UFO Nyt - No 2 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-nyt
Issue: 2/89
Volume: 31st year
Date: 1989
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-nyt, a Danish magazine dedicated to UFO phenomena, features a range of articles covering recent events, ongoing investigations, and theoretical discussions within the field of ufology.

Activities: Between Heaven and Earth

The lead article, "Aktiviteter: Mellem himmel og jord" (Activities: Between Heaven and Earth), by Kim Møller Hansen, details SUFOI's participation in an exhibition at the 'City 2' shopping center in Tåstrup from May 1st to May 6th, 1989. Despite the short notice and the demanding requirement of staffing the stand throughout the center's opening hours, SUFOI managed to organize their exhibit. The stand, measuring 12m², featured various informative posters that were studied by many visitors. Other exhibitors included Tycho Brahe Planetariet, Ole Rømers museum, astrolog Sigvard Mahler Dam, Torben Ask Trading (binoculars), and Søren Andersen. The exhibition was officially opened by Mayor Anders Bak. A notable attraction was a small inflatable mini-planetarium, offering a preview of the larger planetarium set to open in November 1989. The exhibition was considered a success, leading to new readers for UFO-nyt.

Observations: Denmark

Authored by Torben Birkeholm, this section reviews UFO observations reported in Denmark during the first quarter of 1989. The period saw a low number of reports, attributed partly to a mild winter with fewer clear, starry nights, which are typically when most observations are made. The article highlights a specific incident from March 6th near Kalvehave, where a witness described a green, luminous, round object. The witness, who was experiencing personal health concerns, speculated about hallucination, but the description bears resemblance to ball lightning phenomena. The article also references SUFOI's annual press release about 1988 observations, mentioning two particularly interesting cases: a pilot observation from June 7th, 1988, near Allerød, where a silver, spherical object followed a plane in daylight, and the first Danish video recording of a UFO phenomenon from 1988.

Offer to You: Course for Report-Takers

This article by Torben Birkeholm announces upcoming courses for UFO report-takers, organized by SUFOI, the only Danish organization dedicated to collecting and investigating UFO reports. The article emphasizes the need for more trained report-takers to investigate cases thoroughly, as many reports are currently only handled via questionnaires or phone calls due to a lack of personnel. The courses will be structured in modules, allowing for practical application between sessions. Topics covered include the definition of UFOs, preparation, interview techniques, form completion, and witness psychology. The article invites interested individuals to contact SUFOI with their name and address to receive further information about the course, which is planned to commence in the autumn of 1989.

Circles in Cornfields: Hoax or Fact?

Written by Flemming Rasmussen, this article investigates the phenomenon of crop circles, which have appeared in southern England and other countries since the 1940s, gaining significant media attention. While some theories suggest UFO landings, the article explores other explanations. It notes that the circles, often elliptical, appear in mature cornfields during summer nights and are characterized by bent stalks forming spiral patterns. Investigations have revealed that the stalks are intact but bent at 90 degrees to the ground, with layers of stalks not pointing in the same direction. The article discusses the possibility of hoaxes, citing an instance in 1983 where farmers were paid to create a circle. It also considers helicopter rotor downwash as a cause, though it notes that this doesn't fully explain the spiral patterns. The article gives significant attention to the theory proposed by Dr. Terence Meaden of TORRO, who suggests that small, localized whirlwinds, under specific meteorological and topographical conditions, can become stationary and create these circular formations. An opinion survey conducted in Hampshire indicated that most farmers believed the circles were caused by whirlwinds or were hoaxes, with only a small minority believing in UFO involvement. The article concludes that while complex circles might be hoaxes, simpler formations are likely natural phenomena caused by whirlwinds, questioning the persistent belief in UFO origins among some ufologists.

UFO Lecture

A brief announcement for a UFO lecture to be held on Tuesday, October 10th, 1989, at 7:30 PM at the Main Library in Aarhus C. The entrance fee is 20 DKK, with free admission for UFO-NYT subscribers. Contact information for Inge Svane, Peter Nørgaard, and Bo Nielsen is provided for further details.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious and critical approach to UFO research, as outlined in its editorial stance. SUFOI aims to contribute to the understanding of UFO phenomena without endorsing any specific theory about their origin. The articles in this issue reflect this by exploring various aspects of UFO sightings, from eyewitness accounts and scientific investigations to the analysis of phenomena like crop circles. The magazine encourages reader participation through reporting and by offering training for report-takers. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based investigation and a critical evaluation of claims, as seen in the discussion of crop circles where natural explanations are given significant weight.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 2/89
Date: January 1989
Publisher: SUFOI (Swedish UFO Information Association)
Focus: UFO phenomena, ufology, space exploration, and related mysteries.

Svensk Nærobservation (Swedish Close Observation)

This article, written by Birgit Sälgström, details a close encounter experienced by Mr. and Mrs. Berg in Sweden on New Year's night 1987. The incident began around 1:00 AM with their dog and cat becoming restless. Around 3:30 AM, Mrs. Berg saw an ice-blue sphere, approximately 6x8 meters, hovering 150 meters away over the treetops. The object was described as metallic blue and surrounded by a grey-orange fog, with a hole on its underside from which lightning-like flashes emanated. Mrs. Berg experienced paralysis, intense fear, and a sensation of her brain being sucked out, followed by a sharp pain in her head and a feeling of being pricked in the back. The object disappeared suddenly about five minutes later. Afterward, Mrs. Berg's clothes and the animals smelled of sulfur, and the next day she discovered a burnt mark on her blouse where she felt the 'lightning flash.' A private ufologist and researcher examined the blouse and suggested it was caused by static electricity jumping from Mrs. Berg to the object. Mrs. Berg suffered from severe headaches for five days and occasional pricking sensations in her back.

Another witness, a man driving between Falun and Säter, saw a blue light hovering over Bispberg for 10 minutes around 1:00-1:30 AM on the same night. Upon arriving at his friend's house, he saw the light again, still hovering over Bispberg. Investigations in the village of Bispberg revealed that many people had witnessed similar light phenomena. Bispberg is noted for its old mines where iron, molybdenum, and other metals have been extracted for generations.

Rumfart På vej til Mars (Space Travel: On the Way to Mars)

This article, by Kim Møller Hansen, discusses the growing interest in Mars as a target for space exploration. It highlights Mars' importance in understanding planetary evolution, its potential for harboring life (past or present), and its feasibility for human landings. The article outlines the preparatory steps, including robotic missions to collect samples and conduct detailed studies. The Soviet Fobos project, launched in June 1988 with two probes aimed at Mars' moon Phobos, is mentioned, with Fobos-1 failing and hopes resting on Fobos-2. Future missions are planned for 1994, involving orbiters and landers with scientific equipment. The article also touches upon the development of a Mars rover, a prototype of which was tested at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant.

Snestorm i rummet (Snowstorm in Space)

This section details the Soviet space shuttle program, specifically the Energia rocket and the Buran space shuttle. The Buran, launched on November 15, 1988, successfully reached orbit and landed. It is described as similar to the American space shuttle but with its own engines for the initial ascent and landing. Buran has a larger payload capacity than its American counterpart. The article notes that the cabin is designed for cosmonauts and passengers, and flights can last from 7 to 30 days, with two to four flights planned annually.

ANMELDELSE: På rumrejse i solsystemet (Review: On a Space Journey in the Solar System)

This is a review of the book "På rumrejse i solsystemet" by Helle and Henrik Stub, published by Gyldendal. The reviewer, Kim Møller Hansen, praises the book for its accessible language and engaging content, which is suitable for physics education at the gymnasium level and for self-study. The book covers the solar system, Mars, and space travel, with the latter sections requiring some knowledge of physics. It includes numerous color photos, diagrams, and supplementary materials. The review also mentions two accompanying audio-visual series.

NYE BØGER (New Books)

This section lists recent book acquisitions by SUFOI, covering a range of topics including mysteries, paranormal phenomena, and UFOs. Titles mentioned include "Mysteriet om Noas ark," "Mysteriet om Den afskyelige Snemand," "Mysteriet om Den store Pyramide," and "UFOer over Danmark."

UFOS 1947-1987: THE 40-YEAR SEARCH FOR AN EXPLANATION

This is a description of a book compiled by Hilary Evans and John Spencer for BUFORA, marking 40 years of UFO research. The book features contributions from over 40 leading ufologists, with references, author biographies, illustrations, a bibliography, and a list of UFO organizations. It covers a wide range of UFO-related topics, from historical sightings to scientific investigations and alternative hypotheses.

UFOLOGI: Mysteriet om Mænd i Sort, 1. del (Ufology: The Mystery of Men in Black, Part 1)

Authored by Peter M. Rojcewicz, this article explores the phenomenon of 'Men in Black' (MIB), mysterious figures who allegedly silence UFO witnesses. The article begins by discussing Albert K. Bender, a researcher who claimed to have been visited by three MIB in 1953 after claiming to have discovered the origin and goals of extraterrestrials. Bender subsequently abandoned his UFO research. The article notes that Bender's experience was detailed in the book "Flying Saucers and the Three Men" (1962). The phenomenon of MIB gained prominence in the late 1960s, with many UFO researchers discussing MIB incidents. The article describes MIB as appearing unannounced, often before a witness reports a UFO, and sometimes knowing more about the witness than they themselves do. It mentions that MIB have been associated with intimidating UFO observers, researchers, and their families, with instances of stolen photographs and threats.

The article also touches upon the origins of MIB theories, including connections to fascism and anti-Semitism, though the prevailing theory among ufologists was a conspiracy orchestrated by the US Air Force. The author highlights the peculiar mannerisms of MIB, such as their unusual gait and speech patterns, and their association with black Cadillacs. The article also notes that MIB have been reported in various countries, though their presence is less frequent outside the US.

Førstehåndsberetninger (First-hand Accounts)

This section presents first-hand accounts of MIB encounters. One account is from Michael Elliot, who described an encounter in a library where a man in dark clothing approached him, asked about his interest in flying saucers, and spoke in a peculiar manner. Elliot felt threatened and realized the man might be dangerous. Another account is from journalist John A. Keel, who described his experiences with MIB in the late 1960s, including mysterious phone calls, encounters with black Cadillacs, and being woken up by dark figures. Keel suggests that MIB encounters are part of a larger phenomenon involving psychic and parapsychological elements.

UTROLIGT: De forsvundne astronomer (Incredible: The Missing Astronomers)

This article, by Ole Henningsen, investigates a sensationalist report published in the American newspaper "Weekly World News" on August 2, 1988. The report claimed that Danish astronomers, led by a Dr. Vald Sorensen, warned of a deadly, massive object approaching Earth and called for a ban on all radio and TV transmissions to avoid attracting its attention. The article debunks this report, stating that no such astronomers, meeting, or warnings ever occurred in Nakskov, Denmark. Ole J. Knudsen from SUFOI's Alarmcentral confirms that there are no professional Danish astronomers named Vald Sorensen or Tage Olsen, and no radio astronomers employed in Denmark. The article suggests that the name Tage Olsen might have been derived from a high-profile Danish court case involving a company of the same name. The author concludes that the story is a fabrication and likely a hoax, possibly originating from sources like "Weekly World News" which are known for publishing unsubstantiated claims.

Kommentar (Commentary)

This commentary section criticizes "Weekly World News" for citing non-existent scientists and fabricating stories. It references a previous article from the same publication claiming Atlantis was on Mars and that Martians helped build the pyramids. The commentary states that after investigating the alleged "Nakskov astronomy meeting," they see no reason to further investigate claims from "Weekly World News." It also mentions a Danish newspaper, B.T., reporting on similar fabricated stories, including one about a Norwegian baby born with a wooden leg being considered proof of reincarnation.

Book Advertisements

Several book advertisements are present:

• 1001 BOGTITLER: An offer for a catalog of books on UFOs, parapsychology, occultism, and health from Andersen Bogservice.
• UFO-emblem: An advertisement for a UFO emblem pin, available for purchase through SUFOI.
• UFO SLØRING (UFO Veil): An advertisement for a book by Australian ufologist Bill Chalker, investigating whether authorities are hiding the truth about UFOs.

ASTRO

This is an advertisement for "ASTRO," an astronomy magazine for amateurs and professionals, published by the Swedish Amateur Astronomy Association.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts, research findings, and analyses of alleged encounters. There is a clear interest in the more mysterious aspects of UFOlogy, such as the 'Men in Black' phenomenon, and a critical stance towards sensationalist or unsubstantiated claims, as demonstrated by the debunking of the "missing astronomers" story. The magazine also covers space exploration, particularly missions to Mars, and reviews relevant books and publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena while maintaining a degree of skepticism towards hoaxes and misinformation.

Title: SPØGELSESFLY (Ghost Planes)
Issue: 2/89
Date: Winter 1988/1989 (Cover date suggests this, but article references October 1988 and the issue is dated 2/89, implying a publication around late 1988 or early 1989).
Publisher: UFO-NYT
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

The 'Black Baron' Over Paris

The lead article, "Den Sorte Baron over Paris" by Nigel Watson, details the mysterious incidents of a low-flying aircraft over Paris in late July and August 1988. These flights caused significant concern and even a security problem for the French government. The aircraft, dubbed the 'Black Baron,' began to be reported in newspapers in mid-August.

Airports near Paris were put on high alert, and observers were stationed on tall buildings. On the night of August 8th, a military helicopter pursued the aircraft for several minutes before it escaped. Authorities were worried it could be a terrorist reconnaissance mission or an imitation of Mathias Rust's landing in Red Square, Moscow.

The 'Black Baron' reappeared on the weekend of August 13-14, evading 250 police officers. This incident reportedly delayed an Air Inter Airbus landing at Orly Airport. The French air defense authorities struggled to identify the aircraft, initially assuming it was a conventional plane rather than a UFO, and drew parallels to previous incidents involving unusual flying objects that had caused panic.

A significant development occurred on August 17th when the newspaper 'Today' claimed to have identified the 'Black Baron' as a wealthy 35-year-old aristocrat named le Comte de Guillaume. He allegedly stated that he flew various aircraft, including a Cessna, a Piper Comanche, and a pre-World War I Fokker, stored in a hangar on his estate.

However, this explanation was rejected by The Guardian on August 18th, which reported that 300 police and soldiers were actively searching for the pilot. The article notes that the pilot was eventually apprehended near the small airfield of Saint-Cyr-l'Ecole in October 1988, after his plane's registration number was spotted flying over the Champs-Elysées.

The 'Black Baron' was revealed to be Albert Maltret, a 53-year-old former fighter pilot. Maltret had previously landed his plane on the Champs-Elysées on August 10, 1986, resulting in a three-year flying ban and a substantial fine. The article suggests police had likely been monitoring him for weeks as their main suspect.

An interview with Maltret in The Guardian on August 10, 1988, reportedly explained how he managed his 'Black Baron' tricks. On September 6, 1988, a masked man, believed to be Maltret, boasted about his flights on television.

The article concludes that while the case initially seemed simple, involving a pilot who enjoyed playing pranks, the numerous explanations, theories, and observations complicated the matter. Even after Maltret's arrest, a police official was quoted as saying, "I can of course not say that it wasn't him. But at present, we have nothing that can connect him with the flights in August." Maltret's aircraft was a white, single-engine Rallye MS 880 Morane-Saulnier.

UFOLOGY: UNICAT - Unique or What? - Part 1

This section, authored by Wim van Utrecht, critically examines the UNICAT project, a UFO database initiative. The author questions the value and scientific rigor of such databases, particularly in the field of ufology.

Van Utrecht argues that very few people dedicated to UFO research have successfully created a database that handles only high-quality cases for scientific study. He asserts that for 'ufology' to be taken seriously, such a database is crucial, yet after 40 years of UFO debate, none has truly succeeded in sorting relevant information from the vast amount of data collected.

He criticizes earlier databases compiled by researchers like James McCampbell, Michael Persinger, Quincy, Vallée, Saunders, and Philips, stating they often contain a mix of genuine reports, hoaxes, rumors, and misinterpretations, rather than a collection of actual events. The author emphasizes the need for criteria to assess credibility and peculiarity to filter out well-documented cases with reliable content, thereby defining the phenomenon under investigation.

The article introduces the UNICAT project, launched in 1984 by Dr. J. Allen Hynek and physicist Willy Smith, which aimed to create a sophisticated database of high-quality UFO observations and establish an international registry of "true UFO cases."

However, Van Utrecht points out that UNICAT suffers from the same weaknesses as its predecessors and illustrates how ufology often fails. He identifies three main problem areas within the UNICAT project:

1. Staff Competence: UNICAT collaborates with over 60 individuals worldwide. The author questions the selection process and the lack of clear agreements on what constitutes a "good" observation. He notes that many collaborators, particularly from South America, are described as unconditional and often fanatical adherents of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, sometimes perpetuating dubious stories and known hoaxes. Willy Smith himself acknowledges this by creating a separate database, "MAYBE-CAT," for potentially UFO-related cases.

2. Selection Problem: The article scrutinizes UNICAT's selection criteria. It notes that cases must have multiple witnesses (though single witnesses might be considered under "special circumstances"), be investigated by known ufologists, and include at least ten of Dr. Hynek's specified parameters (out of a list of 234). Van Utrecht finds the "multiple witnesses" criterion problematic as it excludes potentially valid single-witness accounts. He also criticizes the reliance on "known ufologists," citing examples like Jimmy Guieu and Wendelle C. Stevens, whose work is questioned. He finds it incomprehensible that detailed reports are not always required, and that accounts in any language are accepted, questioning the reliability of non-English reports.

3. Definition Problem: The most significant criticism is the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes a "UFO" within the UNICAT system. The author highlights that the project coordinator's understanding of "high-quality observations" and "credible witness" is unclear. This lack of standardized definitions is identified as a major, ongoing problem in ufology.

The article references Dr. Hynek's definition of a UFO from a 1979 committee meeting, which referred to reports of "real UFOs" rather than phenomena that merely confuse the observer.

The article concludes by stating that the discussion will continue in the next issue.

Book and Media Reviews

The magazine also includes advertisements for various UFO-related books and media:

• UFO Studium: An educational book designed to accompany "Fakta om... UFO," suitable for study groups and school use. It is 20 pages, illustrated, and priced at 18.00 DKK (with a discount for bulk purchases).
• Fakta om... UFO: A comprehensive book on UFO phenomena, covering Danish observations, theories, statistics, religion, folklore, and the Bermuda Triangle. It is 48 pages, richly illustrated, and in its second printing.
• Phenomena: An English classic described as a book for anyone interested in mysteries, featuring 128 pages and illustrations.
• På sporet af ufo-nauten (On the Trail of the UFO-naut): A thought-provoking book questioning whether UFO-nauts are a modern version of old-time elves and sprites. It has 288 pages.
• Bortført. Travis Walton Sagen (Abducted. The Travis Walton Case): A 68-page book discussing the Travis Walton case, examining whether it was a genuine abduction or a hoax.
• SUFOI 30 år: A 90-minute audio tape featuring four lectures from SUFOI's 30th-anniversary celebration, including a talk on "UFO-controlled on Spitzbergen and other UFO myths."
• UFO-Vision 1988: The yearbook for UFO literature in 1988, containing reviews of Danish and foreign books and discussion topics. It is described as the world's only yearbook on UFO literature.

Information is provided for ordering these materials via bank transfer to SUFOI.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting both investigative reports and critical analyses of ufological research. The lead article on the 'Black Baron' highlights a case that blends mystery, official investigation, and eventual debunking, suggesting a nuanced approach to sensational claims. The critical examination of the UNICAT project in the second article demonstrates a commitment to scrutinizing the methodologies and credibility within the field of ufology, questioning the scientific validity of some established databases and research practices. The inclusion of book reviews and media promotions indicates an effort to inform readers about available resources and ongoing discussions within the UFO community, while the critical tone suggests an editorial stance that values rigorous investigation and skepticism over uncritical acceptance of claims.