UFO Nyt - No 1 jan-marts 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-nyt
Issue: Nr. 1
Volume: 31. årg.
Date: January-March 1989
Publisher: SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Price: 40 DKK per issue

This issue of UFO-nyt, the Danish UFO magazine, covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, investigations, and related scientific and historical aspects. The cover prominently features a dramatic depiction of the Travis Walton abduction and headlines about UFO sightings, including swarms over Fyn, Polish pilots' reports, and new UFO footage.

Editorial: Noget at se frem til...

The editorial by Ole Henningsen reflects on the evolving public and scientific attitudes towards the possibility of extraterrestrial life. It notes the increasing media attention on astronomy and the potential for life beyond Earth. Henningsen emphasizes SUFOI's commitment to critically investigating UFO reports with limited resources. He introduces Willy Wegner's new two-volume work, "UFOer over Danmark," which chronicles the Danish UFO movement from 1946-1964, and comments on the book's presentation in media. The editorial also highlights upcoming astronomical events, such as TV series on the night sky and the inauguration of the Tycho Brahe Planetarium, and encourages participation in SUFOI's local group activities.

Observations: Denmark

This section, authored by Torben Birkeholm, presents an overview of UFO observations registered in Denmark during the fourth quarter of 1988 (October 1 to December 31). It notes an increase in reports compared to the previous period, likely due to darker nights and clearer weather. The report includes a detailed table listing observation dates, times, durations, locations, descriptions of the objects (colors, shapes), and potential identifications (e.g., meteor, satellite, aircraft). Several specific cases are highlighted:

• Meteors and Satellite Debris: Observations of fast-moving lights with tails, some exhibiting unusual slow movement or 'maneuvering,' are discussed. These are often attributed to meteors or satellite re-entries, though some aspects remain puzzling.
• Tractor Affected by UFO?: A report from Åkirkeby, Bornholm, describes a triangular light seen by a 9-year-old boy that caused his tractor's lights to malfunction. The object displayed a glowing ring and blinking lights.

SUFOI Report Central: 1/10-31/12 1988

This section provides a summary of the observations logged by SUFOI's report center during the specified period. It includes a classification system for different types of phenomena (Night Light Phenomena NL.1, NL.2; Day Light Phenomena DL.1, DL.2; Close Encounters NO.1, NO.2, NO.3). The report details specific cases:

• Flying 'Saucer' over Odense?: A video store owner in Odense reported unusual blinking lights and vibrations, which he attributed to UFOs. However, the electricity company confirmed no power outage, and the phenomena were later explained as planetary observations with atmospheric refractions and autokinetic effects.
• Planet on the loose again: A farmer on Langeland observed a round light with a reddish glow, described as having "7-8 very long antennae" that moved in short jerks. This observation led to reports from 23 other individuals in the area, all describing similar phenomena.

Investigation: New UFO Recorded on Video

This article by Torben Birkeholm details SUFOI's investigation into a video recording of a light phenomenon captured in June 1988. The incident involved a couple driving near Lyngby, Denmark, who observed a low, round, blue-yellow light. The husband recorded the event for two minutes. Initial analysis by SUFOI and a defense force photo-analyst revealed that the object's appearance changed due to the camera's autofocus and zoom capabilities. Further investigation, including a site visit and detailed calculations by Mogens Nielsen-Ferreira, a photo-analyst from the Danish Air Force, aimed to determine the object's speed, altitude, and trajectory. The analysis considered factors like cloud cover (a sky formation at approximately 2,500 feet) and the timing of the object's disappearance behind an elm tree and subsequent reappearance. The calculations provided estimates for the object's speed (ranging from 88 km/t to 135 km/t based on different assumptions) and distance. While a small aircraft remains a possible explanation, the report acknowledges uncertainties and the need for further analysis.

Book Review: 1001 Book Titles

A brief mention of Andersen Bogservice, offering a catalog of approximately 1,000 titles on UFOs, parapsychology, occultism, and health, with both new and antiquarian books available.

Excursion to the Planet Trail in Lemvig

SUFOI is organizing a guided excursion to the Planet Trail in Lemvig on Saturday, May 27, 1989. The event includes a tour of the Lemvig Museum, an introduction to the planet trail, and a walk through a scale model of the solar system. Participants are advised to bring their own lunch and comfortable shoes. The cost includes museum entry and transport from Pluto back to the museum.

Danish Observation: UFO Swarms over Fyn?

This article by Frank Lerbæk details two significant observations by Ole J. R. Thürmer in Fåborg, Denmark.

• First Observation (November 29, 1988): At approximately 7 PM, Thürmer observed three lights in a V-formation moving across the sky from north-northeast towards southwest. The objects were described as dimmer than Jupiter and Mars and disappeared within 4-5 seconds. Jet noise was heard 1-2 minutes later.
• Second Observation (December 1, 1988): Around 6 PM, Thürmer observed a large swarm of white lights, star-sized, ascending rapidly from the horizon in a wide arc (150-160 degrees) and disappearing over Bjørnø. He estimated 20-30 objects in the first swarm, followed by a smaller swarm of 5-10 objects about a minute later. The phenomena were silent and appeared at a high altitude. The article notes that a witness (15-year-old daughter's friend) also reported seeing similar phenomena in a northwesterly direction.

The article discusses potential explanations, including military aircraft, but highlights the unusual characteristics of the sightings, such as the large number of objects, their silent ascent, and the lack of wing lights. The author references his own past experiences with similar unexplained sightings in 1959.

Observer's Background

This section provides background information on Ole J. R. Thürmer, one of the observers featured in the "Danish Observation" article. He states he has over 60 years of experience observing various aerial phenomena, including aircraft, meteors, and satellites, and has been interested in UFOs since 1947. He emphasizes that his recent observations are the most striking and unexplainable he has encountered, unlike earlier sightings that could potentially be attributed to meteors. He meticulously analyzes the two observations from November 29 and December 1, 1988, considering factors like altitude, speed, and the presence of clouds. He notes the absence of wing lights and the unusual timing of the jet noise, which occurred after the objects had disappeared. He also mentions that radar stations did not report any unusual activity. Thürmer recounts his past experiences with similar sightings in 1959, which also remain unexplained.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-nyt continues its focus on detailed reporting and investigation of UFO sightings within Denmark and internationally. The magazine maintains a critical yet open stance, presenting observations and then delving into the investigative process, often involving expert analysis (e.g., photo-analysts, astronomers). There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between phenomena that can be explained by known natural or man-made causes (meteors, satellites, aircraft, atmospheric effects) and those that remain anomalous. The editorial highlights SUFOI's role as an information and research organization dedicated to understanding these phenomena. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs, with a call for continued observation, reporting, and scientific inquiry. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting UFO-related literature and SUFOI's own activities and membership.

This issue of UFOLOGI, dated 1/89, focuses on the phenomenon of UFO abductions, featuring an in-depth article by Thomas E. Bullard. The magazine also includes reports on pilot UFO sightings in Poland and an update on the Tycho Brahe Planetarium.

Focus on Abductions by Thomas E. Bullard

Thomas E. Bullard, a folklorist specializing in UFO beliefs, explores the question of whether UFO abductions are real events or subjective experiences. His article analyzes approximately 300 UFO abduction reports, highlighting the surprising number of commonalities among them. These similarities suggest that the phenomenon is too coherent to be dismissed as mere coincidence or fantasy.

Bullard presents three main hypotheses to explain these consistent patterns:

1. Objective Events: The reports are accurate descriptions of real, objective events, with witnesses independently describing the same occurrences.
2. Subjective Experiences: The experiences are psychological, but the shared mental framework across people leads to similar narratives.
3. Cultural Tradition: Abduction narratives are shaped by existing cultural stories and folklore, with individuals unconsciously or consciously imitating them.

The article examines the strengths and weaknesses of each hypothesis. Arguments for objective events include the credible testimony of witnesses from diverse backgrounds and the lack of evidence for mental illness. The consistency of reports, even those obtained under hypnosis, also supports objectivity, as hypnosis alone doesn't fully explain the uniformity.

Bullard details specific patterns observed in abduction reports, such as the sequence of events (capture, examination, communication, travel, etc.) and common details about the craft (disc-shaped, cool interior, diffuse lighting) and the beings (small humanoids, large eyes, hairless skin). He notes phenomena like time loss and 'door-memory loss' (amnesia upon entering or exiting the craft).

Physical evidence, such as scars and injuries, is discussed, along with psychological after-effects like anxiety and nightmares. Bullard suggests that while these might seem to confirm objective events, they could also be influenced by psychological factors or cultural expectations.

He also explores the possibility that abductions serve purposes beyond mere scientific study, pointing to the focus on reproductive and nervous systems. The idea of aliens needing human genetic material for cloning or to renew their own dying race is considered, possibly linked to theories of a dying planet.

Bullard concludes that while a definitive answer remains elusive, the sheer number of similarities makes a purely psychological explanation difficult. He emphasizes the need for further research into the witnesses' personal lives, potential hypnotic influences, and the confirmation of physical after-effects to resolve the mystery.

Polish Pilots Also See UFOs

This section, authored by Bronislaw Rzepecki, presents a selection of UFO sightings reported by Polish pilots. One account from August 1958 describes a pilot observing a cigar-shaped object that ascended rapidly. Another incident from October 1958 involves two pilots encountering a luminous, oval object that moved at extreme speeds.

The article notes a decrease in publicly reported pilot sightings in the mid-1970s, possibly due to new reporting directives. It then details more recent observations, including a 1983 encounter where pilots reported a dark, cylindrical object that performed aggressive maneuvers. Other reports from December 1983 describe objects seen by pilots and radar, potentially linked to the Perseid meteor shower, though some were deemed unidentifiable.

Roman Kurczewski, a pilot, recounts an experience in Minsk Mazowiecki where pilots and technicians observed a bright object with orange exhaust trails, which could not be explained by known aircraft or atmospheric phenomena.

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

This is a review of a comprehensive book compiled by Hilary Evans and John Spencer for BUFORA, marking 40 years of UFO research. The book features contributions from leading ufologists, covering various aspects of the phenomenon, including historical cases, cultural influences, and scientific investigations.

Astronomy and Spaceflight

Tycho Brahe Planetarium

Ole Henningsen reports on the new Tycho Brahe Planetarium in Copenhagen, described as a unique 'astronomical cinema' in Scandinavia. The planetarium, funded by a 50 million DKK gift from Bodil and Helge Pedersen, aims to provide immersive visual experiences in astronomy and spaceflight. The article mentions the naming of a new minor planet, '3312-Pedersen', in honor of the donors and details the planetarium's central location.

Looking at the Sky

Ole Henningsen also covers a Danish television series about stars, planets, and meteor showers. The series, hosted by astrophysicists Henry Nørgaard and Jørgen Elers Kristensen, explores celestial phenomena. A rotating star chart is available for purchase. The article also lists notable astronomical events for 1989, including solar and lunar eclipses, and the visibility of planets like Venus and Jupiter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFO abductions, exploring their potential origins in objective events, psychological factors, or cultural narratives. The magazine also highlights UFO sightings by credible witnesses like pilots, suggesting that the phenomenon is not easily dismissed. The editorial stance appears to favor open-minded investigation into UFO phenomena, acknowledging the complexities and the need for continued research, while also presenting skeptical viewpoints and alternative explanations.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 1/89
Date: January 1989
Publisher: UFO-NYT
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into several key topics within the realm of UFO phenomena and related interests, featuring a detailed investigation into a classic Swedish UFO case, a report on a new planetarium, and a critical review of a televised UFO debate.

Svensk UFO-klassiker: Domstens-tilfældet

This extensive article by Clas Svahn revisits the highly publicized Domsten UFO incident from December 20, 1958. It recounts the story of Stig Rydberg (30) and Hans Gustafsson (24), two friends who claimed to have encountered three or four grey, formless beings in a forest clearing near Domsten, Sweden. They described a struggle with these beings, which they felt were like "dough lumps" and emitted a "musty" smell, before the beings retreated to a saucer-shaped, luminous object that then ascended and flew towards Denmark.

The article details the aftermath of the incident, including the initial disbelief from their families and friends, and the subsequent media attention. It highlights that the Domsten case was one of the first known UFO incidents in Sweden where witnesses underwent hypnosis to clarify their accounts. The investigation involved police and military experts, including UFO expert Captain Lennart Bunke and researcher Sture Risberg from FOA.

Several inconsistencies and contradictions in the witnesses' testimonies are pointed out, gathered from police interrogations and interviews with family members and associates. These include discrepancies regarding the presence of girls they claimed to have met that evening, the timing of events, and the weather conditions. The article also notes that doctors Lars-Erik Essén and Wilhelm Hellsten, who examined Rydberg and Gustafsson, were initially interested in the case but later expressed skepticism, with Essén suggesting the story might be a fabrication.

Military psychologist Michael Wächter concluded that the story was likely not entirely fabricated but that Rydberg, through self-suggestion, might have influenced Gustafsson to perceive something inexplicable. Rydberg and Gustafsson publicly criticized the military's findings as dismissive.

The article further explores the later lives of Rydberg and Gustafsson, suggesting that the incident and subsequent attention had a profound and negative impact on them. Rydberg died in 1984 at age 56, and Gustafsson died in 1960 at age 26. Artur Gustafsson, Hans' brother, claimed that the entire Domsten story was Rydberg's invention, and that Hans had regretted it and intended to confess before his death.

Tycho Brahe Planetarium

This section introduces the new Tycho Brahe Planetarium in Copenhagen, Denmark, located near Madame Tussaud's. It describes the planetarium's design, which aims to create a more immersive experience for visitors with a tilted floor (30°) giving the impression of sitting on a mountainside overlooking space. The dome is 23 meters in diameter and features a sophisticated projection system from the renowned firm Zeiss.

The system is capable of displaying nearly 9,000 stars and zooming in on planets, allowing for realistic simulations of approaching and flying past celestial bodies. It includes special projectors for various astronomical phenomena like constellations, nebulae, and supernovae. The planetarium is designed as a multi-media show, incorporating special slide projectors and a super-wide-angle film projector.

The planetarium is named after the famous Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe, who worked at his observatory Uranienborg on the island of Hven around 400 years prior. The article touches upon Brahe's contributions to astronomy, including his precise measurements of star positions and his observation of a new star (supernova). It also mentions his role in casting horoscopes and his personal life, including the incident where he lost the tip of his nose in a duel and his use of a silver nose.

The cornerstone for the planetarium was laid on February 22, 1988, a date chosen for its astronomical significance (a conjunction of Mars and Uranus). The foundation stone itself is a bronze plaque inscribed with a quote from Tycho Brahe's motto and details about the planets. The building's construction was made possible by a significant donation from Bodil and Helge Pedersen, with the total cost estimated at around 135 million Danish Kroner.

The planetarium will also house an exhibition space, administrative offices, a restaurant, and a library. It aims to be a hub for astronomy enthusiasts and educational institutions, with plans for astronomy courses and materials for school groups.

SUFOI i nordisk TV-udsendelse

Torben Birkeholm, chairman of SUFOI (Scandinavian UFO Information), recounts his experience participating in a TV3 (Scansat) debate program about UFOs in Stockholm in October 1988. The program, hosted by Robert Aschberg, was intended to be a lively and provocative discussion, featuring a panel of guests with differing viewpoints.

Birkeholm describes the chaotic and staged nature of the production, including pre-recorded audience reactions and the host's attempts to sensationalize the debate. He felt that the program was designed to make ufologists appear foolish, with Aschberg frequently interrupting and dismissing participants, particularly Boris Jungkvist, an author and ufologist.

Birkeholm's own segment was cut short, and he felt that Aschberg was more receptive to skeptics and established science. He notes that the debate was broadcast late at night without prior announcement, suggesting a possible attempt to downplay its significance.

The article also briefly mentions the end of the German UFO magazine "UFO-Nachrichten" after 33 years, highlighting its long-standing critical stance on UFO phenomena and its publication of various accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. While presenting detailed accounts of alleged sightings and encounters, it also scrutinizes the evidence, highlights inconsistencies in witness testimonies, and reports on official investigations and skeptical analyses. The editorial stance appears to favor a thorough, investigative approach, as evidenced by the detailed reconstruction of the Domsten case and the critical review of the TV debate. There is a clear emphasis on factual reporting and a desire to separate credible information from sensationalism or fabrication. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting astronomical interest, as seen in the coverage of the Tycho Brahe Planetarium.

Title: SPØG & SKÆMT
Issue: 1/89
Date: January 1989
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of SPØG & SKÆMT, a Danish publication focused on UFO phenomena and related topics, features a prominent article titled 'Nissepige på Mars' (Elf Girl on Mars) by Sven Rosén. The magazine also includes reviews of various UFO literature and information on ordering related materials.

Nissepige på Mars

The lead article by Sven Rosén delves into the interpretation of a Mars photograph, building upon a previous article by Ole Henningsen in UFO-NYT nr. 3/88. Rosén claims that a photograph of Mars reveals an 'elf girl' sitting on a stone, which he presents as evidence against the assertion that there is no life on Mars. He describes the figure as having long hair, a small nose, and wearing a warm sweater, short trousers, socks, and clogs. The 'elf girl' is depicted looking at a semicircular object, possibly a birdbath, with a flower growing from it. Rosén asserts the image is clear and undeniably valuable from a scientific perspective.

UFO-Nachrichten and Karl L. Veit

The magazine mentions the publication UFO-Nachrichten, which was one of the first UFO magazines in West Germany and had a significant readership, particularly in South America among German-speaking populations. The editor-in-chief, Karl L. Veit, who is aging, has ceased publication of the magazine due to health reasons. However, he continues to publish books through his publishing house, VENTLA-Verlag in Wiesbaden. Many of these books reportedly focus on accounts from contactees.

Book Reviews and Advertisements

The issue includes several advertisements and descriptions of UFO-related books and materials:

• Fakta om... UFO: Described as a serious introductory book on UFO phenomena, covering Danish observations, theories, statistics, religion, folklore, and the Bermuda Triangle. It is 48 pages, richly illustrated, and available in its second printing for 56.00 DKK.
• UFO Studium: An exercise book designed to complement 'Fakta om... UFO', suitable for study groups and school use. It is 20 pages, illustrated, and costs 18.00 DKK, with a discounted price of 12.00 DKK per copy for orders of 10 or more.
• Phenomena: Referred to as an English classic of format, this book is for anyone who enjoys mysteries. It is 128 pages, illustrated, and priced at 78.00 DKK.
• På sporet af ufo-nauten (On the Trail of the Ufonaut): Written by Age Skjelborg, this is described as a thought-provoking book that questions whether ufonauts are a modern version of elves and small folk. It is 288 pages and offered as a special deal for 20.00 DKK.
• Bortført. Travis Walton Sagen (Abducted. The Travis Walton Case): This 68-page book discusses the events of November 5, 1975, when logger Travis Walton was allegedly abducted by a UFO. It examines whether the event was a genuine abduction or a hoax, presenting arguments for and against. It is illustrated, in a large format, and available for 20.00 DKK as a special offer.
• UFO-Vision 1988: This is presented as the world's only yearbook of UFO literature, featuring reviews of Danish and foreign books and debate material. It is 48 pages, illustrated, in a large format, and costs 78.00 DKK.

SUFOI Information

The magazine also provides information about SUFOI (presumably a Danish UFO organization). It advertises audio tapes containing four lectures from SUFOI's 30th-anniversary celebration in Lyngby in November 1987. One of the lectures is about 'UFO-controlled on Spitzbergen and other UFO myths'. The tapes are 90 minutes long, mono, and cost 48.00 DKK.

Instructions are given on how to order these materials by paying the total amount plus 12 DKK for postage and handling to giro account 9 11 77 25, SUFOI, Postboks 6, 2820 Gentofte, specifying the desired items on the payment slip.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on UFO sightings, interpretations of photographic evidence (like the Mars anomaly), and the promotion of UFO literature and research. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting various perspectives and encouraging reader engagement, as evidenced by the 'SPØRG SUFOI' (Ask SUFOI) section.