UFO Nyt - No 2 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: 2
Volume: 48
Date: 2nd Quarter 2006
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)

This issue of UFO-Nyt, the Danish UFO magazine, delves into a variety of topics related to UFO phenomena, history, and the psychology behind belief systems. The cover prominently asks, "Do you believe in UFOs?" and features a striking image of a flying saucer over a pyramid, hinting at themes of ancient astronauts and the enduring mystery of unidentified aerial phenomena.

Articles and Content

"Do You Believe in UFOs?" (Cover Headline)

• The cover teases several articles, including:
• "From chills to gods"
• "Reunion with Geller"
• "Telepathy on the way to the Moon"
• "New claim about the Roswell crash"

"The Truth is Hard to Hear..." (Editorial)

In the editorial, Kim Møller Hansen discusses Susan Clancy's research on alien abduction experiences. Clancy, a psychologist at Harvard University, faced backlash for her book "Abducted - How People Come To Believe They Were Kidnapped By Aliens." The editorial highlights that Clancy's work, which treats abductees with respect, suggests that many abduction narratives stem from a combination of nightmares, cultural influences, and a desire for meaning, rather than literal events. It also touches upon the tendency for these stories to share common themes, influenced by popular culture and media, and notes that while many abductees are honest individuals, their memories can be shaped by psychological factors. The editorial contrasts Clancy's scientific approach with the often sensationalized claims within the UFO community, suggesting that some within the field may be resistant to findings that challenge their established beliefs or business models.

"The World's First UFO Documentary"

This article by Robert Barrow examines the 1956 film "Unidentified Flying Objects" (U.F.O.), produced by Clarence Greene. The film aimed to present a documentary account of UFO investigations, drawing on information from government studies and interviews with experts like Al Chop, who worked for the Pentagon. The article details the film's production, its use of actual UFO footage (including the Mariana and Newhouse films), and its attempt to balance documentary accuracy with dramatic presentation. It notes that while the film was met with mixed reviews from critics, it has endured over the years, becoming a significant historical artifact in UFO research. The article also mentions the film's use of newspaper clippings to fill narrative gaps and the controversy surrounding the use of President Truman's image on a Life magazine cover in the film, which in reality featured Marilyn Monroe.

"For 50 Years Ago"

This section revisits the film "Unidentified Flying Objects" 50 years after its release. The author reflects on the film's initial reception, noting that it struggled commercially despite its ambitious production. The article includes quotes from ufologists Max B. Miller and Ted Bloecher, who offered differing opinions on the film's quality and historical value. It also discusses the film's enduring legacy, its availability on video and cable television, and its significance as an early, relatively open portrayal of the US government's approach to UFO investigations.

"Top Secret Documents: Why the NSA Stays Silent on UFOs"

Authored by Clas Svahn, this article analyzes a declassified NSA document from 1980. The document, a response to a request from Citizen Against UFO Secrecy (CAUS), reveals that the NSA possessed 239 UFO-related documents by 1980, many of which were derived from intercepted communications. The article explains that the NSA's reluctance to release full details stems from the need to protect its intelligence-gathering methods, including which countries' communications are monitored and how. The document indicates that the NSA's interest in UFOs is part of its broader mandate to analyze foreign communications for threats to US security. It also touches upon an internal NSA critique of the agency's ability to process unusual information, suggesting that the focus on secrecy is to protect operational methods rather than to hide evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. The article concludes that obtaining information from secret sources remains a significant challenge for ufologists.

"UFOs & Religion: Do You Believe in UFOs?"

Mark Rodeghier explores the often-discussed connection between belief in UFOs and religious faith. The article examines the sociological perspective that UFO belief might function as a substitute for traditional religion. It discusses how factors like demographics and religious affiliation can influence people's attitudes and beliefs. The author references the work of William Sims Bainbridge, a prominent researcher of religion, who has studied the intersection of religion, science fiction, and unconventional beliefs. Rodeghier argues that the study of UFOs is a science, not a matter of faith, and that while inexplicable UFO observations are a fact, the interpretation of them as extraterrestrial craft is a belief, not a proven fact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-Nyt include the historical investigation of UFO phenomena, the psychological aspects of belief, and the challenges posed by government secrecy. The magazine adopts a stance that treats UFO research as a serious scientific endeavor, while acknowledging the speculative nature of many interpretations. It encourages critical thinking and provides a platform for diverse perspectives, from historical documentaries to psychological analyses and investigations into government documentation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to understand the UFO phenomenon through rigorous research and analysis, while remaining grounded in factual evidence and critical evaluation.

This issue of UFO-Nyt, dated 2/2006, titled "UFOer & Religion," explores the intricate connections between UFO phenomena, religious beliefs, and paranormal experiences. It features articles on sociological studies, astronaut accounts, and the influence of speculative theories on popular culture.

UFOs and Religion: A Sociological Perspective

The lead article delves into the complex relationship between religious beliefs and the acceptance of UFO phenomena. It begins by questioning the simplistic approach of asking whether one "believes in UFOs," highlighting the diverse range of potential stances, from unexplained observations to extraterrestrial spacecraft and government cover-ups. The author references sociologist Bainbridge's hypotheses, which suggest that involvement in conventional religion might decrease engagement with "para-religion" or non-conventional beliefs. However, the article also presents Bainbridge's alternative hypothesis that conventional religion might actually encourage para-religious leanings by supporting supernatural assumptions about human nature and the universe. The author expresses skepticism about the strength of the evidence for both hypotheses, noting that personal experiences of individuals within religious communities do not always align with these statistical generalizations. The article also touches upon the idea that skeptics, particularly those adhering to secular humanism, might view belief in UFOs and religion as manifestations of the same underlying need for meaning.

Survey Data and Correlations

The issue discusses the use of internet surveys, such as Survey2001, in sociological research, acknowledging their cost-effectiveness and speed but also their limitations in achieving representative samples. Bainbridge's analysis of Survey2001 data, focusing on "New Age" themes, is examined. Specifically, two questions related to UFOs and extraterrestrial intelligence are highlighted: "Some UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) are likely spacecraft from other worlds" and "Intelligent life likely does not exist on other planets than our own." The results indicated that 22.2% agreed or strongly agreed that UFOs could be alien spacecraft, while only 10.4% agreed or strongly agreed that intelligent life likely does not exist elsewhere. The author finds the lower percentage for UFOs being alien spacecraft surprising, given previous studies. The article also explores correlations between religious behavior (frequency of religious rituals, prayer, meditation, and self-described religiosity) and beliefs in UFOs and ETs. The findings suggest a weak negative correlation between religious affiliation and the belief that UFOs are alien spacecraft, and a weak positive correlation with the belief that intelligent life does not exist elsewhere. The author notes that these correlations do not strongly support or contradict Bainbridge's hypotheses and suggests that other factors may be at play.

Astronaut Experiences and the Paranormal

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the experiences of astronauts and their encounters with the unexplained. Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar D. Mitchell is interviewed extensively.

Telepathy Experiment on Apollo 14

Mitchell recounts a telepathy experiment he conducted on board Apollo 14 with the help of two friends interested in telepathy, Dr. Boyle and Dr. Maxie. They recruited a medium, Olof Jönsson, who lived in Chicago. The experiment involved Mitchell sending symbols (star, cross, circle, wavy line, square) from space to Jönsson on Earth. Mitchell performed these experiments four times during the mission. The results were later compared with those of parapsychologist J. B. Rhine and another researcher, Karlis Osis. Mitchell claims that after correcting for discrepancies in transmission times, the results showed a hit rate of one in 12,000, which he considers statistically significant.

Views on UFOs and Conspiracy Theories

Mitchell expresses skepticism about the idea that the moon landing was a hoax, pointing to the space race with the Russians as a deterrent against such a deception. He also states that none of the astronauts he knows have seen UFOs in space or on the Moon, dismissing stories promoted by individuals like Richard Hoagland. He believes that the US government may have been involved in a cover-up regarding UFOs, citing the example of Project Blue Book as a potential cover-up operation.

Psychic Abilities and Teleportation

Mitchell also discusses his experiences with psychic phenomena, including his encounter with Uri Geller and his belief in psychokinesis and teleportation. He recounts an incident where three of his lost personal items (a tie pin and a ring) allegedly reappeared during experiments at Stanford Research Institute (SRI). He describes how Geller claimed to have teleported these items, and Mitchell was convinced of the reality of these events, despite the skepticism of some. However, Mitchell also acknowledges that these events, while personally convincing, do not fit the traditional definition of scientific proof.

The Influence of H.P. Lovecraft and Ancient Astronaut Theories

Another section of the magazine reviews Jason Colavito's book "The Cult of Alien Gods - H.P. Lovecraft and Extraterrestrial Pop Culture." The article highlights how H.P. Lovecraft's horror stories, particularly his Cthulhu mythos, have inadvertently influenced the development of ancient astronaut theories. Colavito argues that Lovecraft's fictional narratives of malevolent alien beings controlling Earth and creating new species have been reinterpreted by some as factual accounts. The article traces the rise of astro-archaeology from Erich von Däniken's theories in the late 1960s, noting how the internet has become a powerful tool for disseminating these ideas. It points out that many astro-archaeologists have been accused of embellishing evidence, misinterpreting ancient texts, and lacking fundamental archaeological knowledge. The review also touches upon the idea that these modern myths, which replace angels with aliens, represent a decline in the values of the Enlightenment.

Uri Geller: A Look Back

The magazine provides an update on the current activities of psychic Uri Geller, who gained international fame in the 1970s for his alleged abilities to bend spoons and stop watches. The article notes that Geller has continued to write books and promote his "Mind Power Kit." It also mentions his defense of Michael Jackson, whom he claimed to have hypnotized and who denied any wrongdoing. Geller's predictions about Jackson's comeback are highlighted. The article also briefly mentions Geller's establishment of a Psychic Museum in York and his continued belief in the growing interest in psychic phenomena worldwide.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of the unexplained, belief systems, and scientific inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical examination, presenting research and anecdotal evidence while also acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the role of skepticism. The magazine seems to encourage readers to consider diverse perspectives on UFOs, religion, and paranormal phenomena, while maintaining a grounded approach to evidence and scientific methodology. The recurring themes include the psychological and sociological factors influencing belief, the challenges of verifying paranormal claims, and the historical development of ideas surrounding extraterrestrial contact and ancient civilizations.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 2/2006, features a cover story titled "Ny påstand om Roswell-styrtet" (New claim about the Roswell crash), accompanied by an illustration of a monstrous, tentacled creature. The magazine explores various aspects of ufology, conspiracy theories, and historical accounts of unexplained phenomena.

Articles

New Claim About the Roswell Crash

The main article, written by Robert Sheaffer, discusses a new book by ufologist Nick Redfern titled "Body Snatchers in the Desert - The Horrible Truth at the Heart of the Roswell Story." Redfern proposes a controversial theory that the 1947 Roswell incident was not a crashed alien spacecraft, but rather a secret American government project involving medical experiments on Japanese prisoners of war. These prisoners, described as "mutilated, handicapped, deformed, and sick," were allegedly used as "usable" victims by their captors. Redfern claims that after the war, American forces brought some of these prisoners, who had been subjected to experiments and were sometimes deceased, back to the US. The article suggests that when these experimental subjects or advanced aircraft/balloons crashed in the desert, witnesses mistook the emaciated, radiation-sick Japanese prisoners for aliens. The article notes that while some ufologists support Redfern's conclusions, others, like Stanton Friedman, have criticized the book's anonymous sources and lack of evidence. Karl Pflock also dismisses the claims, stating there is no basis for them and that original witness accounts are discredited.

The article also touches upon the growing number of conspiracy theories in ufology, comparing Redfern's book to Philip Corso's theories and the lore surrounding Area 51. It mentions former US President Bill Clinton's statements in 2005 regarding the Roswell and Area 51 phenomena. Clinton suggested that the Roswell incident might have been an illusion and that the Area 51 'crash' was likely a secret military installation. He also alluded to the possibility that even he, as president, might have been kept in the dark about certain secrets. Conspiracy theorists have interpreted Clinton's remarks as confirmation of a "secret government" hiding UFO truths, even from the president.

Belief Schema: Who Advocates What?

This section presents a "belief schema" based on Jason Colavito's book "The Cult of Alien Gods." It categorizes different theories about the origins of humanity and civilization, along with their proponents:

• Non-terrestrial origin: Claims that aliens genetically developed humanity and are responsible for past achievements. Proponents include Zecharia Sitchin, Alan Alford, Raël, Louis Pauwels, and Jacques Bergier.
• Ancient astronauts: Suggests aliens visited Earth in the distant past, influencing monuments and religious traditions. Proponents include Erich von Däniken, Robert Temple, David Hatcher Childress, Laurence Gardner, and Robert Charroux.
• Lost civilization/hyper-diffusionism: Posits an advanced ancient civilization that passed down technology and ideology to later cultures. Proponents include Graham Hancock, Robert Bauval, John Anthony West, Ignatius Donnelly, James Churchward, and Helena Blavatsky.
• Diffusionism (cultural spread): Argues that past civilizations were in contact and exchanged cultural and technological secrets, without external alien intervention.
• Traditional view: Believes past civilizations developed independently with only limited contact and cultural exchange, without alien interference or a lost civilization.
• Scientific materialism: Asserts that the laws of physics are the only truths, denying the existence of advanced lost civilizations or alien intervention. H. P. Lovecraft is listed as a proponent of this view in the context of his fictional works.

UFOs Seen from Apollo 11?

This short report details an email from ufologist Pat Marcattilio, who claims that Buzz Aldrin, on the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, told the Discovery Science TV Network that he, Michael Collins, and Neil Armstrong saw and filmed two UFOs approximately 320,000 km from Earth. Aldrin reportedly broke 36 years of silence on the topic, explaining that they did not report the sighting immediately because they feared it could cause mission disruption or lead to demands to turn back.

UFO Crash in 1897

This section revisits the oldest reported UFO crash in the USA, which occurred in Aurora, Texas, in 1897. The object was believed to have exploded and crashed, killing the pilot, with parts of the craft taken away and others disposed of. The article acknowledges that this story is widely considered a hoax perpetrated by a local newspaper to create an exciting story, a common practice at the time. It mentions that a film crew from Weller/Grossman Productions is making a documentary about the incident. Hayden Hewes, a ufologist, is mentioned as having unsuccessfully sought permission to excavate the alleged buried alien.

Reader Offers

The magazine includes a "Bestillingskupon" (Order form) for various materials, including books such as "The AREA 51 & S-4 Handbook" and "Bad Astronomy," as well as DVDs and posters. Shipping and handling fees are detailed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-NYT focuses heavily on debunking and re-examining prominent UFO cases like Roswell and the Aurora crash, often presenting alternative, more mundane explanations or highlighting the speculative nature of the claims. There is a clear interest in the historical development of UFO theories and the individuals who promote them, as evidenced by the "belief schema" section. The magazine also touches upon the psychological aspects of belief and skepticism in the context of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting controversial theories alongside skeptical counterarguments and historical context. The inclusion of reader offers for books and media related to UFOs and conspiracy theories suggests an aim to engage a readership interested in these subjects, while also providing resources for further exploration.