokesperson for the FAA stated that at an altitude of approximately 450 meters, the object would not have been detectable by radar.

Stor-foden set igen (Bigfoot Seen Again)

Four oil field workers near Tumbler Ridge, Alberta, Canada, reported seeing a Sasquatch in March 1987. The creature, described as 2.10 to 2.40 meters tall and weighing around 160 kg, emerged from curiosity due to the machinery noise. It observed them from about 300 meters away before running across the road and into the undergrowth, moving upright with long strides. The workers saw the creature four times in 30 minutes, noting its speed. The next day, they found oversized tracks in the snow, some with a V-shaped imprint suggesting the creature had knelt with its feet together. A Sasquatch researcher commented that a human could not position their knees 90 cm apart in such a way.

In April 1987, a U.S. Forest Service officer named Paul Freeman reported finding hairs and footprints of a Bigfoot in the Blue Mountains of Washington State. The footprints extended over 1.2 km, about 30 km southeast of Walla Walla. Professor Grover Krantz of Washington State University, a Bigfoot expert, called the footprints among the best he had ever seen and was reasonably sure the hairs were genuine.

Separately, on March 28, 1987, at 11:00 PM, a young woman near Colonial Beach, Virginia, saw a tall, hairy, bipedal creature about 40 meters from her house. This was one of ten such observations in the quiet Potomac area since June 1985. On April 11, 1987, a research team searched the area and found unusual hair samples, which were being examined by anthropologist Dr. Vaughn Bryant Jr.

Identificeret falsk objekt (Identified False Object)

In September 1979, the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois, investigated a supposed UFO landing trace in Lake City, Minnesota. The trace consisted of two burnt, circular imprints in a cornfield belonging to Curtis Olson. However, in April 1987, David Olson, Curtis's nephew, confessed to creating the imprints as a practical joke using a post driver. He admitted to not confessing earlier due to fear of repercussions. The nephew disputed the uncle's claim, stating that experts had determined the imprints could not have been made by a prank and would have required more than a week for one person with a post driver.

Hvem spøger på sygehuset? (Who is haunting the hospital?)

Rumors have circulated for about a year about a mysterious being haunting a hospital in Eskilstuna, Sweden. The entity, nicknamed "the teasing shadow" for its elusive nature, reportedly frightens staff. Despite numerous reports of this nightly phenomenon, hospital management remains skeptical. The strange aspect is that this being, apparently male, has been scaring people for years.

Støjende spøgelser (Noisy Ghosts)

The White Eagle Cafe in Portland, Oregon, has a complex history, having been a brothel in 1899 and later the Risko Brothers Soft Drink Emperium. The building is said to be inhabited by numerous ghosts, few of whom are friendly. A waitress was recently pushed down the basement stairs by an unseen force. The current owner, Chuck Hughes, experienced a confusing event on the little-used second floor when investigating a woman's sobbing. As he approached the sound, it ceased. He later saw an unidentifiable figure in an upper window that resembled a tear or a human. Another notorious ghost, identified as Sam, a former employee, causes doors to lock themselves after being opened.

Spøgelses-forskning (Ghost Research)

Significant progress in the study of strange phenomena is being made at West Georgia College, part of the University System of Georgia. The psychology department has initiated a parapsychological program involving researchers like William G. Roll, Raymond Moody, and Mike Arons. Parapsychological Service Institute Inc. is also involved. One investigation focused on a woman in Atlanta who claimed her house was haunted. Roll theorizes that the "ghost" might be a manifestation of the woman's desire for her husband, who travels frequently, to be home more often. He suggests the presence feels like a waking dream that others can also perceive, though he doesn't rule out a traditional ghost. He believes such investigations help connect these phenomena to the brain and nervous system.

Other researchers are exploring possibilities of communication with the deceased. Pastor Greeley, a best-selling author, has participated in two studies on people's encounters with the paranormal. His 1985 study found that 40% of respondents claimed contact with the deceased, up from 25% in a 1972 study. Greeley attributes this increase to reduced resistance in discussing such experiences, with younger adults and older individuals being more open than other age groups. He notes that those who reported contact did not see them in a "foggy, ghostly manner" but simply saw them.

Kæmpeøgler dræbt af storvildtjægere fra Mars! (Giant Lizards Killed by Big-Game Hunters from Mars!)

This sensational headline from the American newspaper "Weekly World News" introduces a theory by Czech archaeologist Josef M. Travnicek. He suggests that large reptiles went extinct because big-game hunters from other planets visited Earth 50 million years ago and hunted them. Travnicek bases this on the discovery of four skull fragments and three projectiles in Northern France. He claims these projectiles were made with a technology beyond human capability and contain minerals similar to those found by the American probe "Viking 1" on Mars. Therefore, he believes the hunters originated from Mars before it became a dead planet. The article notes that while many theories exist about dinosaur extinction, this is considered the wildest. The publication expresses skepticism, suggesting that scientists' names are often invented for such stories and questioning the existence of Josef Travnicek.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, with a focus on UFOs, cryptids, and paranormal events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, presenting various accounts and theories, while also maintaining a degree of critical skepticism, as seen in the questioning of the Mars hunter theory and the debunking of the Lake City UFO trace. The publication aims to inform readers about strange phenomena and ongoing research in these fields.