UFO Nyt - No 3 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: Nr. 3, 38th year
Date: 3rd Quarter 1996
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Price: 227.00 DKK

Editorial

The editorial, written by Per Andersen, addresses the growing concern over the use of searchlights and laser lights for advertising purposes, which contribute to light pollution and can be mistaken for natural phenomena, thus creating a new source of misidentification for UFO observers. SUFOI notes a significant increase in such reports and advocates for regulation of these light sources.

Contents Overview

This issue of UFO-Nyt features a variety of articles and reports on UFO phenomena, including:

Cover Stories

• Flyv med til Saturn: An article potentially discussing space travel or observations related to Saturn.
• Militær fanger rummænd: Suggests military encounters with extraterrestrial beings.
• Piloter ser ukendt fænomen: Reports on unidentified aerial phenomena observed by pilots.
• Metal fra rumskib i Roswell?: Investigates the possibility of extraterrestrial metal being found in relation to the Roswell incident.
• Gådefuldt flystyrt endelig opklaret: Discusses the resolution of a mysterious aircraft crash, possibly linked to UFOs.

Danish Reports

This section details several specific UFO sightings and incidents reported in Denmark:

• Observationer det seneste halvår: A statistical overview of UFO reports received by SUFOI between December 1995 and May 1996, noting that 49 out of 97 reports were explained (approximately 50%). The article highlights the establishment of a tradition of annual courses for rapporteurs.
• Lyset der trak sig sammen: An account from 1978 of a boy observing a rectangular, glowing box-shaped object that contracted and disappeared.
• Vidne chokeret over lysfænomen: A report from 1994 near Erslev where three men observed strange lights that behaved in an unusual manner, including a descending light cone.
• Flyvende vinge: A sighting from January 1996 near Strynø of a wing-shaped object with four antennae, described as white like new fiberglass.
• Lys ved Næstved: A February 1996 report of several pulsating white lights observed near Næstved, which were not easily explained.
• Rødt lysende hjul: A March 1996 sighting near Grinsted of a large, red, pulsating object resembling a wagon wheel.
• Lysende ringe set over Esbjerg: A March 1996 observation of two bright, light blue-grey rings flying in formation.
• Cirkel i hvedemark ved Ringsted: An investigation into a crop circle found in a wheat field near Ringsted in April 1996, including soil samples and analysis.
• Rystelser i vandsenge: An account from April 1996 in Nyborg where two women experienced vibrations and observed unusual cloud-like objects.
• Cirkel i græskløvermark ved Ribe: A June 1996 report of a circular pattern in a clover field near Ribe, with three holes in the center, and an analysis suggesting it was not caused by normal agricultural activity.
• Ufo var en and: A brief note suggesting that some previously reported 'UFOs' might have been identified as birds, specifically ducks, due to lighting conditions.

From the Archives

• Vadehavet, november 1993: An analysis of a photograph taken over Vadehavet that showed a luminous, box-shaped object, which was determined to be an internal reflection in the camera lens.
• Hvad fik jagerfly til at styrte ned? 2. del: Continues the investigation into a 1970 Hawker Hunter jet crash near Frørup, where witnesses reported seeing a glowing fireball. The article mentions that the official explanation was pilot disorientation, but SUFOI's investigation suggests other possibilities.

Photo Department

• Nye danske fotosager: This section examines three typical photographic cases submitted to SUFOI:
• A case from Nykøbing Mors in January 1996 where a 'dark object' in a photo was identified as a dust particle on the film.
• A brief mention of a photo where the sender did not know when or where it was taken, with the sender stating, "It's probably not a UFO."
• Scanning of a 'genstand' (object) showing asymmetrical, sharp edges, deemed too sharp and contrasting to be an optical artifact.

SUFOI Information

• SUFOI's Purpose and Leadership: Details the organization's mission to understand UFO phenomena and its leadership structure.
• Contact Information: Provides contact details for SUFOI, including phone numbers for alarm central, information, and lectures, as well as postal and email addresses.
• SUFOI Nyhedsbrev: Announces the launch of a new newsletter providing updates on UFO debates, SUFOI activities, and recent observations.
• Special Offer: A subscription offer for the SUFOI Nyhedsbrev for the remainder of 1996 and all of 1997.
• UFOer - Hvad siger videnskaben? Pro et contra Condon-rapporten: A description of a SUFOI booklet analyzing the Condon Report, which investigated UFO phenomena for the US government.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly those observed in Denmark. SUFOI maintains a stance of serious and critical investigation, aiming to understand UFO phenomena without prematurely endorsing specific theories. The magazine emphasizes the importance of detailed reporting and analysis, as demonstrated by the in-depth case studies and photographic investigations. There is a clear focus on distinguishing between explained phenomena (like dust on film or birds) and those that remain genuinely puzzling. The issue also highlights the organization's efforts to engage with the public and authorities, as seen in the letter to the Minister regarding light pollution and the ongoing investigation into aviation incidents potentially linked to UFOs. The editorial stance is one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging rigorous examination of evidence.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 3/96
Date: 1996
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO-NYT, titled 'Fra arkiverne' (From the archives), delves into various unexplained phenomena, aviation incidents, and astronomical topics. It features a mix of reader contributions, expert analysis, and news reports, aiming to shed light on mysteries from the past and present.

Storm i et glas vand?

The article revisits a 1970 plane crash in Sweden, where two Hawker Hunter jets crashed during a night exercise. Clas Svahn, a journalist and chairman of UFO-Sverige, proposed a theory that the 'fireball' seen after the crash was the exhaust from the malfunctioning aircraft, supported by witness descriptions of sound and appearance. This theory aligns with the initial police assessment that the incident was a 'storm in a glass of water'.

Den rette mand forklarer

This section introduces Mogens E. Hansen, a highly experienced pilot with extensive flight hours and knowledge of various aircraft, including the Hawker Hunter. Hansen's expertise makes him a credible source for explaining aviation incidents. He explains that official reports can be classified, with 'Til Tjeneste-brug' (For Service Use) being a common classification, meaning they are not fully accessible to the public.

Derfor styrtede flyet

Mogens E. Hansen provides his explanation for the 1970 crash, suggesting the pilot, being newly trained with limited experience, lost visual contact with his formation. Instead of immediately relying on instruments, the pilot continued to search visually, leading to spatial disorientation. In the absence of visual references like the horizon, the aircraft could have entered an almost vertical dive without the pilot realizing it. Upon switching to instruments, the unexpected readings would have required rapid interpretation and reaction, but the low altitude and high speed made recovery impossible.

Det så øjenvidnerne

Hansen addresses witness descriptions of the crash, considering 'reflections from the explosion' or 'exhaust from the other fighters' as possibilities for the 'fireball'. He dismisses the exhaust theory for a Hunter jet at night. He elaborates on the explosion theory: kerosene sprayed into a crater at near-sonic speed could ignite, creating a rapidly expanding fireball that shoots upwards. The rapid dissipation of this fireball could appear to a witness as if it were moving away quickly. The sound described as 'hailstones' or 'whistling' is attributed to air disturbances caused by the high-speed object. He notes that witness accounts should be treated with skepticism, as memory and perception can be unreliable, especially in high-stress events.

Opklaret

The author concludes that Hansen's explanation is the most plausible yet and considers the 26-year-old case of the 1970 crash to be definitively solved.

Tabte han noget?

This article recounts an incident on a morning in 1958 at Aalborg Air Base, where two pilots observed a Hawker Hunter landing and appearing to drop something. The 'dropped' object then separated and flew away. The observer, Brian E. Møller, initially dismissed it as unusual but later learned another pilot had seen the same phenomenon. The second pilot reported that the 'objects' moved slowly before suddenly ascending and disappearing. The article notes the independent observations and the shared perception of something being dropped. It also mentions that the pilots of the Hawker Hunters reported nothing unusual.

Observationer

This section further details the 1958 sighting. The observer, Møller, describes two Hawker Hunters performing a 'break' maneuver. He noticed the second Hunter appeared to drop something that remained airborne and seemed metallic and luminous. He initially considered it might be other aircraft, like F-86 Sabres, flying at high altitude. Later, during lunch, he heard from another pilot who had seen the same phenomenon, describing 'tingesters' that detached and then ascended rapidly. The article highlights the consistency between the two independent observations, suggesting a possible 'cross-peaking' of the event at an altitude of 1,000 feet (300 meters).

Hvad har ufoer og korncirkler til fælles?

This article, authored by Carl Sagan, explores the commonalities between UFO sightings and crop circles, arguing that both phenomena often stem from misinterpretations of natural events, psychological biases, and hoaxes. Sagan recounts the widespread belief in flying saucers in his youth, noting the credible witnesses but emphasizing the scientific method's requirement for rigorous evidence. He lists various natural explanations for UFO sightings, including special aircraft, balloons, planets, meteors, ball lightning, and optical illusions. He then turns to crop circles, which began as simple circles in the UK in the 1970s and evolved into complex geometric patterns. Sagan highlights that many crop circles were later revealed to be hoaxes, notably by Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, who created them for amusement and to fool UFO enthusiasts. He criticizes the tendency to attribute unexplained phenomena to extraterrestrial intelligence without sufficient evidence, urging for a healthy skepticism.

Debat

This section continues the discussion on crop circles. It details how the phenomenon spread globally and how complex patterns were interpreted as messages from extraterrestrial beings. The article reiterates the confession of Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, who created numerous crop circles using simple tools like metal rods and planks. They were motivated by a desire to prank UFO enthusiasts and scientists. The article notes that their 'art' was initially overlooked but gained attention when scientists declared it too complex to be man-made. It also mentions Jim Schnable's book 'Round in Circles', which documented the phenomenon and the hoaxes. The author emphasizes the importance of skepticism and critical thinking, noting that these skills are not always taught effectively in schools and are often learned through personal experience.

UFO-PLAKAT

This is an advertisement for SUFOI, seeking sponsors for a project to publish a large-edition UFO poster. It outlines sponsorship levels and benefits, including company logos on the poster, advertisements in UFO-Nyt, and free posters.

Brevkassen

Lys over Bermuda-trekanten

A reader, 'TJ', recounts an experience in the Bermuda Triangle in July 1985. While on a ship, he observed a bright light ascending rapidly in the western sky, growing into a faint glow that spread across the horizon. He noted what appeared to be 4-5 discharges from the light. The phenomenon disappeared vertically after a few minutes. The reader and crew were unable to identify it, initially speculating it might be a satellite launch from Cape Canaveral. However, checks revealed no launches at that time and location.

Var det en raket?

SUFOI investigated the 'Bermuda Triangle' sighting. The Giotto satellite launch from French Guiana on July 2nd did not match the date. Searches for launches from Cape Canaveral on July 5th also yielded no results. The observation is compared to a similar event near Tenerife on March 5, 1979, which was speculated to be a rocket or missile launch from a submarine. The article concludes that the Bermuda Triangle sighting might also have been a submarine-launched rocket or missile, but definitive proof is lacking.

Det er i Brasilien, det sker

This article reports on alleged UFO-related events in Varginha, Brazil, in January 1996. It describes how three girls encountered a wounded, humanoid creature. Subsequently, the Brazilian military reportedly captured two such beings. The article cites anonymous military sources who confirm the event, describing the capture of the creatures by firefighters and military personnel. One being was taken to a hospital and later died, with its body reportedly transported to a military base for autopsy by a Dr. Badan Palhares. The article notes the media attention and the claims of Brazilian UFO researchers possessing detailed information, to be published in 'UFO Magazine'.

Gratis hefte!

This is an announcement for a free 40-page booklet from SUFOI titled 'Velkommen til Skandinavisk UFO Information', offering practical information for readers.

UFO-materialer til salg

An advertisement for the private sale of older UFO materials, including magazines, books, and other publications in various languages.

Astronomi & Rumfart

Flyv med til Saturn

This section invites readers to send a postcard with their name to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the USA. A copy of this greeting will be sent with the Cassini spacecraft to Saturn in 1997. The Cassini mission, one of the largest ever, will use gravity assists from Venus, Earth, and Jupiter to reach Saturn in 2004. It will release the Huygens probe into Titan's atmosphere to study its composition. The mission will also study Saturn's moons. The names collected will be transferred to a CD-ROM aboard Cassini. The deadline for submissions is January 1, 1997, or until the CD-ROM is full.

Skudt forbi - igen!

This article reports on the discovery of a previously unknown asteroid, 1996JA1, by astronomer T. Spahr. The asteroid passed Earth at a distance of approximately 450,000 km. Astronomers like Richard M. West noted it was a 100-meter-long irregular rock. If it had been four hours earlier in its trajectory, it could have impacted the Pacific Ocean, causing significant local damage and weather changes due to dust and vapor. The article highlights that many small planets with orbits close to Earth are being discovered due to new technologies, but resources for monitoring these are limited. It compares the number of scientists involved in these projects to the staff at a Burger King. The article also references the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia, possibly caused by a comet impact, and the 1994 impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 on Jupiter, suggesting that asteroid impacts, while rare, pose a significant risk to humanity and warrant increased monitoring.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFO sightings and related incidents. There is a clear emphasis on providing detailed accounts, often from eyewitnesses and experts, and attempting to offer rational explanations where possible, as seen in the analysis of the 1970 jet crash and the 1958 sighting. The publication also engages with other intriguing topics like crop circles, astronomical discoveries, and alleged extraterrestrial encounters, maintaining a balance between reporting on mysteries and applying critical analysis. The editorial stance appears to favor a skeptical yet open-minded approach, encouraging readers to think critically about evidence and explanations.

Title: Astronomi & Rumfart
Issue: 3/96
Date: March 1996
Publisher: UFO-NYT
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of "Astronomi & Rumfart" features several articles covering astronomical events, UFO-related news, and natural phenomena.

Tættest på Jorden (Closest to Earth)

This article reports on the asteroid 1994XM1, which passed Earth at a remarkably close distance of approximately 100,000 km on December 9, 1994. The CCD photo accompanying the article was taken at the Kitt Peak Observatory in the USA by James Scotti. The asteroid, estimated to be about 13 meters in size, was discovered just two hours before its closest approach by the University of Arizona's asteroid monitoring program. This event set a new record for close asteroid approaches, surpassing the previous record held by asteroid 1994ES1.

Guldmedalje til planetarieleder (Gold Medal for Planetarium Director)

Bjørn Franck Jørgensen, the daily leader of the Tycho Brahe Planetarium, was awarded the Tycho Brahe Medal by the Bodil Pedersen Foundation in February. The medal recognizes his long-standing work in communicating scientific understanding, particularly astronomy. The article highlights the planetarium's strong media presence, especially during major astronomical events like the comet Hyakutake. It also recommends the Tycho Brahe Planetarium's website for current news, images, and information, including links to other astronomical resources and amateur astronomy groups.

Roswell Update: Metal fra Roswell endelig fundet? (Metal from Roswell finally found?)

This article discusses a significant development in the Roswell incident debate. On March 26, 1996, a piece of metal was submitted to the UFO museum in Roswell. The anonymous donor, reportedly a military person involved in the 1947 recovery, claims it is part of the 'mysterious' material found then. Analysis by the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology revealed the metal to be primarily silver and copper, with traces of aluminum, sodium, silicon, iron, chromium, and chlorine. Chris McKee, who conducted the analysis, concluded that the substances are terrestrial and the fragment appears to be from a larger, exploded object. McKee, who was involved in the secret Mogul balloon experiments, suggests the metal could be from a Mogul instrument, which the Air Force had previously cited as the cause of the 1947 debris. However, he cannot be entirely certain.

En naturlig forklaring (A Natural Explanation)

This section, written by Ole Henningsen, explores unusual ice phenomena. It begins by describing a peculiar spinning ice floe observed in the Emåen river in Småland, Sweden, by Sigurd Andersson. This phenomenon, where ice chunks gather in swirling currents to form large, round ice formations, is explained as a natural process. The article then recounts a personal experience on Bornholm, Denmark, where star-shaped holes with concentric ice-free rings were observed in Opalsøen after a snowfall. While the exact formation mechanism of these specific holes is not detailed, the overall context suggests natural explanations for such unusual ice formations.

Kort fortalt (Short News)

Ufo under optankning? (UFO refueling?)

This short piece debunks a widely circulated photograph from the English magazine "Encounters." The photo depicted a triangular craft allegedly refueling in mid-air, escorted by military aircraft. The story claimed the craft was unidentified and not a Stealth plane. However, the Daily Mail investigated and concluded the image was a hoax and a photomontage created by "Astronomy Now," which David Morris had simply re-photographed. The magazine "Encounters" later admitted the deception.

UFO-stand i Silkeborg (UFO stand in Silkeborg)

This report details the presence of a UFO group stand at a local fair in Silkeborg, Denmark. Representatives from the Silkeborg/Århus UFO group, Peter Nørgaard and Verner Møller, displayed posters, UFO magazines, and distributed free copies of UFO-Nyt. The event attracted approximately 1,500 visitors over seven hours.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of astronomy and unexplained phenomena. While it reports on genuine astronomical discoveries like asteroid approaches and highlights the work of institutions like the Tycho Brahe Planetarium, it also critically examines UFO claims, debunking hoaxes and seeking natural explanations for unusual sightings. The editorial stance appears to favor scientific rigor and evidence-based explanations, while still acknowledging public interest in the unexplained.