UFO Nyt - No 1 2009

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: 1/2009
Volume: 51
Date: 1st quarter, 2009
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-Nyt, the Danish magazine dedicated to UFO phenomena, focuses heavily on the theme of crashes, both alleged UFO incidents and actual crashes of experimental aircraft. The cover features a dramatic image of a windmill with a large, blurry object in the sky, hinting at the 'Mysteriet i Aurora' (The Aurora Mystery) article.

Contents

The issue's table of contents highlights several key articles:

• Når myter falder til jorden (When Myths Fall to Earth): An editorial by Kim Møller Hansen setting the tone for the issue, discussing how myths about UFO crashes might be explained by terrestrial events.
• Verdens første ufo-styrt (The World's First UFO Crash): An article exploring historical accounts of alleged crashes.
• Mysteriet i Aurora (The Aurora Mystery): A detailed examination of the 1897 Aurora, Texas, crash incident.
• Jagten på vragrester (The Hunt for Wreckage): An investigation into the possibility of finding debris from secret aircraft that could be mistaken for UFOs.
• Hvad så Buzz Aldrin? (What About Buzz Aldrin?): Likely a piece related to astronaut accounts or skepticism.
• Afslørende nyt om Condon-rapporten (Revealing News about the Condon Report): An update on the controversial U.S. Air Force study of UFOs.
• Ufologi og videnskab, 1. del (Ufology and Science, Part 1): The first part of a series exploring the scientific aspects of ufology.
• Læsertilbud (Reader Offer): A special offer for readers.
• Når englehåret daler (When Angel Hair Falls): A more esoteric or unusual UFO-related topic.

Editorial: Når myter falder til jorden

Kim Møller Hansen opens the issue with an editorial that frames the central theme: crashes. He explains that his interest was piqued by the book "X-Plane Crashes" by Peter W. Merlin and Tony Moore, which investigates experimental aircraft crashes. Hansen suggests that many UFO crash stories might actually be distorted accounts of real crashes involving secret experimental aircraft, rather than extraterrestrial vehicles. He also references a DR2 television program about UFOs that featured a segment on the alleged 1948 UFO crash near Aztec, New Mexico. This incident, popularized by Frank Scully's book "Behind the Flying Saucers," involved claims by Silas Newton and Leo GeBauer about a crashed alien craft. However, journalist J.P. Cahn exposed Newton and GeBauer as frauds in 1952, revealing their 'mysterious metal' to be terrestrial aluminum. Despite this, the Aztec incident continues to be a subject of interest. Hansen also mentions Ryan S. Wood, who has documented numerous alleged UFO crash sites worldwide, but cautions that anecdotal evidence without documentation is insufficient.

The Aurora Mystery

The article "Mysteriet i Aurora" details the famous 1897 incident in Aurora, Texas. It recounts a report from "The Dallas Morning News" describing an airship that crashed into a windmill, exploding and scattering debris. The pilot was described as not being from this world, with some speculating he was from Mars. The article notes that the craft was made of an unknown metal resembling aluminum and silver. However, it later delves into the debunking of this story. Investigations by William F. Driskell, prompted by Dr. J. J. Allen Hynek, revealed that the story was likely a hoax fabricated by S.E. Haydon, a cotton buyer and writer, to boost the town's profile after it was bypassed by a new railway line and suffering from economic hardship and disease outbreaks. The article highlights how the legend persisted, fueled by subsequent media attention and the inherent appeal of such mysteries, even leading to treasure hunters desecrating the local cemetery.

The Hunt for Wreckage

"Jagten på vragrester" (The Hunt for Wreckage) explores the possibility that debris from secret military aircraft crashes could be mistaken for UFO wreckage. The article discusses the crash of the Northrop YB-49 flying wing in 1948, where wreckage was scattered over a large area. It notes that even after the military collected 'all' debris, fragments were still found years later. Another example is the crash of a B-1A prototype in 1984, where the wreckage was more recent and less thoroughly cleared. The authors, Peter W. Merlin and Tony Moore, are part of the "Aerospace Archeology Field Research Team" and have investigated numerous crash sites of experimental aircraft, suggesting that the secrecy surrounding these projects could lead to misidentification.

Other Articles and Sections

• Verdens første ufo-styrt (The World's First UFO Crash): This section details the 1783 balloon flight of Jacques Alexandre Cesar Charles. While not a UFO crash, it describes a public reaction of fear and confusion to an unknown aerial phenomenon, drawing parallels to 'cargo cults.' The event involved a hydrogen-filled balloon that landed in a field near Gonesse, France, causing panic among the local population who initially perceived it as a 'monster.'
• Cargo-kult (Cargo Cult): A brief explanation of cargo cults, religious movements that emerged in Melanesia after World War I, characterized by beliefs in the imminent return of ancestors and the arrival of vast material wealth (cargo) from the sky.
• Ufologi og videnskab, 1. del (Ufology and Science, Part 1): This section likely begins a discussion on the scientific approach to studying UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the investigation of alleged UFO crashes and the potential for misidentification of terrestrial events as extraterrestrial. The editorial stance, as articulated by Kim Møller Hansen, is critical and investigative, seeking rational explanations for phenomena often shrouded in myth and speculation. The magazine aims to separate fact from fiction, suggesting that many UFO stories, particularly crash narratives, may stem from misinterpretations of secret military projects or outright hoaxes. The publication emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and documentation, while acknowledging the enduring appeal of UFO mysteries.

Title: Nedstyrtninger (Crashes)
Issue: 1/2009
Publisher: UFO-NYT
Date: January 2009

This issue of UFO-NYT focuses on alleged UFO crash incidents and the subsequent investigations, often involving military cover-ups and the challenges faced by researchers.

B-36 Bomber Incident (May 22, 1957)

The article begins with the incident of a B-36 bomber flying to Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, when an unarmed MK-17 hydrogen bomb detached and fell to the desert surface. The impact created an 8-meter diameter crater and scattered debris over a wide area. Despite the proximity to the control tower, the military's cleanup operation was limited to removing sensitive wreckage, with the crater being leveled by a bulldozer. Thirty years later, investigator Peter Merlin visited the site and found remnants of the bomb's steel casing and other small parts, which were later donated to the National Atomic Museum.

The 'Unavoidable' Nature of Traces

The author posits that regardless of how sensitive a crashed object is, it's impossible to remove all traces. Wreckage can be spread by wind, buried, or hidden by vegetation. Even tire tracks can persist for decades. Merlin's findings at crash sites often include remnants of campfires, discarded food packaging, newspapers, and military rations left by cleanup crews, indicating human presence and activity.

UFO Crashes and the '50-60 Year' Rule

Drawing from the experiences of Curtis Peebles and Peter Merlin, the article suggests that if an extraterrestrial spacecraft had crashed in 1947, there would still be wreckage to find 50-60 years later. This principle is applied to the ongoing debate about UFO crash retrievals.

Kevin Randle's 'A History of UFO Crashes'

The issue discusses Kevin Randle's 1995 book, which is criticized for prioritizing quantity of reports over quality. The article highlights a specific incident mentioned in Randle's book, occurring near Edwards AFB in 1971, which Peter Merlin and Tony Moore identified as a crash of a YF-12A aircraft (Article 1003). Randle's account, based on a witness, described a loud noise, a crash, and military personnel confiscating cameras and ordering civilians away. The witness described a dark gray, seamless craft with no windows. Merlin and Moore's investigation confirmed the YF-12A crash, finding debris including titanium parts and a large section of the wing.

CIA's A-12 Oxcart Crash (May 1963)

The article details the crash of a CIA A-12 Oxcart aircraft (Article 123) in May 1963 near Wendover, Utah. The pilot, Kenneth Collins, ejected safely after ice formation on the airspeed indicator made the aircraft uncontrollable. The crash occurred in a remote area to avoid public attention. The CIA's efforts to conceal the crash involved transporting the wreckage to Area 51 using C-124 cargo planes. A cover story was fabricated, involving a pilot from Hughes Aircraft Company testing electronic equipment, to mislead the press. Journalist Art Kent of KUTV in Salt Lake City nearly exposed the incident but was persuaded to hand over his photographic evidence to the authorities.

General Robert M. Bond's Crash (April 1984)

In contrast to the CIA's elaborate cover-ups, the Air Force's explanation for General Robert M. Bond's crash near Area 51 in April 1984 was less creative. Initially described as a crash of a 'specially constructed test aircraft,' it was later revealed to be a Soviet MiG-23 Flogger. Bond was participating in the 'Constant Peg' project, which involved training with captured enemy aircraft.

The Roswell Myth and its Revival

The article revisits the Roswell incident, noting how Charles Berlitz and William L. Moore's 1980 book 'The Roswell UFO Crash' revived the myth. The authors are accused of inventing the story, as many 'witnesses' with vivid recollections only emerged after the book's publication. The U.S. Air Force's explanation of a Mogul balloon crash in 1994 is presented as the official, albeit less sensational, account.

Investigating the Roswell Site

Researchers like Peter Merlin and Tom Kinzel are dedicated to investigating crash sites. Their search for evidence at the purported Roswell crash site was hampered by the lack of clear aerial photographs from 1947. The article describes the site as a valley with rolling hills and rock formations, but definitive proof of a crash was elusive.

The Ubatuba Metal Fragments

In September 1957, journalist Ibrahim Sued of 'O Globo' received metal fragments from an anonymous source, claiming they were from a crashed flying disc near Ubatuba, Brazil. The fragments, described as lightweight and composed of nearly pure magnesium, were initially believed to be of extraterrestrial origin. However, later analyses by Roy Craig and Dow Chemical's Metallurgical Laboratory concluded that the metal did not differ significantly from terrestrial magnesium produced at the time and found no evidence of extraordinary craft.

Project Blue Book and its Leadership

The article touches upon the leadership of Project Blue Book, with Hector Quintanilla being the last chief. He was known for his diligence in investigating UFO reports, even if he lacked scientific training. The issue of UFO-NYT also includes a photograph of Quintanilla holding what appears to be a copper shell with radio parts, suggesting that many alleged UFO artifacts have terrestrial explanations.

Astronauts and UFOs: Buzz Aldrin

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the question of whether astronauts have seen UFOs. It addresses claims, often amplified by YouTube videos, that astronauts have witnessed unexplained phenomena. The article focuses on Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the Moon, and his alleged UFO sighting during the Apollo 11 mission.

Aldrin's Apollo 11 Sighting

Aldrin reportedly stated in an interview that he, Neil Armstrong, and Mike Collins saw an unidentified object following their spacecraft. However, the article clarifies that this statement was taken out of context and distorted by the interviewer and editors. Aldrin explained that the object was likely a panel from the rocket's upper stage, which was about 10,000 km away and could not be tracked from Earth. He expressed frustration with the misrepresentation of his account.

Misinformation and Misinterpretation

The article criticizes the editing of the Science Channel interview with Aldrin, which created the impression that he had seen a UFO. Aldrin's subsequent attempts to correct the record on CNN's Larry King Live were reportedly cut short. The author suggests that many internet claims about astronauts seeing UFOs are based on misinterpretations or fabricated stories, often originating from 'leaks' from anonymous NASA employees.

Astronauts' Beliefs in Aliens

While no NASA astronaut has officially reported seeing a UFO in space, the article notes that some, like Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell, believe that some UFO reports are genuine and that governments may be aware of extraterrestrial visits. However, Mitchell himself has not claimed to have seen aliens.

The Apollo Program's End

The abrupt end of the Apollo program is questioned, with a conspiracy theory suggesting it was due to alien warnings. The official explanation cites a shift in political priorities under the Nixon administration.

The Condon Report: New Revelations

The issue delves into new revelations concerning the Condon Report, based on a collection of documents from Roy Craig's archive. These documents suggest that the project leader, Edward U. Condon, did not read his own report before writing the conclusions and recommendations. A confidential memo from physicist Joseph Rush revealed that over 50% of the cases studied by the project remained unexplained, a fact that seemed to contradict Condon's final conclusions.

Evidence of Manipulation?

The article raises the possibility of manipulation within the Condon Report. It points out that the percentage of unexplained cases dropped from over 50% to around 34% by the time the final report was published. This reduction, occurring after all investigations were supposedly complete, suggests that some reports may have been reclassified or altered to fit the report's predetermined anti-UFO conclusion.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions official explanations for unexplained aerial phenomena, highlighting instances where military or governmental agencies may have engaged in cover-ups or misinformation. The editorial stance appears to favor a critical examination of UFO reports, acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained events while also debunking hoaxes and misinterpretations. The recurring theme is the persistent human fascination with the unknown and the quest for evidence, even when faced with skepticism and official denial. The magazine emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and the challenges of separating fact from fiction in the realm of UFO research.

Title: UFO-forskning
Issue: 1/2009
Volume: 21
Date: January 2009
Publisher: UFO-Nyt
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Cover Headline: Ufologi og videnskab 1. del

This issue of UFO-Nyt delves into the complex relationship between ufology and science, questioning whether ufology can be considered a legitimate scientific discipline. The cover features a photograph of Nick Pope, who was responsible for the British Ministry of Defence's UFO project from 1991 to 1994, speaking at a SUFOI conference.

Ufology and Science: The First Part

The article begins by posing the question of the connection between ufology and science, referencing a famous British Telecom TV commercial that suggested anyone with an 'ology' is a scientist. However, it immediately contrasts this with the reality that the scientific community largely dismisses ufology as a hobby, despite some ufologists being scientifically trained and some researchers being open-minded.

History

The history of official UFO investigations is traced, noting the long-standing but often unstable relationship between science and ufology. Dr. J. Allen Hynek's role as a scientific consultant for the U.S. Air Force's UFO projects (Sign, Grudge, and Blue Book) is highlighted. The British Ministry of Defence's UFO project is also discussed, emphasizing that a scientist, Sir Henry Tizard, was instrumental in its establishment. Tizard's stance was that reports of flying saucers should not be dismissed without investigation. Professor R. V. Jones, head of the British Ministry of Defence's scientific intelligence service, had previously investigated reports of 'foo fighters' and 'ghost rockets'. The data collection forms used by Project Blue Book and the British Ministry of Defence were designed by researchers to facilitate serious investigations.

Science versus Government

The article examines the government's peculiar relationship with science. While acknowledging the need for scientific expertise in fields like the military and intelligence services, it notes that scientists are often misunderstood or even feared. The influence of figures like Lindemann (later Lord Cherwell), Winston Churchill's central scientific advisor, is mentioned. Despite Churchill's reliance on Lindemann for scientific advice, skeptical officials in the Ministry of Aviation convinced him that further investigation into UFOs was unnecessary after his inquiry in July 1952. The article suggests that scientists like Lindemann are exceptions, and generally, governments have not utilized scientific expertise in UFO projects to the extent they could have, citing Hynek's position outside the main USAF team as an example.

The British Stance

It is noted that there were no full-time scientific advisors in the British government's UFO project. While conditions varied over the years, the author, Nick Pope, states that during his tenure, and possibly at other times, it was possible to call upon scientific expertise as needed, generally from specialists in the military intelligence service's scientific and technical departments. Pope expresses a desire for a full-time scientific consultant, such as an astronomer, astrophysicist, or aeronautical engineer, but acknowledges that some leaders were reluctant to allocate more resources.

Project Condign

Nick Pope also discusses Project Condign, which had its roots in discussions he had with scientific and technical department personnel in 1993, before the investigation officially began. The project aimed to study Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) by replacing the term 'UFO'. However, Pope had left the UFO project by the time Project Condign was launched, and his successors did not maintain as close a collaboration, receiving only peripheral information. The final report was a disappointment due to secrecy restrictions, preventing peer review and debate. The author criticizes the report for resorting to explanations lacking scientific basis, such as exotic atmospheric plasma phenomena or electromagnetic brain effects, when faced with limitations.

Science versus Ufology

Ufology has historically faced difficulties without official state projects, and ufologists have often been criticized by scientists. The article mentions Donald Menzel and Sir Patrick Moore as prominent critics. It argues that good ufology is indistinguishable from other scientific programs, citing Project Hessdalen in Norway and BUFORA's Anamnesis Project as examples of 'scientific ufologies'. The author laments that much of ufology is not scientific, either due to the bias of researchers (skeptics and believers alike) or a lack of necessary expertise and resources. Pope expresses a belief that scientists and ufologists share more common ground than they might realize, particularly in their pursuit of knowledge.

Redaktørens noter (Editor's Notes)

1. A link to www.hessdalen.org is provided.
2. Anamnesis refers to a medical history. Ken Phillips of BUFORA worked with Austrian psychologist Dr. Alex Keul on the Anamnesis Project, which concluded that UFO witnesses represented a broad cross-section of the population and were not particularly prone to fantasy.

Læsertilbud (Reader Offers)

This section presents various books and publications available for purchase through SUFOI:

• 50 år med ufoer: A 144-page report by Toke Haunstrup documenting 50 years of UFO reporting in Denmark, with illustrations. Price: 180 DKK.
• UFO-Nyt særnummer: A 24-page summary of the book '50 år med ufoer', written by journalist Per Borgaard. Price: 79 DKK.
• Mysterier fra rummet: By Klaus Aarsleff, detailing close encounters, journeys to UFO hotspots, cattle mutilations, and messages from the universe. Includes a DVD with film and photo material, and Orson Welles' 'War of the Worlds' radio play. Price: 269 DKK.
• UFOs: A Century of Sightings: By historian Michael David Hall, covering the history of the UFO phenomenon from 1896 to the present. A 375-page book. Price: 329 DKK.
• UFO-Nyt årgang 2009 (introductory offer): Price: 247 DKK.
• UFO-Nyt 5 års abonnement (2009-2013): Price: 1,535 DKK.
• Universet - dodt eller levende?: Price: 249 DKK.
• Bad Astronomy (English): Price: 159 DKK.
• Når du ser et stjerneskud (guide): Free.

A booking coupon is provided for ordering these items.

Når englehåret daler (When Angel Hair Falls)

This article, by Stefan Roslund, discusses the phenomenon of 'angel hair'. It describes how this substance, often described as sticky, has been interpreted in UFO literature as a result of alien spacecraft propulsion systems, with at least 200 reported cases. However, the article notes a lack of well-documented reports where witnesses saw 'angel hair' descending from an unidentified object and had it analyzed by a reputable laboratory to confirm its non-terrestrial origin. It suggests that two independent events—the observation of a celestial phenomenon and the discovery of 'flying spiders'—have been largely conflated. A photograph from 1962 by Dr. E. S. Ross is shown. The article also references a 1979 incident at Stauning Airport in Denmark, where a candyfloss-like substance was found and later identified by a zoologist as spiderweb. The text mentions that this phenomenon has been linked to the 1950s, with claims that witnesses have seen unexplained objects in the sky followed by the discovery of white, light threads.

Gratis nyhedsbrev (Free Newsletter)

Readers are invited to subscribe to the free electronic newsletter UFO-Mail by visiting www.ufo.dk.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the intersection of ufology and science, the historical context of government UFO investigations, and the challenges of scientific acceptance for UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena while emphasizing the need for rigorous scientific methodology and evidence. The magazine promotes a range of books and resources related to UFO studies, suggesting a commitment to informing its readership about various aspects of the field, from historical accounts to scientific analysis.