UFO Nyt - No 4 1992

Magazine Overview

Title: ufo nyt
Issue: Nr. 4
Volume: 34. årg.
Date: 4. kvartal 1992
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976

This issue of *ufo nyt* marks the 35th anniversary of SUFOI, the Scandinavian UFO Information organization, which was founded in 1957. The editorial, written by Per Andersen, reflects on SUFOI's active year in 1992, highlighting improvements in reporting methods, the introduction of new courses for report takers, and structural changes to create a more flexible organization. The magazine notes a significant increase in membership, contrasting with a general decline in many other UFO organizations. The editorial also mentions SUFOI's outreach efforts, including media interviews and the launch of an electronic diskette service.

Key Articles and Features

"35 år og stadig i fuld vigør" (35 Years and Still Going Strong)

This editorial piece by Per Andersen celebrates SUFOI's 35th anniversary. It details the organization's growth from "Sydjysk UFO Investigation" in 1957 to its current name, "Skandinavisk UFO Information." The editorial emphasizes SUFOI's commitment to serious report analysis, the development of new reporting courses and methods (Project PADUR), and structural reforms to better meet the challenges of the 1990s. It also highlights successful public outreach through television and media interviews, leading to increased membership. The year 1992 is described as a year full of activities that have strengthened SUFOI for the future.

"Læsere i Norge og Sverige se her!" (Readers in Norway and Sweden, Listen Up!)

This section addresses subscribers in Norway and Sweden regarding changes in postal regulations for sending periodicals to Nordic countries. Due to new rules requiring periodicals to be packaged in envelopes and increased postage costs, SUFOI is implementing a mandatory "envelope service" for all countries outside Denmark. This service, costing an additional 50 DKK for 1993, ensures that magazines are delivered in protective envelopes, preventing damage. Subscribers are urged to select this option on their giro forms.

"Her samles sære historier fra hele verden" (Here Strange Stories from Around the World are Gathered)

Authored by Kim Møller Hansen and illustrated by Hunt Emerson, this article introduces "Fortean Times," a publication founded by Charles Fort and continued by Bob Rickard in London. "Fortean Times" collects and analyzes unusual and unexplained phenomena that mainstream science often overlooks. The article mentions Charles Fort's seminal works like "The Book of the Damned." It details Bob Rickard's work in gathering these "forbidden data" and his extensive knowledge of UFO phenomena. The article also notes that "Fortean Times" has a global readership and has recently adopted a new format under publisher John Brown, increasing its circulation significantly.

"Kontaktpersoner: Howard Menger" (Contact Persons: Howard Menger)

This section, written by Per Andersen, profiles Howard Menger, a prominent UFO contactee from the eastern USA. Born in 1922, Menger served in the army and later established advertising and research companies. His UFO experiences began in 1956, leading to the publication of his book "From Outer Space to You" and subsequent lectures. Menger claimed contact with beings from Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, and alleged that he and his second wife, Connie, were reincarnated from other planets. The article critically examines Menger's claims, including his alleged discovery of anti-gravity principles and his photographic "evidence," which is described as poor quality and unconvincing. Menger's visit to Sweden and Norway is also discussed, where his claims were met with skepticism.

"Menger også i Norge" (Menger Also in Norway)

This short piece, also by Per Andersen, details Howard Menger's visit to Norway. Similar to his Swedish visit, Menger presented his claims about extraterrestrial contact. He also made the assertion that the US authorities, in cooperation with other nations, had built a flying saucer located in Colorado Springs, which he claimed to have flown. However, no photographic evidence could be provided due to security restrictions.

"Kontakt fra rummet" (Contact from Space)

This brief item reports on efforts by NASA scientists, led by John Billingham, to determine how Earth should respond if extraterrestrial signals are received. The article emphasizes the importance of having a unified plan for communication with potential alien intelligences.

"Mystik over søerne" (Mystery over the Lakes)

Authored by Af Toke Haunstrup, this article focuses on UFO observations in Finland. It highlights the lack of communication between Danish and Finnish UFOlogists and introduces Suomen Ufotutkijat Ry (Finnish UFO Research), a serious organization founded in 1973. The article presents two recent Finnish UFO sightings: one on June 21, 1991, where two men observed a 7-8 meter long grey craft with figures in grey suits near Juväskulä; and another on September 6-7 or 13-14, 1991, where an egg-shaped UFO with a rotating light was seen over Lake Päijänne near Muurame.

"Danske observationer" (Danish Observations)

This section, compiled by Peter Nørgaard and illustrated by Henrik Klinge Pedersen, presents UFO reports from Denmark. One detailed account describes an observation on November 15, 1991, by an evening school teacher near Skive. The witness saw a large, glowing square object hovering above treetops, which later transformed into five blue/yellow points that moved westward. The object was estimated to be about the width of the road and emitted no sound. The witness was frightened and has since been reluctant to drive alone at night. Another report details police observations of two luminous circles over Christiansfeld on July 27, 1992.

"Politipatruljer, Dronning Margrethe og 3 ufoer" (Police Patrols, Queen Margrethe and 3 UFOs)

This short report details a police observation in Haderslev on July 27, 1992, where officers witnessed two luminous circles hovering over the town for approximately 30 minutes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena. While reporting on alleged sightings and contactee claims, it often includes skeptical analysis and questions the validity of evidence presented. The editorial emphasizes the importance of rigorous reporting and scientific investigation, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the unexplained. There is a clear effort to present a balanced view, distinguishing between factual reporting and speculative theories. The magazine also highlights the organizational efforts of SUFOI in promoting UFO research and awareness within Scandinavia.

Title: UFO-rapporter
Issue: 11
Volume: 1992
Issue Date: July 27, 1992
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of "UFO-rapporter" delves into various UFO sightings, investigations, and related topics, with a focus on events and discussions within Denmark.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Christiansfeld Light Show (July 27, 1992)

Konsulent Jacob Lind from Christiansfeld reported an encounter with three large, full-moon-sized light spheres moving in independent circles. His wife confirmed the sighting. The police in Haderslev also received similar reports from two independent patrols. SUFOI's Alarmcentral and Rapportcentral were contacted by multiple observers who had seen similar phenomena, partly due to a news report in the newspaper BT the following day, titled "Police Scrambled for Mysterious Lights in the Night Sky," which confirmed that four police patrols had observed the light circles. One patrol even made contact with a local security firm representative who was responding to burglar alarms that had been triggered without any apparent cause.

It was later clarified that the lights were from three special "sky-tracers" (searchlights) set up at Koldinghus, approximately 16 km north of Christiansfeld, as part of celebrations for Queen Margrethe's silver wedding anniversary. These projectors were programmed to move like helicopter rotors, sending white light beams into the night sky, visible up to 25 km away under favorable weather conditions. However, the consultant from Christiansfeld stated that after seeing the light show at Koldinghus, he found it difficult to see any connection to his observation.

Sjølund Sighting (July 30, 1992)

An observer in Sjølund, about 9 km northeast of Kolding, who had not read the newspaper article, contacted SUFOI about an experience on July 30th. Around 00:30 AM, they saw a hazy, white light circle moving northwest. Upon looking again, they observed three light spots moving in a triangle pattern. The light was very faint, almost invisible when passing stars. The observer called for their family, and together they watched the phenomenon for about half an hour. The observer described a strange sound that caused goosebumps, which they could not definitively link to the light phenomenon. The light spots moved at a constant speed in a fixed pattern, meeting at the same spot every time. The observer later drew a picture of the experience, which was reproduced by the magazine's artist. The observer later accepted the explanation of the Koldinghus projectors after it was explained to them.

Ry Encounter (September 17, 1992)

Kim, a 9-year-old boy from Ry, reported an incident on the evening of September 17, 1992, around 9 PM. While playing outside with a flashlight, he saw a strange object in the sky. He described it as flat with a dome on top, and heard a deep humming sound, similar to a police siren. The object stopped, and a very strong light beam hit him, causing him to freeze and feel unable to move. His older brother confirmed that Kim had been "gone" for about fifteen minutes during that period. The object was described as being the size of a house. Kim later told his mother about the event. The object was seen to hover over a streetlight, then move away, fly in a semicircle, and disappear towards Gl. Rye. The boy's father stated that they believed Kim's account, as he doesn't normally tell fantastical stories.

This case was reported in TV2/Østjylland, with journalist Kurt Leth interviewing Kim and his parents. Bo Nielsen and Toke Haunstrup, SUFOI rapport-takers, also interviewed Kim and his family. The object was described as pentagonal with a projector-like light in the middle, which moved at various orientations before stopping near a streetlight. The light beam caused Kim to freeze. The object then moved away and disappeared. The boy's behavior afterwards was unusual; he went straight to bed without saying goodnight.

Other Sightings and Reports

Several other reports are mentioned, including a fisherman on Mossø who observed a similar object on September 26, 1992, and a frightened 16-year-old girl who, with a friend, saw a fast-moving object with four sharp white lights near Galten on September 29, 1992, accompanied by a humming sound. These cases, like the one in Ry, have not been definitively explained.

Crop Circles: Theories and Explanations

Danish Theory on Crop Circles

Ole Rohr Sørensen proposes a theory for crop circles, suggesting that tractor tracks often found in crop circles indicate recent agricultural activity. He hypothesizes that fertilizer, when dissolved by rain or dew, might create an electrical current or voltage field, especially if there are buried stone formations containing metals beneath the crop. This electrical field could then influence the crop, creating the circular patterns. He notes the presence of burial mounds and stone circles in areas where crop circles appear. He suggests this theory is more down-to-earth and less mystical than others.

SUFOI responds to this theory, acknowledging its interesting and potentially testable nature. However, they raise several questions: How are the stone formations electrically charged? Is tractor vibration and fertilizer sufficient? How does the electrical discharge cause the crop to be laid down? How can regular figures be formed if the underlying stone formations are not geometrically perfect? SUFOI also suggests that many crop circles might be hoaxes, and the tractor tracks could be used by hoaxers to access the fields without leaving additional traces.

Crop Circle Competition

The issue mentions the first competition for creating crop circles, held on July 11-12, 1992, near West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. A three-man team called "Masters of the Cereal Universe" won the competition, sponsored by various organizations interested in understanding how crop circles are made.

Skepticism and Paranormal Research

Skeptiker Gruppe in Denmark (DASK)

The article introduces DASK (Dansk Skeptiker Komite), a new organization founded by 12 skeptics, including scientists and magicians, who are critical of paranormal and New Age phenomena. They aim to provide a counterpoint to those who believe in the alternative. The article notes that DASK's goals are similar to its American counterpart, CSICOP (The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal).

Critique of CSICOP and DASK

The article expresses concern that DASK might follow the same path as CSICOP, which is described as a propaganda machine rather than a purely scientific group. It criticizes CSICOP for its lack of scientific rigor, its focus on discrediting paranormal claims rather than conducting research, and its dismissive attitude towards opposing viewpoints. The article points out that key figures in CSICOP, such as Paul Kurtz, James Randi, and Martin Gardner, are not scientists, and that the organization has not conducted its own scientific investigations since an early attempt with astrology yielded unexpected results. SUFOI states that while they support serious paranormal research, organizations like CSICOP and DASK must adhere to the same standards of rigor and objectivity they demand from others. SUFOI advises following two rules, adapted from DASK: 1) Doubt everything, and 2) Especially doubt statements from DASK.

Warminster UFO Hoax

The article reveals that the first photo of the "Warminster UFO," taken on August 29, 1965, was a hoax. Gordon Faulkner, who took the photo, was part of a conspiracy to fake the sighting. The UFO was reportedly made from capsules and thrown into the air. It is speculated that Arthur Shuttlewood, a local journalist who wrote books about the Warminster UFO phenomenon, may have known about the hoax. This revelation has led English ufologists to question the authenticity of other Warminster stories.

Astronomy and Space

Sky Watch (November/December 1992)

This section provides astronomical information for November and December 1992:

• Mercury: Visible near the eastern horizon just before sunrise.
• Venus: Visible 5 degrees south of the Moon on November 27th and 7 degrees south on December 28th.
• Mars: Improving observation conditions, rising earlier, and will be found in the constellation Gemini by year's end.
• Jupiter: Poor observation conditions, but can be found in the southern sky in late December around 06:30.
• Saturn: Visible for over three hours between sunset and Saturn's setting. On November 30th, Saturn will be 5 degrees south of the Moon in the constellation Capricorn.
• Uranus and Neptune: Uranus appears greenish, Neptune bluish. On November 27th, Uranus will be 3 degrees south of the Moon.
• Meteors:
• Leonids meteor shower maximum on November 17th, with up to 20 meteors per hour visible in the direction of Leo.
• Geminids meteor shower maximum on December 13th, with about 55 meteors per hour visible in the direction of Gemini.
• Quadrantids meteor shower maximum on January 3-4, originating from the constellation Quadrans, with up to 100 meteors per hour visible.

Astronomical Software

SUFOI offers a diskette service for PC users, including articles from UFO-Nyt, an astronomy program with planets and stars, a biorhythm calculation program, and all UFO reports from 1991 and 1992. Subscribers to UFO-Nyt receive additional diskettes with early access to articles, exclusive information, observation overviews, and shareware/freeware programs. The service costs 90 DKK for 1993.

New Books and Videos

"Skidt og kanel" (Dirt and Cinnamon) - Review of Charles Berlitz's Books

This section reviews two books by Charles Berlitz: "World of the Odd and the Awesome" and "World of the Incredible but True." The reviewer criticizes Berlitz's books as catalogs of mysterious events, filled with errors and lacking proper source citations. Many cases are repeated within the same book, and supposedly unsolved mysteries are presented as still unexplained. The reviewer advises against purchasing these books, calling them misleading and full of errors.

"Life Beyond Planet Earth? Man's Contacts with Space People" by Janet and Colin Bord

This book by Janet and Colin Bord explores the question of intelligent extraterrestrial life and its contact with humans. The reviewer praises the book for being well-written, informative, and balanced, avoiding the sale of a specific theory. It presents various attempts at communication with extraterrestrials and discusses alleged contacts, including friendly encounters and abductions. The reviewer, a zoologist, notes a lack of detailed biological discussion regarding the possibility of life elsewhere but considers it a valuable read for those interested in the topic.

"Send hjernen på ferie" (Send Your Brain on Holiday) - Review of a Swedish UFO Video

The review discusses a new Swedish video titled "Närkontakt med UFO" (Close Encounter with UFO) by Tony Eckardt and Eva Olsson. The video features an interview with a person named Edeecha, who is presented as an "alien contactee." The reviewer expresses skepticism, noting that the producers were warned that certain "contact persons" featured in the video were not genuine. Despite this, the producers claim the individuals are credible. The review describes the film's viewing in Stockholm as resembling a "revival meeting," with an almost religious fervor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports of UFO sightings, often with detailed accounts from witnesses. There is a strong emphasis on investigation and explanation, with a dedicated section for astronomical information and a critical look at paranormal claims. The magazine also highlights the role of skepticism, as exemplified by the discussion of DASK and CSICOP, while also acknowledging the ongoing interest in UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking factual evidence and rational explanations, but also acknowledging the limits of current knowledge and the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena. The recurring theme is the ongoing effort to understand and document UFO reports, distinguishing between credible evidence, potential hoaxes, and natural explanations.

Title: Afsløring
Issue Date: 1992
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of Afsløring magazine, published in 1992, covers a range of UFO-related topics, from historical misinterpretations of scientific findings to contemporary events and organizational news.

The "Unveiling" of Carl Jung's UFO Views

The lead article, "Afsløring" (Unveiling), details how Dr. Carl Jung's views on UFOs were distorted by the media. Initially, an article by Jung in "The A.P.R.O. Bulletin" suggested that UFOs were real and controlled by intelligent, human-like pilots. This was picked up by the Associated Press (AP) and sensationalized, with a journalist misrepresenting the article's origin and context. The story spread rapidly, with publications like the New York Times and Newsweek amplifying the sensational claims. An unnamed Air Force officer was quoted as saying, "I have always suspected brain twisters of being crazy. Now I know they are." This caused significant damage to Jung's reputation. Later, AP published a follow-up article correcting the earlier report, but it then quoted Jung as saying that people who see UFOs want to see them, implying they have fantasies. Jung received an apology from the editors of "Flying Saucer Review" (FSR), Jim and Coral Lorenzen, and considered the matter a "haphazard accident," remaining a member of APRO until his death.

Animal Mutilations in Sweden

Another section addresses animal mutilations in Sweden, where cows and other animals have been found killed with precise cuts, often to their reproductive organs. Since 1988, over 200 such cases have been reported. While the incidents are compared to similar cases in the US, some ufologists believe UFOs are responsible. UFO-Sverige has interviewed investigator Marie Rådén, who stated that six people have been questioned and two arrested, but no conclusive evidence has been found, leading to their release. One of the arrested individuals, a 45-year-old man, was largely unresponsive but claimed to go out into fields on orders from his "leader," hearing voices and believing the planet needed to be cleansed. He also had a picture of beings attacking and killing cows. Despite the lack of evidence, he was released. The article suggests that these mutilations are likely carried out by psychologically disturbed individuals with sexual problems.

UFOs at the Museum

The magazine reports on the initiative to establish a UFO museum in Roswell, USA, a location famously associated with a UFO crash in 1947. The "International UFO Museum and Research Center" aims to open in 1993. William Haut, chairman of the board, was the press officer who issued the famous telegram to the world press in 1947 about the Roswell incident. The museum is collecting artifacts and seeking suitable premises.

UFO Shot Down Challenger?

A sensational claim from the Mexican press suggests that the Challenger disaster, which killed seven astronauts, was caused by a laser beam from a spaceship that hit the fuel tank. The "evidence" presented is a video from an anonymous amateur photographer who claims to have captured the spaceship and the laser beam. The source for this story is cited as ufologist James Moore.

New Russian Magazine

In March 1993, the Scientific-Research Centre (SRC) "AURA-Z" in Russia is set to launch a new ufology magazine called "AURA-Z." It will be published quarterly with 100 pages per issue, covering ufology and paranormal phenomena. A yearly digest, "AURA-Z DIGEST," will also be released. Contact information for subscriptions is provided.

UFO Party Gains Votes in Japan

The article highlights the surprising success of a UFO political party in Japan, which garnered 70,000 votes in the last election despite having only 300 members. The party's motto is "UFOs can unite the world." They anticipate at least 100,000 votes in the upcoming election. The party's goal, if they gain a seat in the Upper House, is to transform the city of Hakui into a "new Dahima" where intergalactic cultures can introduce themselves to Earth. The source for this information is the Far Eastern Economic Review.

SUFOI's 35th Anniversary Celebration

The magazine features a report on SUFOI's 35th-anniversary celebration, held on September 12, 1992, at the community center in Lindersvold, Vanløse. The event was a large jubilee and support party, attended by many members and supporters. The celebration included a buffet, festive entertainment, and an auction led by SUFOI's chairman, Peter Nørgaard, which helped secure the event's surplus. The article expresses gratitude to all who attended and supported SUFOI's work, making it a festive evening.

SUFOI Organizational Information

Details about Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) are provided, including its address, Giro account, and telephone number. The organization's purpose is to contribute to the understanding of UFO phenomena by collecting and processing source material, publishing findings, and conducting lectures. SUFOI defines a UFO phenomenon as a celestial event that cannot be explained by known natural phenomena even after thorough investigation. The organization's leadership structure is outlined, with a representative council and a daily management team consisting of the chairman and two vice-chairmen. A list of representatives from various Scandinavian regions and their contact information is included.

New Publication: "Nye UFO-beviser - og modbeviser"

The magazine announces SUFOI's latest publication, "Nye UFO-beviser - og modbeviser" (New UFO Evidence - and Counter-evidence). This 60-page, illustrated A5 book analyzes the "&"-photo, a still from a 1978 Australian TV film of a mysterious light. The analysis was conducted by two American researchers who could not explain the phenomenon. The book also covers the MJ-12 case, ufology in the USA versus Europe, and the connection between UFOs and folklore. The publication is edited by Flemming Rasmussen and can be ordered by sending 98 DKK to SUFOI's Giro account.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Afsløring demonstrates a commitment to investigating and reporting on UFO phenomena from various angles. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to present both evidence and counter-evidence, as exemplified by the title of the new publication. There's a clear interest in historical cases, media misrepresentation, and the broader cultural and political impact of UFO beliefs. The magazine also serves as a platform for organizational news and activities, particularly for SUFOI, highlighting its role in promoting ufological research and public awareness in Scandinavia.