UFO Nyt - No 1 1990

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: Nr. 1
Volume: 32. årg.
Date: 1990
Publisher: SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

Articles and Content

Udefra: Gæster fra rummet (From Outside: Guests from Space)

This article, authored by Flemming Rasmussen, discusses the surge in UFO reports in the Soviet Union during the late 1980s, coinciding with the era of 'glasnost' and 'perestrojka'. Rasmussen notes that Soviet newspapers, radio, and TV began reporting extensively on alleged encounters with non-terrestrial craft and beings. He quotes Yuli Platov, a senior fellow at the Institute for Terrestrial Magnetism, Radio and Ionosphere Research, who observes that the Soviet press has now accepted the term 'UFO' and that the number of reports in 1989 alone surpassed those of the entire preceding decade. Platov expresses skepticism towards sensationalized reports, particularly a story about schoolchildren seeing an alien, suggesting that media interpretations can be highly distorted. He also mentions experiments with artificial clouds conducted in the upper atmosphere over Voronezh at the time of the children's alleged sighting, questioning if there's a connection. The article also touches upon a report from Hungary about pilots being pursued by 'strange, ethereal, orange-colored objects' and soldiers seeing a self-luminous green alien.

Observationer: Danmark (Observations: Denmark)

This section, compiled by Torben Birkeholm, provides a situational report of UFO observations registered in Denmark between October 1 and December 31, 1989. It includes a table detailing 10 sightings with dates, times, durations, locations, colors, and occasional identifications. Notable entries include a 'flying container lid' observed near Stokkemarke, which received significant local press attention. The report highlights a dramatic incident on October 1, 1989, in Slimminge, where a man reported seeing a disc-shaped object with white and red lights hovering at an estimated 200 meters altitude. The object emitted a humming sound and moved towards Copenhagen. The article also presents a graph showing a declining trend in UFO observations in Denmark from 1980 to 1989, contrasting with an increase in reports from Soviet and Eastern European countries, and recent attention given to UFO phenomena in Belgium.

UFO-Foto: Norsk UFO-video? (UFO Photo: Norwegian UFO Video?)

Authored by Kim Møller Hansen, this article details a case involving a UFO video recorded in Torpe, Hallingdal, Norway, in July 1986. The video was captured by Tove and Torfinn Tonning, who observed an oval object with three distinct lights that exhibited unusual movements. The video was shown on Norwegian TV and attracted media attention. The film was sent for analysis to Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) in the USA, which used techniques like Color Contouring, Density Slice, and Edge Enhancement. GSW's analysis was inconclusive, stating that the object's size and distance could not be estimated and that there was no sign of movement or constant extension. However, they concluded that the case was valuable and warranted further investigation. The article also mentions that the case was initially of interest to a Norwegian UFO research group and a Norwegian defense research establishment, but commercial interest waned when a natural explanation could not be ruled out.

Ufologi: Sammensværgelse og sløring (Ufology: Conspiracy and Cover-up)

Written by Hilary Evans, this article explores the persistent question of whether information about UFO phenomena is being deliberately concealed by certain groups. Evans posits that if such a conspiracy or cover-up exists, investigators face a dual challenge: understanding the phenomenon itself and overcoming the obstacles to finding out the truth. He discusses the psychological tendency to seek a scapegoat for the unknown and inexplicable, citing examples from social psychology and anthropology. Evans suggests that frustrated researchers might suspect that others are deliberately hindering their progress, often pointing fingers at 'the government' or even 'Men in Black' figures and non-terrestrial entities. The article questions the likelihood and extent of such a conspiracy and explores the motivations behind these suspicions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-NYT revolve around the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the analysis of visual evidence (photos and videos), and the exploration of potential secrecy or conspiracy surrounding the phenomenon. The magazine appears to adopt a serious and analytical approach to UFO research, presenting reports, expert opinions, and investigative findings. The editorial stance, as indicated by the disclaimer on page 3, is that published articles represent contributions to understanding UFO research and do not necessarily reflect SUFOI's endorsement of the views expressed within them. The magazine aims to foster knowledge and understanding of UFO phenomena from a serious and critical perspective.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated January 1990, is the first issue of volume 31. The cover prominently features the headline "MJ-12 SAGEN Et bevis på ufo-sløring? 2. del" (The MJ-12 Case: Proof of UFO Cover-up? Part 2), suggesting a deep dive into the controversial Majestic-12 documents. The magazine is published by SUFOI SKANDINAVISK UFO INFORMATION from Denmark and is priced at 40 DKK.

Article 1: MJ-12 SAGEN Et bevis på ufo-sløring? 2. del (The MJ-12 Case: Proof of UFO Cover-up? Part 2)

This extensive article, authored by Flemming Rasmussen, continues the investigation into the alleged Majestic-12 (MJ-12) documents. It posits that these documents, purportedly originating from the US government shortly after World War II, suggest the creation of a highly secret intelligence service, 'Majestic-12,' with direct reference to the President.

The article begins by drawing parallels between the MJ-12 case and other government scandals like Watergate and Irangate, highlighting the role of journalists in uncovering information. It notes that the MJ-12 documents surfaced through Jaime Shandera, an individual previously unknown in UFO circles.

The core of the article scrutinizes three key documents:

1. TOP SECRET Memorandum (September 24, 1947): Allegedly from President Harry S. Truman to Secretary of Defense James Forrestal, authorizing the creation of 'Operation Majestic-12' to investigate a crashed UFO and its occupants. The article questions the authenticity of this document, citing its 'chancellery style' which differs from Truman's known correspondence, the absence of the recipient's full address, and its non-existence in Truman's library.
2. TOP SECRET EYES ONLY Majestic-12 Document (November 18, 1952): Supposedly from Rear Admiral Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter to the newly elected President Dwight D. Eisenhower, providing a briefing on MJ-12, crashed UFOs, and the overall UFO situation. The article notes that while some parts were originally redacted, they have since disappeared. It also points out stylistic anomalies, such as the use of commas and leading zeros in dates, which differ from standard military correspondence and align with the known writing style of UFO skeptic Philip J. Klass.
3. TOP SECRET Memorandum (July 14, 1954): From President's special assistant Robert Cutlar to General Nathan Twining, concerning a meeting of the MJ-12 group.

The article highlights that the first two documents were on a film received by Jaime Shandera, while the third was found in the National Archives.

It delves into the potential implications of these documents, questioning why Eisenhower, who was Army Chief of Staff in 1947, would be unaware of the Roswell incident, given his meetings with high-ranking military officials around that time. The article also notes the absence of significant UFO sightings from 1952 in the documents, while mentioning the less significant Kenneth Arnold sighting.

A significant portion of the article is dedicated to analyzing the purported authenticity of the Truman letter. It contrasts the document's writing style with Truman's known letters and notes that the document is not found in the Truman Library. The article also points out that 'Executive Orders' from that period were sequentially numbered, and this document's number (092447) does not fit the pattern.

The article further examines the Hillenkoetter/Eisenhower document, questioning the designation of Hillenkoetter as 'Adm. Roscoe Hillenkoetter' when he was a 'Kontreadmiral' (Rear Admiral) and typically signed as 'R. H. Hillenkoetter.'

It then provides a detailed account of the Roswell incident, citing the 1947 sighting of flying discs, the subsequent crash in New Mexico, and the creation of a secret organization to investigate the wreckage. The article mentions the discovery of four dead alien beings and the official cover story of a weather balloon.

It discusses the formation of Project SIGN in December 1947, which evolved into Project GRUDGE and later BLUE BOOK, with a liaison officer connecting it to Majestic-12. The article also touches upon the possibility of extraterrestrial origins for the objects and the need for secrecy to avoid public panic.

The article concludes by questioning why the alleged forgers would use Hillenkoetter's name, given his known involvement with NICAP, a UFO organization. It suggests that the next document might provide further clues.

Article 2: ASTRONOMI - Festlig planetarieindvielse (Astronomy - Festive Planetarium Inauguration)

This article, by Ole Henningsen, reports on the inauguration of the new Tycho Brahe Planetarium in Copenhagen on October 31, 1989. The event was attended by the royal couple and featured a performance by the Royal Life Guard's drum corps. The planetarium was made possible by a 50 million DKK donation from Bodil and Helge Pedersen.

Bodil and Helge Pedersen expressed their hope that the building would serve as a hub for amateur astronomers, but acknowledged it had become much more. The Minister of Education, Bertel Haarder, emphasized the planetarium's role in fostering children's and young people's understanding of science.

The article mentions that the planetarium's projector was supplied by the Carl Zeiss Foundation, with its chairman, Horst Skoludek, praising it as the world's best. The article also notes the importance of the pianist for a successful concert.

The inauguration ceremony included speeches and a tour of the planetarium's dome hall. The restaurant 'Cassiopeia' offered a special menu. The article concludes by mentioning that the planetarium's distinctive silhouette was still surrounded by construction activity just days before its official opening.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly focuses on the theme of government secrecy and alleged cover-ups related to UFO phenomena, particularly through the examination of the MJ-12 documents. The magazine appears to adopt a critical stance towards official explanations and actively seeks to uncover what it perceives as hidden truths. The inclusion of the astronomy article provides a contrast, showcasing a more factual and celebratory report on a scientific institution, but the overarching theme of UFO secrecy and investigation dominates the issue.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 1/90
Date: January 1990
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT, a Danish publication focused on UFO phenomena and related topics, features a prominent article on the newly opened Tycho Brahe Planetarium in Copenhagen and an in-depth investigation into the enduring mystery of the Bermuda Triangle.

Tycho Brahe Planetarium Opens in Copenhagen

The magazine details the inauguration of the Tycho Brahe Planetarium, a significant new astronomical facility in Copenhagen. The planetarium boasts a unique architectural design, with its main feature being a spherical dome for the planetarium hall, constructed from thin metal plates for optimal acoustics and air circulation. The dome is 23 meters in diameter and can accommodate 270 spectators, with individual air renewal systems at each seat.

The Zeiss planetarium projector, installed in the summer of 1989, is central to the experience. The inaugural star show, titled "Tycho's Star," was created by Deputy Director Bjørn Franck Jørgensen and explores the creation of the universe, with a focus on Tycho Brahe's life and his 1572 discovery of a supernova in Cassiopeia. Material from ESO's observatory in the Andes, which observed a similar supernova in 1987, was also incorporated.

Beyond the star shows, the planetarium features an OMNIMAX film system, utilizing 70mm film for a superior visual experience compared to standard 35mm cinema. The first OMNIMAX film shown is "The Dream is Alive," a documentary about the American space shuttle program, covering astronaut preparations, launch, and in-orbit activities, including stunning views of Earth. This film has already been seen by over 21 million people worldwide in nine different language versions.

The OMNIMAX system, combined with a 6-channel surround sound system, creates a highly immersive, almost three-dimensional effect for the audience. The article notes an instance during early testing where the sound pressure from a space shuttle launch simulation caused several bulbs in the planetarium projector to blow.

Visitors can also explore a permanent astronomy exhibition in the Tycho Hall, located beneath the theater. Special exhibitions on Tycho Brahe and ESO are also available. Membership in the planetarium costs 50 Danish Kroner annually and includes free admission to one of the shows.

Key personnel mentioned in relation to the planetarium include Director Niels Armand Pedersen, Deputy Director Bjørn Franck Jørgensen, Chief Astronomer Hans Jørn Fogh Olsen, and library/AV staff Henrik Glintborg and Steen Iversen. Photographer Ole Henningsen is credited for many of the accompanying images.

The Bermuda Triangle: A New Search?

The issue revisits the enduring mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, focusing on the disappearance of five American Navy Avenger torpedo bombers on December 5, 1945. These planes vanished without a trace during a routine flight off the coast of Florida, and subsequent searches yielded no results.

The disappearance has been a cornerstone of numerous books and articles, notably by author Charles Berlitz. However, research librarian David Kusche, in his book "The Bermuda Triangle Mystery - Solved" (1975), proposed a more mundane explanation: the pilots simply lost their bearings, the planes ran out of fuel, and they crashed into the sea.

Kusche's theory is supported by the fact that wreckage identified as an Avenger aircraft was found by treasure hunter Mel Fisher in 1971, submerged in 10 meters of water about 20 miles west of Key West. Fisher later recovered the wreckage, reportedly finding an unused parachute but no trace of the pilot or other crew members. The article notes that Fisher has not presented evidence to definitively link this wreckage to the 1945 lost planes.

More recently, Rick Boling's article in the American magazine OMNI (March 1989) highlighted the claims of Jon Myhre, a former helicopter veteran from the Vietnam War. Myhre, who does not subscribe to UFO or supernatural explanations for the disappearances, believes that the planes simply succumbed to poor weather conditions. After studying the available data, Myhre asserts he knows where the planes can be found and is optimistic about a future search effort, with several companies reportedly interested in participating.

Charles Berlitz remains skeptical of new claims, stating that aircraft found in the area have repeatedly failed to match the serial numbers of the lost 1945 planes, thus maintaining the mystery. The article concludes by noting that if the planes are found and identified, it would provide a resolution to one of the most talked-about mysteries without needing to invoke UFO theories.

SUFOI Activities and Materials

The magazine also includes an "Activity Calendar for Spring 1990" for SUFOI's Copenhagen group, detailing upcoming meetings and events, including the visit to the Tycho Brahe Planetarium. Contact information for various SUFOI local groups across Denmark is also provided.

Furthermore, a comprehensive catalog of UFO-related materials available for purchase from SUFOI is presented. This includes books and reports by various authors such as Per Andersen, Bruce Maccabee, Kim Møller Hansen, and Charles Berlitz, covering topics like UFO landings, abductions, and specific cases. Back issues of UFO-NYT from 1978 to 1990 are also listed for sale. Additional items include a "Focus on UFOs" package with slides and an audio tape, SUFOI emblems, postcards, and special commemorative envelopes.

Orders can be placed by mail, with payment to SUFOI's giro account, and a note specifying the desired items. A postage and handling fee of 12 DKK is added to all orders.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-NYT demonstrates a dual focus: celebrating advancements in astronomical observation and public engagement through the new planetarium, while simultaneously continuing its core mission of investigating and reporting on UFO phenomena and unexplained mysteries. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations for events like the Bermuda Triangle disappearances, as evidenced by the inclusion of David Kusche's and Jon Myhre's theories, while still acknowledging the public fascination with the unexplained. The magazine actively promotes UFO research and provides resources for enthusiasts through its extensive catalog of materials and organized group activities.