UFO Nyt - No 4 2002

Magazine Overview

Title: ufo nyt
Issue: Nr. 4
Volume: 44. årg.
Date: 4. kvartal 2002 (October 2002)
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Cover Headline: Dragende lys (Captivating Light)

This issue of *ufo nyt* delves into various unexplained phenomena, from aerial sightings to terrestrial mysteries, and explores the evolutionary basis of intelligence. The cover prominently features the futuristic Boeing Bird of Prey aircraft, hinting at advanced technology and potential government secrecy.

Cover Story and Front Page Features

The cover highlights several intriguing topics: "Dragende lys" (Captivating Light), "Ringen i græsset" (The Ring in the Grass), "Et billede siger mere..." (A Picture Says More...), and "Sådan fik vi store hjerner" (How We Got Big Brains).

The front page also features a brief article about the Boeing Bird of Prey, an advanced unmanned aerial vehicle unveiled in October 2002. It was presented to journalists at Boeing's Phantom Works facility and is believed to have been tested at Area 51, the US Air Force's 'secret' test range in Nevada.

Table of Contents and Editorial Stance

The table of contents on page 2 outlines the issue's diverse content, including reports on new and old UFO cases, photographic evidence, the evolution of intelligence, crop circles, and international UFO reports. The editorial, written by Kim Møller Hansen, emphasizes SUFOI's vision to be the go-to source for UFO information. It highlights the organization's involvement in media appearances (DR, TV2) and announces upcoming book publications. The editorial also commemorates the 25th anniversary of Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," noting its groundbreaking effects and its basis in UFO reports, and mentions J. Allen Hynek's role as a consultant.

SUFOI aims to be a central hub for UFO information, and the editorial looks forward to fulfilling this vision in 2003. The organization is preparing for several book releases that will cater to both dedicated UFO enthusiasts and the general public. The editorial also mentions upcoming film screenings of "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" with introductions by SUFOI representatives.

Articles and Reports

"Nye 'gamle' rapporter" (New 'Old' Reports) - Page 4: This section presents two older UFO sighting reports that SUFOI recently became aware of.

• Færøerne 1959/60: Jens Henrik Nohns recounts an observation of a light phenomenon in the Faroe Islands during the winter of 1959/60. While on patrol, he and a companion saw a light ascend slowly, change colors, stop, and then move rapidly to the southwest. The observation lasted about 30 seconds, with no sound. Nohns describes the light as similar to aircraft lights but notes that there were no airfields in the Faroe Islands at the time.
• Stillehavet (Pacific Ocean): Another report from Jens Henrik Nohns, this time from the mid-1960s when he was a radio telegraphist on a Maersk ship. He and the third officer observed a bright, clear, yellow light moving from the south towards the north. The object appeared as a round light with three dots when viewed from behind and was described as bright as day when close. They estimated its size at about half a centimeter at arm's length. The nearest land to the south was Antarctica, and to the north were the Aleutian Islands.

"Marineministeriet bekræfter iagttagelsen af 'flyvende tallerkener'" (The Ministry of Defence confirms the observation of 'flying saucers') - Page 4: This article reports on official confirmations from the Ministry of Defence regarding sightings of an unknown flying object in Antarctica. Support bases in Antarctica, as well as Chilean and British bases, reported observing and photographing an unknown flying object. The object was observed at an altitude of about 45 degrees above the horizon, at a distance of 10-15 km. It made no sound and exhibited speed changes and complete stops during its maneuvers. Meteorological conditions were described as unusually good. The object was observed for 15-20 minutes and photographed. The report also mentions a similar sighting from the Decepción Island naval base in Argentine Antarctica on July 3, 1965, involving a lens-shaped object emitting various colored lights.

"Observationer" (Observations) - Pages 4-5: This section continues with more detailed accounts of sightings.

• Antarctic Reports: The article mentions that the Condon Report (Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects) also references these Antarctic observations. However, the report concluded that there was no material to convincingly prove that an unidentified object had caused magnetic disturbances. The color photographs taken during the Antarctic sightings were unfortunately never published.
• Frank Edwards: The book "Flyvende tallerkener – en alvorlig sag" (Flying Saucers – A Serious Matter) by Frank Edwards is mentioned, with readers directed to pages 215-220 for his accounts. However, the author advises readers to approach Edwards' work with caution.
• Condon Report: The article references the "Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects" conducted by Edward U. Condon. It notes that while the Condon team investigated possible magnetic disturbances related to UFO observations, they found no conclusive evidence that unidentified objects caused them. The report also mentions that color photographs from the Antarctic sightings were never made public.

"Et billede siger mere..." (A Picture Says More...) - Page 6: This article discusses the challenges of proving the existence of phenomena through photographs and films, using the example of the "Myakka Skunk Ape" photos from 2001. The article questions the authenticity of the photos, noting that they were provided by a single individual and that the photographer remains anonymous. The lack of independent verification and the passage of time make it difficult to investigate the claims. The article concludes that while the photos are intriguing, they do not constitute definitive proof.

"Foto af spøgelse?" (Photo of a Ghost?) - Page 7: Lars Thomas, a zoologist and consultant for SUFOI, shares an experience from a visit to London in 1998. While touring the cellars beneath The Viaduct Inn, an area known for its alleged poltergeist activity, he took a photograph in an old prison cell. He was certain the cell was empty at the time. It was only years later, when viewing a magnified print, that he discovered what appeared to be a ghostly figure in the photograph.

"Sex, IQ og ET" (Sex, IQ and ET) - Pages 8-9: This article explores the evolutionary reasons behind the development of large human brains. It discusses theories related to natural selection and the concept of "signals of strength" in the animal kingdom, using peacocks as an example. The article suggests that intelligence may have evolved as a trait that signals good genes and fitness to potential mates. It posits that extraterrestrial intelligences might also exhibit similar traits, such as conversational skills, musical ability, and humor, rather than the stereotypical portrayals often seen in Hollywood.

"Ringen i græsset" (The Ring in the Grass) - Page 10: This article details a mysterious ring found in a lawn in Ballerup, Denmark, on August 10, 2002. The observer, KJ, discovered the ring, which was approximately 3.60 meters in diameter and 5 cm wide, and described it as a sharp, brown marking. He noted that the ring was not present earlier that day. Coincidentally, KJ's car battery was completely dead later that same day, requiring a replacement. While SUFOI typically focuses on UFO reports, they do receive inquiries about other phenomena, such as unusual markings in the ground or vegetation. The article notes that this particular ring does not appear to be a 'witch's ring' caused by fungi. The possibility of pranksters is also considered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of *ufo nyt* consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, scientific inquiry, and evolutionary biology. There's a recurring theme of skepticism towards photographic evidence without rigorous verification, as seen in the Myakka Skunk Ape article. The magazine also highlights the importance of official confirmations, as in the Antarctic sightings, while acknowledging the limitations of such reports. The evolutionary perspective on intelligence suggests that traits signaling fitness, including intelligence, might be universal, potentially guiding how we might interact with extraterrestrial beings. SUFOI positions itself as a critical yet open-minded organization, dedicated to gathering and disseminating information on these complex subjects, while also acknowledging the need for careful analysis and avoiding definitive conclusions on unproven phenomena.

Title: Fænomener
Issue: 4/2002
Publisher: SUFOI
Date: April 2002

This issue of Fænomener, published by SUFOI, focuses on unexplained phenomena, primarily UFO sightings and related mysteries. It features a mix of investigative articles, eyewitness accounts, and archival reports.

The Ballerup Grass Circle: A Lingering Mystery

The issue opens with an investigation into a mysterious circle found in a grass lawn in Ballerup. Filip Steenholdt, who had previously experimented with creating crop circles, initially examined the phenomenon. However, it was quickly determined that the circle was not a typical crop circle. SUFOI contacted the local newspaper, Ballerup Bladet, which published a photo and sought other similar occurrences, but none were reported. Numerous suggestions were received, including "witch rings" caused by fungi, a buried concrete ring, salt, or a burnt string. Experts, including Lars Thomas from SUFOI, dismissed the witch ring theory due to a lack of similarity. The possibility of a concrete ring was also ruled out. A reader suggested salt or a spirit-soaked string that was then burned. The idea of using a gas burner to create such a precise circle was also considered, requiring a steady hand and consistent movement to avoid scorch marks.

Rene Fuhlendorff, MSc, from Eurofins Danmark A/S, stated that a direct chemical analysis would be expensive. He noted that finding the specific substance responsible would be like searching for a needle in a haystack, potentially involving salts or pesticides. He found it mysterious that the marking appeared so quickly. He also ruled out the common herbicide "Round Up." Jens Streibig, a researcher from The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, also believed most proposed solutions could be excluded, suggesting a herbicide that causes such symptoms. He pointed out the high cost of laboratory analysis for uncertain findings.

The article concludes that the mystery persists, with the most likely explanations being a herbicide or a gas burner used by pranksters with measuring tools. There is no direct evidence linking the phenomenon to a UFO, other than the unusual nature of the event and the investigation process.

Eyewitness Accounts: A Chronicle of Danish Sightings

The majority of the magazine is dedicated to "Observationer," a section presenting numerous eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena across Denmark, primarily from 2002, but also including older reports.

Amager Fælled, Copenhagen (1948): A witness describes a cigar-shaped luminous object moving at high speed, stopping, and changing direction multiple times, far beyond the capabilities of conventional aircraft.

Brabrand (1973-1976): During a summer evening, hundreds of small red lights were observed moving erratically. Later, a large, red, pulsating sphere appeared, moving silently and disappearing. The witness, then a child, was deeply affected.

Ålsgårde (1982-1983): A witness describes two bright red spheres that moved in an erratic pattern, stopped, and then merged into one before flying away.

Lyngby (1983): A clear red light was seen hovering silently on the horizon, then executing a series of sharp direction changes before disappearing.

Ringkøbing (1986): A pilot observed a bright white light making a sharp, high-speed turn, suggesting extreme G-forces beyond that of an F-16 fighter jet.

Slagelse (1986-1987): Two bright red spheres moved erratically, and a triangular object was observed flying silently. The witness, a former army major, is convinced it was not an aircraft.

Kibæk (1988-1989): A triangular object flew silently and quickly, and the environment became unusually still during its passage.

Hirtshals (1991): Multiple pulsating objects were observed, some with background light flashes. Later, three objects appeared, with two fading out.

Vejle (1995): A round, metallic object, possibly black on the bottom, was observed hovering and moving in a zigzag pattern before ascending rapidly.

Hobro (March 1, 2002): A greenish-white object split into four smaller objects before disappearing suddenly.

Viborg (March 1, 2002): A bright white light moved rapidly north-northeast, then shot out three smaller objects before the lights extinguished.

Odense (March 7, 2002): A constant light moved from east to northwest, changing direction and ascending in a circle, described as silent and faster than a helicopter.

Ørsted (March 19, 2002): Two pulsating, round, whitish objects were observed with intermittent background light flashes resembling lightning, but not confirmed by meteorological data.

Brabrand (April 24, 2002): Two observations of a bright white, rectangular object, similar in size to a star, that disappeared after a few seconds, with the second object moving southeast at high speed.

København K (May 18, 2002): A small object moved slowly south, then suddenly accelerated rapidly in the opposite direction and disappeared.

Rønne (June 29, 2002): Seven luminous spots, moving faster than jet planes, changed positions relative to each other.

København K (July 14, 2002): A bright light stopped in the sky, performed erratic zigzag movements, and then disappeared rapidly. The event was witnessed by six people.

Virum (August 11, 2002): A black object, initially mistaken for a bird, was observed moving slowly and changing shape, possibly rotating, before disappearing.

"Bird of Prey": A Stealth Aircraft Revealed

An article titled "Hverken fugl eller fisk..." (Neither bird nor fish...) discusses a "Anchorage Daily News" report about strange sightings in Alaska, including a giant eagle and flying lizards. While biologists suggested Stellar's sea eagle, the reported wingspan of nearly 5 meters was too large. The article proposes that these sightings might be explained by Boeing's new stealth aircraft, the "Bird of Prey." This super-secret aircraft, developed since the mid-1990s, was publicly revealed on October 18, 2002. Its development was faster and cheaper than usual for such projects, and its mission is now complete, leading to its "pension." The aircraft was likely test-flown in Area 51 and Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada.

From the Archives: Dragende lys (Captivating Light)

This section revisits older cases. Ole Henningsen recounts an experience from the early 1960s near Rødby, where he observed a small, flickering light moving in jerky motions. He initially thought it was a kite with a light attached, as he later saw similar kite activities in the area.

Another archival report details an event from September 7, 1979, where Ole J. Knudsen from SUFOI's Alarmcentral received a report from Palle Svensson in Holeby, Midtlolland. Svensson had observed a small, white/yellowish light moving low in the sky, exhibiting erratic movements. Despite attempts by SUFOI and further alerts to other members, the light was not visible from other locations. The Flyvertaktisk Kommando in Karup reported no military flights in the area, only routine flare activity near Riigen. Per Hansen, also alerted, saw the light in a different direction (northeast). The light was eventually explained as a kite flown by a man who was reportedly amused by the resulting UFO alarm.

UFO Inquiries to the Military

A brief report mentions that following a previous article about a UFO sighting during a military exercise (TFW - Tactical Fighter Weaponry in August 2001), SUFOI has continued to receive inquiries from the military regarding UFO phenomena.

Mysterious Ice from the Sky

This section discusses large, mysterious ice lumps that have reportedly fallen from clear skies. A Spanish researcher, Jesus Martinez-Frias, suggests that global warming might be responsible. He has studied these ice masses, some weighing over ten kilograms and causing significant damage. He emphasizes that these are not related to ice from aircraft toilets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting a wide range of eyewitness accounts and investigative efforts. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing these events, often involving SUFOI's investigative procedures. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness, seeking rational explanations where possible (e.g., the kite incident, the stealth aircraft) but acknowledging the existence of genuinely mysterious events that defy current understanding. The magazine also highlights the challenges and costs associated with scientific analysis of such phenomena. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained lights and objects in the sky, prompting ongoing curiosity and investigation.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 4/2002
Date: April 2002
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT presents a diverse range of topics related to unexplained phenomena and technological advancements.

Articles

Strange Airships

The cover story, "Den ser underlig ud" (It looks strange), introduces the innovative airships developed by the Canadian company "21st Century Airships" based in Newmarket, Ontario. Founded in 1988 by Hokan Colting, the company aims to create a new generation of airships for research and sightseeing. Nine prototypes have been developed, starting with small remote-controlled models and progressing towards larger, high-altitude craft. These airships are noted for being exceptionally maneuverable, nearly silent, and lacking external fins or rudders. They can also land on water, and passengers are situated in a cabin with panoramic windows. Unlike traditional airships, they require minimal ground crew for anchoring. Hokan Colting's airships have been used for advertising, and there are rumors of their use by the Canadian military for surveillance. The article highlights the two 50 hp Rotax engines powering the slowly rotating, steerable propellers on the sides, enabling a speed of approximately 60 km/h. The airships are capable of day and night flight, with the possibility of illuminating the surface from within to function as a large cinema screen for advertisements or video clips. A concept for an airship accommodating 10 passengers is also mentioned as being on the drawing board.

Visitors from Mars?

This section discusses Deinococcus radiodurans, a remarkably resilient microbe found on Earth. This organism can tolerate radiation levels thousands of times greater than what is lethal to humans. Anatoli Pavlov and his colleagues at the Ioffe Physico-Technical Institute in St. Petersburg suggest in New Scientist (25.9.2002) that it would have taken between one million and 100 million years for such an organism to evolve this trait on Earth. The Russian scientists hypothesize that Deinococcus radiodurans may have originated on Mars, having been ejected into space by an asteroid impact and subsequently landing on Earth via meteorites. However, David Morrison from NASA's Astrobiology Institute expresses skepticism, noting that the microbe's chromosome set resembles that of other terrestrial bacteria, though he admits Deinococcus radiodurans remains a mystery.

Operation Backfire

This article, accompanied by a VHS-PAL video offer, details the "Operation Backfire" project. It addresses questions about the construction, preparation, and launch of German V2/A4 rockets, and how they were guided to their targets. In October 1945, the British army, in collaboration with German soldiers who had worked on the V2 rockets, managed to assemble three rockets and launch them from Cuxhaven-Altenwalde over the North Sea. The project, documented in a 1945 film recording, aimed to understand these advanced rockets. The VHS video is described as approximately 40 minutes long, in black and white, with English narration.

Have You Seen Them Before?

This section reviews the book "UFO. Richard Brunswick Photocollection." The reviewer notes that the 320-page book was read in 10 minutes, indicating it is primarily a photo album with minimal captions, often just providing the location and date. The foreword states that the 300 photos were chosen based on their aesthetic appeal and the fact that they had never been published before. The author does not claim the images depict genuine UFOs, a point the reviewer commends. The reviewer admits that the photos are new to them, including two images from Kerteminde, Denmark, taken in 1986, with no further information provided. Readers are invited to share any knowledge they have about these two photos.

Film Premiere: Close Encounters

An advertisement announces the premiere of Steven Spielberg's classic film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in its ultimate Director's Cut edition in Danish cinemas. Screenings are scheduled in Copenhagen (April 25th, 23:59), Odense (April 23rd, 18:30), Aarhus (April 28th, 18:30), Herning (April 29th, 18:30), and Esbjerg (April 30th, 18:30). Representatives from Skandinavisk UFO Information will introduce the film at these premieres, discussing real-life UFOs. Ticket sales have started, with a 20 DKK discount for BioZonen members.

Offers and News for Readers

A coupon is provided for readers to order various items, including the "Operation Backfire" video, books like "Det glemte folk" (The Forgotten People) and "The Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Encounters," UFO posters, music CDs, and back issues of UFO-Nyt. A postage and handling fee of 19.00 DKK applies to all orders. An introductory subscription offer for UFO-Nyt for the year 2003 is also available.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores topics at the intersection of unexplained phenomena, cutting-edge technology, and scientific inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, presenting various theories and evidence while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for further research. The inclusion of film premieres and book reviews suggests an effort to engage readers with popular culture related to UFOs and science fiction, alongside more technical or scientific discussions. The emphasis on reader participation, through the coupon and calls for information, highlights a community-oriented approach to exploring these subjects.