UFO Nyt - No 4 1998

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Nyt, volume 40, number 4, from the 4th quarter of 1998, celebrates the magazine's 40th anniversary. The cover prominently features the title 'UFO-Nyt 40 år' and highlights several key articles, including 'New research in Hessdalen', 'Swedish photo still a mystery', 'Mysterious figures in the desert', 'How to make a crop circle', and 'Two alien beings captured in Brazil'. The issue is noted as being 'Extra 8 pages!' to mark the anniversary.

Contents and Articles

Editorial: UFO-Nyt 40 Years

The editorial, written by Kim Møller Hansen, marks the 40th anniversary of UFO-Nyt, which began publication in November 1958. Hansen emphasizes the magazine's goal to show the way forward and provide truth without embellishment. He reflects on the evolution of ufology, noting that while knowledge has increased, understanding of the UFO phenomenon remains elusive. He criticizes the tendency for some enthusiasts to develop blind faith and sectarianism, rejecting rational skepticism. UFO-Nyt is highlighted as one of the oldest UFO periodicals globally, committed to informing the public about UFO research and SUFOI's work. The editorial encourages continued support for Danish UFO research.

"Swedish Experts Had to Give Up" (Svenske eksperter måtte give op)

This article, by Ole Henningsen, details a 46-year-old photograph taken on September 15, 1952, by Nils Frost near Mora, Sweden. The photo shows two luminous objects in the night sky, one closer than the other. Frost's account of waking his parents and taking the photo is recounted. The investigation by Swedish authorities, including Captain Per Sundh and Major Bror von Vegesack, is described. Despite their expertise, they could not logically explain the phenomenon. Investigations ruled out aircraft activity, and the light's intensity was noted as being stronger than the Moon but weaker than the Sun. Astronomers Jöran Ramberg and Professor Hannes Alfvén, along with his colleague Nils Herlofson, also found the phenomenon unexplainable by known astronomical or physical means. Theories like ball lightning were considered but dismissed. The original negative is lost, but experiments with a copy suggest the object was round, with the elongated shape in the photo attributed to camera movement during exposure. The article also dismisses the possibility of Soviet rocket launches, as the first satellite was launched in 1957. The Swedish defense concluded that the case remained unexplained, listing it as one of two unresolved incidents in a 1954 report.

"New Research in Hessdalen" (Ny forskning i Hessdalen)

Written by Erling Strand, this article provides an update on the UFO phenomenon in Hessdalen, Norway. It revisits the history of the Hessdalen sightings, which began in November 1981 with a wave of unusual light phenomena. The activity peaked in the winter of 1981/1982 and 1982/1983, with up to 20 observations per week, mostly intense lights. While the wave subsided by 1984, observations continued at a lower rate. Media attention brought many visitors, but also led to some sensationalist reporting, causing locals to become reluctant to report sightings. The article details the characteristics of the Hessdalen phenomena, including intense lights of various colors, sometimes appearing as a 'black field' or cigar/saucer-shaped objects. It highlights the reaction of the phenomenon to laser light, causing it to blink twice as fast. The article also discusses Project Hessdalen, formed in 1983 by volunteers from UFO-Norge, UFO-Sverige, and 'Foreningen for psykobiofysik' due to the lack of official investigation. Field expeditions in 1984 and 1985 yielded numerous observations and instrument readings, including radar detection of speeds up to 30,000 km/h. The article notes that instruments sometimes malfunctioned just before or during observations. The project's results were presented at international physics conferences. The 'New Project Hessdalen', initiated in late 1993, aimed to establish an automated, internet-connected monitoring station. This project, led by Erling Strand at Østfold University College, involved developing software and acquiring equipment. The automated measurement station (AMS) was finally deployed in Hessdalen on August 7, 1998. The station uses Silicon Graphics computers to analyze CCD camera images and record data, sending it to the internet. It also registers magnetic activity. The article mentions the challenges faced, such as false alarms from rain on the camera lens and vehicles on nearby roads, which were addressed through filtering and a fan system. The project aims to install more cameras to determine distances and create 3D movement descriptions, and potentially establish a research institute. Financial support is sought from readers.

Other Mentions

The issue also includes a section on "Mystiske figurer i ørkenen" (Mysterious figures in the desert) and "Sådan laver du en korncirkel" (How to make a crop circle), as well as a report on "To fremmede væsner fanget i Brasilien" (Two alien beings captured in Brazil). The magazine also lists its contact information, editorial staff, subscription details, and calls for translators.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, UFO research methodologies, and the historical documentation of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Kim Møller Hansen, is one of serious, critical inquiry into UFOs, advocating for a balanced approach that combines open-mindedness with rational skepticism, and rejecting blind faith or sectarianism within the UFO community. The magazine positions itself as a long-standing platform for disseminating information and fostering understanding of the UFO phenomenon.

Title: Udefra
Issue: 4/98
Date: April 1998

This issue of 'Udefra' (Outward) from UFO-NYT delves into several intriguing UFO and unexplained phenomena cases, featuring a prominent report on alleged alien captures in Brazil, an exploration of the Nazca lines, and a Danish close encounter case. The magazine also provides updates on the activities of the Scandinavian UFO Information (SUFOI) organization.

Two Alien Beings Captured in Brazil

The lead story, 'To fremmede væsner fanget' (Two alien beings captured), details an event in January 1996 in Varginha, Brazil, where the Brazilian military allegedly captured two extraterrestrial beings. The information is attributed to UFO researchers Ubirajara Rodrigues and Vitorio Pacaccini. They describe the beings as humanoid, approximately one meter tall, with dark brown, oily skin, hairless, triangular heads with three short 'growths' on top, large red horizontal eyes, no visible nose or ears, and a slit for a mouth. They lacked clothing and visible sexual organs. One had a small, round stomach and sharp nails. Notably, they had unusually large veins from their neck to their shoulders, arms, chest, and back, making them appear 'weightless'.

According to Pacaccini, the Brazilian Army's intelligence service captured the beings, and authorities are keeping the incident secret, fearing imprisonment if revealed. The researchers based their conclusions on interviews with over a dozen witnesses who saw the beings and at least 15 others with second or third-hand knowledge.

The incident began around 3 PM on January 20, 1996, when three young women—Liliane Silva (16), her sister Valquiria (14), and their friend Katia Xavier (22)—took a shortcut through a green area. Liliane spotted a creature lying near an empty building. It had shiny, brown skin, large eyes, and three horns on its head. The creature appeared frightened and pressed itself to the ground. The girls screamed and fled.

Two weeks later, rumors emerged of two beings being captured. Rodrigues and Pacaccini investigated. They learned that the creature seen by the girls was the second one captured that day. The first was captured around 10 AM, only three blocks away. The capture involved a major, two sergeants from the army, and six military police officers who were also acting as firefighters. The military police, part of the state police, have various functions, including capturing wild animals.

Four firefighters responded to a call about a 'wild animal' in the area. Upon arrival, they found army personnel already present. The firefighters were instructed to capture the creature, which had been seen running down a slope towards the railway. It was found hiding among trees and was caught in a net. It made no resistance, only emitting faint humming sounds. It was placed in a wooden crate and transported by military vehicle to a base about 25 km from Tres Coracoes.

The second creature was captured between 5 PM and 6 PM the same day, shortly after the mother of one of the witnesses called the firefighters about the sighting. This creature was taken to a state health clinic, then possibly to a local hospital in Varginha. It was placed in a hospital bed, and the ward was closed. Two nurses reportedly saw it alive with an oxygen mask. Military vehicles were parked outside the hospital. In the early morning hours, the creature was transported to the military base in Tres Coracoes. A French-built Puma helicopter landed at the base and then departed before dawn, suggesting the beings were moved to another location, possibly a base in Rio de Janeiro, and then to the USA.

Pacaccini stated that he and Rodrigues were afraid to reveal the full details due to potential legal repercussions. He also mentioned that at least four military personnel were arrested or placed under house arrest in connection with the case.

The Nazca Lines: A Mystery in the Desert

This section focuses on the Nazca lines in Peru, a subject explored by researcher Maria Reiche and author Erich von Däniken. Maria Reiche, who died in June 1998 at age 95, dedicated her life to studying these geoglyphs since 1946. Her work, along with von Däniken's popular books from the late 1960s, brought the lines to global attention.

Von Däniken proposed that the Nazca lines were evidence of ancient alien visitors, suggesting they served as landing strips for spacecraft. He believed ancient civilizations received technological knowledge from these visitors.

Maria Reiche, however, interpreted the lines as a vast astronomical calendar, used by the inhabitants of the Nazca plateau to track celestial movements for agricultural purposes. She disagreed with von Däniken's landing strip theory, classifying the Nazca lines under 'calendar science'.

The article mentions experiments with a hot air balloon made of llama and vicuna wool in 1975/76, suggesting that local Nazca people might have had the materials for such flights, allowing them to view the figures from above.

Reiche tirelessly worked to preserve the lines from vandalism and agricultural expansion. She was highly respected in Peru, with her birthday celebrated and the government awarding her the Order of the Sun.

A Danish Close Encounter: Holte Case

This article, 'En lærerig historie' (An instructive story), by Toke Haunstrup, details an incident in Holte, Denmark, on May 9, 1998. Two women, SM (56, hotel manager) and HT (54, teacher), reported being awakened around 4 AM by their TV turning on by itself with loud volume. Their TV decoder also turned on, and a 'wave of light' illuminated their bedroom through the closed blinds. HT also observed bluish flashes in the sky in a northwesterly direction.

Initially, the women were shocked and frightened. They considered the possibility of S-train activity, as their house is near the train line to Hillerød. However, subsequent investigation by DSB (Danish State Railways) confirmed no train traffic on the line at that time.

Further investigation, prompted by a witness inquiry in the local newspaper, revealed that power lines (stikledninger) to houses on SM's street had fallen down and were short-circuiting, causing sparks. A local power company, NESA, repaired the lines the following day. This short circuit is proposed as the explanation for the 'light waves' and 'bluish flashes' observed by the women. The electrical disturbances on the grid likely caused the TV, decoder, and SM's alarm clock (which displayed '0404') to malfunction, as these devices were connected to the mains electricity.

The article emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation, noting that without the discovery of the fallen power lines, the case might have been classified as a UFO report, similar to other cases that are often attributed to ordinary phenomena.

SUFOI Weekend in Aarhus

The 'Nyt om foreningen' (News from the organization) section reports on the SUFOI (Scandinavian UFO Information) semi-annual representative meeting held in Aarhus on September 26-27. The event included public lectures by Per Andersen, Ole Henningsen, and Torben Birkeholm. Andersen discussed the general UFO phenomenon and Danish UFO research, Henningsen presented studies on Danish crop circles, and Birkeholm shared preliminary results from an investigation into a near-observation at Gandrup.

The participants also watched the planetarium show 'Danmark i rummet' (Denmark in space). The representative meeting itself involved electing a new board and chairman. Per Andersen, the long-serving chairman, did not seek re-election. Toke Haunstrup was elected as the new chairman, with Michael J.D. Linden-Vørnle joining the board.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a focus on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and mysterious historical sites like the Nazca lines. There is a clear emphasis on investigative journalism, as demonstrated by the detailed breakdown of the Holte case, which ultimately provided a rational explanation. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous investigation and evidence-based conclusions, cautioning against premature classification of phenomena as 'UFO' without thorough research. The magazine also serves as a platform for reporting on the activities and findings of UFO research organizations like SUFOI.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 4/98
Date: 1998-04
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0907-0448
Price: 25 DKK

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated April 1998, features a cover story on the creation of crop circles and delves into various UFO-related topics, including witness testimonies, scientific investigations, and skeptical analyses.

The Rendlesham Forest Incident and Witness Accounts

The issue revisits the Rendlesham Forest incident, referencing a 'strange glowing object' described as metallic with a triangular shape, approximately two to three meters in diameter and two meters high. Senior Officer Halt's report to the Ministry of Defence is mentioned, highlighting his willingness to be accommodating due to military policy. The article discusses discrepancies in witness accounts, particularly that of Larry Warren, and acknowledges that different people perceive events differently. It notes that Warren and Peter Robbins spent time with the author, and the author is convinced Warren witnessed unusual activities in Rendlesham Forest, though not necessarily the same events described in Halt's memo.

Independent researcher Georgina Bruni is mentioned for her extensive interviews with witnesses and her plans to publish her findings. The physical evidence from the incident, including damaged trees, ground imprints, and measured radiation, is discussed. The Defence Radiological Protection Service reported radiation levels ten times higher than normal in the area, though noted as harmless. Skeptic Ian Ridpath's doubts about the measuring equipment and readings are acknowledged, but the article emphasizes that official investigations rely on received data.

The article also touches upon the claim that animals on a nearby farm became agitated during the observation, but concludes this does not necessarily indicate an extraterrestrial origin. Skeptics are noted as suggesting misinterpretations involving the Orford Ness lighthouse, Shiplake lighthouse, or stars.

Airman Edward N. Cabansag's written testimony from December 26, 1980, is presented. He recounts an incident where he and SSgt Penningston responded to reports of strange lights near Woodbridge Base. They investigated on foot and observed blue, red, white, and yellow lights, with a beacon light. During the investigation, they encountered MSgt Chandler and were in communication with CSC. They saw a quick movement that disappeared, and later found a lit farmhouse. The investigation was terminated by CSC as the light beacon was farther than initially thought. Cabansag's testimony is signed by him as Airman, USAF Security Police.

Crop Circles: Creation and Investigation

The main cover story, "Sådan kan en korncirkel opstå" (How a crop circle can arise), details an experiment conducted by Ole Henningsen and Filip Steenholdt on July 26, 1998, at Søllestedgård, Lolland, Denmark. They created a crop circle measuring 23 meters in diameter, featuring a large central circle with four smaller circles connected by pathways. The process involved using a measuring tape, a compass, and a treading board to flatten the crops. The experiment demonstrated how easily complex crop circle designs can be created using simple tools, suggesting that many such formations might be human-made.

The article notes that the created circle did not differ significantly from six other formations that had appeared in the Holeby and Maribo areas of Lolland in the preceding three years, leading to the conclusion that these might also be natural or human-made.

• Several other crop circle formations from 1998 in Denmark are documented:
• Vejrhøj, Nordvestsjælland: An eight-arched formation in a green wheat field, with the grain laid down and rotated.
• Egemarke Gods, Nordvestsjælland: A large spiral formation in a green wheat field, possibly created using a barrel, string, and a treading board.
• Grønbæk, Midtjylland: A formation with a large circle and two smaller ones, 20 meters in diameter. Christian Danielsen believes these are human-made, citing that the smaller circles couldn't be UFO landing gear. Pens. Major H.C. Petersen, an expert, suggests an 'otherworldly intelligence' might be behind crop circles but sees no direct link to UFOs, stating that the patterns suggest communication.
• Bøsøre, Østfyn: A formation of four circles, with the largest partially overlapping a smaller one.
• Rærup, Nordjylland: Three circles with a combined width of 60 meters, initially thought to be UFO-related but confirmed as human-made by SUFOI representative Torben Birkeholm and Casper Christensen.

Scientific Debate and Skepticism

Admiral Lord Hill-Norton, a former Chief of Defence Staff, is quoted expressing concern about government secrecy regarding UFOs. He questions the official explanation that RAF Feltwell is involved in tracking 'man-made objects in outer space,' suggesting that there are unidentified objects in the atmosphere and demanding transparency.

A reader's letter from Lars Frølund Jensen to Per Andersen (editor of UFO-Nyt) discusses the scientific approach to UFO hypotheses. Jensen argues that while it's impossible to definitively prove or disprove that UFOs are alien spacecraft, the concept of probability and scientific hypothesis testing should be applied. He criticizes the idea that 'lack of evidence is not evidence of lack of existence' and uses the example of 'gnomes' to illustrate how a lack of evidence, despite extensive searching, can be a significant indication against a hypothesis.

Per Andersen responds, clarifying his stance that the hypothesis 'UFOs are alien spacecraft' is not scientifically testable, but statements like 'it is probable that UFOs are alien spacecraft' are. He emphasizes that a good researcher remains open to possibilities but must eventually reach a conclusion based on evidence and probability.

Astronomy and Space News

Sky Watch (November 15 to February 15): This section provides astronomical observations for the period, including the visibility of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. It also mentions the Geminid meteor shower around December 13 and the Leonid meteor shower on November 17.

Space Travel: News includes the upcoming launch of the International Space Station (ISS) modules in November and December, which will be visible from Denmark. It also reports on North Korea's claim of launching a satellite, which is suggested to be a cover for a missile test, and the US finding evidence of water on the Moon, bringing the possibility of a lunar base closer.

New Type of Satellites: The Iridium satellite system is described, with 66 advanced communication satellites planned to be placed in orbit. These satellites reflect sunlight, creating bright, temporary light reflections visible from Earth.

Gravity Anomalies: An article discusses how space probes like Pioneer 10 and 11 are behaving unexpectedly, suggesting that gravity might be stronger than previously thought, posing a challenge to theoretical physics.

Crop Circle and Alien Connection: A lecture by Robby Curdorf titled "The Truth about Crop Circles" is reviewed. Curdorf presents theories from university professor Norma Milanovich, who claims to receive messages via computer about extraterrestrial involvement in crop circles, suggesting they are part of a plan to transform Earth into a '5th dimension' by 2012. The review is critical of these claims, suggesting they are more aligned with theosophy and New Age beliefs than empirical UFO research.

Murder Case Linked to Aliens: A man in New Jersey pleaded guilty to murdering his ex-wife, claiming he did so to protect her from alien takeover.

Lord Hill-Norton Pressures Ministry of Defence: Admiral Lord Hill-Norton continues to question the government about UFOs, suspecting clandestine activities at RAF Feltwell.

Support from Lottery Funds: SUFOI has received a grant of DKK 76,000 for the publication of a booklet on celestial phenomena to inform the public.

Reader's Letter on UFO Hypotheses: A reader's letter and the editor's response discuss the scientific validity of UFO hypotheses, emphasizing the importance of probability and testability.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of UFO sightings and phenomena, the creation and interpretation of crop circles, and the ongoing debate between scientific skepticism and belief in extraterrestrial explanations. The editorial stance, particularly in the letters section, leans towards a critical and evidence-based approach to UFO research, while acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena. The magazine also covers astronomical events and space exploration news, providing a broader context for discussions about the unknown.

This issue of UFO-Nyt, volume 4, issue 4/98, published by SUFOI, is a special offer to its readers, presenting a comprehensive catalog of available UFO-related materials. The cover headline is 'Tilbud til læserne' (Offer to readers), and the issue date is April 1998. The magazine is in Danish.

Catalog of SUFOI Materials

The primary content of this issue is a detailed listing of books, magazines, and videos that SUFOI has published or acquired. Each item is listed with an order number, a brief description (often including the number of pages), and its price in Danish Kroner (kr.).

Books and Reports

A wide array of books and reports are offered, covering various aspects of the UFO phenomenon. Authors featured include Per Andersen (with titles like 'Projekt UFODATA', 'Tidsloven', 'Dobbeltmåner', and 'Dansk UFO-litteratur 1950-1990'), Toke Haunstrup ('PADUR-rapport'), Erling Jensen ('UFO og videnskaben'), Bruce Maccabee ('Ufo landing'), Kim Møller Hansen ('Fakta om UFO', 'UFO Sløring', 'UFO Studium', 'Ufoerens verden', 'Mysteriet om Nærkontakt med ufoer'), Søren Olsen ('Avisænder - og andre dyr'), Flemming O. Rasmussen ('UFO-bølger', 'UFOer: Hvad siger videnskaben?', 'Nye UFO-beviser - og modbeviser'), Jonathan Rutland ('Vi ser på UFO'er'), Bronislaw Rzepecki ('Ufoer over Polen'), Peter Sturrock ('Physical Evidence Related to UFO Reports' - in English), and Lars Thomas ('Fantasi og virkelighed i naturen', 'Jagten på Exmoor-uhyret', 'Mystiske dyr', 'Sære dyr og mærkelige væsner'). Other titles include 'Synspunkter - tre ufo artikler' and 'Ufo-detektorer' by Hans Voigt, and 'Mirakelmanden Uri Geller' by Willy Wegner.

Periodicals

• Back issues of SUFOI's magazines are available:
• UFO-Nyt: Issues from 1981 to 1998 are listed with prices increasing over the years, reflecting the number of pages.
• UFO-Vision: Issues from 1988, 1989, 1990/91, and specific issues nr. 5 (1997) and nr. 6 (1998) are offered.
• Ufologisk Tidsskrift: Issue nr. 2 from September 1997 is available.

Videos

• Several videos are listed:
• 'UFO'er - tæt på et mysterium' (30 min.)
• 'Messengers of Destiny' (Mexico, 1991, 75 min., English)
• 'Masters of the Stars' (Mexico-bølgen, 75 min., English)

Other Materials

• Miscellaneous items include:
• Postcards with UFO motifs (5 pcs.)
• UFO sticker (1 pc.)
• UFO poster (60x80 cm)
• Jubilee envelopes with special stamps (types A-E)
• A 'School package' (details available upon request).

Featured Articles and Content

Page 2 features two main articles:

UFO'ernes verden - klassiske beretninger Jorden rundt

This section introduces the compiled book 'UFO'ernes verden', which gathers classic UFO reports previously published in UFO-Nyt between 1981 and 1986. The article highlights the importance of presenting accurate information and updating cases with the latest available research. It describes the compilation as consisting of four illustrated booklets totaling 212 pages and provides ordering information (order number B-011).

The article includes a quote from the famous Lonnie Zamora incident of April 24, 1964, in Socorro, New Mexico. Zamora, a police officer, described seeing an egg-shaped craft and two figures in white suits. The incident is noted as a 'third degree' UFO observation investigated by the US Air Force, with no explanation found. The piece emphasizes that this case, like many others, is covered in 'UFO'ernes verden'.

UFO-Vision

This section promotes the magazine UFO-Vision, describing it as featuring in-depth articles and reviews of new books, magazines, and CD-ROMs. It highlights that UFO-Vision is the exclusive publisher in Denmark for translations of two chapters from the book 'UFO 1947-1997. From Arnold to the Abductees' by John Brown Publishing Ltd. These chapters, titled 'Otte dage, der skabte ufologien' (Eight days that created ufology) and 'Det 20. århundrede-s myte' (The myth of the 20th century), provide an overview and background on the UFO phenomenon over 50 years. The article specifically mentions UFO-Vision nr. 6, which commemorates the 50th anniversary of ufology and also includes an article by Søren Thomas on parodies in science fiction films. UFO-Vision nr. 6 is described as a 56-page, fully illustrated A4 format magazine, with ordering details provided (order number T-018).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly promotes SUFOI's own publications and materials, positioning the organization as a central source for UFO literature and information in Denmark. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of UFO phenomena, evident in the detailed descriptions of books and the inclusion of classic cases like the Lonnie Zamora incident. The emphasis on 'classic reports' and 'evidence' suggests a commitment to historical accuracy and research within the field of ufology. The magazine acts as both a catalog and a promotional tool for SUFOI's ongoing efforts to disseminate knowledge about UFOs.