UFO Nyt - No 1 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: Nr. 1
Volume: 39. årg.
Date: 1997 (1. kvartal)
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-Nyt, the first of 1997, presents a diverse range of articles focusing on UFO sightings, photo analysis, and the organization's future direction. The cover features a misty mountain landscape with a prominent disc-shaped object in the sky, accompanied by headlines in Danish that highlight key articles: 'Water on the Moon', 'Close Observation on Fyn', 'Classic Photo Revealed', 'New Visions for SUFOI', and 'The Mysterious Templeton Photo'.

Articles and Features

'New Visions for SUFOI'

This editorial outlines SUFOI's strategic re-evaluation, leading to a new vision for the organization as it approaches its 40th anniversary. The vision comprises four key points: 1) identifying and demystifying all observed aerial phenomena, 2) creating familiarity with the sky so people can recognize known phenomena, 3) ensuring all observers of unknown phenomena contact SUFOI, and 4) establishing SUFOI as the primary source for UFO information. The vision emphasizes a serious, investigative approach, moving away from wild speculation and focusing on understanding people's experiences of the sky.

'Close Observation on Fyn'

This article details a sighting reported by a man identified only as PN, who claims to have witnessed triangular beings in Åsum, Denmark, in the early 1980s. PN was driving to work when his car stalled near a wooded area. He observed a bright, yellowish, disc-shaped object hovering about 1-2 meters above the ground. He also saw two groups of beings: seven small, fast-moving entities that appeared to be collecting something from the ground, and three larger, 'guard-like' beings. The beings were described as approximately one meter tall with a light grey appearance, resembling two triangles stacked on top of each other. The article discusses the psychological aspects of the sighting, considering the possibility of misinterpretation or psychological influence, while acknowledging PN's conviction of a genuine, 'external' experience. It also touches upon a similar incident involving PN's parents in 1980.

'Classic Photo Revealed'

This feature critically examines the famous 'Saas Fee UFO' photograph, taken in Switzerland on July 26, 1975, by three Dutch tourists. The article details the extensive computer analyses performed on the photo, including those by William H. Spaulding of Ground Saucer Watch, which initially suggested the object was a genuine UFO. However, the article presents the findings of Belgian ufologists Wim Van Utrecht and Frits Van Der Veldt, who, after thorough investigation and analysis, concluded that the object was likely a model from a camping set. They presented compelling arguments, including experiments with similar aluminum plates and discrepancies with meteorological data. The article notes that while some analyses suggest a three-dimensional object, others, particularly those based on the original color slide, indicate it was a model. The conclusion is that the Saas Fee photo should be removed from the list of genuine UFO evidence.

'International Meeting in Gothenburg'

This report covers the first major international UFO congress held in Sweden in October 1997. The event, organized by UFO-Sverige, featured presentations by several well-known ufologists. Ole Jonny Brænne of UFO-Norge discussed efforts to release UFO documents from the Norwegian police and military. Jenny Randles presented on the Rendlesham incident and the challenges of evaluating abduction cases. Nick Pope, formerly of the British Ministry of Defence, shared his insights on UFOs from his experience within the government. The author, Per Andersen, also presented on the Vejle car-stop case and theories about who sees UFOs. The congress concluded with a 'demonstration' of unknown powers when a fire alarm sounded and a storm began outside. A point of criticism was the lack of Swedish speakers or topics related to Swedish ufology.

Other Content

The issue also includes a section on 'Water on the Moon', a brief mention of a meteor over the MIR space station, and a note about the 'Templeton Photo'. Information is provided on SUFOI's contact details, subscription rates, and services like the UFO Diskette Service and Newsletter. A 'UFO Poster' featuring artwork by Deszö Sternoczky is also advertised.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO evidence, particularly photographic evidence, and the importance of rigorous investigation. SUFOI's editorial stance, as articulated in the 'New Visions' piece, is one of serious inquiry, aiming to demystify phenomena and provide reliable information to the public, while cautioning against unfounded speculation. The magazine promotes a scientific and analytical approach to ufology, as demonstrated by the detailed analysis of the Saas Fee photo and the discussion of psychological factors in witness testimony.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 1/97
Date: January 1997
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Cover Headline: Det gådefulde Templeton-foto (The Enigmatic Templeton Photo)

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into the enduring mystery of the 'Templeton Photo', a photograph taken in 1964 that has puzzled ufologists for decades. The magazine also explores various astronomical phenomena, scientific findings related to space, and other UFO-related cases.

The Enigmatic Templeton Photo

The central article, written by British ufologist and author Jenny Randles, investigates the famous Templeton Photo. The photo was taken on May 24, 1964, by James Templeton, a firefighter, while on a family outing near Burgh by Sands, England. The image features his five-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, picking wildflowers. However, upon developing the film, a startling figure in a white suit and helmet was discovered standing behind Elizabeth.

Randles recounts Templeton's story: the family noticed unusual behavior from the local animals that day, but saw no other people. The photo was taken with a Pentacon camera using Kodacolor X film, with settings of f/16 and 1/100 second. The figure in the photo is described as wearing a white suit and helmet, with visible eyes and mouth, and possibly a tie-like object. Its height is estimated to be over two meters, leaning to one side or hovering.

Initial investigations by Kodak suggested a double exposure, perhaps from another photograph of a colleague in protective gear. However, Templeton maintained he did not take such a photo on that roll of film. The case gained some local attention in the Cumberland News in June 1964 but little wider recognition.

Flying Saucer Review published the photo in November/December 1964, speculating about an invisible UFO landing and the camera capturing what the eye could not see. The local police in Carlisle and Penrith, along with Kodak's photo experts, investigated the case. Theories ranged from a streaker to a photographic error. Detectives concluded it was not a film error and that a real person was in the picture, but could not identify them. Chief Inspector Tom Oldcorn of Penrith described it as a 'strange photo'.

Kodak offered free film for life to anyone who could explain the photo, but the case remained unsolved. Over the years, various explanations have been proposed, including holographic projections and even theories involving the nearby Chapelcross nuclear power plant and a secret base at Anthorn.

'Men in Black' Encounter

Adding another layer to the mystery, James Templeton reported being visited by two men about two months after taking the photo. These individuals, described as 'Men in Black', arrived in a Jaguar and asked Templeton to show them the location where the photo was taken. They were interested in details about the weather and animal behavior, but not the photo itself. Their behavior was described as peculiar, and they referred to each other by numbers. Templeton believed they were from the Ministry of Defence. The visit occurred after the local newspaper, Cumberland News, had contacted the Ministry of Defence about the photo.

Related UFO Activity in the Solway Firth Area

Jenny Randles also explored UFO activity in the region around Solway Firth. She mentions reports of unusual lights, strange animal behavior, and burnt marks in fields. Historical UFO reports from the area include the West Freugh AFB observation in 1957, where an object defied explanation by radar. Another incident in 1976 involved a blue, pulsating light seen near Annan. Reports from the 1970s and 1980s include sightings of oval lights and a military police observation of a red light. A notable case from Currochtrie in 1978 involved two silver, oval objects that frightened cattle. The issue also touches upon the disappearance of 6,000 homing pigeons on a night when a landing was reported near Llanerchymedd.

Astronomical Phenomena and Space News

The magazine also features several articles on astronomy and space exploration:

Planets and Meteors (February 15 - May 15)

This section provides a guide to observing planets like Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter during the specified period. It also mentions the Lyrids meteor shower around April 22nd and a partial lunar eclipse on March 24th.

Water on the Moon

An article discusses the findings of the Clementine satellite, which in late 1996 suggested the presence of ice in deep craters at the Moon's south pole. Scientists believe this ice is likely ancient material from comets that have impacted the Moon over millions of years.

Meteor over the MIR Space Station

Astronaut Thomas Reiter, while aboard the Russian MIR space station, witnessed a meteor entering Earth's atmosphere. He described it as a bright streak of light that overtook the station and then disintegrated.

Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI)

A report on the SETI Institute's efforts to detect intelligent radio signals from the 'Small Magellanic Cloud' is presented. Despite scanning millions of stars over two days using the Parkes radio telescope, no signals were found.

H.C. Andersen - A Planet Named After Him

In June 1996, Russian astronomers named a small planet (or asteroid) after the famous Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. The planet, designated 1976JF2, is one of several small planets named after Danish locations or personalities.

Meteorite Risk

An article discusses the underestimated risk of dying from meteorite impacts, citing a study by physicists David Morrison and Clark. The study suggests the risk is higher than previously thought, and the impact of large meteorites can have widespread effects.

Small Bang: Satellite Collision

In July 1996, two satellites collided in Earth orbit, resulting in the French CERISE satellite tumbling. The debris was identified as a fragment of an Ariane rocket.

Meteorite Fall in Greenland?

An account of a possible meteorite impact in Greenland on November 29, 1996, is described. Witnesses reported a giant flash of light, and local authorities considered offering a reward for finding the meteorite. Despite searches, no meteorite was found.

Book Review: 'Wesen Aus Dem Weltraum?'

This section includes a review of Klaus Webner's book, 'Wesen Aus Dem Weltraum? Erste Dokumentation der Welt über fotografierte Ufonauten'. The book examines various UFO photographs and alleged alien encounters, presenting Webner's research and explanations. The review notes that Webner, like others, has no definitive explanation for the Templeton Photo. It also touches upon the controversy surrounding Edward Walters' UFO photos from Gulf Breeze, suggesting they may have been faked using models.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and photographic evidence. There is a strong emphasis on investigation and presenting different theories, even if definitive conclusions are elusive. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into UFOs and related mysteries, while also critically examining claims and presenting scientific perspectives. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding unexplained events, particularly the Templeton Photo, and the ongoing search for answers.

Title: Notitser (Notices)
Issue: 1/97
Volume: 19
Date: January 1997
Publisher: UFO-NYT
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0105-0212

This issue of UFO-NYT presents a collection of short articles and news items related to UFO phenomena, debunking, and related scientific and cultural discussions.

Roswell - heller ikke denne gang

This article revisits the Roswell incident, reporting on a metal piece submitted to the Roswell museum in March 1996. The analysis of the metal, a copper-silver alloy, was conducted by testing its isotopic distribution, which serves as a 'fingerprint' for its terrestrial origin. The results showed a composition identical to Earth-based materials, debunking claims that it was from an extraterrestrial spacecraft. The owner of the metal piece was identified as artist Randy Fullbright, who had given it to a gallery owner, who in turn gave it to Blake Larsen, humorously claiming it was found at Roswell. The article cites Skeptical Inquirer as its source.

Sagan død i en alder af 62

This piece announces the death of renowned astronomer and author Carl Sagan on December 20, 1996, at the age of 62, due to pneumonia following a battle with bone marrow disease. Sagan, known for his ability to explain cosmic mysteries through lectures, books, and the popular TV series "Cosmos," was a recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for his book "Dragons of Eden." He was a strong advocate for the search for extraterrestrial life but was skeptical of UFO phenomena, which he considered "nonsense." A quote from Sagan is included: "We sometimes believe that something exists - not because there is evidence for it, but because we so desperately want it to be true." Ironically, his last book, "The Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark," criticized pseudoscience and UFOs, drawing criticism from the UFO community.

Kontaktperson indrømmer svindel

This article details the confession of Salvador Villanueva Medina, a Mexican contactee who claimed to have had encounters with aliens and traveled on their spacecraft. Medina, who claimed his first contact was in August 1953 near Valles, Mexico, and even visited Venus, was known as the "Mexican Adamski." The article reports that Michael Hesemann, editor of the German magazine Magazin 2000, interviewed Medina in August 1995. During the interview, Medina admitted that he fabricated his entire story to gain attention. He confessed that as people believed him and the media focused on his accounts, he began to question whether it could have happened and found the attention amusing.

Johannes von Buttlar med falsk dr.titel

This article exposes German author Johannes von Buttlar, known for his UFO books, for using a fake academic title. While his books have achieved significant sales, his work is considered less serious by some in the German UFO community. Organizations like CENAP and GEP have investigated von Buttlar's past. It is revealed that his title of "astrophysicist" was false. The article cites an investigation by the German magazine Der Spiegel (issue 17/1996) and information from CENAP-infoline nr. 36. It explains that a man named Dr. Hans-Herbert Hain, who died in August 1995, was involved in selling fake academic titles internationally. Hain's computer contained records of buyers, including Johannes von Buttlar, who reportedly purchased a "Dr.rer.nat." title for 9,490 DEM (approximately 37,000 DKK) on November 7, 1990. Von Buttlar was later accused of misusing scientific titles.

Mimi Hynek, 1923-1996

This is an obituary for Mimi Hynek, who passed away on October 10, 1996, at the age of 73. While her husband, Professor J. Allen Hynek, was involved in UFO research for the U.S. Air Force, Mimi became actively involved in UFO matters in 1973 when her husband founded the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). Their home served as CUFOS headquarters in its early years, and Mimi managed its practical aspects and edited several of its publications, including "Physical Traces Associated with UFO Sightings, A Helicopter-UFO Encounter over Ohio and Close Encounter at Kelly and Others." After Allen's death in 1986, Mimi pursued her interest in archaeology, participating in excavations in Arizona. Her expertise was utilized in 1989 during excavations at the alleged Roswell UFO crash site.

Farvel til Adam og Eva

This article discusses the Vatican's evolving stance on Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. It notes that Pope John Paul II, in a letter to scientists in autumn 1996, acknowledged that new knowledge supports the theory of evolution as more than a hypothesis. However, the Pope maintained that the spiritual soul is created by God and that theories reducing the soul to a product of material evolution are incompatible with the truth about humanity. The article contrasts this with the literal biblical accounts of Adam and Eve's creation. It mentions that Pope Pius XII had allowed Catholics to believe in Darwin's theory in 1950, provided it was not presented as proven fact. The article also references the famous 1925 Scopes Trial in Tennessee, where a teacher was convicted for teaching evolution, and a recent (May 19, 1996) decision by Alabama lawmakers to allow schools to dismiss teachers who present Darwinism as fact rather than theory. Despite the scientific community's acceptance of evolutionary principles, the article points out that conservative religious views still challenge it.

Skynd dig - reservér plads til: SUFOI Jubilæumskongres 1997

This is an announcement for the SUFOI (Scandinavian UFO Information) 40th-anniversary congress, to be held on Saturday, November 1, 1997, at Lyngby Storcenter in Denmark. It is described as the most international congress ever and the last major UFO event in Denmark for the decade. The congress will feature leading international UFO experts, including Dr. Richard F. Haines (USA), Jenny Randles (England), Clas Svahn (Sweden), and John Spencer (England). The article provides brief descriptions of their backgrounds and the topics they will cover. Dr. Haines, a former NASA scientist, will discuss pilot observations and UFO influences. Jenny Randles, a renowned UFO researcher, will present her work. Clas Svahn will detail his investigation of a Swedish close encounter case. John Spencer will provide an overview of UFO incidents in England. The event will include other international speakers and presentations on UFO photos and observations from Denmark. A limited number of 250 tickets are available for 190 DKK each, with booking details provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features a critical and analytical approach to UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on scientific investigation and debunking, as seen in the Roswell metal analysis and the exposure of contactee hoaxes and fake academic titles. While acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial life, the editorial stance appears to be skeptical of many UFO claims, aligning with figures like Carl Sagan. The magazine also engages with broader scientific and cultural topics, such as the theory of evolution and its reception, demonstrating an interest in how scientific understanding intersects with societal beliefs. The inclusion of obituaries and conference announcements suggests an effort to keep readers informed about significant figures and events within the UFO community.