UFO Nyt - No 3 2000

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: Nr. 3, 42nd Year, 3rd Quarter 2000
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Price: Kr. 247.00 (annual subscription)

Editorial Stance and Content Overview

The editorial in this issue, titled "The Wolf is Coming!" by Kim Møller Hansen, criticizes the tendency within the UFO community to sensationalize every sighting as definitive proof of extraterrestrial visitation. Hansen uses examples from England, specifically a video from 'UFO Magazine' and a recording from the 'British UFO Studies Centre,' to illustrate how initial excitement often leads to disappointment or natural explanations. He advocates for rigorous, evidence-based research rather than speculative claims.

The magazine features several articles and reports on UFO phenomena:

"Experience UFOs in Norway"

This section details the ongoing efforts to establish an experience and research center in Hessdalen, Norway. Since 1981, the Hessdalen valley has been the site of numerous mysterious light phenomena. Project Hessdalen, established in 1998, has a monitoring station that has recorded over 150 phenomena. The new initiative, Norsk UFO Senter A/S, aims to build a center with an experience area, a research facility, and a "spaceship simulator." The project is seeking investors and is supported by the Holtålen municipality.

"Foreign Craft Over Aalborg"

This article by Torben Birkeholm reports on a mass sighting of lights over Aalborg, Denmark, on the night of June 24, 2000. Multiple witnesses observed three yellowish or reddish lights moving in complex patterns. The event generated significant local attention, with calls to Flyvestation Aalborg and SUFOI. Two independent video recordings were made of the phenomenon. Initially, explanations ranged from searchlights to balloons. However, the article later reveals that the lights were identified as three Thai hot air balloons launched as part of a student event at Aalborg University, effectively debunking the UFO theory for this specific incident.

"First DNA Evidence in a Close Encounter?"

This detailed report, written by Per Andersen, presents a case involving Peter Khoury from Australia. Khoury claims to have had a close encounter in July 1992, during which he allegedly bit a blonde female entity. He later found two strands of hair on his penis, which he saved. These hairs were subjected to DNA analysis by the 'Anomaly Physical Evidence Group.' The analysis revealed that the blonde hair had several genetic variations not found in the normal European sequence, with three specific variations being particularly rare. While the analysis found that the hair could potentially match individuals of Chinese or Taiwanese descent, the blonde woman in the encounter did not appear to have Asian features. The article highlights the ongoing investigation and the potential implications of this finding for UFO research, while also noting that the hair was tested for color and confirmed as blonde.

"I Touched a Ghost"

This article, likely a personal account, is mentioned in the table of contents but not detailed in the provided pages. It is implied to be a first-hand experience of a close encounter.

"Doomsday Cancelled - Again"

This title suggests an article that debunks or revisits a past prediction of a catastrophic event, likely related to UFOs or extraterrestrial activity, concluding that it did not occur.

Other Mentions and Features:

• Club UFO-Nyt: An announcement for SUFOI's new book club, offering members discounts on books, videos, and CDs related to UFOs and related topics. Membership is free and non-binding.
• SUFOI Information: Contact details for SUFOI, including postal address, phone numbers for information and observations, and website/email addresses. The organization's purpose and leadership are also outlined.
• Deadlines: Information regarding submission deadlines for future issues.
• Subscription Information: Details on how to subscribe to UFO-Nyt, including prices and options for receiving the magazine in an envelope.
• Address Changes: Instructions for members to update their contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, close encounters, and the critical investigation of such phenomena. The editorial strongly emphasizes the need for scientific rigor and skepticism, cautioning against jumping to sensational conclusions without sufficient evidence. The magazine aims to present a balanced view, distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and misidentifications or hoaxes. The inclusion of a DNA analysis in a close encounter case highlights the magazine's commitment to exploring cutting-edge investigative techniques in ufology. The debunking of the Aalborg sighting serves as a prime example of the magazine's approach to separating fact from fiction.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 3/00
Date: March 2000
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT delves into a variety of topics related to UFO phenomena, astronomy, and unexplained events. It features a clean-up sale of back issues, reports on recent sightings and incidents, book reviews, and conference coverage.

Hessdalen: A Hub for UFO Research

The magazine highlights the Hessdalen AMS (Automatic Measuring Station) in Norway, a project led by civil engineer Erling Strand. The station collects data on light phenomena, with all data accessible online via www.hessdalen.org. The project is expanding with new CCD cameras to improve distance calculations for observed phenomena and reduce false alarms. Information about Hessdalen's light phenomena and the AMS project can be found in UFO-Nyt issue 4/98 and on the SUFOI website.

Space Debris and Planetary Alignments

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the crash of three large metal objects in the Boland area of South Africa on April 27-28, 2000. These objects, weighing between 32 and 50 kg, were described as hot and oval, with one witness reporting hearing two loud bangs. NASA suggested they might be titanium debris from the Pegasus satellite, launched in 1996. The article notes that space debris enters Earth's atmosphere almost daily, with most falling into the ocean.

Another article addresses the 'Jupiter Effect' prediction, which claimed a planetary alignment in May 2000 would cause natural disasters. The magazine points out that no such catastrophes occurred, referencing similar failed predictions from 1962 and 1974, and mentions a book by V. M. Rabolús predicting Earth's imminent destruction by a red planet named Hercólubus.

Astronomical Observations and Celestial Events

The 'Kig på Himlen' (Look at the Sky) section provides astronomical information for the period, detailing the visibility of Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. It also mentions meteor showers like the Perseids in August and the Orionids in October.

A notable event discussed is the widespread observation of strong northern lights (Aurora Borealis) on April 6-7, 2000, and again on July 16, 2000. Reports came from across Denmark and even from Sweden, Holland, and Germany. One witness described the lights as bright, straight lines converging at the zenith, changing from green to red. Astrophysicist Michael Linden-Vørnle attributes these phenomena to a large solar flare on July 14th, which caused disturbances in Earth's magnetic field.

UnConvention 2000: A Weekend of Mysteries

Lars Thomas reports on the UnConvention, the seventh annual congress organized by Fortean Times in London. The event featured a wide range of talks on various mysterious phenomena, including UFO landings, cryptids, ghost ships, and conspiracy theories. Thomas himself presented on 'Scandinavian Strangeness'. The report highlights presentations on George Adamski, the Maury Island incident, and a film premiere about the 'Owlman' of Cornwall.

The article also touches upon the surreal and often bizarre nature of some presentations, with one involving a 'nazist, homosexual skeptic' and 'lesbian witches'. The author humorously notes the production company's name, 'Limited Talents'. The report concludes with a recommendation to attend the UnConvention, emphasizing its fun and educational aspects.

Book Reviews and Critiques

Several book reviews are featured, with a particular focus on Mikael Rothstein's book "Ufoer og rumvæsener" (UFOs and Aliens). The reviewer is critical of Rothstein's approach, particularly his interpretation of George Adamski's claims and his discussion of Scientology and the Raelian movement. The reviewer argues that Rothstein conflates different 'realities' and fails to distinguish between fact and fiction, particularly when discussing figures like L. Ron Hubbard and the Raelian cult's beliefs.

Another book reviewed is "Ufoer og rumvæsener" by Mikael Rothstein, which is described as a dense but interesting work on UFO myths. The reviewer notes Rothstein's advantage of hindsight but criticizes his handling of certain claims, particularly those of George Adamski, suggesting Adamski was a charlatan. The review also critiques Rothstein's portrayal of Scientology and the Raelian movement, deeming them potentially dangerous.

Letters to the Editor and Editorial Stance

A letter from Flemming Poulsen criticizes Mikael Rothstein's book and his approach to UFO phenomena, arguing that Rothstein's academic tone can intimidate ordinary witnesses. Poulsen praises Peter Nørgaard for defending UFO witnesses in a TV program, emphasizing SUFOI's role in investigating phenomena without dismissing them.

Another section addresses a reader's query about a 25-year secrecy obligation for Danish military personnel regarding UFO observations. Niels W. Andreasson, a former fighter pilot, clarifies that while there is a general, non-time-limited secrecy obligation related to security clearances, there is no specific obligation concerning UFO sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, unexplained events, and related scientific and cultural topics. There is a critical yet open-minded approach, with a focus on investigating claims and distinguishing between fact and speculation. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging serious inquiry into UFOs while debunking hoaxes and misinterpretations. The magazine also promotes its own publications and events, such as the 'Oplev det ukendte' catalog and the SUFOI organization itself.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 3/00, features a cover story titled "Et historisk øjeblik" (A historic moment), focusing on the pivotal Kenneth Arnold sighting of June 24, 1947, and the journalist Bill Bequette who first interviewed Arnold. The magazine also includes articles on unusual celestial phenomena, specifically meteor observations with peculiar characteristics, and a section discussing the alleged Majestic-12 documents.

A Historic Moment: Kenneth Arnold and Bill Bequette

The main article, written by French sociologist Pierre Lagrange, recounts his research into the initial reporting of the Kenneth Arnold sighting. Lagrange details how he tracked down Bill Bequette, a journalist for the Pendleton "East Oregonian," who first interviewed Arnold on June 25, 1947. Bequette's article was then distributed via Associated Press.

Bequette explains his first encounter with Arnold, noting that he and fellow journalist Nolan Skiff listened to Arnold's story and sent it to Associated Press, hoping for an explanation. The initial meeting was brief, with Skiff taking notes for a short article and Bequette writing a slightly longer one for AP's network, as they were close to deadline.

Bequette clarifies that sending the story to AP was standard procedure for member newspapers. He describes how stories from the AP 'C wire' (teletype connection) were often rewritten before being sent to the main network. Bequette's original story was sent via the 'C wire'.

He recounts how, after returning from lunch, the receptionist informed him that newspapers across the country and Canada were calling for more details about the "flying saucers." Bequette then spent two hours interviewing Arnold at his hotel, writing a longer story that was telephoned to AP in Portland. The next morning, the story was on the front pages of most newspapers.

Bequette expresses some embarrassment about the original UFO report, admitting he initially underestimated the significance of Arnold's story. He also addresses the origin of the term "flying saucer," stating he doesn't recall Arnold using the exact phrase but acknowledges that Arnold described the objects moving like a plate skipping on water. Bequette believes he did not coin the term himself.

Regarding Kenneth Arnold, Bequette describes him as an honest and sincere person who was bewildered by what he saw. Arnold was cooperative during Bequette's follow-up visit. Bequette notes that Arnold became the subject of many jokes but also purchased an 8mm film camera, hoping to capture images of future sightings.

Bequette expresses his skepticism about the proliferation of UFO reports over 50 years, suggesting that if UFOs were real and common, at least one should have been definitively identified by now. He doesn't dismiss the possibility of UFOs or secret aircraft being tested by governments.

Mysterious Shooting Stars: Unusual Meteor Observations

This section presents a contemporary Danish observation of an unusual light on May 10, 2000, by a reader in the Aalborg area. The light moved at an altitude of about 15 degrees, traveled east for 8-10 seconds, changed direction twice, moved in an S-shape, and then disappeared behind a building. The observer initially thought it was a shooting star but was puzzled by its duration and erratic movement.

The article then draws parallels to historical astronomical observations, particularly those of Etienne Leopold Trouvelot in Medford, Massachusetts, USA. Trouvelot, an astronomer at Harvard College Observatory, meticulously illustrated meteors. His drawings from November 13-14, 1868, depicting the Leonids meteor shower, showed unusual paths, some exhibiting complex wavy or zigzag movements, and others making sharp turns or changing direction without slowing down. Trouvelot noted that these trails were visible, indicating they were not mere optical illusions.

He describes one particularly remarkable meteor that moved in a straight line and then abruptly turned at a sharp angle, continuing in nearly the opposite direction. These unusual paths were often accompanied by luminous trails, confirming their physical nature.

The article also references earlier observations, including those from the great meteor storm of November 12-13, 1833, near Niagara Falls, which are illustrated in "Smiths Illustrated Astronomy." Another case from France describes a bolide observed on February 9, 1902, by astronomer Lucien Libert. This meteor, described as having a brightness comparable to Venus, performed a loop in the constellation Perseus before changing to a curved path towards Aldebaran. It then split into fragments and left a visible trail for about 1.5 minutes.

The article speculates that phenomena like autokinesis (involuntary eye movements causing lights to appear to move) or explosions of falling celestial bodies could potentially explain some of these observations. However, it emphasizes Trouvelot's experience as an observer and the visible trails left by the meteors, suggesting that simple illusions might not account for all cases.

We Are Not Alone!

This section advertises a CD-ROM titled "The Secret: Evidence That We Are Not Alone," which reportedly contains documents proving the existence of Majestic-12 (MJ-12). The MJ-12 group is described as a top-secret research team established by the US government after the 1947 Roswell, New Mexico, UFO crash to study alien technology and beings. The advertisement claims that the documents, totaling 50,000 words across 96 pages, have never been seen before and are available for purchase.

Australian Sky Phenomena

This part promotes a video titled "U.F.O. Down-Under" by ufologist Barry Taylor. Taylor has spent many hours filming the sky over Grafton, Australia, since 1996, capturing a variety of unexplained aerial phenomena, including daylight sightings. The video reportedly features footage of "cluster" UFOs and a large "jellyfish" UFO, aiming to convince viewers of the reality of UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, historical UFO cases, and astronomical anomalies. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and eyewitness accounts while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for rigorous investigation. There is a clear interest in historical documentation and the potential for government secrecy surrounding UFOs, as evidenced by the promotion of the MJ-12 documents. The inclusion of both historical and contemporary accounts, as well as international perspectives, highlights a broad scope in the magazine's coverage of UFO and related phenomena.