UFO Nyt - No 4 1991

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Nyt
Issue: Nr. 4, 33rd Year 1991
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Date: 1991

This issue of UFO Nyt, a Danish magazine dedicated to UFO research and related phenomena, presents a diverse range of articles and reports. The cover prominently features the magazine's title and a striking image of a disc-shaped object above an airplane, hinting at the mysterious content within. The main headlines tease stories about a "Mysterious encounter in the grass," updates on a "missing pilot," the enduring attraction of the "unknown," and a "new theory to explain crop circles."

Articles and Reports

"The Unknown Still Attracts" (Editorial)

The editorial, titled "Det ukendte tiltrækker stadig" (The Unknown Still Attracts), reflects on a Gallup poll about Danes' attitudes towards controversial topics. While the poll didn't specifically ask about UFOs, it revealed significant belief in phenomena like Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. The editorial estimates that 5-10% of Danes, or 250,000-500,000 people, believe in UFOs, justifying SUFOI's continued relevance. It emphasizes SUFOI's mission to investigate UFO observations seriously, distinguishing between natural explanations and the genuinely unknown. The piece also touches upon the growing interest in New Age beliefs and self-development, cautioning against fanaticism and the detachment from reality.

"New Theory to Explain Crop Circles"

This article introduces a theory by Donald L. Cyr, presented in his book "Crop Circle Secrets," which links crop circles in England to "flute phenomena" originating from lightning strikes. Cyr's theory posits that electromagnetic signals from lightning can travel along the Earth's magnetic field, reaching specific points and creating audible whistling sounds. These signals, when interacting with crops, are theorized to cause the formation of circles. The article details how these signals might propagate and how specific geographical locations, like Wiltshire in England, could be mirrored by corresponding locations on the opposite hemisphere (Prince Edward and Marion Islands in Cyr's theory). The mechanism by which electromagnetic signals could physically create the patterns in crops is explained as a resonance effect that causes the stalks to bend or break. The article also discusses the challenges of verifying this theory, such as the need for correlating crop circle formations with simultaneous thunderstorms and the difficulty of experimentally replicating the phenomenon.

"What are Flute Phenomena?"

This sidebar explains the nature of "flute phenomena" as natural electromagnetic signals generated by lightning. It describes how these signals, with frequencies between 0.3-30 kHz, are emitted across all frequencies simultaneously. When lightning strikes, it creates a brief impulse that can be heard as a 'click' or 'pip' when reflected by the Earth's ionosphere. At greater distances, the sound becomes static. Flute signals are characterized by falling frequencies, typically starting between 6-10 kHz and dropping to 2-6 kHz. The article suggests that these signals can travel long distances, even bouncing between hemispheres, due to the Earth's magnetic field, creating echoes. The sounds can sometimes be heard with the naked ear, especially if amplified by metal objects or even dental fillings.

"Crop Circles in Japan"

This section reports on crop circle discoveries in Japan. Farmer Shunzo Abe found two circles in a rice field on Kyushu Island in September 1990. The larger circle measured 18 meters in diameter, with a smaller 6-meter circle inside. Professor Ohtsuki also mentioned that circles have been found in dust within Tokyo's subway system, in tunnels untouched for 25 years. Ohtsuki suggests these subway circles are likely caused by airwaves from passing trains, while acknowledging the mystery surrounding field circles.

"Crop Circles Revealed - Again"

This article discusses media reports claiming that the English crop circles were hoaxes. It mentions an article in the English newspaper "Today" where Doug Bower and Dave Chorley confessed to creating crop circles since 1978 by dragging a wooden board through the cornfields at night. Swedish TV also interviewed them. However, the article questions this confession, pointing out that crop circles have appeared in different locations simultaneously, making it impossible for just two people to have created them all. It also notes that some circles are undoubtedly fraudulent, with estimates suggesting up to 50% might be hoaxes, while others are likely genuine, especially those witnessed being formed.

"Swedish Researchers on the Hunt for Circles"

This report follows Swedish UFO researchers Clas Svahn and Håkon Ekstrand as they visited England to investigate crop circles. During their trip, they witnessed a strange light phenomenon at Alton Barnes on July 12th. Rita Lorraine-Goold and other witnesses described a light descending from the fog, from which two light arms emerged before the phenomenon disappeared within 6 seconds. The researchers later visited several crop circle sites near Marlborough, but found them trampled by visitors, making detailed study difficult. They managed to photograph two relatively fresh circles from a plane.

"Observations: Fireball over the Soviet Union"

A meteor struck near a pipeline in Ufa, Soviet Union, on May 17, 1990. The fireball lit up the surroundings, and witnesses reported feeling the ground shake. A crater, 4 meters deep and 10 meters in diameter, was discovered the next morning. The event was described as the most significant meteor impact in the world since 1947 and was named the "Sterlitamak meteorite."

"Observations: Meteorite Attack in Zimbabwe"

A meteorite weighing approximately 700 grams fell near a village in Zimbabwe on July 2, 1990. The impact was accompanied by sounds resembling a jet engine and gunshots. The meteorite, described as a chondrite with a black, glassy interior, landed only 5 meters from a farmer, who then broke it into pieces with a hoe.

"Observations: Boomerang over Eastern USA"

A glowing fireball with a green, blue, and red tail was observed across the US East Coast on March 6, 1991. Witnesses described it as a boomerang with a large red tail of light.

"Observations: Large Fireball over Cleveland"

A green fireball, believed to be a meteorite, flew slowly over Teesside on April 11, 1991, leaving a long, luminous tail before disappearing over the horizon.

"Observations: Fireball"

This section, written by Gotfred Møbjerg Kristensen, discusses fireballs (ildkugler) as natural phenomena that can be mistaken for UFOs due to their bright, luminous nature and varied appearances. The author shares a personal experience of witnessing a fireball accompanied by a singing tone and a green glow. He notes that fireballs are often brighter than Venus and can even outshine the full moon. The article explains that meteors and fireballs can be detected via FM radio due to the ionization of atmospheric atoms, which can reflect radio signals. Kristensen details his extensive research into "radio meteors" and provides data on their frequency and characteristics. He also discusses the correlation of stronger fireballs with specific times of the year, such as February, September, October, and December, and mentions potential lunar activity related to meteorites in May. He encourages readers to report their fireball observations with specific details.

"UFOs and Interrail"

This article introduces Peter Nørgård, the new, dynamic chairman of SUFOI. Nørgård, who is 29 years old and from Silkeborg, has interests beyond UFOs, including astronomy and historical sites in Europe. He recounts his initial interest in UFOs stemming from reading UFO-Nyt in 1977. While he hasn't had a definitive UFO sighting, he had a close call once. Nørgård is also involved in local media, with his picture appearing in the local newspaper when significant UFO events occur in the Midtjylland region. He is an experienced speaker, having given numerous lectures on both Interrail and UFOs. He was instrumental in establishing UFO groups in East Jutland and Fyn. As chairman, Nørgård aims to increase SUFOI's visibility and public presence through lectures and other outreach activities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Nyt revolve around the unexplained, particularly UFO sightings and the mystery of crop circles. The magazine adopts a serious and investigative stance, aiming to distinguish between natural phenomena and genuinely unknown events, as highlighted in the editorial. There's a clear emphasis on scientific inquiry and critical analysis, as seen in the discussion of Donald L. Cyr's theory on crop circles and the debunking of media claims about hoaxes. The publication also serves as a platform for reader contributions and reports on UFO and meteorite events from around the world, fostering a sense of community among enthusiasts. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness combined with a healthy skepticism, encouraging rigorous research and factual reporting.

This issue of "Læserne skriver" (Readers write), published in 1991, features a cover story titled "Er der liv?" (Is there life?), exploring the question of extraterrestrial life. The magazine includes articles on space exploration, specifically the launch of the space shuttle Atlantis, and various UFO reports and investigations.

Is There Life?

The main article presents two contrasting views on the existence of life beyond Earth. The first perspective argues that with billions of galaxies and trillions of stars, it would be statistically improbable for life not to exist elsewhere. The second, more skeptical view, suggests that if intelligent extraterrestrial civilizations existed, Earth would have been colonized by now, and there's no concrete evidence of planets orbiting other stars. The author leans towards the first theory, reasoning that advanced civilizations would likely be peaceful and that the lack of observed planets might be due to technological limitations in detection.

The article also touches upon the discovery of 50 different molecules, including organic ones like glycerin, in the universe, which are essential for life. It mentions Sir Fred Hoyle's theory that life might have been brought to Earth from space, possibly by a comet. The author identifies three types of stars (F, G, K) that could potentially host life, representing about 25% of the Milky Way's stars. A cautionary note is added about the sustainability of civilizations that prioritize rapid technological advancement over evolutionary development of intelligence.

Space Exploration: Mission STS-43

This section details the author's personal experience witnessing the launch of the space shuttle Atlantis on August 2, 1991, from Cocoa Beach, Florida. The launch was for mission STS-43, which involved deploying the TDRS 5 satellite. The author describes the atmosphere, the crowd, and the awe-inspiring sight of the shuttle lifting off, accompanied by a powerful sound and visual spectacle.

The article explains the function of the TDRS (Tracking and Data Relay Satellite) system, which enhances communication between NASA, spacecraft, and ground stations. It notes that the first TDRS was launched in 1983, and subsequent satellites were launched with Challenger and Discovery. The TDRS 5 satellite, launched with STS-43, was crucial for improving communication coverage, which was previously limited by ground-based radar stations.

UFO Reports and Investigations

Animal Reactions to Unexplained Phenomena

Several reports highlight how animals often react unusually to UFO sightings or other unexplained aerial phenomena. The article cites instances where dogs barked intensely or cats became agitated when strange lights or objects were observed. It discusses the possibility that animals may be more sensitive to environmental changes, such as electrical disturbances or low-frequency sounds, that might precede or accompany such events. However, it cautions against using animal reactions as definitive proof of a UFO, as they can also react to natural phenomena.

The Cergy-Pontoise Incident

This extensive report details a controversial UFO case from France involving three young men: Franck Fontaine, Jean-Pierre Prevost, and Salomon N'Diaye. The incident, which occurred in November 1979, involved an alleged UFO sighting, the disappearance of Franck Fontaine for a week, and his subsequent return with fragmented memories of an experience he described as a "a confusing dream." The report highlights numerous inconsistencies and contradictions in the testimonies of the involved parties and their friends, as well as the media's sensationalized coverage.

It questions the credibility of the witnesses, noting that Jean-Pierre's brother was associated with a UFO organization, and Franck had seen the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." The article also points out the presence of additional individuals not initially reported, the conflicting accounts of the events, and the financial incentives that may have influenced the narrative. The involvement of science fiction author Jimmy Guieu and Jean-Pierre Prevost's own book are discussed as attempts to legitimize the event, but the report suggests that the accounts are riddled with self-contradictions and lack scientific rigor.

Astronomy and Spaceflight Updates

This section provides a brief overview of celestial bodies visible in the night sky during late 1991. It mentions opportunities to observe Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, along with details on their positions and visibility. It also corrects a previous error regarding meteor showers, clarifying that observed meteors in October were likely Orionids, not Geminids.

Additionally, it touches upon the Jupiter probe Galileo's flyby of asteroid 951-Gaspra and the ongoing issues with its antenna, which could significantly impact its data transmission capabilities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs, with scientific inquiry and personal testimony. There's a clear interest in presenting diverse viewpoints, from the speculative nature of extraterrestrial life to detailed accounts of alleged encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the possibility of the extraordinary while critically examining the evidence and testimonies presented, as seen in the detailed deconstruction of the Cergy-Pontoise incident. The publication also shows a commitment to informing readers about current space exploration efforts.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 1992, focuses on the enduring mystery of Flight 19 and explores alleged UFO contactee experiences with a critical lens. It also touches upon unexplained deaths and UFO sightings.

Flight 19 Disappeared Again?

The lead article revisits the disappearance of Flight 19, five Avenger-fly that vanished on December 5, 1945, contributing to the Bermuda Triangle legend. A recent claim of finding their wreckage off the Florida coast in May 1992, reported by Scientific Search Project, generated significant attention. Project leader Graham Hawkes initially believed they had found "Flight 19" because five Avenger-fly wrecks were found in close proximity, and one bore the number 28, matching one of the lost aircraft. However, after a few weeks, the team had to admit they had not found the famous lost planes. Archaeologist Ted Darcy from Wreckfinders confirmed the wrecks belonged to a different type of Avenger-fly, sunk between 1943 and November 1945 as torpedo targets for low-flying aircraft. This explanation suggests that finding several Avenger-fly wrecks together in that area is not as unusual as initially thought, given that over 130 such aircraft were lost in the region over time. The mystery of "Flight 19" remains unsolved, despite the initial promising reports.

Jean-Pierre: A Contactee with Political Motives?

The issue critically examines the account of Jean-Pierre, who claims to have had numerous UFO encounters, including seeing objects as a child. Initially stating he was not interested in UFOs, he later admitted to seeing them frequently. The article suggests Jean-Pierre's narrative, particularly his meeting with other contact persons in Bourg-de-Sirod, might be fabricated or exaggerated. He was allegedly met by seven young men, contact persons for IDD (an organization not further defined), who were preparing for a mission as "ambassadors for the new thinking." Jean-Pierre was taken to a tunnel base, where he saw more craft similar to those he had seen before. He recounts Haurrio thanking the contact persons for attending the meeting. The article notes that Jean-Pierre's book primarily contains Haurrio's sermons about humanity's need to act before it's too late. Jean-Pierre himself states that "neither testimony nor evidence is necessary to spread the truth," and he references George Adamski, suggesting Adamski was more informed about UFO phenomena than he initially let on. The author questions the significance of distinguishing between reality and fantasy in Jean-Pierre's account, implying a blurred line. The identities of the other contact persons are not revealed, and the article questions whether they will share their "true" versions. The whereabouts of the trader who supposedly drove Jean-Pierre to the meeting are also unknown. A map of the tunnel/UFO base location is mentioned, but visitors are warned that IDD has methods to deter the curious. When Jean-Pierre tried to find the location with Franck, locals became evasive, suggesting the topic was taboo. His non-terrestrial friends later explained that he could have walked through an illusory stone screen if his faith had been strong enough.

The article posits that Jean-Pierre's story is "concocted nonsense with a political motive." It suggests that the widely publicized UFO incident was largely fiction and deception. The author speculates that Jean-Pierre, who was politically active and had been imprisoned for distributing anti-militarist propaganda (though he exaggerated the sentence), may have orchestrated the event. He allegedly used the UFO narrative to promote his anarchist and anti-authoritarian beliefs, believing that IDD contacted him because they supported his views. By framing his ideas as non-terrestrial communication, he aimed to gain an audience he wouldn't have otherwise as a street vendor. Using Haurrio as a mouthpiece lent authority to his ideas and masked their banality. The author concludes that Jean-Pierre deceived himself on a grand scale, but also suggests that Jean-Pierre's statement that the content of Adamski's messages was more significant than his contacts' messages served as a justification for his own fabrications.

The Vanished Pilot

For over 12 years, Paul Norman has been investigating the disappearance of Frederick Valentich, a young pilot who vanished on October 21, 1978, after reporting a green, luminous object over his Cessna. Norman has located a new group of five witnesses who saw a small private plane with a green, luminous object hovering nearby. While previous witnesses had seen Valentich's plane or a luminous object separately, no one had confirmed the connection between the two. Norman has interviewed three of these new witnesses who had not previously reported their accounts.

The Flying Triangles

In Switzerland, a flying triangle was observed on February 23, 1991. Witnesses in Viganello and Chiasso saw a dark, triangular object hovering for about 20 minutes before moving at high speed towards Italy. The object had two luminous points on its underside. Following a period of silence, reports of Belgian triangle sightings from January 1991 have resurfaced. Paul Vanbrabant suggests this wave of reports was overshadowed by the Persian Gulf War. SOBEPS, an organization, is now receiving an average of 10 reports per day, with a peak on March 12, involving detailed accounts of close-range observations in densely populated areas, primarily in the French-speaking part of southern Belgium. Some triangles were observed as close as 10 meters, with spotlights sweeping back and forth. Several witnesses reported the triangles dissolving into thin air. SOBEPS has 45 active field personnel but needs more to handle the volume of reports.

Rock Group Inspired by UFOs

The article reveals that a significant portion of the music by the 1960s and 70s rock group "The Moody Blues" was inspired by a UFO experience. In the autumn of 1967, while traveling back to London after a concert, band member Graeme Edge and the group witnessed a bright light behind their vehicle. Initially mistaking it for a warning light on a mast, they stopped when the light persisted. The light approached their car and landed in a field near the road. They observed a cigar-shaped object with seven red lights on top. Panicked, they fled in their car, with the object still visible behind them. Following this experience, the group's music took on a more "cosmic" feel, leading to albums like "Days of Future Passed."

Big Money for UFO Research

Robert Bigelow of Las Vegas and another anonymous donor have contributed a total of $200,000 (approximately 1.2 million Danish kroner) to research alien abduction cases. The project aims to determine the proportion of the US population that has experienced being taken aboard a UFO. The research is led by Budd Hopkins and Dr. David M. Jacobs, who recently organized a conference in Pennsylvania for 50 invited researchers, including individuals who shared their abduction experiences. The American Fund for UFO Research is also allocating $17,000 (approximately 105,000 kroner) to a sub-project investigating the alleged crash at Roswell.

First There Were 25...

This section reports on a statistical anomaly in England during the 1980s, where 25 scientists allegedly died under unnatural circumstances between 1982 and 1988. Seven deaths were attributed to presumed accidents, six to apparent suicides, eight remained unsolved, and two individuals disappeared entirely. Among the unsolved cases is Jonathan Wash, who reportedly fell from a hotel roof in 1985. Peter Peapell was found dead in his garage in 1987 under his car with the engine running; the circumstances were questioned. Shani Warren was found drowned in 1987, bound and gagged, with the initial suggestion of suicide later changed to an open case. The article notes speculation in the English press about a connection between these deaths, with initial theories pointing to Pakistan, but later focusing on the company Marconi and its parent company GEC. Eight of the deceased were either employed by or affiliated with Marconi, a large British firm involved in secret military research and the US "Star Wars" program. The controversial research program is suggested as a possible link. Gordon Creighton of FSR magazine proposed the theory of extraterrestrial intelligence involvement. However, the article suggests seeking more earthly explanations, such as "statistical coincidence," noting that six of the ten Marconi-related cases could resemble suicides and three accidents, with one murder. It questions whether these numbers are statistically unusual for a company of Marconi's size over a 7-year period.

Send a UFO Greeting!

This is an advertisement for five postcards with dramatic UFO motifs, available for 10.00 Danish kroner, plus 12.00 for postage and handling, from SUFOI.

SUFOI Information

This section provides contact information and details about Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI). SUFOI is a Danish organization aiming to contribute to the understanding of UFO phenomena through information collection, processing, and dissemination via publications and lectures. They define a UFO phenomenon as a celestial event that cannot be explained as a known natural phenomenon after careful investigation. SUFOI does not promote or reject any specific theory about the origin of UFOs, as the phenomena are still unexplained. The leadership structure, including the chairman, vice-chairmen, and representatives from Scandinavian regions, is outlined.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent mysteries surrounding UFO phenomena, particularly the Flight 19 incident, and the critical examination of contactee accounts. The magazine adopts a skeptical stance towards sensational claims, seeking rational explanations and highlighting potential hoaxes or political motivations behind some UFO narratives. There's an emphasis on investigative journalism, as seen in Paul Norman's efforts to uncover the truth about Frederick Valentich and the reporting on unexplained deaths linked to scientific research. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, encouraging readers to critically assess information and distinguishing between verifiable facts and speculative theories. The inclusion of SUFOI's information suggests a commitment to documenting and analyzing UFO reports within a Scandinavian context.