UFO Nyt - No 1 1999

Magazine Overview

UFO-Nyt Issue 1, 1999

This issue of UFO-Nyt, published by Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI), is the first quarterly issue of its 41st volume. The cover features a dark, atmospheric image of three silhouetted figures, hinting at themes of mystery and the unknown. The main headlines tease articles on a sighting over Århus, ball lightning, the transition from gods to aliens, and the threat from outer space.

Editorial Stance: SUFOI and the Spaceship Hypothesis

The editorial, written by Toke Haunstrup, discusses the challenges of the spaceship hypothesis in explaining UFO phenomena. Haunstrup argues that while the hypothesis is popular, it often leads to dogmatic thinking and difficulties in reconciling observations. He draws parallels to historical scientific paradigm shifts, like the Ptolemaic to Copernican model, suggesting that a cultural, sociological, and psychological approach might be more productive for understanding UFOs. He calls for a serious discussion within the UFO community to prevent the organization from becoming aimless.

Article: The Mexico Wave – UFO Video or Computer Game?

This article by Flemming O. Rasmussen investigates a sensational UFO video allegedly filmed in Mexico City on August 6, 1997. The video, which appeared online, shows a disc-shaped object flying over the city. While proponents claim it has been authenticated by experts, the article raises doubts. It points out the object's smooth movements, the lack of other witnesses, and the fact that the photographer remained anonymous. The article suggests that the video could be a sophisticated hoax, possibly created by a company specializing in 3D computer graphics, given the prevalence of such technology in Mexico.

Article: Foo Fighters in the Archives

Nick Redfern's contribution sheds light on early UFO reports, specifically mentioning findings from the RAF's 115th Squadron's official newspaper, 'Bang On', from December 31, 1943. The article details an observation of an 'unidentified object' passing at a low altitude during a bombing raid over Emden, Germany, leaving a white vapor trail. It also mentions reports from an attack on Bremen involving 'silver and red discs.' While these early sightings predate the term 'foo fighter,' they are described as 'classic flying saucer' images and suggest official interest in such phenomena even during wartime.

Article: Astronomers Take the Threat from Space Seriously

This piece highlights the growing concern among astronomers about the threat of near-Earth objects (NEOs). Citing films like 'Deep Impact' and 'Armageddon,' the article quotes James McGaha, former USAF major, who stresses the public and policymakers' oversight of this danger. McGaha notes that around 300 identified NEOs are on collision courses with Earth, and the warning time for unknown objects is short. The article discusses the potential catastrophic consequences of an impact, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and widespread famine. It also mentions efforts by organizations like NASA and the proposed 'Space Guard' project to detect and track these objects.

Article: Killer Asteroid Hit Argentina

This report details scientific findings published in the journal Science on December 10, 1998. Peter Schultz led research that found evidence of an asteroid impact in southeastern Argentina approximately 3.3 million years ago. While not as large as the impact that wiped out the dinosaurs, this event led to the extinction of nearly 40 large animal species and caused significant environmental changes, including a climate shift.

Article: The Alex Birch Case: Hoax or Not?

This article revisits the case of Alex Birch, who in 1962, at the age of 14, photographed what he claimed were five UFOs. The case gained significant media attention, and the photo appeared in numerous books. However, in 1972, Birch confessed on BBC television that the photo was a hoax, created by painting objects on glass. The article notes that Birch later resurfaced, seeking payment for the use of his photo, and suggests that the 'hoax' might not have been entirely fabricated, leaving the truth ambiguous.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the tension between sensational claims and rigorous scientific analysis. The editorial's call for a more nuanced approach to UFO phenomena, moving beyond the rigid spaceship hypothesis, sets a critical tone. The articles on the Mexico video and the Alex Birch case exemplify the magazine's willingness to question seemingly extraordinary evidence. Simultaneously, the serious scientific reporting on asteroid threats underscores a commitment to factual, evidence-based information, even when the subject matter is less sensational than traditional UFO reports. The magazine appears to advocate for critical thinking and a balanced perspective in the study of unexplained phenomena.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 1/99
Date: January 1999
Publisher: UFO-NYT
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into various UFO and paranormal phenomena, featuring reports on sightings, expert analysis, and astronomical observations.

Stegepande over Middelhavet (Saucer over the Mediterranean)

This article introduces Paul Stonehill's book "The Sovjet UFO Files," highlighting a report from Soviet sailor Alexander G. Globa. In June 1984, while in the Mediterranean Sea near the Strait of Gibraltar, Globa and his second-in-command, S. Bolotov, observed a strange, multi-colored object resembling an inverted frying pan. The object emitted a metallic light, rotated slowly, and then performed several hops before rapidly ascending and disappearing with a bright flash. The ship's captain, Sokolovky, also witnessed the phenomenon, and an Arab freighter confirmed seeing a similar object.

Ufo filmet over Øresund? (UFO Filmed over Øresund?)

On November 20, 1998, 11-year-old Robert Nowak from Malmö filmed two elongated, cigar-shaped lights hovering in the sky over Øresund. The objects, described as fiery and hanging at an 80-degree angle, were visible for about 30 minutes after sunset. The footage shows the phenomenon clearly, with a second similar object appearing later. Both objects hovered for approximately three minutes before dissolving and disappearing. The incident was reported in the newspaper "Arbeiteren" and featured on TV2-Lorry. UFO-Sverige is investigating, with Clas Svahn theorizing they might be sunlight-reflecting contrails.

UFO-Sverige skærper sin forskning (UFO-Sweden Sharpens its Research)

UFO-Sverige has established a new Research Council to conduct detailed studies of old and new UFO cases. The goal is to provide scientifically valuable data. The article notes that universities in Sweden have conducted research on related topics, with findings compiled in a booklet titled "Rymdfolkets vänner."

Lademanns Multimedia Leksikon om ufoer (Lademann's Multimedia Encyclopedia on UFOs)

This section provides the entry for "UFO" from the Lademanns Multimedia Encyclopedia '99. It defines UFO as an Unidentified Flying Object and mentions the establishment of UFO-ports and organizations like Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) that collect and disseminate information on UFO phenomena.

En naturlig forklaring - denne gang om kuglelyn (A Natural Explanation - This Time About Ball Lightning)

This extensive section focuses on ball lightning, triggered by a TV program where Poul Thomsen solicited reports from viewers. Over 100 detailed accounts were received. Ole J. Knudsen, a planetarium leader and former SUFOI member, discusses these reports. Ball lightning is described as slow-moving, luminous spheres, often entering homes through windows or chimneys, and sometimes exploding. Several anecdotal accounts are presented:

• Kuglelyn i bøffen (Ball Lightning in the Steak): A family in Præstø experienced a ball lightning exploding in a father's steak in 1929.
• Aase Marie Orholm: A ball lightning rolled towards her car and exploded near the rear wheel.
• Georg Christensen: Witnessed a ball lightning strike the ground near a high-voltage mast.
• Agnete: A ball lightning passed over her bed and exploded, filling the room with sparks.
• Jens Østergaard: A ball lightning descended from a stable loft and struck a child's raincoat.
• Poul Møller: A ball lightning emerged from a meter cabinet and passed behind him.
• Tom Laursen: Observed a ball lightning strike a horse and rider, resulting in the horse's death and the rider's severe injury.
• Ellen Simonsen: Was knocked unconscious by a ball lightning.
• Bodil Iversen: Reported a ball lightning that destroyed her childhood home and killed a guest.
• Ellen Graveslund: A ball lightning struck a barn, killing two cows and knocking her sister unconscious.

Ole J. Knudsen explains that while many reports can be dismissed, ball lightning is a real phenomenon, with tens of thousands of reports worldwide. He suggests it may involve plasma and electromagnetic fields. He also notes that approximately 2% of the population has encountered ball lightning.

Kom ikke for nær (Don't Come Too Close): The article recounts a historical account from the 1700s where a professor attempting to study ball lightning was killed by it.

Kuglelyn i observatorium (Ball Lightning in an Observatory): A detailed account from April 17, 1939, describes a glowing ball entering the Urania Observatory in Copenhagen, moving through rooms, and exiting. Neighbors reported seeing two light spheres emerge from a chimney and explode.

Kuglelyn i snedkerværksted (Ball Lightning in a Carpenter's Workshop): Carpenter Hans Markussen shares two experiences: one in 1957 where a ball lightning hopped and dissolved in a puddle, and another in September, about 10 years later, where a ball lightning entered a barn and smelled of sulfur.

Efterskrift (Postscript): Poul Thomsen plans to archive all collected ball lightning reports at the Steno Museum for further study.

Lav dit eget kuglelyn? (Make Your Own Ball Lightning?)

This section discusses experiments suggested online for creating small plasma phenomena using a microwave oven. The article invites readers to share their results.

Fra guder til aliens (From Gods to Aliens)

This is a review of Hilary Evans' book "From Other Worlds: The Truth Behind Aliens, Abductions, UFOs and the Paranormal." The reviewer, Kim Møller Hansen, praises the book's comprehensive coverage of paranormal phenomena, including alien encounters, abductions, and historical accounts of beings perceived as gods or angels. Evans argues that many such experiences are psychological responses to personal crises or cultural influences. The book is described as well-produced with over 200 illustrations.

Anmeldelse (Review)

This section continues the review of Hilary Evans' book, highlighting its excellent layout and extensive illustrations. It also provides ordering information for the book through UFO-Nyt.

UFO-Nyt sælges (UFO-Nyt for Sale)

Information on purchasing back issues of UFO-Nyt and UFO-Aspekt.

Nye observationer (New Observations)

This section presents recent UFO sightings reported to SUFOI:

• Kegle over Århus (Cone over Aarhus): A man in his 50s observed a metallic, cone-shaped object with flashing yellow and red lights hovering slowly over Aarhus in November 1998. The object disappeared after about four minutes.
• Striber på himlen ved Kværndrup (Streaks in the Sky at Kværndrup): A 58-year-old consultant reported seeing two blue light streaks in the sky near Kværndrup in November 1998. The streaks were bright, vertical, and tilted, later turning black before disappearing.
• Projektørlys (Searchlights): The article notes a recurring phenomenon of searchlights causing numerous reports. Two mass sightings are mentioned: one near Næstved in August 1998, and another on New Year's Eve in Sønderjylland, which was later identified as a disco searchlight in the town of Fole.

Observation fra Odense (Observation from Odense)

On November 22, 1998, a couple in Odense witnessed a strange, angular object with green, yellow, red, and blue lights rotating and moving vertically for about half an hour before disappearing. The object was estimated to be 50-100 meters in diameter. Several other witnesses in the area reported seeing a similar red, spherical object.

En læser fortæller... (A Reader Tells...)

A reader describes observing a bright orange, flaming light on December 9, 1998, near Glostrup Station, which appeared to be self-luminous and stationary. The observation was made twice, with the object visible for over 25 minutes.

Tvind og andre SETI-projekter (Tvind and Other SETI Projects)

This article discusses the Tvind school's SETI project, which uses a large parabolic antenna to search for extraterrestrial life. It also mentions the SETI League and the potential for Denmark to engage more in SETI research, especially with the launch of the Ørsted satellite.

Astronomi & Rumfart (Astronomy & Spaceflight)

Kig på himlen (Look at the Sky): This section provides astronomical information for the period February 15 to May 15, detailing the visibility of planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn) and mentioning meteor showers (Lyrids) and satellite flares (Iridium satellites).

Nye planer for Europa-sonden (New Plans for the Europa Probe): This article discusses NASA's plans for the Europa Orbiter mission, designed to search for oceans on Jupiter's moon Europa, a potential location for extraterrestrial life. The mission is scheduled for launch in 2003.

Søg selv efter livstegn (Search for Signs of Life Yourself): This piece encourages readers to participate in the SETI@home project, which utilizes home computers to search for intelligent radio signals from outer space.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, ball lightning phenomena, and related paranormal topics, often presenting witness accounts and expert opinions. There is a clear interest in unexplained aerial phenomena and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting information and encouraging further investigation, while also acknowledging the need for scientific rigor and distinguishing between credible reports and misidentifications. The inclusion of astronomical news suggests a broader interest in space and the universe.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 1/99
Date: January 1999
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Cover Headline: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence at Home

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) and various UFO-related phenomena. It highlights the SETI@home project, a citizen science initiative that leverages the processing power of home computers to analyze vast amounts of radio telescope data. The magazine also addresses the controversial practice of selling star names, critiques the commercialization of astronomy, and pays tribute to the late Bent Eriksen, a significant figure in the Danish UFO community.

SETI@home: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence at Home

The lead article introduces the SETI@home project, a collaborative effort involving researchers from the University of California, Berkeley. The project utilizes a program that allows individuals with personal computers to download and analyze data collected by the world's largest radio telescope, Arecibo in Puerto Rico. This distributed computing approach aims to harness the collective processing power of thousands of volunteers to sift through radio frequencies for potential signs of alien intelligence. The article notes that the project was expected to begin its practical work in the spring/early summer of 1999 and provides a website for interested individuals.

Stjernetosset: The Business of Naming Stars

This section criticizes the practice of selling star names, describing it as a "stupid and nonsensical" business. It highlights a Danish company, Stjerneregister, which sells star certificates for 640 Danish Kroner. The article points out that the International Astronomical Union is the sole authority for naming celestial bodies and that purchased star names have no scientific validity. It also mentions that stars sold might have long since died, adding to the absurdity of the practice. The piece includes a humorous anecdote from the director of the Tycho Brahe Planetarium, who jokes about the possibility of buying a star that has already ceased to exist.

Intelligente signaler? (Intelligent Signals?)

This article discusses a report from the autumn of 1998 concerning a supposed detection of intelligent signals from the star system EQ Pegasi by a Danish amateur radio astronomer. However, the circumstances surrounding the signal and its origin were deemed mysterious, leading to skepticism among scientists. The report mentions a previous incident where a radio signal was briefly detected but quickly identified as terrestrial. It also touches upon an alleged report from an English amateur radio astronomer about a new signal, which was later found to be difficult to verify and contained questionable information, including claims of contact with security agents and a supposed intercepted secret satellite signal. The article dismisses this as likely a hoax.

Bent Eriksen, 1932-1998

This is an obituary for Bent Eriksen, a prominent figure in the Danish UFO community who passed away in the previous year. Eriksen was a long-time member of SUFOI (the Danish UFO Information Organization) and served as its representative. He was instrumental in founding the Fredericia Ufo-gruppe in 1973 and was a driving force behind the organization of annual week-long UFO seminars from 1975 onwards. Eriksen also established the 'UFO Fondet af 1979' (UFO Fund of 1979) to support serious UFO research. The article praises his hospitality, his dedication to serious UFO work, and his principle of ensuring that any decided action within SUFOI had the necessary resources for implementation, a principle that became known as "Bents lov" (Bent's law).

UFO DOCUMENT Series

The magazine features a section on the "UFO DOCUMENT" series, which presents reports primarily in English on specific UFO aspects and famous incidents. Four documents are highlighted:

• UFO DOCUMENT #1: Physical Evidence Related to UFO Reports: This report, based on a 1970s investigation led by Peter Sturrock, concludes that some UFO observations are accompanied by physical evidence worthy of scientific study. It was compiled by an international panel of scientists and ufologists.
• UFO DOCUMENT #2: The Blue Book Unknowns: This document describes the approximately 600 unexplained UFO observation reports from the US Air Force's Project Blue Book, compiled by Don Berliner.
• UFO DOCUMENT #3: The Fantastic Flight Of JAL1628: This report details the encounter of Captain Kenju Terauchi and his crew with an unusual object over Alaska in November 1986, as investigated by Bruce S. Maccabee.
• UFO DOCUMENT #4: Hemmeligheden i skoven (The Secret in the Forest): This report covers the December 1980 incident in Rendlesham Forest, near RAF Bentwaters, where Lieutenant Colonel Charles Halt investigated a crash and recorded dramatic observations. The document includes articles, Halt's report, a previously secret report from a base guard, and an 18-minute audio recording with a transcript.

Information on how to order these reports is provided, including prices and ordering numbers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing scientific search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), the critical examination of UFO phenomena and reports, and the importance of rigorous scientific investigation. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance, debunking commercial hoaxes like star naming while promoting serious research and documentation of UFO cases. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between credible scientific endeavors like SETI@home and unsubstantiated claims. The passing of Bent Eriksen highlights the magazine's commitment to honoring individuals who have contributed significantly to the field of UFO research in Denmark. The editorial stance is one of encouraging critical thinking and supporting genuine scientific inquiry into unexplained phenomena.