UFO Nyt - No 4 1989

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO NYT
Issue: Nr. 4
Volume: 31. årg.
Date: 1989
Publisher: SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Price: 40 kr. per issue

This issue of UFO NYT, dated 1989, focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including a surge of interest in UFOs in the Soviet Union, a new Danish UFO photograph, a UFO congress in Siberia, and an inquiry into whether the USA has provided answers regarding the UFO enigma. The cover art depicts a dramatic scene with a silhouette of a person leaning towards a pickup truck, set against a red-toned background.

Articles and Features

Redaktørens spalte: Vor fantastiske virkelighed (Editor's Column: Our Fantastic Reality)

Kim Møller Hansen, the editor-in-chief, opens the issue by highlighting a new, exciting Danish UFO photo from August 1989 and mentions the significant media attention surrounding a UFO landing in the Soviet Union. He also recounts a peculiar incident on Lolland where a man reported a disc-shaped, green object with a handle landing in a field. The object was examined, but later vanished. The incident was eventually explained as a large container that fell from a truck.

Dansk UFO-foto: Mystisk lyskugle på travbanen (Danish UFO Photo: Mysterious Light Ball at the Racetrack)

This article details a UFO sighting captured by a photographer at a Danish racetrack on August 3, 1989. The photographer described a luminous, white/yellowish sphere, about the size of a tennis ball, that followed the race car. The object moved soundlessly and evenly, and despite the photographer's attempts to capture multiple shots, only one clear image was obtained before the object disappeared. The article includes technical details about the camera and film used, and discusses the photographer's thorough investigation, including control shots to rule out lens flare. SUFOI's photo consultant, Hans Bødker, examined the case, noting its unusual characteristics.

Observationer: Danmark (Observations: Denmark)

This section, compiled by Torben Birkeholm, reports a low number of UFO sightings received by SUFOI during the period of July 1 to September 30, 1989. The article suggests that this decline might be due to improved public understanding of natural phenomena or increased skepticism. It details a specific incident from September 11, 1989, near Hals, where two women reported a luminous 'ball' descending into a field. This sighting was later explained as a 'flare' (lysbombe) dropped from a military helicopter during a NATO exercise. The report emphasizes how factors like darkness, distance, and witness nervousness can lead to misinterpretations.

UFO-feber i Sovjet (UFO Fever in the Soviet Union)

This article, under the 'Udefra' (From Outside) section, discusses a reported UFO landing in the Soviet Union, which garnered significant media attention. It suggests a growing public interest and awareness of UFO phenomena within the Soviet Union.

UFO-kongres i Sibirien (UFO Congress in Siberia)

This brief mention indicates that a UFO congress took place in Siberia, suggesting international interest and activity in UFO research.

Har USA svaret på UFO-gåden? (Has the USA Answered the UFO Riddle?)

This cover headline poses a question that is likely explored within the magazine, hinting at discussions about government disclosure or explanations for UFO phenomena in the United States.

UFOLOGI: Nyt om kuglelyn (Ufology: News on Ball Lightning)

Authored by Walter L. Kelch, this article delves into the phenomenon of 'kuglelyn' (ball lightning). It draws parallels between ancient texts, such as the Mahabarata, and modern scientific understanding of atmospheric phenomena. The article discusses historical accounts of luminous spheres and their potential connection to natural electrical discharges or even advanced technology. It explores the characteristics of ball lightning, including its appearance, behavior, and potential toxicity, referencing incidents in ancient Egypt, Etruscan art, and modern times. The article also touches upon the possibility of non-terrestrial involvement.

Endnu et UFO ved Ulstrup (Another UFO near Ulstrup)

This report details a UFO sighting near Ulstrup from February 10, 1989, by a 56-year-old woman. She described a pulsating, orange, spherical object with light beams that ascended and disappeared. The observation shares similarities with a previous sighting near Ulstrup in April 1989, suggesting a possible connection between the two events, though the observers were unknown to each other. This case is listed as unresolved in SUFOI's archives.

AKTIVITETER: SUFOI »går i luften« (Activities: SUFOI "Takes to the Air")

Written by Peter Nørgård, this article describes SUFOI's initiative to produce a 30-minute radio broadcast about UFOs for local radio stations in Denmark. The production involved journalists, a studio technician, and SUFOI representatives, including the author who shared his experiences as a rapporteur. The broadcast aimed to cover UFO observations, SUFOI's activities, and its alarm central and photo department. The article details the recording process, challenges faced (like a persistent fly and telephone issues), and the overall goal of reaching a wider audience through local radio.

SUFOI NEWS 1988 (SUFOI Newsletter no. 10)

This section promotes SUFOI's English-language newsletter, 'SUFOI NEWS 1988', which contains selected articles from UFO-NYT translated into English. It is presented as a resource for international contacts interested in UFOs.

SUFOI's alarmcentral arbejder hurtigt (SUFOI's Alarm Central Works Quickly)

This short piece highlights the efficiency of SUFOI's alarm central, noting that a UFO sighting reported on September 11, 1989, was quickly explained within two minutes as a military flare from a NATO exercise.

Rapportcentralen Situationsrapport 1/7-30/9 1989 (Report Central Situation Report 1/7-30/9 1989)

This section provides a table summarizing UFO observations registered by SUFOI between July 1 and September 30, 1989. It lists observation dates, times, durations, locations, colors, and any potential identifications, such as a flare or balloon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO NYT revolve around the investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, both contemporary and historical. There is a strong emphasis on documenting sightings, analyzing evidence (particularly photographic), and providing explanations, whether natural or potentially anomalous. SUFOI positions itself as a serious and critical research organization, aiming to understand UFOs without prematurely endorsing any specific theory. The magazine encourages reader participation through reporting sightings and highlights SUFOI's efforts to disseminate information through publications and radio broadcasts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, grounded in rigorous investigation and a commitment to informing the public about the complexities of the UFO subject.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 4/89
Date: January 1989
Publisher: SUFOI (Scandinavian UFO Information)

This issue of UFO-NYT features a deep dive into the phenomenon of ball lightning, with a particular focus on research conducted in the Soviet Union. It also extensively covers the controversial Roswell incident and the alleged secret government group MJ-12, alongside updates on space exploration and astronomy.

Ball Lightning Research in the Soviet Union

The lead article, "Kuglelyns-forskning i Sovjet" (Ball Lightning Research in the Soviet Union) by Thomas Mehner, explores the scientific investigation into ball lightning. The article notes that while hundreds of reports exist, many scientists claim ball lightning does not exist, citing potential errors in photographic evidence. However, the article presents cases like the destruction of a church tower in Plaidt in 1953 as evidence of its destructive power. Soviet research has collected over 3,200 reports and is actively investigating the phenomenon. Two representative cases are detailed: one involving a pilot who encountered a fireball inside his aircraft, and another where a luminous ball emerged from an electrical socket. The article discusses the energy source of ball lightning, suggesting it might be related to plasma phenomena and electromagnetic waves. It also touches upon the visual characteristics, such as color variations depending on atmospheric conditions, and how ball lightning can enter buildings.

Experiments in Soviet laboratories, particularly at the State Optical Institute, have attempted to replicate ball lightning. Dr. Iwan Podmoschenki describes creating a model using a spiderweb-thin thread sphere in a simulated thunderstorm environment to study its behavior and properties. The research aims to understand the composition, energy content, and movement of ball lightning, with the goal of reproducing its various forms.

Further details on ball lightning include its varied appearances (pear-shaped, beaded, with 'tentacles'), speeds (1-20 km/h), lifespan (around 30 seconds to 15 minutes), and seasonal occurrence (peaking in July and August in the Soviet Union). The immense energy contained within ball lightning is highlighted by an incident where a ball lightning heated 7,000 liters of water to boiling point, releasing energy equivalent to 2,000 kg of TNT. Theories by Nobel laureate Kapiza and physicist Gesetzen are discussed, suggesting plasma phenomena and electromagnetic waves play a role in its energy and longevity. Physicist Alexander Chasen proposes that electromagnetic waves within the plasma can prolong its existence, drawing energy from the electrically charged atmosphere during thunderstorms. The color of ball lightning is attributed to atmospheric substances like nitrogen (pink to violet) and water vapor/dust (yellow). The article also notes that ball lightning often enters buildings through openings, possibly attracted to areas with higher ground water levels and thus higher electrical conductivity.

Laboratory experiments have provided insights into the physical parameters of average ball lightning, but the active substance remains a mystery. It is hypothesized to be compressed, thread-like aerosols. The spherical shape is thought to be influenced by atmospheric conditions and electrical discharge. The article also mentions that ball lightning can be dangerous, with factors like contact with acupuncture points and atmospheric conditions influencing its impact.

Several historical accounts of ball lightning are presented, including a 1921 incident in Germany where a ball lightning with changing colors and 'antennae' entered a room, and a case in Ukraine where a ball lightning caused damage to a house and killed a cow. A particularly large ball lightning incident involved a military pilot flying at 520 km/h colliding with a 5-meter diameter fireball, damaging his aircraft.

The MJ-12 Affair and the Roswell Incident

The second major section of the magazine focuses on the MJ-12 group and the Roswell incident, presented as "Et bevis på ufo-sløring? 1. del" (Proof of UFO Cover-up? Part 1) by Flemming Rasmussen. The article questions whether the US government possesses answers to the UFO mystery and if a flying saucer crashed in New Mexico in 1947, with the military recovering both the craft and its occupants.

It details how TV producer Jaime Shandera received a mysterious package containing a six-page "Top Secret" document and a letter from President Harry S. Truman to Defense Minister James Forrestal. These documents allegedly proved that a UFO crashed in New Mexico in 1947, corroborating claims made in the book "The Roswell Incident." The article raises questions about the authenticity of these documents and whether they are part of a disinformation campaign.

The narrative traces the Roswell incident back to a severe thunderstorm on the night of July 2-3, 1947. A local rancher discovered debris from a crashed "flying saucer" on his property. The debris was reportedly dragged to a barn by the rancher. The story gained traction when the press officer at the Roswell Army Air Field, Lieutenant Walter Haut, issued a press release on July 8, 1947, confirming the recovery of a "flying saucer" by the 8th Air Force's intelligence service. This release was later retracted, and the object was identified as a weather balloon by Brigadier General Roger Ramey during a press conference.

The article highlights the conflicting accounts and the subsequent cover-up, including the alleged discovery of four dead "ufonauts." It notes that this event occurred shortly after Kenneth Arnold's famous sighting that coined the term "flying saucers."

Further investigation into the Roswell incident is presented through the lens of various authors and researchers. Frank Scully's 1950 book "Behind the Flying Saucers" is mentioned, which claimed government recovery of UFOs and occupants, though Scully's sources were later deemed questionable. The article also discusses the resurgence of interest in the Roswell incident in the 1980s, particularly with the publication of Charles Berlitz and William L. Moore's book "The Roswell Incident." Stanton T. Friedman is credited with initiating the investigation into the alleged MJ-12 committee.

The article details how Jaime Shandera received documents in December 1984 that purportedly proved the Roswell crash. Timothy Good also published similar documents in his book "Above Top Secret." These documents suggest that the US government established a highly secret intelligence agency, "Majestic-12," shortly after World War II to deal with UFOs. However, the article points out that the origin of these papers is anonymous, raising doubts about their veracity.

Space Exploration and Astronomy

The magazine also features sections on space exploration and astronomy.

"Dansk Selskab for Rumfartsforskning - 40 år" (Danish Society for Space Research - 40 Years) by Ole Henningsen celebrates the 40th anniversary of the Danish Society for Space Research. The article recounts the society's founding in 1949, its early efforts to promote peaceful space exploration, and its affiliation with international organizations like the British Interplanetary Society and the German Gesellschaft für Weltraumforschung. It mentions the society's engagement with UFO phenomena, particularly through Professor Hermann Oberth, a pioneer in rocketry and a known UFO enthusiast.

The article highlights the society's current activities, including the publication of a new journal, "Dansk Rumfart," and its role in fostering Danish participation in space research, especially within ESA. The society's chairman, Morten Olsen, expresses optimism for the future, anticipating significant advancements in space exploration, including missions to the Moon and Mars, and the establishment of an international space station. The upcoming International Space Year in 1992 is mentioned as an opportunity to raise public awareness about space-based Earth observation.

The Hubble Space Telescope is featured in an article titled "Kig på himlen" (Look at the Sky) by Henrik Hartmann. It describes the telescope's capabilities, including its ability to see up to 15 billion light-years into the universe, potentially observing the universe's birth. The telescope is expected to resolve fundamental questions about the Big Bang, Cosmic Strings, and Black Holes. It is also anticipated to increase the number of visible stars by 300 times and is scheduled for a 15-year operational lifespan, with astronauts planned for repairs and upgrades. The article notes the project's 12-year development and 10 billion kroner cost.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained phenomena of ball lightning and UFOs, the potential for government secrecy and cover-ups, and the advancements in space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and historical accounts while acknowledging the controversial and often unproven nature of the subjects. The magazine encourages critical thinking and invites readers to form their own conclusions, particularly regarding the MJ-12 and Roswell cases. The inclusion of astronomy and space exploration suggests a broader interest in scientific discovery and the unknown, both on Earth and in the cosmos.

This issue of UFO-NYT, titled "UFO-feber i Sovjet" (UFO Fever in the Soviet Union), dated 4/89, is a Danish publication from SUFOI, focusing on UFO phenomena. The cover story details a sensational alleged UFO landing and encounter in Voronezh, Soviet Union.

Voronezh UFO Incident

The lead article by Kim Møller Hansen reports on a UFO incident in Voronezh, a city 500 km south of Moscow. According to the Soviet news agency TASS, Soviet scientists have confirmed that giant creatures with small heads emerged from a landed UFO. The report describes a spherical UFO landing in a park, from which three beings, 3-4 meters tall with small heads and three eyes, wearing silver suits and bronze boots, exited along with a robot. They walked around the 'sphere' before disappearing back into it and taking off. Local residents were frightened and alerted scientists, who examined the site. They found an indentation 20 cm in diameter, four deeper holes, and two unidentified stones or rock fragments that analysis suggested did not originate from Earth. Genrikh Silanov, head of the Geophysical Laboratory in Voronezh, stated that further analysis was necessary.

The newspaper Sovjetskaya Kultura added that one of the beings allegedly pointed a 'beam weapon' at a 16-year-old boy, who instantly disappeared and reappeared when the spaceship left. Three children had reportedly seen the beings on September 27th, and other residents reported UFO sightings between September 23rd and 29th.

A nameless Soviet scientist is quoted as claiming that Russian researchers have made contact with at least one extraterrestrial civilization and have hours of communication on tape.

The Danish press reportedly covered these events between October 10th-12th with little critical commentary. However, the Yugoslavian news agency Tanjug expressed skepticism, finding it strange that the Soviet Ministry of Defense had not reacted or made a statement regarding this 'mass invasion'.

The article questions the veracity of the story, noting its similarity to sensational reports from the American magazine National Enquirer, although the source is cited as the American press bureau AP, relaying information from TASS. It suggests that the story might be a deliberate fabrication by the Russians to distract from domestic political problems, a theory supported by the TASS spokesman's firm denial of ever joking: "TASS never jokes. If we start joking, we cease to exist."

The article observes that since the perestroika movement began, more and more fantastic UFO reports have appeared in Soviet newspapers, leading to speculation that the Soviet press is becoming as sensational as its Western counterparts during the 'silly season'.

UFOs Activities Calendar Winter 1989-90

This section details upcoming meetings and events for SUFOI's local groups. The Aalborg group has meetings scheduled for January 3rd, January 17th, February 7th, February 20th (a public lecture at the library), and March 14th. Contact persons Jann Stausholm and Torben Birkeholm are listed for information. Other SUFOI groups in Aarhus, Silkeborg, Fredericia, Svendborg, and Copenhagen also have contact persons listed. The calendar encourages subscribers to attend these informal meetings for discussions, lectures, and debates on UFO-related topics. It also reminds readers to sign up for SUFOI's course for report takers, referencing a previous issue of UFO-NYT.

Other UFO Reports and Commentary

Page 2 features two photos published in the newspaper Pravda on October 12th, allegedly showing round, orange-luminous objects near the city of Perm in July. The accompanying text notes that the story is "unusually thin" and lacks specific details like dates and names of scientists. SUFOI states it has contacts in Eastern Europe and will try to verify the rumors, advising readers to remain calm and keep their feet warm until more credible information surfaces.

Advertisements for "eneste DANMARKS PROFESSIONELLE EDB-LØNSYSTEM" and "UNILON" are present, along with ads for UFO lectures in Silkeborg (February 22, 1990) and Aalborg (February 20, 1990), detailing programs and ticket prices.

UFO Congress in Siberia and Petroskoi Seminar

Page 3 reports on a UFO congress held in Tomsk, Siberia, from April 18-25, 1988, attended by over 300 UFO researchers from the Soviet Union. The congress discussed a UFO incident from April 1986 near Vladivostok, involving a luminous sphere that crashed and exploded, leaving behind fragments containing rare metals, gold, and silver. Chemist Professor Dmitrijev theorized that some UFO phenomena might be plasma balls formed by increased solar activity. A two-day UFO seminar in Petroskoi also took place, with participants from various Soviet cities. Test pilot Marina Popovitch, wife of cosmonaut Pavel Popovitch, spoke at the seminar, calling it a "big feather in the hat of the organizers" and a significant step forward for the scientific study of non-terrestrial civilizations.

New from Poland

SUFOI's contact in Poland, engineer Bronislaw Rzepecki, is seeking permission to publish a Polish UFO magazine called "NOL" (meaning UFO) and is fundraising for the first major congress for ufologists in Eastern Bloc countries.

SUFOI's Copenhagen Group

Meetings for SUFOI's Copenhagen group are scheduled for January 8th, February 5th, and March 5th at Vanløse Forsamlingshus.

In the Borderland of UFOs...

This section reviews the "UFO-VISION. Årbog for ufo-litteratur 1989" (UFO-VISION. Yearbook for UFO Literature 1989). The review highlights that a significant portion of recent UFO literature deals with alleged abductions, government secrecy, cults, and contactees. The yearbook includes critical articles and book reviews, examining UFO movements and critiquing books, including a Danish UFO book called "dishonest" by journalist Per Borgaard. It also mentions George Adamski and other content for those interested in UFO literature. The yearbook is 60 pages, illustrated, and costs 78 DKK.

SUFOI has UFO Materials

This section lists various books, reports, and other materials available for purchase from SUFOI for its members. Items include "Projekt UFODATA," "UFO Landing," "Fakta om UFO," "UFO Sløring," "UFO Studium (undervisning)," "UFO Orientering," "Phenomena (English)," "Liv blandt milliarder af stjerner," "På sporet af ufonauten," and "SUFOI NEWS. SUFOI Newsletter no. 10 (English)." It also lists back issues of UFO-NYT from 1978 to 1990, with prices increasing for later years. Other materials include "Focus på UFOer" (dias, text, and audio), a SUFOI emblem, audio recordings of lectures, postcards with UFO motifs, original graphics, UFO stickers, and special commemorative envelopes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes SUFOI's activities and resources, encouraging member participation and the purchase of UFO-related literature. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, as seen in the response to the Voronezh incident, where they acknowledge the reports but emphasize the need for credible evidence and further research. The magazine also highlights the increasing openness to UFO discussions in the Soviet Union under perestroika, contrasting it with more skeptical Western reporting. There's a clear effort to provide a platform for UFO enthusiasts to share information and engage in discussion, while also maintaining a degree of critical analysis, particularly regarding sensationalist claims.