UFO Nyt - No 1 2008

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: 1/2008 (50th year, 1st quarter)
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Price: kr. 297.00 (annual subscription)

This issue of UFO-Nyt, the 50th volume of the Danish UFO magazine, commemorates the organization's 50th anniversary and delves into various aspects of UFO research. The cover prominently features the headline "Bilstop-sager" (Car Stop Cases), "Engelske arkiver åbnes" (English Archives Opened), "Flyveleder så lysfænomen" (Air Traffic Controller Saw Light Phenomenon), and "Hemmeligt ufo-arkiv i Danmark?" (Secret UFO Archive in Denmark?). The cover illustration depicts a car being illuminated by a bright beam of light, suggesting a UFO encounter.

Content Highlights

SUFOI's 50th Anniversary Conference

The magazine extensively covers SUFOI's 50th-anniversary conference held on November 10, 2007, in Lyngby. The event, which celebrated half a century of UFO research in Denmark, was attended by approximately 140 people. The conference featured various speakers and presentations, including:

• Claus Lundholm shared a personal UFO sighting from September 1995 near Vejle, describing an object estimated to be 12-15 meters in diameter with numerous lights, hovering silently and very low over his car.
• Ole Henningsen presented an overview of Danish UFO photos from the past 50 years, often finding natural explanations for sightings.
• Michael Linden-Vørnle, an astrophysicist and SUFOI member, discussed the question of whether humanity is alone in the universe, suggesting that while the building blocks of life are common, their assembly into intelligent life might be rare.
• Steen Eiler Jørgensen addressed and debunked the myth that moon landings were a hoax.
• Nick Pope, former head of the UK Ministry of Defence's UFO project, shared insights from his work analyzing over 10,000 UFO reports, noting that 80% had natural explanations but highlighting cases like the Rendlesham Forest incident as genuinely puzzling.
• Toke Haunstrup discussed his book "50 år med ufoer" (50 Years with UFOs), which chronicles SUFOI's extensive report work. He concluded that while UFOs are unlikely to be spaceships, many natural phenomena and factors can lead to unusual experiences.

Kim Møller Hansen, SUFOI's chairman, emphasized the organization's commitment to continuing its work and the ongoing interest in UFO phenomena, as evidenced by the high traffic on their website (www.ufo.dk) and the growing number of subscribers to their UFO-Mail newsletter.

UFO Archives: UK and Denmark

English Archives Opened: The issue details the UK Ministry of Defence's (MoD) decision to open its archive of 7,000 UFO reports, spanning 30 years. This initiative, driven by researchers like Dr. David Clarke, is seen as a significant step for ufology and the 'Freedom of Information Act' in the UK. The process involved rescuing asbestos-contaminated files, with the aim of making them publicly accessible through the National Archives and the MoD's FOI website. The archive contains approximately 7,000 reports and analyses.

Secret UFO Archive in Denmark?: The article investigates whether Denmark, like the UK and France, has a secret UFO archive. Interviews with representatives from PET (Danish Security and Intelligence Service) and FTK (Fighter Wing Denmark) suggest that no such official, hidden archive exists. While they acknowledge receiving UFO reports, they state that most are explained, and unexplained ones are forwarded to Skandinavisk UFO Information. FTK's press officer, Inge Borggaard, assured that there is no hidden UFO unit within the military.

Other Articles

• Car Stop Cases: The first part of an article by Martin Kottmeyer (on page 15) discusses "Bilstop-sager" (Car Stop Cases), where UFOs are reported to cause vehicle malfunctions, such as engines stalling, lights failing, and radios producing static. These electromagnetic effects are considered by ufologists as strong evidence for the physical reality of UFOs.
• Air Traffic Controller Sees Light Phenomenon: This article likely details a specific sighting by an air traffic controller.
• CIA's Secret Documents: This section briefly mentions the CIA's release of previously classified documents in June 2007, which included information on alleged assassination plots, surveillance of journalists, and secret LSD experiments. The article notes that while some information was known, the released documents provided more detail and generated significant media attention worldwide.

SUFOI Information

The magazine also provides contact information for SUFOI, its purpose, leadership, and details on subscriptions and upcoming issue dates for 2008 (February 15, May 16, August 15, and November 14). It also includes information on how to submit articles and advertisements.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Nyt strongly emphasizes the importance of credible information and rigorous research in the field of ufology. The editorial stance, particularly in the "Leder" (Editorial) section by Kim Møller Hansen, highlights the challenges posed by the internet's "information chaos" and the need for organizations like SUFOI to provide factual, well-researched information to the public. There is a clear commitment to continuing the work of investigating UFO phenomena, acknowledging that while many sightings can be explained, a significant number remain unresolved mysteries. The magazine also champions transparency, as seen in the coverage of the UK's decision to open its archives, and advocates for the public's right to information through initiatives like the 'Freedom of Information Act'. The editorial also stresses the value of SUFOI's extensive historical archive of 15,000 reports as a resource for future research, encouraging collaboration with international organizations to further understanding. The overall tone is one of dedication to serious, critical inquiry into UFO phenomena, while remaining open to the possibility of unknown natural or even extraterrestrial explanations.

This issue of UFO-Nyt, dated 1/2008, is titled "UFO-arkiver" (UFO Archives) and focuses on historical UFO investigations and phenomena. It features articles on CIA reports, electromagnetic interference (EM effects) caused by UFOs, and the history of the UFO Fondet af 1979.

CIA Report on Soviet UFO Activity

The article begins by referencing a CIA report from August 20, 1953, which was based on a translation of a Swedish newspaper article from July 13, 1953. This report details the Danish Air Force's serious concern about flying saucers. Military experts believed that while most sightings could be attributed to astronomical phenomena, some observations by trained personnel suggested that these objects might be launched from Soviet bases in the Arctic Sea. The Danish Air Force had compiled a report for the Defense Staff on aerial phenomena over Denmark and adjacent waters, based on radar station reports. These observations were compared to reports of guided missiles seen over northern Norway and Finland, leading to the conclusion that these projectiles could have originated from a Soviet base at Novaya Zemlya.

The report also mentions an observation by an officer and seven men from Karup Air Station in Jutland on November 12, 1952, who saw an object resembling an aircraft but moving much faster than any known type. Danish observations were compared with Norwegian ones, including a specific sighting near Horten in October 1952 of an unknown aircraft over a naval base. Another incident involved a military exercise near Bodø, where an anti-aircraft battery observed a mysterious object at high altitude; a jet sent to intercept it was unable to reach the object, which then disappeared at high speed. The CIA report concluded that this "flying saucer traffic" over Scandinavia was of significant aero-technical interest.

The article critically examines the CIA's reliance on newspaper clippings, noting that the CIA report itself states it used the Swedish newspaper "Morgon-Tidningen" and checked Danish newspapers like "Berlingske Tidende," "Social-Demokraten," "Politiken," and "Information" without success. It suggests that the Danish article by Hans Edvard Teglers in "Berlingske Aftenavis" on July 11, 1953, titled "'Tallerken-rapport' til Forsvarsstaben" (Saucer Report to the Defense Staff), likely served as the basis for the Swedish article.

CIA Report from the Baltic Sea Area (1976)

A separate section details a CIA "Foreign Intelligence Information Report" (no. OO-E-324/33601/76, dated November 18, 1976) concerning a peculiar bright light observed from a routine flight en route from Moscow to London in 1976. The report was censored, with blacked-out sections indicating removed information. The incident occurred on September 10, 1976, during a British European Airways (BEA) flight (nr. 831) between Moscow and London. Between 6 PM and 7 PM, at an altitude of approximately 33,000 feet (9,900 meters), likely within Lithuanian airspace, a single, blinding light was observed off the starboard side of the aircraft. The light was estimated to be 10-15 miles away and 5,000-6,000 feet below the aircraft, above a low cloud layer. The light was intensely bright, described as yellowish like a sodium lamp, and illuminated the cloud layer below with a glowing sheen. The BEA pilot reported being disturbed by the light and requested identification from Soviet authorities via radio, who provided a negative response and asked him not to inquire further. The light was observed for about 10-15 minutes until the aircraft passed.

The article discusses possible explanations for this light, ruling out astronomical phenomena due to its description and behavior. While military exercises are considered, the Soviet response suggests either ignorance or a reluctance to engage with a Western airliner. The possibility of flares (faldskærmsblus) is also discussed, but the reported altitude of approximately 8 kilometers is considered too high for typical flares. The report concludes that other "military explanations" cannot be entirely ruled out but that a definitive explanation remains elusive.

Electromagnetic Interference (EM Effects) from UFOs

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the phenomenon of electromagnetic interference (EM effects) attributed to UFOs. The article "Nærobservationer af 2. grad" (Close Observations of 2nd Kind), part 1, explores how machines malfunction in the presence of UFOs: car engines stall, lights go out, radios become noisy, and power supplies fail. These effects are presented as strong evidence for the physical nature of UFOs, as they are registered in hundreds of cases and cannot be easily dismissed as hallucinations.

A 1985 study by George D. Fawcett analyzed 1,278 reports and found 370 cases of "electromagnetic interference caused by UFOs" affecting various devices, and 37 cases where the power grid failed during UFO observations. Fawcett stated that this phenomenon is global and challenges science. Mark Rodeghier's 1981 catalog of 441 EM-related vehicle incidents indicated they constituted about 1.5% of cases in the UFOCAT database. Early cases date back to 1909, with a motorcycle headlight failing, and more documented instances from the 1940s, 1950s, and the French UFO wave of 1954 (24 EM cases).

The article discusses the Condon Commission's skepticism, noting that while some witnesses reported UFOs stopping car engines and affecting radios, a diesel tractor with no spark plug continued to run. Donald Hooven of Ford Motor Co. suggested that an immense electrical force would be required to stop a car. The article also examines specific cases, such as one in Richmond, Indiana (January 1967), where a car's speedometer, battery charging, and oil gauge malfunctioned after observing a self-luminous object. Investigations attributed these issues to mechanical faults, but the timing was suspicious.

Other cases include a 1967 incident in Elsinore, California, where a car's clock stopped, paint peeled, and a cassette tape was distorted after an encounter. The article notes that many EM-related reports have later been explained as misinterpretations, citing Allan Hendry's work. Examples include misidentifications of Venus or stars as UFOs causing car problems. The variation in reported effects (engine failure, headlight failure, radio failure, or combinations) is highlighted, as is the distinction between temporary and permanent failures.

The article also touches upon the historical roots of the EM effect concept, tracing it back to early 20th-century pulp fiction and science fiction stories that imagined weapons capable of disrupting electricity, radio waves, and engines. Figures like Nikola Tesla and his experiments with energy transmission are mentioned in this context, as are fictional portrayals of "death rays" and magnetic storms. The article notes that by the 1930s, the idea of EM interference was appearing in films and serials, with stories about machines that could stop other machines or disrupt electrical systems.

UFO Fondet af 1979

This section details the establishment and activities of the "UFO Fondet af 1979" (UFO Fund of 1979). Initiated in 1978 by Bent Eriksen, a key organizer of annual UFO seminars, the fund was created to set aside profits from these events to cover potential future deficits. The fund aimed to be independent of UFO organizations, reflecting the seminar's goal of independence.

The first board included representatives from SUFOI, FUFOS, IGAP, and an independent member. The fund's purpose was twofold: to provide financial reserves for future events and to periodically award a "UFO grant" to individuals who had made a "meritorious contribution to UFO work." This grant, though small, carried significant honor.

The article lists the recipients of æresbevisninger (honorary awards) and grants from 1980 to 2007, including X.P. Madsen, Per Andersen, H.C. Petersen, Kim Møller Hansen, Ole Henningsen, Frank Lerbæk, Torben Birkeholm, Hans Bødker, Toke Haunstrup, Per Borgaard, Ole J. Knudsen, and Bent Eriksen.

It is noted that the last summer seminar was held in 1984, and the fund's purpose had largely ceased to exist. Consequently, the board decided to dissolve the fund. The final grants were awarded to five individuals who had made significant contributions to UFO work in Denmark. These awards were presented at SUFOI's jubilee conference in Lyngby on November 10, 2007, marking the end of the UFO Fondet's activities. The magazine provides brief motivations for these awards.

Honorees and Their Contributions

• Hans Bødker: Recognized for over 35 years of consulting and analyzing photos and videos for SUFOI, contributing significantly to Danish UFO research with his background in aviation and technical expertise.
• Toke Haunstrup: Acknowledged for his exceptional contributions to serious UFO research, focusing on reports, managing SUFOI's alarm and report centers, and training report takers. He also authored the booklet "Når du ser et stjerneskud" (When you see a shooting star) and was a key figure in the comprehensive report "50 år med ufoer" (50 years with UFOs).
• Per Borgaard: Praised for his active engagement and debate in UFO matters since the 1950s, maintaining an independent perspective. He was noted for his refreshing viewpoints, keeping SUFOI focused on important issues, and advocating for knowledge over belief.
• Ole J. Knudsen: Honored for managing SUFOI's Alarmcentral from 1977 to 1991. He was instrumental in establishing a pragmatic approach to UFO observations and was known for his engaging presentations of UFO topics.
• Bent Eriksen: Posthumously recognized for his role as a driving force behind UFO Fondet af 1979 and his involvement in organizing UFO seminars. He was a key figure in the Fredericia UFO group and advocated for a "UFO summer house" concept.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights the importance of rigorous investigation and data-driven analysis in UFO research, contrasting it with mere belief. There is a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims and a focus on historical documentation, including official reports and early fictional portrayals of phenomena that later became associated with UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, acknowledging its complexities and the challenges in finding definitive explanations, while also recognizing the contributions of dedicated researchers and organizations within the field.

The issue emphasizes the historical evolution of UFO concepts, from early fictional accounts of electromagnetic interference to documented cases and the role of organizations like SUFOI and the CIA in investigating these phenomena. The magazine aims to archive and present these findings for a dedicated readership interested in the UFO subject.

Title: Danske observationer
Issue: 1/2008
Volume: 21
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Date: January 2008

This issue of UFO-Nyt focuses on Danish UFO observations, astronomical topics, and related literature. It features a detailed account of a sighting by an air traffic controller, a tribute to a renowned science fiction author, and discussions on UFO phenomena in Japan.

Flyveleder så lysfænomen

The lead article details an observation made by 37-year-old air traffic controller Henrik Nykjær on November 23, 2007, at 23:48 from the control tower at Aalborg Airport. Nykjær observed a bright, yellow light rising in the southern sky, approximately 185 degrees south of Aalborg. He described the light as being too strong and yellow to be an aircraft light, noting its high initial speed which then decreased. He estimated the object was moving on an upward and outward trajectory, possibly in a southwest direction, as its brightness and size diminished with altitude. After 4-5 minutes, it was barely visible at approximately 220 degrees, about 30 degrees above the horizon. Nykjær confirmed he was alone on duty and that no aircraft were in the immediate vicinity that could have caused the observation. He also stated that radar did not detect any unusual activity in the area, with altitude filters set from ground to FL240 and maximum radar range exceeding 125 nautical miles. He concluded that while it might be a natural phenomenon, its nature remained interesting and unknown.

Ikke fly fra Flyvevåbnet

SUFOI contacted the Flyvertaktisk Kommando (FTK) in Karup to inquire about potential military aircraft involvement. FTK responded that the only aircraft in the area during that timeframe was a C-130J Hercules transport plane returning from Greenland, which landed at Aalborg Airport at 00:26 local time and would have been registered by the control tower.

Ikke meteor eller satellitundergang

The article dismisses the possibility of a meteor or satellite re-entry. It notes that a Soviet satellite, SL-6 R/B(2), launched in 1992, was scheduled to burn up in the atmosphere around that date, but it was not reported as visible from Denmark. Furthermore, SUFOI and the Danish Fireball Central under the Astronomical Society's Meteor Section received no other reports of similar phenomena. The long duration of the observation also makes a meteor unlikely.

Endvidere tyder beskrivelsen af fænomenet heller ikke umiddelbart på en observation af en satellit, fx en Iridium-satellit, der kan give meget kraftige, også gentagne lysglimt på himlen.

The observed phenomenon remains unidentified, and UFO-Nyt invites readers to share any comments.

Kort fortalt

90-års fødselsdag

This section commemorates the 90th birthday of science fiction author Arthur C. Clarke, who lived and worked in Sri Lanka. Clarke, born in 1917, celebrated his birthday in Colombo with three wishes: discovery of new energy resources, lasting peace in Sri Lanka, and the discovery of other intelligent life in the universe. He expressed his lifelong belief that humanity is not alone and awaits a sign or 'phone call' from extraterrestrial intelligence. The article highlights Clarke's extensive literary career, including his seminal work "2001: A Space Odyssey," which was based on his short story "The Sentinel." The asteroid (4923) Clarke and the dinosaur Serendipaceratops arthurcclarkei are named in his honor. The text also references Clarke's early technical descriptions of spaceflight and his prescient ideas about communication satellites, including the concept of geostationary orbits. Despite being wheelchair-bound due to illness, Clarke celebrated with guests including Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov and Sri Lanka's President Mahinda Rajapakse.

Japan og ufoerne

The Japanese government officially stated that it has no confirmed reports of unidentified flying objects from outer space. However, Ryuji Yamana, a member of the opposition party, received this official response. Later, Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura, while reiterating the government's official stance, surprised the press by stating his personal conviction that UFOs exist. A discussion ensued regarding potential legal frameworks for UFO landings in Japan. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda responded diplomatically when asked about his opinion, stating that their existence has not yet been confirmed.

Læsertilbud

This section offers books for sale to readers:

• Konspirationsteorier: A paperback by Lars Bugge featuring 60 conspiracy theories from around the world, illustrated, 219 pages, priced at kr. 49.95.
• 50 år med ufoer: A 144-page report by Toke Haunstrup detailing 50 years of SUFOI's report work, well-illustrated, priced at kr. 180.00.
• UFO-Nyt special issue (nr. 4/2007): Priced at kr. 79.00.

A coupon is provided for ordering these materials, with invoices sent for orders over kr. 250.00. A postage and handling fee of kr. 30.00 applies to book orders.

Bestillingskupon

Details on how to order the books and reports, including name, address, and selection options.

En astronomisk rejse

This article reviews Jan Teuber's book "Himlen set fra Jorden" (Heaven Seen from Earth). Teuber, an astrophysicist and prolific writer, has created a visually stunning book with short, informative texts that guide the reader through the universe. The book features numerous high-quality photographs, some double-page spreads, making it comparable to a museum publication. It covers topics from humanity's past understanding of the cosmos to current discoveries in our solar system and beyond, including comets, the Kuiper Belt, nebulae, galaxies, and observatories like the Hubble Space Telescope. The review praises the book's aesthetic appeal and its ability to convey the beauty and vastness of space, noting that modern technology has greatly enhanced our access to detailed astronomical imagery. The reviewer highlights that the book is not a textbook but rather an educational picture book, weighing 1.7 kg and offering compelling reasons to explore its contents.

Jan Teuber

Jan Teuber, born in 1948, is an astrophysicist specializing in cosmology. He is an author, translator, and frequent lecturer, known for his accessible and informative writing style. He has a long list of publications, including articles in scientific journals and popular science magazines.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings and related phenomena, often investigating potential explanations from natural events to man-made objects. There is a clear interest in documenting eyewitness accounts and providing context through expert analysis and research. The publication also engages with broader topics such as astronomy, science fiction, and conspiracy theories, reflecting a multifaceted approach to unexplained phenomena and scientific inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, encouraging reader participation and providing a platform for discussion and information sharing within the UFO and astronomy communities.