UFO Nyt - No 1 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: 1, Volume 47
Date: 2005 (1st Quarter)
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976

This issue of UFO-Nyt, the Danish magazine dedicated to UFO phenomena, presents a comprehensive exploration of various aspects of the subject, with a strong emphasis on triangular UFOs and their potential explanations.

Cover Story: The Mysterious Flying Triangles

The cover prominently features several headlines, including "Sex fra rummet" (Sex from space), "De leder efter ET" (They are looking for ET), "Danske fotosager" (Danish photo cases), "Ufoerne over Mexico" (UFOs over Mexico), and "De mystiske flyvende trekanter" (The mysterious flying triangles). The main article, a continuation of a series by Richard M. Dolan, delves into the phenomenon of triangular UFOs, questioning the existence of a 'shadow group' within the military-industrial complex that might be responsible for these craft.

Article: "Observationer - Trekantede fartøjer - hvad er de? 2. del" by Richard M. Dolan

Richard M. Dolan's article continues his investigation into triangular UFO sightings, dating back to the period between 1967 and 1973, and even earlier. He highlights the challenges in verifying old reports and discusses the technological advancements in military aircraft during the 1970s, such as the F-15, F-16, B-1 bomber, and Apache helicopter, noting that none of these resemble the reported triangular craft. Dolan also touches upon the development of 'fly-by-wire' technology in the mid-1970s, which made unconventional aircraft designs like the flying wing more feasible. He raises concerns about the significant increase in the US defense budget in the early 1980s, suggesting it could have funded the development of secret, advanced aircraft.

The article examines the Belgian UFO wave and the US Air Force's response, which denied any 'stealth' aircraft involvement, leading to speculation about other advanced, non-stealth US aircraft being involved. Dolan questions whether these triangular craft are indeed American technology, given the potential to alienate NATO allies. He introduces the concept of 'Big Black Deltas' (BBDs) as described by the National Institute for Discovery Science (NIDS), suggesting they might be large, silent airships with electrokinetic propulsion, possibly developed by the US military since the mid-1980s. However, Dolan remains skeptical, noting that the anonymous source of the BBD theory lacks transparency and that the proposed energy transmission methods (e.g., microwave links) have their own challenges and safety concerns.

Dolan also discusses the geographical distribution of triangular UFO sightings, which are often concentrated in North America and Western Europe, but also reports from Russia are mentioned. He speculates about a 'shadow government' or secret programs (SAP) within the US military that could be responsible for developing advanced propulsion systems, potentially explaining the triangular craft. However, he questions why such advanced technology, if developed, hasn't been visibly deployed in recent conflicts like the Gulf War. Dolan concludes that while some triangular craft might be terrestrial, many may not be, suggesting a possible extraterrestrial origin for some sightings.

Article: "Nedfald fra rummet, skypumpe, kondensstribe...?" by Ole Henningsen

This section discusses a photograph taken by Peter Lorentzen of a sunset, which featured a prominent white vertical stripe. The image sparked a debate on the TV2 Vejret internet forum, with suggestions ranging from meteorites and space debris to skypumpers, parachutists, and even toilet waste from aircraft. Lorentzen himself, an amateur photographer, was puzzled by the phenomenon, as he did not notice it at the time of taking the photo and found it unusual for a jet aircraft.

Several participants in the online discussion offered explanations. One user suggested a meteorite burning up in the atmosphere, citing the angle of the shadow and the abrupt end of the 'streak'. Another user proposed a contrail from a high-altitude jet, possibly influenced by atmospheric conditions. The article also mentions that Lorentzen sent his photos to Dr. Tony Phillips of spaceweather.com, but received no response. Richo Andersen, a SUFOI contact and weather website owner, identified the phenomenon as a contrail from a plane flying towards the setting sun, explaining that such contrails can be visible from hundreds of kilometers away and appear to glow when illuminated by the sun. Despite this explanation, Lorentzen still felt the stripe appeared to come down vertically through the clouds, and he continued to observe numerous aircraft in the area on subsequent days.

Article: "Bøger til salg"

This section announces that SUFOI is selling rare books on UFOs and related topics from its archive. The books, dating from the 1950s onwards, cover the early decades of ufology and are primarily in Danish, English, and other Nordic languages. Interested parties are invited to request a price list.

Article: "Støtte fra Videnskabsministeriet" (Support from the Ministry of Science)

This editorial by Kim Møller Hansen announces that SUFOI has received funding from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Development. This support has enabled the re-publication of their guide "Når du ser et stjerneskud? - guide til identificering af himlens fænomener" (When you see a shooting star? - guide to identifying celestial phenomena). The original guide, published in 2000 with support from the Ministry of Education, was a success, with all 12,000 copies distributed. The new edition has been revised with factual corrections, updated photos, and new sections. A free copy of the new guide is being sent to all SUFOI members with this issue of UFO-Nyt.

Other Sections

SUFOI Information: Details the organization's purpose, leadership, and contact information. SUFOI's aim is to contribute to the understanding of UFO phenomena through data collection and dissemination, and to raise public awareness through publications and lectures. They define a UFO as an unexplained celestial phenomenon.

Editorial Stance: The editorial emphasizes SUFOI's commitment to serious and critical investigation of UFO phenomena. They do not endorse any specific theories about the nature or origin of UFOs, acknowledging that the phenomena are still unexplained.

Subscription Information: Details the subscription costs for UFO-Nyt, including options for sending the magazine in an envelope and a 5-year subscription package.

Address Changes: Instructions for members to report address changes.

Copyright: Information regarding the use of material from UFO-Nyt.

Notes and Sources: A list of references and sources used in the articles, including websites and books.

Book Recommendation: A mention of Richard M. Dolan's book "UFOs and the National Security State: An Unclassified History. Volume 1: 1941-1973" is available for purchase through SUFOI.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of unidentified aerial phenomena, particularly triangular craft, and the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The magazine maintains a stance of critical inquiry, presenting various theories and evidence while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge. SUFOI's editorial approach is to gather and disseminate information, encouraging a serious and objective approach to the study of UFOs, without prematurely endorsing any single explanation. The publication also highlights the role of technology, both conventional and potentially secret, in understanding these phenomena, as well as the importance of eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence.

Title: Fotosager
Issue: 1/2005
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Date: January 2005

This issue of UFO-NYT, titled 'Fotosager' (Photo Cases), delves into several intriguing topics, primarily focusing on photographic evidence of unexplained phenomena, scientific investigations, and fringe movements.

Case 1: The Mysterious Orb in Denmark

The issue opens with an investigation into a photograph taken by Jørn Pilkjær from Rødby, Denmark, on September 7, 2004. Pilkjær reported seeing a round object in the sky that resembled the moon but had set earlier. His photo, submitted to UFO-NYT and later published, sparked debate. Initially, the object was speculated to be unusual. However, a detailed analysis of the photo, taken with an HP PhotoSmart C935 camera using a flash, suggests a more mundane explanation. The bright, round spot, referred to as an 'orb,' is attributed to the camera's flash illuminating a small particle, such as a dust mote, in the air close to the lens. The short exposure time and the particle's proximity caused it to appear as a blurred, circular light. This explanation aligns with previous cases of 'orbs' discussed in UFO-Nyt. Reader O.G. initially expressed skepticism, demanding a scientific calculation, but later agreed with the explanation after reading an article on 'orbs.' Another reader, B., disagreed, stating the object was not a dust mote and resembled a UFO his wife and he had seen. B. Nielsen from Stubbekøbing suggested it might have been a 'sun reflection' or 'sun pillar,' phenomena observed when sunlight reflects off atmospheric ice crystals, and provided a sketch of how such a reflection might occur. The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) stated they were not aware of 'sun reflections' of this type but acknowledged the phenomenon of 'solsøjler' (sun pillars), which are vertical columns of light. DMI climatologist John Cappelen suggested the photo likely captured a beautiful sunset, possibly with atmospheric reflections.

Case 2: UFOs Over Mexico - An Infrared Analysis

The magazine then turns its attention to a UFO video recorded on March 5, 2004, by a Merlin C26 aircraft from SEDNA, a Mexican Ministry of Defense aircraft, over southern Mexico. The aircraft was equipped with a Star SAFIRE II infrared camera. The video captured 11 unidentified objects appearing as bright points of light, visible only in the infrared spectrum. These objects were noted for being very warm, as indicated by their strong infrared signature. The analysis, conducted with input from infrared technology expert John Lester Miller, suggests a terrestrial explanation. Miller argues that infrared systems are designed to detect objects not visible to the naked eye, making the 'invisibility' to visual observation unsurprising. He posits that the difficult atmospheric conditions (heat, humidity, cloud cover, and thermal instability) in Mexico likely distorted the images, making them appear unclear and distorted. The 'objects' could be reflections from the sea or land, or atmospheric refractions. A key point of contention is the location and nature of these objects. While ufologists like Jaime Maussan claimed they were extraterrestrial, skeptical analyses, including that of Brad Sparks, suggested they might be trucks on the Yucatan highway, given their speed as detected by radar. Further investigation by Alejandro Franz, a pilot and member of the Mexican UFO organization Alcione, pointed to the oil rigs in the Campeche Bay as the source. Franz provided information and images of the oil rigs, which have constant flames from burning natural gas. He noted that these flames, when viewed from a distance and captured by infrared cameras, could appear as bright, stationary points of light. The article includes a map showing the Merlin C26's flight path and the location of the oil rigs, suggesting the infrared 'objects' were indeed these flames. The article criticizes some ufologists for dismissing this explanation disrespectfully.

SETI: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence

The magazine then shifts focus to the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI). The article highlights presentations from the International Astronautics Congress (IAC) in Vancouver. It discusses the University of California's SETI research, including optical SETI using the Leuschner 30" telescope to detect nanosecond light flashes and radio SETI to search for 'astropulses.' The SERENDIP V project, utilizing the Arecibo radio telescope, is mentioned as a major SETI effort, with its data distributed to the public via the SETI@home screensaver. The article notes that over 5 million people have downloaded the screensaver, contributing to a collective computing power equivalent to a 65 teraflop machine. The development of the Allen Telescope Array (ATA) in California is also covered. This array will eventually consist of 350 parabolic antennas, enabling more comprehensive SETI observations. The concept of Dyson spheres, massive solar energy collectors hypothesized to be built by advanced civilizations, is also introduced as a potential indirect sign of extraterrestrial life, based on their expected infrared emissions.

Raelianism: Sex, Cloning, and Intelligent Design

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Raelian movement. An article discusses a Playboy feature on the Raelian sect, known for its promotion of free sex and belief in extraterrestrial creation of life. The Raelian's involvement in the controversial Clonaid cloning scandal of 2002 is mentioned. The article notes Rael's praise for Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner's work in breaking down sexual taboos. Another section addresses the Raelian movement's stance on 'Intelligent Design' (ID). The Raelians support academic debates on ID and evolution, but with a unique twist: they propose that the designer of life on Earth was not a supernatural being but an extraterrestrial civilization. They believe that future extraterrestrial civilizations might develop their own theories of evolution based on contact with humans. The article criticizes the Raelians for promoting this view in schools. Finally, the section mentions an incident where Rael filed a complaint against a Quebec TV station for a satirical drawing by Serge Chapleau, which Rael considered an act of 'physical aggression.'

Obituary: Gordon Cooper

The issue concludes with an obituary for American astronaut Gordon Cooper, who passed away on October 4, 2004, at the age of 77. Cooper was one of the original seven Mercury astronauts and piloted the 'Faith 7' mission, spending over a day in orbit. He was also a reserve pilot for Mercury 8 and Gemini 5. The article notes Cooper's interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial life, referencing his contribution to the book 'We Seven,' where he discussed his background and experiences, including his speculation about the possibility of alien life and his observation of 'unidentified objects.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the critical examination of photographic and video evidence of alleged UFOs, the application of scientific principles to explain anomalous phenomena, and the exploration of fringe beliefs and movements such as the Raelian sect. The editorial stance appears to be one of skeptical inquiry, favoring scientific explanations for reported sightings while acknowledging the ongoing search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the public's fascination with the unknown. The magazine aims to provide readers with detailed analyses and diverse perspectives on UFO phenomena and related topics.

Title: Rumfart (Space Travel)
Issue: 1/2005
Publisher: UFO-Nyt
Date: January 2005

This issue of UFO-Nyt delves into the realms of space exploration and conspiracy theories, featuring personal accounts from astronauts and explorations of intriguing historical and contemporary mysteries.

Gordon Cooper: Astronaut and UFO Enthusiast

The magazine highlights astronaut L. Gordon Cooper, known for his interest in UFO phenomena. Cooper recounts his journey to becoming an astronaut, emphasizing his curiosity about life beyond Earth and the rigorous selection process he underwent. He describes the physiological and psychological tests at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the demanding medical examinations at Lovelace Clinic in Albuquerque. Cooper's ambition extended to visiting the Moon and Mars, though his direct involvement in lunar missions was limited to being a reserve-command pilot for Apollo 10. The article also mentions his retirement from the U.S. Air Force and NASA in 1970 to pursue private projects. Cooper's personal observations of unidentified flying objects are noted, with references to his accounts in the book "Leap of Faith: An Astronaut's Journey in the Unknown" and discussions in UFO-Nyt.

Coopers Visions

Gordon Cooper expressed his youthful optimism and ambition upon joining the astronaut corps, believing his younger age offered greater opportunities for exciting experiences. He envisioned traveling to the Moon and Mars, setting long-term goals for space exploration. While he never reached the Moon directly, his role on Apollo 10 brought him close. The article also touches upon the American author Tom Wolfe's bestseller, "The Right Stuff," which was filmed and released in Denmark as "Mænd af rette støbning" (The Right Stuff), offering an entertaining look at the early days of the American space program.

Obituaries: Dr. John E. Mack and Betty Hill

The issue marks the passing of two prominent figures in the UFO community. Dr. John E. Mack, a well-known UFO abduction researcher, died on September 27, 2004, at the age of 74, tragically killed by a drunk driver in London. Betty Hill, another significant UFO researcher, passed away on October 17, 2004, at 85. She is remembered for her numerous UFO lectures and her book "A Common Sense Approach to UFOs."

Radar Observations of UFOs

A section calls for reader participation regarding observations of unidentified radar targets, described as one of the more exciting categories of UFO sightings. The magazine acknowledges the potential for misinterpretations due to the limitations of radar equipment over the years. UFO-Nyt plans to feature the experiences of a Danish radar operator in a future issue. Readers who have observed peculiar echoes on radar screens or have explanations for such phenomena are encouraged to contact the UFO-Nyt editorial team at [email protected].

Book Review: "Flere konspirationsteorier" by Lars Bugge

The magazine reviews "Flere konspirationsteorier – 40 nye sammensværgelser" (More Conspiracy Theories – 40 New Conspiracies) by Lars Bugge. The book explores a wide range of conspiracy theories, from the alleged mass murder of lemmings by Disney to the supposed execution of Tordenskjold and the secrets of the Smurfs. It blends sensational claims with serious historical analyses. The review highlights that while Denmark is not overrepresented in the global conspiracy theory landscape, Bugge includes several Danish cases, 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 Tordenskjold's death. Lars Bugge, who has a background in economics and has lectured on the subject, has previously published "Konspirationsteorier – 40 populære sammensværgelser." His website, www.konspirationsteorier.dk, offers further insights.

Reader Offers

Page 3 presents a coupon for ordering various materials, including books, CDs, and DVDs related to UFOs, conspiracy theories, and mysteries. Titles like "UFOs And the National Security State," "Firestorm," "Konspirations-teorier," "UFO-Vision 8," and "Det uforklarlige" (The Unexplained) are available for purchase. Special offers are noted for subscribers.

Next Issue

The upcoming issue of UFO-Nyt, due out in mid-May 2005, will include an article about a Danish radar operator's experiences with UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are space exploration, astronaut experiences, and the pervasive nature of conspiracy theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives on unexplained phenomena, from the scientific endeavors of space agencies to the more speculative realms of conspiracy and UFO research. The magazine actively encourages reader engagement and contributions, particularly concerning radar anomalies, indicating a commitment to exploring diverse aspects of the unexplained.