SUFOI Intern - 1996 12

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOI INTERN
Issue: DECEMBER 1996
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of SUFOI Intern, the internal newsletter for the Danish UFO organization SUFOI, dated December 1996, serves as a year-end review and a look ahead. It is distributed around the 15th of each month to the organization's representative council. The editorial team includes Per Andersen (editor), Peter, Toke, and Per.

Review of 1996 and Outlook for 1997

The lead article, "Tak for 1996" (Thanks for 1996), reflects on a busy year for SUFOI. Key achievements highlighted include the launch of two new journals, a revised vision for the organization, a course for report-takers, the release of a UFO poster, the publication of the booklet "UFOer - Hvad siger videnskaben" (UFOs - What Does Science Say?), the commencement of the Estrella campaign, the completion of the first SUFOI video, the initiation of project PORT, the release of an English newsletter, and a welcome booklet. The article emphasizes that SUFOI is a vibrant organization, strengthened for 1997 with a clear vision and a wide range of planned activities. The board extends holiday wishes to the representative council and the organization.

SUFOI Headlines

• The issue lists several key headlines:
• SUFOI invited to a conference on light pollution.
• The first issue of Ufologisk Tidsskrift (UFOlogy Journal) is released.
• Great success on the Internet.
• UFO poster now in print.

Deadlines

Upcoming deadlines are noted: January 10th for the next "Intern" newsletter and January 2nd for "UFO-Nyt" issue number 1.

New PR Materials

New giro cards for 1997 with an introductory price are available, though they must now be ordered from JH, not PA. A new PR sheet detailing the introductory subscription offer is in print and expected before Christmas, also to be ordered from PA.

Upcoming Events

A reminder is given about SUFOI's major anniversary congress scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 1997, at Lyngby Storcenter. All representatives are asked to reserve this date.

Help Needed (Af Per Andersen)

Per Andersen explains that due to new work challenges, he needs to prioritize his time differently. He clarifies that he is not SUFOI's expedition contact, report-taker, or information center for schoolchildren. He directs inquiries to Jan Hansen for the video archive, local report-takers, and others. For schoolchildren, standard responses include a special UFO-Nyt print and information sheets. While some schoolchildren request interviews, this is not a fixed task, and individuals are encouraged to assist if they can.

SUFOI Success on the Internet (Af Per Andersen)

SUFOI's strategic shift from a BBS system to the Internet has proven highly successful. The website, significantly developed by LHA, has attracted at least 1,200 visitors in just a few months. This has led to numerous requests for sample issues, with 20-30 sent out. Lars continues to expand the website's offerings. Willy Wegner has generously offered his updated bibliography "Extraterrestrial Influence" for the website free of charge.

Advertisement

An advertisement offers a UFO mobile (uro) for sale at 20.00 DKK, to be ordered directly from PN.

News on the Estrella Campaign (Af Per Andersen)

The magazine "Markedsføring" has written an article about Estrella's new UFO campaign. Estrella has expressed great satisfaction with the collaboration, noting the campaign's "storming reception" and "enormously positive" immediate reactions. Estrella confirms their sponsorship of the SUFOI congress and has provided logo materials. They have also pledged additional chip bags for the event.

Conference on Light Pollution (Af Per Andersen)

A conference on light pollution is scheduled for January 15, 1997, at the Tycho Brahe Planetarium, organized by the National Association for Building and Landscape Culture, the Danish Nature Conservation Association, and the Astronomical Society. The morning session, featuring lectures by Per Tybjerg Aldrich, Michael Warning, and Sophus Frandsen, is open to the public. The afternoon includes a panel debate with representatives from various ministries and organizations; SUFOI is among the specially invited participants. Those interested in attending the closed afternoon session should contact Per Andersen.

Poster in Print (Af Per Andersen)

SUFOI's upcoming UFO poster has been sent to print, with 500 copies being produced. Approximately 50% of the cost is covered by sponsors, with the remainder to be recouped through sales. The posters are expected back in early 1997.

First Issue of Ufologisk Tidsskrift Released (Af Per Andersen)

Toke has released the first issue of Ufologisk Tidsskrift (UT), with around 10 pre-orders. This issue includes the final PADUR report on distance estimation, reviewed by a clinical psychology bachelor from the University of Copenhagen, and articles discussing the American abduction phenomenon.

Status of Congress Speakers (Af Per Andersen)

Efforts are underway to secure speakers for the next year's congress. John Spencer (Chairman of BUFORA) has committed, and Clas Svahn from UFO-Sweden will respond by New Year. Invitations have also been sent to Tor Nørretranders, Jens Martin Knudsen, Nick Pope, and Jenny Randles, with hopes of securing 1-2 of them.

Copenhagen Group (Af Per Andersen)

Kurt Abildskov had to cancel his December lecture, but the group watched the film "Roswell," which is recommended for its ability to separate fact from rumor. Tora Greve from the UFO group in Malmö is scheduled to speak in January. February will focus on observations or a video about Area 51, and Kurt Abildskov is scheduled for March.

New Meeting for PORT Group

Following a canceled meeting, the PORT project group (focusing on psychosocial theories) is attempting to convene on January 18-19.

New Section: Email Addresses

A new section will list representative email addresses. Readers are encouraged to send their addresses to PA.

Thanks (TAK)

Per expresses thanks for a gift of wine received for his 40th birthday.

UFO Marriage (Af Per Andersen)

It is reported that abduction researcher Budd Hopkins has married his witness, Linda Napolitano, raising questions about his neutrality as an investigator.

Dry Data

Membership Statistics: As of October 31, 1996, there were 746 subscribers, a decrease of 11 from the previous year. The forecast for the end of 1996 is 760 subscribers (compared to 787 in 1995).
Giro Initials 1996: PA (9), IHS (7), PN (4), Emil (2), LP (1), TH (1), Asle (1).
Funds: Research Fund: 3,686 DKK. Support Fund: 11,488 DKK.
Treasury: Detailed breakdown of budget, spent, and remaining funds for various accounts (HKP, TB, PA, KMH, JH, KF, TH, LT, OH, FWK, JB, IHS, PN, BN, BM, LHA).

Falling Stars and UFOs (Ildkugler m.v.)

This section details a new collaborative effort between various organizations and institutions to standardize the reporting of observations of falling stars, bright meteors, and UFOs. Report forms have been distributed to police stations, airports, and astronomical societies. The process involves sending reports to the Steno Museum for widespread fireballs, the Danish Fireball Central for other bright meteors (analyzed by Leif Kahl Kristensen at Aarhus University), and the Geological Museum for meteorites. Unexplained observations are to be reported to Skandinavisk UFO Information. This initiative was spearheaded by Toke Haunstrup.

A specific observation of a fireball on November 19, 1996, at 16:44 MET by Holger Andersen in Vildbjerg is described, including its near-horizontal path at 19 degrees altitude.

Instructions are provided for observers who see a fireball, detailing what data to note (date, time, location, trajectory, brightness, duration, characteristics, observer's contact info) and whom to report it to (Gotfred M. Kristensen).

Computer Section

A meeting is scheduled for December 11th at 19:30 to discuss upcoming activities, including an astronomy program library. The meeting location in Copenhagen is uncertain, and attendees are asked to register with Steen Lærke.

Current Moon Occultations

A table provides predictions for lunar occultations of stars for January and February 1997, calculated for Copenhagen. It includes data such as date, SAO number, magnitude, time (U.T.), phase (Disappearance/Reappearance), position angle, and altitude. Explanations for the table's data are provided, including how to calculate corrections for locations other than Copenhagen.

Predictions for Lunar Occultations in 1997

Ole Klinting outlines options for obtaining lunar occultation predictions for 1997: a "short list" for standard calculations, an "extended list" for a fee (50 DKK), or a PC program for self-calculation. Observers are asked to provide their geographic position.

Cultural Light Pollution in Kolding

A letter from Knud Strandbæk describes a light show called "Lys over Kolding" (Light over Kolding) held during Kulturby 96. He criticizes the event for its excessive use of spotlights and computer-controlled light flickering, which he states would make astronomical observations impossible and could be seen from at least 25 km away. He argues for stricter regulations on light pollution from commercial and municipal sources, while allowing for limited dispensations for events.

Kim Christensen, Sønderborg, has created a comic strip about light pollution.

Conference on Light Pollution

This section reiterates the upcoming conference on light pollution on January 15, 1997, at the Tycho Brahe Planetarium. The conference aims to raise awareness about light pollution and initiate research into legal regulations. The morning session is public and free, with lectures on light pollution, landscape, urban light, and legal regulation. The afternoon session is by invitation only, featuring a panel debate. The conference is supported by the Ministry of Environment and Energy and other organizations.

Research News from Psychology

Post-traumatic Stress Reactions After Air Crash: A study by Tom Lundin investigated acute and persistent stress in passengers of an air crash. Two years after the accident, 22% of passengers suffered from severe long-term effects, with 14 out of 19 interviewed showing signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. Depression was present in over 20% of this subgroup. The study suggests that survivors of transport catastrophes may experience long-lasting psychological after-effects, highlighting the need for effective treatment strategies.

"Seeing Depends on the Eyes": A Dutch study suggests that people tend to perceive facts that align with their pre-existing desires and interests, a phenomenon termed "illusory correlations." Researchers presented students with fabricated statements about English-language instruction at universities. Participants overwhelmingly perceived a greater number of supporters for English instruction at the "other" university and more opponents at their "own" university, reflecting their own anxieties about learning in English.

Sarajevo's Children: A study of 791 children in Sarajevo during its siege (1992-1996) found that 40% suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. However, the resilience of the remaining children, who did not develop psychiatric disorders despite extreme hardship, is noted. Factors like community bonds and cultural integrity are suggested as potential explanations.

An Israeli study on children evacuated from Lebanon during "Operation Accountability" is mentioned as potentially shedding further light on coping mechanisms under extreme stress.

Job Seeking Behavior: Research indicates that while individuals may actively search for jobs, there is not always a strong correlation between job-seeking behavior and actual employment. A weak positive correlation was found between job searching and employment outside one's usual interest and geographic area. Conversely, a weak negative correlation existed between the number of applications and strategies used, and obtaining a job. The study suggests that finding employment is more about being in the right place at the right time, implying that policies solely focused on stimulating job searching may be ineffective without sufficient job availability.

False Memories: The section discusses how thoughts and fantasies can lead to believing one remembers events that were never experienced. A Dutch study is cited in this context.

Title: Forskningsnyt fra psykologien
Issue: 5(6)
Volume: 1996
Date: 1996

This issue of Forskningsnyt fra psykologien delves into various psychological phenomena, with a significant focus on UFOs, memory, and perception. It features articles on psychological studies, UFO investigations, and related cultural influences.

Memory and Perception: The Dutch Study

The issue highlights a Dutch study that investigated the reliability of memory. Following a major plane crash in Amsterdam in 1992, researchers posed a simple question a year later: "Did you see the TV recording of the actual crash?" Surprisingly, 55% of participants answered "yes," despite no such recording existing. Further questioning revealed that these individuals not only believed they saw the crash but also recalled details about the subsequent fire. The study suggests a significant human tendency to confuse imagination with memory, a phenomenon more pronounced in women. A subsequent study with law students yielded similar results, with 60 out of 90 participants claiming to remember seeing the crash on TV, and even recalling details about the plane's trajectory and whether it was already on fire.

This research raises profound questions about our ability to distinguish between fantasy and reality when recalling past events, a topic that has been debated in psychology, with early theories by Freud suggesting that some "memories" of traumatic childhood events might be more fantasy than reality.

UFO Investigations and Sightings in Denmark

The magazine extensively covers UFO-related activities and reports from Denmark.

Peter Nørgård: A UFO investigator and member of SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information), Peter Nørgård dedicates his free time to examining UFO observations. He emphasizes that a UFO is simply an "Unidentified Flying Object" and that theories are for individuals to form. SUFOI receives around 350 calls annually from Danes reporting sightings. While most are explained as conventional objects like satellites or projectors, about 5-10% remain unexplained. Nørgård himself has never seen a UFO but remains critical yet open to various theories.

Lindy Pedersen: A UFO lecturer from Viuf, Lindy Pedersen shares his knowledge with students through free lectures. He recounts his first UFO sighting in 1976 and has since documented numerous encounters. Pedersen believes that the vastness of the universe makes it probable that other intelligent life exists. He also discusses the different categories of "near-contact" with UFOs, ranging from observing the craft (1st degree) to witnessing occupants (3rd degree).

Regional Sightings: Several articles detail specific UFO sightings across Denmark:

• Sydvestlige Sjælland: Numerous people reported seeing a luminous object, initially thought to be a UFO. However, this was later explained as a laser light show from a Bilka store's anniversary celebration.
• Jyderup: Kaj Munck reported a strange, luminous, square-shaped phenomenon with lights in a grid formation hovering over his property. The object vibrated the house before disappearing. This remains unexplained.
• Kokborg: A young couple reported a square, dark object with lights in its corners hovering over their property, causing vibrations. This was later identified by SUFOI as a British Hercules transport plane during a military exercise.
• Rudbøl: The UFO center in Horsens alerted the police to a reported UFO sighting, but no phenomena were found.
• Aalborg: SUFOI's chairman, Torben Birkholm, notes that the dark season increases UFO awareness. He distinguishes between different types of near-contact and advises caution regarding the planet Venus, which can be mistaken for a UFO.

"Independence Day" Film: The movie "Independence Day" is reviewed, noting its popularity and its role in stimulating public interest in UFOs. While praised for its special effects and entertainment value, it's described as predictable and ultra-patriotic.

Other Topics

Torture: Dr. Karl Peltzer from Malawi University conducted a study comparing tortured political and non-political prisoners. The research indicates a correlation between the unpredictability of torture and the psychological burden experienced by prisoners. The study categorizes unpredictable torture elements into threats to life (e.g., death threats, executions) and restrictions on movement (e.g., binding). Humiliating torture, such as sexual assault or forced nudity, is also discussed.

Ahmed Tawali-na's Study: A Palestinian mental hygienist in Gaza investigated nearly 500 former political prisoners who had been subjected to torture, examining the psychological elements before, during, and after their experiences.

"The Unexplained" CD-ROM: A review of a CD-ROM titled "The Unexplained" is presented. It covers various paranormal and mysterious topics, drawing inspiration from shows like "The X-Files." The CD-ROM offers a broad overview of phenomena such as ghosts, UFOs, telekinesis, and near-death experiences, presented with detailed accounts and visual aids.

Institut for Rothsteinologi: An article critiques Mikael Rothstein's alleged "frivolousness" that is damaging the reputation of the University of Copenhagen's Institute of Religious History. The author expresses concern over Rothstein's unverified claims and his tendency to present his views as authoritative.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of psychology, perception, and unexplained phenomena. There's a clear interest in how individuals interpret events, the reliability of memory, and the cultural impact of UFOs and other mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting research and anecdotal evidence while also providing rational explanations where possible, often through organizations like SUFOI. The articles encourage critical thinking and a balanced approach to extraordinary claims, acknowledging the human fascination with the unknown while grounding investigations in empirical data and psychological understanding.