SUFOI Annual Report - 2016

Magazine Overview

This document is the SUFOI Annual Report 2016, published by Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI). The report, dated January 2016, summarizes key UFO-related events, discussions, and the organization's activities from the preceding year. It aims to provide a curated selection of articles and notes from the 'UFO-Mail' newsletter, along with a previously unpublished photo case.

Editorial Introduction

Kim Møller Hansen, chairman of SUFOI, introduces the annual report, highlighting significant UFO events of 2015, such as the renewed interest in the Roswell case with a new color photo, the media sensation surrounding the release of Project Blue Book UFO archives, and the release of two UFO-related documentaries. He also notes a curious claim by a Saudi theologian that the Earth does not move. Hansen expresses that SUFOI received numerous inquiries from the press and TV production companies in 2015, many of which lacked sufficient research into SUFOI's vision and purpose. He emphasizes SUFOI's ongoing challenge to provide the public with serious knowledge about UFOs through ufo.dk and UFO-mail, countering outdated myths and misconceptions. He also points out the rise of self-proclaimed 'UFO experts' who often repeat past mistakes and promote unverified experiences. Hansen encourages more people to visit ufo.dk and read "50 år med ufoer – erfaringer fra halvtreds års rapportarbejde" (50 Years with UFOs – Experiences from Fifty Years of Reporting Work) by Toke Haunstrup, published by SUFOI. He concludes by thanking supporters for their contributions in 2015 and expressing hope for continued support in 2016.

The report is edited by Kim Møller Hansen and was finalized on December 25, 2015. It is available as a color print for honorary and supporting members and as a PDF on www.ufo.dk. Copying is subject to agreements with Copydan Tekst & Node, and media may quote signed articles with proper attribution, but full articles require written permission from the author.

SUFOI's Facebook Debate Forum

Ole Henningsen discusses SUFOI's presence on social media, noting that while SUFOI is not directly on platforms like Facebook, they are often asked why they don't have a discussion page on their website. The organization has historically avoided such platforms due to the prevalence of trivial comments seen on other sites. However, a SUFOI-related Facebook page was created by a reader, Mads Henning Hedegaard Madsen, which later evolved into a debate forum for Skandinavisk UFO Information. This forum has nearly 300 participants and is accessible via a provided link. The forum is intended for discussions related to SUFOI's vision and purpose, and members are expected to maintain reasonable conduct. While most discussions are appropriate, some members have received warnings or been removed by administrators, including the author, for inappropriate behavior. The forum is considered a useful channel for information, especially for quickly disseminating information about current UFO events or seeking observers.

Meditation Led to Contact with Aliens

This article by Kim Møller Hansen recounts an event on January 27, 2015, in Vero Beach, Florida, where a group participated in a meditation session using the CE-5 technique developed by Steven Greer. At 9:10 PM, two orange lights appeared over the horizon and were filmed for several minutes. The participants, who had each paid $2,500 for the course, were reportedly thrilled. The article questions Steven Greer's ventures, including The Center for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence (CSETI), suggesting they are designed to exploit enthusiasts. It notes that ufo.dk has previously covered Greer and his associates' involvement in the Disclosure and Exopolitics movements.

The phenomenon observed was later identified by Marc Dantonio of MUFON as two parachute flares. This assessment is shared by Bruce S. Maccabee. The article notes that the appearance and movement patterns on video recordings, along with a concurrent military exercise involving aircraft and naval vessels off the Florida coast, support the flare explanation. However, it states that Greer and his followers remain convinced they made contact with non-terrestrials.

The Fantastic Lights from Phoenix

Henning Dethlefsen reports on the widely publicized 'Phoenix Lights' incident that occurred on the night of March 13, 1997. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of people in Arizona witnessed a large, V-shaped object moving slowly and silently across the night sky. Many consider this event to be strong evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. The article notes that the event coincided with the visibility of Comet Hale-Bopp, which may have drawn people's attention to the sky.

Several sightings were reported throughout the evening. Around 7:55 PM, a V-shaped object with six lights was seen in Henderson, Nevada. By 8:15 PM, reports of orange lights emerged from Paulden, Arizona, followed by sightings in Prescott Valley of a triangular object with red-orange lights. The Kaiser family described a low-flying, silent, triangular object. In Phoenix, Tim Ley and his family observed five separate lights forming an arc, which later separated into a triangle, passing directly overhead at an estimated altitude of 30-45 meters. The object was described as being the size of a football field.

Further sightings occurred around 8:30 PM near Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, with no reaction from aircraft in the air. Later, between 8:30 PM and 8:45 PM, the object was seen in Glendale, described as a cluster of stars. Another sighting occurred south of Tucson. Many witnesses were only interviewed much later, and while some used binoculars or telescopes, film footage is scarce, with most subsequent media coverage relying on reconstructions.

Around 10:00 PM, lights reappeared over the Estrella Mountains southwest of Phoenix. These lights were filmed and appeared to turn on and off in a bow formation, suggesting they were the running lights of the same large craft seen earlier, now returning. This reappearance reinforced the belief for many that it was a single, massive object.

The Prophet and the Charlatan

The Phoenix Lights incident immediately sparked a strong public reaction, with many witnesses seeking official explanations. They contacted organizations like the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFOR), local authorities, and military bases. However, neither civilian nor military authorities provided satisfactory answers, leading to accusations of a deliberate cover-up, particularly targeting the military for allegedly hiding secret projects or knowledge of alien visits, and politicians for fearing damage to their careers.

An inquiry to Luke Air Force Base initially yielded a denial of any aircraft activity, later corrected by an officer who confirmed flights but denied their involvement, further fueling suspicions of a cover-up. The story gained local media attention, and on June 18, it was featured on the front page of USA Today, subsequently being broadcast by ABC and NBC, making the Phoenix Lights a nationally recognized event.

Francis Barwood, a member of the Phoenix city council, proposed an investigation into the incident, but it was rejected. She then conducted a private investigation, claiming to have contacted over 800 witnesses. Arizona Governor Fife Symington, facing increasing public pressure, staged a press conference where his aide, Jay Heiler, appeared in handcuffs, dressed as an alien. Symington later explained this was a theatrical stunt to ease the growing hysteria. Despite this, the Phoenix Lights case became a major UFO event, featured in numerous documentaries and celebrated with annual anniversaries.

The case is often cited by the Exopolitics movement as evidence of alien visitation. Lynne Kitei, a witness who came forward years later, wrote a book and was involved in the film 'The Phoenix Lights.' She described experiencing mysterious lights before 1997 and felt the March 13 lights carried a special message, signifying a shift in cosmic consciousness. She claimed the lights reappeared outside her window after disappearing over the city, and other witnesses reported similar telepathic contact. Kitei later worked for the Disclosure movement, aiming for public recognition of UFO phenomena and fostering a relationship with extraterrestrials. In 2005, former Governor Fife Symington admitted to seeing the large craft and believing it was 'extraterrestrial.'

Flares, or Not Flares? That is the Question

The MUFON investigation into the Phoenix Lights initially suggested strong evidence for UFOs. However, differing descriptions of the lights at 8-9 PM (moving northwest to southeast) and the 10 PM sightings led investigator Richard Motzer to question the connection. He noted discrepancies in witness accounts and the number of lights. Some witnesses claimed to have seen similar lights regularly for about three months, always at the same time and place, with consistent intervals between them lighting up and going out. Some videos showed smoke, confirmed by witnesses.

Six news reports immediately after the event claimed the military identified the lights as flares, supported by two pilots who stated flares were fired over the Barry M. Goldwater Range. The article suggests that the numerous peaks of the Estrella Mountains could have obscured some lights in the films, explaining the varying number of lights seen. The apparent stillness of the lights was attributed to their descent via parachutes, creating a slow fall rate due to heat.

Dr. Lenny Rudin's comparison of mountain silhouettes and light positions from a Discovery Channel program indicated a clear correlation. By May, Motzer concluded that the 10 PM lights were likely flares seen from a distance and recommended focusing on the earlier 8-9 PM event. However, Motzer was accused of being a 'debunker,' and many tried to link the two events. Jim Dilettoso, a 'computer expert,' analyzed the 10 PM lights and flares, concluding they were not flares and were 'quite special.'

In 1998, journalist Tony Ortega published an article in The Phoenix New Times exposing Dilettoso's methods as pseudoscientific, noting that Dilettoso could not explain his results, and experts he cited were unaware of his claims. The article includes images of the 10 PM lights identified as flares and an A-10 Thunderbolt firing flares, with a statement from Captain Eileen Bienz of the Air National Guard confirming that flares were indeed fired by A-10 fighter-bombers at an unusual altitude in late July 1997.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SUFOI Annual Report 2016 consistently emphasizes the need for serious, well-researched information regarding UFO phenomena, contrasting this with sensationalism and unsubstantiated claims. The organization positions itself as a provider of credible data and analysis, aiming to educate the public and counter misinformation. There is a clear critique of media portrayals and individuals who promote unverified theories without proper grounding. The report highlights the ongoing debate between official explanations (like flares) and witness interpretations of UFO events, particularly in the context of the Phoenix Lights. The editorial stance is one of critical inquiry, advocating for a scientific and evidence-based approach while acknowledging the persistent public interest and the complexity of the UFO phenomenon. The report also touches upon the role of social media and online forums as both valuable information channels and potential sources of noise and speculation.

This document is the SUFOI Annual Report 2016, a publication from the Danish organization SUFOI (Støtteforeningen for Ufo-Forskning - Support Association for UFO Research). It delves into two primary cases: the well-known Phoenix Lights incident and a more recent Danish case involving a dashcam video.

The Phoenix Lights Incident

The report meticulously analyzes the Phoenix Lights, a series of sightings in March 1997. It aims to debunk the extraterrestrial hypothesis by presenting a terrestrial explanation, primarily focusing on military activities. The article distinguishes between two sets of sightings: those occurring around 8 PM and those around 10 PM.

The 10 PM Lights: Military Flares

For the 10 PM sightings, the report strongly supports the explanation that the lights were flares, specifically LUU-2 flares, deployed by a "non-local" National Guard unit from Maryland, the 104th Fighter Squadron, as part of a project called "Snowbird." Initially, local military forces denied involvement, but this was attributed to them only checking their own local flight operations. Physicist Bruce Maccabee's 1998 analysis is mentioned, which concluded that the lights were indeed flares. The report notes that even after admitting the possibility of flares, some proponents continue to use these sightings as evidence for an unknown event, arguing that the military was attempting to distract from the real event occurring between 8 PM and 9 PM.

The 8 PM Lights: Aircraft and Formations

Regarding the earlier 8 PM sightings, the report posits that these were likely aircraft. It discusses the ambiguity in witness descriptions, categorizing them into "a dark object," "a fixed formation," and "a loose formation." Tim Printy's statistical analysis indicated a relatively even distribution, with a slight lean towards "a dark object," which the report suggests might be due to reconstructions in later documentaries. Crucially, 12 original reports indicated that the lights were moving relative to each other.

A key piece of evidence presented is a video filmed by Terry Proctor from Scottsdale. This video, though indistinct, reportedly shows the lights moving slightly back and forth, consistent with aircraft maintaining a formation. Mitch Stanley, an amateur astronomer, is cited as a witness who observed the lights through his 60x magnification telescope and described them as "airplanes with lights." His testimony, however, was reportedly dismissed by local journalists and ufologists.

Another witness, Rich Contry, driving on Interstate 40, reported hearing jet engines faintly and described the lights as a "dark object" that became "blurred" as it passed the Moon, leaving a "wake," which is consistent with an aircraft's passage. Mike Fortson's report also mentioned a "dark object."

Randy Fitzgerald, in a Readers Digest article, reported that two American West pilots saw the lights and were told by air traffic control that they were CT-144 Tutor-fly aircraft flying at approximately 5.8 kilometers altitude. One of the Tutor pilots reportedly referred to them as "Snowbirds." This ties into "Operation Snowbird," a program allowing aircraft from colder regions to fly south for exercises. The report links this to the flares used by the Maryland National Air Guard behind the Estrella Mountains, causing the 10 PM lights.

The report includes an image of a Canadian Tutor jet, noting its landing light in the nose. It suggests that Canadian pilots flying Tutor jets in 1997 at an altitude of about 5.8 km could have been responsible for the lights. Their landing lights would have been on to maintain formation in the dark, and they might have been unaware of the stir they caused.

The placement of air routes in Arizona is also considered, with a route from Las Vegas through Prescott, then south towards Phoenix and Tucson, aligning with the concentration of witnesses. The report sarcastically notes that it would require "exceptionally traffic-savvy aliens" to follow such a precise route, reinforcing the idea that these were aircraft.

Misidentification and Media Influence

The report criticizes the tendency to conflate the 8 PM and 10 PM events, similar to how the Rendlesham Forest incident is sometimes presented as a single, inexplicable event. It argues that some ufologists are not interested in separating the events because it allows them to dismiss the flare explanation by claiming witnesses saw something that was "definitely not flares." The report counters that witnesses are correct in that the 8 PM lights were not flares, but they were indeed aircraft.

A significant point is made about the difficulty of accurately judging distance and speed against a night sky. This psychological phenomenon, termed "luftskibseffekten" (airship effect), can lead witnesses to fill in gaps and perceive a "massive" object. The report cites an example from 2015 where a video of colored lights on the night sky was initially mistaken for a giant airship but turned out to be TV antennas on a nearby mountain.

The Zond IV incident from March 3, 1968, is presented as a famous example of misidentification. The Soviet spacecraft burned up in the atmosphere, and many witnesses in the USA reported seeing a "gigantic and silent cigar- or saucer-shaped spaceship" at treetop height, with lights interpreted as "windows." The report notes that witness descriptions of dimensions tend to increase over time, citing Tim Ley's initial report of a V-shaped object with 90-meter legs, which later grew to over 200 meters in media reports.

The report criticizes media coverage for sensationalizing the Phoenix Lights, ignoring more mundane explanations in favor of "extreme" accounts to boost ratings. This focus on imagery, it argues, derailed the investigation, with footage of the 10 PM event often being shown alongside testimony about the 8 PM event.

The report concludes that even a large number of witnesses does not guarantee clarity and can, under certain circumstances, increase the potential for misinterpretation and the development of UFO myths.

Danish Dashcam Video: A Potential Meteorite?

This section details a case from October 20, 2015, involving a dashcam video taken by a photographer driving north over the Storstrømsbroen bridge in Denmark. The photographer noticed an object flying quickly past his car and, upon reviewing the footage, captured a brief sequence of a dark object falling.

Expert Analysis

The video was sent to TV 2, which consulted lektor Henning Haack, a meteoritics expert from the Natural History Museum of Denmark. Haack found the video interesting but doubted it was a meteorite. He noted that meteorite falls are extremely rare and that man-made objects are more common. He suggested the object could be a stone that had been hit by another vehicle on the bridge and sent flying. Haack explained that meteorites typically fall almost vertically once they reach lower altitudes, decelerating to a terminal velocity of a few hundred kilometers per hour, and then continue to fall vertically. The object in the video, however, appeared to be moving horizontally relative to the car's path.

SUFOI's Investigation

SUFOI's photo department also reviewed the video. They analyzed the object's appearance and movement. The object was visible for a very short duration, approximately 1/3 of a second, at a frame rate of about 30 frames per second. The report notes that the object appeared to be moving away from the camera, descending at an angle.

Conclusion on the Danish Video

The report concludes that the most likely scenario is that the object was a stone from the road, dislodged by a passing vehicle and propelled into the air. The presence of oncoming traffic just before the object appeared in the video supports this theory. The report acknowledges that the images themselves do not definitively prove this explanation but find it the most plausible.

Subsequent Developments

Following the video's upload to YouTube, the photographer received numerous inquiries, including offers to purchase the "meteorite." Two divers even offered to search for it in the water. People were observed searching the bridge. One individual claimed to have found a possible meteorite on the bridge, submitting photos and a video. The report states that this stone should be handed over to the Geological Museum.

A subsequent clip uploaded to YouTube showed another stone (or the same one) moving rapidly from right to left across the frame.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The report's recurring themes include the fallibility of witness testimony, the impact of media sensationalism on UFO investigations, and the tendency towards misidentification of conventional phenomena as extraterrestrial. SUFOI's stance appears to be one of critical analysis, seeking rational explanations for reported anomalous events, often pointing to military activities, aircraft, or natural phenomena, while acknowledging the limitations of current evidence and the psychological factors influencing perception. The report emphasizes the importance of separating distinct events and scrutinizing claims, especially when they are amplified by media attention. It advocates for a grounded, evidence-based approach to UFO research.

This document is the SUFOI Annual Report for 2016, published by SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information). It is primarily in Danish and covers various UFO-related topics, including historical sightings, modern phenomena, and the organization's activities.

Key Articles and Content

The 'Pelican' Myth and the Origin of the Flying Saucer

This section delves into the origins of the 'ufomyten' (UFO myth), tracing it back to Kenneth Arnold's sighting on June 24, 1947. Arnold, a pilot and businessman, reported seeing nine silver, disc-like objects near Mt. Rainier, Washington. Initially, he did not connect them to extraterrestrial visitors but rather to rockets or experimental aircraft. However, the public and Project Sign, the US Air Force's UFO investigation project, speculated about Soviet origins. The article notes that Arnold's descriptions of the objects' appearance and speed varied, and his estimations of distance and time are subject to uncertainty. A significant portion of the article discusses the theory that Arnold may have actually seen a flock of pelicans, which have large wingspans and can fly at high altitudes, fitting the description and location. The article highlights that Arnold's experience occurred at a critical time during the Cold War, fueling public fear and speculation about extraterrestrial or foreign threats. The term 'flying saucer' is discussed in relation to this event and subsequent media coverage.

The Norwegian Skydiver and the 'Stone in the Air'

This segment reports on a widely publicized incident in April 2014 involving a Norwegian skydiver who filmed what appeared to be a meteorite passing him while he was descending with his parachute deployed. The video, captured by Anders Helstrup, sparked debate about whether it was a genuine meteorite or a hoax. SUFOI's photo department noted this as the closest they had heard to a 'stone in the air' phenomenon. The article provides links to the video and related articles. While some believe the video is genuine and shows a small meteorite, others suspect it is a fabrication. A more mundane explanation suggested is that a small stone may have inadvertently become caught in the folds of the skydiver's parachute and fallen out during deployment, creating the illusion of an object overtaking him. A small, dark stone found on the Storstrømsbroen bridge after a 200-meter sweep at night is mentioned, and SUFOI encouraged its submission for expert examination at the Geological Museum, though this had not yet occurred. The report concludes that regardless of the outcome, it is an unusual and exciting account.

'Project Saucer – Da ufomyten blev skabt' Book Review

This section reviews SUFOI's publication, 'Project Saucer – Da ufomyten blev skabt' (Project Saucer – The UFO Myth Was Created), authored by Kim Møller Hansen, Chairman of Skandinavisk UFO Information. The book is described as an entertaining and informative account of how the UFO myth emerged in the USA around 1947, influenced by the fears of the Cold War, media portrayals, fiction, and the US Air Force's handling of the phenomenon. It explains the mechanisms behind belief in UFOs, drawing on reports from official bodies. The review notes that contemporary UFO research often focuses on debunking myths and finding rational explanations. The book is highlighted as being well-written, with a touch of humor, and is available for purchase for 159 DKK, with proceeds supporting ufo.dk. Ordering details are provided, including payment methods and a request to use a specific short code and provide contact information.

Membership and Book Offers

The final section encourages readers to become members of SUFOI's 'Støttekreds' (Support Circle) in 2016. It emphasizes that SUFOI is run by volunteers and its primary mission is to provide the public with serious information about UFOs via ufo.dk and to register unusual aerial phenomena. Financial contributions are crucial for maintaining the website and conducting investigations. Members have no obligations beyond their financial support. A minimum contribution of 250 DKK is suggested, with payment options via giro or online banking. Members can also choose one of five books as a free gift, including titles like 'Besøg fra rummet' (Visit from Space), 'Bermuda Trekanten – og andre myter' (Bermuda Triangle – and Other Myths), 'Nærkontakt' (Close Encounter), 'UFO-styrt' (UFO Crash), and 'Roswell'.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this report are the historical development of UFO beliefs, particularly the 'ufomyten' originating in the US during the Cold War, and the critical examination of alleged UFO sightings. SUFOI's stance appears to be one of serious, evidence-based research, aiming to provide accurate information while also exploring the psychological and societal factors that contribute to UFO myths. There is an emphasis on rational explanations, as seen in the discussion of the pelican theory for the Kenneth Arnold sighting and the stone theory for the Norwegian skydiver video. The organization actively promotes its work and seeks financial support from the public to continue its mission.