UFO Nyt - No 3 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: ufo nyt
Issue: Nr. 3
Volume: 41. årg.
Date: 1999 (3rd quarter)
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Price: kr. 242,00 (annual subscription)

This issue of UFO Nyt, published by Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI), focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, with a prominent emphasis on the Roswell incident and alleged NASA involvement with extraterrestrial phenomena. The cover headline, "NASA og ufoerne" (NASA and UFOs), sets the tone for much of the content.

Key Articles and Features

"Nyt liv i gammel myte" (New Life in an Old Myth)

This editorial piece, written by Flemming O. Rasmussen, revisits the enduring Roswell myth. It highlights a new claim from an individual who allegedly worked for NASA subcontractors for three decades and received information from Dr. Wernher von Braun about the Roswell crash. The article questions the credibility of this new evidence, noting that while previous 'proofs' were physical documents or films, this new account relies on a personal testimony. It also raises the question of why NASA continues to use conventional rockets if advanced technology from crashed UFOs is available. The author suggests that the myth is being kept alive for reasons unknown, possibly to support book sales.

"NASA har kendskab til ufoer" (NASA Knows About UFOs)

This article presents claims by Clark C. McClelland, who identifies himself as a former Spacecraft Operator (SCO) and aerospace engineer with NASA, having worked on projects like Atlas, Titan, Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, and the Space Shuttle from 1958 to 1992. McClelland alleges that he has obtained explosive material about UFOs that has been withheld for 40 years. He recounts a conversation with Dr. Wernher von Braun, who allegedly described the Roswell craft as being made of a biological material resembling skin, and the deceased beings as small, fragile, with large heads and eyes, and grey, reptilian-like skin. The craft's interior was reportedly devoid of instruments, suggesting a seamless integration between the beings and the vehicle. The article also touches upon McClelland's own difficulties in finding work in the aerospace industry since 1992, suggesting he may have been blacklisted by NASA.

"Roswell-myten: Det var ikke en vejrballon" (The Roswell Myth: It Was Not a Weather Balloon)

This feature presents an interview conducted by freelance journalist Bo Bomuld with Bill Brazel, the son of Mac Brazel, the rancher who famously found wreckage near Roswell in 1947. Bill Brazel recounts his father's discovery of strange debris after a thunderstorm on July 2, 1947. He states that his father was pressured by the military to sign a secrecy agreement. Bill describes the debris as unusual, including wood-like material that couldn't be broken or cut, fishing-line-like threads, and a metallic material resembling lead foil that would self-flatten when crumpled. He dismisses the official explanation of a weather balloon, stating his father believed it was something else entirely, and that the military's explanation was to prevent public panic. Bill also mentions that while his father found wreckage, another UFO crash with bodies occurred about 250-300 miles away around the same time. He notes that he and his father had seen UFOs prior to the incident, describing them as round objects with lights moving erratically.

"Roswell-myten: Der var en, der var to..." (The Roswell Myth: There Was One, There Were Two...)

This section critically examines the controversial "alien autopsy" video, particularly the "tent footage" which emerged more recently. The article suggests that the "alien autopsy" video is a hoax, and the "tent footage" is also a fabrication. It details how Keith Bateman and Andy Price-Watts, seeking to capitalize on the Roswell phenomenon, created a staged video in a barn in Bedfordshire. They used a dummy, with a wig holder for a head, and enlisted a sound technician and a butcher to play the roles of doctors. The footage was intentionally aged to look like an old recording. The article notes that Ray Santilli, who had previously promoted the "alien autopsy" video, was approached with this new footage but deemed it a hoax. The piece also mentions the "debris footage" as part of the discussion surrounding these videos.

Other Content

The issue also includes a table of contents listing various articles such as "NASA har kendskab til ufoer" (NASA Knows About UFOs), "Find liv i rummet" (Find Life in Space), "Hvis ET ringer til os" (If ET Calls Us), "Piloter møder lysfænomen" (Pilots Encounter Light Phenomenon), and "Ny rapport om Foo Fighters" (New Report on Foo Fighters). There are also sections for "Læserne skriver" (Readers Write) and "Danske rapporter" (Danish Reports).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon with a critical yet open-minded approach. While presenting witness testimonies and alleged evidence, it also scrutinizes the authenticity of claims, particularly concerning hoaxes and potential cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking factual understanding and debunking misinformation, as seen in the critical analysis of the "alien autopsy" video and the questioning of new Roswell claims. There is a clear interest in the intersection of UFOs with government agencies like NASA and historical events like the Roswell incident and the space race. The magazine aims to inform its readers about ongoing research, reports, and debates within the UFO community.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated March/April 1999, focuses heavily on the Roswell myth and related controversies, alongside articles on the SETI project and various UFO and light phenomena sightings. The magazine is published by SUFOI and features a cover headline of 'Roswell-myten'.

The Roswell Myth and the 'Alien Autopsy' Footage

The lead article meticulously dissects the 'Roswell myth,' particularly focusing on the controversial 'alien autopsy' and 'tent footage' films. It details how Ray Santilli, the producer of these films, initially claimed they were genuine. The article highlights the involvement of Elliot Willis (sound technician) and Bruce Barlow (video producer) who later revealed on the Fox Network show 'World's Greatest Hoaxes' that the 'tent footage' was a staged hoax commissioned and paid for by Santilli.

Santilli's film premiere in London in May 1995, which excluded the 'tent footage,' caused frustration among attendees. Philip Mantle, an English ufologist, was one of the first to view the 'tent footage' in March 1995, which generated significant press interest. The article suggests Santilli used Mantle and the 'tent footage' to gain publicity for his 'alien autopsy' film. Santilli also attempted to sell the 'tent footage' to Bob Kiviat for a TV broadcast, but later withdrew, citing issues with the footage. The article notes that multiple copies of the 'tent footage' circulated, some with stills appearing online. Kiviat's attempts to prove the 'alien autopsy' footage was a hoax are also mentioned.

Bruce Barlow produced a 20-minute video detailing the hoax, featuring interviews with Willis and Barlow. They explain they were led to believe the footage depicted an alien autopsy reconstruction. The article criticizes the film's poor production quality, likening it to a school play, yet acknowledges the power of belief.

SETI and the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

Two articles are dedicated to the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). One details the SETI@home project, launched in May 1999, which allows individuals to contribute their computer's processing power to analyze radio telescope data. The project experienced overwhelming success, with nearly 900,000 participants by July 1999, far exceeding initial optimistic projections. The article explains how the software, downloaded from the internet, acts as a screensaver and analyzes data blocks from the Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico.

Another article discusses a project by the company 'Encounter 2001' that sent a message into space on May 24, 1999, using a Ukrainian radio telescope. This project involved sending scientific data about Earth and humanity, as well as personal messages and DNA samples from paying customers. The transmission was sent towards four sun-like stars. The article also references the first targeted radio transmission to space in 1974 by Frank Drake and Carl Sagan.

UFO Sightings and Light Phenomena Reports

The magazine includes several reports of UFO sightings and unexplained light phenomena:

• Thailand Observation: A couple observed 10-12 lights moving over the sea in Thailand, describing them as constant in brightness and moving in a wavy line before disappearing.
• Denmark Sighting: A family in Rødby, Denmark, observed a bright, clear object that transformed into a fireball with a ring. The object moved slightly before disappearing.
• Venus and Jupiter Conjunction: Numerous reports were received about the close conjunction of Venus and Jupiter in February 1999, with some observers mistaking the two bright lights for a single object.
• Pilot Observation: Four commercial airline pilots reported observing a strong, luminous phenomenon in the sky off the coast of Jutland. One pilot described it as a silver, tail-shaped object as large as a battleship moving alongside the aircraft. While media reports sensationalized the event, the article suggests it was likely a bright bolide (meteor) leaving a radar trail, possibly misinterpreted due to atmospheric conditions and media exaggeration.

Other Articles

• French Military UFO Report: A semi-official report on UFOs was published in France by a committee of former members of the Institute for Higher Defence Studies (IHEDN). The report, titled 'UFOs and Defense,' was delayed due to the Balkan conflict and was sent to prominent politicians.
• UFO Cult in Colombia: At least 60 members of a religious cult in Cartagena, Colombia, reportedly disappeared, leading to fears of mass suicide, similar to the 'Heaven's Gate' incident. The cult, known as Stella Maris Gnostic Church, believed a UFO would save them from an impending apocalypse.
• Book Review: A review of the book 'Lys Fænomener i Naturen' (Light Phenomena in Nature), edited by Lars Lindberg Christensen and others. The book is described as a comprehensive Danish work on natural light phenomena, intended for a broad audience.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena, scientific inquiry, and public belief. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, debunking hoaxes (like the 'alien autopsy' footage) while also seriously considering unexplained phenomena and the scientific search for extraterrestrial life through projects like SETI. The magazine encourages reader participation in scientific endeavors and provides information on how to report sightings and engage with UFO research organizations. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine scientific investigation and sensationalism or fraudulent claims.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 3/99
Volume: 21
Date: 1999
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

Veteran's Account of Foo Fighters

The main feature of this issue is an article titled "En veteran fortæller om Foo Fighters" (A Veteran Tells About Foo Fighters), presenting a new account from Italian researcher Fabio Di Rado. Di Rado interviewed an 80-year-old man from Sicily who claimed to have worked as an agent for the British intelligence service during World War II, opposing Mussolini's fascist regime. In this capacity, the man claims to have incidentally learned about and encountered 'Foo Fighters'.

The interview took place in spring 1998 in a Sicilian village. The man, who wished to remain anonymous for safety reasons, stated that he had documents and images proving the existence of Foo Fighters. He explained that he was directly involved in operations for the British Intelligence Service, and the images were taken from military aircraft and Allied bases in Italy. He recounted his time working for the Psychological Warfare Branch (PWB) in Bari, Italy, after 1943, where he was involved in propaganda and news dissemination. He learned that 'Foo Fighters' had been filmed during the production of propaganda films but were censored from the final versions. Through Captain James Cameron of the S.A.S., he gained access to some of these films and was able to copy a few images, noting the high quality that allowed him to see the objects' movements alongside bombers. He believes the films are now with the S.A.S. in England and that the British intelligence service has always been aware of the 'Foo Fighter' phenomenon.

When asked if 'Foo Fighters' could have been Nazi-made, the man stated that their speed and maneuverability made this unlikely, suggesting they were not man-made and possibly originated from other worlds.

'Foo Fighters' - An Unsolved Mystery

Another section elaborates on the 'Foo Fighters' as an unsolved mystery from World War II. Described as highly maneuverable, glowing fireballs, they were reported by pilots on all fronts, seen by both Allied and Axis aircrews. While the Allies initially believed they were secret Nazi weapons, the Nazis thought they were an Allied invention. Theories included ball lightning and static discharge, but their behavior suggested they acted as observers rather than weapons, sometimes following aircraft for kilometers before disappearing at high speed. For many pilots, they resembled nothing created by humans.

Other Reports

Meteor Over Rome: On July 19, shortly before 3 AM, hundreds of Italians reported a large fireball with a long luminous tail moving rapidly across the night sky over Rome. The Italian TV station RAI reported it moving from west to east. Astronomer Margherita Hack identified it as a large meteor.

UFOs on Video in Mexico: Correspondent Guillermo Alarcon reported that three UFOs were filmed in broad daylight on June 1, 1999, by a Mexican TV crew near Puebla. The video, shown on "Atsteka" TV, depicted the UFOs hovering for about five minutes. Witnesses described them as large, silver, round, and emitting a powerful light. One UFO disappeared suddenly, while the other two flew southwest at high speed. Mexican civil aviation authorities had no explanation. The video was also shown on "Channel 9 TV" in Chile.

China's Manned Spaceflight: The People's Republic of China planned to send its first astronaut into space in the fall of 1999, before the 50th anniversary of the nation's founding on October 1st. This achievement would make China the third-largest spacefaring nation after the USA and Russia. China launched its first unmanned satellite in 1970 and aims to be competitive internationally, particularly against American telecommunications firms. A US Congress report alleged that China had acquired advanced satellite and rocket data from American firms Loral and Hughes, a claim China denied. The report acknowledges China's significant progress in developing large, reliable rockets.

Reader Mail and Editorial Response

Reader Mail: Arne S. Petersen from Brøndby writes to SUFOI chairman Toke Haunstrup, questioning his stance on skepticism, particularly after an interview in Jyllands-Posten. Petersen felt Haunstrup was dismissive of UFO reporters and suggested that the chairman should represent the diverse views within SUFOI, acknowledging that some members are certain of UFOs, others are open to the possibility, and some are skeptical.

Toke Haunstrup's Response: Toke Haunstrup responds to Petersen's criticism, admitting that his statements in the Jyllands-Posten interview were unfortunate and easily misunderstood, though he did not intend to dismiss reporters or mock their experiences. He clarifies that his comments were about 'curious' cases. He agrees that a chairman can have personal opinions but should clearly distinguish them from the organization's official stance. Regarding a meeting with skeptics Willy Wegner and Mikael Rothstein, Haunstrup denies soliciting only supportive comments, stating that the discussion was open to all viewpoints, and he recalled critical remarks being made about the speakers' theories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-NYT focuses on historical UFO phenomena, particularly the enigmatic 'Foo Fighters' of World War II, presenting a new first-hand account through an interview. It also touches upon contemporary UFO sightings and broader topics like space exploration and the nature of evidence. The editorial stance, as reflected in the reader mail and response section, acknowledges the spectrum of beliefs within the UFO community, from strong believers to skeptics, and emphasizes the importance of clear communication and representation by the organization's leadership.