UFO Nyt - No 3 2007

Magazine Overview

Title: ufo nyt
Issue: 3
Volume: 49
Date: 3rd Quarter 2007
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Cover Price: kr. 292.00 (annual subscription)

This issue of UFO Nyt, a Danish magazine dedicated to UFO research, features a cover story on "Mysterious lights over the Baltic Sea" and explores various other UFO-related topics. The magazine highlights the 50th anniversary of SUFOI and includes a detailed program for its jubilee conference.

Articles and Features

Editorial: "Er vi blevet klogere?" (Have We Become Wiser?)

The editorial reflects on humanity's need to create order and narratives, particularly within ufology. It posits that while unexplained aerial phenomena have always been observed, Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting is considered the beginning of the 'modern UFO era.' The editorial suggests that during the Cold War, military authorities in the USA may have used UFO sightings to mask secret military activities, such as the testing of new spy planes. It notes that SUFOI, celebrating its 50th anniversary, is one of the oldest UFO organizations globally and has processed over 15,000 reports. The editorial poses the question of whether ufology has become wiser over the decades, with the answer to be presented at the jubilee conference.

SUFOI Jubilee Conference 2007

The magazine details the program for SUFOI's jubilee conference on November 10, 2007, in Lyngby Kulturhus. The event includes talks on various UFO-related topics, such as:

• Welcome by SUFOI's chairman, Kim Møller Hansen.
• A prominent Danish car stop incident from 1995, where a witness recounts a powerful light appearing over his car.
• Danish UFO photos over 50 years presented by Ole Henningsen, showcasing the types of photographic evidence in SUFOI's archive.
• "Are We Alone?" by astrophysicist Michael Linden-Vørnle, discussing the search for extraterrestrial life.
• "Have humans been to the Moon?" by Steen Eiler Jørgensen, examining the moon landing conspiracy theories.
• The British Ministry of Defence and UFOs presented by Nick Pope, detailing the UK's official investigation into UFO sightings.
• "Have We Become Wiser on the UFO Phenomenon?" by Toke Haunstrup, presenting the findings of SUFOI's 50 years of report analysis.

The conference tickets cost kr. 120.

Danish Observations

This section presents a selection of UFO sighting reports from Denmark received by SUFOI in the first half of 2007:

• Odense, June/July 1970: A witness describes a cigar-shaped object gliding and then rapidly ascending.
• Silkeborg, Last Quarter 2006: Three lights observed moving in formation, with two then rapidly approaching the third.
• Viborg, January 14, 2007: A bright, luminous sphere was observed by a father and daughter.
• Viborg, January 16, 2007: Two lights were observed moving in formation, exhibiting unusual speed and maneuverability.
• Nykøbing Mors, January 20, 2007: A bright, neongreen/white glow with a central 'center' was observed, followed by a power outage in Thisted.
• Jyderup, April 14, 2007: A round, greyish object was observed flying southwest.
• Augustenborg, April 15, 2007: A constant, bright light object moved in an easterly direction, unlike typical aircraft.
• Århus C, May 13, 2007: An object of anomalous shape, shifting between a deformed rectangle and an oval egg shape, was observed.

Kenneth Arnold's Account

The issue includes a narrative of Kenneth Arnold's famous 1947 sighting, detailing his flight path and the moment he observed a strange light near Mount Rainier. It also promotes a cassette tape interview with Arnold about the experience.

Investigation: "Mysterious Lights Over the Baltic Sea Solved"

This article details the investigation into lights observed over the Baltic Sea on May 23, 2007, by web designer John Christiansen and 11 other witnesses. Initially puzzling, the lights were eventually identified as foreign military aircraft activities detected by NAVIAIR (the Danish air traffic control authority). The investigation involved contacting various maritime and military authorities, including the Danish Defence Command (SOK) and the Danish Air Force Tactical Command (FTK).

"Were American Planes Shot Down by UFOs?"

This article discusses claims made by Stanton T. Friedman regarding alleged aerial combat between UFOs and American aircraft in the early 1950s. Friedman claims that numerous American aircraft were lost in such encounters and that multiple UFOs had been recovered. The article notes that Friedman's claims lack specific details and verifiable evidence, with no proof provided for the alleged recovered craft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation of UFO sightings, the historical context of ufology, and the potential for misinterpretation or deliberate obfuscation of phenomena. SUFOI's stance is one of serious, critical inquiry, aiming to understand UFO phenomena without necessarily endorsing specific theories. The magazine emphasizes the importance of eyewitness accounts and rigorous investigation, as demonstrated by its detailed reporting on Danish sightings and the Baltic Sea incident. There is a clear editorial leaning towards explaining phenomena through conventional means when possible, such as identifying the Baltic Sea lights as military aircraft, while still acknowledging the existence of unexplained cases.

This issue of "Nyt om Roswell myten" (News on the Roswell Myth) delves into the complex relationship between real-world military operations, secret projects, and the evolving mythology surrounding UFOs, particularly the Roswell incident. The magazine explores how captured Soviet aircraft were utilized by the US military and how these activities, along with early investigations into psychic phenomena, may have contributed to or been manipulated within the broader UFO narrative.

The "Have Doughnut" and "Constant Peg" Projects

The core of the issue focuses on two significant, albeit secret, US military projects involving Soviet MiG fighter jets: "Have Doughnut" and "Constant Peg".

"Have Doughnut"

This project, initiated in late 1967, aimed to counter the threat posed by Soviet MiG-21s over North Vietnam. Recognizing the limited training of American pilots in air-to-air combat, the US military sought to understand the MiG-21 by obtaining one. The "Have Doughnut" operation involved a 13-man team disassembling a MiG-21 in the field, transporting it via C-141A and C-133A aircraft, and then reassembling it at a test site. The process, which took approximately seven days for disassembly and five for reassembly, was meticulously documented. The captured MiG-21 was then subjected to extensive testing, including a "subsystem investigation" to analyze its hydraulic, pneumatic, and fire suppression systems, as well as its radar and weapons aiming systems. The project also involved flight testing, with the first flight occurring on February 8, 1968. Over two months, 29 flights were conducted to test the aircraft's strength and stability. The primary goal was to test American fighters' capabilities in close combat against the MiG-21. The project's findings were compiled into three classified reports: "Have Doughnut Volume I Technical," "Have Doughnut Volume II Tactical," and "Have Doughnut Special Distribution." A training film titled "Throw a Nickel on the Grass" was produced to disseminate these findings to American pilots.

"Constant Peg"

Following "Have Doughnut," the "Constant Peg" operation began in 1977. This involved a secret squadron of approximately 25 Soviet MiGs (MiG-17, MiG-21, and MiG-23) operated by the US Air Force. These aircraft were designated with US test designations like "YF-110B" for the MiG-21. The squadron, known as the 4477th Test and Evaluation Squadron (TES), operated from Tonopah Test Range in Nevada, near AREA-51. Pilots from the Air Force, Navy, and Marines were selected to fly against these MiGs in simulated combat scenarios. The operation ran until 1988 and involved around 6,800 pilots. Despite the secrecy, the project faced challenges, including a high accident rate (100 incidents per 100,000 flight hours compared to the normal 4) due to difficulties in obtaining spare parts and maintaining the aircraft. Two pilots were killed during "Constant Peg." The operation was eventually shut down due to costs and the end of the Cold War.

The Roswell Myth and UFOlogy

The article draws parallels between the US military's handling of captured Soviet aircraft and the Roswell incident. Stanton Friedman's analogy suggests that if the US military had recovered a crashed alien craft, the subsequent analysis and dissemination of information would have followed a similar pattern to the MiG projects. The author contrasts the historical evidence available for the MiG operations (declassified reports, photos, pilot testimonies) with the lack of concrete evidence for the Roswell crash, which remains largely in the realm of mythology. The article critiques the claims made by Roswell proponents, such as the existence of a nurse named Naomi Self, and points to Project Mogul balloons as a likely explanation for recovered debris.

Early UFO Research and ESP

The issue also touches upon the early days of UFO research and the US government's involvement with psychic phenomena. It highlights the FBI's interest in ESP dating back to the 1950s, with meetings at the Pentagon in 1952 to explore its potential use in psychological warfare. The article mentions individuals like George Adamski and George Van Tassel, whose claims about aliens and space travel were investigated by the FBI. The FBI's interest was partly fueled by concerns that the Soviets might be developing or using ESP for mind control or propaganda purposes. The article suggests that while the FBI recognized the potential of ESP, its efforts were sometimes hindered by inter-agency rivalries. J. Edgar Hoover eventually concluded that ESP research might not be worth the effort, though other branches of intelligence continued to explore it.

The Role of Perception and Manipulation

Nick Redfern, interviewed in the magazine, discusses his work on UFOs and government surveillance. He suggests that the UFO phenomenon itself may have been manipulated or even partially created by intelligence agencies as a form of psychological warfare or to conceal other activities. Redfern draws parallels between modern alien abduction accounts and older folklore, arguing that such narratives could be used to test new technologies or to distract from other agendas. He points to cattle mutilations as an example, suggesting that while not invented by intelligence agencies, the phenomenon was likely exploited and framed within a UFO context to mask secret research into biological warfare.

Book Review: "Flying Saucerers"

The issue includes a review of the book "Flying Saucerers – A social history of UFOlogy" by David Clarke and Andy Roberts. The review highlights the book's focus on the development of ufology in Britain from 1947 onwards, examining how belief in UFOs has evolved and influenced society. The book is praised for its British perspective, contrasting with the more common American-centric view. It covers various figures, events, and organizations within British ufology, including early UFO clubs, prominent individuals like Lord Dowding and George King, and the mass sightings in Warminster. The reviewers note that the authors are skeptical of supernatural phenomena and believe that no UFO observation definitively points to extraterrestrial life. However, they acknowledge the powerful impact that belief in UFOs can have on individuals and society.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of military secrecy, technological advancement, and the construction of UFO mythology. The magazine emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between historical fact and speculative myth, using the detailed accounts of the "Have Doughnut" and "Constant Peg" projects as examples of verifiable military operations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, questioning the origins and manipulation of UFO beliefs, and highlighting the role of intelligence agencies in shaping public perception. The magazine suggests that many UFO phenomena may have mundane, albeit secret, explanations rooted in human activities rather than extraterrestrial visitation.

This issue of UFO-Nyt (Issue 3/2007) is a Danish publication from SUFOI, focusing on UFO phenomena and related topics. The cover prominently features the headline "Troen på ufoer er almindelig" (Belief in UFOs is common), suggesting a focus on the prevalence of such beliefs.

Article 1: "Troen på ufoer er almindelig" (Belief in UFOs is Common)

This article discusses the widespread belief in UFOs and the supernatural. It references a 1998 survey in Great Britain which indicated that half the population believes in extraterrestrial life, and a third believe that "non-terrestrial beings have already visited Earth." Despite a perceived decline in ufologists, belief remains strong. The survey also revealed that 38% of the population believes in telepathy, ESP, and ghosts, with many having personal experiences. The interest in UFOs, like other supernatural phenomena, fluctuates with social, economic, and religious changes. The article draws parallels between the rise in interest in spiritualism during the World Wars and the current popularity of angels and ghost hunting, evident in numerous TV programs and magazines. Ufology is described as an old, persistent interest attracting those seeking answers to mysteries. When data fails to provide definitive proof of alien visitation, interest may shift to other areas like the New Age movement. The history of UFOs has evolved from simple post-war observations to a complex phenomenon encompassing crop circles, conspiracies, and abductions. The article posits that each generation expresses its superstitions uniquely, with flying saucers and alien beliefs being a product of our time, akin to the belief in witches in the Middle Ages. In the 20th century, ufology was one expression of humanity's search for answers to the question: "Are we alone?" The article cites "Flying Saucerers - A social history of UFOlogy" as its source.

Article 2: Book Review - "Rejsen ud i rummet - de første 50 år" (The Journey into Space - The First 50 Years)

This section reviews the book "Rejsen ud i rummet - de første 50 år" by Helle and Henrik Stub, Danish astronomy, physics, and mathematics educators who also write for Illustreret Videnskab. The book, published in 2007 by Gyldendal, is 496 pages long and costs 299 DKK. It commemorates the 50th anniversary of the space age, marked by the Soviet Union's Sputnik 1 launch in October 1957. However, the authors begin by detailing the historical prerequisites and pioneers of rocketry before discussing Sputnik in chapter five. The review highlights that the book is filled with numerous digressions and remarks, sometimes spanning several pages with text and illustrations, that explore relevant aspects of space travel history. It covers the Cold War's advancements in space, scientific exploration of planets and stars via probes, and the diverse applications of satellites for military and civilian purposes, all impacting daily life and pointing towards the future of space travel, including burgeoning space tourism. A detailed account of the first Scandinavian in space, Swedish ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang, and his work on the International Space Station in December 2006, is also included. The reviewer notes that much of the content might feel familiar to those over 60 who have followed space exploration over the decades. However, the book is praised for including extra and interesting aspects of space and its exploration. It is recommended for those who are new to space exploration or wish to update their knowledge, offering a comprehensive overview of the first 50 years of the space age.

Article 3: "Når man husker forkert" (When One Remembers Incorrectly)

This article discusses a study conducted by the University of Virginia, published in "Psychonomic Bulletin & Review," titled "Når man husker forkert – hvorfor ældre voksne er upålidelige øjenvidner" (When one remembers incorrectly – why older adults are unreliable eyewitnesses). The study's leader, Chad Dodson, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Virginia, suggests that the findings have significant practical implications, particularly regarding the potential for convincing but false eyewitness testimony to cause unjust convictions in the USA. As older adults will constitute an increasing portion of the population, more wrongful convictions based on confident but inaccurate eyewitness accounts are anticipated.

The study, involving students Lacy Krueger and Chad Dodson, examined "consciousness errors," where individuals believed an event occurred when it was merely suggested. They found that when comparing younger and older adults who had watched a video, both groups made similar numbers of errors in identifying details that were not present. However, older adults were "alarmingly" prone to maintaining these false perceptions. Younger individuals were more likely to admit uncertainty. Previous research indicated older adults are more likely to "remember" events that did not happen and misinterpret events that did. The study suggests this occurs because older adults tend to misassemble event details, leading to high confidence in their memory, even when it is flawed. Participants watched a five-minute video of a burglary and police chase and answered 24 yes/no questions. Eight questions referred to details not in the video. Participants were informed that some questions would cover details not shown and were asked to note if the detail occurred in the video, only in the questionnaire, or neither. They also rated their confidence. The confidence level, even with misperceptions, was significantly higher among older adults.

Dodson suggests this is not simply due to poorer memory but a mechanism leading to high confidence, possibly because the details seem vivid. This behavior is concerning when it affects the credibility of eyewitness accounts in legal proceedings. The older adult group ranged from 60 to 80 years old, while the younger group consisted of university students. Three groups were involved: older adults tested immediately after the video, a younger group tested immediately after, and a younger group tested two days later to observe memory differences.

The article also includes a section on "Læsertilbud" (Reader Offers), promoting "UFO-Vision 9," a 60-page magazine from SUFOI, priced at 59 DKK. It lists several articles within UFO-Vision 9, including reviews of books like "Panic Attacks," "UFOs – A Century of Sightings," "Abducted - How People Come to Believe They Were Kidnapped By Aliens," "Shockingly Close To The Truth!," and "Looking for Orthon." The section also provides a detailed order form for various Danish and English books, audio recordings (like Kenneth Arnold's 1947 talk), and tickets for a jubilee conference in 2007.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-Nyt revolve around the enduring public interest in UFOs and the supernatural, the historical and scientific aspects of space exploration, and the critical examination of evidence, particularly eyewitness testimony. The magazine appears to maintain a stance that encourages critical thinking and investigation into these phenomena, offering both popular accounts and more academic analyses. The inclusion of a book review on space exploration and a scientific study on memory reliability alongside UFO-related content suggests a broad approach to the paranormal and unexplained, connecting them to broader scientific and psychological contexts. The reader offers section indicates a commitment to providing resources and further reading material for its audience.