UFO Nyt - No 4 1994

Magazine Overview

Title: ufo nyt
Issue: Nr. 4
Volume: 36. årg.
Year: 1994
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Price: kr. 217,00 (annual subscription)

This issue of "ufo nyt" (UFO News) from 1994, published by SUFOI, covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, including scientific research, personal accounts, and the intersection of UFOs with religion and mythology. The cover prominently features a large satellite dish and headlines hinting at extraterrestrial planets, a couple's frightening UFO encounter, a crash on Spitsbergen, and scientific interest in Hessdalen.

Editorial: 1995: SUFOI's Most Important Year?

The editorial, written by Per Andersen, highlights SUFOI's ambitious plans for 1995, centering around a proposed "UFO 2000" exhibition in Copenhagen, which is part of the city's designation as European Capital of Culture in 1996. SUFOI has applied for significant funding for this project and is seeking collaboration with various international UFO organizations. Even if the exhibition funding is not secured, SUFOI is preparing for its own 40th anniversary, which will likely involve a special event. The editorial also mentions plans to train new report takers to improve the collection of UFO observations and hints at new book or booklet publications in 1995, including a special on the rare double-moon phenomenon. The year 1995 is framed around the keywords "information" and "cooperation," emphasizing the magazine's publications, lectures, media contact, and potential exhibition, as well as building a stronger network with other UFO researchers globally. A significant collaborative meeting is planned with various scientific and astronomical societies in Denmark.

Research: Scientific Interest in Hessdalen

This section details the renewed scientific interest in the Hessdalen phenomenon (HP) in Norway. The valley has been a focus due to unusual light phenomena since 1981. An international conference in London in 1983 marked a serious step towards investigation. In 1983, UFO-Norge and UFO-Sverige formed a group to study HP, avoiding the term "UFO" to maintain scientific credibility. Extensive monitoring in 1984-1985 yielded data but no definitive explanation. The article mentions J. Allen Hynek's visit in 1985. In 1994, Erling Strand initiated a new scientific workshop in Hessdalen, gathering international researchers including Hilary Evans, Paul Devereux, Professor Boris Smirnov, Professor A.I. Grigorev, Professor E.T. Protasevich, Professor Eduard A. Manikyn, Professor David Fryberger, and Professor Yoshi Otsuki. Discussions covered various theories, with Professor Smirnov concluding that HP is an unknown phenomenon, not ball lightning. David Fryberger proposed a new physics theory involving magnetic monopole charges. Yoshi Otsuki explored new energy forms. The article notes that the Hessdalen phenomenon is not ball lightning, as suggested by science, and includes a drawing by Henrik Klinge Pedersen.

A Couple Frightened by a UFO Display

This article recounts an incident in 1987 involving a couple in Urhøj, Denmark, who observed three luminous objects in the sky for several nights, forming a triangle. They reported feeling constantly watched and experiencing their bedroom being illuminated by a warm red/orange light. They witnessed three objects, described as metal-colored with a light ring and windows, flying over a neighbor's roof. Attempts to photograph the objects resulted in blank negatives. The couple estimated the objects to be about six meters in diameter and noted their rapid movement. They reported feeling psychologically affected by the experience. The article includes a drawing by the observers and notes that the objects were not ball lightning.

Debate: Aliens and Gods

This section, authored by Mikael Rothstein, explores the connection between UFO beliefs and modern religions. It questions whether there is anything new in these beliefs or if they are merely a rehash of classical religious history, and whether the interest in flying saucers has religious aspects.

The article begins with the story of Claude Vorilhon (founder of the Raelian movement) who, in 1974, claimed to have encountered a being named Eloha who revealed that extraterrestrials created life on Earth and directed its history. It then introduces George King, who in 1954, claimed telepathic contact with a Master from Venus named Aetherius, becoming a spokesperson for the "Interplanetary Parliament." George Adamski is also mentioned, who in 1952, reported contact with Venusians and flights on their spacecraft.

The author argues that these accounts are not entirely new, but rather resemble religious callings and revelations found throughout history, citing the myth of Moses. The parallels are drawn to the immaculate conception and the idea of a divine intermediary. The article suggests that UFO religions are often reformulations of existing traditions, adapting them to contemporary understanding.

It notes that the "aliens" are often described as creators or culture-bringers, functions typically attributed to supernatural beings in traditional mythologies, sometimes leading to ancestor worship.

Claude Vorilhon's Raelian movement teaches that the Bible is a record of extraterrestrial interventions. George King's Aetherius Society is described as theosophical, incorporating UFOs into their theology and believing that Masters have evolved into extraterrestrials who guide humanity. Their rituals involve channeling "healing energy" from spaceships via special apparatuses mounted on sacred mountains.

The article acknowledges that UFO religions are primarily an American phenomenon but have spread to Europe. It states that while there are many "saviors" and "prophets," stable followers are few. The broader interest in flying saucers is seen as more significant than the religious aspect.

Sociological studies suggest that a majority of the US population accepts the existence of mysterious aerial craft, with many leaning towards the hypothesis of beings from other planets or dimensions. The UFO phenomenon is shifting from a purely physical interest to a metaphysical one, with psychologists, sociologists, and physicists supporting these claims. The interest is no longer confined to specific social groups.

Kidnapping experiences, often revealed through regression hypnosis, are presented as a growing problem. "Abductees" report encounters with small, humanoid beings with large, slanted eyes. These experiences are compared to encounters with supernatural beings in folklore, such as elves and demons, but now originating from space.

Frank Scully's book "Behind the Flying Saucers" (1950) is mentioned, along with an image of Dana Howard listening to speakers at a convention. The article notes that the concept of being kidnapped is often induced during hypnosis, suggesting a psychological rather than objective reality. The widespread distribution of UFO beliefs in the Western world allows individuals to interpret reality through these myths.

The article concludes by noting that the first UFO sightings in the US were in 1947, and the interest has grown immensely, with around 20,000 titles on the subject. Some interpret this as a sign of the end times, similar to fundamentalist Christian views. Sociologists suggest that UFO interest rises with societal crises. The article poses the question of whether to listen to UFO religions that preach about a pollution-free planet and the return of original culture-bringers.

It emphasizes that the UFO phenomenon presents an interesting field for religious history research due to the diverse interpretations and the observable development of a modern folklore. The author, a religious historian, aims to provide a scientific clarification of the UFO phenomenon from a humanist perspective, without demeaning UFO witnesses or believers.

A comment by journalist Per Borgaard is included, referencing an article about Claude Vorilhon's UFO religion and reviews of books on UFO cults.

SUFOI Diskette Service

This section details SUFOI's Diskette Service, offering subscribers access to scanned UFO photos, astronomical images and films, astronomy programs, and all texts from UFO-Nyt before the magazine's official release. It also includes excerpts from SUFOI's internal newsletter and updated overviews of UFO observations in Denmark. The service costs kr. 150 for the entire year of 1995 and requires a UFO-Nyt subscription. Users can choose between 720 KB or 1.44 MB diskettes, with support for 5 1/4" diskettes ending in 1994.

Debate: UFOs and Mikael Rothstein

This article, written by Per Andersen, addresses SUFOI's stance on Mikael Rothstein's conclusions about UFO phenomena. SUFOI believes Rothstein's conclusions are based on insufficient evidence and do not align with statistical data. While SUFOI supports Rothstein's serious research into UFO phenomena, they disagree with his assertion that UFO reports are merely modern superstition and myths. The article specifically critiques two points: Rothstein's claims about where UFOs land (e.g., forest edges) and his assertion that UFO reports are influenced by observers' cultural backgrounds. SUFOI states that many of Rothstein's claims are undocumented and do not hold up under scrutiny, while acknowledging agreement on some points, which will be discussed later.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from multiple angles, including scientific investigation (Hessdalen), personal testimonies (the couple's encounter), and the cultural and religious implications of UFO beliefs. SUFOI positions itself as a supporter of serious UFO research, regardless of the conclusions, while maintaining a critical stance on unsubstantiated claims, as seen in their critique of Mikael Rothstein's work. The editorial emphasizes collaboration and information dissemination as key goals. The magazine also highlights the growing public interest in UFOs and their potential connection to societal changes and religious interpretations.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 4/94
Date: April 1994
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT features a diverse range of articles, including a debate on UFO phenomena, an astronomy section, historical archives, and book reviews.

Debate: Challenging UFO Myths

The lead article, "Debat," critically examines claims made by Mikael Rothstein regarding typical UFO sightings and characteristics. Rothstein's assertions, such as UFOs appearing at dusk or midnight, encounters with small, elf-like beings, and landings in specific rural locations, are challenged by the magazine's researchers. The article presents statistical analyses from Danish and French landing reports, which contradict Rothstein's claims about the timing and locations of sightings. For instance, data suggests that most sightings occur when it's dark, not necessarily during dusk, and that landings are not exclusively confined to rural spots like forest edges or crossroads. The article also disputes the claim that UFO occupants are almost always described as small, noting that analyses show a mix of descriptions, with some being human-sized or taller.

Furthermore, the article addresses Rothstein's assertion that people only see UFOs when highly motivated, often in crisis, and that UFO observations increase during societal crises. The authors state they have no knowledge of analyses supporting these claims. They also analyze the 1973 oil crisis in Denmark, finding no significant increase in UFO observations that year, contrary to the expectation that societal tension would correlate with more sightings.

The article then delves into the influence of folklore on UFO reports. While acknowledging that folklore elements can indeed color UFO narratives, the authors argue that this does not negate the possibility of a physical phenomenon. They draw a parallel to eyewitness accounts of car accidents, where different witnesses, due to their backgrounds, focus on different details, yet the accident itself still occurred. The authors conclude that while they agree with Rothstein on the importance of recognizing cultural and folkloric influences, they find his claims about the direct correlation between folklore and UFO reports to be exaggerated and lacking sufficient documentation. They maintain that the physical nature of UFO phenomena is not well understood and that SUFOI aims to contribute to its clarification.

Astronomy: Planetarium in Århus

The "Astronomi" section highlights the opening of a new museum and planetarium in Århus, Denmark, in the spring of 1994. The Steno Museum, part of the Danish Museum of Scientific History, features exhibits on the history of science and medicine. The planetarium, with its 11-meter dome and Skymaster starlight projector, is designed to be an engaging educational tool. Ole J. Knudsen, former head of SUFOI's Alarmcentral, now leads the planetarium. The facility will offer two types of shows: one for entertainment and another for education, targeting school classes and the general public. The article emphasizes the planetarium's role in making astronomical concepts accessible and fostering interest in the subject.

From the Archives: The Spitsbergen Myth Debunked

The "Fra arkiverne" section presents a detailed investigation into the alleged landing of a flying saucer on Spitsbergen in June 1952. The article traces the origin of the story to a German newspaper, Saarbrücker Zeitung, and its subsequent spread through various publications, including Swedish and Danish newspapers, and Donald E. Keyhoe's book. The investigation, led by Ole Jonny Brænne of UFO-Norge, meticulously examines the available evidence, including reports from pilots, military experts, and subsequent analyses. The article concludes that the entire Spitsbergen incident is a myth, with no credible evidence to support the claims. It highlights the lack of verifiable sources, the non-existence of certain cited newspapers, and the failure to find any witnesses or corroborating information from Norwegian authorities or local inhabitants. The research indicates that the story was likely a fabrication that gained traction over time.

Book Reviews

"Liv på andre planeter" (Life on Other Planets) by Palle Vibe:
This review discusses Palle Vibe's book, aimed at young readers aged 12-15, which explores the question of extraterrestrial life. The book covers the possibility of life on planets within our solar system, with a particular focus on Mars. It also touches upon theories of panspermia, suggesting that life may have originated elsewhere and been transported to Earth. The review notes the book's discussion of the challenges of interstellar travel and the role of radio telescopes in the search for intelligent life.

"The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence" by Edward Ashpole:
Reviewed by Kim Møller Hansen, this book is described as a foundational text on SETI (Search for ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence). It provides a historical overview of humanity's quest for extraterrestrial life, discusses methods for detecting intelligent signals, and explores the possibilities of colonization and alien visitation. The review praises Ashpole's extensive use of examples and his balanced presentation of arguments for and against common claims and hypotheses, including the idea that if UFOs were extraterrestrial, evidence would have been found by now.

SUFOI News

The issue includes a brief mention of SUFOI's sister organization, UFO-Norge, inaugurating a new office and research center. It also highlights SUFOI's own Support Fund, which is used for special activities, and expresses a desire for a larger UFO exhibition, encouraging readers to contribute financially.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, distinguishing between factual observations and folkloric interpretations. There is a strong emphasis on scientific investigation and the debunking of unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the Spitsbergen case. The magazine also promotes astronomical awareness through the coverage of the new planetarium. The editorial stance appears to be one of rigorous research, skepticism towards sensationalism, and a commitment to clarifying the nature of UFO phenomena through evidence-based analysis. The publication actively engages with its readership, encouraging contributions and participation in the ongoing exploration of these subjects.

This issue of UFO-NYT, number 4/94, published by SUFOI, features a cover story titled 'Mit møde med korncirklen' (My encounter with a crop circle) and includes several reviews and news items related to UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial intelligence.

Reviews and Articles

The Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

The issue reviews Edward Ashpole's book, 'The Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence', which is presented as a scientifically grounded exploration of the SETI hypothesis. The book suggests that intelligent civilizations, once established, would naturally colonize the galaxy. The review highlights that credible UFO reports align with this hypothesis and emphasizes the need for scientific investigation to find evidence.

My Encounter with a Crop Circle

This personal account by Hans Bødker describes a visit to Salisbury, England, in August with the intention of seeing crop circles. After some difficulty in locating them, the author found a crop circle near the 'White Horse' figure. The crop circle consisted of several concentric rings with different centers and widths, some of which were crossing. The author notes that the crop circles were not new, as the flattened corn had begun to sprout, indicating they were at least 14 days old. Despite experiencing no unusual phenomena within the circle, the author felt a sense of the supernatural and expressed a desire to investigate further with better preparation.

Model of Space Colonies

A photograph shows a model of space colonies, as conceived by NASA over the years. The caption suggests that such models represent potential future habitats for humanity.

Dinosaur Intelligence

Another image depicts a model of a carnivorous dinosaur, Stenonychosaurus. The text speculates that based on its skull size, this dinosaur was quite intelligent and could have evolved into a human-like intelligent being if evolution had taken a different path.

News Briefs

Letter from Saudi Arabia

Elizabeth A Marzi sent a letter and a photograph taken in Crete on August 3, 1994, showing a strange 'object' in the sky. The magazine identifies this object not as a UFO, but as a defect in the film.

Australian Desert Stripes

Australian scientists have discovered five parallel stripes in the Nullarbor desert, each 400 kilometers long and 15 kilometers wide. These formations, discovered through satellite geological surveys, appear to be colder than the surrounding desert, but their origin is unknown.

Swiss Air Force Collects UFO Reports

The Swiss Air Force's intelligence service has been collecting UFO reports for years, as confirmed by its department head, Hansrüdi Fehrlin. The archives contain documents, including reports from three military pilots from February 1971 who independently observed UFOs during night flights over Lake Biel.

UFO-Norway Receives Inheritance

A 14-year-old boy who passed away in February left a portion of his inheritance (11,000 DKK) to UFO-Norway's support fund. The organization is grateful and considering how best to use the funds for UFO-related work in the young man's memory.

SUFOI Activities

SUFOI is organizing a course for new report takers in Odense on April 1st-2nd, 1995. Further information can be obtained from Bo Nielsen at tel. 86 28 90 61.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific approach to investigating UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the review of Ashpole's book and the emphasis on scientific inquiry. It also covers personal experiences with alleged UFO-related phenomena like crop circles, while maintaining a critical stance on photographic evidence, as seen in the Saudi Arabia letter. The publication serves as a platform for news and activities within the UFO research community in Denmark and internationally.