UFO Nyt - No 1 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: ufo-nyt
Issue: 1. kvartal (1st Quarter)
Volume: 38. årg. (38th Year)
Year: 1996
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Cover Price: kr. 227,00 (annual subscription)

This issue of UFO-Nyt, the publication of Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI), presents a comprehensive look at UFO phenomena, focusing on Danish reports and analysis from 1994 and 1995. The cover prominently features headlines such as 'Photos of night lights', 'Many Danish reports', 'Alien autopsy is a hoax', and 'Twenty minutes that shook Fyn'.

Editorial and Introduction

The editorial, titled 'Angsten for ikke at vide' (The Fear of Not Knowing) by Per Andersen, discusses the human tendency to trust sensory perception, even when it can be unreliable. Andersen emphasizes that while SUFOI accepts witness accounts, they question the absolute certainty of these perceptions, highlighting how the brain, not just the eyes, constructs reality. He encourages a more open approach to the unknown, stating that it's acceptable to admit not knowing all the details of an observation.

Danish Reports from 1994

Authored by Toke Haunstrup, this section provides a statistical overview of UFO reports received by SUFOI in 1994. A total of 199 reports were collected, a decrease from 1993 but still significantly higher than in the late 1980s. The reports are categorized: 113 (57%) were identified with a plausible explanation, 78 (39%) lacked sufficient data for a conclusion, and 8 (4%) remained unidentified. Table 2 details the identified phenomena, with projector/laser lights (21%), meteors (15%), and aircraft (11%) being the most common explanations. The article notes the increasing prevalence of projector and laser lights, often associated with public events.

Figure 1 illustrates the annual variation in observation numbers over ten years, while Figure 2 shows the distribution of 1994 reports by month, with May being the busiest month. Table 3 lists specific UFO reports from 1994, including brief descriptions of sightings in Odense, Ålborg, Gevninge, Roskilde, Ullerslev, Rødovre, and Stensved. These reports describe various phenomena such as bright lights, unusual objects, and unexplained sounds.

Observations from the Past Half-Year (June-November 1995)

This section, co-authored by Toke Haunstrup and Torben Birkeholm, details a surge in UFO activity in the latter half of 1995, with 207 reports received, surpassing the total for all of 1994. The increase is partly attributed to media coverage, particularly a TV2 broadcast on October 18, 1995. The article highlights four specific incidents:

• 'Rumfærge, fly eller ufo?' (Space Shuttle, Plane, or UFO?): An observation near Aarhus was initially mistaken for the US space shuttle Atlantis but was later identified as a likely reflection of sunlight on an aircraft due to its unusual movement pattern.
• 'Lys nær Åbenrå' (Light near Åbenrå): A bright, white light was observed performing peculiar maneuvers, including hovering and rapid ascent, near Åbenrå. SUFOI considers this an unidentified phenomenon.
• 'Bilstop med effekter' (Car Stop with Effects): A man driving near Give experienced his car engine failing and electrical systems malfunctioning as a bright, disc-shaped object with numerous lights hovered silently just above his vehicle. This incident was widely reported in local media.
• 'Usædvanligt meteor' (Unusual Meteor): An electronics mechanic in Greve observed two red lights moving rapidly and erratically, disappearing behind trees. While initially considered a meteor, its unusual color and behavior led to it being classified as potentially unidentified.

'Tyve minutter der rystede Fyn' (Twenty Minutes That Shook Fyn)

Written by Erling Hegelund, this article recounts a significant event on August 31, 1995, when multiple witnesses across Fyn reported seeing a strange, luminous object. The object, described as having two rings of bright lights and rotating slowly, hovered at low altitudes, causing fear and confusion. While some witnesses initially suspected laser lights from a local concert, the duration and specific characteristics of the event, particularly its sudden cessation and the reported red crescent light, remain unexplained. The author explores atmospheric phenomena like Fata Morgana and inversions as potential, though not fully conclusive, explanations.

'Fata Morgana anno 1967?' (Fata Morgana in 1967?)

This report details an observation from July 1967 near Stevns, where a witness named Leif described a large, metallic-grey, cigar-shaped object with square fields, emitting a strange humming sound. The object moved slowly before accelerating vertically and disappearing. SUFOI suggests a 'fata morgana' (an atmospheric optical illusion) as a possible explanation, noting that the conditions (warm weather, observation over water) are consistent, but the humming sound remains unexplained.

'Kikkede efter stjerneskud - og så cigarer' (Looked for Shooting Stars - and Saw Cigars)

This article by Per Andersen describes an observation in Nivå in August 1995, where two witnesses saw elongated, orange-brown objects resembling cigars during a meteor shower. The objects moved rapidly from east to west and disappeared abruptly. A week later, the same phenomenon reappeared, with two objects exhibiting similar characteristics. SUFOI was unable to provide a definitive explanation, ruling out common sources like aircraft and balloons.

'Obduktion af ufonaut er fup!' (Alien Autopsy is a Hoax!)

Authored by Per Andersen, this critical piece investigates the controversial 1947 film purporting to show the autopsy of an alien. Andersen presents numerous arguments suggesting the film is a fabrication. These include unnatural camera movements, the short duration of the 'autopsy', the unprofessional conduct of the 'doctors', the lack of detailed examination of the 'body', and the unnatural appearance and behavior of the 'alien's' skin and limbs. Experts in pathology and special effects models suggest the film likely features a latex model, and that the purported 1947 date is inaccurate. The article highlights that even experts who initially supported the film's authenticity, like Christopher Milroy, were paid by Ray Santilli, the film's proponent, raising questions about their impartiality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical approach to UFO reports. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, SUFOI prioritizes rigorous investigation and seeks plausible explanations, often identifying conventional sources like aircraft, meteors, and atmospheric effects. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of questioning perceptions and admitting uncertainty, rather than jumping to conclusions. The debunking of the Roswell autopsy film exemplifies the magazine's commitment to uncovering hoaxes and misinformation within the UFO community. The recurring theme is the pursuit of factual understanding in a field often clouded by speculation and sensationalism.

Title: Roswell Update
Issue: 1/96
Date: January 1996
Publisher: UFO-NYT
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of "Roswell Update" delves deeply into the controversial "alien autopsy" film, examining various claims, expert opinions, and potential evidence of fraud. It also covers a significant UFO sighting in Addingham, UK, and the official US government report on the Roswell incident.

The Telephone and the Autopsy Film

The article "Telefonen" (The Telephone) scrutinizes the objects seen in the alleged alien autopsy film, particularly a wall telephone, a clock, and a microphone, to determine their temporal accuracy. While skeptic Philip Klass claimed a specific type of wall telephone was not introduced until 1956, other sources indicate Western Electric had such phones as early as 1937. Similarly, the claim that coiled telephone cords did not exist in 1947 is refuted. The clock's age appears consistent, but the microphone's presence in 1947 remains uncertain.

For proponents of the film's authenticity, these points are considered strong arguments. However, the article highlights that if the film is a hoax, it's a sophisticated one, with perpetrators likely ensuring temporal accuracy of visible items.

Dating the Film to 1947?

A significant argument for the film's authenticity was its apparent dating to 1947, based on patterns on the film's edge. Kodak confirmed a piece of film had a code used in 1927, 1947, and 1967. Photo expert Bob Shell initially claimed the film was Kodak Super XX, produced from the early 1940s to 1957, narrowing the date to 1947. However, Shell later admitted he couldn't definitively confirm the autopsy room setting and hadn't seen the edge markings himself, receiving only photocopies. His analysis of the film type was based on breaking the film and sniffing it, which is presented as highly unscientific.

Further doubt is cast on Shell's independence, as he has a close relationship with Ray Santilli, the film's seller, even admitting Santilli hired him to assist with a book about the film. This raises questions about his objectivity.

Double Exposure and Santilli's Story

Kodak offered to chemically analyze the film in 1995, but Ray Santilli has not provided original film for this purpose, despite expressing interest. Bob Shell also declined to send his film pieces for analysis, stating it served no purpose. This reluctance fuels skepticism.

Photo expert Clive Tobin suggests the film is not an original but a "positive print" (which is technically a negative). He believes the edge markings might be from a 1947 film, while the content is newer, possibly a "double exposure." This implies the cameraman's story might be fabricated, and the film could be a copy made after 1960.

The Story Changes

The narrative surrounding the film has evolved over time, with Santilli gradually releasing more details rather than presenting all evidence upfront. Initially, he was difficult to contact and reluctant to answer questions. An example is his mention of seeing President Truman in the film, a detail he later tried to explain away by referring to a film roll marked "Truman" that was unwatchable.

Other explanations for potential discrepancies include computer-copied footage of Truman, though this is deemed unlikely given Truman's diary. The initial mention of "Restricted access, A01 classification" on the film was also later dropped, as this coding was never used by the military.

The Cameraman

The identity of the anonymous cameraman from whom Santilli claims to have bought the film (reportedly named "Jack Barnett" or "Jack Barrett") remains unconfirmed. Santilli also claims to have bought Elvis films from the same person. A French TV report in October 1995 interviewed a Bill Randle in the USA who matched the description and claimed to have sold films to Santilli. However, Randle stated he obtained the autopsy film from a Jack Barnett who had died in 1957, creating a direct contradiction with Santilli's account.

Further loose ends include the conversion of the film from 16mm to video, with conflicting accounts from Bob Shell (Rank in England) and Ray Santilli (USA). Santilli also mentioned a meeting with Chinese officials in 1995 who claimed to have seen the film in 1994, presented by CIA personnel.

Photos of an alleged alien found in Hong Kong were later revealed to be from the production of the movie "Roswell."

Fraud?

An anonymous fax from a film distributor in England in July 1995 alleged the autopsy video was a hoax orchestrated by four individuals: Ray Santilli, Gary Shoefield, John Lundberg, and Rod Dickinson, under the codename "Black Project," with the sole aim of making money. Lundberg and Dickinson were involved in the film's screening in London in May 1995.

The Alleged Roswell Archive Footage: The Definitive Report

Graham W. Birdsall, editor of "UFO Magazine," published a 64-page illustrated booklet titled "The alleged Roswell Archive footage. The definitive report." The report critiques the film, highlighting flaws, contradictions, and bogus claims. Birdsall, who felt excluded from analyzing the film, concludes it is a fake. He suggests that if Santilli had approached his organization, QUEST, first, they might have declared the film genuine for financial gain.

The booklet costs £5.00 and can be ordered from Quest International Ltd.

GAO Report Released

In summer 1995, the US General Accounting Office (GAO) released its official report after an 18-month investigation into the Roswell incident. Congressman Steven Schiff had sought information on the event for years. The report found no documentation of crashed aircraft but did find two documents from 1947 mentioning a "flying disc" and a "weather balloon with reflector" near Roswell. The GAO concluded that the incident likely involved a top-secret balloon complex from Project Mogul, used for monitoring Soviet nuclear tests. However, Schiff noted that the destruction of certain archives from the period suggests something was concealed.

The report also examined NSA records from 1947-1948, finding no mention of the incident, which Schiff finds difficult to reconcile with the idea of a crashed spacecraft.

Danish Expert Opinion: Pathology

Karen Østergaard, a Danish pathologist, studied the "autopsy" film and provided her commentary.

Operating Room and Equipment: While the operating room setup is plausible for infectious dissections, the absence of an organ examination table is noted as unusual. The saw used is also deemed incorrect for the period, suggesting electric saws would have been standard in the US. The lack of scales and measurements is also pointed out.

Personnel and Procedures: The individuals involved do not appear to be experienced pathologists. The examinations are described as unsystematic and overly cautious. The "corpse" is not turned over, and the arms are not manipulated. The dissection of organ blocks is unusual, as is the method of examining organs, which typically involves cutting them open during the sectioning and making cuts in organs like the liver and kidneys.

The method of handling the skull is considered particularly incorrect, with the sawing of the skullcap and brain appearing "highly unserious." Sample collection is also not in line with normal practice, where samples are fixed in formalin immediately after collection. The samples appear very large.

If the "creature" is indeed a unique specimen, the dissection's aim to gain maximum anatomical knowledge seems amateurish. Key muscles, nerve pathways, and bones would typically be dissected, along with detailed examination of blood vessels.

Notably, no photography is taken during the dissection.

The Corpse: The "corpse" appears human-like externally. However, the absence of livor mortis (post-mortem lividity), which appears quickly after death, and blood streaks at the incision sites are noted. Blood and bodily fluid from a dead person do not form streaks. The skin's thickness is uniformly even, unlike human skin, which varies. The skull's color is also peculiar, and ribs appear to be missing.

Østergaard concludes that the subject is likely a dummy rather than a corpse.

UFO Photo: Lights over Addingham

In November 1983, police officer Anthony Dodd and his wife Pauline witnessed a large object flying at low altitude near Addingham, North Yorkshire. Dodd managed to take three photographs before the object disappeared. These photos are considered among Britain's best UFO evidence.

The couple observed a collection of red, blinking lights moving in the same direction as their car. Anthony described the object as flying very low, about 15 degrees above the horizon, covered in red lights that blinked. Pauline described it as resembling a spinning top with pulsating red lights, and they heard no sound from it.

Investigation: The developed film showed a strange light phenomenon. The object appeared to be moving at approximately 50 km/h at an altitude of 15-30 meters. The nearest military base, Menwith Hill, is a 25 km listening station. Local newspapers reported no other sightings, and airfields confirmed that an object flying that low would not be detected by radar. A local helicopter airfield was closed, and balloons were ruled out as an explanation.

Analysis: The photos were sent to Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) in the USA for computer analysis. GSW concluded that the photos were the first of an unidentified object from Britain and showed no signs of tampering. The analysis suggested the phenomenon consisted of three larger lights surrounded by vapor or smoke, with an estimated diameter of 10 miles and located about 1.2 km from the witnesses.

Anthony Dodd is now the "Director of Investigations" for Quest Publications International, Ltd.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions the authenticity of UFO-related evidence, particularly the Roswell autopsy film, highlighting inconsistencies, lack of verifiable proof, and potential for fraud. It emphasizes the importance of scientific analysis and independent verification. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to examine evidence carefully and to be skeptical of sensational claims, while also acknowledging the ongoing mystery and the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena, as seen in the Addingham sighting.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 1/96, is titled 'Anmeldelser' (Reviews) and focuses on various topics related to mysteries and UFOs. The cover prominently features a CD-ROM titled 'Mystik og ufoer på CD-ROM' and '2000 GREATER & LESSER MYSTERIES'. The issue includes reviews of CD-ROMs, books, and reports on UFO sightings and astronomical discoveries.

CD-ROM Reviews

2000 Greater & Lesser Mysteries

This CD-ROM is described as a text-heavy product, primarily consisting of around 2,300 documents totaling 40 million words. It is organized into 133 catalogs covering a wide range of subjects, including UFOs, cold fusion, cryptozoology, Aleister Crowley, FBI files, witchcraft, new religious movements, Nostradamus, runes, and biorhythms. It includes full-text versions of several books and magazines, as well as 20 programs related to astrology, drug use, Tarot, and tea leaf reading. The content is sourced from the internet. The reviewer notes that it's a good resource for those interested in the mysterious or 'flipped-out' topics, offering plenty of reading material and some images.

UFOs...The Real Story

This CD-ROM is praised for its user-friendliness, with a suitable amount of text, 49 video clips, 100 audio sequences, and 64 images. It is presented by Stanton Friedman, a nuclear physicist with 36 years of experience investigating UFO phenomena. However, the review criticizes the CD-ROM for presenting the UFO issue exclusively through Friedman's perspective, which the reviewer finds simplistic. The review highlights specific claims made within the CD-ROM, such as Betty Hill and Travis Walton's encounters, physical evidence like imprints in Delphos, and the origin of alien visitors from Zeta Reticuli. It also mentions the Roswell crash and the alleged MJ-12 documents. The reviewer concludes that if one shares Stanton Friedman's worldview, this CD-ROM is excellent for computer users with sound cards and CD-ROM drives.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

"Nyt fra Australien" (News from Australia)

This section reports on a series of strange events in a small village near Sale, Victoria, Australia, since March 1995. Keith Basterfield interviewed local residents. On March 28, 1995, a teenage boy and his mother, Denise, observed a disc-shaped object with red and blue lights. Later that week, their neighbor Elaine saw a pyramid-shaped object with a bright, rotating light that changed colors. Over the following weeks, Elaine reported seeing multiple lights moving erratically. On July 15, 1995, Elaine and Denise observed two lights, one larger than the other, and Elaine's husband heard a buzzing sound. Elaine also reported an incident where she saw a blue light and fainted, recalling seeing beings in her room.

"Mystik ved italiensk flybase" (Mystery at an Italian Air Base)

On May 11, 1995, a loud explosion occurred near Pordenone, Italy, which was not attributed to an earthquake or bomb. This event sparked widespread interest in UFOs, with local newspapers reporting unexplained lights and craft. The focus of this interest is Aviano Air Force Base, which hosts NATO aircraft. A photograph taken by Robert Irving of an F-18 aircraft revealed a strange craft in the hangar, possibly a new type of stealth bomber.

Book Reviews

"The Complete Book of UFOs: An Investigation into Alien Contacts and Encounters" by Peter Hough & Jenny Randles

The reviewer finds the title misleading, stating the book is not a complete investigation but rather a history of UFOs, starting from the 1880s airship sightings and continuing to the Belgian UFO wave. It covers major UFO events like foo-fighters, ghost rockets, the Condon Report, Whitley Strieber, Majestic 12, and the Roswell crash. While most topics are covered briefly due to the book's structure, it provides a useful overview. The reviewer notes an interesting point about the geographical differences in 'men in black' reports: in North America, they are perceived as disguised aliens, while in Europe, they are seen as ordinary people working for government organizations. The book concludes with a brief review of UFO theories. The reviewer suggests it's a good gift for someone new to the UFO topic.

"Dark White: Aliens, Abductions and the UFO Obsession" by Jim Schnabel

This book focuses on alien abductions, with a central figure being ufologist Budd Hopkins. The reviewer notes that Hopkins is credited with popularizing the abduction phenomenon, though some suggest he may have invented it. The book explores various abduction cases, including those involving repeated abductions since childhood and humiliating medical examinations. The reviewer questions the validity of these accounts, suggesting that they might be influenced by the investigators, particularly when hypnosis is involved. The book is described as a good, objective overview of the subject but lacks personal depth and enthusiasm compared to Schnabel's previous work. Despite this, it is recommended as the best book currently available on the topic of abductions.

Short Reports (Kort fortalt)

"Nyt rejsemål for folk med hang til varme" (New destination for those who like warmth)

Astronomers may have discovered the first planet orbiting a star similar to our Sun. The planet, orbiting Pegasi 51, is located about 7 million km away, suggesting a surface temperature of around 1,000 degrees Celsius. This is a speculative discovery, but astronomers are working to confirm it. It would be the first planet found around a 'normal' star, as previous discoveries were around pulsars.

"FBI beslaglægger månesten" (FBI confiscates moon rock)

Before a moon rock could be auctioned in Manhattan, the FBI seized it and sent it to NASA for examination. The auction house claimed the stone was a gift from an Apollo 12 mission, but NASA believes it is a moon rock stolen in 1970. The stone was expected to fetch 3 million Danish Kroner.

"Endnu et sort hul" (Another black hole)

A student from John Hopkins University, along with researchers, has located a third black hole in the universe. Black holes are collapsed giant stars so massive that not even light can escape. This new black hole was found using the Hubble Space Telescope in the galaxy NGC 4261, approximately 100 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. Its mass is estimated to be about 1.2 billion times the mass of our Sun.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO phenomena, alien abductions, and related mysteries, often reviewing books and CD-ROMs on these subjects. There is a clear interest in presenting various perspectives, from detailed investigations to critical analyses. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these topics, while also acknowledging skepticism and potential hoaxes, as seen in the critical reviews of some materials. The inclusion of astronomical news suggests a broader interest in space and the unknown.