UFO Nyt - No 2 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: ufo nyt
Issue: Nr. 2
Volume: 36. årg.
Date: 1994
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Price: kr. 207,00

This issue of "ufo nyt" (UFO News) from SUFOI, a Danish organization for UFO research, delves into various UFO sightings, alleged encounters, and related phenomena reported in Denmark and beyond. The cover prominently features headlines about a car stop near Viborg, alleged alien beings in Nivå, a TV2 admission of manipulation, and a famous UFO photo debunked as a hoax.

Key Articles and Reports

Bilstop ved Viborg (Car Stop near Viborg)

This article details an incident that occurred in October 1976 near Viborg, Denmark. A 47-year-old woman, referred to as 'K', reported that her car suddenly stopped while driving on a dark, rainy night. Four bright lights were observed emanating from a swampy area about 15 meters from the road. The car's lights went out, and the engine failed. The occupants, including 'K', her husband, and two friends from South Africa, experienced fear and anxiety, refusing to leave the car. They described the lights as sharp and intense but not blinding. After about fifteen minutes, the lights ascended rapidly and disappeared, after which the car's engine started again. 'K' contacted the police, who referred her to Karup, but no explanation was found. The incident left 'K' deeply shaken, and she avoided that road at night thereafter. The article notes that the witness's husband, a mechanic, could not explain the car's failure. The report emphasizes the witness's credibility and the lack of a natural explanation for the event, concluding that the case remains unsolved.

Fremmede væsner i Nivå? (Alien Beings in Nivå?)

This report describes a strange encounter reported by an elderly woman in Nivå, Denmark, on September 28, 1988. While driving home on a rainy evening, she observed two small (approximately 50-55 cm tall), olive-green beings standing by a drain. She described them as having egg-shaped heads, narrow hips, slender arms and knees, pointed feet, and a single 'finger' on their hands. They wore tight-fitting, ribbed, plastic-like suits and gestured towards each other. The witness experienced inexplicable fear and quickly drove away. The report notes that the drain mentioned is located close to the road, and questions why the witness did not see the beings again when she turned her car around. The author suggests that the poor observation conditions (rainy night) might have led to a misinterpretation of natural phenomena, possibly two children in rain gear, as alien beings. The case is considered interesting due to its rarity but lacks direct connection to UFOs and has critical points that raise questions about the observation's clarity.

TV2 indrømmer manipulation (TV2 Admits Manipulation)

This brief mention on the cover suggests an article or report within the magazine discusses an admission by the Danish television channel TV2 regarding manipulation, likely in relation to UFO or paranormal content.

Berømt ufofoto afsløret som svindel (Famous UFO Photo Revealed as Fraud)

Another cover headline indicates that a well-known UFO photograph, taken in Oregon in 1966, has been investigated and revealed to be a hoax. The article promises an explanation from an American physicist.

Lysende kugler over Kolding (Luminous Spheres over Kolding)

Reported by Asle Nielsen, this article details an observation made by a couple in Kolding on the night of July 27, 1993. They witnessed a total of 39 luminous spheres over a period of about an hour, appearing in groups of varying numbers. The spheres flew in formation, changing positions, and at times emitted a faint whistling sound. The observations are being investigated by SUFOI.

Danske rapporter - kort fortalt (Danish Reports - Briefly Told)

• This section provides short summaries of several UFO-related incidents:
• Lille rød kugle (Small Red Sphere): In November 1987, a woman in Nykøbing Falster saw a small red sphere flying at a low altitude for several minutes. This report was delayed by five years due to her family's dismissive reaction.
• Kæmpecigar over Holte (Giant Cigar over Holte): Two friends in Holte observed a dark brown, cigar-shaped object with a glowing opening and smoke, estimated to be 2 meters in diameter and 6 meters long, flying silently.
• To sekskantede lys (Two Hexagonal Lights): On June 15, 1992, two hexagonal lights were seen hovering over trees near Viborg. They moved in unusual patterns, changing orientation before ascending and disappearing over a lake.

Projektører over København (Projectors over Copenhagen)

Arne S. Petersen reports on a series of calls received on the night of January 22, 1994, from people in the Copenhagen area who observed four bright lights moving in formation in the sky. These lights were described as 'projectors' and were visible for several hours. The lights were seen moving over the clouds, and observers noted their position relative to Amager. The article suggests the lights might have been part of a show, possibly near the Bella Center.

Are We Alone

This article discusses recent astronomical discoveries, including the potential existence of a twelfth planet in our solar system, as suggested by NASA to explain deviations in the orbits of Uranus and Neptune. It contrasts this with ancient Sumerian cosmology, which reportedly depicted a 12-member solar system thousands of years ago. The article references the work of Zecharia Sitchin and his theories about extraterrestrial influence on early human civilization, including the development of DNA and the origins of life. It also mentions a video titled "Are We Alone" and a book "Genesis Revisited" offered for sale by ANKI INTERNATIONAL, which explore these themes, including NASA images of Martian pyramids and a sphinx dated to 450,000 B.C.

SUFOI Activities and Information

Møde i sneen (Meeting in the Snow)

This section covers a SUFOI meeting held on March 19-20, 1994, in Kolt, near Århus. The event included presentations and a UFO quiz on Saturday, followed by the SUFOI representative meeting on Sunday. Toke Haunstrup presented on the "Nordsø-sagen" (North Sea Case), and Per Andersen discussed "double moon" sightings from the previous year. Peter Nørgaard conducted a UFO quiz. The meeting also touched upon the economic status of SUFOI, membership development, and strategies to increase subscriptions for UFO-Nyt. The event concluded with a social gathering in Århus.

SUFOI's Formål og Ledelse (SUFOI's Purpose and Leadership)

Page 3 details the purpose of SUFOI, which is to contribute to the understanding of UFO phenomena through collection, processing, and dissemination of information. It defines a UFO phenomenon and states that SUFOI does not promote any specific theory about their origin. The page also lists the daily leadership (chairman and two vice-chairmen) and other members of the representative body, along with their contact information.

Subscription and Contact Information

Details are provided for subscribing to UFO-Nyt, including prices for 1994, options for receiving the magazine in an envelope, and a 5-year subscription offer. Information on SUFOI's diskette service and procedures for address changes are also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious and critical approach to UFO research, emphasizing the collection and analysis of source material. While open to various possibilities, SUFOI does not endorse specific theories about the origin of UFOs. The editorial stance, as expressed in Per Andersen's "Leder" (Editorial), celebrates the "special worldview" of its readers, who are open to the unusual and extraordinary. The magazine aims to educate the public about UFO phenomena and encourages reader participation through reports and contributions. There's a clear effort to provide explanations for sightings where possible, but also to acknowledge the genuinely unexplained cases. The magazine also engages with broader topics related to astronomy, ancient civilizations, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, as seen in the "Are We Alone" article.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 2/94, focuses on several key topics within ufology, including media manipulation, the scientific investigation of alleged extraterrestrial materials, and political discussions surrounding UFOs in Europe.

TV2 Admits Manipulation

The lead article, "TV2 indrømmer manipulation" (TV2 Admits Manipulation), reveals that the Danish television channel TV2 has admitted that its series "Strengt Fortroligt" (Strictly Confidential) was pure fiction, despite being marketed as "based on real events." The article criticizes TV2 for this deliberate manipulation of the Danish public, suggesting it was done to attract viewers. This admission came after an inquiry from Boye Petersen of IGAP to TV2. Program editor Kaare Schmidt confirmed that the series was fiction and that fiction can take liberties with reality. The magazine argues that this labeling was a conscious effort to lure viewers by appealing to the public's fascination with sensational and real-life events.

Sten til undersøgelse (Stones for Investigation)

This section details SUFOI's ongoing efforts to identify potential meteorite finds. Two stones were submitted for examination. The first, weighing approximately 658g, was identified as a clay-ironstone concretion with a light interior and a dark, rusty outer crust. The second, a 42g slag-like material found on Falster, was identified as industrial slag. Neither was a meteorite, highlighting the rarity of actual finds and the need for public vigilance. The article also mentions that the Swedish astronomer Bjørn Stenholm was searching for a meteorite after a significant fireball sighting near Helsingborg, Malmö, and Kristianstad. SUFOI had received reports of similar sightings in Denmark. The section concludes by noting that only four meteorites have been found in Denmark to date.

Sten til undersøgelse - How to Identify a Meteorite

This part of the article provides guidance on identifying potential meteorites, drawing from the work of Vagn F. Buchwald. Key characteristics of iron meteorites include being very heavy, magnetic, and having an irregular, rusty surface with small indentations. Stone-iron meteorites might have a thin black crust and a lighter interior, and are weakly magnetic. Stone meteorites are described as having a thin black crust and an inner color that contrasts with the surface. Readers are encouraged to contact SUFOI if they find a stone they suspect might be a meteorite, as scientific evaluation and potential rewards are offered.

Astronom på meteorit jagt (Astronomer on Meteorite Hunt)

This subsection reports on a meteor sighting observed by many people in southern Sweden on March 18th. The event, described as a large, bright fireball, was seen by astronomer Bjørn Stenholm, who believes observers in Denmark might have also seen it. SUFOI's alarm center received reports from Sjælland and Jylland. The phenomenon was also registered by Gotfred Møbjerg Kristensen using radio equipment. SUFOI shared information with Swedish authorities.

Kendt foto forklaret (Known Photo Explained)

This article re-examines a famous UFO photograph taken in Willamette Pass, Oregon, on November 22, 1966. The official story described a biokemiker photographing a luminous object that appeared suddenly. The object was estimated to be over 7 meters in diameter and appeared to shift position three times, creating a layered effect. Physicist Irwing Wieder, after extensive investigation, concluded that the photograph was not of a UFO but of a road sign ('DIAMOND PEAK') taken from a moving car. He recreated the conditions and produced similar images, demonstrating how the 'layered discs' and 'exhaust' could be artifacts of the photographic process and the car's movement.

Ufoernes skæbne i Europa-Parlamentet (The Fate of UFOs in the European Parliament)

This section discusses the European Parliament's consideration of UFO phenomena. A report by Italian scientist Tullio Eugenio Regge, proposing the establishment of a European UFO observation center, was on the agenda. However, political group leaders decided to remove it, citing the inappropriate timing due to the economic crisis and the war in Bosnia. Information director Guido Naets stated that discussing "little green men" was not a priority. Despite the removal from the agenda, the report itself was not officially rejected and could potentially be revisited. The article also mentions a previous proposal by Elio Di Rupoblev in 1990 for a European UFO observation center, which was referred to the Energy, Research, and Technology Committee. The committee had several meetings and eventually adopted a draft report unanimously, but its fate in the full Parliament remained uncertain.

Forslag om SEPRA som ufo-center (Proposal for SEPRA as UFO Center)

Within the European Parliament's discussions, the French SEPRA institute (Service d'Expertise des Phénomènes de Rentrées Atmosphériques) was proposed as a potential EU-wide UFO observation center. SEPRA, led by Jean-Jacques Velasco, is a successor to GEPAN, a French organization that previously investigated UFO sightings. The article notes that SEPRA is considered by some to be passive and overly critical, possibly due to limited resources. The possibility of EU funding and collaboration with other European UFO organizations is discussed.

GEPAN and its Legacy

The article briefly touches upon the history of GEPAN, established in 1977, and its predecessor. It highlights the interest of former French Defense Minister Robert Galley in UFO phenomena and the collection of UFO reports within the ministry. GEPAN published several reports and investigated significant cases, including the 1981 Trans-en-Provence incident, which involved physical evidence like landing traces.

New Books (Nye bøger)

This section reviews two books:

• "Vague d'OVNI sur la Belgique" (UFO Wave over Belgium) by members of the Belgian UFO study group SOBEPS. This book is praised for its comprehensive documentation of UFO sightings in eastern Belgium between 1989-1991, featuring hundreds of witnesses. It is noted for its quality and objectivity, surpassing many commercially driven publications. The book is written in French, which is identified as a barrier to wider distribution.
• "Missing Pieces. How to investigate ghosts, UFOs, psychics & other mysteries" by Robert A. Baker & Joe Nickell. This book is criticized for its confrontational approach towards "superstition" and "New Age" beliefs, despite claiming to advocate for open-mindedness and neutrality. The authors, associated with CSICOP, are accused of promoting a skeptical agenda and engaging in a "war against ignorance."

SUFOI sælger (SUFOI Sells)

This is a sales section where SUFOI offers various UFO-related materials, including complete issues of UFO-Nyt from 1968, books like "UFOs from behind til Iron Curtain" and "UFO Exist," and other publications. Contact information for Per Andersen is provided for purchases.

Notitser (News Items)

• Officiel undersøgelse af nedstyrtede ufoer (Official Investigation of Crashed UFOs): The US General Accounting Office (GAO) has been asked by Congressman Steve Schiff to investigate the alleged UFO crash in New Mexico in 1947 and the potential for secret or destroyed archival material. Schiff expressed concerns about government honesty regarding the incident.
• Frigivne rapporter om eksplosioner i atmosfæren (Released Reports on Atmospheric Explosions): Satellites have registered over 136 powerful explosions in the Earth's upper atmosphere since 1975, with three occurring over Great Britain. These events, stronger than 1,000 tons of TNT, are considered unknown natural phenomena and were previously kept secret.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical and investigative approach to UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of scientific scrutiny, debunking hoaxes or misidentifications (as seen with the TV2 series and the Oregon photo), and encouraging rigorous investigation of potential evidence, such as meteorite finds. There is a clear stance against sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims, advocating for factual reporting and open, yet critical, inquiry. The magazine also highlights the challenges in getting UFO topics taken seriously by official bodies, as demonstrated by the European Parliament's decision. The editorial stance is one of cautious skepticism combined with a genuine interest in uncovering the truth behind unexplained phenomena.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 2/94, is a Danish publication focusing on UFO phenomena, astronomy, and other unusual occurrences. The magazine features a mix of articles, short reports, and reader contributions, offering a glimpse into the topics of interest within the UFO and paranormal community in the early 1990s.

Articles and Reports

Atmospheric Explosions and the Tunguska Event

The issue begins with a report on atmospheric explosions, referencing theories that such phenomena might be mistaken for enemy attacks, potentially leading to nuclear retaliation. It specifically mentions the mysterious explosion in Tunguska, Siberia, on June 30, 1908, suggesting it could have been caused by such an atmospheric event. British astronomer John Mason is cited, noting that these explosions can create visible light phenomena, sometimes described as 'flying saucers,' with a significant portion of the energy released in the infrared spectrum. The report concludes by stating that there is no current information about such explosions being registered in the upper atmosphere over Denmark.

Astronomical BBS's in Denmark & Europe

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to introducing readers to Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) with an astronomical focus. The author, Lars Henrik Andersen, explains that BBS's are computer databases accessible via a modem, containing a wealth of information, including articles and software. He notes that there are over 300 BBS's in Denmark, most of which are freely accessible. Andersen details his search for astronomical BBS's in Denmark, identifying two: 'Astro-BBS' located at the county gymnasium in Sønderborg, and 'The Astronomical Nightsky,' run by a private individual. Both are described as containing interesting information and programs, such as simulators and planetarium software. He also provides a list of astronomical BBS's in Europe, including contact numbers for systems in Germany, Spain, Finland, and Belgium, though he notes the cost of international calls.

Stock Market Astrology

The magazine features a short report titled "Børsmælger tjener penge på astrologi" (Stockbroker makes money on astrology). It highlights Arch Crawford, an American stockbroker who uses astrology to predict stock market movements. Crawford was recognized by Time Digest in 1991 and 1992 as the most accurate stock market predictor in the USA. The article cites an example of his prediction of a market top on August 24, 1987, which proved correct. The report acknowledges the skepticism surrounding astrology but presents Crawford's success as evidence, while also noting a potential logical fallacy in the argument that his astrological practice directly leads to his success as a stockbroker.

Crop Circles: For Sale?

A brief item mentions an advertisement found in the magazine 'Cerealogist' (nr. 9) offering crop circles for sale for various events like garden parties and weddings. The item clarifies that this advertisement is a joke.

"Dear Earthling" Letter

A peculiar, humorous letter from an extraterrestrial is included, addressed to "Dear Earthling." The writer claims to be a creature from outer space who has transformed into a piece of paper and is currently "having sex with your fingers." The letter ends with a request to be passed on to someone else because the writer is "realy horny."

"Round in Circles" and "More Circle Nonsense"

Two short articles discuss crop circles. "Round in Circles" questions the authenticity of crop circles, citing a claim that people feel a sense of religious awe and perceive them as intelligent and alive. "More Circle Nonsense" delves into the interpretation of crop circle symbols, specifically a pictogram found in Wiltshire in August 1991. The article mentions Gerald Hawkins' interpretation of the symbols as a message in Latin: "oppono astos," meaning "I am against hoaxes." The article humorously points out the irony of intelligent beings traveling from distant stars but being unable to use common Latin letters for their messages. It also notes that 'Cerealogist' magazine has offered a prize for anyone who can provide a similar interpretation of the pictogram.

"The Answer to Everything"

This short piece satirically describes a service where one can allegedly obtain "the final solution of the universe's form, function and formula" through a lecture at a specific address in Copenhagen. It mentions the "cosmological model of 1993" and the "fundamental principle of the universe."

Support UFO Work in Denmark

A section appeals for financial contributions to support UFO research and the publication of results by UFO-Nyt. It provides the status of the research fund and support fund as of May 1, 1994, and gives giro details for donations.

"Ufonauts or Ghosts?"

This article revisits a story previously published in UFO-Nyt nr. 4, 1993, about Americans who believe mysterious men in white suits helped them change tires on deserted roads. A reader shares a similar story from a Danish weekly magazine about an American woman, Joyce Tolliver, who was helped by a motorcyclist to change a flat tire. When she offered payment, he said he didn't need money where he came from. Later, she discovered the motorcyclist was her deceased son, who had died in a motorcycle accident a year prior on the same road. The article, referencing the 'National Enquirer,' suggests this incident points to a ghost rather than an extraterrestrial.

"A Gift from Heaven"

Peter W. Becker from Pennsylvania recounts an unusual experience where an object from the sky landed on his car's hood. Upon investigation, he identified the object as a pizza, described as "stone hard and ice cold." He notes it was not his preferred type of pizza, being made of pure tomato and cheese on a thin crust. Becker did not see any birds or aircraft during the event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-NYT include unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), astronomical interests, and various paranormal or unusual events. The magazine appears to present a wide range of accounts, from alleged extraterrestrial encounters to supernatural occurrences like ghosts and mysterious crop circle messages. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting these stories to the reader for their own consideration, often with a touch of skepticism or humor, as seen in the commentary on stock market astrology and the "Dear Earthling" letter. The inclusion of reader contributions and appeals for support suggests an effort to engage the readership and foster a community around these topics.