SUFOI Annual Report - 2011-2012

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOI Årsrapport 2011/12
Issue Date: November 22, 2011
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This is the first annual report from SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information), distributed free to honorary members and supporters. The report aims to provide an overview of the organization's activities in the past year and its plans for 2012, along with a selection of articles previously published in their electronic newsletter, UFO-Mail.

Editorial and Organizational Update

The report begins with a welcome message, acknowledging the transition from the print publication UFO-Nyt to the electronic UFO-Mail. Despite initial fears that the information level might decrease, UFO-Mail has proven to be more current and comprehensive, with 14 issues published in 2011. The organization anticipates publishing even more UFO-Mail issues in 2012 due to a steady stream of reports and ongoing article preparations. A notable event mentioned is Ole Henningsen's visit to CNES in France to meet with Xavier Passot, the new head of their UFO department, GEIPAN.

SUFOI receives reports of unusual aerial phenomena through a user-friendly form on their website, www.ufo.dk, averaging one report per day. These reports are logged in an observation list, and selected cases are investigated by Toke Haunstrup and Ole Henningsen. The increasing prevalence of mobile phones with cameras has led to a rise in photographic and video evidence, requiring significant resources for analysis, primarily handled by Ole Henningsen with the help of photo consultants.

The SUFOI Årsrapport 2011/12 is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information, based in Åbenrå, Denmark. It is edited by SUFOI's chairman, Kim Møller Hansen, and was finalized on November 22, 2011. The report also notes that copying is permitted only under agreement with Copydan Tekst & Node, and media may quote articles with proper attribution.

Publications and Media Appearances

In September, SUFOI published a 454-page book titled "UFO Projekt – tro, løgne og kold krig" (UFO Project – truth, lies, and the Cold War). Due to financial constraints, it was initially released as a PDF on a CD-ROM, though it has been acquired by some public libraries. The organization was active in the media in 2011; Ole Henningsen appeared on DR 1's program "Aftenshowet" on April 19 in connection with the film "World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles." In October, the weekly magazine "Ude og Hjemme" featured an interview with Kim Møller Hansen in a special supplement titled "Mystikkens verden" (The World of Mystery), which also touched upon Danish UFO incidents and the Roswell incident.

Website Development and Organizational Structure

Significant effort was dedicated to updating and maintaining the SUFOI website throughout 2011. The webmaster, Flemming O. Rasmussen, worked on a new website, scheduled to launch in spring 2012, promising extensive content including news, observation reports, and online books.

In November 2011, SUFOI's representative body adopted updated statutes to align with the organization's current reality after ceasing the print publication of UFO-Nyt. These statutes reflect the organization's structure, leadership, activities, purpose, and vision, with the new purpose and vision detailed on page 4.

SUFOI's Purpose and Vision

SUFOI's purpose is to inform the public with well-substantiated knowledge about the UFO myth and phenomena that can lead to UFO experiences. The organization defines the UFO myth as reports, experiences, and beliefs associated with the term 'UFO,' which evolve over time influenced by historical and cultural factors. The term 'UFO' itself is seen as an umbrella term for various phenomena described in reports of unusual aerial events.

• SUFOI's vision is to:
• Inform about phenomena that can create UFO experiences.
• Provide the public with well-substantiated knowledge about the many aspects of the UFO myth.
• Utilize acquired experience and knowledge to offer a balanced perspective on myth-creating phenomena.

The organization expresses confidence in its ability to meet the coming year's activities and encourages continued support.

Support and Material Offers

Supporters can contribute a minimum of DKK 250 via giro account 9 11 77 25 or bank account 3113-9117725, specifying a short code and contact details. Donors can choose three titles from a list of six, including "Avisænder – og andre dyr" (Newspaper Ducks – and Other Animals), "UFO-Vision nr. 7," "UFO-Vision nr. 9," "Ufoernes verden" (The World of UFOs), "Ufoer over Polen" (UFOs over Poland), and "Mirakelmanden Uri Geller" (The Miracle Man Uri Geller). A coupon on page 26 offers discounted materials.

Table of Contents Highlights

• The table of contents lists several articles, including:
• "Amateur astronomer with an exciting observation" (page 5)
• "Abducted by a UFO? Or a meteor?" (page 6)
• "Never seen anything like it..." (page 10)
• "Exeter, 1965 – a UFO classic explained" (page 13)
• "UFO crash?" (page 20)
• "Conspiracy" (page 22)
• "Favorable reception of a non-fiction book for young people" (page 23)
• "Riddles of the sky" (page 24)
• "Photo received for investigation" (page 25)
• "Become a member of SUFOI's Support Circle 2012" (page 26)

Case Study: Amateur Astronomer's Observation

On July 27, 2008, Esben Schmidt Sørensen, a 62-year-old land surveyor from Stenløse, Denmark, reported an unusual observation. At 01:50, he noticed two bright lights beneath the right part of Pegasus, which he initially mistook for stars. These lights were vertically aligned and disappeared within 15 seconds with irregular variations, as if obscured by clouds, though the sky was clear. He concluded they were not stars, satellites, or comets, but two UFOs. The lights remained stationary for approximately two minutes. Sørensen, who does not actively seek UFOs, reported the incident to SUFOI's website, but it was initially misfiled due to archive system issues. He later contacted SUFOI again, seeking information that might explain his observation, considering possibilities like weather balloons but noting the unusual stationary, vertical alignment and simultaneous disappearance.

Case Study: Bjørnstrup Observation

A report from Bjørnstrup near Kalundborg describes a white light in the sky that appeared to nearly collide with a passenger plane. This light moved from west to east in about 1-2 minutes, contrasting with the stationary observation from Stenløse.

Case Study: Stenløse Observation - Further Analysis

The Stenløse observation was initially problematic for SUFOI's archive system. The observer linked the event to a simultaneous local power outage. The report notes that while other reports exist for that date, no direct correlation was found, nor with a report from Næstved. No astronomical explanation was found, as only Uranus was nearby and not visible in that manner. The Moon and Jupiter were low on the horizon. Attempts to explain it as the International Space Station (ISS) with a space shuttle or a Russian supply rocket were ruled out due to the lack of movement and the object's appearance. Specific satellite data was checked without yielding an obvious explanation. The report poses questions about whether the lights were moving, if the sky was clear, and if they were aircraft with landing lights that appeared stationary before fading. Readers are invited to provide explanations or additional information.

Case Study: Abduction or Meteor?

This section, authored by Toke Haunstrup, discusses a rare type of SUFOI inquiry: alleged UFO abductions. The report emphasizes that such claims often stem from psychological factors rather than literal physical experiences, noting that some individuals develop delusions of frequent contact with extraterrestrials or believe themselves to be aliens.

X-shaped Mark

A woman from Aalborg reported that her daughter discovered an unusual X-shaped mark, consisting of about 20 small, dark dots with slightly red edges, on the underside of her upper arm. The mark, approximately 2x3 cm, was described as resembling "pinpricks" and was fading within a few hours of discovery. The mother felt no irritation from the mark.

Light Flashes

The daughter recalled an unusual experience the night before discovering the mark. While staying overnight at her mother's apartment, her room was illuminated by about six white-orange flashes. She observed these flashes from her first-floor window, but could not see their source. The flashes lasted only a few seconds, and she had never experienced anything similar, believing they originated from a phenomenon outside the window.

The Abduction Hypothesis

Connecting the daughter's light flashes with the X-shaped mark on the mother's arm, they searched online and found YouTube videos describing marks on the skin after UFO abductions. This reinforced their suspicion of a connection. The mother's deep, undisturbed sleep that night further contributed to her belief that something unusual had occurred, leading them to contact SUFOI.

SUFOI's Response and Meteor Explanation

SUFOI explained that they have limited experience investigating such cases but suggested the possibility of a coincidental alignment of events. They noted that seemingly dramatic experiences can arise from unrelated, natural phenomena. The mother and daughter were encouraged to send photos and a detailed description for further analysis. However, they did not follow up, and SUFOI lacked their full contact information.

Later, SUFOI learned of a bright meteor observed over Vendsyssel on the night of September 5-6, around 00:52, which was recorded by multiple observers and automatic cameras. The meteor's trajectory was from south to north. This coincided with the daughter's experience of light flashes, suggesting a likely explanation. While the exact timing and direction of the daughter's observation remain unknown, SUFOI concludes that her experience was most likely caused by the meteor. Consequently, it is improbable that there is any connection between the daughter's light flashes and the mark on the mother's arm. The report posits that these are two independent phenomena, linked only by the mother's and daughter's thoughts, influenced by the common narrative of UFO abductions found in books and science fiction, where marks on the skin are often associated with such events.

The report concludes by highlighting how the modern UFO myth shapes people's experiences, emphasizing that the mother and daughter did not appear to have pre-existing predispositions towards such beliefs, but rather that such experiences can affect anyone under certain circumstances.

Meteor Observation Details

An image shows the path of the fireball over northern Denmark, captured by an automatic camera in Klokkerholm, Nordjylland. The long exposure created a streak, with "clumps" along the path indicating varying brightness and brief flares. A map illustrates the sighting lines to the meteor's path over Nordjylland, based on recordings from cameras in Copenhagen and Klokkerholm. The report references the website stjerneskud.info for further details on the fireball.

Case Study: "Never Seen Anything Like It..."

Ole Henningsen recounts a report from a physics and mathematics teacher near Lillebælt, who stated they had "never seen anything like it" in their 25 years of teaching. On January 4, 2011, the teacher and their students observed a peculiar object in the sky. Initially thought to be a passenger plane, the object repeatedly changed direction in abrupt zig-zag movements. It emitted a faint red glow and appeared round or oval. An accompanying smartphone photo revealed a mysterious "tail" not observed by the witnesses. The teacher asked SUFOI for guidance, expressing hesitation to pursue the matter further without expert input. The report notes that earlier that day, they had observed a solar eclipse. The teacher requested that students not discuss the event at home pending advice from SUFOI. The report also questions the lack of school identification and the single photo provided, considering that most students would have smartphones capable of taking multiple photos or videos. The absence of EXIF data in the photo also raised questions about its processing history.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOI Årsrapport are the investigation and analysis of UFO sightings and related phenomena, the role of media and public perception in shaping UFO beliefs, and the organization's efforts to disseminate information and maintain its online presence. The editorial stance appears to be one of careful, evidence-based investigation, distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and those that can be attributed to natural events or psychological factors influenced by popular culture. The report emphasizes the importance of critical analysis and encourages public participation in understanding these phenomena.

This issue of SUFOI Årsrapport (Annual Report) from 2011/12, published by SUFOI, is primarily in Danish and focuses on the investigation and debunking of UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) cases. The report details several incidents, offering explanations based on thorough research and analysis.

The Exeter Incident, 1965: A UFO Classic Explained

This section, authored by Kim Møller Hansen, revisits the famous Exeter incident of September 3, 1965. The event involved Norman J. Muscarello and police officers David R. Hunt and Eugene Bertrand reporting sightings of powerful, red lights in the sky. The article highlights how the incident has been sensationalized over time, often with inaccuracies. It cites the original report filed with Project Blue Book.

Norman Muscarello described seeing a group of five powerful, red lights in a line, about 30 meters away, which illuminated the area and moved like a falling leaf. Police officer Eugene Bertrand, on patrol, initially encountered a distressed woman who reported a light following her. He later met Muscarello and, upon returning to the location, witnessed the lights himself. Bertrand described the lights as incredibly sharp and moving over a field, at one point coming so close that he considered drawing his weapon. He noted the absence of sound or vibration but observed that farm animals were agitated.

Police officer David Hunt also observed the lights and his description matched the others. An observation report from Pease Air Force Base on September 15, 1965, stated clear visibility and a slight wind from the west, with five B-47 aircraft in the air during the observation period. The report's author concluded that they were unable to provide a definitive explanation at the time, noting the witnesses appeared credible.

Journalist John Fuller investigated the Exeter case extensively, interviewing over 60 people and writing the bestseller "Incident at Exeter." However, the article points out that Fuller's interviews often lacked crucial details like dates and precise observation times, focusing more on the witnesses' experiences and emotions.

Tæt på forklaringen (Close to an Explanation)

The article then presents a likely explanation for the Exeter sightings, based on research by Joe Nickell and James McGaha. They suggest the lights were related to the military exercise "Big Blast," which took place on September 2-3, 1965, involving aircraft from Pease Air Force Base. Specifically, the lights are believed to be from a Boeing B-47 Stratojet, a long-range bomber. The article explains that B-47s were used for reconnaissance and as test aircraft until 1977, and ten B-47s from Pease AFB participated in the "Big Blast" exercise.

Betjentene Bertrand and Hunt noted seeing something resembling a B-47 fly at high altitude after the lights disappeared, which did not resemble a UFO. The article posits that the mysterious lights were indeed connected to B-47 activity during the exercise. This explanation, overlooked at the time, is now considered probable.

Opklaring! (Clarification!)

Further research by Joe Nickell and James McGaha, who are described as an astronomer and former USAF major respectively, focused on the KC-97 Stratotanker. McGaha, having experienced similar lights as a pilot, visited a museum with a KC-97. He identified the lights as part of the aircraft's refueling system. The KC-97 Stratotanker, used for aerial refueling, had a refueling boom that lowered at a 64-degree angle. This boom was illuminated by red, blinking receiver lights and three powerful white spotlights. These lights, along with the boom's movement, could create the appearance of a falling leaf.

During refueling, the KC-97 would circle, and as the receiving aircraft approached, the boom would be lowered, and the red lights would activate. These lights were about 20 feet from the boom. The article includes images of a KC-97 and a KC-135 Stratotanker, illustrating the refueling process and the lights involved.

The report suggests that the American Air Force did not pursue this explanation in 1965 because they did not allocate significant resources to seemingly non-dangerous phenomena and perhaps lacked the imagination to consider how aircraft lights could appear so spectacular to an untrained observer.

UFO-styrt? (UFO Crash?)

Authored by Kim Møller Hansen, this section reviews Andy Roberts' book "UFO Down? The Berwyn Mountain UFO Crash." The book is described as a crucial example of how unrelated events can be woven together into a narrative of a crashed spaceship and alien bodies being secretly removed by the military, driven by biased investigation, rumors, and media hysteria.

The Berwyn Mountain incident, which began on January 23, 1974, in Wales, involved an explosion, rumbling, and sightings of lights in the sky. Residents reported the events, fearing an accident. A local nurse investigated and saw a large, pulsating light surrounded by smaller lights but deemed it too far to reach.

The article also references Arne S. Petersen's investigation into a supposed UFO crash on Amager, Denmark, on March 27, 1985. This case was also explained as a combination of events: the observation of a meteor and the illegal burning of waste.

Roberts' book is presented as a significant contribution to ufology, similar to Petersen's work. It illustrates how tendentious investigation and media hype can create a compelling, yet false, narrative.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SUFOI Annual Report 2011/12 consistently demonstrates a critical and investigative approach to UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly aimed at debunking sensationalized claims and providing rational explanations for reported sightings and alleged crashes. The report emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, distinguishing between credible evidence and misinterpretations, hoaxes, or the conflation of unrelated events. The cases of Exeter and Berwyn Mountain serve as prime examples of how UFO narratives can be constructed and subsequently deconstructed through careful analysis, highlighting the role of military exercises, aircraft technology, and natural phenomena in explaining seemingly anomalous events.

This issue of SUFOI's Annual Report 2011/12 delves into various topics related to UFO phenomena, conspiracy theories, and related cultural events. It features an in-depth look at the Berwyn Mountain UFO crash, a review of a book on 9/11 conspiracy theories, an analysis of a UFO photograph, and information about an art and astronomy exhibition.

The Berwyn Mountain UFO Crash Myth

The article "Selv om hændelsen havde været voldsom..." (Even though the incident had been violent...) discusses the Berwyn Mountain UFO crash, which occurred in 1974. Initially, a group called APEN (Aerial Phenomena Enquiry Network) circulated documents suggesting a spaceship crash and retrieval. This led to speculation about a disinformation campaign by the British Ministry of Defence (MoD), similar to the Rendlesham Forest incident. However, the author suggests it's more likely that APEN was a group of ufologists playing a prank. The myth gained traction in the 1990s through TV documentaries and books, notably Nick Redfern's "A Covert Agenda." This publicity attracted new witnesses, including one who claimed to have transported alien bodies from the crash site. Andy Roberts investigated the case, hypothesizing that documentation existed in archives. His research, along with records from Leicester University's Astronomy Department, revealed that on the night of the incident, several unusual fireballs (large meteors) were observed over Britain. At precisely 20:38, the Bala area experienced a strong explosion and deep rumbling, felt as far as Liverpool. Seismologists determined it was an earthquake of magnitude 4-5, with its epicenter 8 km below Bala. The article debunks the idea of a meteorite impact, stating it would have required an object weighing hundreds of tons to create such an effect. The lights seen by witnesses on the mountainside are attributed to powerful spotlights used by local poachers. Police searches with flashlights found no evidence of a crash. The myth also includes a story of a helpful nurse being stopped by police and military, but Roberts found that she encountered no one. The 'mysterious government officials' questioning locals were identified as six employees from the British Geological Survey (BGS) in Edinburgh, who interviewed over 200 people days after the event. The article notes that, like the Roswell case, witness testimonies were given significant weight, often decades after the events, and sometimes influenced by external factors like other local incidents, such as two plane crashes in the area.

UFO Down? The Berwyn Mountain UFO Crash

This section briefly summarizes the findings of a work titled "UFO Down? The Berwyn Mountain UFO Crash," which suggests that three phenomena – fireballs, earthquakes, and lights from flashlights/projectors – can, under the right circumstances, appear as a mystery.

Konspiration (Conspiracy)

Written by Kim Møller Hansen, this section reviews Ole Retsbo's book "Konspiration? – Myter og facts om terrorangrebet d. 11. september 2001" (Conspiracy? – Myths and facts about the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001). The book addresses the surge of conspiracy theories following the 9/11 attacks, which have proliferated due to the internet. Retsbo's work aims to provide a qualified counter-argument to these theories. The book, spanning 192 pages, examines questions such as how amateur pilots could fly large jets, why US air defense failed to intercept the planes, the collapse of the WTC towers, and the alleged demolition of WTC Building 7. Retsbo's analysis, supported by photos and graphics, aims to debunk conspiracy claims by confronting them with facts. He highlights how conspiracy theorists often manipulate evidence, including video footage and quotes. The article specifically mentions Niels Harrit, a former chemistry lecturer, who promotes the theory that WTC Building 7 was deliberately demolished, a claim Retsbo refutes by referencing the expertise of building engineers and demolition experts. Retsbo's book concludes that many conspiracy theorists are not looking for answers but for confirmation of their existing beliefs, suggesting that these theories, like those surrounding the Kennedy assassination, will persist regardless of new information. He posits that even a direct confession from George W. Bush would likely be interpreted by theorists as a cover-up for a larger conspiracy.

Fin modtagelse af fagbog til unge (Good reception for a non-fiction book for young people)

This short piece announces the release of the book "Besøg fra rummet" (Visit from Space) in September 2011, part of a series of non-fiction books for readers aged 11 and up. It notes that DBC A/S, which services libraries, provided a review. The review mentions that the book begins with the tragicomic story of "The War of the Worlds" radio broadcast, which caused panic and several deaths. The book also covers conspiracy theories in the USA, linking them to military secrecy during the Cold War, and discusses topics like Area 51, Roswell, and misidentified spy planes. It presents stories with both natural and fabricated explanations, including Danish observations, theories about ancient aliens, and crop circles.

Foto modtaget til undersøgelse (Photo received for investigation)

This section details a photo sent by MM from Sakskøbing to the magazine "Ude og Hjemme" (Out and About) in October 2011. The photo shows a peculiar green light spot. Ole Henningsen explains that this is a reflection in the camera's lens caused by the strong light from the sun. He clarifies that such reflections often appear diametrically opposite the image's center, at a similar distance from the center as the reflection. The article suggests readers can replicate this effect by photographing with the sun partially in the frame under the right conditions.

Himmelgåder (Sky Riddles)

This section announces an exhibition titled "Himmelgåder: Dansk kunst og astronomi 1780-2010" (Sky Riddles: Danish Art and Astronomy 1780-2010) held at Fuglsang Kunstmuseum on Lolland from October 14, 2011, to February 26, 2012. The exhibition focuses on the unexplored intersection of visual art and astronomy, showcasing Danish artists' interest in the cosmos. It features artworks from various centuries by artists such as C.W. Eckersberg, Jens Juel, J.F. Willumsen, Carl-Henning Pedersen, and Anders Brinch. Alongside the art, the exhibition displays historical astronomical instruments, film clips, music, and other documentary materials.

Bliv medlem af SUFOI's Støttekreds i 2012 (Become a member of SUFOI's Support Circle in 2012)

This is a membership drive for SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information), a volunteer-run organization dedicated to providing the public with serious information about UFOs via ufo.dk and registering sightings. Members contributing at least DKK 250 per year receive information about the past UFO year and three free publications from a selection of six titles. The page includes a form for new members to fill out their details and select their preferred publications and materials, such as books and CDs related to UFOs and mysteries. A shipping fee of DKK 35 is applied to all orders.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the debunking of myths through scientific and investigative approaches, and the analysis of conspiracy theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a preference for evidence-based explanations, while acknowledging the public's fascination with mysteries. The magazine actively promotes critical thinking and provides resources for further investigation, as seen in the book reviews and the call for membership to support their work.