UFO Nyt - No 4 2009

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Nyt
Issue: 4/2009
Volume: 51st year
Date: 4th Quarter 2009
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976

Articles and Content

Editorial: "Med rumskib til Venus..." (With Spaceship to Venus...)

The editorial, written by Kim Møller Hansen, discusses how UFOs and alien spacecraft are often sensationalized in the media, particularly when public figures make unusual statements. It references the former First Lady of Japan, Miyuki Hatoyama, who claimed to have traveled to Venus in a triangular spaceship during a past life experience. The editorial also touches upon statements made by former Apollo astronaut Edgar Mitchell regarding extraterrestrial life and government cover-ups, and critiques the media's tendency to sensationalize such claims without sufficient evidence. It highlights that even prominent figures like former US President Jimmy Carter's sighting of Venus was misinterpreted as a UFO.

"Da ufoerne blev rumskibe, 2. del" (When UFOs Became Spaceships, Part 2)

This historical article, authored by Kim Møller Hansen, details the period between 1947-1951, a crucial time when the 'flying saucer' myth was solidified. It explains how the fear and paranoia of the Cold War, coupled with best-selling books, widespread newspaper coverage, and early films, transformed peaceful, unidentified aerial phenomena into perceived alien spacecraft, ghost rockets, and hostile alien vessels. The article recounts the initial reports of Kenneth Arnold's sighting in 1947, where he described nine disc-shaped objects flying at high speed. It details the journalistic efforts to report this event, including the role of Bill Bequette and Nolan Skiff, and how the term 'flying saucer' gained traction. The article also references "Project 1947," an initiative by Jan Aldrich to collect and document UFO reports from that era, and Ted Bloecher's extensive research compiling over 850 saucer reports from June-July 1947. It notes the surge in sightings around July 4th, 1947, and the subsequent decline, contrasting it with the Roswell incident's explanation as a weather balloon. The piece also touches upon the public's initial interpretations of these objects, with a significant portion believing them to be secret American weapons.

"Fri-energi og evighedsmaskiner" (Free Energy and Perpetual Motion Machines)

Authored by Peder Schultz, this article explores the concept of 'free energy' – the idea of machines producing endless energy without consuming resources. It traces the concept's origins, possibly to Jules Verne's "Nautilus," and discusses how 'free energy' machines are often referred to as 'perpetual motion machines' or 'eternal motors.' The article connects this concept to UFOs, suggesting that some ufologists propose UFOs are powered by such generators. It highlights attempts by inventors to build these machines and patent their designs, noting their historical attempts to gain military interest. The article explains that the rise of ufology in 1947 provided a niche for free energy theories, with proponents suggesting interstellar spacecraft could draw energy from the vacuum of space. However, it argues that the introduction of free energy might weaken the interstellar travel hypothesis by offering an overly simple solution. The piece also discusses Sean McCarthy's 2006 attempt to reintroduce the concept of free energy and the scientific community's rejection of it, citing the laws of thermodynamics. It concludes that despite scientific skepticism, the dream of free energy is likely to persist.

"Dommedag - igen" (Doomsday - Again)

This section addresses the popular belief that the world will end on December 21, 2012, coinciding with the end of the ancient Maya calendar. The article, citing Maya expert Finn Madsen, debunks this prediction, stating that the Maya never foresaw the end of the world. Madsen explains that the film "2012" is purely speculative and commercially driven. He clarifies that the Maya calendar's end signifies the conclusion of a cycle, not an apocalypse, and that the Maya would likely have celebrated such an event. The article contrasts this view with numerous websites and videos that link the Maya calendar's end to doomsday prophecies, drawing parallels with Nostradamus. It also briefly mentions selected headlines from American newspapers in early 1951, reflecting the Cold War context with news of the Korean War and the Rosenberg espionage case.

Other Content:

• "Ufoer i videnskabeligt lys" (UFOs in Scientific Light): This article likely discusses the scientific approach to studying UFO phenomena.
• "Da ufoerne blev rumskibe" (When UFOs Became Spaceships): This is the second part of a series, focusing on the historical development of the UFO myth.
• "Et rumfarts- og ufo-cirkus" (A Spaceflight and UFO Circus): This piece might explore the intersection of space exploration and UFOlogy.
• "Nye planeter" (New Planets): Possibly discussing astronomical discoveries.
• "Ufoer og videnskabelig selvforståelse" (UFOs and Scientific Self-Understanding): An article examining how UFO phenomena challenge or interact with scientific understanding.
• "Hvad har 60 års ufo-forskning betydet?" (What Has 60 Years of UFO Research Meant?): A retrospective on the impact and findings of UFO research over six decades.
• "Hul i skyerne..." (Hole in the Clouds...): A title suggesting a specific UFO sighting or phenomenon.
• "Hvad i alverden!" (What on Earth!): A title implying a puzzling or extraordinary event.
• "Organiseret sludder" (Organized Nonsense): Likely a critical piece on UFO theories or organizations.
• "Læsertilbud" (Reader Offer): A section for special offers to subscribers.

Media and Products:

The magazine highlights how the 'flying saucer' phenomenon influenced popular culture. It mentions products like the "Little Abner Flying Saucer," "Pluto Platter," and the "Frisbee." It also notes the appearance of UFOs in comic strips like "Superman," "Captain Midnight," "Shadow," and "Flash Gordon." Early film portrayals are discussed, including the 1949 film series "Bruce Gentry – Daredevil of the Skies" and the 1950 film "The Flying Saucer," which depicted flying saucers as human inventions. The article also references the 1951 science fiction film "The Thing" and the influential book "Behind the Flying Saucers" by Frank Scully, which, despite its flaws, significantly shaped UFO myths.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Nyt revolve around the historical development and cultural impact of the UFO phenomenon, particularly the 'flying saucer' myth. There's a strong emphasis on debunking sensationalism and promoting a more critical, evidence-based approach to UFO research. The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded stance, distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and media-driven sensationalism or pseudoscience. The editorial stance is critical of unsubstantiated claims, advocating for rigorous investigation and proof, as exemplified by the critique of free energy theories and the debunking of Maya calendar doomsday predictions. The publication also highlights the influence of media and popular culture in shaping public perception of UFOs.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 4/2009, with a cover date of July/August 2009, focuses on the intersection of space exploration, UFO phenomena, and scientific inquiry. The main headline, 'Et rumfarts- og ufo-cirkus' (A spaceflight and UFO circus), sets the tone for articles that blend ambitious commercial space ventures with the persistent mystery of unidentified flying objects.

Bigelow Aerospace and Space Tourism

The lead article introduces Bigelow Aerospace, founded by Las Vegas millionaire Robert Bigelow, known for his "budget suite" hotels. The company is pursuing a unique course in commercial space projects with a bold plan to launch an inflatable space station by 2012, aimed at space tourists. The proposed four-week stay would cost $15 million per person. Unlike many theoretical projects, Bigelow Aerospace has already successfully launched two prototype modules, Genesis I and Genesis II, in 2006 and 2007, respectively. These were inflatable modules equipped with advanced cameras and electronic equipment to demonstrate the viability of this novel approach. Both modules remain in orbit, transmitting data. Bigelow received the Aerospace Innovator Award from the Arthur C. Clarke Foundation in 2006.

Bigelow's Interest in UFOs

Beyond space exploration, Robert Bigelow is also deeply interested in UFOs. The article suggests his motivation might stem from a desire to understand potential UFO encounters with his future space hotels or a belief that UFOs utilize secret propulsion systems. Bigelow has reportedly contacted MUFON, the largest UFO organization in the USA, offering a substantial sum for firsthand information on UFOs. It is speculated that Bigelow's ultimate goal might be to 're-exploit alien technology.' Bigelow has a history of involvement with UFOs and paranormal phenomena, having sponsored the National Institute for Discovery Sciences (NIDS) from 1995 until its inactivity in 2004. NIDS' website, though outdated, details UFO investigations and other unusual topics. A notable NIDS project involved the purchase of a cattle farm in Utah, allegedly plagued by paranormal activity and a shape-shifting entity known as 'Skinwalker.' NIDS researchers investigated the farm in 1996 but found no conclusive evidence despite advanced equipment.

MUFON: The Largest UFO Organization

The article provides a history of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network), describing it as the largest remaining UFO organization in the USA. Founded in Illinois in 1969 by Walt Andrus, it initially operated as the Midwest UFO Network. MUFON emerged as a dominant force after the demise of rival organizations like NICAP and APRO. Walt Andrus led MUFON until his retirement in 2000. The article notes Andrus's confrontational style and his dismissal of skepticism, citing his criticism of the author's book 'The UFO Verdict.' Under his leadership, MUFON reportedly expelled investigators deemed too critical of certain UFO cases, such as the controversial Gulf Breeze photos. John Schuessler succeeded Andrus, followed by the current head, James Carrion, who is described as more cautious and less dismissive of critical questions. Carrion acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding UFOs and does not defend the Roswell crash claims, aligning with J. Allen Hynek's view that UFOs represent something unknown but not necessarily extraterrestrial.

MUFON's structure involves local directors and investigators across the USA. Despite having around 2,500 members nationwide, the organization is described as having a narrow scope, with a large percentage of members doing little active work. Bigelow aims to improve MUFON's efficiency through a 'Star Team Impact Project' (SIP), a five-month to one-year initiative focused on cases with physical evidence, alleged encounters with 'living beings,' or significant anomalies. Simple sightings of lights are insufficient for investigation, a criterion aligned with Hynek's approach. The SIP project is designed to train new investigators and potentially involve 50 scientists ready to respond within 24 hours to significant UFO incidents.

Historical Attempts at UFO Investigation

The article reviews past efforts to systematically investigate UFO reports. J. Allen Hynek proposed a 24-hour hotline in 1967, similar to what was later implemented by the FBI. Peter Davenport's National UFO Reporting Center has collected reports since 1974. In France, CNES established GEPAN in 1977 to investigate UFO reports, but it was discontinued in 2004 due to a lack of convincing findings. In the late 1990s, the Mexican ufologist Jaime Mausson formed 'Los Vigilantes' in response to UFO sightings over Mexico City, but this initiative also failed to yield significant results.

The author expresses skepticism about Bigelow and MUFON's expectations for their 'rapid response team,' questioning why they would succeed where others have failed. The article suggests that UFOlogy should focus on more concrete evidence and avoid relying on unsubstantiated claims or conspiracy theories.

The Scientific Method and UFOs

An article titled 'Ufoer og videnskabelig selvforståelse' (UFOs and scientific self-understanding) by Peder Schultz traces the origins of modern science back to the 17th century. It highlights the shift from natural philosophy to empirical science, exemplified by William Gilbert's work on magnetism, which relied on experiments rather than hearsay. The article discusses Evangelista Torricelli's experiments demonstrating the existence of a vacuum, showcasing science's active role in challenging nature. It notes the initial skepticism towards experimental science but acknowledges its eventual acceptance due to its contribution to technological and economic development. The establishment of patent systems and scientific academies further formalized research.

The article emphasizes the core principles of scientific methodology: forming a hypothesis, designing a testable experiment, and ensuring reproducibility. It criticizes the amateur nature of much UFO research, arguing that it often lacks the rigor and resources of established scientific institutions. The author uses Steven Jones' controversial study on the collapse of the Twin Towers as an example of how 'outsider' research, while potentially challenging established views, can suffer from methodological flaws and a lack of peer review or expert assistance. Similarly, the cold fusion case is presented as an example of how premature public announcements without sufficient scientific validation can lead to scandal and damage scientific credibility.

The author argues that for UFOlogy to be taken seriously by the scientific community, it must adopt a more specific and testable approach. Instead of broad demands to 'take UFOs seriously,' researchers should formulate clear, simple hypotheses that can be investigated using established scientific methods. The article draws a parallel with the scientific acceptance of ball lightning, which was once considered fantasy but is now a recognized phenomenon. It suggests that UFOs could follow a similar path if reframed and presented appropriately to the scientific establishment.

UFO Sightings and the Scientific Community

Another article, 'Hvad har 60 års ufo-forskning betydet?' (What has 60 years of UFO research meant?), reflects on the lack of significant progress in UFOlogy since Allan Hendry's 1979 book, 'The UFO Handbook.' Hendry's prediction that the next 30 years would see a repetition of past frustrations appears to be holding true. A panel of scientists reviewing UFO evidence in 1998 found it lacking in quality and scientific rigor, echoing earlier criticisms by the Condon report. The article critiques the tendency within UFOlogy to focus on conspiracy theories, such as MJ-12, and the search for crashed non-terrestrial spacecraft, arguing that such pursuits yield no concrete evidence and often rely on the assumption of a government cover-up.

The author suggests that UFO organizations should invest in more systematic data collection, such as widespread video surveillance of the sky, similar to how amateur astronomers monitor meteors. This approach, using sensitive cameras and multiple locations, could provide verifiable data for analysis. The article questions the necessity of new 'expert' teams within MUFON, suggesting that existing structures might be inadequate. It concludes by urging ufologists to examine their own methods, warning that continuing with the same approaches will yield the same inconclusive results. The author implies that the pursuit of mystery and sensationalism may be more profitable for ufologists than genuine scientific inquiry.

'Holes in the Sky' Phenomenon

A section titled 'Hul i skyerne' (Hole in the sky) addresses the appearance of peculiar circular cloud formations, often described as 'holes' or 'rings,' that gained attention in October 2009 after images circulated online, particularly from Moscow. While many speculated about UFOs or 'wormholes' connecting to other galaxies, meteorologists offered a natural explanation. They attributed these phenomena to optical effects caused by specific weather conditions, such as the passage of weather fronts, the intrusion of cold Arctic air, and sunlight interacting with ice crystals in high-altitude clouds. These ice crystals can initiate a freezing process in lower clouds, creating visible 'virga' or streaks. Similar phenomena have been observed and photographed in Denmark, with meteorologists from the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) providing explanations consistent with atmospheric processes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific methodology in the study of UFOs and other unusual phenomena. There is a clear critique of amateurish approaches, reliance on conspiracy theories, and a lack of reproducible evidence within much of UFOlogy. The magazine highlights the contrast between speculative or sensationalist claims and the demands of empirical science. The editorial stance appears to favor a skeptical but open-minded approach, encouraging the application of scientific principles to investigate unexplained events, while cautioning against premature conclusions or the acceptance of unsubstantiated evidence. The articles advocate for a more structured, evidence-based approach to understanding UFOs, akin to how meteorology explains atmospheric phenomena.

Title: Danske observationer (Danish Observations)
Issue: 4/2009
Date: October 18, 2009
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

Main Article: 'Hvad i alverden!' (What on earth!)

This section details an unusual aerial phenomenon observed by Toke Haunstrup from SUFOI's report work on the evening of October 18, 2009, near Møn, Denmark. Haunstrup, an experienced observer, described seeing a bright light, followed by a second, dimmer light, and then two diffuse rings. The phenomenon moved with the speed of a distant airplane, initially heading south-west and then moving north-west towards Ursa Major. The rings, which eventually became oval, surrounded the 'handle' of Ursa Major before fading out completely. The entire observation lasted approximately 4-5 minutes.

Haunstrup initially considered the possibility of it being a high-altitude phenomenon. He contacted Ole Henningsen, who was unable to observe due to cloud cover. Haunstrup's partner was also present during the observation.

Later, it was discovered that the phenomenon was likely caused by the release of fuel from a rocket launch. The Atlas V 401 rocket launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in the USA on October 18, 2009, carried the military weather satellite DMSP F-18 into orbit. The exhaust from this launch created spectacular light effects visible across large parts of Europe, including Italy and Finland. The website www.spaceweather.com featured photos and reports of this event.

Oliver Schneider, an observer from Leopoldshöhe, Germany, also photographed the phenomenon. His long-exposure photos show two hazy, distinct lights that appear as streaks due to the exposure time. The original photos also revealed a halo effect around the lights. Schneider's work is credited with providing visual evidence of the event.

Other Articles and Sections

Organized Nonsense (Organiseret sludder)

This section, written by Kim Møller Hansen, discusses the trend of individuals approaching new presidents with specific agendas. It focuses on a petition from Steven M. Greer, leader of CSETI and The Disclosure Project, to U.S. President Barack Obama. Greer urged the president to release UFO documents, stating that humanity is not alone and has been visited by advanced civilizations, advocating for diplomatic initiatives with these 'non-terrestrial visitors'.

The article criticizes Greer's claims, particularly his reliance on the MJ-12 group as evidence, which SUFOI considers a fabricated entity. While SUFOI acknowledges the interest in opening classified UFO archives, it deems Greer's approach unserious and his arguments based on non-existent documentation. The article provides a link to www.sufoi.dk/arkiv/arkiv-ou/stevegre.htm for more information on Greer's projects.

It also mentions Stephen Bassett, a proponent of Greer's views, who appeared on Danish radio and television discussing UFOs with what the article describes as 'horrible claims'.

Book Reviews/Promotions

The magazine includes advertisements and order forms for several books:

• Mysterier fra rummet (Mysteries from space) by Klaus Aarsleff, which includes a DVD with film and photo material, and an animated version of Orson Welles' 'War of the Worlds'.
• UFOs: A Century of Sightings by Michael David Hall, a historian and head of the Montgomery County Historical Society, detailing the history of UFO phenomena from 1896.
• The Nazi UFO Mythos (English)
• Toke Haunstrup: 50 år med ufoer (Toke Haunstrup: 50 years with UFOs)
• UFO-Nyt særnummer (nr. 4/2007) (UFO-Nyt special issue no. 4/2007)
• UFO-Nyt årgang 2010 (UFO-Nyt year 2010 - introductory offer for new subscribers)
• Når du ser et stjerneskud (guide) (When you see a shooting star (guide)) - offered for free.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) observations, providing detailed accounts from witnesses and attempting to offer scientific or plausible explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical investigation, distinguishing between genuine phenomena and hoaxes or misidentifications. There is a clear skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those involving conspiracy theories or fabricated evidence, as seen in the critique of Steven Greer and the MJ-12 group. The magazine also promotes UFO literature and research within the Danish context.