UFO Nyt - No 1 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: 1/95
Volume: 37th year
Date: 1st quarter 1995
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Price: DKK 217.00 (annual subscription)

This issue of UFO-Nyt, the Danish UFO magazine, delves into several intriguing cases and analyses within the field of ufology. It features a new Danish UFO photograph, a mysterious light observed over Aalborg, physical traces found in Sydsjælland, and a critical examination of the US Air Force's report on the Roswell incident.

Articles and Features

Cover Story: Nyt dansk UFO-foto? (New Danish UFO Photo?)

The cover highlights a new Danish UFO photograph, suggesting a potential significant sighting. The accompanying articles explore this and other cases.

Mystisk lys over Aalborg (Mysterious Light over Aalborg)

This article details an observation made on February 17, 1994, by a 53-year-old lecturer (initials NF) in Aalborg. While observing the night sky, NF noticed a red, 'fog-like' phenomenon resembling a 'long, elongated ellipse' in the lower part of the Ursa Major constellation. The light was described as dimmer than starlight, with constant luminosity and a distinct shape. It remained stationary for about half an hour before being obscured by clouds. The reporter, Torben Birkeholm, found no immediate natural explanation, ruling out noctilucent clouds due to the season. A possible explanation involving a chemical sky-tracer experiment was considered but deemed unlikely due to the observation's duration and the object's stationary nature relative to the stars.

Fysiske spor på Sydsjælland (Physical Traces in South Zealand)

This section reports on an incident from November 20, 1994, involving a 65-year-old pensioner (C.P.) from Stensved near Vordingborg. The witness reported a mysterious light, a light beam, a strange odor described as 'hot metal' or 'boiling metal,' and possibly a sighting of a figure in a dark suit. The incident began with a strange light in a fruit plantation, followed by the sighting of a figure about 140-150 cm tall with light hair running past the window. Later that night, a sharp, round light beam, about one meter in diameter, shone down on the patio. The light turned rust-red and disappeared. The following morning, the witness discovered two dark, approximately 3-4 meter long stripes on the roof tiles. SUFOI investigators collected samples from these stripes and a reference sample from another part of the roof. Analysis of the samples by zoologist Lars Thomas indicated the presence of organic material, including algae and lichen particles, in both samples, with a higher concentration in the trace sample. However, no soot was found, ruling out intense heating. The analysis also detected higher levels of sulfur, bromine, and potassium in the trace sample compared to the reference sample, though the significance is limited by the method's quantitative capabilities. The conclusion drawn is that the traces likely have an organic origin, possibly from bird droppings, and are not directly related to the observed light phenomenon.

Fortæller flyvevåbnet sandheden? (Is the Air Force Telling the Truth?)

This article critically examines the US Air Force's (USAF) 1995 report on the Roswell incident of 1947. The report, released while the General Accounting Office (GAO) was conducting its own investigation, concluded that the debris found was from a top-secret Mogul project balloon, not an alien spacecraft. The article notes the unusual timing of the USAF report, suggesting it was an attempt to close the case. It highlights that the Roswell incident was only considered a UFO event in the late 1970s and early 1980s, having been initially dismissed as a weather balloon. The USAF report found no official records of any UFO-related cover-up or unusual activities in July 1947. It identified the debris as part of the Mogul project, designed to detect Soviet nuclear tests. The article points out that the USAF's explanation relies on indirect evidence and that the GAO investigation is ongoing. It also mentions that the USAF report acknowledged that something did indeed crash, and that it was not a V2 rocket, experimental aircraft, or natural phenomenon, leaving the Mogul project or an unidentified object (UFO) as the only possibilities.

Er ufo-vidner normale? (Are UFO Witnesses Normal?)

This editorial discusses the psychological profile of UFO witnesses. It references research by Mikael Rothstein, who argued that witnesses of landings and close encounters differ psychologically from the general population. However, a new analysis from Canada, published in the 'Journal of Abnormal Psychology,' suggests otherwise. This study analyzed three groups, including 49 UFO witnesses, and found that UFO witnesses are psychologically normal and no more imaginative than control groups. The primary difference identified was a greater belief in UFOs and extraterrestrial life among witnesses, which the editorial suggests is a natural consequence of having had such experiences. The article concludes by encouraging people to report their observations to SUFOI rather than seeking psychological help.

Other Content

• Postboksen (Mailbox): Information regarding SUFOI's postal address and response times.
• SUFOI Information: Details about the organization's purpose, leadership, and contact information.
• Table of Contents: Lists the articles included in the issue, such as "Are UFO Witnesses Normal?", "Observations June-November 1994," "Physical Traces in South Zealand," "The Roswell Incident," and "The Mogul Project."
• Advertisements: Information about subscriptions, including special offers for multi-year subscriptions and a diskette service.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO phenomena, the analysis of witness testimonies, and the examination of official explanations for alleged UFO events. SUFOI's stance is one of serious, critical inquiry, aiming to gather and disseminate information while remaining open to various interpretations of the phenomena. The editorial emphasizes the importance of objective studies and encourages public reporting of sightings to the organization. There is a clear skepticism towards official explanations when they appear to be cover-ups, as suggested in the Roswell case analysis. The magazine also aims to demystify UFO witnesses, presenting research that supports their psychological normalcy.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 1/95
Date: January 1995

This issue of UFO-NYT, a Danish publication focused on UFO phenomena, features a mix of investigative reports, personal accounts, astronomical updates, and debates within the ufology community.

Roswell Incident Revisited

The issue revisits the famous Roswell incident of July 1947. It details the discovery of unusual material by Mac Brazel and D. Proctor, the subsequent military investigation involving Major Marcel, Colonel Blanchard, and Captain Cavitt, and the initial press release about a 'flying disc.' The article highlights the military's retraction and explanation of the debris as a weather balloon. It also touches upon the re-emergence of the story in 1978 with Jesse Marcel's claims that the material was not from a balloon, and the subsequent investigations by UFO groups. The narrative also briefly mentions the Barney Barnett story and its eventual dismissal due to lack of corroboration.

The Belgrave Mystery: A Close Encounter

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 'Belgrave mystery,' an alleged close encounter of the 3rd or 4th kind that occurred near Belgrave, Victoria, Australia, in August 1993. The article focuses on the experience of a witness named Kelly and her husband, Andrew. They reported seeing a UFO described as a football field-shaped object with orange lights. The account details a period of missing time, physical marks on Kelly (a triangle mark and a small cut), and subsequent medical issues including bleeding and infection. The article notes that Kelly underwent hypnotic regression, which, while detailing the observation, did not reveal evidence of abduction. It also mentions that other witnesses independently reported similar phenomena, and that UFO researchers Bill Chalker and John Auchetll investigated the case. Keith Basterfield also interviewed Kelly and observed a hypnosis session. The article hints at further details to be revealed in a subsequent part.

Astronomical Observations (February-April 1995)

This section provides a guide to observing planets in the solar system during the specified period:

• Mercury: Visible in the morning in early March, about 50 minutes before sunrise, located east of the Sun.
• Venus: Visible every morning in the spring and early summer, appearing as the morning star in the east.
• Mars: The article highlights the long-awaited opposition of Mars, which occurs approximately every two years. Opposition is when the planet is opposite the Sun in the sky, making it best for observation and appearing brighter. Mars is described as having a distinct reddish-orange glow.
• Jupiter: Beginning its opposition loop, visible as a morning star alongside Venus. Its opposition is expected in early June.
• Saturn: Has passed its opposition and is moving towards conjunction with the Sun.
• Uranus and Neptune: Not observable at the moment.

The Reliability of Children's Testimony in UFO Cases

An article by Per Andersen discusses the phenomenon of 'false memory,' particularly in relation to children's accounts of UFO experiences. It explains that children can develop complex visual memories without direct experience, often influenced by leading questions or suggestions. An example is given of a child who, after repeated questioning about a fabricated hospital visit involving a mouse trap, eventually 'recalled' the event in detail, including specific actions and people involved. Andersen stresses the importance of caution when interviewing child witnesses, especially regarding UFO sightings, and suggests that SUFOI (the Danish UFO organization) might need to consider stricter guidelines for accepting children's reports.

Debate: Ufoerne og SUFOI (UFOs and SUFOI)

This section features a debate between Mikael Rothstein and Per Andersen regarding the interpretation of UFO phenomena. Rothstein, a researcher with a background in religious history and sociology, argues that UFO reports are essentially modern myths, akin to older folklore and religious beliefs. He suggests that the 'narrative structure' of UFO accounts is more significant than the physical reality of the phenomena. Rothstein critiques SUFOI's focus on 'UFO reports' rather than the 'phenomena' themselves, and posits that his research into the religious and cultural aspects of UFO beliefs offers a different perspective than SUFOI's more technical and astronomical approach. He draws parallels between UFO encounters and historical accounts of encounters with supernatural beings, citing folklorists like Robert Pearson Flaherty and J. Gordon Melton. Rothstein also touches upon the idea that UFO sightings might increase during times of crisis, linking it to psychological projections rather than literal events. He concludes by stating that while he cannot prove UFOs don't exist physically, the evidence presented so far aligns with his interpretation of UFOs as cultural constructs.

Other Content

• Kursus for rapportoptagere (Course for Report Takers): An announcement for a SUFOI course on taking UFO reports, to be held in Odense in April 1995.
• Ufoer på videofilm (UFOs on Video Film): Advertisements for several UFO-related video films available for purchase, including "Masters of the Stars," "The Terrestrial Connection," and "Messengers of Destiny."
• Index: A comprehensive index for UFO-NYT 1993 and 1994 is provided, listing articles, authors, and topics.
• Advertisements: Ads for astronomical telescopes and software from Startec are featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a common theme in ufology: the challenge of distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and psychological factors like false memory, cultural influences, and misinterpretations of natural events. The magazine presents both detailed case studies (like Belgrave) and analytical discussions (like the debate on children's testimony and Rothstein's sociological perspective). The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation, acknowledging the complexities and varying interpretations within the field, while also engaging in critical analysis of evidence and witness reliability. The inclusion of astronomical updates suggests an interest in the scientific context of UFO sightings, but the focus remains on the unexplained and the human experience of these phenomena.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 1/95
Date: January 1995
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT features a prominent article titled "Sandheden om Greifswald-filmen" (The Truth about the Greifswald Film), which investigates a widely publicized video of alleged UFOs. The magazine also includes reports on other sightings and an announcement for an international UFO congress.

The Greifswald Film Investigation

The main article details the investigation into a video recorded on August 24, 1990, near Greifswald, Germany, by the Kaiser family. The video showed a cluster of bright lights, often described as seven individual lights, moving in the night sky. This footage had been shown multiple times on German television.

The German organization CENAP, with help from SUFOI, took on the task of investigating the phenomenon. Initial efforts included contacting local Danish newspapers to find witnesses on Lolland-Falster, a region close to Greifswald. While no immediate results came from this, the investigation gained traction in Germany.

German TV station ARD planned a new program about UFOs, which would feature the Greifswald film again, claiming new data and analysis. CENAP expressed concern, citing a strained relationship with another organization, MUFON-CES, which they accused of producing unserious UFO work disguised as scientific research.

CENAP's efforts led to many new witnesses coming forward. Katrin and Horst Fritz reported seeing a similar chain of lights in October 1986 near Anklam and Greifswald, moving slowly towards Wolgast. Steffen Pichollek from Greifswald reported seeing the phenomenon on the same night as the Kaiser video, while on a sailboat in Greifswalder Bodden. He believed they were luminous targets launched from Peenemünde and shot at.

Shipmaster Erwin Kollath also observed a light formation near Rügen, describing them as light bombs hanging in parachutes, possibly part of exercises with Swedish or Polish units. Ingolf Diense from Zarndorf also witnessed seven luminous spheres in the sky near Usedom, which he described as very bright lights in parachutes.

A former officer, Dr. Lüder Stock from Stralsund, provided significant insight. He confirmed that he had participated in launching similar "Christmas tree" launches as a former officer. These were luminous spheres released on parachutes for at least 20 minutes, used as practice targets for infrared anti-aircraft missiles. He noted that real aircraft were not practical for such exercises.

Confirmation of Military Origin

Based on these witness accounts, CENAP contacted various authorities. They confirmed that the area east of Rügen and Usedom was a former "Luftschiesszone II" (air combat zone) used by the DDR's defense and other Warsaw Pact countries. Exercises involving light bombs on parachutes were frequently conducted there, often launched from naval units for infrared-seeking missile practice. The light bombs were supplied by a company called "Silbermühle."

CENAP informed ARD about these findings, but the TV station proceeded with its broadcast, featuring the Greifswald film prominently. CENAP then released this information to the press, sparking a significant debate about the TV station's handling of facts that contradicted its planned broadcast.

Rudolf Henke from CENAP had contacted the German Ministry of Defence prior to the broadcast. Oberstløjtnant Booth from the air force press office confirmed that the recording showed seven light bombs on parachutes (in German jargon, "Feuertöpfe"). The smaller light points seen flying towards the light bombs and disappearing were rockets fired at the targets.

The magazine congratulates CENAP on their results, emphasizing that it is beneficial to clarify cases and avoid unnecessary myths.

Other Articles and Announcements

SUFOI Participates in International Congress: The article announces that SUFOI will participate in the eighth international congress of the English UFO organization BUFORA in Sheffield, England, on August 19-20, 1995. Per Andersen, SUFOI's chairman, will present on Danish UFO research. The congress will feature speakers from various countries.

"Lysende objekt fotograferet i Frankrig" (Luminous Object Photographed in France): This section describes an incident on August 2, 1994, in Metz, France, where a 16-year-old named Philippe Ferriè photographed a luminous object. The object, initially mistaken for a star, moved, changed shape, and increased speed. Ferriè managed to capture it on film using a 100 ASA film and a 35mm lens camera.

"Flyvende gigant" (Flying Giant): This report details an observation made on March 22, 1991, in Auderghem, Belgium. A man identified as D.K., a former officer and electro-engineer, observed a large, rectangular object moving low over rooftops. He described it as having a whistling sound and estimated its size to be 15-20 meters wide and about 30 meters long. The object moved slowly and appeared to be descending into a valley.

Offer for UFO Journals: An advertisement offers back issues of the journal "UFO Aspekt" for sale to benefit the SUFOI Support Fund. The available years are 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980 (up to issue 1), 1981, 1982, 1983 (issue 1), and 1984 (issue 1).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes a critical and investigative approach to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations, particularly those involving military exercises or misidentifications, over conventional UFO theories. The magazine highlights the importance of thorough research and verification, as demonstrated by the detailed analysis of the Greifswald film. There is a clear skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a preference for evidence-based conclusions. The magazine also promotes international cooperation within the UFO research community.