UFO Nyt - No 4 2004

Magazine Overview

Title: ufo-nyt
Issue: Nr. 4
Volume: 46. årg.
Date: 4. kvartal 2004 (October 1, 2004)
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976

This issue of *ufo-nyt* delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial contact, and scientific debate surrounding these topics. The cover prominently features headlines about contact with ET in 2025, the necessity of traveling to Mars, the nature of triangular craft, and unexplained aerial phenomena over Allerød.

Contents and Articles

Editorial and Introduction

The editorial, titled 'UFO-Nyt netop nu' (UFO-Nyt Right Now), addresses the increase in subscription prices for 2005 due to the discontinuation of postal subsidies for association magazines. It emphasizes the importance of SUFOI's information work and encourages readers to support their efforts through donations to the Support Fund. The editorial also announces the new postal address for SUFOI: Postboks 95, 6200 Aabenraa. It highlights the current issue's content, including an article on flying triangles, SETI research, Danish observations, Soviet UFO research, and unique UFO books.

Debate: 'Selvfølgelig skal vi da til Mars' (Of Course We Should Go to Mars)

This section features a debate piece by Jens Martin Knudsen and Morten Bo Madsen, responding to an opinion piece by Troels Mylenberg and Morten Albæk in the newspaper *Politiken*. Mylenberg and Albæk criticized the manned mission to Mars as a waste of resources, suggesting that efforts should be focused on solving problems like cancer. Knudsen and Madsen argue that fundamental research, such as studying Mars, is crucial for understanding the solar system's origin, life's conditions, and humanity's place in the universe. They draw parallels to historical scientific discoveries, like Michael Faraday's work on induction, which revolutionized technology. They emphasize that exploration drives new possibilities and a richer life, and that technology is subservient to human imagination and the desire for deeper understanding.

Article: 'Manden, der krævede handling' (The Man Who Demanded Action)

This article, a foreword by Jacques Vallée to Ann Druffel's book 'Firestorm', discusses the conflict between scientists J. Allen Hynek and James E. McDonald regarding the UFO phenomenon. It highlights McDonald's passionate advocacy for scientific investigation into UFOs, contrasting with the skepticism and resistance he faced from the academic community. The article touches upon the historical context of UFO investigations, including Project Blue Book, and McDonald's dedication despite personal and professional challenges, culminating in his tragic death. Druffel's book is presented as a comprehensive account of McDonald's life and his fight for the scientific study of UFOs.

Book Review: 'Nye bøger' (New Books)

This section reviews Ann Druffel's book 'Firestorm: Dr. James E. McDonald's Fight For UFO Science'. The review details McDonald's career, his involvement with NICAP, and his efforts to bring UFO phenomena to the attention of the scientific community. It describes his struggles with skepticism, his eventual breakdown, and the circumstances surrounding his death. The review praises Druffel's meticulous research, her access to primary sources, and the book's comprehensive nature, making it an invaluable resource for understanding this period in ufology.

Article: 'Observationer' (Observations)

This section focuses on UFO sightings, particularly those in the Allerød area of Denmark. It details several observations from 2000 to 2004, describing 'flame-like' or 'fiery' phenomena, orange-yellow glowing objects, and triangular formations. One report from June 5, 2004, describes a 'flame-like' object moving from north to south. Another report from August 2, 2003, describes three orange spheres moving in formation. The article notes the frequency of sightings in the Allerød region and mentions the possibility of a nearby airfield being a contributing factor. It also includes photographs of some of these phenomena, noting that the elongated shapes in the images are due to camera movement during exposure.

Article: 'Fotos fra Allerød' (Photos from Allerød)

This article presents photographic evidence of aerial phenomena observed near Allerød. Michael Nielsen, an observer from the area, shares his experiences of seeing orange objects, some in formations, and provides photos taken with a digital camera. He describes the objects as round and orange-yellow, with varying shapes in the photos due to camera shake. Nielsen also recounts consulting a fireworks factory, which denied any activity during the time of his observations, leading him to question conventional explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, advocating for scientific inquiry and critical analysis. There is a clear stance against dismissing unusual observations and a belief in the importance of understanding unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial team encourages reader participation through submissions and discussions. The publication also highlights the historical struggles of researchers who faced skepticism and resistance from the established scientific community, emphasizing the need for open-mindedness and continued research into the unknown. The recurring theme is the pursuit of knowledge and understanding in the face of societal and academic resistance.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 4/2004, focuses on the phenomenon of "triangular craft" and explores their characteristics, potential origins, and the broader context of UFO research. The magazine features articles on eyewitness accounts, secret aircraft projects, and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), as well as a look into Soviet UFO research.

Triangular Craft: What Are They?

The main article, "Trekantede fartøjer - hvad er de?" (Triangular craft - what are they?), delves into numerous reports of triangular objects observed in the sky. It highlights that while UFO sightings are often ignored by official channels, triangular craft present a distinct and recurring pattern. The article presents several eyewitness accounts, including:

• A security guard in Dallas on March 2, 2003, who saw a silent, black triangular object with no lights flying west for 8-9 seconds at an altitude of approximately 400 meters.
• A report from January 24, 2003, where a man in Arkansas observed a silent, triangular object with red, white, and blue lights at each corner hovering about 3 meters above a telephone pole for five minutes.
• The famous "police observation" from Illinois in early 2000, where officers witnessed a giant, silent, triangular object, larger than a jumbojet, flying at 200 meters with dazzling white lights, capable of extreme acceleration.
• Numerous sightings in the Hudson Valley, north of New York City, in the early 1980s, including reports from December 31, 1982, of large, triangular objects flying low, with clear lights, and projecting searchlights.
• An incident in July 1984 where a similar object allegedly interfered with the electronics and communication systems of the nuclear power plant at Indiana Point.
• Reports from Belgium in late 1989 and early 1990, describing dark, triangular objects with humming sounds and searchlights, observed by many people.
• A sighting on March 30, 1990, in Belgium, where thousands witnessed a low-flying, triangular UFO with clear, blinking lights, capable of both slow movement and extreme acceleration.

The article notes that while these craft are often silent and fly slowly, they can also exhibit incredible speed and maneuverability, making them difficult to explain through conventional means. The size of these craft varies significantly.

Potential Explanations: Secret Aircraft Projects

The magazine explores the possibility that these triangular craft are advanced, secret military projects. It discusses:

• The 'Aurora' Project: This is a rumored successor to the SR-71 Blackbird, with speculation about its size and shape matching some triangular UFO descriptions. However, the article notes that reports of Aurora do not typically include its ability to hover or change altitude suddenly.
• 'Black Manta' / TR-3A / TR-3B: These are described as "non-existent" aircraft that fit many of the descriptions of triangular UFOs, including silent hovering. The TR-3B is said to have a surface treated with radar-absorbent material, making it invisible, and the ability to stay airborne for unlimited periods at high altitudes (40,000m) and speeds up to Mach 9. It is theorized to use a "magnetic field disruptor" involving a rapidly rotating plasma ring to reduce its effective weight and enable extreme maneuverability.
• Chris Gibson's Observation: Aviation expert Chris Gibson reported seeing a black, isosceles triangular aircraft being refueled mid-air by a KC-135, with two F-111 fighters escorting it. The craft was slightly larger than an F-111. Aviation writer Bill Sweetman stated that no other aircraft besides a supersonic jet or a test model of such a craft had ever been built or studied with that shape.

The article also mentions the possibility of a secret US base, Area 51, being involved in the development of such craft.

The Belgian Cases and Military Response

The Belgian triangular UFO sightings in 1989-1990 led to the Belgian Air Force deploying two F-16 fighter jets to identify the objects. Despite the advanced capabilities of the F-16s, they were reportedly outmaneuvered by the triangular craft, which could accelerate and change altitude with astonishing speed and precision. Colonel Wilfried de Brouwer, head of the Belgian Air Force operations unit, concluded that the object displayed "logic in its maneuvers," suggesting intelligent control.

Problems with Chronology

The article questions whether even advanced secret aircraft like the Black Manta can explain all triangular UFO sightings, particularly those dating back to the 1960s and 1970s. A report from October 1968 in Hastings, MN, describes a triangular craft with specific lights and maneuvers that align with later sightings, posing a chronological challenge.

Soviet UFO Research: Science or Politics?

This section examines the Soviet Union's approach to UFO research, particularly following the mass observation in Petrosavodsk on September 20, 1977. A committee was formed in 1978 under Dr. Yuliy Platov and Colonel Boris Sokolov. While the committee's work was officially declared secret, its scope was limited, with the primary restriction being the avoidance of the term "UFO" (or "nlo" in Russian).

• Committee's Findings: The committee investigated approximately 3,000 reports related to 400 UFO incidents. Its final report concluded that UFOs were not extraterrestrial craft and could be explained by conventional phenomena like weather balloons and meteorological events.
• Political Motivation Theory: Critics suggest that Soviet UFO research, and the media's focus on it, may have served a political purpose. One theory posits that the phenomenon was used to mask military experiments, such as missile tests, by creating a "UFO culture" that associated unexplained aerial events with extraterrestrial activity rather than secret military projects.
• KGB Involvement: It is mentioned that the KGB also had its own UFO program, separate from the official committee, which may have been more secretive and politically driven.
• Continued Research: Despite the official committee's dissolution in 1990, some civilian members continued their UFO studies. Foreign UFO groups have reportedly supported their work, including investigations into mysterious processed objects found in the Ural Mountains.

SETI: Searching for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

This section discusses the ongoing efforts to detect signs of extraterrestrial life.

• Seth Shostak's Prediction: Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer at SETI, predicts that humanity will make contact with intelligent aliens by 2025. This prediction is based on the vast number of planets in the universe and the progress in detection technologies.
• SETI Projects: The article highlights projects like Project Phoenix, which uses radio telescopes, and the upcoming Allen Telescope Array, designed to scan thousands of star systems annually. NASA's Terrestrial Planet Finder mission aims to detect planets in the "habitable zone."
• Challenges and Theories: Scientists question the certainty of Shostak's prediction due to numerous variables. The article also touches upon the debate about whether life on Earth arose by chance or as a result of universal evolutionary mechanisms. Shostak believes that first contact is more likely to be with a super-intelligent machine than a biological being due to the vast distances involved.

Yuri Gagarin and Space Exploration

This part of the magazine focuses on the legacy of Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, and discusses current trends in space exploration.

• Gagarin's Legacy: The article recounts a seminar in Copenhagen where cosmonaut Vladimir Kovalenok spoke about Gagarin's enduring importance in space exploration. It also addresses rumors about Gagarin's death, with Kovalenok refuting claims of alcoholism and conspiracy theories, stating that Gagarin died in a plane crash in 1968.
• Space Program Developments: Kovalenok discussed the future of space exploration, including the International Space Station (ISS) and the differing priorities of NASA (focusing on long-term national missions to the Moon and Mars) versus European and Russian efforts. The importance of international cooperation is emphasized.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained aerial phenomena with military technology and government secrecy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts without definitive conclusions, encouraging readers to consider possibilities beyond official explanations. There is a clear interest in the potential for advanced, possibly non-human, technology operating in Earth's atmosphere, as well as the ongoing scientific quest for extraterrestrial life.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 4/2004, focuses on space-related mysteries and historical enigmas. The cover prominently features cosmonaut Vladimir Kovalenok, hinting at his contributions to the issue's content. The magazine's primary focus appears to be on UFO sightings, conspiracy theories, and unexplained events.

Interview with Cosmonaut Vladimir Kovalenok

The lead article features an interview with Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Kovalenok. He addresses conspiracy theories surrounding the 1969 moon landing, stating that the Soviet Union would have exposed any such deception. Kovalenok recounts his experiences with unusual phenomena in space, including observing light phenomena akin to aurora borealis and australis during his missions on Salyut-6 in 1977 and 1978. He describes these events as physically unsettling, with the spacecraft's equipment deviating and the environment feeling foggy.

Kovalenok also discusses a specific incident where he and another cosmonaut, Viktor Savinykh, observed a strange object in space. Initially mistaken for a silver cloud, it was later identified as a discarded waste container. However, he also describes a more perplexing event where a hand-weight-shaped object was seen, which then exploded, splitting into two connected parts, leaving smoke clouds. He reported this to Mission Control immediately but was unable to photograph it. Kovalenok firmly believes in the existence of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe and hopes to be among the first to encounter it.

The 'Norge' Ship Disaster and UFOs

Another significant article investigates the 1904 sinking of the Danish passenger ship "Norge," which resulted in the deaths of over 600 people. The article posits a potential UFO aspect to this maritime disaster. The sinking occurred under unclear weather conditions, but the crew was experienced. Subsequent investigations found no significant fault with the crew's navigation. The UFO connection arises from a report by another ship that passed the area around the same time, which experienced a compass malfunction that placed it 25 nautical miles off course. This anomaly, which disappeared once the ship left the area, suggests a possible disturbance in the Earth's magnetic field. The article speculates on the link between such magnetic field disturbances and UFO observations, posing questions about what truly happened and whether any further information has emerged.

Book Review: 'Flere konspirationsteorier'

The magazine also includes a section on books, specifically reviewing Lars Bugge's "Flere konspirationsteorier – 40 nye sammensværgelser" (More Conspiracy Theories – 40 New Conspiracies). The book is described as exploring a colorful universe of conspiracy theories, including sensational claims and historical assumptions. It touches upon various topics, such as John Wayne's alleged animosity towards Joseph Stalin, Onassis's supposed role as a supervillain, and the Monica Lewinsky affair's alleged connection to the death of Vince Foster. The review highlights that the book also includes Danish conspiracy theories, such as the double murder on Peter Bangsvej and the liquidation of Jane Horney, as well as the mysterious triple suicide of businessman Harald Plum and a controversial theory about the death of Tordenskjold.

Reader Contributions and Future Issues

There are also sections for reader letters and comments, indicated by the "Fra læserne" (From the readers) heading. The magazine concludes with information about the next issue, "Næste nummer af UFO-Nyt," which is scheduled for mid-February 2005 and will feature a second part on flying triangles and news about a Mexico film concerning UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-NYT are UFO sightings, space exploration, conspiracy theories, and historical mysteries with potential paranormal or unexplained elements. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories for readers to consider, particularly concerning the possibility of extraterrestrial life and the investigation of unexplained phenomena. The magazine seems to encourage critical thinking about historical events and scientific claims, as evidenced by the detailed exploration of Kovalenok's experiences and the 'Norge' disaster.