UFO Nyt - No 4 2003

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Nyt, volume 45, issue 4, from the 4th quarter of 2003, published by SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information), focuses on the intersection of radar technology, unidentified aerial phenomena, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The cover features a prominent headline "Engle på radar" (Angels on Radar) and poses questions like "UFO kontra UAV" (UFO vs. UAV), "Kan ET finde os?" (Can ET find us?), and "Hvad ved vi i dag om kuglelyn?" (What do we know today about ball lightning?).

Articles and Content

"Kan ET finde os?" (Can ET find us?)

This article, authored by Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, explores the possibility of detecting extraterrestrial intelligence. It discusses how advanced civilizations might observe Earth, noting that while the Great Wall of China is not visible from space with the naked eye, modern technology allows for the detection of smaller details. The author posits that advanced aliens could easily detect technologically developed beings on Earth. The article then considers how easily aliens might detect life on Earth from afar, suggesting that they could build telescopes to spot planets and analyze their atmospheres for signs of life, such as oxygen and methane. It also highlights the detectability of Earth's radio signals, which have been broadcast into space since the early 20th century. The author concludes that while it's unlikely for intelligent civilizations to be within a close range of 50 light-years, Earth is likely on many alien students' lists of planets with life, though perhaps not yet 'intelligent life'.

"Engle på radar" (Angels on Radar)

This section, written by Ole Henningsen, continues a previous report by senior sergeant Georg Sylvest Pedersen about UFO phenomena observed on radar in the Faroe Islands in 1965. It delves into the principles of radar and recounts incidents involving unidentified radar targets. The article touches upon the history of radar development during World War II, mentioning its simultaneous development in Germany and England and the initial lack of awareness between the two nations regarding each other's progress.

Observation i Blue Book-arkivet (Observation in the Blue Book Archive)

This segment details a specific case from the US Air Force's 'Blue Book' project, which closed in 1969. It describes an incident in July 1952 in Michigan where an unidentified radar echo was observed by an AC&W station. Subsequent investigations involved F-94 fighter jets. The pilot reported seeing a bright, colored light and pursued it. The GCI radar tracked both the unidentified target and the F-94. The official conclusion of the Blue Book report was 'Unknown,' though potential explanations like atmospheric phenomena or the star Capella were considered and largely dismissed.

Radar-frekvenser i vore dage (Radar Frequencies Today)

This part of the article explains the principles of primary and secondary radar used in aviation. It outlines different radar types like LRR (Long Range Radar), SRE (Surveillance Radar Element), and PAR (Precision Approach Radar), along with their respective frequencies and ranges. It also mentions ASDE (Airport Surface Detecting Equipment) used for monitoring aircraft on airport surfaces.

Radar-visuelle observationer over Washington, DC (Radar-Visual Observations over Washington, DC)

This section recounts a series of UFO sightings over Washington, D.C., in July 1952. Radar operators at Washington National Airport detected multiple unknown objects. Pilots, including Captain Casey Pierman, also visually confirmed these objects. The incident involved radar tracking and visual confirmation of objects exhibiting unusual flight patterns. Generalmajor John A. Samford later attributed the observations to reflections in warm air layers during a heatwave, a conclusion questioned by the radar operators who insisted they were tracking solid objects.

"UFO kontra UAV" (UFO vs. UAV)

Authored by Leonard David, this article discusses the increasing use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for surveillance and border control by organizations like Homeland Security in the USA. It highlights that these robotic aircraft are equipped with advanced technology and can be mistaken for UFOs by untrained observers. The article mentions the 'Predator' UAV as a well-known example and notes that organizations like the National Institute of Discovery Science (NIDS) are working to reclassify 'UFO' sightings that are actually identified flying objects (IFOs), including UAVs, into a new category.

"Underlige objekter på himlen" (Strange Objects in the Sky)

This subsection within the UAV article elaborates on the difficulty of distinguishing between genuine UFO reports and sightings of advanced, possibly secret, human-made aircraft like UAVs or 'black projects'. It quotes Colm Kelleher of NIDS, who states that as time progresses, it becomes harder to differentiate between UFO reports and observations of new UAV projects. NIDS aims to create a database of UAVs to help in this classification.

"Radarengle på film" (Radar Angels on Film)

This piece discusses the phenomenon of 'angels' observed on radar screens, particularly in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. It references a newsletter from the Royal Air Force Defence Museum and quotes Barry Huddart and museum leader Doug Robb. The article explores theories that these 'angels' might be flocks of migratory birds, with one theory suggesting a static electric field around birds creating a reflective surface. It also mentions the 'Project-1947' initiative, which collects radar observations of UFO phenomena.

"Oberstløjtnanten og englene" (The Colonel and the Angels)

This section features an interview with retired Colonel Kurt Abildskov, who shares his experiences and views on UFO phenomena. He acknowledges that many events have natural explanations and that new military technology can be tested secretly. He also mentions his involvement in the Danish UFO organization IGAP, which believes Earth is visited by alien spacecraft.

"Rummystik over Læsø" (Space Mystery over Læsø)

This article recounts an incident in July 1962 where a mysterious object was observed hovering over the Danish island of Læsø. A reconnaissance flight was dispatched to photograph it. The object was described as a small, shining, oval shape. Despite observations from the ground and the air, its identity remained unknown. Retired Lieutenant Colonel H. C. Petersen commented on the case, suggesting the object demonstrated awareness of being observed and could hear communications.

"Har du læst?" (Have you read?)

This section highlights SUFOI's reprinting of a 1974 report titled "UFO'er på radar" (UFOs on Radar), which compiles radar UFO phenomena. It mentions that Professor James E. McDonald contributed to the report, detailing three specific cases and discussing NATO's NADGE radar system. It also promotes two other publications: "The Fantastic Flight OF JAL1628," detailing a radar-visual observation by a Japan Air Lines pilot, and a report on radar observations from the Project 1947 catalog.

"Hvad ved vi i dag om kuglelyn?" (What do we know today about ball lightning?)

While not explicitly detailed in the provided text snippets, the cover indicates that this topic is covered in the issue. Ball lightning is a rare and poorly understood atmospheric electrical phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges of identifying aerial phenomena, particularly in distinguishing between natural occurrences, advanced human technology (like UAVs and radar systems), and potentially extraterrestrial craft. The editorial stance, as indicated by SUFOI's purpose, is to collect and process information on UFO phenomena from a serious and critical perspective, without necessarily endorsing any specific theory about their origin. The magazine encourages reader contributions and aims to foster understanding of the subject.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated April 2003, focuses on two intriguing aerial phenomena: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and ball lightning. The cover headline, 'Nye objekter på himlen' (New objects in the sky), sets the stage for explorations into both advanced technology and unexplained natural events.

Drones: The Unseen Eyes in the Sky

The magazine begins with an in-depth look at drones, referred to as UAVs. It explains their silent, long-endurance operation for reconnaissance and surveillance, noting their use in various military and civilian capacities. Drones like the Predator and Global Hawk are mentioned, with reference to their role in operations against Saddam Hussein. NASA's Wallops Flight Facility categorizes UAVs into seven types: Tactical, Long-range, VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing), Handheld, Operational Controlled Aircraft (OPV), Micro Aerial Vehicles (MAV), and Surveillance. The article highlights the significant number of companies and institutions in the USA developing over 150 UAV variants, with many projects kept secret.

In March 2003, the US Department of Defense announced a major plan for UAV development over the next 25 years, aiming for capabilities ranging from surveillance to air combat. The article notes that the unusual design of some UAVs can lead to them being mistaken for UFOs, a point emphasized by Mark Rodeghier, scientific leader at the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies. Rodeghier advises observers to consider daytime sightings and locations away from military bases when trying to identify potential UAVs, acknowledging that misidentification is possible.

The ScanEagle family of UAVs is presented as a response to Homeland Security needs, developed by Boeing and The Insitu Group for surveillance and communication. The Insitu Group has also demonstrated a UAV that crossed the Atlantic. Northrop Grumman's tailless Pegasus is also mentioned.

Boeing's X-45A Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle, developed for the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, is noted to have had its first flight on May 22, 2003. The ScanEagle is identified as Boeing's long-distance UAV, launched by catapult.

Tårnfalken: A Danish UAV in Action

The Danish Army has adopted UAV technology with the delivery of two UAV systems, each comprising four aircraft and ground equipment, to the Royal Danish Artillery Regiment in Varde in September 2002. A contract with the French company SAGEM for two UAV systems was signed in February 1999. The Tårnfalken is described as a tactical UAV used for reconnaissance, providing intelligence on enemy formations, command posts, and artillery. It is equipped with a daylight camera and an infrared camera, with the option for a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to see through clouds. The Tårnfalken is intended for military use but also has potential civilian applications in environmental monitoring, traffic surveillance, rescue operations, and firefighting.

Ball Lightning: Mysterious Lights in the Sky

The second major section of the magazine is dedicated to 'Kuglelyn' (Ball Lightning), presenting numerous eyewitness accounts from Denmark. These accounts span from the 1940s to the late 1990s and describe luminous spheres of varying sizes and colors, often associated with thunderstorms.

Key Observations and Characteristics:

• Appearance: Spherical, oval, or disk-like, ranging from the size of a tennis ball to a football, with colors like yellow, blue, gold, or brass. They can be luminous, sometimes with a flickering or changing color. Some accounts describe them as having a 'strange, shimmering edge'.
• Behavior: They can hover, move slowly, roll, float, vibrate, or move erratically. Some reports describe them following walls, roads, or pipes, and disappearing silently or with a bang, sometimes leaving behind a smell of sulfur or ozone.
• Association with Thunderstorms: Many sightings occur during thunderstorms, though not exclusively.
• Physical Traces: Some incidents report minor damage like broken glass, scorched marks, or burnt furniture, but often no damage is left behind.
• Duration: Sightings can last from a few seconds to several minutes.

Eyewitness Accounts:

• 1947-1950s: Multiple accounts describe luminous spheres appearing indoors or near houses during thunderstorms, sometimes near electrical equipment or water pipes.
• 1953: An incident near Skærbæk involved a luminous sphere entering a moving car, causing the engine to stall and then restart.
• 1954: An astronomer in Vejle observed a football-sized luminous sphere in a cowshed.
• 1960s: An account from Ebeltoft describes a large, fiery sphere emerging from an electrical meter cabinet and disappearing into the ground.
• 1968: A sighting near Glumsø involved a yellowish-white, vibrating sphere moving along a water pipe in a washroom.
• 1974: An incident in Sunds describes a slow-moving, round, light-colored object following an electric fence wire.
• 1980-1994: Reports from Brovst and Randers detail large, luminous spheres appearing during thunderstorms, with one incident involving two spheres rolling rapidly across a field and dissolving.
• 1990s: Accounts from the 1990s continue to describe various ball lightning phenomena.

Scientific and Military Interest:

The magazine explores the scientific and military interest in ball lightning. It notes that while the phenomenon is widely observed, its exact nature is not fully understood. Several theories are discussed:

• Optical Illusion: An early explanation.
• Interaction with Radar: The appearance of 'foo fighters' during WWII, described as strange lights following Allied bombers, is linked to the development of German radar. This suggests a possible interaction between advanced technology and atmospheric phenomena.
• Microwave Radiation: Theories suggest that strong microwave radiation, potentially from advanced military systems, could create plasma or 'plasmoids' that resemble ball lightning.
• Electrical Discharges: Dr. James Corum's research into creating small, short-lived light spheres in a laboratory using a Tesla coil is mentioned, suggesting a possible artificial replication.
• Plasma Rings: Research projects like 'Marauder' aimed at creating magnetically accelerated plasma rings with high energy content are discussed, highlighting the potential for developing directed energy weapons.
• Atmospheric Phenomena: The idea that ball lightning might be related to natural atmospheric processes, such as vortex rings or glowing dust particles, is also considered.

The military's interest is significant, with research into advanced weapons systems like the Airborne Laser (ABL) and the use of 'soft bombs' that emit carbon fibers or dust to disrupt electrical grids. The potential for creating 'talking fireballs' capable of transmitting voices is also mentioned.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of advanced technology (UAVs) and unexplained natural phenomena (ball lightning). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts without definitively concluding on the nature of these phenomena. There's a clear emphasis on the mystery surrounding ball lightning and the potential military applications or origins of such phenomena, reflecting a common theme in UFO and unexplained phenomena publications. The magazine encourages reader participation by soliciting further accounts of ball lightning sightings.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 4/2003, focuses on the phenomenon of ball lightning and conspiracy theories, alongside reader offers for various books and materials.

Kuglelyn (Ball Lightning)

The main cover story, "Kuglelyn" (Ball Lightning), presents an experiment for readers to create their own ball lightning using a microwave oven and a lit candle or matchstick. The article warns against attempting this experiment and states the author takes no responsibility for any damages. The process involves placing a lit item in the microwave for a few seconds, removing it, and then starting the microwave, which allegedly produces a small, luminous 'plasmoid' with a high hum. Links to further experiments are provided.

The article also touches upon scientific research, mentioning that the shrimp *Alpheus heterochaelis* can generate plasma balls with temperatures up to 5,000 degrees Celsius when snapping its claw. These plasma balls are described as being less than 3 mm and lasting only a nanosecond.

Støt Støttefonden (Support the Support Fund)

This section appeals for donations to SUFOI's Support Fund, which has existed since 1980. The fund currently holds DKK 9,000, but more is needed for upcoming activities. Specific needs include funding for a new, popular exhibition that is currently worn out, a large UFO event planned for 2007 to celebrate the organization's 50th anniversary, and a new print run of the booklet "Når du ser et stjerneskud" (When you see a shooting star). The magazine notes that funding for the booklet's reprint is no longer available from the Tipsmidlerne/Undervisningsministeriet, requiring self-financing. Readers are encouraged to contribute via the organization's giro account.

Book Reviews and Offers

Bognyhed: Konspirationsteorier (New Book: Conspiracy Theories)

This section announces an expanded special edition of the book "Konspirationsteorier: 40 populære sammensværgelser" (Conspiracy Theories: 40 Popular Conspiracies) by Lars Bugge, published by Dingbat. The original book, "Konspirationsteorier: 20 populære sammensværgelser," released in spring 2003, was a bestseller. The new edition is 151 pages, illustrated, and bound, costing DKK 69.95. A review from Lektørudtalelsen (DBC) praises it as a "delicious morsel for all lovers of conspiracy theories," noting it includes 39 other mysterious events besides the JFK assassination.

Juletilbud til alle læsere (Christmas Offers for all Readers)

A list of special Christmas prices for various books and items is presented:

• UFO-bølger (UFO Waves): Covers the airship wave over the USA and other UFO waves. 50 pages, illustrated. Christmas price: DKK 9.00 (Normal price: DKK 29.00).
• Nye UFO-beviser - og modbeviser (New UFO Evidence - and Counter-evidence): Discusses the MJ-12 case, the New Zealand UFO film, etc. 59 pages, illustrated. Christmas price: DKK 39.00 (Normal price: DKK 86.00).
• Dobbeltmåner (Double Moons): Rare atmospheric phenomena observed over Denmark. 59 pages, illustrated. Christmas price: DKK 19.00 (Normal price: DKK 39.00).
• UFOer: Hvad siger videnskaben (UFOs: What Does Science Say): Pro and contra the Condon report. 39 pages. Christmas price: DKK 9.00 (Normal price: DKK 29.00).
• The Fantastic Flight Of JAL1628: Price DKK 49.00.
• Mirakelmanden Uri Geller (The Miracle Man Uri Geller): An account of a media phenomenon. 35 pages, illustrated. Christmas price: DKK 9.00 (Normal price: DKK 19.00).

Bognyhed: Det uforklarlige (New Book: The Unexplained)

This section introduces "Det uforklarlige" (The Unexplained) by Lars Thomas, a 192-page illustrated book covering phenomena such as ghosts, spontaneous combustion, reincarnation, psychokinesis, crop circles, the Loch Ness Monster, and UFOs. The book costs DKK 249.00.

Tilbud og nyheder til læserne (Offers and News for Readers)

This section provides a coupon for readers to order items. It lists the following items with prices:

• Det uforklarlige (The Unexplained): DKK 249.00
• Konspirationsteorier (Conspiracy Theories): DKK 69.95
• Kenneth Arnold fortæller (Kenneth Arnold Tells) (cassette tape): DKK 20.00
• The War of the Worlds (CD): DKK 88.00
• Mysterious Spheres (CD): DKK 129.00
• Det glemte folk (The Forgotten People) (2 volumes): DKK 298.00
• UFO-plakat (UFO Poster): DKK 40.00
• UFO'er på radar (UFOs on Radar): DKK 39.00
• The Fantastic Flight Of JAL1628: DKK 49.00
• UFO-bølger (Christmas price): DKK 9.00
• Dobbeltmåner (Christmas price): DKK 19.00
• UFOer: Hvad siger videnskaben (Christmas price): DKK 9.00
• Nye UFO-beviser - og modbeviser (Christmas price): DKK 39.00
• Mirakelmanden Uri Geller (Christmas price): DKK 9.00

A postage and handling fee of DKK 19.00 applies to all orders.

Ufo-foto (UFO Photo)

This section presents two photographs of alleged UFO phenomena.

The first photo, taken by Jonathan Burnett from South Wales, England, in September 2003, shows an unusual sight in the sky. One of the photos was chosen by NASA as its "Astronomical Photo of the Day." The article notes that while there are many guesses about what the photos show, including meteorites or aircraft contrails illuminated by sunset, the exact nature of what Burnett photographed has not been definitively determined.

The second photo, taken by Chris Brown, shows condensation trails from the launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis on May 19, 2000, from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The image illustrates how sunlight can create interesting light phenomena in condensation trails.

UFO-Nyt i 2004

The final section announces that the first issue of UFO-Nyt in 2004 will be released on February 16th and will include an article exploring the possibility of 4 million Americans having been abducted by aliens. The magazine wishes readers a Merry Christmas and looks forward to seeing them in 2004.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and related books and research. There is a clear emphasis on providing information about current events in the UFO community, including new book releases, scientific discussions, and reader-submitted evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, encouraging reader participation and support for the organization's activities. The inclusion of DIY experiments, while cautioned, suggests a willingness to explore even unconventional aspects of these topics. The magazine also actively promotes its own publications and merchandise through special offers.