UFO Nyt - No 3 1998

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue Date: 3rd Quarter, 1998
Volume: 40th Year
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)

This issue of UFO-Nyt, the Danish UFO magazine, covers a range of topics related to unexplained aerial phenomena, with a strong focus on Danish and UK sightings and investigations.

Contents

Editorial and Introduction

The issue opens with an editorial by Per Andersen titled "De falske argumenter" (The False Arguments). Andersen critiques the common belief among UFO enthusiasts that the lack of definitive proof against UFOs being alien spacecraft means they should be considered as such. He argues this is an unscientific approach, as science relies on probability and evidence rather than the impossibility of disproving a claim. He uses the analogy of "12 Angry Men" to illustrate how an argument based on "what if" without sufficient evidence is flawed. Andersen emphasizes that the absence of evidence is, in itself, an argument against a theory, especially after extensive research and analysis, concluding that the lack of solid proof for alien spacecraft is a strong argument against their existence.

Danish Observations

"Gennemsigtig kugle ved Storebælt" (Transparent Sphere over Storebælt)
This article details an observation by a 71-year-old woman near Storebælt, Denmark, on August 13, 1997. She reported seeing a transparent, spherical object, about 10 cm in diameter, filled with a rotating, smoky gas. The object emitted a light similar to a 15W bulb and flew parallel to the coast before turning inland, passing at a low altitude over a garage. The woman estimated its speed at 10-15 km/h and heard no sound. The article includes a detailed reconstruction of the event and a diagram of the location. The observer had two prior, less detailed sightings in 1966/1968 and March 1986.

"Ny videnskabelig undersøgelse af ufo-rapporter" (New Scientific Investigation of UFO Reports)
This section reports on a study led by Professor Peter Sturrock of Stanford University, involving a panel of nine scientists. The investigation, supported by the Society for Scientific Exploration, examined UFO reports and associated physical evidence. The panel concluded that while some observations are accompanied by physical evidence worth investigating, nothing suggests a violation of known physical laws or the involvement of non-terrestrial intelligence. The study highlighted the complexity of the UFO problem and the potential for learning from unusual phenomena. The full report, "Physical Evidence Related to UFO Reports," is available for purchase through SUFOI.

UFO Incidents

"Hemmeligheden i skoven" (The Secret in the Forest)
This is a detailed account of the Rendlesham Forest incident in the UK, which occurred in late December 1980. The article begins with American intelligence officers visiting RAF Watton requesting radar logs from December 25-28. It describes unusual aerial phenomena observed over East Anglia during that period, including the descent of a Cosmos 749 rocket stage, bright meteors, and unidentified lights tracked by radar. The core of the incident involves radar tracking of an unidentified object near Rendlesham Forest on the night of December 27-28. The article recounts the experiences of RAF personnel, including guards John Burroughs and Budd Steffens, and Staff Sergeant Jim Penniston and Edward Cabansag, who investigated a bright light in the forest. They reported encountering a large, triangular, luminous object with no discernible features, which they stated was unlike any known aircraft. The article notes the involvement of bases like RAF Bentwaters and Woodbridge and mentions the ongoing mythos surrounding the event, including various witness accounts, official documents, and books on the subject.

"Nærkontakt" (Close Encounter)
This section provides a first-hand account from Jim Penniston regarding the Rendlesham Forest incident. He describes entering the forest with John Burroughs and encountering a large, luminous object. Penniston states the object was triangular, about the size of a tank, with a smooth, glass-like surface, and emitted red and blue lights. He insists they saw no aliens but did observe movement within the object. Burroughs's account is shorter, with his memory of the event being less clear, but he corroborates seeing a strange, luminous object that was not a crashed aircraft.

RAF Bentwaters og Woodbridge
This section provides historical context for the Rendlesham Forest incident, detailing the roles of RAF Woodbridge and RAF Bentwaters. Both were significant military bases in East Anglia, used by the RAF and later the USAF. The article notes their strategic importance during the Cold War and their eventual closure. It also touches upon the persistent interest in the bases due to the UFO incident.

Other Sections

Indhold (Contents)
The table of contents lists the articles in the issue, including "De falske argumenter," "Gennemsigtig kugle ved Storebælt," "Ny videnskabelig undersøgelse af ufo-rapporter," "Hemmeligheden i skoven," "Kort fortalt - notitser" (Short Takes - Notes), and articles related to NASA and the "Elvis-kult" (Elvis cult).

SUFOI Information
This section provides contact details for SUFOI, including postal address, phone numbers, and email. It outlines the organization's purpose, leadership, and editorial staff. It also includes information on subscriptions, back issues, and ordering materials.

Katte fra Mars (Cats from Mars)
This is a title listed on the cover, suggesting an article about extraterrestrial life or phenomena related to Mars, though it is not detailed in the provided pages.

Nattens mareridt (Nightmare)
Another cover title, likely referring to a frightening or intense UFO experience.

Ny debat om Roswell-fotos (New debate about Roswell photos)
This indicates a discussion or article related to the controversial Roswell incident and photographic evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical and evidence-based approach to UFO research, as exemplified by Per Andersen's editorial. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena and encouraging investigation, SUFOI appears to be skeptical of sensationalist claims and theories lacking robust scientific support. The focus on detailed case studies, scientific analysis, and historical context suggests an effort to ground UFO research in a more rigorous framework. The magazine also highlights the importance of witness credibility and the challenges of investigating older cases. The editorial stance leans towards caution and a demand for verifiable evidence, while remaining open to the possibility of genuine, unexplained phenomena.

Title: Ufo-styrt
Issue: 3/98
Publisher: UFO-NYT
Date: 1998

This issue of UFO-NYT focuses heavily on the Rendlesham Forest Incident, presenting detailed accounts from witnesses and exploring various theories and investigations surrounding the event. It also touches upon other UFO-related topics, including scientific research and historical cases.

The Rendlesham Forest Incident

The core of the issue details the events of December 1980 at RAF Woodbridge and Bentwaters. USAF security police officers Jim Penniston and John Burroughs recount their encounter with a strange, glowing, triangular object in the Rendlesham Forest. They describe experiencing physical effects such as static electricity, a feeling of slow motion, and their hair standing on end as they approached the object.

Penniston noted strange markings on the object's surface, described as being like a license plate and etched into the glass-like material, possibly in mirror writing. Burroughs described the object as having a pulsing red light on top and blue lights underneath, illuminating the entire forest with a white light. The object was seen hovering or on legs.

After the initial encounter, three depressions, approximately 1.5 inches deep and 7 inches in diameter, were found at the site. Radiation readings of 0.1 milliroentgens were recorded, with higher readings in the depressions and on a nearby tree. The object reportedly maneuvered through the trees and disappeared.

Subsequent Observations and Investigations

Gordon Levett reported seeing a glowing object resembling a large mushroom or triangle on December 26th, which hovered and then flew away. David Roberts and his friend also witnessed an intense white light descending towards them. Michael Simms and friends observed a large, luminous object that split into three parts.

On the night of December 27th-28th, a patrol led by Greg Battrom observed strange lights and a pulsing red light in the forest, accompanied by a humming sound. Lieutenant Bruce Englund reported the "UFO is back!"

Deputy Base Commander Charles I. Halt became involved, leading a team to investigate. They found three depressions forming a triangle, detected slightly increased background radiation, and noted scratch marks on trees and damaged treetops. Halt recorded his observations and measurements on a tape recorder, which is described as containing some of the most dramatic live recordings of a UFO observation ever captured in England.

Halt's report to the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) was initially kept secret, only becoming public knowledge years later. The report's date accuracy has been questioned, potentially complicating investigations.

Alternative Theories and Witness Accounts

The magazine presents various theories attempting to explain the Rendlesham Forest Incident. These include:

• A downed American spy satellite (Big Bird 16) being recovered.
• A crashed experimental aircraft or helicopter.
• The testing of a "psychotronic weapon system" causing hallucinations.
• A Russian satellite being shot down.

UFO skeptic Ian Ridpath proposed that the lights could have been from the Orford Ness lighthouse and the Shipwash lightvessel. However, witnesses like Penniston, Burroughs, and Halt have consistently rejected these explanations.

Larry Warren, a soldier stationed at RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge, claims the object landed and that three small beings emerged. His account, detailed in the book "Left at East Gate," has been met with skepticism, as many of the details emerged after he underwent hypnotic regression, and other witnesses do not recall him being present.

New Documentation and Discrepancies

In March 1998, new information emerged, including previously withheld written testimonies and Halt's handwritten notes. These documents suggest discrepancies between the initial witness statements to Halt and later, more dramatic accounts given in interviews and on television. For instance, Penniston's initial statement did not mention him touching the landed object.

Other UFO Cases and Topics

Monica Kristensen Solås Sighting: The issue also features an account from Norwegian polar researcher Monica Kristensen Solås, who observed a circular light, possibly recorded on film, over a glacier in Svalbard in the late 1970s. Her observations were met with some skepticism from astronomers, but she maintained that dialogue about UFO phenomena is necessary.

Roswell Photos Debate: A section discusses the ongoing debate surrounding photos of material allegedly found after the Roswell crash in 1947. James Bond Johnson claims to have found mysterious symbols on enlarged photos, suggesting a spacecraft origin, but other researchers and Jesse Marcel Junior (son of the original witness) have not found these symbols, suggesting the material was from a weather balloon.

NASA and Anti-Gravity: The magazine reports on NASA's interest in Eugene Podkletnov's research into anti-gravity technology. Podkletnov claimed to have developed equipment that could reduce the weight of objects. NASA scientists are attempting to replicate his experiments, which could revolutionize flight and transportation if successful.

NASA's Three-Day Silence Policy: An article discusses NASA's new policy of requiring astronomers to remain silent for three days after discovering potentially threatening asteroids or comets. This is intended to prevent panic while the information is double-checked and confirmed.

SUFOI Event: The issue concludes with a report on a SUFOI (Danish UFO organization) meeting in Copenhagen featuring physicist Holger Bech Nielsen discussing relativity, wormholes, and time travel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena as a subject worthy of serious investigation, often highlighting witness testimonies and official reports while also exploring skeptical viewpoints and alternative explanations. There is a clear emphasis on the Rendlesham Forest Incident as a significant case, with a desire to uncover the truth behind the event and any potential government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation and public awareness of UFO-related matters.

Title: UnConvention 98
Issue: 3/98
Publisher: UFO-NYT
Date: 1998

This issue of UFO-NYT covers the UnConvention 98, a large mystique congress held in London on April 25-26, 1998. The magazine also features a review of the movie 'The X-Files: Fight The Future'.

UnConvention 98 Report

The UnConvention 98, held in London, was described as an experience beyond the ordinary, attracting spiritual travelers, ordinary swindlers, dragon experts, and individuals interested in mass murderers. The event took place alongside a British Museum exhibition on mythical creatures and the annual congress of Fortean Times.

While the exhibition was noted for its fantastic moving figures of dragons and abominable snowmen, the accompanying texts were considered simplistic. The UnConvention itself, held at London University, was less grand than in previous years. Attendance had dropped significantly, and the vendor area had shrunk considerably, suggesting a potential saturation point for interest in mystical phenomena in England, with several related magazines having closed.

The convention's main themes were cults, conspiracy theories, and cryptozoology. The author, who was particularly interested in cryptozoology, found the numerous lectures almost overwhelming. The event was structured with multiple sessions running concurrently, making it challenging to attend everything without astral projection.

Cults

Ted Harrison spoke about the worship of Elvis, which has reached such intensity in some circles that it is considered a religion. There have been reports of miraculous healings at Elvis's grave, and a movement is underway to have him canonized as 'Saint Elvis'.

Conspiracy Theories

The world of conspiracy theories offered ample material, with claims that Satanic cults are behind most evil in the world, or that the Knights Templar or the English Royal Family were involved in the death of Princess Diana. The lecture on the Diana conspiracy was the most popular, with Ian Simmons having to repeat it three times due to the packed room.

Ufology

For UFO enthusiasts, the convention offered less this year. Saturday included discussions on abductions and alien livestock, while Sunday featured a lecture on Richard Shaver and the Shaver Mystery, which significantly influenced science fiction and ufology.

Cryptozoology

Cryptozoology, the author's personal favorite, included a talk by Jonathan Downes of 'Animals & Men' about hunting the Puerto Rican chupacabra. Downes himself was described as a cryptozoological phenomenon: over 2 meters tall, weighing over 100 kg, a lead guitarist in a rock band, and with an eye for young, attractive women.

Other cryptozoology-related talks included Colonel John Blashford-Snell discussing the hunt for strange elephants in Nepal and Mark Chorvinsky of 'Strange Magazine' presenting a multimedia show about a century-old photograph allegedly showing men with a downed flying reptile or giant bird, a photo remembered by hundreds of Americans but impossible to locate.

Paranormal Abilities and Bar Encounters

The real action, as usual, was found outside the lecture halls. ASSAP (The Association for the Scientific Study of Anomalous Phenomena) offered tests for paranormal abilities. The author was informed that his psychic abilities were comparable to a standard brick. In the bar, discussions ranged widely. The author had the opportunity to analyze a mysterious severed tail found in connection with a possible UFO landing in Devon, which turned out to be a cat's tail bitten by a fox. The atmosphere was lively, with a group of UFO enthusiasts from South England loudly discussing their abduction experiences.

Personal Incident

The author recounts a bizarre experience in the exhibition hall where he began to scratch an itch on his leg. A nearby woman gasped, pointing to a long, curved scar on his leg, claiming it was a typical abduction scar and that his memory of it being caused by a trash bag with glass shards was an implanted false memory designed to hide the truth.

Following this encounter, the author decided to leave the convention, declining an offer for an X-ray of his leg, and headed home.

Review: The X-Files: Fight The Future

The article also reviews the movie 'The X-Files: Fight The Future', produced by Twentieth Century Fox, which premiered in Denmark on August 28th. The movie continues the TV series' central theme of a conspiracy hiding the truth about alien presence on Earth.

Mulder and Scully are drawn into a web of mystery and intrigue when investigating a bombing in Texas. They discover that the victims died from a virus, secretly produced by a powerful elite, which was then used to kill them before the explosion. The plot involves a dangerous hunt for the virus and the powerful individuals behind it, leading the agents on a perilous journey. Mulder must also rescue Scully, who is placed in a cocoon-like state aboard a giant spaceship under Antarctic ice after being infected by a virus-carrying insect sting.

The film is described as effective and exciting fiction, not to be confused with reality. It aims to appeal to both hardcore fans and newcomers by presenting the mythology and characters of the TV series. The film's creators, Chris Carter and Frank Spotnitz, intended to create a suspenseful film for both audiences.

The article provides the official website for the TV series (www.thex-files.com) and the movie (www.fightthefuture.com).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers topics related to unexplained phenomena, conspiracy theories, and the intersection of these with popular culture. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these subjects with a degree of skepticism, particularly evident in the author's personal anecdotes and the distinction made between fictional portrayals like 'The X-Files' and reality. There's an acknowledgment of the public's interest in these subjects, even as the convention itself shows signs of waning popularity.