UFO Nyt - No 1 2010

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: Nr. 1, 52nd year, 2010
Publication Date: January 14, 2010
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976
Cover Headline: "Mange fotosager i 2009" (Many photo cases in 2009)

Content Summary

This issue of UFO-Nyt, the first of 2010, opens with a reflection on the changing landscape of UFO belief, noting the internet's dominant role in shaping public perception, often at the expense of critical evaluation. The editor, Kim Møller Hansen, contrasts this with the past, where newspapers and films held sway.

Cover Story: The Northern Lights Phenomenon The cover story details a spectacular light phenomenon observed in Northern Scandinavia on December 9, 2009. Initially linked to UFOs and New Age fantasies, it was later confirmed to be a test launch of a Russian ICBM (RSM-56 Bulava or SS-NX-30) from the submarine "Dmitry Donskoi." The accompanying photograph, taken in Tromsø, Norway, by Jan Petter Jørgensen, captures the spiral effect due to long exposure, making it appear even more dramatic than it was.

Table of Contents The issue features several articles, including: - "Alt ved det gamle, og dog..." (Everything as before, and yet...) - "Mange billeder af himmelfænomener" (Many pictures of aerial phenomena) - "Observation og foto fra Bornholm." - "Da ufoerne blev rumskibe, 3. del" (When UFOs became spaceships, Part 3) - "Den hemmelige månerejse" (The secret moon journey) - "Frygter ufologer fysiske beviser?" (Do ufologists fear physical evidence?) - "Briterne lukker UFO-kontor." (British close UFO office.) - "Læsertilbud" (Reader offer)

Editorial: "Alt ved det gamle, og dog..." Kim Møller Hansen's editorial discusses the shift in information dissemination from traditional media to the internet, lamenting the uncritical acceptance of information online. He highlights two articles: one by aviation historian Curtis Peebles, who debunks claims of a secret Apollo 20 moon mission involving a crashed alien spaceship, and another by Peter W. Merlin, who addresses the Roswell incident. The editorial also notes the significant increase in photo-based UFO reports in Denmark in 2009, with Ole Henningsen's status report on these cases beginning on page 4.

Article: "Mange billeder af himmelfænomener" Ole Henningsen reports that SUFOI registered 43 cases in 2009 involving photographs or video recordings of aerial phenomena, a notable increase from previous years. This rise is attributed to the widespread availability of mobile phones with cameras. A significant portion of these reports involve small, easily launched hot air balloons, often mistaken for UFOs. The article also mentions that SUFOI has dedicated more resources to registering and analyzing images reported in the media or via email, thus increasing the number of documented cases. It also touches upon misidentifications of bright celestial objects like Venus and aircraft lights.

Article: "Ups! Hvad er dog det?" This section discusses common misidentifications in UFO photographs, ranging from birds and insects to lens flares and reflections. It also addresses the phenomenon of "orbs," small, round light artifacts often caused by dust or moisture particles near the camera lens, illuminated by the flash. The article notes that while many photographic anomalies can be explained, a few remain unidentified, classifying them as UFO photos by definition, meaning they cannot be definitively identified as known objects.

Article: "Observation og foto fra Bornholm" This article details an observation by artist Nis Jessen on Bornholm on June 28, 2009. Jessen reported seeing a small, white light in the sky that made a sudden, significant jump. Despite his artistic background and keen observational skills, the object remained unidentified. A photograph taken of the event shows a faint grey circle where the object was last seen. The article notes that while the object is unidentified, it does not exhibit any unusual characteristics beyond its movement and appearance.

Historical Series: "Da ufoerne blev rumskibe" (Part 3) This concluding part of the historical series traces the development of the UFO myth through books and films. It covers: - 1938-1949: The influence of science fiction magazines like "Amazing Stories" and early books by Raymond A. Palmer and Kenneth Arnold. - 1947-49: The media's role in popularizing "flying saucers" and the initial theories linking them to secret weapons or extraterrestrial craft. - 1950-1951: The impact of books like Frank Scully's "Behind the Flying Saucers" and Donald E. Keyhoe's articles, which established the core UFO myth: alien visitors observing humanity, government cover-ups, and recovered crash debris. - 1952-53: The introduction of "contactees" like George Adamski, who claimed communication with extraterrestrials from utopian societies, and the film "The War of the Worlds" (1953), which portrayed aliens as hostile. - 1952: Project Blue Book's leader Edward J. Ruppelt coining the term "UFO." George Adamski's book "Flying Saucers Have Landed," co-authored with Desmond Leslie, became influential. - 1960s: The space race, particularly the Apollo moon landing, fueled speculation about extraterrestrial visitation. - 1975: The TV movie "The UFO Incident," based on the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case, popularized the image of "greys" (small aliens with large heads and eyes). - 1977: Steven Spielberg's "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (CE3K) significantly boosted UFO interest, leading to a surge in reports and memberships in UFO organizations. The film also reinforced the idea of government secrecy regarding UFOs. - 1978: The film's release in the UK led to a massive influx of reports to the Ministry of Defence and newspapers like the Daily Express. - 1980: The publication of "The Roswell Incident" by William L. Moore and Charles Berlitz reignited theories about a crashed alien spacecraft and a subsequent government cover-up. - 1986: The establishment of ParaNet, an online bulletin board system, democratized UFO discussions, breaking the monopoly of established UFO organizations. - 1987: Whitley Strieber's autobiographical novel "Communion" further popularized the alien abduction narrative, particularly the "greys," and their alleged genetic experiments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with media, popular culture, and historical narratives. There is a clear emphasis on critical analysis, distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and misidentifications, hoaxes, or the influence of popular culture. SUFOI positions itself as a serious research organization aiming to understand these phenomena through evidence-based investigation, while acknowledging the public's fascination and the role of media in shaping perceptions. The editorial stance leans towards a cautious, evidence-driven approach, encouraging critical thinking and discouraging uncritical acceptance of unsubstantiated claims, particularly those found online.

This issue of UFO-NYT, dated 1/2010, features a historical overview of UFO phenomena, with a main cover headline of "Historisk set" (Historical View).

The Secret Moon Journey: Apollo 20

The central article details the controversial claims surrounding a supposed secret mission, Apollo 20. It begins by referencing Budd Hopkins' books on UFO abductions and the 1992 CBS TV series based on his work. The article then introduces William Rutledge, who, under the pseudonym "retiredaf"", posted YouTube videos in 2007 claiming they were from Apollo 20, a secret US-Soviet mission in 1976. This mission allegedly investigated a crashed non-terrestrial spaceship on the far side of the Moon near the Izsak crater.

Rutledge, who claimed to have worked for aircraft manufacturers and the US Air Force, asserted that Apollo 15 and Apollo 17 had also photographed this "mothership." He proposed that secret Apollo missions 19 and 20 were planned, with launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California instead of Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The narrative describes a supposed tragedy during the Apollo 19 mission, with contact being lost. Despite this, preparations for Apollo 20 continued. Rutledge claimed to be the commander, with Lena Snyder and Soviet cosmonaut Alexej Leonov as crew members. He alleged that the mission found a non-terrestrial vessel with signs of biological functions, including triangular stones emitting a "sweetish" yellow liquid and two alien bodies, one of which was a 165 cm female named "Mona Lisa."

However, the article critically examines Rutledge's claims. It highlights inconsistencies, such as the use of Apollo 11 launch footage and Apollo 15 audio in the videos. Italian ufologist Luca Scantamburlos and Dr. Michael Salla, a proponent of exopolitics, analyzed the evidence. While initially impressed, they later pointed out flaws, including the use of fake images and the misrepresentation of mission emblems. Salla suggested the story might be a sophisticated hoax designed to mislead the public or a test of public reaction to potential alien disclosure.

The article scrutinizes the feasibility of launching a Saturn V rocket from Vandenberg, concluding that the base lacked the necessary infrastructure and that the trajectory would pose significant risks. It also questions the timing of the alleged landing and the logistical challenges of a seven-day surface mission.

Ultimately, the article leans towards the hypothesis that the Apollo 20 story is a fabrication, citing the lack of verifiable evidence and the numerous inconsistencies in Rutledge's account.

The Hollywood Effect and Internet Truths

This section discusses how media, particularly films and the internet, influence public perception of UFOs. Andrew Butler's research at Washington University is cited, suggesting that students tend to replace factual historical knowledge with misinformation from Hollywood films. The article notes that while films can be effective educational tools if accurate, the brain remembers concrete phenomena better than abstract theories.

The influence of "The X-Files" (1993-2002) is examined, highlighting how the series popularized UFO myths, conspiracy theories, and concepts like abductions and men in black. The show's tagline, "The Truth Is Out There," is mentioned as a cultural touchstone. The article points out that "The X-Files" became a primary source of information about UFOs for many, contributing to a widespread belief in conspiracy and government cover-ups.

Surveys cited from Newsweek in 1996 indicated that a significant percentage of Americans believed in UFOs, contact with aliens, and government concealment of information.

Ufology: The Search for Physical Evidence

This section, written by Peter W. Merlin, focuses on the challenges of finding concrete evidence of UFO crashes. Merlin draws parallels between alleged UFO crash retrievals and the handling of classified aircraft accidents, such as those involving the Lockheed A-12, D-21 drone, and F-117A stealth fighter.

He notes common patterns in UFO crash reports: high security classification, incidents on public land, witness intimidation, and thorough cleanup operations by government agencies. Merlin argues that these patterns suggest a deliberate effort to remove all physical evidence, making it difficult for civilian researchers to find proof.

Merlin recounts his own experiences visiting alleged crash sites, where he found identifiable physical evidence that he believes has not been completely processed. He expresses frustration that the UFO community often dismisses such findings, clinging to the idea that governments always succeed in completely erasing evidence.

The article contrasts this with the forensic principle of Edmond Locard, which emphasizes the irrefutability of physical evidence. Merlin suggests that the lack of definitive physical proof in UFO investigations might stem not from a lack of evidence, but from the evidence itself not being strong enough to support the claims.

He also touches upon the debate surrounding the Roswell incident, where some believe the government covered up evidence of a crashed alien spacecraft, while others attribute it to a weather balloon and radar reflector system.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores themes of government secrecy, conspiracy theories, and the difficulty of verifying extraordinary claims. The editorial stance appears to be critical and analytical, presenting alleged phenomena alongside skeptical investigations and scientific scrutiny. The magazine aims to dissect these historical accounts, separating fact from fiction and questioning the validity of evidence presented by claimants and enthusiasts. There is a clear emphasis on the need for verifiable proof and a cautious approach to sensational claims, particularly those lacking robust supporting data.

This issue of "Ufologi" (UFO-NYT 1/2010) is dedicated to exploring various facets of ufology, with a particular focus on UFO crash retrieval, government secrecy, and the challenges of finding verifiable evidence. The magazine features articles by researchers, journalists, and historians, presenting different perspectives on these complex topics.

UFO Crash Retrieval Conference and Government Cover-ups

The issue highlights the "4th Annual UFO Crash Retrieval Conference" held in Las Vegas in November 2006. The author recounts their experience presenting a talk titled "After the Fire: How the Government Reacts to Top-Secret Crashes." This presentation aimed to provide tools for ufologists to distinguish genuine evidence from hoaxes and false claims. The author expresses surprise at the lack of immediate reaction to their theories, which suggested that crash sites would be treated differently from terrestrial aircraft accidents.

At the conference, various speakers, including Richard Dolan, Michael Lindemann, Stanton Friedman, Nick Redfern, Linda Moulton Howe, and Bruce MacCabee, discussed theories of "secret special teams" routinely cleaning up UFO crash sites. Journalist George Knapp shared his experiences with ufology, including interviews with controversial figures like Robert Lazar and Dr. Dan Burish. Knapp noted the prevailing media attitude that UFO enthusiasts are often seen as needing psychiatric help, a sentiment he sadly agreed with.

Ryan Wood presented on a supposed UFO crash near Death Valley in 1949, based on a gold prospector's account and a San Francisco Examiner article. He claimed it offered the "possibility of irrefutable physical evidence" but found no wreckage on site, relying instead on a psychic's identification of the location.

Dr. Michael Salla discussed alleged testimonies from military whistleblowers and the "SOM-1 Special Operations Manual," outlining government methods for handling UFO crashes and suggesting an elite clean-up division. The author's presentation to an audience of about 300 people detailed their research into a dozen classified aircraft and weapons incidents in the Western USA over 50 years, focusing on three cases that resembled classic UFO crash reports. They emphasized that physical evidence could reveal the effectiveness of government clean-up operations and that while some incidents might be hoaxes, real events would leave behind material evidence.

The Roswell Incident and Lack of Evidence

Peter W. Merlin's experience suggests that no crash site is ever completely cleaned, with small debris often being overlooked. However, regarding the Roswell incident, Merlin notes that at least two expeditions to Foster's Ranch found no non-terrestrial material. He also points out that the precise location of the alleged Roswell crash site seems to shift with each new book published on the topic, and no verifiable non-terrestrial evidence has been found at any of these locations. Merlin questions why, if these were real events, no physical evidence has been presented, suggesting that either the clean-up was exceptionally thorough or the objects were of terrestrial origin.

British Ministry of Defence Closes UFO Desk

The issue reports on the quiet closure of the British Ministry of Defence's (MoD) UFO desk in September 2009. This decision was made as part of cost-saving measures, with funds being redirected to areas like the front lines in Afghanistan. The closure was announced via an update to a document on how to report UFO observations. The MoD stated that the UFO hotline and email address were closed, and that no reports received had shown any defense interest, making the service an inefficient use of resources.

This decision aligns with a similar move by Britain's Security Service (MI5) in 2000, following the release of the Condign report. The civilian service that continued collecting reports after the Condign report was also discontinued, though the ongoing project to transfer historical UFO archives to the National Archives, with the author serving as a consultant, will continue.

Despite claims that closing the UFO desk leaves Britain vulnerable to attack, the MoD maintains that RAF radar surveillance remains in place to detect any threats. UFO reports from military personnel or official sources will still be forwarded to RAF Air Command. The MoD's stance is that it is no longer interested in receiving UFO observations directly from the public, deeming such reports often of low quality and a drain on resources.

Commentary on the MoD's Decision

Nick Pope, a former employee of the MoD's UFO desk, commented in The Guardian that the attitude of "if it doesn't behave like a normal aircraft, we're not interested" is dangerous. He argued that Britain remains vulnerable to espionage and terror attacks, and that a "UFO" could be a spy plane, a drone, or a hijacked aircraft. Pope believes that the negative stigma associated with UFOs has led to the dismissal of potentially important observations. He expressed hope that investigations into pilot observations and irregular radar contacts would continue outside public scrutiny.

Pope also noted that the closure would save the MoD approximately £50,000 per year, questioning whether this saving would truly be reinvested in the military effort in Afghanistan. He personally doubts the effectiveness of a UFO hotline for detecting threats, suggesting that constant radar surveillance and general terror preparedness are more practical.

Books and Publications

The issue also features information on books related to ufology. "Mysterier fra rummet" (Mysteries from Space) by Klaus Aarsleff is described as a journey into UFO culture, detailing close encounters, cattle mutilations, and alien messages, and includes a DVD with film and photo material. "UFOs: A Century of Sightings" by Michael David Hall is presented as a comprehensive history of the UFO phenomenon from 1896 to the present day, written by the head of the Montgomery County Historical Society in Indiana.

David Clarke's book "The UFO Files. The Inside Story of Real-Life Sightings" is also mentioned, published by The National Archives, offering a detailed account of UFO history, particularly from the USA, with parallels to British UFO history. Excerpts are available online.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent search for evidence of extraterrestrial intelligence, the role of governments in potentially concealing or managing information about UFOs, and the challenges faced by researchers in gaining credibility and access to data. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the investigation of UFO phenomena while acknowledging the prevalence of skepticism and the need for rigorous evidence. The closure of the British UFO desk is presented as a controversial decision that raises questions about national security and the public's right to information.