UFO Mail - No 048 - 2004

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: 48
Date: November 18, 2004
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information features an in-depth article titled "Trekantede fartøjer - hvad er de?" (Triangular craft - what are they?) by Richard M. Dolan. The magazine also announces the release of UFO-Nyt nr. 4 on the same day.

Trekantede fartøjer - hvad er de? (Triangular craft - what are they?)

This extensive article by Richard M. Dolan explores the phenomenon of triangular-shaped UFOs, which are described as distinct from traditional UFO reports. Dolan notes that while such sightings are common, they are often ignored by official channels. The article presents several notable sightings and incidents:

Dallas Sighting (March 2, 2003)

A security guard in Dallas observed a silent, black triangular craft with no lights flying west at an altitude of approximately 400 meters. The object disappeared behind houses. The observer contacted the Dallas police, who reported no other sightings. Information is available on the National UFO Reporting Centers (NUFORC) website, and the observer was deemed "very sincere and credible" by Peter Davenport, head of NUFORC.

Arkansas Sighting (January 24, 2003)

A man in Arkansas saw a triangular object hovering about 3 meters above a telephone pole. It had three lights (red, white, and blue) at each corner. The object was silent and hovered for about five minutes before disappearing.

General Characteristics

Many triangular craft are described as flying slowly and at low altitudes, with some observers noting boomerang shapes instead of triangles. However, they are also capable of incredible speed and maneuverability, making abrupt turns and exhibiting fantastic acceleration. The size of these craft varies greatly.

Illinois "Police Observation" (Early 2000s)

This case involved police officers witnessing a giant triangular object, larger than a jumbojet, flying at an altitude of 200 meters. It was silent or remarkably quiet, with bright white lights on its sides. The object could disappear in an instant, moving from 100 meters away to several kilometers away in the blink of an eye.

Hudson Valley Sightings (Early 1980s)

Numerous reports from the Hudson Valley, north of New York City, describe similar triangular objects. On December 31, 1982, people reported seeing these objects. One object was filmed, described as very large, triangular, flying less than 200 meters above the ground with clear lights, flying in small circles, and at one point emitting a searchlight towards a highway.

Indiana Point Incident (July 1984)

A similar craft entered the airspace over the Indiana Point nuclear power plant, disrupting electronics and communication systems while hovering over the reactor.

By the early 1980s, over 1,000 such observations were reported in the Hudson Valley. One video sequence was of such high quality that it was sent to the Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, which concluded it was a "definitely physical object! But not an ordinary aircraft."

Belgian Triangle Wave (Late 1989 - Early 1990)

This series of sightings stretched from Great Britain to Russia. On November 29, 1989, a dark, triangular object with a humming sound hovered over a Belgian police car, emitting a bright searchlight. Thousands observed low-flying, triangular UFOs with clear, blinking lights. The Belgian Air Force scrambled two F-16 fighter jets to identify the objects. The triangular craft were detected on multiple NATO radar systems and visually by the pilots. The F-16 pilots reported being completely outmaneuvered by the triangular craft, which could accelerate at high speeds, turn on a dime, and change altitude suddenly, with one instance of descending 1.5 km in one second. Colonel Wilfried de Brouwer, chief of operations for the Belgian Air Force, concluded, "There was logic in the UFO's maneuvers."

Nick Pope, who worked for the UFO desk at the British Ministry of Defence, confirmed with the Belgian government that a physical craft had flown over Belgium that night, but they had no idea what it was.

Potential Explanations: Secret Aircraft?

Many suspect these triangular objects are part of a highly secret American project. Officially, no aircraft exists with an equilateral triangular shape. The B-2 Stealth bomber has a strange appearance but is not a triangle and cannot maneuver like the observed craft.

There is reason to believe the US Air Force has developed a triangular craft. In August 1989, Chris Gibson, a former member of the Royal Observer Corps and an expert in aircraft identification, observed a black, perfectly isosceles triangular craft refueling from a KC-135 tanker aircraft over the North Sea, with two F-111 fighters escorting it. The triangular craft was slightly larger than an F-111. Aviation writer Bill Sweetman stated that "no other aircraft than a supersonic aircraft or a test model of such an aircraft has ever been built or studied with that shape."

Aurora and Black Manta

Commonly, these sightings are attributed to the rumored Aurora, the supposed successor to the SR-71 Blackbird. However, the article argues that Aurora, even if it exists, is unlikely to explain the Belgian or Hudson Valley sightings due to its reported hypersonic capabilities (Mach 5-8) and lack of reported hovering or sudden altitude changes. The SR-71B is shown in a photograph, described as a secret US Air Force tanker.

The article introduces the "Black Manta" (TR-3) as a craft that fits the descriptions of triangular objects. While its existence is speculative, based on rumors, it is described as capable of silent hovering. Two models are mentioned: TR-3A (15m long, 5m high, 20m wingspan) and TR-3B (200m wingspan). The TR-3B is said to have a surface treated to be reactive to radar, making it invisible, and capable of staying airborne indefinitely at high altitudes (40,000m) and speeds up to Mach 9. It is theorized to possess a "gravity distortion" effect, reducing its weight and allowing rapid acceleration. These claims are attributed to Edgar Fouché's website, though a scientist reportedly found the technical details about plasma rotation speed "not credible."

Chronology Problems

The article notes that even if Black Manta is real, it can only explain sightings after the 1990s. The question remains about the technology behind these craft and how far back their origins go. The article questions whether Black Manta could explain the Belgian and Hudson Valley sightings, and even earlier ones.

Hastings, MN Sighting (October 1968)

This incident involved multiple witnesses seeing a triangular craft approaching from the east at high speed. It stopped suddenly at about 1,800 meters, had red-orange lights at its tips that sometimes turned green, hovered silently for half a minute, made a slow 180-degree turn, left a vapor trail, and then accelerated away with astonishing speed. It stopped again 20 km away and ascended vertically. This object shares similarities with the Belgian triangle but was seen in October 1968. The NUFORC database contains 25 detailed reports of triangular UFOs seen between 1967 and 1973, with many from before that time.

References and Author Information

The article includes a list of references and information about the author, Richard Dolan, who studied at Oxford University and the University of Rochester. He became interested in UFOs and conducted systematic bibliographic research, leading to his book "UFOs and the National Security State."

Book Promotion: UFOs and the National Security State

The magazine promotes the book "UFOs and the National Security State" by Richard M. Dolan, Volume 1: 1941-1973. It is described as a chronological UFO history book for the period, rich in sighting reports and UFOological connections. The book is available for purchase with Dolan's autograph.

Selected Quotes from "UFOs and the National Security State"

The issue includes several quotes from the book, spanning various historical UFO incidents and official reactions:

• Dr. Paul Santorini (1946): "Before we could do anything, the Army, after talking with official U.S. sources, ordered the investigation stopped."
• FBI Memo (1947): "The unidentified craft appeared to make a very fast and abrupt evasive maneuver."
• General Robert B. Landry (1948): Describing a report to President Truman about UFOs, emphasizing the need for quarterly reports on UFO observations and their potential strategic threat.
• Air Force Intelligence Report (1951): Describing a pilot's observation of a craft with rounded sides and a slightly conical shape, with no visible propulsion, flying at high speed.
• Senior Air Traffic Controller Harry G. Barnes (1952): "For six hours - there were at least ten unidentifiable objects flying over Washington. They were not ordinary planes."
• FBI Memo (1952): "Some military officers are seriously considering the possibility that they are interplanetary craft."
• CIA Director Allen Dulles (1955): "Maximum security must be exercised when dealing with UFOs."
• Senator Richard Russell (1955): Regarding a UFO sighting during a trip to the Soviet Union, stating, "I have spoken with the relevant services, and they are of the opinion that it is not wise to publicize anything about the matter at this time."
• Anonymous Air Force Officer (1955): "What worries me most is what happened to our planes."
• Admiral Delmar Fahrney (1957): "Behind the scenes, high-ranking Air Force officers are dealing with UFOs. But through official secrecy and ridicule, the public is given the impression that the unknown flying objects are nonsense."
• Former CIA Director Roscoe Hillenkoetter (1960): "Credible information, but outside the report from Pease AFB in Portsmouth, suggests that radar echoes are regularly seen, and planes are often sent on wings to pursue these objects."
• Journalist John Fuller (1965): "I believe there is some truth to these reports... I believe the American public has a right to a better explanation than the Air Force has given to date."
• Congressman Gerald R. Ford (March 1966): Describing a UFO incident where static noise disrupted radio communication and the object's glow faded.
• Classified Report (Minot AFB, 1966): "My current opinion, based on two years of careful study, is that UFOs are likely non-terrestrial craft that are engaged in something that can be very cautiously described as 'surveillance'."
• Dr. James McDonald (1968): "If 'they' discover you, it is an old, but good, rule of thumb: 'they' are our technological overlords."
• Edward U. Condon (1969): "Nothing has come out of the last 21 years of UFO studies that has improved our technological knowledge."

Manden, der krævede handling (The Man Who Demanded Action)

This section features an article by Jacques Vallee discussing the conflict between scientists J. Allen Hynek and James E. McDonald. It highlights how science often discovers new phenomena or re-evaluates old ones, and how these discoveries can be met with resistance, particularly when they challenge established paradigms.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the mystery of triangular UFOs, their characteristics, and potential explanations, including secret military aircraft. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, presenting detailed accounts and expert opinions while acknowledging the speculative nature of some theories. The editorial stance encourages critical examination of evidence and official narratives, as seen in the promotion of Dolan's book which aims to uncover the truth about UFOs and their connection to national security.

This issue of UFO-Nyt, dated February 2005, is primarily dedicated to exploring the life, work, and struggles of physicist James E. McDonald in the field of ufology. It delves into the historical context of UFO sightings, the scientific community's resistance to investigating these phenomena, and the personal toll it took on those who pursued the subject. The magazine also touches upon broader themes of conspiracy theories and the challenges faced by independent researchers.

The Fight for UFO Science: James E. McDonald

The central narrative revolves around Dr. James E. McDonald, portrayed as a dedicated and passionate scientist who championed the scientific study of UFOs. The text highlights his role as a leading advocate for the existence of physical flying objects and the challenges he faced from established scientific and political circles. McDonald's efforts to bring UFO phenomena into mainstream scientific discourse are detailed, including his confrontations with skeptics like Donald Menzel and Carl Sagan, and his interactions with the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book.

Ann Druffel's book, 'Firestorm: Dr. James E. McDonald's Fight For UFO Science,' is extensively referenced. The magazine praises Druffel's meticulous research, which involved reviewing McDonald's personal archives, notes, and interviewing those close to him. The book is described as a comprehensive account of McDonald's battles against skepticism, his attempts to get data presented to the Air Force and NASA, and his clashes with colleagues. Druffel's work is credited with shedding light on McDonald's private struggles, his energetic pursuit of the truth, and his heroic attempts to engage his peers.

The text emphasizes the difficulties McDonald faced, including the dogmatic skepticism he encountered, which he had been warned about by J. Allen Hynek. McDonald's belief that science would eventually be revolutionized by understanding UFO phenomena is noted. His personal life was also marked by hardship, culminating in a suicide attempt in April 1971, which left him nearly blind. Despite this, he continued his work on a planned book about UFOs, which was never completed due to his death.

McDonald's death on June 13, 1971, under a bridge near his hometown, is discussed, along with the rumors that circulated within the UFO community. Druffel, however, asserts that McDonald died by suicide due to depression exacerbated by the ridicule and pressure he faced from politicians and enemies in scientific circles.

Historical Context and Scientific Resistance

The magazine provides a historical overview of UFO investigations, noting that pilots and military personnel began reporting sightings during World War II, with a peak between 1947 and 1952. This led to the formation of official commissions to investigate. However, in the early 1960s, many scientists were reluctant to engage with UFO research due to the strange nature of the reports and the political complexities involved. The academic community largely dismissed the possibility of a thorough scientific investigation.

J. Allen Hynek, a key figure and scientific consultant for Project Blue Book, is presented as a patient and thoughtful astronomer who was hesitant to draw too much attention. He feared isolation and ridicule from older scientists if he openly supported UFO research. The article suggests that Hynek advised McDonald to be cautious, fearing his direct approach might not lead to constructive outcomes.

The text criticizes the scientific establishment for its resistance to new and disruptive phenomena, drawing a parallel to the church's resistance to the heliocentric model in the Middle Ages. It suggests that contemporary academics exhibit a similar unwillingness to accept evidence that challenges their established frameworks.

The Role of Organizations and the Book Review

The article mentions NICAP (National Investigations Committee On Aerial Phenomena), an organization that James McDonald was closely involved with from 1958 to 1966. NICAP experienced explosive growth, especially between 1964-66, and boasted a large membership, including scientists and high-ranking officers. However, the organization experienced a decline and effectively ceased to exist around 1970-71, partly due to the Condon Commission's conclusion that UFO phenomena were not worth studying.

The review of 'Firestorm' highlights its value as a source of information on a significant mystery of our time and as a study of how a great scientist tackles a new problem. The book's detailed notes, source references, and extensive index are praised, along with its appendices containing letters, reports, and newspaper clippings available online.

The price of the book 'Firestorm' is listed as kr. 389.00, available for order from the SUFOI Shop.

Conspiracy Theories

A separate section, titled "40 nye rapporter om sammensværgelser" (40 new reports on conspiracies), briefly introduces a book that explores various conspiracy theories. It poses provocative questions about historical events and figures, such as alleged mass murder by Disney, the execution of Tordenskjold, claims about ex-President Clinton, and the secrets of the Smurfs. It also touches upon alleged plots involving John Wayne, Joseph Stalin, Aristotle Onassis, and the investigation into Hillary Clinton's husband.

Looking Ahead

The final page announces the next issue of UFO-Nyt, scheduled for mid-February 2005. It will feature the second part of an article on flying triangles and updates on the 'Mexico film' involving 11 UFOs. Readers are also encouraged to forward the UFO-Nyt email to friends and family.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges of scientific investigation into controversial subjects, the resistance of established institutions to new ideas, the personal sacrifices made by researchers, and the enduring mystery of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of support for independent research and a critical view of the mainstream scientific and governmental approaches to UFOs, emphasizing the importance of McDonald's legacy and the ongoing need for open inquiry. The magazine advocates for a deeper understanding of these phenomena and criticizes the tendency to dismiss them without thorough investigation.