UFO Nyt - No 2 2001

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: Nr. 2, 43rd year
Date: 2nd quarter 2001 (April 2001)
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Price: DKK 252.00 (annual subscription)

This issue of UFO-Nyt, the Danish magazine dedicated to UFO phenomena, presents a diverse range of articles exploring sightings, theories, and historical perspectives.

Da Gud slog Darwin (When God Beat Darwin)

The editorial, written by Kim Møller Hansen, addresses the growing rejection of Darwin's theory of evolution among some university students, who attribute life's origins to God. The editor expresses concern that this rejection is often based on religious conviction rather than scientific evidence. He draws a parallel to the UFO field, where established science may dismiss reports, while others readily accept extraterrestrial explanations. SUFOI positions itself as a critical observer, seeking evidence and acknowledging when explanations are lacking, rather than jumping to conclusions.

Forsiden (Cover)

The cover features the title "ufo-nyt" and several Danish headlines: "Pilot filmede ufo" (Pilot filmed UFO), "Livsformer i atmosfæren" (Life forms in the atmosphere), "Så Kenneth Arnold pelikaner?" (Did Kenneth Arnold see pelicans?), "Når sten falder ned fra himlen" (When stones fall from the sky), and "Japansk fly tæt på ukendt objekt" (Japanese plane close to unknown object).

Indhold (Contents)

• The table of contents lists various articles, including:
• Da Gud slog Darwin
• Pilot filmede ufo
• Livsformer i atmosfæren
• Amatørastronom så mystisk himmelfænomen (Amateur astronomer saw mysterious celestial phenomenon)
• Kosmisk affald (Cosmic waste)
• Hilsen fra Beijing (Greetings from Beijing)
• Metangas kan måske løse gåden om heksehullet (Methane gas might solve the mystery of the witch's hole)
• Fantasiens flyvning (Fantasy flight)
• Fly med eget liv - men hvad sker der med deres piloter? (Planes with lives of their own - but what happens to their pilots?)
• Mars mangler lærere (Mars lacks teachers)
• Russiske soldater tæt på ufo (Russian soldiers close to UFO)
• Ukendt objekt på kollisionskurs (Unknown object on collision course)
• Ufo-studier på engelsk college (UFO studies at an English college)
• Finn W. Kalvik død (Finn W. Kalvik dead)
• Få overblik og ny viden (Get an overview and new knowledge)

Oplev det ukendte 2001 (Experience the Unknown 2001)

This section promotes a catalog of books, pamphlets, videos, posters, and CD-ROMs about UFOs, available from SUFOI.

Skandinavisk UFO Information

This section provides contact details for SUFOI, including postal address, giro account, phone numbers for information and observations, and website and email addresses. It also outlines SUFOI's purpose: to contribute to the understanding of UFO phenomena by collecting and processing source material and disseminating knowledge. The organization does not endorse any specific theory about the origin of UFOs.

SUFOI's Formål og Ledelse (SUFOI's Purpose and Leadership)

Details the organization's structure and leadership, listing representatives responsible for various areas like report work, publications, information, website, and accounting. Kim Møller Hansen is listed as the chairman.

Fra arkiverne: Pilot filmede ufo (From the Archives: Pilot Filmed UFO)

This article details the case of Robert Childerhose, a Canadian jet pilot who photographed a luminous object on August 27, 1956, at 6:20 PM local time near MacCleod, Alberta. While flying at 11 kilometers altitude during a severe thunderstorm, Childerhose observed an intense white object to his left. He managed to take a photograph with his camera. He later contacted his group leader, Ralph Annis, who confirmed the sighting. Years later, Childerhose found that other pilots involved did not recall the incident, possibly due to their focus on the storm and a speed record attempt. In a letter to UFO skeptic Philip Klass, Childerhose described the object as having clearly defined edges, resembling a luminous silver dollar, stationary for about 45 seconds, and appearing at an altitude of approximately 4,000 meters. The photograph, taken with Kodachrome 10 ASA film, was analyzed by photo expert Bruce Maccabee, who estimated the object's diameter to be around 100 meters. The article notes that this object's characteristics make it unlikely to be ball lightning, which is typically much smaller and shorter-lived. Other explanations like sun reflections or lake surfaces have been ruled out, leaving the phenomenon unexplained.

Livsformer i atmosfæren (Life Forms in the Atmosphere)

This article explores the theory that UFOs might be living beings. Trevor James Constable, a historian, occultist, and contact person, argues that there are larger life forms in the atmosphere beyond birds, pollen, and spores. He claims to have photographic evidence of these 'Atmospheric Life Forms' (ALF), which he describes as a type of 'living aerogel' that is usually invisible because their bodies refract light. Constable believes these beings can move and sometimes become visible as meteors or 'will-o'-the-wisps.' He initially used infrared film to capture strange images, which he likens to single-celled organisms or processing errors. Constable gave up on his research in the 1970s due to public apathy. The article also mentions a 1996 internet report about the Galileo probe registering evidence of 'sky creatures' in Jupiter's atmosphere, though the April 1st date cast doubt on its credibility. It also touches upon the concept of 'rods,' a type of UFO observed in digital video.

The article also references Wilhelm Reich, an Austrian psychoanalyst who had UFO sightings and believed UFOs were alien spacecraft seeking 'orgone,' a cosmic life energy. Reich theorized that these craft emitted 'deadly orgon,' causing disease. His work on 'orgone energy accumulators' and 'cloudbusters' is mentioned.

Amatørastronom så mystisk lysfænomen (Amateur Astronomer Saw Mysterious Celestial Phenomenon)

This article recounts an observation made by Danish amateur astronomer Claus Abel on July 13, 2000, near Port aux Basques in southern Newfoundland. Abel, along with three other witnesses (one Danish, two Canadian), observed an unusual, cigar-shaped object in the sky shortly after sunset. The object moved without apparent changes in course, speed, or altitude, passing close to the nearly full moon. Its brightness was comparable to the moon's, and its color was yellowish-white. Abel noted that the object's speed was significantly faster than a commercial airliner, it was silent, and left no contrail. The observation lasted about 30-45 seconds. Abel, an experienced observer, ruled out meteors and conventional aircraft. He consulted with Torben Taustrup of Østjyske Amatør Astronomer, who could not provide an explanation and forwarded the case to SUFOI. Abel speculates about possibilities like a dying satellite, a rocket stage, or an unknown aircraft type, emphasizing the lack of sound, contrails, or exhaust.

Kosmisk affald (Cosmic Waste)

This article, authored by Mike Jay, examines the historical acceptance of meteorites by science. It highlights how the scientific community initially dismissed the idea of stones falling from the sky as mere superstition. However, by 1805, meteorites were accepted as a fact. The article contrasts this with the slow acceptance of other phenomena like continental drift or the existence of gorillas. It uses the debate around meteorites as a case study for how established science confronts and eventually integrates unusual phenomena, drawing parallels to the challenges faced by research into 'parascientific' subjects like UFOs.

The article traces the historical views on meteors, from ancient Greek philosophers like Anaxagoras and Aristotle, who offered different explanations for celestial phenomena. It discusses the prevailing theories in the 18th century, which often attributed meteors to atmospheric discharges or sparks from volcanoes. The discovery of meteorites with unique chemical compositions, particularly their high nickel content, played a crucial role in linking falling stones with celestial objects. Key figures like Ernst Chladni, Edward Howard, and Jean-Baptiste Biot are mentioned for their contributions to establishing the scientific basis for meteorites. The article notes that even after acceptance, the origin of these metallic stones remained a mystery, with theories ranging from volcanic eruptions on Earth to condensation in the upper atmosphere or extraterrestrial sources.

Fænomener (Phenomena)

This section continues the discussion on meteorites, detailing the discovery of a large iron meteorite in Argentina (Campo di Cielo) in the 16th century. It explains how early explorers and later geologists recognized these objects as extraterrestrial. The article points out that the acceptance of meteorites as a scientific fact took time due to several factors: many falls occurred during the day, making observations less reliable, and the scientific establishment often dismissed eyewitness accounts as folklore or superstition.

It highlights the work of scientists like Ernst Chladni, who proposed that material in space caused fireballs, and Edward Howard, who confirmed the unique chemical composition of meteorites. Jean-Baptiste Biot's report on a fireball over L'Aigle in 1803, which scattered stones, is presented as definitive proof. The article concludes by noting that while the origin of meteorites was established, their exact source (volcanoes on the Moon, atmospheric condensation, or outer space) remained debated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, scientific skepticism, and the historical process of scientific acceptance. SUFOI positions itself as a critical but open-minded organization, encouraging evidence-based investigation and acknowledging the limits of current knowledge. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, valuing empirical data and reasoned analysis over unsubstantiated claims, whether from proponents of extraterrestrial origins or from those who rigidly dismiss all unusual reports.

Title: Fænomener
Issue: 2/2001
Publisher: UFO-NYT
Date: February 2001

This issue of "Fænomener" explores a range of intriguing topics, from the historical significance of meteorites and ancient cults to modern UFO sightings and aviation mysteries. It challenges conventional explanations and encourages readers to consider alternative perspectives.

Meteors and Ancient Cults

The article "Fænomener" begins by discussing the historical resistance to the theory of meteorites, citing mineralogist Eugene de Patrin, who in 1803 still attributed falling stones to volcanic activity. His eventual reluctant acceptance of the new theory was met with a re-evaluation of ancient beliefs. It highlights how many ancient religions were based on meteorite cults, including the worship associated with the black stone in the Kaaba in Mecca and the Temple of Diana in Ephesus. The article notes the irony that Emperor Constantine, who converted to Christianity, may have done so following an observation of an object in the sky. The scientific community's slow acceptance of the meteorite theory is presented as a parallel to the ongoing debate surrounding UFOs, suggesting that established institutions often resist new ideas until they are widely accepted.

UFOs and the 'Flying Saucer' Myth

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the origins of the UFO phenomenon, particularly the famous Kenneth Arnold sighting on June 24, 1947. The article, authored by James Easton, revisits Arnold's account of observing nine unidentified flying objects near the Cascade Mountains in Washington. Easton proposes a controversial theory that Arnold may have mistaken a flock of American white pelicans for UFOs. He details the characteristics of white pelicans, including their size, flight patterns (flapping and gliding), and the reflective nature of their undersides, which can create flashing or 'blinding' effects when illuminated by sunlight. The article contrasts this with Arnold's initial description of 'half-moon shaped' objects and his later descriptions that led to the term 'flying saucers.'

Easton meticulously analyzes Arnold's report, including his estimations of speed and distance, and discusses how the misinterpretation of Arnold's description of movement as a description of shape led to the 'flying saucer' myth. The article also touches upon early attempts by scientists like J. Allen Hynek and Donald Menzel to explain Arnold's sighting, which were largely dismissed by ufologists.

Further supporting the pelican theory, the article references an old newspaper clipping from July 12, 1947, reporting that pilots from Northwest Airlines had seen nine 'round discs' that they identified as pelicans. This parallel sighting lends credence to Easton's hypothesis.

Aviation Anomalies and Other Cases

Beyond the Arnold case, the magazine features several other reports and discussions:

• "Fly med eget liv" (A Plane with a Life of its Own): This section details several incidents where aircraft, particularly Beechcraft King Air 200 models, flew on autopilot for extended periods without pilot control, leading to crashes or near-disasters. These include a flight in Australia in September 2000, a RAAF Hornet incident in 1991, and a LearJet crash in South Dakota in 1999 involving golfer Payne Stewart. These cases raise questions about the reliability of aircraft systems and potential unknown factors influencing flight.
• "Mars mangler lærere" (Mars Lacks Teachers): This report describes a UFO sighting in Chiu Chiu, Chile, in October 2000. Witnesses, including children and a teacher, reported seeing a large, luminous object hovering over a school, emitting intense light and causing a strange physical sensation. The object reportedly opened a door, and one witness felt as if they were being 'sucked in.'
• "Metangas kan måske løse gåden om Heksehullet" (Methane Gas Might Solve the Mystery of the Hex Hole): This article explores a geological hypothesis for unexplained maritime disappearances. It discusses the discovery of a 23-meter trawler found upright on the seabed in 1970, known as the Hex Hole. Marine geologist Alan Judd suggests that methane gas seeping from the seabed could have drastically reduced water buoyancy, causing ships to sink rapidly. This theory, previously linked to the Bermuda Triangle, is presented as a potential explanation for the Hex Hole incident.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions conventional explanations and encourages critical thinking about phenomena that defy easy categorization. The editorial stance appears to favor exploring unconventional hypotheses, even those that challenge established scientific or ufological narratives, such as the pelican theory for the Kenneth Arnold sighting. There is a recurring theme of how scientific institutions can be slow to accept new evidence and how historical accounts, when re-examined, can offer new insights into long-standing mysteries. The publication aims to present a diverse range of cases and theories, inviting readers to draw their own conclusions.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 2/2001
Date: January 2001
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT, a Danish magazine focused on UFO phenomena, presents a collection of recent reports, research, and news within the ufology community.

Notitser (Notices)

Dagestan Incident

The magazine details an incident where Russian and Chechen soldiers entering the Caucasus mountains in Dagestan reported seeing a large, illuminated object, approximately two meters long, flying slowly at an altitude of 100 meters over the Caspian Sea. The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs for Dagestan stated that the first alarm was raised at 1:00 AM on November 14, 2000, with initial reports coming an hour later. The object was seen flying east over the Caspian Sea and was also observed by civilians. The Russian military command in Dagestan dispatched a squadron of Sukhoi SU-27 fighter jets to intercept the object, but they were unable to catch it. The initial official explanation suggested it might have been a NATO spy plane monitoring Russian military maneuvers. However, confusion arose when the head of the North Caucasian border control, General Yevgeni Bolkhovitin, stated he had received information from central air defense indicating it was a Russian spacecraft. This was quickly refuted by the Air Force spokesperson in Moscow, who stated they had no such aircraft in the Northern Caucasus. Chechen soldiers and their allies interpreted the phenomenon as a sign from God, with one Dagestani imam claiming it was a djinn, angel, or other celestial being.

Chilean Sightings

In the El Loa province of Chile, around 7:00 PM on the same day, a large meteor shower was observed. Professor Juan Rojas Maffet of Chiu Chiu reported seeing an object approach from the northeast, split into two, and disappear to the south. Separately, on December 10th, a giant rhombus-shaped object was sighted in the Ojo de Apache district, two kilometers from Calamas. An observer noted that the object emitted a very powerful beam of light towards the ground.

Tyumen Region Sighting

Residents in Chervishevo, located in the Tyumen region west of the Caspian Sea, reported seeing a strange flying object. Described as a "small spot with a long, luminous tail," it was visible for several minutes as it flew over the area on November 16th at 6:30 PM. Witnesses were unsure if it was an unidentified flying object, a meteorite, a comet, a satellite, or the after-effects of an experiment from a nearby military base. A similar object was reportedly seen in April 2000.

Georgian Power Outage

Three days later, on November 19th, Georgia, located 300 km southwest of the Caspian Sea, experienced a power outage that lasted most of the afternoon and evening. The city of Batumi on the Black Sea, which receives electricity from neighboring Turkey, was unaffected. Hundreds of passengers were trapped in subway trains for hours, and residents lit bonfires to illuminate the streets and honked their car horns. The desperate engineer Valeri Beridze stated, "Cold, hunger, everything in ruins – people are leaving Georgia."

Japanese Aviation Incident

On November 14, 1998, a Japanese Boing 737-200 passenger jet from Japan Transocean Airlines was on a collision course with an unknown aircraft 110 km west-southwest of Nii-Jima island in the Pacific Ocean. Five passengers were injured. The Japanese commission of inquiry and the Ministry of Transport released a report on this and four other incidents. According to the report, the passenger jet was en route from Miyako Airport in Okinawa to Tokyo International Airport when the co-pilot detected two bright, blinking lights ahead. He immediately initiated a dive to avoid a collision with the presumed aircraft. The captain was busy with instrument readings and did not see the lights. A passenger described the event: "I had my seatbelt fastened and was sleeping when I was woken by a sudden bump. I woke up, looked out the window, and saw a plane. Our own plane was just finishing its dive. I saw the other plane in the upper right corner of the window on my left side, and because of its shape, I thought it was flying in the opposite direction and at the same height as ours. The plane was just as large as ours and looked very angular and possibly had white lights." The object was not detected by radar, and no other aircraft were scheduled to be in the area according to flight plans. The report was covered by the media, with one announcer using the word "ufo." Physicist Dr. Yoshihiko Otsuki from Waseda University referred to the phenomenon as "plasma." Japanese ufologists are currently investigating whether the unknown craft could have been an American B-2 stealth aircraft, which is difficult to detect by radar. The U.S. Air Force has not confirmed the presence of such an aircraft, but Japanese ufologists consider it likely that aircraft of this type were in the area due to the tense situation concerning North Korea's missile threat.

UFO Studies at English College

Totton College in Southampton, England, offers a course on UFOs through the Open College Network. The curriculum includes topics such as "Historical Perspectives on UFO," "Theoretical Perspectives on UFOs," "The Media and Ufology," "Alien Abduction," "Research Methods in Ufology," and "Primary Research in Ufology." Students also become members of TRUTH (Totton Researchers of Ufology Theory and History) and have the opportunity to subscribe to the journal "European Journal of UFO and Abduction Studies." The college's address is www.totton.ac.uk.

Finn W. Kalvik Obituary

Finn W. Kalvik, a loyal Norwegian supporter of SUFOI for many years, passed away on January 12th at the age of 79. Kalvik worked for Bergens Mekaniske Verksteder for 43 years, retiring in 1984. He had a wide range of interests, including being a member of the choir and an extra at the National Theatre in Bergen. He also held various positions in local politics. His interest in UFOs began at a young age when he saw a satellite-like phenomenon in the sky. In the 1980s, he had a UFO experience during a stay in Spain. Kalvik was involved in UFO interests in Bergen from the beginning, even before organized groups started in Norway. He was part of the work in UFO-Bergen until its merger with Norsk UFO Center, collecting reports, and for many years served as the editor of the Norwegian magazine "UFO." He was described as a UFO pioneer in Norway. Kalvik was also elected to SUFOI's Representative Council as their representative in Norway. Towards the end of his life, Finn had begun writing his UFOlogy memoirs titled "On a Rollercoaster Ride in Life's UFO-Tivoli." He intended to title it "A fitting title for what I have experienced of ups and downs on the UFO stock exchange in my time as a pioneer in this not-so-lucrative business." Unfortunately, Finn did not complete this final project. At SUFOI's 40th-anniversary celebration in Vanløse in October 1997, Finn gave a typical witty and festive speech, announcing his intention to step down after 25 years in the Representative Council. This did not entirely surprise attendees, as they had been informed beforehand. However, it did surprise him that he was simultaneously appointed an honorary member of SUFOI in recognition of his significant contributions to the organization and UFO-NYT in Norway. He was very honored and happy with the appointment, which, like many shared experiences from previous meetings, was celebrated with a quiet whisky late at night in Finn's hotel room. A great personality has now left the Scandinavian UFO scene.

Advertisements

The magazine includes advertisements for "The Black Vault UFO Collection - Volume 1," a CD-ROM containing 5,000 UFO documents from FBI, CIA, DIA, and OASD archives. It also promotes "Mysterious Spheres," an instrumental CD by Ricky Seraphico inspired by UFO themes. Another advertised item is "On This Day In UFO History, 3rd Edition," a book with 366 observation reports and contact information for over 600 international UFO organizations. Materials can be ordered by paying the specified amount plus postage to SUFOI's giro account.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are recent UFO sightings from various parts of the world, including Russia, Chile, and Japan, highlighting the ongoing nature of unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine also emphasizes the academic study of ufology, as evidenced by the course offered at Totton College. The obituary for Finn W. Kalvik underscores the dedication and pioneering spirit within the UFO community. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting of UFO-related events, providing information and encouraging further research, while also acknowledging the contributions of individuals within the field.