UFO Nyt - No 4 2010

Magazine Overview

Title: ufo nyt
Issue: Nr. 4
Volume: 52. årg.
Date: 4. kvartal 2010 (October 24, 2010)
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 0049-4976

This issue of *ufo nyt* marks the end of its print run after 52 years, with the organization SUFOI transitioning its primary communication channel to its website, www.ufo.dk. The cover prominently features the magazine title and a red banner indicating the publication span from 1958 to 2010. The main cover headlines highlight "New times - new media," "Release of UFO archives around the Earth," "Radar observation at Thule Air Base," and "Access to information at the Defence Command."

Editorial and Transition to Online Media

The editorial, "Vi mødes på ufo.dk" (We meet on ufo.dk) by Kim Møller Hansen, reflects on the evolution of UFO research and communication. Hansen notes the shift from traditional UFO publications to the internet, which has democratized information sharing but also introduced challenges with misinformation. He points out the significant decline in print UFO magazines worldwide and within Denmark, attributing this partly to the internet and partly to a waning interest or a shift towards more extreme aspects of UFO mythology. SUFOI's own journey is discussed, moving from a belief in alien spacecraft to a more analytical approach to understanding UFO phenomena. The editorial emphasizes that the organization's mission to provide factual information will continue primarily through its website, www.ufo.dk, making it the main platform for UFO-related content and public education.

New Times - New Media

Per Andersen's article, "Nye tider - nye medier" (New times - new media), elaborates on the profound impact of the internet on society and communication over the past 15 years. Andersen highlights the rapid growth of internet users globally and in Denmark, where 96% of the population is online. He stresses that the internet has become a primary source for information and news, delivered in real-time through advanced search engines. However, he cautions readers to remain critical of online information, as the "newspaper saying" about accuracy now applies even more to the digital world. The article notes the significant decline in magazine sales, with a 20% drop in paid magazines in the UK in the first half of 2010 and similar trends in Denmark. This decline has also affected *UFO-Nyt*, with declining subscriptions over the years. The increasing traffic to SUFOI's website, www.ufo.dk, is seen as a positive sign, aligning with the organization's goal to contribute to the understanding of unknown aerial phenomena through serious and critical analysis.

SUFOI's History and Structure

Pages 3 and 5 provide details about SUFOI's purpose, vision, and leadership. SUFOI's aim is to contribute to the understanding of unknown aerial phenomena by collecting and analyzing source material and disseminating knowledge through publications and its website. Its vision includes fostering familiarity with the sky, assisting observers, and providing balanced information. The organization is led by a representative council, with Kim Møller Hansen serving as Chairman. The article on page 5 traces the history of *UFO-Nyt*, from its A5 format in 1958 to its expansion to A4 in 1981, and its eventual shift to online publication. It also mentions the development of SUFOI's website, starting with Lars H. Andersen's site in 1996 and later acquiring the domains www.sufoi.dk and www.ufo.dk.

Membership and Support

With the cessation of the print magazine, SUFOI is encouraging membership through its "Støttekreds" (Support Circle). Members contribute a minimum of DKK 200 annually to support the organization's operations, including maintaining its website and activities. This membership ensures continued engagement with SUFOI's work and updates on its activities.

Danish X-Files: UFO Reports from Greenland

Pages 6-10 delve into "Hvad indeholder de danske X-Files?" (What do the Danish X-Files contain?), focusing on UFO reports from Greenlandic authorities. These documents, anonymized by blacking out names and details, include intriguing accounts:

• Thule Air Base Police Report (January 5, 1981): A 56-year-old machine operator reported observing a flaming, square object falling from the sky. The object was described as red-orange and appeared to be large. A supplementary report noted that a radar observation of an unidentified flying object occurred around the same time, moving east at 20-40 knots at an altitude between 2,000 and 30,000 feet. This report was linked to a minor earthquake in the Thule district that occurred shortly before the sighting.
• Radar Observation at Thule Air Base (February 6, 1981): A continuation report from Thule Air Base mentioned that the base commander had observed the flying object on radar on January 5, 1981, at approximately 13:50. The object was described as unidentified, moving east at 20-40 knots, and its altitude was estimated between 2,000 and 30,000 feet. The object provided a radar signal comparable to a C-14 aircraft and was tracked for 20-30 seconds.
• Police Report from Egedesminde (November 2, 1983): Four individuals reported observing two unidentified objects over Manitsoq. One object was described as airship-like with red lights and a bright white light, moving slowly and then disappearing. A second, round, dome-shaped object with white light appeared later, moving towards the land and then ascending rapidly.
• Further Police Report from Egedesminde (November 3, 1983): This report details observations of two unidentified objects over Manitsoqøen. The first object, described as airship-like, emitted red lights and a bright white light. The second object was round and dome-shaped, also emitting white light. The objects moved slowly and then rapidly ascended. The report notes that no sound was heard and that the objects were too high to be mistaken for ships. The observations were correlated with naval traffic in the area, but no direct connection was made.

These reports were processed through various military and police channels, including the Greenland Command (GLK), the Defence Command (FKO), and eventually archived by the Danish Defence Intelligence Service (FE).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the shift in UFO information dissemination from print to digital media, reflecting a broader societal trend. SUFOI's editorial stance has evolved significantly over its 52-year history, moving away from a focus on extraterrestrial visitation towards a more critical and analytical examination of various aerial phenomena. The organization aims to provide factual, evidence-based information to the public, primarily through its online platform. The release of official archives, particularly from military and police sources in Greenland, highlights the ongoing interest in and documentation of UFO sightings by authorities, even as the nature of the phenomena remains unexplained or attributed to conventional causes in some analyses.

This issue of UFO-NYT, titled "Flyvevåbnets ufo-arkiv" (The Air Force's UFO Archive), dated 4/2010, delves into the historical records and declassification efforts concerning UFO phenomena, with a particular focus on Danish and international military and governmental archives.

UFO Sightings in Greenland and the Faroe Islands

The magazine presents several detailed reports of UFO observations from Greenland and the Faroe Islands. One significant report from Egedesminde, Greenland, dated November 14, 1983, describes multiple sightings of luminous objects. The initial report details two bright spots moving from east to west, described as brighter than stars, possibly meteorites, but then appearing in pairs and flying imprecisely before disappearing. Further observations on the same night describe two more objects with a smaller distance between them. A later part of the report details seeing four luminous objects in a row, moving rapidly across the sky.

Another report from Angmagssalik, Greenland, dated October 21, 1983, mentions a police observation of a luminous phenomenon. A telex message from the Greenland Command (GLK) dated May 15, 1985, reports an unidentified luminous object south of Agto, described as a strange, greenish light column. This report also notes that the cutter 'Blåhval' and the trawler 'Sisimiut' observed similar lights.

From the Faroe Islands, a report from November 8, 1986, details an observation made by a woman and two companions near Flyvestation Tórshavn. The object was described as orange, very large, emitting light, and possibly polygonal, hovering over the radar domes of Sornfelli. The object was illuminated by powerful white spotlights from the air force station.

A report from January 26, 1983, concerning the trawler 'Lazarus' near Holsteinsborg, Greenland, describes the observation of green 'distress signals' and later an unidentified object showing a strong radar echo that moved in a zig-zag course for about three minutes before disappearing.

Another incident from the Faroe Islands, dated February 8, 1983, describes the motor ferry 'Smyril' encountering a small white light that registered on radar. The object moved at a speed of one nautical mile per radar and was illuminated by a powerful spotlight before the echo disappeared from the radar.

Declassification of UFO Archives Worldwide

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a comprehensive overview of the declassification and release of UFO-related documents from various countries and government agencies. This section, titled "Frigivelse af ufoarkiver Jorden rundt" (Release of UFO Archives Around the World), is authored by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos.

It details how defense ministries, intelligence services, police, and government offices have handled the UFO issue and their archives differently over the decades. The article highlights the role of public pressure, media, and UFO organizations in pushing for the release of these documents.

Key countries and their declassification efforts mentioned include:

• USA: The article notes the USA's complex system due to numerous government agencies involved. It states that the US has been a leader in handling UFO reports, with many countries copying their approach. Large quantities of documentation have been declassified, but some documents from intelligence agencies like the CIA and NSA are reportedly still withheld.
• Canada: The archives were transferred to their local National Archives in 1980.
• New Zealand: Transferred its UFO archive to its local National Archives.
• Sweden: Released UFO archives in 1983.
• Spain: Released UFO archives in 1992.
• United Kingdom: Released archives in 1987.
• Portugal: Released archives in 1990.
• Italy: Released archives in 1996.
• Brazil: Released archives in 1999.
• Switzerland: Released archives in 1994.
• Philippines: Released archives in 2000.
• Australia: Released archives in 2003.
• France: Released archives in 2007.
• Ireland: Released archives in 2009.
• Denmark: Released archives in 2009.

The article emphasizes that the declassification processes in the USA, Europe, and Oceania are generally thorough and professional, contrasting them with the less complete processes in Central and South American countries.

Specific Archive Releases and Reports

The magazine lists specific UFO reports and documents that have been declassified or made available by various entities, including:

• USAF: Reports on Project Blue Book, including Special Report #14, and various status reports made available to researchers and organizations like NICAP.
• CIA/OSI: Hundreds of pages of UFO reports have been made available through FOIA requests and lawsuits.
• FBI: All FOIA UFO documents have been made accessible.
• NSA: Hundreds of UFO documents have been made available.
• DIA: Has made hundreds of pages of FOIA UFO documents available.
• Brazilian Air Force (FAB): Released several UFO reports and photos related to operations like 'Prato'.
• GEPAN (France): Made numerous reports and technical notes available online and granted status to ufologists.

Editorial Stance and Future Outlook

The magazine advocates for transparency in government information regarding UFOs, stating that withholding information is incompatible with a democratic society. It suggests that active local ufologists should contact their respective air forces or defense commands and argue that UFO phenomena do not pose a military threat and that UFO research should be conducted scientifically.

The article concludes by noting that while a significant amount of UFO-related information has been released, many release processes are ongoing or yet to begin. It also mentions the upcoming transparency law in the US under President Barack Obama, which may further impact the availability of such documents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed accounts of UFO sightings in specific geographical locations (Greenland, Faroe Islands) and the extensive global efforts towards declassifying and releasing government UFO archives. The editorial stance strongly supports transparency and public access to information, viewing the withholding of such data as detrimental to a democratic society and conducive to conspiracy theories. The magazine highlights the importance of scientific methods in UFO research and encourages continued efforts to uncover and disseminate historical UFO data.

This issue of UFO-NYT, titled "Status", is dated December 2009 and focuses on the accessibility and release of UFO-related documents from governmental and military archives across the globe. The primary content is presented in tabular format, detailing the status of UFO archives for various countries, including the time periods covered, the number of reports, and the progress of declassification.

Country-Specific Archive Status

The magazine meticulously lists the status of UFO archives for numerous nations:

• Italy: Logbook entries from the Air Force regarding 13 UFO incidents were made public. Information on 3 more incidents was sent to MACOM. Reports from the Air Force were transferred to CUN, CNIFAA, and CIRSUFO. A summary of 70 UFO reports was given to CUN and CISU. An annual briefing on Air Force UFO reports was provided to CUN and CISU. A statistical study of 111 UFO reports was published. The entire Air Force UFO archive, comprising 372 reports and approximately 3,000 pages, was transferred to CISU.
• Uruguay: Official CRIDOVNI collaboration with civilian groups involved around 1,100 non-classified reports. Colonel E. Aguirre, former CRIDOVNI founder, published a book with 19 cases. The Air Force released its UFO archive, containing 2,100 reports, with 40 observations remaining unexplained. The Institute of Space Research published a report. The KGB UFO archive was transferred to Popovich, containing 17 reports and 124 pages. 400 UFO reports from the Ministry of Defense were sold to American ufologists by Colonel B. Sokolov. Some military UFO reports were leaked to ufologist N. Subbotin. The Navy's UFO reports, collected by a group led by Admiral N. Smirnov, were released, with 50% over sea and 50% over lakes. Historical UFO documents were prepared for release.
• Great Britain: The Ministry of Defense transferred some UFO reports to J. Randles. Existing UFO documents from the early 1950s became available at PRO. UFO reports from the Air Force staff and the D155 intelligence service were released at PRO/TNA under the 30-year rule. Some ATC UFO reports were transferred to C. Ridyard. Various parts of the Ministry of Defense and Air Force UFO archives were transferred to D. Clarke, G. Anthony, and A. Roberts. Hundreds of pages from the Ministry of Defense's UFO reports were released under a FOIA request from researchers. The Ministry of Defense's annual UFO observation overview was put online. The "Condign" project report was transferred to D. Clarke and G. Anthony. The entire UFO archive was put online, a process expected to conclude in 2010, with D. Clarke as consultant. As of 2007, there were 260 archive folders in the Ministry of Defense archives. Current divisions include online archives with documents mainly from 1981-1987, and more online archives with thousands of pages and hundreds of observation reports. Approximately 112 archive folders are being released. An additional 150-200 archive folders at TNA (London) are being made available to the public.
• Chile: A total of 12,061 UFO incidents were reported to the Ministry of Defense between 1953 and 2008. Some UFO reports were released through the Aeronautical Journal.
• Norway: The entire archive of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning "ghost planes" and "ghost rockets" was made accessible. The National Archives' "ghost plane" archive was released. "Ghost rocket" documents and other UFO documents were searched for in the National Archives. The Police Security Service's UFO archive was presented for declassification. The Ministry of Defense released two documents about unknown submarines. The Ministry of Defense's own archive and other archives concerning unknown submarines are being declassified. Various historical UFO documents from the Air Force are being declassified.
• Belgium: Some Gendarmerie UFO reports were transferred to SOBEPS. The Air Force assisted SOBEPS with personnel and equipment. A press conference was held by Colonel W. De Brouwer about a UFO observation.
• Portugal: The entire Air Force UFO archive was transferred to CNIFO.
• Switzerland: The Air Force UFO archive was released.
• Philippines: The entire PAGASA UFO archive was made available to the public, including UFO and IFU reports collected officially.
• Peru: A report from the Air Force was released to the media. There is official collaboration with civilian ufologists.
• Mexico: The Air Force informed about a UFO observation. Historical UFO documents are being prepared for release.
• Ecuador: An official investigation was conducted in collaboration with civilian ufologists. An order from the president led to the declassification of the entire archive, including reports from the Air Force, Army, and Navy, and numerous videos.
• Ireland: The entire UFO archive was released after a FOIA request, including reports and pages.
• Romania: A UFO observation from 1993 was released via FOIA. The Defense Ministry released information about aircraft crashes involving UFOs.
• Denmark: The Air Force released all civilian UFO observations and made them available online, with official recognition of SUFOI. In February 2010, a request was made to the Defense Command for access to documents concerning terms like UFO, flying object, ghost rockets, and ghost rockets.
• Greece: The Air Force informed about a UFO observation.
• Finland: A journalist found UFO reports in the army archives, which were placed in the Finnish National Archive.

Organizations and Acronyms

The issue also includes a section explaining various acronyms related to UFO research organizations and agencies, such as AAF, ADC, AFOSI, AFU, AISS, ATIC, CEFAA, CIA, CIRSUFO, CISU, CITEFA, CNIFAA, CNIFO, COMDABRA, CRIDOVNI, CUN, DIA, FAB, FEAF, FBI, FOIA, GAO, GEPAN, GOC, KGB, MACOM, NICAP, NORAD, NSA, OIFAA, PAGASA, PRO, RAAF, SAC, SEPRA, SIOANI, SOBEPS, TNA, and USAF.

SUFOI's Vision and Support

The magazine concludes with information about SUFOI (the Danish UFO organization). It encourages readers to become members of SUFOI's Support Circle to help secure the organization's finances and its work in investigating observations and informing the public. The vision of SUFOI is to create familiarity with the sky, help observers of unknown phenomena understand their experiences, be a source of information, and provide a balanced perspective on myth-creating phenomena. Readers are invited to visit www.ufo.dk to report observations, purchase materials, and get information about UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the ongoing process of governments and military bodies releasing historical UFO data to the public, often spurred by FOIA requests and a growing transparency. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent archival research and advocacy for public access to information regarding unexplained aerial phenomena.