UFO Mail - No 246 - 2017

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: Nr. 246
Date: October 3, 2017
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information focuses on recent publications and the psychology of belief.

UFO Book Announcement

The cover prominently announces the release of SUFOI's jubilee book, "UFO'er - Myter og viden" (UFOs - Myths and Knowledge), on October 12, 2017. This book features 204 fully illustrated pages and is available for pre-order.

"When Dreams Take Flight": Experimental Jet Aircraft

This article, written by Kim Møller Hansen, delves into the history of experimental jet aircraft, particularly those developed in the USA. It begins by referencing the Bell XP-59 Airacomet, which made its first flight on October 2, 1942, marking the US Army Air Force's entry into the jet age. The article highlights the subsequent decades of jet-powered American test aircraft, including bombers and fighter jets, all developed by dedicated designers, technicians, and test pilots.

It specifically discusses Steve Pace's book, "The Big Book of X-Bombers and X-Fighters - USAF Jet-Powered Experimental Aircraft and Their Propulsive Systems." This 360-page book contains over 250 illustrations and covers the history of all US jet-powered X-bombers and X-fighters that have emerged since 1942, including variants from the XB-43 to the B-2A and XP-59A to the F-35A. The article notes that while some remained visions, others entered mass production, pushing the boundaries of aviation.

The author points out that many of these experimental aircraft appeared strange during testing. When combined with the fact that they took a long time to develop, it's understandable why people who accidentally glimpsed them, in an era of more conventional aircraft, might have interpreted them as something alien or mysterious. This observation is limited to US sightings, and the article acknowledges that similar experimental aircraft development occurred in other countries like the UK, France, Russia, and China.

The article also mentions the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (Joint Strike Fighter), noting that test versions can take a long time to reach the skies. The X-35 test version first flew in 2000, and the F-35 in 2006. Denmark has ordered up to 27 of these fifth-generation fighter jets, expected to be part of the Danish defense from 2020. As of March 2017, 231 F-35s had been produced. An image of an F-35A Lightning II taken in Florida in May 2013 is included.

While "The Big Book of X-Bombers and X-Fighters" is not about UFO myths, it contributes to understanding a reality that can surpass imagination and influence UFO narratives. It is recommended for anyone interested in aviation history.

"Can It Be True?": The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories

This section, also by Kim Møller Hansen, explores the human tendency towards conspiracy theorizing. It posits that everyone is, to some extent, a conspiracy theorist, driven by a need to understand the world, create meaning, and systematize events. However, some individuals excessively seek patterns and connections, drawing too many lines between dots.

The article introduces Rob Brotherton's book, "Suspicious Minds - Why We Believe Conspiracy Theories." Brotherton, a psychologist with a doctorate in conspiracy theories, argues that conspiracy theories offer simple ways to explain complex histories, often with the narrative "They did it!" and empowering individuals to feel like they are uncovering the truth.

"Suspicious Minds" is described as a well-written, humorous, and knowledgeable book that aims to explain the psychology behind conspiracy theories without being condescending. It references numerous psychological studies that document why some people are more prone to believing in conspiracy theories, what triggers them, how illusions can affect us, why we tend to believe major events have extensive causes, and why demonstrably false beliefs can persist (citing the example of claims that former President Barack Obama was not born in the USA).

The article encourages readers to read "Suspicious Minds" to gain a better understanding of themselves and others. The book is 304 pages long and published by Bloomsbury Sigma in 2016, featuring psychological experiments, references, and an index.

Conspiracy Theories on ufo.dk

The magazine also directs readers to previous articles on conspiracy theories published in UFO-Mail (issues 134 and 147) and provides a link to a relevant section on the sufoi.dk archive.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue demonstrates an editorial stance that bridges the gap between unexplained phenomena (UFOs) and grounded, scientific, and psychological explanations. It promotes an interest in both the historical and technical aspects of aviation, particularly experimental jet aircraft, and the cognitive and psychological factors that contribute to belief systems, including conspiracy theories. The magazine aims to inform its readers about new publications and research in these areas, encouraging critical thinking and self-reflection.