UFO Nyt - No 2 2004

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: Nr. 2
Volume: 46. årg.
Date: 2004
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976

This issue of UFO-Nyt, the second of 2004, features a prominent cover story titled "Sagen om kloen" (The Claw Case), alongside articles on ancient UFOs, an analysis of Betty Hill's clothing, and a discussion on religious UFO groups.

Editorial: Godt og skidt (Good and Bad)

The editorial by Kim Møller Hansen reflects on two recent news items: a billionaire donating 80 million Danish Kroner to the SETI Institute for the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, and the closure of the largest UFO magazine in the UK, "UFO Magazine." The editor laments the closure of "UFO Magazine," which was founded in 1981 and at its peak had a circulation of 35,000 copies. He notes that declining sales and the death of its founder, Graham Birdsall, led to its demise. The editorial also touches upon the impact of the Danish Parliament's decision to abolish media subsidies, which will significantly increase the cost of publishing for Danish associations, including UFO-Nyt. This will necessitate a price increase for subscribers starting in 2005. The editor also previews the current issue's themes, including an examination of physical evidence related to UFO abductions, specifically the analysis of Betty Hill's clothing and an implant presented by Roger K. Leir. Additionally, the issue highlights three new book releases: "Mysterier i fortiden" by Klaus Aarsleff, "Genfærd, grave og onde ånder" by Palle Vib, and "The Nazi UFO Mythos" by Kevin McClure.

Articles and Reports

Forsiden (Cover Story Explanation)

The cover photo, taken on September 24, 2003, by 15-year-old Jonathan Burnett in Pencoed, Wales, was initially thought to be a meteor. However, flying engineer Steve Salter identified it as the contrail of a Concorde supersonic passenger jet, illuminated by the setting sun. The article provides a brief history of the Concorde, noting its first flight in 1969 and its final commercial flight in October 2003.

Udvalgte beretninger (Selected Reports)

This section presents various UFO and anomalous aerial phenomenon sightings. One report details a fireball observed over Sønderjylland on April 9, 2004, by TN, which exploded into smaller lights. The observation was reported by Danish Radio (DR Syd) and also noted by Per Andresen, a fisherman. The phenomenon is attributed to a meteor, with Lars Bakmann from the Astronomical Society confirming this possibility. The article includes a call for readers who have seen fireballs to report their observations to aid in meteor research and potentially identify the origin of meteorites. Another report describes three "fire-tails" observed near Vejen on April 15, 2004, by TP and his father, which moved from west to south for about five minutes. These were not identified as aircraft and were not accompanied by sound or flashing lights. A third report recounts an observation made on April 9, 2004, by a couple on the Oslo ferry traveling from Copenhagen to Norway. They witnessed two self-luminous, light green objects flying near the ferry for a few minutes, described as being the size of a large dinner plate and approximately 1-1.5 meters in circumference. The couple emphasized they were sober at the time of the observation.

IFO (Unidentified Flying Object)

This section discusses a photograph taken on February 19, 2003, in southern Puerto Rico, of an unknown object. The investigation by CUFOS (Center for UFO Studies), specifically by John Timmerman and Mark Rodeghier, identified the object as a high-altitude aerostat balloon, likely part of a US border surveillance project. These balloons are also used in counter-terrorism efforts and there are 11 such balloons in operation.

UFO-styrtet i Rendlesham (The Rendlesham Crash)

This short report revisits the 1980 Rendlesham incident in England. A retired American military person, Kevin Conde, claims to have been involved in the UFO observation. He describes his actions on the night of the incident, working as a military policeman at the airbase.

UFOS & ALIEN CONTACT - Two Centuries of Mystery

This is a book review of "UFOs & Alien Contact - Two Centuries of Mystery" by Robert E. Bartholomew and George S. Howard. The book covers famous UFO waves, including the airship waves of 1896-97, Canada's phantom balloons, the New Zealand airship hysteria of 1909, the New England airship hoax of 1909-10, the Scandinavian phantom rockets of 1946, and the UK UFO panic of 1912-13. It also includes a 100-page chronological list of over 200 cases involving alleged communication between humans and aliens. The book is 408 pages, illustrated, and costs 270.00 DKK.

På sporet af fortids-ufoer (On the Trail of Ancient UFOs)

This article, written by Klaus Aarsleff, recounts his lifelong fascination with ancient mysteries, sparked by a letter he received in 1967 from Professor G.R. Josyer, an expert in Sanskrit. Josyer claimed to have translated a 5,000-year-old manuscript describing flying machines called 'vimanas' and their construction. Aarsleff's research led him to explore lost cities, Atlantis, and the possibility of ancient astronaut visits. He discusses how many initial mysteries turned out to have mundane explanations, but acknowledges that some enigmas remain, suggesting that our understanding of the past and the universe is incomplete. The article is an introduction to his new book, "Mysterier i fortiden" (Mysteries of the Past).

Analyse af Betty Hills tøj (Analysis of Betty Hill's Clothing)

This article, by Flemming O. Rasmussen, details a new investigation into the clothing worn by Betty Hill during her famous 1961 abduction experience with her husband, Barney Hill. The analysis was conducted by Phyllis A. Budinger, an expert at Frontier Analysis Ltd. The report describes the Hills' abduction experience, including the sighting of a rotating, flat disc with multi-colored lights. After the abduction, Betty noticed a pinkish powder on her clothing and damage, including a torn lining and a broken zipper. The analysis of fabric samples revealed that the pinkish discoloration was caused by a chemical influence affecting the fibers, likely from an external biological substance containing proteins and natural oils, possibly sweat from the abductors. The analysis ruled out natural causes like urine or vomit. The article notes that the substance was more prevalent on the outer layer of the clothing and that the pH of the discolored areas indicated acidity. Budinger hopes that further scientific investigation, including DNA analysis, will be possible.

Sagen om kloen (The Claw Case)

This article by Kim Møller Hansen discusses the work of Dr. Roger K. Leir, a surgeon known for removing alleged alien implants from UFO abduction victims. Leir has performed 10 operations and removed 11 objects, some of which he believes are alien 'transmitters' or 'brain control devices,' while others are described by different researchers as splinters of metal, plastic, or glass. The article focuses on the Gary Lowery case, which Leir considers one of the most credible due to its physical evidence. Gary Lowery underwent polygraph tests and regression hypnosis, with experts like Budd Hopkins finding him credible. Lowery recorded his abduction experiences on video, and analysis of some frames suggested the presence of a being. The article also details Gary's attempts to collect physical evidence, including footprints of a non-human nature, which were cast in plaster. Leir examined these casts, noting the small, narrow feet with three toes. He also investigated unusual magnetic fields in Gary's home and a circular area in the yard where nothing grew, possibly indicating a landing site. A small black object, described as a 'claw,' was found in Gary's belongings, which Leir believes is a significant piece of evidence.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-Nyt include the investigation of physical evidence related to UFO sightings and abductions, the exploration of historical anomalies and ancient mysteries, and the reporting of contemporary UFO phenomena. The magazine maintains a stance of serious and critical inquiry into UFOs, aiming to contribute to the understanding of these phenomena without necessarily endorsing any specific theories. The editorial emphasizes the importance of scientific investigation and the collection of credible evidence, while also acknowledging the challenges faced by organizations like SUFOI due to financial constraints and the changing media landscape.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue: 2/2004
Date: 2004
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT, a Danish magazine focused on UFOs and related phenomena, delves into several intriguing topics, including alien abductions, the enduring legend of the Jersey Devil, and the intersection of UFO beliefs with new religious movements. The magazine also touches upon the scientific explanation for phenomena like swamp gas and features a tribute to a dedicated SUFOI member.

Abductions: Investigating the Phenomenon

The issue opens with an article titled "Abductions" which explores the complexities surrounding these alleged encounters. It highlights the case of Gary Lowery, whose supposed alien artifact turned out to be a common garden snail. The article explains how snail secretions can interfere with DNA analysis, leading to initial misinterpretations. Despite this, researcher Roger Leir continues to investigate the case, focusing on unexplained aspects like how the snail got into the towel and its mummified state. The article also references psychologist Susan Blackmore's theory that such experiences might be linked to sleep paralysis, a possibility Leir does not explore.

Further into the "Abductions" section, an article details a significant investigation into alien abductions being conducted in England. Psychologists at Goldsmiths College, University of London, are undertaking a ten-month study, funded by the Bial Foundation of Portugal, to determine whether abduction reports stem from psychological or paranormal causes. The project team includes researchers from APRU and consultants from the Foundation for the Research of Extraordinary Trauma & Support for Abductees. Nick Pope, former head of the UK government's UFO project, expresses support for the study, emphasizing the potential for learning regardless of the phenomenon's nature. Judith Jaafar of BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) welcomes the academic interest, while Malcolm Robinson of SPI (Strange Phenomena Investigation) anticipates the project will shed more light on this modern mystery.

The magazine also promotes "UFO-Vision 8," a special issue dedicated to alien abductions, available from SUFOI.

Jørgen Bengtvig: A Tribute

A heartfelt "Mindeord" (Obituary) commemorates Jørgen Bengtvig, who passed away in March 2004 at the age of 68. Bengtvig was an active member of SUFOI for 24 years, serving as the organization's archivist from 1980 and editor of its organizational handbook from 1984. He was instrumental in various SUFOI activities, including coding reports for Project Ufodata, publishing special pamphlets, organizing report-taking courses, and hosting meetings. He also managed SUFOI's postbox and was available for interviews with local media and students. The tribute, written by Kim Møller Hansen, SUFOI's chairman, highlights Bengtvig's dedication and the significant difference he made to the organization.

UFO Religions: When Beliefs Take Flight

This section examines the phenomenon of religious movements that are centered around UFOs and extraterrestrial beliefs. The article "Religiøse ufo-grupper svigter" (Religious UFO Groups Fail) discusses how extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, and often, these promises fail to materialize. It references Leon Festinger's 1956 book "When Prophecy Fails," which studied a UFO-based religious group whose prophecies of alien landings and world destruction did not come true, yet their followers remained devoted. The article highlights the Unarius group, which predicted 33 spaceships would land in 2001, a prophecy that ultimately did not occur, with the explanation being that "Earth was simply not ready." The article notes that Unarius's prophecies have been repeatedly altered over time.

Another prominent group discussed is the Raëlians, described as the largest religious UFO movement with a significant media presence. Their founder, Raël, claims to have initiated human cloning through the company Clonaid, promising eternal life. However, the scientific community remains skeptical, as Clonaid has not provided verifiable proof of creating cloned babies, citing fears of legal repercussions. The article questions the Raëlians' claim of not having direct interest in Dr. Boisselier's cloning endeavors, given that cloning is central to their philosophy.

The Heaven's Gate cult is also mentioned, detailing the tragic event in March 1997 where 39 members committed suicide, believing that a UFO accompanying comet Hale-Bopp would transport them to a higher existence. The article notes that Marshall Applewhite, the group's leader, claimed the UFO was behind the comet, a claim later revealed to be false.

Mysterious Creatures: The Jersey Devil

The article "Jersey Djævelen - myten der ikke vil dø" (The Jersey Devil - The Myth That Won't Die) delves into the folklore surrounding the Jersey Devil, a creature said to inhabit the Pinelands of Southern New Jersey. The legend describes a winged, bipedal creature with hoof-like feet, a horse-like head, and a long tail. Sightings are reported to be frequent and often accompanied by a distinctive scream. The article recounts the intense period of sightings in January 1909, where hundreds of people reported encounters, leading to widespread panic and attempts by authorities to capture or shoot the creature, all of which proved ineffective.

Possible explanations for the Jersey Devil myth are explored, including the theory that it might be a misidentified Sandhill Crane, a large bird known for its loud call and aggressive behavior. The article also touches upon the creature's alleged origins, linked to a curse within the Leeds family in the 18th century. The Jersey Devil has also inspired popular culture, including "The Blair Witch Project" and "The X-Files."

Phenomena: Swamp Gas and Will-o'-the-Wisps

The final section, "På gyngende grund" (On Shaky Ground), discusses the phenomenon of swamp gas and its historical use as an explanation for various unexplained events, from ghosts and trolls to flying saucers and spontaneous human combustion. The article explains that swamp gas, primarily methane (CH₄), is produced by decaying organic matter. It can create luminous effects known as "will-o'-the-wisps" or "fox-fire." While the gas itself can cause feelings of suffocation, its spontaneous combustion can create flickering lights resembling lanterns. The article notes that while the production of methane is understood, the mechanism for its spontaneous ignition remained a mystery until recently.

This section also reviews several books related to UFOs and paranormal phenomena: "Looking for Orthon" by Colin Bennett, "Swamp Gas Times" by Patrick Huyghe, "On This Day In UFO History, 3rd Edition" by Dave Blevins, and "Life Beyond Planet Earth? - Man's Contact with Space People" by Janet and Colin Bord.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-NYT revolve around unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, alleged alien abductions, and mysterious creatures. There is a clear effort to balance sensational claims with scientific inquiry and skepticism, as seen in the debunking of the alien claw and the discussion of psychological explanations for abductions. The magazine also explores the cultural impact of UFO beliefs, particularly their integration into new religious movements and popular media. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the possibility of genuine mysteries while critically examining evidence and offering rational explanations where available. The inclusion of book reviews and a tribute to a long-serving member suggests a commitment to informing and engaging its readership within the UFO and paranormal community.

Title: Fænomener
Issue: 2/2004
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of "Fænomener" explores various unexplained phenomena, focusing on the controversial "swamp gas" theory for UFO sightings, paranormal occurrences, ancient mysteries, and the intriguing "Nazi UFO Mythos."

The Swamp Gas Theory and the Hillsdale Incident

The article "Fænomener" delves into the "swamp gas" theory as an explanation for mysterious aerial phenomena. It highlights the 1966 incident at Hillsdale College in Michigan, where 87 people reported seeing a glowing, American football-shaped object hovering over a swamp, which then moved towards a dormitory and disappeared. The following day, seven people, including two police officers, observed another glowing object nearby. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, an astronomical consultant for the U.S. Air Force's "Project Blue Book," initially suggested swamp gas as the most plausible explanation. This explanation, however, was met with public ridicule, leading to the term "swamp gas" becoming a national joke and even inspiring satirical UFO publications.

The article explains that phosphine gas (PH3), a byproduct of anaerobic decomposition of organic matter, can spontaneously ignite in the atmosphere. Scientific research in the 1990s confirmed that bacteria in swamps could produce phosphine, although some studies also indicated that bacteria consumed it, reducing its concentration. The debate continued, but a new low-temperature technique in 1996 allowed for the measurement of low phosphine levels in swamp air. Dietmar Glindemann, a researcher, even suggested that the process could be linked to spontaneous human combustion, proposing the term "ignis flatus" (fart of fire) for the phenomenon. While this provides a potential explanation for swamp lights, the article notes it's questionable whether it fully explains the Hillsdale observations.

Phosphine also has practical applications, such as grain disinfection, but high concentrations can lead to spontaneous ignition, potentially causing explosions in grain silos due to dust particles. Thus, phosphine is not a harmless substance, and will-o'-the-wisps are still considered mischievous and dangerous spirits.

Book Reviews: Paranormal Phenomena and Ancient Mysteries

The issue features reviews of two books:

"Genfærd, grave og onde ånder" (Ghosts, Graves, and Evil Spirits) by Palle Vibe

This book compiles thousands of accounts from around the world suggesting that humans have always encountered phenomena that defy rational explanation. Palle Vibe, a ghostwriter and speaker, shares stories of moving coffins, people being saved from death by their doppelgangers, ghosts delivering warnings, and poltergeists driving families from their homes. It also includes accounts of spectral animals and phantom trains still seen in places where fatal accidents occurred. Vibe offers a surprising explanation that challenges traditional beliefs about ghosts.

"Mysterier i fortiden" (Mysteries of the Past) by Klaus Aarsleff

Klaus Aarsleff, a seasoned traveler and former chairman of the Adventurers' Club, explores enigmatic locations and ancient mysteries. The book covers the Externsteine rock temple in Northern Europe, described as a site of ancient religious conflict between Christianity and paganism. Aarsleff's journey also takes him to Easter Island, the remote mountains and jungles of South America, and Malta, where unexplained "wheel tracks" puzzle scientists. The book touches upon myths like the Fountain of Youth and the Holy Grail, leading to Glastonbury in England, and mentions a shared secret between Tjele Church in Viborg and temples in Egypt, Greece, and Peru. The book is accompanied by a DVD featuring eight broadcasts by Aarsleff.

UFO Document Series

The magazine highlights the "UFO Document" series, which consists of English-language reports on specific UFO aspects and famous incidents:

• UFO DOCUMENT #1: Physical Evidence Related to UFO Reports: A 1997 report from an independent investigation concluding that some UFO observations are accompanied by physical evidence worthy of scientific study.
• UFO DOCUMENT #2: The Blue Book Unknowns: A compilation of brief descriptions of over 600 unexplained UFO reports from the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book.
• UFO DOCUMENT #3: The Fantastic Flight Of JAL 1628: An investigation by Bruce S. Maccabee into an incident on November 17, 1986, where a Boeing 747 cargo plane encountered an unusual object over Alaska.
• UFO DOCUMENT #4: Hemmeligheden i skoven (The Secret in the Forest): Details an incident in Rendlesham Forest in December 1980, including Lieutenant Colonel Charles Halt's on-site recordings, measurements, and observations of a UFO event.

The Nazi UFO Mythos

The article "Nazi ufo-myten i nyt lys" (The Nazi UFO Mythos in a New Light) by Kevin McClure investigates rumors about Nazi-created flying saucers. It discusses alleged German experts like Schriever, Habermohl, and Miethe, who are credited with developing advanced flying disc designs. The report claims that the first flying disc was launched on February 14, 1945, near Prague, reaching high altitudes and speeds. It mentions the V-7 and Vril models, with the V-7 allegedly capable of speeds up to 2,900 km/h. The article also controversially claims that Germans landed on the Moon as early as 1942 with a rocket disc and that the Russians and Americans later found a Nazi base there. Furthermore, it suggests that non-terrestrial craft may have crashed in the U.S. in the late 1940s, providing Germany with technology to create their own advanced flying saucers. Kevin McClure's report, "The Nazi UFO Mythos," is available in English and is part of the "UFO Document" series.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of unexplained phenomena, the critical examination of scientific and pseudoscientific explanations for UFOs and paranormal events, and the investigation of historical mysteries and conspiracy theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and accounts while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for rigorous investigation, as exemplified by the critical review of the "swamp gas" theory and the detailed look into the "Nazi UFO Mythos."