UFO Nyt - No 2 1995

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: Nr. 2
Volume: 37. årg.
Date: 1995, 2nd quarter
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

Editorial Content

Leder (Editorial)

Per Andersen, the chairman of SUFOI, opens the editorial by connecting a Gallup poll on UFO beliefs with the organization's mission. The poll revealed that one-third of the Danish population believes UFOs exist, and approximately 400,000 Danes claim to have seen them. Andersen notes that SUFOI receives far fewer reports (around 500 per year) than this statistic suggests, attributing this to a lack of awareness about how to report sightings and fear of ridicule. He emphasizes SUFOI's commitment to public awareness efforts in 1995, including the release of two new special booklets.

The first booklet discusses 'UFO waves,' exploring whether they are purely man-made phenomena amplified by media attention or if UFOs genuinely appear more frequently at certain times and places. The second booklet details Danish 'double moon' observations analyzed by SUFOI, including six cases from a single month. The editorial also touches upon the financial needs of SUFOI to support its public awareness initiatives, such as exhibitions and lectures. As a new incentive for donors, SUFOI is offering a limited edition pen with the SUFOI logo for contributions of 50 DKK or more.

Postboksen (Mailbox)

This section provides practical information for readers wishing to contact SUFOI. It states that the postbox in Gentofte is emptied weekly, and responses may take up to 14 days. All inquiries will receive a reply, but patience is requested.

Indhold (Contents)

The table of contents lists the articles in this issue:

• Gallup, løfter og kuglepenne!
• Gådefulde lys, rumfolk og en synsk dame på Fyn
• Luftigt rumskib over Viborg
• Faren ved en tissepause!
• Sensation i krydsfiner!
• Sidste nyt om klassisk nedstyrtning
• Er ufonauterne rumvæsner eller vores tip-tip oldebørn?
• Kig på himlen
• En forestilling om ufoer
• Nye bøger
• Notitser
• To nye hefter fra SUFOI

Danske rapporter (Danish Reports)

Gådefulde lys, rumfolk og en synsk dame på Fyn (Mysterious Lights, Space People, and a Psychic Lady on Funen)

This article by Erling Hegelund details an investigation into a reported sighting in Allesø, near Odense. The incident involved three young individuals (FH, AS, and HT) who observed a grey, transparent object over a field. The object reportedly emitted light and a howling sound, and the witnesses felt as if they were being lifted towards it. The object then split into two half-spheres, displayed a blue light, and a submarine-like object briefly appeared before it reformed and disappeared. The witnesses independently drew the object, with slight variations in their descriptions. The article also mentions a psychic woman in Allesø who claims to have contact with extraterrestrials and to receive energy from them for healing purposes. Attempts to corroborate the sighting with neighbors were unsuccessful, as they reported seeing nothing unusual. The author concludes that while the witnesses' credibility is high, their observations might have been influenced by the psychic's strong suggestions, making the story difficult to definitively categorize.

Tre anderledes lys over Aalborg (Three Different Lights over Aalborg)

Lars Mosbæk, an amateur astronomer, reported observing three unusual lights over Aalborg on April 4, 1995. Initially appearing as satellites in a parallel formation, one of the lights began moving in sharp, unnatural turns. The observation lasted about five seconds.

Stærkt lys (Strong Light)

An 89-year-old woman in Jordløse on Funen reported being awakened by a powerful yellowish-white light that filled her bedroom for about half an hour. She noted a rise in temperature but did not investigate further due to her limited mobility and living alone.

Sorte trekanter ved Fåborg (Black Triangles near Fåborg)

Two individuals at Fjællebroen harbor reported seeing three matte black triangles hovering silently in the sky for about five minutes before disappearing without a sound.

Fotosag (Photo Case)

Luftigt rumskib over Viborg (Airy Spaceship over Viborg)

This extensive section, authored by Ole Henningsen, examines a well-known Danish UFO photograph taken in Viborg in 1974. The photo, showing a cloud-like formation, has been circulated internationally and interpreted by some as an alien spacecraft. SUFOI, however, maintains it is a cloud phenomenon. The article details the history of the photo, including a renewed inquiry from Gayle Nesom of MUFON in Texas, who encountered the image on a UFO CD-ROM. The investigation involved a police report filed by a police officer (KK) in 1975, who described the object as aerodynamic and potentially similar to the experimental Boeing X-20 Dyna Soar. The report was sent to the Air Force Command (FTK) in Karup for analysis.

FTK initially suggested the phenomenon could be a meteorological event, possibly related to steam emissions from the Viborg heating plant. However, after further investigation prompted by SUFOI's involvement and a more precise location of the sighting, FTK concluded that the phenomenon was likely a steam emission from the Asmildparken heating plant, a known occurrence during boiler blow-downs. SUFOI obtained the original negative in 1976 and conducted further analysis. The article also discusses the possibility of similar phenomena being mistaken for UFOs, referencing the Condon Report's analysis of 'double moon' sightings and 'mushroom cloud' formations from test explosions.

Further analysis of the Viborg photo was conducted by Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) in the USA in 1980, using advanced computer techniques. GSW's findings indicated that the phenomenon was diffuse, distant, and showed no signs of manipulation, but did not definitively identify it as non-terrestrial.

Dyna Soar fløj aldrig (Dyna Soar Never Flew)

This sub-section clarifies that the experimental Boeing X-20 Dyna Soar, mentioned in the police report, was never operational and its aerodynamic design was not as depicted in the photo's context.

Politirapporten (The Police Report)

This section reproduces excerpts from the police report filed by KK on April 28, 1975, detailing the photographer's account of the sighting on November 17, 1974, near Nørresø, Viborg. The report describes the object as circular, approximately twenty meters in diameter, with an aerodynamic shape and a ring that emitted a vapor cloud.

IGAP-undersøgelse (IGAP Investigation)

In September 1978, KK handed over the negative to Major H.C. Petersen of IGAP for further investigation, which led to an article in UFO-Kontakt nr. 1/1979. This article referenced an analysis by Colman S. von Kevieczky, who had a history of analyzing UFO photos, sometimes with questionable conclusions.

Skyen bliver til rumskib (The Cloud Becomes a Spaceship)

Von Kevieczky's analysis described the object as a 'classic occurrence' of a non-terrestrial craft at low to medium altitudes, noting its disk shape with a dark perimeter and its hovering at approximately 100 meters above ground.

SUFOI spørger flyvevåbnet (SUFOI Asks the Air Force)

In January 1979, SUFOI received the original negative and contacted FTK for details on their investigation. FTK confirmed that the photo was genuine and initiated a routine investigation. They found no evidence of civilian or military aircraft in the area. FTK's conclusion was that the phenomenon was likely caused by a local steam emission from the Viborg heating plant.

Ingen fly i området (No Aircraft in the Area)

This confirms that no aircraft were present in the vicinity at the time of the sighting.

Dampudslip - siger FTK (Steam Emission - Says FTK)

FTK reiterated their conclusion that the phenomenon was a steam emission, specifically from the heating plant at Asmildparken, not the main Viborg heating plant. They noted that such steam emissions are not unusual.

Efterlysning i UFO-Nyt (Wanted in UFO-Nyt)

Following FTK's explanation, UFO-Nyt published the photo and requested reader information to shed more light on the case. Several readers responded, including one who had participated in generating 'mushroom cloud' explosions for simulation purposes.

Sort ring på himlen (Black Ring in the Sky)

This section discusses similar phenomena, specifically a 'black ring' observed in the sky. Ole J. Knudsen of SUFOI received a report from two young people who saw a white ring surrounding a massive black ring, which then dissolved. This was later confirmed by Holstebro Barracks to be the result of a test explosion on October 19, 1978. Birthe Jensen also photographed a similar 'smoke ring' phenomenon in Nørre Felding on the same date, which was also attributed to a test explosion.

Man tager fem benzintromler... (One Takes Five Gasoline Drums...)

This sub-section explains the process of creating a realistic 'mushroom cloud' effect using gasoline drums, diesel oil, and TNT, which can then form a concentrated black smoke ring. It references the Condon Report's analysis of similar phenomena.

Ens fotos fra USA og Nørre Felding (Similar Photos from USA and Nørre Felding)

This section compares the Viborg photo with photos taken at Fort Belvoir, USA, in September 1957, which also showed a dark ring dissolving into a cloud. Both sets of photos are concluded to be the result of test atomic grenades, demonstrating that such cloud-like phenomena can be mistaken for UFOs.

Camoufleret UFO? (Camouflaged UFO?)

The editorial staff of UFO-Kontakt, however, maintain their belief that the Viborg photo depicts a camouflaged UFO, and also consider the Nørre Felding photos to be evidence of camouflaged UFOs.

Fotoet bliver computer-analyseret i USA (The Photo is Computer-Analyzed in the USA)

This section details the 1980 GSW analysis of the Viborg photo, highlighting its diffuse nature, distance from the observer, and lack of evidence for manipulation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-Nyt revolve around the investigation and explanation of UFO sightings. The magazine demonstrates a critical approach, often seeking natural or man-made explanations for phenomena that are initially perceived as extraterrestrial. The Viborg photo case is a prime example, where a widely circulated 'UFO' image is meticulously analyzed and ultimately attributed to industrial steam emissions. The publication also highlights the importance of public reporting and awareness campaigns, acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs while striving to provide factual information and debunk misidentifications. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions, even when challenging popular beliefs.

Title: Fotosag
Issue: 2/95
Publisher: SUFOI
Date: 1995

This issue of UFO-NYT features a detailed investigation into a UFO sighting in Viborg, Denmark, alongside discussions on various UFO theories and astronomical observations.

Viborg Phenomenon: A Smoke Puff?

The lead article, "Fotosag," meticulously analyzes a photograph of a mysterious aerial phenomenon observed in Viborg, Denmark. The analysis, conducted by GSW (Ground Saucer Watch), involved digital measurements of grayscale values, revealing no discernible structure in the 'cloud.' The phenomenon was estimated to be about 4.5 degrees wide, with low sun angles indicated by shadows. GSW concluded it was an unusual cloud, possibly a special type of cumulus. However, SUFOI (The Scientific Society for UFO Research) disagreed, suggesting it might be a significant smoke or steam emission from a local heat central. Three potential candidates for heat centrals in the area from 1974 are mentioned: Overlund Varmeværk, Viborg Varmeværk, and the one on Odshøjvej owned by Boligselskabet Viborg, which was commissioned in 1973. The article strongly favors the Odshøjvej heat central as the source, noting its location east of Nørresø and how a steam emission would align with the wind direction (SW) to appear in the photographed location. The article addresses claims that there were no chimneys in the area, presenting photographic evidence of the Odshøjvej heat central's chimney.

The conclusion reached is that the photograph clearly shows a significant emission of smoke or steam from a chimney, likely a heat central, and not a solid object or craft from outer space. The article aims to provide clarity on the origin of the photograph.

Debunking the "Crashed Soviet Craft"

Another section, "Sensation i krydsfiner!" (Sensation in Plywood!), debunks a sensational story about a UFO that allegedly entered Soviet airspace near Ordzhonikidze in 1983, was shot down, but did not crash. The story claimed the craft was found undamaged by mushroom pickers, was highly radioactive, leading to the pickers' deaths, and was later secretly buried near Moscow. The article reveals that this 'craft' was actually a prop built in Poland in 1977 for the film "On Silver Globe" (Na srebrnym globie). The prop was assembled in the mountains for filming and later dismantled. The story gained traction in Western Europe in 1990 through UFO enthusiasts presenting it with blurry photos. The article points out inconsistencies, such as the seven-year delay in the story becoming known and the lack of details about the craft's occupants or its transport to Moscow. The 'identification' of the object as a film prop came from Jerzy Sniezawski, who designed it.

The "Faren ved en tissepause!" (The Danger of a Pit Stop!)

This personal account describes an encounter experienced by a businessman named Bill. While driving on a dark, rural road in the UK, he stopped to relieve himself near an ancient stone setting called Bridestones. He witnessed a golden light, which then seemed to spark. When he tried to restart his car, the engine was dead. A golden sphere of light approached him, causing him to lose consciousness. Upon regaining consciousness, he found himself near trees, disoriented, and missing his shirt and shoes. His car started immediately, and he realized an hour and a half had passed. The article speculates whether the event was caused by ball lightning, noting its potential to cause electrical disturbances and loss of consciousness. The witness, seeking anonymity, later shared his story with a UFO researcher.

Roswell Update: New Witness and Theories

The "Roswell Update" section revisits the classic 1947 UFO crash incident. It introduces Bessie Schrieber, daughter of rancher Mac Brazel, as a new witness. She describes the recovered material as resembling pieces of a large, broken balloon, with silver-foil-like and rubber-like surfaces, wooden sticks, and tape with floral motifs. This description aligns with Major Jesse Marcel's account, suggesting the debris was from a balloon from the top-secret Mogul project. The article also touches upon the claim that Sergeant Melvin E. Brown saw alien bodies, but questions this, noting his role as a cook at the time.

Theories: Aliens or Time Travelers?

"Er ufonauterne rumvæsner eller vores tip-tip oldebørn?" (Are Ufonauts Aliens or Our Great-Great-Grandchildren?) by Bufo Calvin critically examines the prevailing hypotheses about UFOs. The author dismisses the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) due to the vast interstellar distances, arguing it violates Einstein's theory of relativity. Instead, Calvin proposes the time-travel hypothesis (TTH), suggesting UFOs are craft from Earth's future. He argues TTH requires fewer assumptions and explains phenomena like the appearance of UFOs and their alleged occupants more simply. The article contrasts the requirements of ETH (existence of aliens, intelligence, technology, desire to visit, ability to travel) with TTH (humans exist, are intelligent, have technology, and can travel through time). Calvin suggests that time travelers might deliberately mislead people about their origins to protect their own timeline.

Astronomical Observations

"Kig på himlen" (Look at the Sky) provides a guide to celestial observations for May 15 to August 15, 1995. It details the visibility of Mercury, Venus (noting its similarity to Earth but harsh conditions), Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. It also mentions the Perseid meteor shower in mid-August.

Debat: A Notion About UFOs

This section features a report on a meeting with religion researcher Mikael Rothstein, who discusses UFOs as psychological and social phenomena rather than physical ones. Rothstein posits that UFO sightings are a form of modern mythology, fueled by a decline in traditional religious frameworks and the rise of science fiction. He suggests that the concept of UFOs and aliens serves as a modern substitute for religious beliefs, offering a sense of wonder and a framework for understanding humanity's place in the universe. Per Andersen, in response, questions whether UFO witnesses are normal and discusses findings from a Canadian study. He also raises the question of whether physical UFOs exist.

SUFOI Support

The magazine concludes with a call for support for SUFOI's research and information funds, offering a unique pen with the SUFOI logo as a thank-you gift for donations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and investigative approach to UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained sightings and experiences, it prioritizes rational explanations, scientific analysis, and debunking sensational claims. The editorial stance leans towards skepticism regarding extraterrestrial visitation, favoring more grounded explanations like atmospheric phenomena, misidentifications, or psychological factors. The exploration of alternative theories, such as time travel, highlights a willingness to consider unconventional ideas but within a framework of logical consistency and parsimony. The publication also serves as a platform for promoting ufology as a serious field of study, encouraging research and public engagement through its various sections and calls for support.

This issue of UFO-Nyt, dated 2/95, is titled "Anmeldelser" (Reviews) and focuses on book reviews and various UFO-related topics. The cover highlights "Nye Bøger" (New Books) and specifically mentions "Australiens meget vilde dyr" (Australia's very wild animals) and the book "Out of the shadows".

Article: MR and SUFOI Discussion

The issue details a meeting between an individual referred to as 'MR' and SUFOI (The Danish Society for UFO Research). The discussion centered on MR's theories about UFOs, particularly the assertion that "All UFOs are non-physical or known phenomena." SUFOI's analysis suggests that if this premise is false, then the idea that there are no unknown natural phenomena, or that all unknown natural phenomena are invisible, is also incorrect. This implies that unknown natural phenomena likely still exist and are yet to be discovered, challenging MR's initial premise.

MR also shared his personal views, stating that he considers life elsewhere in the universe probable but finds interstellar travel highly unlikely. His interest in UFOs began at age 12, and he has since researched UFO religions. The article notes that MR's observations might be useful in confirming or refuting his theories.

Book Review: "Out of the shadows" by Tony Healey & Paul Cropper

This review discusses the book's exploration of mysterious animals in Australia, moving beyond the common focus on British or North American cryptozoology. The book covers six distinct mysterious creatures, including the Tasmanian tiger (officially extinct in 1936 but with alleged sightings since), and other creatures like lions, leopards, pumas, the Queensland tiger, the yowie, and the bunyip. The reviewer praises the book for being exciting, well-written, and illustrated, though not as exhaustive as it could be. It also touches upon the possibility that some sightings might be psychological phenomena or misidentifications of known animals.

Book Review: "Kooks - A guide to the outer limits of human belief" by Diane Kossy and "Eccentrics" by David Weeks & Jamie James

These two books are reviewed together, focusing on individuals who deviate from societal norms. "Kooks" delves into people considered truly eccentric, including those who believe in conspiracies and UFO contactees like Trevor James Constable and William Cooper. The review describes the book as both amusing and unsettling, particularly its sections on conspiracy theories. "Eccentrics" is presented as a more factual and less sensational book, detailing the first scientific study of eccentrics. It highlights that eccentrics may live longer, healthier, and happier lives than the general population, citing examples like John Slater, who lives in a cave.

News Item: "Upopulært planetarium"

Orthodox rabbis in Jerusalem have protested against Israel's planetarium, objecting to its depiction of the universe's age. The planetarium states the universe is 15 billion years old, while the rabbis believe it was created 5,753 years ago. Even a revised explanation of "a long time ago" was deemed unacceptable.

Article: "Belgrave-mysteriet"

This section refers to a previous article in UFO-Nyt about a close encounter near Belgrave, Australia, in August 1993. The incident involved a couple's experiences with UFOs, alien beings, and potential time loss, which was reportedly corroborated by three other witnesses. The investigation by John Auchettl was intended to form the basis of a new article by Keith Basterfield. However, neither Auchettl nor Basterfield can publish further details because the three involved witnesses have sold the rights to their story to a "larger German magazine."

News Item: "Nyt fra Vest BBS"

Vest BBS has joined the international MUFONet, allowing users to access UFO files and post files from MUFONet. The system automatically connects to its Düsseldorf link on Wednesday and Saturday nights, making new files available within the day. Users are encouraged to try calling Vest BBS for access to SUFOI files and other information.

Photo Analysis: "Kendt snurretop på foto"

A photograph taken in Morocco in September 1994 shows a strange, spinning-top-like phenomenon to the right of a street lamp. The article explains that this is a common photographic anomaly caused by light reflection within the camera lens system, and its shape depends on the number of lenses.

News Item: "Ukendt fænomen på video"

A slow-moving object was filmed in Normandy on May 14, 1994. The military could not identify the object but confirmed it was not a military aircraft. Analysis at a scientific laboratory at CNRS did not yield a clear explanation.

Book Review: "UFO-nærkontakter i Skandinavia" by Elisabeth Werner

This book is described as a collection of dramatic third-degree UFO encounters, including the author's own experience and surprising explanations for the phenomena.

New Publications from SUFOI:

"UFO-Bølger" by Flemming O. Rasmussen

This 50-page illustrated booklet explores whether UFO waves are solely media-driven or if UFOs genuinely appear more frequently in certain areas and periods. It examines historical UFO waves, such as the 1896-97 airship wave, and questions the connection to modern UFO phenomena.

"Dobbeltmåner" by Per Andersen and Toke Haunstrup

This 60-page illustrated booklet details SUFOI's investigation into "double moon" observations received in October 1993. These optical phenomena, where an extra moon-like image appears near the actual moon, were not found in existing literature or known meteorological explanations. The booklet suggests that nature itself creates many remarkable, yet unstudied, phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and documentation of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and mysterious creatures. The magazine consistently promotes the work of SUFOI in collecting reports, conducting investigations, and publishing findings. There's an emphasis on distinguishing between genuine unexplained events and natural anomalies or hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, treating all reports seriously while applying scientific and logical analysis to understand the phenomena. The inclusion of book reviews suggests a broader interest in topics related to belief, the unusual, and the unknown.