UFO Nyt - No 3 1997

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: 3
Volume: 39. årg.
Date: 1997
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976

This issue of UFO-Nyt, published by SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information), focuses on several compelling UFO-related topics. The cover prominently features a UFO image and headlines teasing articles on the Belgian UFO wave, a UFO filmed over Svalbard, a 'flying man,' and the truth about Roswell.

Editorial and Organizational Information

The magazine opens with an editorial by Per Andersen, chairman of SUFOI, titled 'SUFOI - verdens mest kendte ufo-forening!' (SUFOI - the world's best-known UFO association!). He highlights a survey indicating that one-third of Danes have heard of SUFOI, attributing this recognition to consistent media engagement, including a significant media presence in May 1997 with TV2 and DR news coverage. Andersen emphasizes SUFOI's goal of becoming Denmark's most recognized serious UFO association.

The issue also provides contact information for SUFOI, including postal address, phone numbers, and email. It details the organization's purpose, which is to collect and process UFO-related material and disseminate knowledge through publications and lectures, maintaining a critical and serious approach. A list of the daily leadership and other representatives of the organization is included.

Featured Articles

UFO filmet over Svalbard

This article by Ole Henningsen recounts the observation of a UFO by the renowned Norwegian polar researcher Monica Kristensen during her stay at the Norwegian Polar Institute's research station on Svalbard in the winter of 1976/77 or 1977/78. Kristensen describes seeing a luminous, circular object over Kongsbræen, which she initially mistook for a helicopter but then realized was something else. The phenomenon was also captured by an All-Sky camera, though the footage was never made public. Kristensen, a scientist with a background in plasma physics and glaciology, led numerous polar expeditions and received the prestigious Founders Medal. The article notes that attempts by UFO researcher Ole Jonny Brænne to get further comments from Kristensen and the Norwegian Meteorological Institute were unsuccessful.

Den belgiske bølge - en trekantet affære

Written by Wim Van Utrecht, this extensive article details the 'Belgian Wave' of UFO sightings that began in late 1989. It starts by referencing the Voronezh landing story from the Soviet Union in October 1989, which briefly captured global attention. The Belgian wave initially involved reports of luminous discs, later attributed to a disco light show. However, the phenomenon escalated with sightings of triangular craft, notably by two gendarmes near Eupen on November 29, 1989. These sightings involved a triangular object with bright lights, observed for three hours and tracked by military radar. The article discusses the involvement of the Belgian UFO organization SOBEPS, which collected numerous eyewitness accounts. It also touches upon the skepticism surrounding the sightings, with explanations ranging from Venus to experimental aircraft. The article highlights the official response, including a joint operation between SOBEPS and the Belgian Air Force called 'Operation Identifikation OVNI.' It also examines the socio-cultural aspects, noting how the wave spread and how media coverage influenced public perception. The article concludes by discussing photographic and radar evidence, including a famous triangular UFO photo from Petit-Rechain and radar echoes detected by F-16 jets, while also presenting skeptical counterarguments.

The Truth About Roswell?

This section, likely referencing articles by Per Andersen, revisits the Roswell incident. The cover implies that new information might be revealed, possibly linking the event to secret experiments at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, as suggested by a declassified USAF photo from 1972 showing a Viking probe in the desert. The article suggests that rumors of such experiments may have contributed to the Roswell myth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Nyt demonstrates a commitment to serious and critical investigation of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance, as articulated by Per Andersen, emphasizes the importance of media engagement and public awareness, aiming to establish SUFOI as a reputable and recognized UFO research organization in Denmark. The articles themselves reflect a detailed approach to documenting and analyzing UFO events, presenting both eyewitness accounts and scientific or skeptical perspectives. Recurring themes include the impact of media on UFO reporting, the challenges of distinguishing genuine phenomena from misidentifications or hoaxes, and the ongoing quest for definitive answers to unexplained aerial events. The magazine also highlights the collaborative efforts between civilian researchers and official bodies, as seen in the Belgian case.

Title: Ufo-bølge (UFO Wave)
Issue: 3/97
Publisher: UFO-NYT
Date: 1997

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into two significant topics in ufology: the Belgian UFO wave and the enduring mystery of the Roswell incident. It critically examines witness testimonies, official explanations, and the psychological aspects influencing UFO reports.

The Belgian UFO Wave

The article begins by addressing the Belgian UFO wave, which saw hundreds of reports of sightings, primarily of triangular craft, between 1989 and 1990. Despite the volume of sightings, physical evidence was scarce, with only four crop circle reports and one instance of a cross-shaped imprint noted between 1989 and 1991. The author notes that the characteristic triangular UFO, now common in media, was not as frequently reported during the Belgian wave, often appearing in nighttime observations.

The typical description of the Belgian UFOs involved low-flying, dark objects estimated to be no higher than 150 meters, capable of rapid course changes without producing downward air currents. They emitted a faint hum, similar to an aircraft engine, and displayed lights akin to those on conventional planes. Despite inquiries to military and aviation circles, no experimental aircraft, manned or remote-controlled, matched these descriptions.

Skeptics initially proposed ultralight aircraft or motorized balloons as explanations. A rumor suggested an unauthorized ultralight flight might explain the November 29, 1989, sighting, but this was never confirmed. The 'gigantic' nature of some descriptions also made the ultralight hypothesis unlikely.

A more plausible explanation emerged regarding 'Zeppelins' with powerful searchlights, potentially operated by an individual referred to as 'K' in Brussels. In 1991, a researcher inquired about these in aviation circles, leading to K admitting his devices were responsible for many observations. He reportedly offered explanations to the Belgian Air Force for a substantial fee, with evidence in the form of dates and locations of his balloon flights. These remotely controlled craft, leased for advertising and events, were described as cigar-shaped airships or small round balloons equipped with searchlights and cameras, resembling traditional zeppelins with projectors.

While 'K' is presented as a strong candidate for the Belgian UFO wave, definitive proof of his involvement remains elusive. Ironically, 'K' later claimed his lighter-than-air craft had never flown outdoors.

In late 1996, researchers Jan van Eetvelt and Wim van Utrecht submitted a detailed parliamentary inquiry to the Belgian Minister of Defence regarding military involvement. The response in April 1997 provided no new information beyond what had already been released to the press in 1990-91. The article concludes that the mystery of the Belgian UFO wave remains largely unsolved, left to UFO enthusiasts.

The Roswell Incident: 50 Years Later

The second major section revisits the Roswell incident, 50 years after the alleged crash in July 1947. The author notes that it took over 45 years for the US government to officially address the rumors, prompted by a 1993 congressional inquiry into the handling of the case.

The 1995 GAO report found it difficult to investigate due to destroyed archives from the late 1940s. However, it spurred the US Air Force (USAF) to release its own report in 1994, concluding that the debris found was from a top-secret 'Project Mogul' balloon. This was followed by a 1997 USAF report titled "Roswell Report: Case Closed," authored by Colonel Richard Weaver, which proposed a new theory: that the 'alien' sightings were actually 'mannequins' used in high-altitude parachute tests.

Weaver's theory suggests that the descriptions of 'strange beings' could stem from these plastic mannequins, which were dropped from balloons in the early 1950s for parachute tests. He argues that the descriptions of the beings align with the mannequins' appearance.

However, UFO researchers generally express skepticism towards Weaver's theory, pointing out several inconsistencies:

1. Timing: The mannequin tests occurred in the early 1950s, not in 1947.
2. Changing Explanations: The USAF has repeatedly changed its explanation, undermining its credibility.
3. Description Mismatch: The mannequins do not match the descriptions of 'strange beings' reported in the Roswell area.

The author argues that the timing discrepancies (point 1) are explained by the fact that most witness testimonies about 'beings' only emerged in the late 1970s, meaning the events they recalled were from at least 23 years prior. This temporal displacement is a common phenomenon in memory recall.

Witness Testimonies and Shifting Narratives

The article scrutinizes key witness testimonies, highlighting how many have been questioned or retracted over time.

• Glenn Dennis: A Roswell resident and mortician, Dennis claimed the military contacted him about 'small caskets' and how to preserve tissue. He also stated a nurse at the base described and drew 'beings' for him, who later disappeared and possibly died in an accident. However, investigations revealed no nurse named Naomi Selff worked at the base, and Dennis later admitted 'Selff' was a fabricated name. Even the existence of a 'Naomi' at the base was disproven.
• Frank Kaufman: A self-proclaimed witness who claimed to have seen the crashed craft and dead beings. His account has shifted regarding the crash location and the identity of a 'General Robert Thomas,' whom Kaufman later admitted was a fabricated name.
• Barney Barnett: An early witness whose story has been significantly undermined and is no longer mentioned by prominent Roswell researchers like Kevin Randle.
• Jesse Marcel Jr.: Son of Jesse Marcel Sr., an intelligence officer at Roswell Army Air Field who investigated the crash site. Marcel Jr. described the debris as unusual material that couldn't be torn or burned, and which unfolded itself. However, researchers like Kent Jeffrey note that Marcel Sr.'s description of the debris (metal foil, a small beam, plastic/bakelite) is more consistent with a Mogul balloon than an alien craft. Marcel Jr. himself remains unconvinced by the balloon theory, citing discrepancies in material properties and symbols.

The Mogul Balloon Theory

The article strongly supports the Project Mogul balloon theory. It details how these balloons were large complexes with reflectors made of foil-covered parchment and balsa wood. The tape used to assemble parts of the balloons had distinctive floral symbols, which some witnesses recalled seeing on debris. The fact that the material was spread over a large area, contrary to claims of its indestructibility, further supports the balloon theory.

Skepticism and Shifting Opinions

Several researchers, including Kent Jeffrey (who previously led the 'Roswell Initiative'), have revised their views, leaning towards the Mogul theory. Jeffrey's change of heart is partly attributed to the release of declassified documents, including a letter from Colonel Howard McCoy to General Cabell in 1948. McCoy stated that 'concrete evidence for such a possibility [of spaceships] is completely lacking' and that physical evidence was needed.

McCoy's statement implies that either no spaceship crashed (supporting the Mogul theory), or he was unaware of it, or he knew but kept it secret. The author argues against the latter two, suggesting that if a spaceship had crashed, McCoy's T-2 group, responsible for investigating new technologies, would have been involved.

Other Incidents and Theories

The article briefly touches upon other potential explanations for UFO sightings, including secret military experiments and psychological phenomena. It mentions the 'Cactus Jack' story, involving a man who claimed to have seen a crashed spaceship in the early 1970s, but notes the lack of verifiable details.

Conclusion

The author concludes that while absolute proof may be elusive, the evidence overwhelmingly points towards the Roswell incident being the crash of a Project Mogul balloon, not an alien spacecraft. The shifting testimonies, changing official explanations, and the lack of credible physical evidence for an alien craft all support this conclusion. The enduring 'Roswell myth' is attributed to a combination of misinterpretations, psychological factors, and the desire for sensationalism.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. It prioritizes evidence-based analysis, scrutinizes witness testimonies for inconsistencies, and explores official explanations with a healthy dose of skepticism. The editorial stance leans towards debunking sensational claims and favoring rational, scientific explanations, while acknowledging the possibility of genuinely unexplained events. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between credible evidence and speculation or myth-making. The magazine also highlights the psychological and sociological aspects of UFO belief.

FAQ

• Q: What was the Belgian UFO wave? A: The Belgian UFO wave was a period in 1989-1990 characterized by numerous sightings of unidentified flying objects, primarily triangular in shape, with a lack of definitive physical evidence.
• Q: What is the official explanation for the Roswell incident? A: The US Air Force initially suggested the debris was from a 'Mogul balloon' and later proposed 'mannequins' as the source of 'alien' sightings, though these explanations are met with skepticism by UFO researchers.
• Q: What role does psychology play in UFO sightings? A: Research suggests a strong link between belief in UFOs and how details of an event are remembered or altered, indicating that psychological factors can influence witness accounts.
• Q: Are there any physical traces of UFOs? A: While rare, some reports mention physical traces like crop circles or cross-shaped imprints, though these are often attributed to natural phenomena or misinterpretations.

Title: Astronomi & Rumfart
Issue: 3/97
Publisher: SUFOI
Date: September 1997

This issue of Astronomi & Rumfart delves into various topics related to astronomy, space exploration, and UFO phenomena. It features articles on the 'Mars face,' a crashed satellite, planetary observations, and the discovery of anti-matter in the Milky Way. The magazine also includes information about SUFOI's upcoming events and publications.

Mars-ansigt måske foran opklaring

The article discusses the ongoing debate surrounding the 'Mars face,' a rock formation in the Cydonia region on Mars, which some believe resembles a face and suggests intelligent life. NASA has announced that the upcoming Global Surveyor probe, scheduled to orbit Mars in September 1997, will photograph the region. The images will be made public online, potentially resolving the mystery. NASA researcher Arden Albee expresses hope that this mission will satisfy those who have questioned the phenomenon.

Rumkapsel fundet i Afrika

This section reports on the discovery of a crashed research satellite in the African bush of Ghana. The satellite, named 'Express,' was part of a German-Russian-Japanese space collaboration and was launched from Japan in January 1995. It was intended to test new materials' resistance during atmospheric re-entry. After losing contact post-launch, it was presumed to have crashed in the Pacific. However, local tribes in Ghana found a metallic capsule with wires, which was later identified by the German space agency DARA as their lost satellite. The discovery provided an unexpected opportunity to study the effects of atmospheric re-entry and the satellite's journey.

SUFOI's Jubilæumsfest

An announcement for SUFOI's 40th-anniversary celebration, to be held on October 4, 1997, at 18:30 in Vanløse. The event will include a buffet, live music, entertainment, and an auction. Tickets are priced at 130.00 DKK per person and include the event and a UFO poster. Details on how to register and purchase tickets are provided.

Astronomiske fænomener

This section provides an astronomical forecast for the autumn of 1997, highlighting opportunities for observing planets and celestial events. Key events include:

• Mercury: Visible in the early morning or evening twilight, with the best opportunity on September 16th, rising about 1 hour and 45 minutes before the sun.
• Venus: Visible as the 'evening star' low on the western horizon after sunset.
• Mars: Also visible as the 'evening star,' but its light will be diminishing as Earth and Mars move apart in their orbits.
• Jupiter: Visible throughout the night in early autumn, gradually setting earlier as the year progresses.
• Saturn: Visible in the late evening after sunset, with its opposition to the Sun on October 10th, allowing it to be seen clearly all night.
• Lunar Eclipse: A total lunar eclipse will occur on September 16th, with the total phase from 20:15 to 21:18.
• Meteors: The Orionid meteor shower will peak on October 21st, with the best viewing opportunities around midnight.

Antistof opdaget i Mælkevejen

Scientists have discovered two unexpected clouds of anti-matter in the Milky Way galaxy, suggesting a hot source of gas filled with anti-electrons near the galactic center. The cause of this activity is unclear but may be related to the formation of massive star formations near the black hole at the galaxy's center. This discovery was reported by scientists from Northwestern University in Evanston, USA.

UFO 1947-1997 From Arnold To The Abductees: Fifty Years Of Flying Saucers

This is a review of the book "UFO 1947-1997," edited by Hilary Evans and Dennis Stacy. The book, comprising 272 pages, features articles by numerous authors exploring various aspects of ufology over the past 50 years, since Kenneth Arnold's famous sighting in 1947. It covers UFO sightings, photographs, ground traces, and abduction experiences. The book is written in English and includes an index and illustrations. The price is 160.00 DKK plus 15 DKK for postage and handling.

UFO'ernes verden - klassiske beretninger

This section promotes a new SUFOI publication titled "UFO'ernes verden" (The World of UFOs - Classic Accounts). This collection compiles articles from the "UFO-klassiker" series that previously appeared in UFO-Nyt between 1981 and 1986. The series detailed famous UFO observations with accurate information, updated interviews, and relevant sources. The new publication consists of four illustrated booklets totaling 212 pages and is priced at 126.00 DKK plus 15 DKK for postage and handling.

Sidste chance!

This is a final call to order tickets for the SUFOI's 40th-anniversary congress in 1997, to be held on Saturday, November 1st, in Lyngby Storcenter. The congress is described as the most international ever. The program includes various talks and presentations on UFOs, including 'UFOs over Denmark,' 'The Vejle Landing,' 'Danish Crop Circles - Hoax or Fact?', 'Can UFOs Exist Without Being Real?', 'UFOs: Facts, Mythologies, and Mythology,' 'Men in Black - Myth or Reality?', and 'Pilot UFO Sighting Reports.' The ticket price is 190 DKK, which includes the full program and practical details.

Ny dansk ufo-video: UFOer - tæt på et mysterium

This section introduces a new Danish-produced UFO video titled "UFOer - tæt på et mysterium" (UFOs - Close to a Mystery). The 30-minute video offers a factual overview of the UFO phenomenon, featuring some of the best Danish and international UFO cases, including new recordings, the Maarup case, and footage of UFOs from abroad. It also covers SUFOI's work and addresses hoaxes and known phenomena. The video is produced in collaboration with Estrella and costs 90.00 DKK, plus 15 DKK for shipping.

UFO-Vision

This section announces the release of the new issue of UFO-Vision, a magazine that has been on hiatus. The new issue is larger and features 100 pages of content, including reviews of UFO books, videos, films, and CDs. It also includes articles on UFOs and folklore, the connection between UFOs and supernatural phenomena, and humorous takes on science fiction portrayals of alien encounters. The magazine also provides internet addresses for UFO research. UFO-Vision is edited by Kim Møller Hansen and costs 148.00 DKK, plus 15 DKK for shipping.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting both classic cases and contemporary research. There is a strong emphasis on providing factual information and debunking hoaxes, while also exploring the more mysterious aspects of UFO sightings. SUFOI, the publisher, is actively involved in promoting UFO research through its publications, events, and the congress. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO subject, aiming to inform and engage readers interested in the unknown.