UFO Nyt - No 1 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: ufo nyt
Issue: 1/94
Volume: 36. årg.
Date: 1. kvartal 1994 (January-March 1994)
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Price: Dkr. 207.00 (annual subscription)

This issue of "ufo nyt" (UFO News) focuses on various UFO and atmospheric phenomena, with a strong emphasis on Danish observations. The cover features a sketch of a house and prominently displays headlines such as "Katastrofen i Hanoi" (The Hanoi Catastrophe), "Rumskib med fire vinduer" (Spaceship with Four Windows), and "Dobbeltmåner over Danmark" (Double Moons over Denmark).

Table of Contents and Editorial Stance

The "Indhold" (Contents) section lists 17 articles and reports, covering a range of topics from specific sightings to broader discussions on UFO research. The editorial, titled "Undskyld - vi har en holdning!" (Excuse me - we have an opinion!), penned by Per Andersen, addresses criticism received by SUFOI for expressing opinions and critiquing other UFO organizations. Andersen asserts SUFOI's right and duty to critically examine and comment on UFO information, based on 35 years of work in the field. He emphasizes the importance of a serious and critical approach, contrasting it with what he terms 'unserious methods' used by some other groups. The editorial highlights that while SUFOI respects differing opinions, they will not shy away from expressing their own informed viewpoints.

Key Articles and Reports

"Danske observationer" (Danish Observations): This section features several eyewitness accounts:

• "Rumskib med fire vinduer" (Spaceship with Four Windows): An account from 1986 details a couple's sighting of a large, yellowish, cigar-shaped object with four portholes near Randers, Denmark. The object hovered silently before disappearing instantly.
• "Mærkelig formationsflyvning over Vejle" (Strange Formation Flying over Vejle): A 1984 sighting near Vejle describes three luminous, silent objects flying in formation, performing complex maneuvers.
• "Cylinder over Sjællands Odde" (Cylinder over Sjællands Odde): A detailed report from February 25, 1992, describes a cylinder-shaped object, approximately 12 meters long, observed at very low altitude near Sjællands Odde. The object moved silently and exhibited unusual behavior, including a sudden departure from formation.
• "Kunstig 'storkerede'" (Artificial 'Stork's Nest'): A brief report from Jyllinge in September 1993 describes a circular, bright white object, about the size of a small stork's nest, with window-like markings, that appeared and then dissolved.
• "Formationsflyvning over Esbjerg" (Formation Flying over Esbjerg): An account from July 2, 1993, describes five dark objects flying in formation over Esbjerg at high speed.
• "Ildkugler over mark" (Fireballs over Field): A 1980 sighting near Næstved describes three fireballs ascending from a field and moving horizontally with sharp directional changes.
• "Politibetjent i Rønne ser glødende og dansende ildkugle" (Police Officer in Rønne Sees Glowing and Dancing Fireball): A March 1993 report from Rønne details a police officer's observation of an orange-red fireball exhibiting erratic movements and disappearing and reappearing.
• "Landing på Peblingesøen i København" (Landing on Peblingesøen in Copenhagen): A report from June 17, 1993, describes an eight-year-old girl's sighting of an object landing and then vanishing from Peblingesøen. The object was described as metallic, rusty, and grass-green, with flashing lights.

"Fyrværkeri i utide" (Fireworks Out of Season): This article recounts a sighting on October 19, 1993, near Silkeborg, where a family observed hundreds of blinking lights in the sky, moving slowly and regularly, which they could not identify.

"Projekt Dobbeltmåne" (Project Double Moon): This major feature investigates the phenomenon of "double moons," where a secondary, fainter moon-like object is seen near the real moon. Several Danish witnesses from September and October 1993 reported seeing such phenomena. The article details observations from Lemvig, Fredensborg, Vanløse, Nivå, Tarm, and Rødbyhavn. SUFOI has launched a research project to gather more information and analyze potential causes, such as atmospheric reflections in ice crystals.

"Mystiske lysglimt i atmosfæren" (Mysterious Light Flashes in the Atmosphere): This article reports on unusual light flashes recorded by NASA researchers in the upper atmosphere above a severe thunderstorm in the USA in July 1993. These flashes, possibly electrical discharges, were captured by a specialized camera on a NASA DC-8 aircraft and may have implications for the ozone layer.

"Ufoer på videofilm" (UFOs on Videotape): A brief notice promotes the video film "Messengers of Destiny," featuring UFO footage from Mexico, particularly from the 1991 solar eclipse.

SUFOI Information: The magazine includes contact information for SUFOI, details about their purpose, leadership, and services, including UFO alarms and information requests. It also announces an upcoming "Kursus for rapportoptagere" (Course for Report Takers) in April 1994.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of specific UFO and anomalous aerial phenomena sightings, primarily from Denmark, and SUFOI's commitment to serious, critical investigation. The editorial clearly articulates SUFOI's stance: they are not afraid to form and express opinions based on their extensive research, and they will critically evaluate information, even from other UFO organizations. The focus on "double moons" and atmospheric light phenomena indicates SUFOI's interest in exploring less common or newly emerging UFO-related topics. The magazine aims to inform the public and encourage further reporting and investigation into these unexplained events.

This issue of UFO-Nyt, dated 1/94, is a Danish publication focused on ufology and related phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline "Observationer" (Observations) and includes graphics related to atmospheric optical flashes observed over Northern Iowa, USA, on July 9, 1993. The issue delves into various aspects of UFO research, including eyewitness accounts, scientific analysis, and astronomical events.

Key Articles and Features

Observations and Atmospheric Phenomena

The lead article, "Observationer," discusses unusual light phenomena in the upper atmosphere. It references research by Sentman and Wescott, who noted that these phenomena might be more common than previously thought. The article highlights a 1989 video recording from the University of Minnesota and mentions NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center finding similar events in thunderstorm video footage. Accompanying graphics illustrate data from an optical flash observed over Northern Iowa, with details on altitude, azimuth, and location. Another diagram shows how these flashes appear in the upper atmosphere above thunderstorms.

The Hanoi Incident: A Controversial Account

A significant feature, "Katastrofen i Hanoi" (The Catastrophe in Hanoi), investigates a widely circulated story about a UFO encounter over Hanoi in the late 1960s. The report claims a UFO was fired upon by Soviet soldiers and retaliated, killing hundreds. Journalist Anatoly Dokuchayev is credited with finding more details. However, the article critically examines the source of the story, tracing it back to the newspaper "New Russian World" and an author named Mark Steinberg. It questions the reliability of the account by referencing Matvei Zakharov and Boris Stolnikov, who suggest no such event occurred or was documented. The article concludes that the story is likely fabricated or based on loose rumors.

The Reliability of Eyewitness Testimony

"Var ufoet rundt eller firkantet?" (Was the UFO round or square?) explores the challenges in collecting and evaluating eyewitness accounts in UFO research. It highlights experiments demonstrating how the phrasing of questions can influence responses, citing examples of height estimations and the recall of a stop sign. The article emphasizes the susceptibility of witnesses to leading questions, especially when interviewed by perceived "experts." It draws on research by Elisabeth F. Loftus, who developed a model of memory recall, stressing that memory is a reconstructive process, not a perfect recording.

Astronomical Events and Objects

"Kig på himlen" (Look at the Sky) provides a celestial calendar for February 15 to May 16, 1994, detailing the visibility of planets like Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. It also notes a ring-shaped solar eclipse on May 10th visible from Denmark and the close passage of a small asteroid, 1993 KA2, on May 20, 1993, which passed between Earth and the Moon.

Personal Accounts and Cases

"Personer" (People) section features several individuals and cases:

• Evald Maarup's Death: The issue notes the passing of Evald Maarup in September 1993. It recounts his famous 1970 UFO experience near Haderslev, Denmark, where his patrol car was affected by a mysterious light and a cone-shaped object. This case is highlighted as a significant and widely reported UFO event.
• Rockefeller Meets Ufologists: Laurence Rockefeller met with ufologists in September 1993 to discuss UFO research and alleged government secrecy.
• Steven Spielberg and SETI: Steven Spielberg's interest in extraterrestrial life is mentioned, noting his support for the "Planetary Society" in its search for extraterrestrial radio signals.
• Mars Disk Production: An article discusses the potential discovery of a "Mars disk" (compact disc) on Mars in the future, containing Mars-related audio and science fiction content.

Research and Investigations

• SUFOI Funds Ukrainian Research: SUFOI is financially supporting a Ukrainian project to analyze a mysterious 4 cm black sphere found in Russia, believed to be of non-terrestrial origin.
• "Rum-is" (Space Ice): This section discusses an incident involving the space shuttle Atlantis in 1991, where an object observed outside the shuttle was identified by NASA as an ice particle, but UFO proponents suggested it was a secret missile defense test or a UFO.
• Uri Geller Lawsuit: The ongoing legal battle between Uri Geller and CSICOP is mentioned, with Geller ordered to pay significant costs.
• Billy Meier Exposed: The article details Kal Korff's investigation into Billy Meier, alleging that Meier's famous UFO photos were created using small models.
• Human-Made UFOs: A brief note discusses how a piece of a Boeing 757 aircraft falling off caused children in Glasgow to believe they had seen a UFO.

Other Sections

• "Notitser" (Notices): This section contains various short updates, including information on the META project's search for radio signals, a discussion on the nature of UFOs, and a listing of UFO-related books and organizations.
• "Indholdsfortegnelse UFO-NYT 1993" (Table of Contents UFO-NYT 1993): A comprehensive index of articles published in the 1993 issues of UFO-Nyt.
• AURA-Z Subscription Information: Details for subscribing to AURA-Z, a Russian journal covering UFOs, paranormal phenomena, and frontier science.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, alleged encounters, and the scientific and skeptical perspectives on these phenomena. There's a clear emphasis on critical analysis, as seen in the debunking of the Hanoi incident and the examination of eyewitness testimony. The publication also covers related topics like astronomy, space exploration, and historical cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry but with a strong inclination towards critical evaluation and evidence-based conclusions, as demonstrated by the detailed analysis of witness reliability and the questioning of unsubstantiated claims.

Title: Observationer
Issue: 1/94
Publisher: SUFOI
Date: January 1994

This issue of UFO-Nyt focuses on the investigation of a series of unexplained aerial phenomena observed in the North Sea, alongside a discussion of UFOs within the European Parliament.

Lys over Nordsøen (Light over the North Sea)

The main article details the observation of a mysterious orange light phenomenon in the North Sea. The initial sighting occurred on Wednesday, October 20, 1993, at 04:50 DNT, by a weather observer on the Tyra Øst production platform. The object was described as round, luminous, with diffuse edges, and appeared a few degrees west of zenith, with a size estimated as half a full moon. The observer noted it was not the moon, as it was not visible at that time. The weather observer contacted the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI), who referred them to the Danish Navy's Operational Command (SOK), which in turn directed them to SUFOI's Alarm Central.

By 05:30, the weather observer reported the phenomenon to SUFOI. The light was also observed from the Gormfeltet platform, located about 18 km south of Tyra Øst, where two crane operators saw not one, but two elongated phenomena close to each other near zenith. Additionally, two ships in the vicinity of Tyra Øst observed the phenomenon. Attempts to photograph it from one of the ships were unsuccessful due to the vessel's instability. The weather observer on Tyra Øst noted that the phenomenon seemed to follow the slow movement of a nearby star, identified as Capella in the constellation Auriga. Clouds intermittently obscured the phenomenon, which eventually disappeared behind thicker cloud cover around 06:10. The total observation time was at least 80 minutes. The phenomenon was also viewed through binoculars, but no further details were revealed.

Later that day, the weather observer contacted Docent Erik Høg from the Astronomical Observatory at the University of Copenhagen. Høg initially speculated it might be a sunlit chemical trail from a space experiment. He contacted the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) and NASA, both of whom denied any such experiments over the North Sea at that time. Given that chemical trails are typically visible for only 20-30 minutes, this explanation was deemed unlikely.

SUFOI and Erik Høg issued press releases seeking witnesses, which resulted in numerous responses, including reports of "double moons," but none matched the North Sea observations.

Common explanations like bright stars, planets, or satellites were quickly ruled out. The possibility of noctilucent clouds was also considered. These clouds, composed of particles high in the atmosphere illuminated by the sun, are visible at night. However, noctilucent clouds typically appear in the summer, are relatively low on the horizon in the direction of the sun, are silvery-white, and move noticeably within 5-10 minutes. None of these characteristics matched the North Sea phenomenon.

An investigation into a possible special aurora phenomenon was also conducted and dismissed. The Sønderborg Amtsgymnasium reported no registered aurora activity on the night of October 19-20.

Fænomenet ses igen! (The Phenomenon is Seen Again!)

The case took a significant turn when the phenomenon was observed again from the Tyra Øst platform on Thursday morning, November 25, 1993. The new observation matched the first in terms of shape, color, and position in the sky. However, this time, multiple lights were seen close together instead of just one.

Erik Høg received this new report from Tyra Øst. As the phenomenon was still visible, he contacted the Gormfeltet platform. From Gormfeltet, a light phenomenon was observed in the direction of Tyra Øst, and four luminous spheres were seen near zenith. This suggested it was the same phenomenon observed on October 20, less than two months prior.

Høg concluded that this was not a rare phenomenon but rather a relatively common one. He hypothesized that it was an atmospheric reflection of light from the well-known burning flares on the platforms. SUFOI supported this explanation, declaring the North Sea case closed and concluding that the phenomenon was an atmospheric reflection of light from the large burning flares.

A photograph of a chemical trail, consisting of strontium atoms and ionized barium, created by a rocket at an altitude of 220 km and illuminated by the sun, is included as an illustration. This type of chemical trail is used to determine wind speeds in the upper atmosphere and was taken on August 24, 1971, in Søndre Strømfjord, Greenland.

Debat (Debate)

Det ufejlbarlige columbusæg? (The Infallible Columbus Egg?)

This section features a debate initiated by an article by Erling Hegelund in a previous issue of UFO-Nyt. The author agrees with Hegelund's call to investigate everything that glitters, even if it doesn't turn out to be gold. He argues that research involves exploring many possibilities, and ufology should be no different. Quoting UFO-Nyt's editor, Kim Møller Hansen, the author states, "We don't believe in everything, but we believe that everything should be investigated." The author advocates for applying scientifically accepted research methods to ufology, similar to how it's done in biology, astronomy, and sociology, to move from belief to knowledge.

UFO-dokument fra Europa-Parlamentet (UFO Document from the European Parliament)

This section announces that SUFOI has received a 12-page document from Tullio Regge, an Italian socialist atomic physicist, concerning his efforts to get the European Parliament to seriously address UFOs. The document, titled "Betænkning fra Energi-, Forsknings- og Teknologiudvalget om forslaget om oprettelse af et europæisk ufo-observationscenter (B3-1990/90)" (Report from the Committee on Energy, Research and Technology on the proposal for the establishment of a European UFO observation center), is recommended reading for anyone interested in UFO phenomena.

Ikke plads til ufoer i Europa (No Room for UFOs in Europe)

This article details the events surrounding Tullio Regge's proposal in the European Parliament in 1993 to establish a European UFO observation center. Regge, an atomic physicist, presented a report to the committee on energy, research, and technology. The proposal suggested that the EU take over the administration and funding of the French SEPRA institute in Toulouse, which is affiliated with the French space agency CNES and led by Jean-Jacques Velasco. SEPRA (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrées Atmosphériques) is described by some in the UFO community as a "black hole from which nothing escapes."

The debate on UFOs was initially scheduled for the European Parliament session in Strasbourg from November 15-19, 1993, but was postponed to January 1994.

The French ufo-organization's stance on SEPRA is unclear. The article notes that the British newspaper Financial Times reacted ironically to the EU's UFO plans, suggesting it was a way to compensate for the difficulty in explaining EU policies to its citizens.

Despite Regge's efforts, the European Parliament's political groups unanimously decided at the last minute to remove the item from the agenda. Information Director Guido Naets explained that the matter had already caused enough ridicule, stating, "In the midst of the worst economic crisis in Western Europe since World War II and with a bloody war in Bosnia, we cannot discuss little green men."

Tullio Regge intends to try again to have the issue placed back on the parliamentary agenda. The article concludes by noting that conspiracy theorists would likely interpret this event as further proof that governments know the truth about UFOs and are hiding it from the public.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific and investigative approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging open-mindedness while emphasizing rigorous research methods. The editorial stance is to explore all possibilities but to seek rational explanations, as demonstrated in the detailed investigation of the North Sea light phenomenon. There is a clear interest in official inquiries and parliamentary debates related to UFOs, as seen in the coverage of the European Parliament's discussions. The publication also serves as a platform for debate within the UFO community, encouraging critical analysis of core assumptions.