UFO Nyt - No 2 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Nyt
Issue: Nr. 2
Volume: 38. årg.
Year: 1996
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Cover Price: kr. 227,00 (annual subscription)

This issue of UFO Nyt, the second of 1996, delves into various UFO-related topics, with a strong focus on a dramatic close encounter involving a car and an unidentified aerial phenomenon. The magazine also discusses the broader implications of UFO sightings and research, including the potential effects of electromagnetic radiation and the organization's activities.

Cover Story: "Mødet på landevejen" (The Encounter on the Road)

The cover prominently features a dramatic incident that occurred on September 29, 1995, involving a car and a UFO. The article, titled "UFO tæt på bil" (UFO Close to a Car), provides a detailed account based on the observer's report and subsequent investigations. A 24-year-old man driving south of Vejle experienced his car's instruments going haywire, the engine stalling, and a large, disk-shaped object with intense lights hovering just meters above his vehicle. The object emitted a bright, pulsating light that affected the car's electronics, causing the digital clock to display '88.88.88' and the engine to cease functioning entirely. The observer described the object as having concentric circles of light and a shape that was not entirely flat, with 'triangles' or 'teeth' around its perimeter. After the object moved away silently, the car's systems returned to normal, and the driver was able to continue his journey, deeply affected by the experience.

Analysis of Electromagnetic Effects on Vehicles

An article titled "Mikrobølger og biler" (Microwaves and Cars) by Robert J. Durant explores the impact of UFOs on vehicles, referencing research by Mark Rodeghier of the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). Rodeghier analyzed 441 cases where cars or other vehicles were affected by UFOs. The article lists several potential explanations for how a combustion engine might be affected, including increased resistance in ignition coils, capacitor charging issues due to strong electrostatic fields, saturation of ignition coils by strong magnetic fields, and unknown mechanisms hindering fuel delivery or atomization. It also mentions a controlled experiment by Watts in England that demonstrated how an alternating magnetic field could reduce a car engine's power output, while a static field had no effect. The article further references James McCampbell's work on microwave radiation affecting car headlights and a potential connection to research conducted by the U.S. government at Los Alamos National Laboratory concerning the effects of microwaves on vehicles, possibly in the context of combating drug smuggling.

Danish Observations

Several articles detail recent UFO sightings and related phenomena in Denmark:

"Observationer det seneste halvår" (Observations from the Past Half-Year)

This section presents a selection of interesting Danish observations received during the autumn of 1995. One report describes an incident near Egtved where two 18-year-old girls saw a strange light descend into a forest. Another significant event involved multiple witnesses in the Vejle area reporting unusual circular lights in the sky on November 3, 1995, which were later identified as laser lights from the opening of a new entertainment center.

"Ufo årsag til husrystelse?" (UFO Cause for House Shaking?)

An article from Randers reports on a house shaking incident that occurred between Hadsund and Havndal on November 2, 1995. The homeowner described the house shaking and objects rattling. While initial reports did not mention UFOs, a subsequent article in the local newspaper linked the event to sightings of a mysterious blue light by three women in eastern Randers on the same morning. However, investigations by Flyvestation Karup and SUFOI suggested the blue light was likely a meteor, and therefore unrelated to the house shaking.

SUFOI's Activities and Future Plans

An editorial by Per Andersen, the chairman, discusses the expansion of SUFOI's publications. In addition to UFO-Nyt, the organization is launching two new specialized publications: "SUFOI Nyhedsbrev" (SUFOI Newsletter), aimed at members with more detailed information about SUFOI's activities, and "Ufologisk Tidsskrift" (Ufological Journal), which will focus on in-depth, scientific UFO research. The editorial also touches upon the growing importance of electronic media (CD-ROM, BBS, Web, Internet) as supplementary tools for information dissemination.

The magazine also includes a section welcoming new board members Lars H. Andersen and Lars Thomas. It highlights Lars H. Andersen's role as SysOp for the Vest BBS, providing access to the international MUFONet, and Lars Thomas's expertise as a zoologist and writer on mysterious creatures and UFO phenomena.

Other Sections

• "Ring til SUFOI" (Call SUFOI): Provides contact numbers for SUFOI's alarm center, information line, and lecture department.
• "Indhold" (Contents): Lists the articles and features in the issue.
• SUFOI Contact Information: Details for subscriptions, membership, and general inquiries.
• "Bilstandsning" (Car Stalling): A follow-up on the car stalling incident, noting that further investigation is ongoing, including technical questions about the car's electrical system and attempts to find additional witnesses.
• Sponsor Call: SUFOI is seeking sponsors for a project to publish a UFO poster.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around direct, personal encounters with UFOs, the physical and electronic effects these phenomena can have, and the ongoing efforts of SUFOI to investigate and document such events. The editorial stance emphasizes a serious and critical approach to UFO research, acknowledging the phenomena as unexplained by conventional means while remaining open to various theories. The magazine highlights the importance of detailed reporting and investigation, as exemplified by the in-depth analysis of the car stalling incident. There is also a clear acknowledgment of the evolving media landscape, with SUFOI embracing both traditional print publications and electronic communication channels to disseminate information about UFOs.

This issue of UFO-Nyt, titled 'Danske observationer' (Danish Observations), is the second issue of 1996 and focuses on UFO sightings, analysis of controversial UFO-related media, and astronomical discoveries. The magazine features reports on specific sightings, in-depth investigations, and discussions on the ethics of media reporting on UFO topics.

Trekant over Glostrup

This article details a sighting by Kent R. and a friend on the evening of November 1, 1990, around 10:30 PM. While walking home, they observed a formation of five lights in a triangular shape, with one light in front and two on each side. The lights moved silently and appeared to be larger than the full moon, possibly obscuring stars. Kent R. also perceived a dark shadow between the lights. The object moved towards them, passed directly overhead without a sound, and then moved northeast, tipping upwards and accelerating before disappearing. Kent contacted SUFOI in late 1995 after seeing a TV program about UFOs. The identity of his companion could not be confirmed, leaving SUFOI without further leads on the nature of the phenomenon.

Bilstop ved Odense

This personal account, narrated by a housewife and written by Erling Hegelund, describes an incident on Saturday, October 10, 1980, around 6:15 PM. While driving near Odense, the car stalled. The witness and her husband saw a large, oval, luminous object hovering over a nearby barn. It was described as flaming yellow and red, resembling a burning matchstick, and was about the size of half a bus. Two dark 'holes' appeared on one end of the object, from which two large flames emerged with blinding red, yellow, and blue light. The object made no sound and flew away rapidly in the direction the flames had emerged. Shortly after, the car started normally. The witness also noted seeing two stars in the same direction, which she speculated could be landing lights from an aircraft approaching Odense airport.

Sejr ved Pressenævnet

This article reports on SUFOI's successful complaint to the Press Council (Pressenævnet) against TV2 regarding their broadcast 'UFO-krigen' (UFO-war) on October 18, 1995. SUFOI's complaints centered on the marketing of the program as a 'ufo-war,' which they stated they were not informed about and which did not exist, and on the manipulation of interviews with SUFOI representatives. The Press Council ruled in favor of SUFOI regarding the manipulation of interviews, criticizing TV2 for editing statements to create a distorted impression. The article quotes the Press Council's decision and includes a commentary by Per Andersen, chairman of SUFOI. Andersen expresses satisfaction with the ruling but raises ethical concerns about modern computer technology enabling the manipulation of interview clips to create false statements. He likens this to 'quote-falsification' and criticizes TV2's director, Jørgen Flindt Pedersen, for defending such practices. Andersen points out that TV2 has a history of press ethics violations, having received more rulings against it than any other Danish media outlet.

Video Video Video Video Video

This section promotes the sale of Shirley MacLaine's filmed autobiography, 'On Deep Water,' available on video for a reduced price. The film reportedly covers her experiences with UFOs in South America and her search for meaning in life. It is a nearly four-hour documentary featuring Shirley MacLaine, Charles Dance, and John Heard.

Flyhændelse omgærdet af mystik

This article reports on an unexplained aerial incident involving a British Airways Boeing 737 aircraft near Manchester Airport on January 6, 1995. Captain Roger Wills and First Officer Mark Stuart observed a dark, kil-shaped object with multiple lights flying past at high speed. The object was silent and could not be detected by radar. An investigation by the Joint Airmiss Working Group, part of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), concluded after a year that no explanation could be found. The article mentions that the object was described as similar to the old English bomber, the Vulcan, leading to the term 'the silent Vulcan.' The pilots were praised for reporting the incident, though the captain reportedly faced some ridicule from colleagues.

Fly på kollisionskurs

A brief report about a near-collision involving America West Airlines flight 573 over New Mexico on March 3. The flight encountered a large, triangular object at high altitude that was not detected by radar but may have been picked up by NORAD.

Engelsk oversætter

SUFOI is seeking a translator from Danish to English for their publications.

Astronomi & Rumfart (Astronomy & Space)

This section contains several articles on astronomical topics:

Kig på himlen (Looking at the Sky)

This article provides a guide to celestial observations from May 15 to August 15, 1996. It details the periods of bright nights, and the visibility of planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. It also mentions Saturn's upcoming opposition and discusses the TSS experimental satellite, which was lost during a space shuttle mission. The article explains the concept of inducing current by dragging a long cable through Earth's magnetic field and notes that the experiment was cut short when the cable broke, but valuable data was collected.

Meteorit fra Mars

Scientists have discovered the oldest known meteorite from Mars, named Allan Hills 84001, found in Antarctica. This meteorite is 4 billion years old, predating the origin of life on Earth, and has reignited the debate about whether life's origins on Earth may have been influenced by meteorites from Mars.

Det vrimler med planeter (Planets are Swarming)

This article discusses the recent breakthroughs in detecting planets around other stars. It highlights the work of astronomer Geoffrey Marcy, who announced the discovery of a planet orbiting the star HD 114762. The article notes that several other exoplanets were discovered in 1995 and early 1996, including planets around Gliese 229, Pegasus 51, and Virginis 70. It also mentions the probable detection of a planet around Beta Pictoris, which is estimated to be Jupiter-sized. The discoveries have renewed discussions about the possibility of detecting intelligent extraterrestrial life.

Intelligente radiosignaler fra rummet (Intelligent Radio Signals from Space)

This article discusses the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). It mentions mysterious signals detected from the vicinity of Virginis 70, which astronomers at Berkeley University cannot explain. The article also references the famous 'Wow' signal detected in 1977, which lasted only a minute and has not been detected again. Professor Robert Rood of Harvard is quoted expressing caution about broadcasting signals into space, comparing it to early humans calling out to an aggressive tiger.

Roswell Update

Begrav så det lig...!

This section critically examines the controversial video purporting to show the autopsy of an alien in 1947. The article presents evidence suggesting the video is a hoax, focusing on the claims of the anonymous cameraman, Ray Santilli. French TV station TF1 revealed details about Santilli's story, including his claim to have bought the autopsy film from the original cameraman, identified as Jack Barnett. However, further investigation revealed that Jack Barnett, the alleged cameraman, died in 1967 and was not a military cameraman. Bill Randle, who claimed to have sold Santilli Elvis Presley films, also stated he did not have the autopsy video. The article highlights inconsistencies in Santilli's story, including his claim to have filmed an Elvis Presley movie and a 'Little Henry' helicopter test, which were reportedly done by other individuals. The article also discusses the analysis of the autopsy footage by a German doctor, A. Th. Schäfer, who concluded it was a pathological examination rather than an autopsy.

De rigtige kameramænd

This part of the Roswell Update section features interviews with three American cameramen who worked for the military in the 1940s: Joe Longo, Bill Gibson, and Dan McGovern. All three dismiss the autopsy video as a hoax. They point out that it would have been highly unlikely for a cameraman to be flown from Washington D.C. to the crash site, as it was a long journey in 1947. They also state that the military kept meticulous records of all film, and that secret films were not developed by the cameramen themselves. McGovern adds that all medical footage at the time was filmed in color, not black and white, as seen in the alleged autopsy video. They find Santilli's claims about developing the film and keeping some rolls to be nonsensical.

Indicierne hober sig op

This section continues the investigation into the Roswell autopsy video, presenting further inconsistencies. It notes that the alleged cameraman's story about filming soldiers approaching the craft and seeing screaming aliens is questionable, especially considering his claimed location in Washington D.C. and the travel time involved. The article also mentions that McDonnell Douglas confirmed that their employees, Chester Turk and Bill Schmitt, were the photographers for the 'Little Henry' helicopter test, not the person claimed by Santilli. The analysis by Dr. Schäfer is revisited, emphasizing that the procedure shown in the video appears to be a pathological examination aimed at understanding the anatomy of the body, rather than an autopsy to determine the cause of death. The article suggests that if the subject were an alien, an autopsy would be necessary to understand its unique anatomy.

Sporene fører tilbage til England

This part of the Roswell Update suggests that the hoax may have originated in England, given Ray Santilli's nationality and the presence of English phrases in the cameraman's written account. Santilli's explanation that his secretary transcribed the story from a tape and may have introduced English phrases is deemed weak. The article also notes that the handwriting on the film reel labels, as observed by McGovern, appeared European rather than American. The possibility that the entire fabrication was created in England to capitalize on the American Roswell story for financial gain is raised.

Brevkassen (Letters to the Editor)

Læserbreve til SUFOI

This section contains letters from readers to SUFOI and responses from the organization.

Letter from Anders Pedersen:

Anders Pedersen expresses concern that the scope of articles in UFO-Nyt has become too broad, moving away from the core focus on UFO phenomena. He questions the inclusion of topics like crop circles, ghost stories, and mysterious animals, suggesting these are too far removed from 'celestial phenomena.' He believes SUFOI risks losing its credibility as a serious organization if it strays too far into unknown territory.

Response from SUFOI (Per Andersen, Chairman):

SUFOI agrees with Pedersen's concern about maintaining seriousness. They affirm that the primary focus remains on UFO phenomena, with over 80% of the content dedicated to this topic. However, they acknowledge that some 'peripheral topics' are included if they have a connection to UFOs and are of interest to their readership, citing examples like crop circles and the Bermuda Triangle. They also mention that articles on 'mysterious animals' were written by zoologist Lars Thomas, a leading expert in the field. SUFOI thanks Pedersen for his article ideas and promises to consider them.

Letter from an anonymous reader (addressed 'Til UFO-Nyt'):

This reader offers several comments on the magazine's content:

1. On the editorial: The reader disagrees with the editorial's implication that UFO observations might be linked to sensory impairment. They emphasize the extensive documentation of UFO sightings and argue that such statements could undermine the credibility of the information SUFOI provides to its readers.
2. On conclusions: The reader notes that articles in UFO-Nyt rarely draw firm conclusions, often stating that cases are likely hoaxes, natural phenomena, or lack documentation. They question the purpose of drawing conclusions if the organization is hesitant to accept the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence.
3. On Roswell/GAO: The reader expresses a personal belief that a non-terrestrial craft crashed in Roswell. They suggest that SUFOI might not fully accept this possibility, framing it as a matter of faith. They argue that even if the wreckage were displayed in a museum, skeptics would still exist.

Response from SUFOI (Per Andersen, Chairman):

SUFOI acknowledges the reader's points. Regarding the editorial, they state that their intention was not to question the validity of UFO observations but to encourage critical thinking. They agree that the documentation for UFO phenomena is extensive. On the matter of conclusions, SUFOI explains that they aim to present facts and allow readers to draw their own conclusions, avoiding definitive statements due to the complexity and often ambiguous nature of the evidence. They mention that their aim is to report on 'peripheral topics' only when there is solid ground, and that the inclusion of the 'Fynske løve' (Fynske Lion) was by zoologist Lars Thomas. They also thank the reader for their ideas for articles.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and critical analysis of UFO phenomena. There is a clear stance against sensationalism, as evidenced by the critique of TV2's reporting and the detailed debunking of the Roswell autopsy video. SUFOI positions itself as a serious organization dedicated to documenting and understanding UFOs, while also acknowledging the broader context of astronomy and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The magazine aims to inform its readership about the latest sightings, research, and debates within the UFO community and related scientific fields. The editorial stance leans towards a cautious but open-minded approach, prioritizing evidence-based reporting and ethical media practices.

This issue of Brevkassen (Letter Box) from UFO-Nyt (Issue 2/96) focuses on reader correspondence and responses from the organization SUFOI (The Danish UFO Information Center). The content delves into the nature of UFO evidence, the methodology of UFO research, and the challenges of public perception and skepticism surrounding the topic.

Reader Correspondence and SUFOI Responses

The issue opens with a letter from a reader (identified as Niels Mikkel Michelsen, abbreviated by the editor) who questions SUFOI's approach to UFO reports, particularly regarding distance estimation and the interpretation of observations. The reader suggests that many UFO reports are based on belief rather than concrete evidence and questions the certainty of conclusions drawn by SUFOI.

SUFOI, represented by its chairman Per Andersen, responds to these points. They acknowledge the reader's proposal for a letter box and express their openness to criticism. Regarding distance estimation, SUFOI clarifies that while theoretical challenges exist, their work involves rigorous analysis. They emphasize that the vast quantity of observations does not automatically equate to quality or proof of any specific theory, but rather indicates a phenomenon worth investigating.

SUFOI defends its methodology, stating that questioning and critical analysis are integral to the scientific method. They encourage readers to propose alternative theories and arguments for specific cases. Concerning conclusions drawn from reports, SUFOI asserts that they aim to honestly present their findings, even if these findings do not prove extraterrestrial intelligence. They cite examples like the 'autopsy video' and the Roswell incident, stating that while initial beliefs might exist, ongoing data collection and analysis lead to more informed conclusions.

Another reader, Chr. Lynggaard, contributes a piece titled "Tiltroen til ufo-beretninger" (Trust in UFO Reports). Lynggaard argues that the lack of trust in Danish UFO reports stems from a general societal skepticism towards unusual claims, exacerbated by modern civilization. He suggests that the most credible reports come from ordinary people ("grey observers") who have unexpected encounters, rather than from media-seeking organizations. He advocates for focusing on these "grey observations" and believes that a wealth of factual data about the unknown can be compiled from Danish material, shedding light on the nature of these "alien ships."

SUFOI's response to Lynggaard, signed by Per Andersen, acknowledges the challenges in ufology and states that their work aligns with Lynggaard's goal of collecting and evaluating Danish UFO observations. They explain that the complexity of the subject has proven far greater than initially anticipated in the 1950s and 60s, requiring decades of research and thousands of hours of data analysis. This difficulty, they suggest, is why few public institutions and researchers are willing to engage with the topic. SUFOI also mentions exploring unconventional approaches and projects, such as Project PORT, which will be discussed in future issues.

Conferences and Events

The "Kort fortalt" (Briefly) section provides a roundup of upcoming UFO conferences in 1996:

• June 8-9: UFO Expo in Los Angeles, California, featuring over 20 speakers and 30 exhibitors.
• June 17-22: An Indian conference in South Dakota focusing on "star messages," with speakers like Dr. John Mack, Whitley Streiber, and Dr. Leo Sprinkle.
• July 5-7: A conference in North Carolina.
• July 27: The 27th International MUFON Symposium in Sweden, with notable speakers including Budd Hopkins and Bruce Maccabee.
• October 25: A large international congress in Sweden organized by UFO-Sverige, featuring Kent Jeffrey and Per Andersen.
• November 9-11: The 8th European conference in Lyon, France, focusing on serious UFO research.
• November 10: A conference in Finland by Rauni-Leena Luukanen on "Extraterrestrial Intelligence and Humanity's Future," with speakers like Dr. John Mack and Dr. Richard Boylan.

Online Resources

A section titled "Surf på nettet" (Surf the Net) offers a list of websites for those interested in UFOs, including:

• UFO-Sverige
• UFO-Norge
• BUFORA
• MUFON
• Virtual Library
• UFO Group Media
• Nexus Magazine
• Flying Saucer Review
• Uri Geller's website

For skeptics, links to CSICOP and James Randi are provided. The article recommends using a specialized UFO search engine from Yahoo.

Reports and Investigations

"Ny rapport: UFOer - Hvad siger videnskaben?" (New Report: UFOs - What Does Science Say?) discusses the Condon Report, a significant scientific investigation into UFO phenomena commissioned by the US government. The report concluded that investigating UFOs was a waste of time and money. SUFOI has released a new booklet detailing all the facts of this case.

"Landing i Brasilien" (Landing in Brazil) reports on an incident in March where a UFO allegedly landed in a backyard in Brasilia, Brazil. While no object was seen, lights went out in the neighborhood, and marks were found on the ground, including a five-meter pentagon shape and 14 small holes within a central circle.

"Nyt Rockefeller initiativ" (New Rockefeller Initiative) highlights Laurance Rockefeller's continued support for UFO research. He has funded a new 150-page report titled "UFOer: De bedste beviser" (UFOs: The Best Evidence), which will be sent to 1,000 world leaders.

"Metal fra rummet?" (Metal from space?) details the work of Dr. Roger Leir, a surgeon who claims to have removed strange metal objects from patients who reported alien abductions. These objects, described as T-shaped and made of black metal, were found to be encased in a grey membrane and are currently undergoing analysis.

"Landingsbane for ufoer i Nevada" (Landing Strip for UFOs in Nevada) announces that Highway 375 in Nevada, near Area 51, will be renamed the "Extraterrestrial Highway." Four signs will be erected, with the intention of making them visible to UFOs. The article also mentions the local diner, "Little A'Le'Inn," which serves "alien burgers."

"Billed-snyd!" (Picture Fraud!) exposes a previous cover photo from UFO-Nyt as a manipulated image, where a UFO model was digitally inserted into a hangar photograph.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate about the nature and credibility of UFO reports, the scientific versus belief-based approaches to the phenomenon, and the challenges faced by researchers. SUFOI positions itself as a serious research organization committed to honest investigation and data analysis, encouraging critical thinking and open discussion. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the complexity of UFO phenomena while striving for factual evidence and avoiding sensationalism or unfounded speculation. The magazine also serves as a platform for disseminating information about global UFO research activities and resources.