UFO Mail - No 133 - 2011

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: 133
Date: August 6, 2011
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information

This issue of UFO-Mail delves into significant topics within ufology, featuring a review of a new book, an examination of controversial claims surrounding Area 51, and an investigation into a well-known UFO incident. It also includes offers for back issues and a tribute to a prominent ufologist.

Article: Projekt UFO - tro, løgne og kold krig

The lead article discusses the book "Projekt UFO - tro, løgne og kold krig" by Kim Møller Hansen, Chairman of Skandinavisk UFO Information. The 454-page book, illustrated with 206 images (90 in color), explores humanity's historical fascination with unexplained aerial phenomena and their interpretation as alien encounters, particularly after the late 1940s. It questions why these events were taken seriously by the US Air Force, which established a project to investigate them. The book addresses the US Air Force's UFO investigation project, which concluded in 1969 after 22 years, stating there was no evidence that 'unidentified' observations were extraterrestrial craft. Hansen's book aims to answer whether this conclusion still holds and examines the factors contributing to UFO myths. The book is available in digital (CD-ROM) and print (A4 color print in a binder) formats, with special prices for SUFOI members. The proceeds from sales will support the website www.ufo.dk.

Article: Seneste nyt om Area 51 (Latest News on Area 51)

This section reviews Annie Jacobsen's book "Area 51. An Uncensored History of America's Top Secret Military Base." The review, referencing an article by Peter W. Merlin in "SUNlite" magazine, highlights criticism from T.D. Barnes, president of the Roadrunners club (a veterans' group from Area 51). Barnes and other members feel betrayed by Jacobsen, stating that her book distorted their accounts from a 'hero story' into one of 'horror and fantasy,' thereby stealing their honor and bravery. The controversy is partly linked to the 'Stalin-Roswell' story in Jacobsen's book, which relies on an anonymous witness, possibly identified as 89-year-old Alfred O'Donnell. Jacobsen defends her work, stating her role was to tell the story, not necessarily to prove it. An interview with the anonymous source by Bill Weir of "ABC's Nightline" described the person as confused and self-contradictory, motivated to help Jacobsen. Jacobsen maintains the truth of the story that something crashed in New Mexico, was taken to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and transported to Area 51 in 1951, giving the base its name. However, Peter W. Merlin points out that the naming of Area 51 is not directly linked to the year 1951, as other 'Areas' in Nevada were established later, and Area 51's designation was formalized in 1958, though the Groom Lake test site was established in 1955.

Article: UFO-styrt? (UFO Crash?)

This article discusses Andy Roberts' book "UFO Down? The Berwyn Mountain UFO Crash." Roberts' book is presented as a crucial read for ufologists, especially beginners, as it exemplifies how unrelated events can be combined to form a compelling narrative of a crashed alien spacecraft. The article draws a parallel to the Amager UFO crash investigation in Denmark, which was similarly debunked. The Berwyn Mountain incident, which occurred on January 23, 1974, involved an explosion, rumbling, and light phenomena reported by residents in Bala, Wales. Initially thought to be a plane crash, the event was later sensationalized by UFO groups like APEN, who claimed an alien spacecraft had crashed and been recovered. Roberts' investigation suggests that the phenomena were likely caused by multiple fireballs (large meteors) observed over Britain that evening, a powerful earthquake near Bala, and the use of searchlights by local poachers. The article debunks claims of military cover-ups and mysterious officials, identifying the latter as British Geological Survey employees investigating the earthquake. It also notes that subsequent events, like RAF Harrier jet crashes in the area, may have influenced memories of the 1974 incident.

Book Offers and SUFOI Information

The magazine includes a section offering discounted back issues of "UFO-Nyt" (UFO News) and the yearbook "UFO-Vision." It also promotes the book "SUFOI's Historie 1975-2000" (SUFOI's History 1975-2000), available as a combined book and CD-ROM or as a CD-ROM only, at reduced prices for a limited time. Details are provided on how to order these publications via email.

Obituary: Hilary Evans 1929-2011

A tribute is paid to Hilary Evans, a significant figure in ufology who passed away on July 27, 2011. Evans was known for his psycho-social approach to understanding UFO phenomena, interpreting UFO experiences through sociological and psychological lenses. His extensive collection of UFO-related materials, weighing approximately 5 tons, has been secured by the Archives for UFO Research (AFU) in Sweden. Links to further information about his life and work are provided.

Call to Action: Join SUFOI's Support Circle

Readers are encouraged to become members of SUFOI's "Støttekreds" (Support Circle) by contributing kr. 250 or more annually. This support is crucial for the voluntary organization to continue its work of providing serious information about UFO phenomena through its website, ufo.dk, and registering unusual aerial phenomena. Payment details via giro and online banking are provided, along with instructions for claiming a free title as a thank-you gift.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, the debunking of popular myths through rigorous investigation, and the importance of distinguishing between factual evidence and sensationalized narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious, evidence-based research in ufology, challenging unsubstantiated theories, and supporting organizations dedicated to this pursuit. There is a clear emphasis on investigative journalism and historical analysis to understand the phenomenon of UFOs and its cultural impact.