UFO Nyt - No 2 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: 2
Volume: 47
Date: 2nd Quarter 2005
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Cover Price: 292.00 DKK

This issue of UFO-Nyt, published by Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI), delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, with a strong focus on radar observations and military encounters, particularly from the Cold War era. The cover prominently features the headline "Ukendte spor på dansk radar" (Unknown tracks on Danish radar), setting the tone for the issue's primary investigative theme.

Articles and Content

"Ukendte spor på danske radarer" (Unknown tracks on Danish radar)

This extensive article, authored by Ole Henningsen, presents compelling accounts from former radar operators who witnessed anomalous radar tracks during their service. The primary source is an anonymous former radar operator, identified as 'VB', who served in the Danish Air Force's radar bunker at Vedbæk. VB describes observing 'strange tracks' that moved at speeds far exceeding conventional aircraft, including military jets like the Starfighter. These phenomena were colloquially termed 'running rabbits' because of their rapid, intermittent appearance on the radar screen. VB recounts how these tracks were sometimes too fast for the automated tracking systems, requiring manual observation. He emphasizes that while these events were not daily occurrences, they were significant enough to be memorable. The article also includes an account from 'LN', who observed similar high-speed phenomena from Skagen Flyvestation in January 1973. LN describes seeing 'a series of objects' moving at speeds estimated to be ten to twelve times the speed of sound, appearing in sequence and moving southwards.

The article explores the military's perspective, citing statements from Major K. Brøns-Hansen, press chief of the Danish Defence Command. Brøns-Hansen generally attributes such sightings to known causes like weather balloons, helicopter night flights, atmospheric disturbances, or debris from re-entering satellites. He notes that while the military's electronic surveillance systems have never detected UFOs, many within the Air Force believe in their existence. However, he maintains that no definitive evidence of unknown craft has ever been found. The article also touches upon the U-2 spy plane, acknowledging that its high-altitude flights, especially when painted black, could have been mistaken for UFOs.

"Sagen om sandalerne" (The Case of the Sandals)

This section refers to a new publication by Klaus Aarsleff, a globetrotter and former chairman of the Adventurers' Club. The article promises a preview of his book, "Mysterier fra det overnaturlige" (Mysteries from the Supernatural), which explores paranormal phenomena. The specific content of 'The Case of the Sandals' is not detailed in the provided text, but it is presented as a sample from Aarsleff's work.

"Derfor er SETI videnskab" (Why SETI is Science)

This article likely discusses the scientific basis and methodology behind the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI). While the specific arguments are not detailed in the provided text, its inclusion suggests a focus on the scientific approach to investigating potential extraterrestrial signals.

"En forklaring på kvægmishandlingerne?" (An explanation for cattle mutilations?)

This article, referenced on the cover, suggests an investigation into the phenomenon of cattle mutilations. The cover blurb hints at a potentially grim, earthly explanation rather than extraterrestrial involvement, posing a question about whether foreign beings are harvesting organs to create biological hybrids or if a more mundane, yet disturbing, reason exists.

"Ufoer og myter" (UFOs and Myths)

This likely serves as a general discussion or debunking of common UFO myths and misconceptions.

"Bortført!" (Abducted!)

This title suggests a personal account or case study of an alleged alien abduction.

"På rejse i det ukendte" (On a journey into the unknown)

This title implies an article exploring the mysteries of the unknown, possibly related to UFOs or other unexplained phenomena.

"God økonomi" (Good Economy)

This editorial, written by Kim Møller Hansen, addresses the financial health of SUFOI. It notes that despite the discontinuation of state subsidies for Danish association magazines, SUFOI remains financially stable and is even growing, thanks to increased sales of books and other publications. The subscription price for UFO-Nyt will remain unchanged in 2006. The editorial also mentions the departure of Torben Birkeholm, a long-serving representative for Northern Jutland, and his subsequent appointment as an honorary member of the association.

Other Content

The issue also includes details about SUFOI's organization, including its purpose, leadership, and contact information. It lists the editorial team, production details, and subscription information, including prices and options for receiving the magazine by mail. Information on how to submit articles and advertisements is also provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-Nyt are primarily focused on unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly those observed via radar. There is a clear emphasis on presenting factual accounts, often from military personnel, and exploring potential explanations, both conventional and unconventional. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to consider evidence and various hypotheses without necessarily endorsing any single theory. The inclusion of articles on SETI and cattle mutilation indicates a broader interest in the UFO phenomenon and related mysteries. The magazine aims to provide a platform for discussion and information sharing within the UFO research community in Scandinavia.

This issue of UFO-NYT, titled "Ufoer på radar" (UFOs on Radar), published in 2005, explores various aspects of UFO phenomena, radar detection, and related topics. It features articles on historical radar sightings, potential government cover-ups, the intersection of mythology and UFOlogy, and a comparison between SETI and pseudoscience.

UFOs and Radar

The lead article discusses how radar systems can detect unidentified objects. It references a CIA report suggesting that many UFO sightings in the 1950s and 1960s were actually U-2 spy planes, with their reflections mistaken for UFOs. A former employee, 'PX', shares experiences with radar systems, detailing how objects are tracked and identified. He recounts an incident where a small, unidentified plot on the radar turned out to be a sports plane.

The article also highlights the potential for false alarms in radar systems, citing a 1979 incident where US Air Force computers mistakenly reported a Soviet nuclear attack for six minutes. This event, explained by the Pentagon as a faulty simulation tape, underscores the sensitivity and potential for error in early warning systems. A similar incident is mentioned in Denmark, where a false alarm caused by a simulated attack lasted for several minutes.

Biological Warfare and Government Secrecy

Another significant section delves into the possibility of biological warfare and its connection to cattle mutilations. It discusses investigations by Ted Oliphant into cattle mutilations in Alabama, where he found non-veterinary drugs in the animals, suggesting medical experiments. The article posits that governments might use the UFO mystery as a cover for secret experiments or to distract from other issues, such as biological warfare threats.

It references a 1947-1948 report from the Council for Biological Warfare, which expressed concerns about potential attacks on the US food supply through livestock. The report detailed methods of biological attack and the difficulty in defending against them. A confidential FBI memo from 1950 also warned health authorities about the dangers of biological attacks. The article suggests that ongoing controls on livestock might be linked to these historical concerns, and that the UFO phenomenon could be used to explain away unusual occurrences.

SETI vs. Ufology: Science or Pseudoscience?

Mark Moldwin, a university lecturer, contributes an article differentiating between science and pseudoscience, using SETI and ufology as examples. He argues that SETI, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, is a legitimate scientific endeavor because it operates within the scientific community, uses scientific methods, and its theories are subject to testing and verification. Its premise is that intelligent life may have developed elsewhere and could communicate via electromagnetic signals.

In contrast, ufology is presented as pseudoscience. While ufologists may use scientific-like methods, their conclusions are not scientifically validated. The article points out that ufologists often claim that a large part of the scientific community is involved in a conspiracy to hide the truth about aliens. Moldwin suggests that while the possibility of alien visitation is not inherently unscientific, ufology's current approach and claims place it outside the realm of established science.

Folklore and UFOs

Another article explores the connection between ancient myths and modern UFO sightings. It discusses the observation of a transparent sphere with a snake-like creature in Texas in 1873, noting its appearance in both modern UFO literature and folklore. The author suggests that modern ufology often interprets mythological phenomena as descriptions of encounters with aliens, citing Erich von Däniken as a prominent proponent of this view.

The article examines the myth of giants and their connection to ancient structures like the Baalbek temple, questioning whether advanced technology, possibly alien in origin, was used in their construction. It also touches upon the folklore of 'fairies' and their alleged abductions of humans, drawing parallels with modern alien abduction accounts. The author questions whether these are actual alien abductions or a continuation of mythological narratives where supernatural beings are replaced by extraterrestrials.

Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

Several smaller pieces include personal anecdotes, such as the "Sagen om sandalerne" (The Case of the Sandals), which recounts a seemingly precognitive guess about the price of sandals. The author reflects on peculiar coincidences and the possibility that our senses perceive reality in a limited way, suggesting that such events might be glimpses of a larger, more complex reality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with scientific inquiry, government secrecy, and historical narratives. There's a clear distinction drawn between scientific investigation (like SETI) and what is deemed pseudoscience (like ufology). The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging the persistent mysteries surrounding UFOs and related phenomena. The publication encourages readers to submit their own radar experiences, indicating an ongoing effort to gather data and foster discussion within the UFO community.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 2/2005, is titled 'Skeptisk set' (Skeptical View) and focuses on critical perspectives regarding UFO phenomena and related claims. It explores the intersection of ufology with mythology and delves into the psychological aspects of alleged alien abductions, questioning the veracity of such experiences.

Skeptisk set: Ufology and Mythology

The article 'Skeptisk set' (Skeptical View) draws parallels between ufology and mythology. It suggests that mythological beings and UFO occupants share similar characteristics, such as existing in parallel realities and interacting with humans on their own terms. The author posits that certain locations associated with mythological encounters could evolve into sacred sites, mirroring how UFO hotspots might gain similar status. The article highlights that in both mythology and ufology, the 'otherworldly' beings often initiate contact and set the conditions, particularly in abduction scenarios where humans are completely under their control. Even when aliens convey messages about humanity's misuse of atomic power, they expect their contact persons to relay the message without doubt. The conclusion suggests that mythological descriptions could be interpreted as accounts of past encounters with extraterrestrial beings, with places like Baalbek lending credibility to this theory. Ufology, in this context, is presented as the mythology of the space age, though radar observations do not fit this framework.

Kilder (Sources)

The article cites several books by Dr. Thomas E. Bullard ('UFO Abductions - the Measure of a Mystery', 'The Sympathetic Ear', 'UFOs and Abductions'), Bob Pratt ('UFO Danger Zone: Terror and Death in Brazil'), and Ronald D. Story ('The Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrial Encounters').

Bortført! (Abducted!)

This section, written by Michael Shermer, addresses the psychological aspects of abduction claims. Shermer recounts a personal experience from August 8, 1983, where he was intercepted by a large craft with clear lights on a deserted road in Nebraska, abducted for 90 minutes, and returned with no memory of the event. He notes that he can prove it happened because he told a film crew about it shortly after. However, he then introduces research by Harvard psychologists Richard J. McNally and Susan A. Clancy, published in 'Psychological Science' in 2004. Their study, 'Psychophysiological Responding during Script-Driven Imagery in People Reporting Abduction by Space Aliens', investigated alleged abductees. The researchers measured participants' pulse, skin conductivity, and electromyographic reactions while they relived their experiences based on written accounts. The study concluded that abductees showed greater psychophysiological reactions to abduction and stressful narratives compared to positive and neutral ones, similar to PTSD patients. McNally explains that this highlights the power of belief to influence physiological reactions, and that vivid descriptions of traumatic memories are not proof of their authenticity.

Shermer further explains that the most likely explanations for abduction experiences are sleep paralysis and hypnopompic hallucinations (hallucinations upon waking). He recounts his own 'abduction' experience, which occurred after cycling for 83 hours and over 2,000 km in the Race Across America. Feeling drowsy, he was signaled by his support team to pull over for a nap. During this state, he experienced a vivid 'waking dream' where his support team transformed into aliens, reminiscent of the 1960s TV series 'The Invaders'. After his 90-minute nap, the experience seemed like a bizarre hallucination, which he recounted to an ABC TV crew. Shermer emphasizes that the experience felt real at the time, underscoring humanity's boundless capacity for self-deception and the overwhelming power of belief. He concludes that science has taught us to distinguish between fantasy and reality.

Michael Shermer is the publisher of Skeptic magazine and author of 'The Science of Good and Evil'.

Kilde (Source)

Scientific American, February 2005.

Læs mere om teorierne bag ufo-bortførelser i UFO-Nyt nr. 1/2004 side 4-10.

Gratis guide til himlen

This section promotes a free guide titled 'Når du ser et stjerneskud - guide til identificering af himlens fænomener' (When you see a shooting star - guide to identifying celestial phenomena), supported by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Development. It can be ordered using a coupon on page 23.

Læs i næste nummer (Read in the next issue)

The upcoming issue (UFO-Nyt nr. 3, mid-August) will feature a new article series on why science should study the UFO phenomenon, with contributions from Dr. James Deardorff, Dr. Bernard Haisch, Dr. Bruce Maccabee, and Dr. H. E. Puthoff.

Læsertilbud (Reader Offers)

This section lists various books and media related to UFOs, mysteries, and the paranormal available for purchase through SUFOI. Titles include 'Det uforklarlige' (The Unexplainable), 'UFOs and the National Security State', 'Firestorm', 'Konspirations-teorier' (Conspiracy Theories), 'Mysterier i fortiden' (Mysteries of the Past), and 'UFO-Vision'. A special offer is made for 'Mysterier fra det overnaturlige' (Mysteries of the Supernatural) by Klaus Aarsleff, priced at kr. 239, including a DVD.

Bestillingskupon (Order Coupon)

A coupon is provided for ordering the listed materials, with instructions to send it to SUFOI, Postboks 95, 6200 Aabenraa. A postage and handling fee of kr. 30,00 applies to all orders.

Afsender: SUFOI

Contact information for SUFOI is provided.

På rejse i det ukendte (On a journey into the unknown)

This article reviews Klaus Aarsleff's book 'Mysterier fra det overnaturlige' (Mysteries of the Supernatural). Aarsleff, a globetrotter and former chairman of the Eventyrernes Klub (Adventurers' Club), has spent over a quarter-century investigating mysteries and paranormal phenomena. The book is described as an entertaining carousel ride through the world of mysticism. It features the classic case of the Newby church ghost, which inspired the 'Scream' films, and includes accounts from Danish individuals, such as photographer Preben Paulsen's encounter with a poltergeist, filmmaker Jørgen Roos's meeting with a voodoo priest in Cuba, and forensic pathologist Preben Geertinger's rendezvous with a Norwegian psychic. The review questions whether these are hoaxes or actual encounters with the supernatural, stating that Aarsleff is convinced of their reality. The book also includes a DVD from the TV channel dk4 about paranormal phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently adopts a skeptical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of scientific inquiry and psychological analysis in understanding claims of alien encounters and paranormal events. The magazine encourages critical thinking, highlighting how psychological factors, such as sleep paralysis and the power of belief, can create compelling but potentially inaccurate narratives. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena and the public's fascination with them, the editorial direction leans towards rational explanations and the distinction between fantasy and reality, as exemplified by Michael Shermer's contributions.