SUFOI Intern - 1997 02

Magazine Overview

This document is the February 1997 issue of "SUFOI INTERN," an internal newsletter from the Danish UFO organization SUFOI. It serves as a communication channel to SUFOI's representatives, providing updates on organizational activities, recent UFO and related phenomena observations, and relevant news.

SUFOI Intern Newsletter

The newsletter begins with a brief description of its purpose and editorial details, including contact information for editor Per Andersen and the organization's postal address in Gentofte. It then lists "SUFOI HEADLINES !" which include:

• Envelopes back in stock.
• Numerous meteors and fireballs observed in recent months.
• The Danish Forest and Nature Agency promises a ban on searchlights.
• The first issue of "Ufologisk Tidsskrift" (Ufological Journal) has been released.

Internal Announcements and Deadlines

Under the heading "SKRIV DIG DET BAG ØRET !" (Write it down and remember it!), several key announcements are made:

• REP. MØDE (Representative Meeting): Scheduled for Sunday, March 16, 1997, at IDC. Half-year reports were due to PA by February 26th via mail. A program for the Saturday, March 15th meeting was still being developed, and suggestions were solicited.
• FAT PENNEN (Write/Submit): Important deadlines are listed:
• Next "Intern" newsletter: April 10th (no "Intern" in March).
• "UFO-Nyt" issue number 2: April 2nd.
• HUSK INITIALER PÅ GIROKORT ! (Remember Initials on Giro Card): A reminder to include initials on giro cards when sending out "UFO-Nyt" with PR-sheets to track which representatives are responsible for acquiring subscribers.
• KUVERTER (Envelopes): A4 and A5 envelopes are now available, with A5 envelopes handled by Jan. M65 envelopes are still in stock and must be ordered from PA.

Contact Information

A section titled "KONTAKT TIL SUFOI" (Contact SUFOI) clarifies that SUFOI now has a single phone number for inquiries: 70 20 11 22. All previous private numbers are no longer in use. Media outlets are reminded to use this number.

OBSERVATIONER (Observations)

This section, authored by Toke Haunstrup, details observations from November and December 1996.

• November/December Observations: Approximately 50 inquiries were received. Two bright meteors (fireballs) were observed on December 16, 1996, around 07:30 DNT, visible across much of the country. One report was received by SUFOI, indicating successful cooperation with the Astronomical Society and Steno Museum, which handled other inquiries.
• Projector Lights: Projector lights were also a recurring phenomenon. An incident in Valby in early November generated inquiries. A more significant event occurred on the evening of Saturday, December 28, 1996, over Ringsted. Nearly 40 calls were made to the alarm center. Investigations revealed the lights were from projectors used for a private birthday celebration, not a UFO.

Ringsted Case: The report details how the Ringsted police were contacted, and the source of the lights was traced to a 'light man' from the rental company "Disco Electronics," who was providing lighting for a friend's 30th birthday. The lights were set up in three locations around Ringsted.

The Ringsted case, along with others from 1996, suggests a trend towards more sophisticated light displays, moving away from single projectors to light cannons and potentially computer-controlled laser cannons capable of projecting images onto clouds. The author expresses hope that such developments might be curbed by legislation.

• Northern Jutland Observations: Torben Birkeholm reports a low number of inquiries in December but four in January 1997. One case from the mid-1980s involved a driver seeing a strange colored light field at midnight. The others were night light observations.

ALARMCENTRALEN (Alarm Center)

This section provides an update on the alarm center operations, which are now being managed on a rotating basis to ensure better workload distribution. A schedule for February-April is presented, listing the initials of the individuals covering the alarm center each week: VM (Verner Møller), EO (Egon Olsen), PN (Peter Nørgaard), and TH (Toke Haunstrup). Verner Møller has been added to the team.

AKTIVITETER (Activities)

This section covers various SUFOI activities and reports from different branches:

• MASTERS' MESS: Per Andersen reports on a Kolding-based advertising agency, Masters, that used UFO themes for a Rank Xerox exhibition tour. The agency requested UFO-Nyt, videos, and promotional material but returned them without payment for postage, leading SUFOI to cease cooperation. Kurt Abildskov (IGAP) was hired to give lectures at the tour stops.
• SUFOI-AALBORG: Torben Birkeholm reports on the January 8th meeting, which featured a video about the Roswell incident. The film is described as accurate to the source material. Attendance was low, and the group hopes for more members and better information dissemination.
• SUFOI-KØBENHAVN: Per Andersen details a successful January meeting with a presentation by Tora Greve from UFO Sverige in Malmö. The meeting was well-attended, requiring a larger venue. The February meeting, covered by Toke, included a video about Area 51. A future meeting on March 4th will feature Kurt Abildskov from IGAP. An observation trip is planned for April 5th to view Comet Hale-Bopp. The season will conclude with a public meeting on May 27th in Vanløse.
• UFOLOGISK TIDSSKRIFT: Toke Haunstrup announces the release of the first issue of "Ufologisk Tidsskrift" in mid-December, with approximately 20 copies sold. Interested individuals can receive a free copy by contacting the editor.

KONFERENCE OM LYSFORURENING (Conference on Light Pollution)

Per Andersen reports on a conference about light pollution held at the Tycho Brahe Planetarium on January 15th, organized by the Astronomical Society, the Danish Nature Conservation Society, and the Association for Building and Cultural History. The event attracted about 150 attendees.

The conference addressed three main categories of light pollution:

• Energy Waste: Light directed upwards from streetlights and under-lit facades.
• Aesthetic Concerns: "Light chaos" caused by numerous, varied light advertisements, including potential sky advertising.
• Nuisance (Pollution): Intruding light into homes, glare from outdoor fixtures, and light smog affecting astronomers and wildlife.

Henrik Knudth-Winterfeldt from the Ministry of Environment highlighted existing legislation (nature conservation and building laws) and the lack of specific regulations for searchlights, noting that most are used in urban areas. While the Skov- and Naturstyrelsen considered legal action, the ministry's general sentiment was not towards new legislation, favoring alternative solutions.

The afternoon session, attended by about 50 people, focused heavily on street lighting. A new guideline/legislation for street lighting is under development. The overall sentiment was that users (like electricians) need better education on light pollution. A concrete initiative regarding searchlights was promised, with Henrik Knudth-Winterfeldt stating that legislation for searchlights was urgent due to their rapidly increasing use.

ESTRELLA-UPDATE

Per Andersen provides an update on the Estrella campaign, noting that while inquiries have started, the response might not be as high as hoped. Estrella has independently sent out a fax to schools, possibly to increase interest, though SUFOI was informed after the fact.

UFO-WEEKEND '97

Toke Haunstrup announces the annual UFO-Weekend for report takers, scheduled for May 3rd-4th, 1997, at a summer house near Silkeborg. Peter Nørgaard (PN) can provide details.

SUFOI HOLDS FLYTTEDAG PÅ INTERNETTET (SUFOI Holds Internet Move Day)

Per Andersen reports that SUFOI has secured its own internet address: WWW.SUFOI.DK. This requires a "move day" to transfer all SUFOI's web pages to a new server in Denmark.

FOREDRAG (Lectures)

Ole Henningsen and others report on recent lectures:

• December 18, 1996: Ole Henningsen (OH) gave a UFO lecture with slides, audio, and video at Det Classenske Fidekommis Agerbrugsskole on Falster, attended by 50 people.
• January 23, 1997: OH lectured for Liberalt Oplysnings Forbund in Vordingborg on "Life and the search for life in the universe."
• February 10, 1997: Toke Haunstrup (TH) gave a lecture for Odd-Fellow in Roskilde.

UFOER PÅ DR2 (UFOs on DR2)

Per Andersen reports on the first UFO segment on the new DR2 channel. SUFOI was contacted but declined to participate due to their stance on UFOs, and DR2 instead approached IGAP. While some viewers reported an IGAP segment before a film at 20:15, details about the IGAP participants are unclear. The newsletter requests any further information or video recordings.

NYT OM PERSONER (News About People)

• FERIE (Holiday): Toke Haunstrup (TH) will be traveling south from March 5th to 13th.
• EMAIL ADRESSER (Email Addresses): A list of representative email addresses is provided, with a request for additions to be sent to PA.

DET ER DOG UTROLIGT (It's Incredible)

SUFOI received a letter from Colin Tickford in England regarding a falsified image of a spaceship in an Italian hangar (previously featured on the cover of UFO-Nyt nr. 1996, number 1). Robert Irving had confessed to digitally altering the image. However, Tickford questions this, suggesting it would be a waste of time and energy to fake it and that Irving might be pressured to say the photo is fake, implying he might have captured a genuine photo of a flying triangle.

DE TØRRE DATA (The Dry Data)

• Membership Statistics: As of the end of 1996, membership stood at 750, a decrease of 37 from the previous year.
• Giro Initials 1996: A list of initials and the number of giro transactions for 1996 is provided (PA 9, IHS 7, PN 4, TH 2, Emil 2, LP 1, Asle 1, TB 1).
• Funds: Research Fund: DKK 3,686. Support Fund: DKK 10,471.
• Pengekassen (Cash Box): A detailed breakdown of expenditures, budgets, and remaining balances for various individuals (HKP, TB, PA, KMH, JH, KF, TH, LT, OH, FWK, JB, IHS, PN, BN, BM, LHA) is presented. Some accounts show deficits (e.g., BN -96, TH -444).

Anecdote

A short, potentially offensive anecdote about a family trying to become white by swimming across a river is included at the end of the data section.

SUFOI KONGRES 1. NOVEMBER 1997 (SUFOI Congress 1. November 1997)

A preliminary program for the SUFOI Congress on November 1, 1997, is listed:

• 10:00-10:15: Welcome by Per Andersen (SUFOI Chairman).
• 10:15-11:00: Meeting in the woods by Clas Svahn (UFO-Sweden Chairman).
• 11:00-11:45: UFOs over Denmark: Recent observations, photos, and videos by Peter Nørgaard (SUFOI Vice-Chairman).
• 11:45-12:15: Breakdown near Vejle: What really happened? by Torben Birkeholm (SUFOI).
• 12:15-13:15: Lunch.
• 13:15-14:00: Around the circles: Danish crop circles - hoax or fact? by Ole Henningsen (SUFOI).
• 14:00-14:30: UFOs - Myth or Reality? by Mikael Rothstein (Institute for Religious History, University of Copenhagen).
• 14:30-15:15: UFOs: Facts, Mythologies, and Mythology (English) by John Spencer (British UFO Research Association Chairman).
• 15:15-15:45: Break.
• 15:45-16:30: Men in Black - Myth or Reality? (English) by Jenny Randles (Author, England).
• 16:30-17:30: Pilot UFO Sighting Reports: A Source of Significant and Reliable Data (English) by Dr. Richard F. Haines (USA).
• 17:30-17:45: Closing by Per Andersen (SUFOI Chairman).

A note indicates that an agreement with Mikael Rothstein was not yet finalized.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO and meteor sightings, the growing problem of light pollution and potential legislative responses, organizational updates, and upcoming events like conferences and meetings. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent reporting of observations, active engagement with related issues like light pollution, and maintaining a network of communication among its representatives and the broader ufological community. There is a clear emphasis on factual reporting and investigation, as seen in the detailed analysis of the Ringsted projector light incident and the discussion of the falsified hangar photo.

This issue of Politiken, dated November 1995, focuses on UFO phenomena and the growing problem of light pollution in Denmark. It features several articles detailing UFO sightings, investigations, and related topics, alongside discussions on the environmental and societal impacts of excessive artificial light.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Odsherred UFO Reports

The magazine reports on multiple UFO sightings in the Odsherred region. A 50-year-old man from the Nykøbing area described seeing four UFOs on a Monday afternoon around 4:00 PM. He witnessed large, shining objects that moved like helicopters and left fiery tails. He was hesitant to provide his name and photo due to the subject matter but was interested in hearing from others who might have seen similar phenomena. The police in Holbæk had not received any reports of mysterious objects in the sky over Odsherred. The witness described one object moving east with a fiery tail, while two others remained stationary. He noted that the objects eventually turned into black, rounded triangles before disappearing with a strong yellow/red flame. He also mentioned that other drivers on the road might have witnessed the event.

Jyderup UFO Encounter

Curt Frandsen, a resident of Bassebjerg near Jyderup, recounted an experience on Friday, December 20th, around 3:00 PM. He described seeing a large, triangular disc, approximately 20 meters high and 300 meters away, with a triangular hole in the middle. He initially mistook it for a Christmas advertisement but quickly realized it was something else due to its silent movement and lack of visible support. He described the object as golden and noted that it moved with its flat side facing forward, contrary to aerodynamic principles. He observed details of metal plates and circular rings on its surface, bordered by a black line. Frandsen estimated its speed at around 100 km/h, but it accelerated shortly after he spotted it. He was with a craftsman who was unable to witness the entire event. The object eventually appeared as a glowing ball on the horizon before being obscured by treetops. Frandsen, who considers himself a logical person, believes it was a craft from another world, not a reflection or a balloon, due to its metallic appearance and the clear visibility.

UFOs and Reflexes from Jet Planes

An article discusses several reports of mysterious flying objects seen over eastern Odsherred on Christmas Eve. Following a previous report about a 50-year-old man's sighting of four luminous objects, three more people contacted the newspaper. A mother and daughter saw three objects near Kalundborg, and a 40-year-old woman from Holbæk saw a luminous object on the horizon. Flemming Larsen, a duty officer at the Danish Meteorological Institute, suggested that these could be optical phenomena caused by high-flying jets seen from a distance, especially at sunset when the sun is at a low angle. These 'contrails' can appear unusual. He compared it to the moon appearing larger when it is low on the horizon due to light refraction.

UFOs in Nykøbing

Another report details sightings in Odsherred on Sunday, December 15th, around 7:00 PM. A couple from Nykøbing saw two triangular, orange objects in the clear evening sky. They flew north silently and at the same altitude as planes but were ten times faster and disappeared after 15-20 seconds. The objects zigzagged, separated, and rejoined. Toke Haunstrup from Skandinavisk UFO Information had no immediate explanation but mentioned receiving many reports from the Ringsted area about two rectangular lights with smaller light dots, likely from a disco.

UFOs in the Bible?

The issue briefly touches upon the idea that UFO reports might be present in the Bible, referencing descriptions by the prophets Ezekiel and Zechariah.

The 'Abductees Anonymous' Association

A short piece mentions an association in Clovis, California, for individuals who believe they have been abducted by aliens, offering support and understanding.

UFO Landing in Denmark (1960)

A detailed account describes an incident from April 27, 1960, near Fuglebjerg, where a 31-year-old painter reported seeing a hovering object descend. He described three telescopic legs and a cylinder with an opening from which four human-like beings, about 90 cm tall, emerged. They wore green, shimmering suits with a symbol on their chests. The beings approached his car, and a cable extended from the object. The painter heard a faint humming sound. The object then disappeared, leaving three warm circular indentations in the ground. The article notes that reports and findings at the landing site were documented six years later.

UFOs and the Reality of the Unknown

An article from 'Billed Bladet' discusses the growing research into UFOs and extraterrestrial life. It mentions a TV program called 'Dark Skies' that blends fiction with alleged reality. The article also references Willy Wegner's book 'UFO-landinger i Danmark' and the ongoing mystery surrounding the 1960 incident.

Light Pollution and Sky Graffiti

The Problem of Light Pollution

Several articles address the issue of light pollution, with organizations like the Association for Building and Landscape Culture, the Astronomical Society, and the Danish Nature Conservation Association calling for action. They argue that the increasing number of artificial lights is diminishing natural darkness, affecting wildlife, energy consumption, and human well-being. The issue is described as a growing environmental problem.

'Sky Graffiti' and Advertising

The concept of 'sky graffiti' is introduced, where laser cannons are used to project images and text onto the night sky for advertising purposes. The Skov- og Naturstyrelsen (Danish Nature Agency) is considering whether nature protection laws can be used to regulate these 'sky advertisements'. Concerns are raised about the aesthetic impact and the potential for overwhelming the night sky with commercial messages. The article notes that while some see the visual spectacle of city lights, others are disturbed by excessive illumination, even requiring blackout curtains. The potential for this new form of advertising is significant, with companies eager to be seen.

Calls for Regulation

Organizations are pushing for regulations to control light pollution. They suggest that street and road lighting should be directed downwards, where it is needed, rather than upwards. The economic benefits of reducing light pollution are also highlighted, with Frederikshavn Municipality reportedly saving 800,000 kroner annually by upgrading its lighting. The psychological impact of losing natural darkness is also discussed, with experts suggesting that twilight provides a space for reflection and peace, which is being eroded by constant illumination. There are concerns that children may become afraid of the dark due to its absence.

The Future of Darkness

Experts warn that if the current trend of increasing light pollution continues, it may become impossible to see stars over Northern Europe within 25 years. The article emphasizes that while progress is generally positive, the threat to natural darkness and the night sky is a serious concern that warrants reflection and action.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained phenomena of UFOs and the pervasive issue of light pollution. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigation and concern. The magazine actively reports on UFO sightings, presenting witness accounts and expert opinions, while also highlighting the environmental and societal problems caused by light pollution. There is a clear call for greater awareness, regulation, and a balanced approach to artificial lighting, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural darkness and the night sky. The articles encourage readers to report their own sightings and to consider the broader implications of these phenomena.

This issue of Søndags Avisen, dated January 19, 1997, features a prominent cover story about the impending arrival of 'green men' associated with the Hale-Bopp comet, predicting an invasion in March. The magazine delves into various UFO-related topics, including witness accounts, expert opinions, and cultural phenomena.

UFOs and the Hale-Bopp Comet

The lead article, "De grønne mænd kommer til marts" (The green men are coming in March), by Trine Villemann, discusses the theory that UFOlogists believe an alien spaceship is hidden behind the Hale-Bopp comet. This spaceship, allegedly four times larger than Earth, is predicted to steer the comet towards Earth, causing its destruction and subsequent invasion by 10,000 aliens. NASA is accused of withholding this information. The article notes the proliferation of Hale-Bopp-related websites and the controversy surrounding a photograph showing a 'Saturn-like object' in the comet's tail. While scientist Alan Hale suggests it was merely a passing star, the invasion theories persist, leading to the sale of 'anti-abduction' merchandise.

Sightings and Investigations in Denmark

Several articles detail UFO sightings and investigations within Denmark. "Så lysende trekanter på himlen i julen" (So luminous triangles in the sky at Christmas) reports on a mother and daughter who saw luminous triangles and a cigar-shaped object near Sultenkrog. Another piece, "UFO på video" (UFO on video), from Kalundborg Folkeblad, describes a 50-year-old man who filmed a silent, luminous object with blue and red lights near Istebjergvej. This video has been sent to Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) for analysis.

SUFOI is also mentioned in "Mange så sære ting på himlen i december" (Many saw strange things in the sky in December), which notes an increase in UFO reports across Zealand during December. The article highlights the case of Curt Frandsen, who reported a triangular UFO near Jyderup, and discusses the analysis of the Istebjergvej video, where possibilities like aircraft or meteors are being considered.

Expert Opinions and Theories

An article titled "Rumvæsener på besøg hele tiden" (Aliens visiting all the time) features a lecture by UFO expert Robby Curdorf. Curdorf claims that the CIA has a secret division, NJ 12, which has controlled the US since 1948 and researches alien technology, allegedly funded by drug trafficking. He also suggests that the US possesses 40-70 UFOs and that aliens, varying in appearance (including 'little grey' beings and human-like entities), are present on Earth for research and teaching. Curdorf also touches upon the Roswell incident and the assassination of John F. Kennedy.

Cultural Impact of UFOs

"Vi fascineres af det uforklarlige: Besøg fra rummet" (We are fascinated by the inexplicable: Visit from space) by Mikkel Pind and Ulrik Reimann explores the cultural fascination with UFOs and aliens, particularly in media. It references films like 'Independence Day' and 'Star Wars', and the TV series 'The X-Files', noting how these portrayals often depict aliens as hostile. The article contrasts this with more sympathetic depictions in films like 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and 'E.T.'

Humorous and Unusual Anecdotes

"Og så er det ikke engang løgn...." (And it's not even a lie....) by Niels Tobiesen, from Der Spiegel, presents a collection of humorous and bizarre anecdotes from the German magazine's 'fool of the year' selections. These include a bus driver's attempt at a world record for wearing underwear, a man who believed he had traveled back in time to Pompeii, and a UFO-hysteriker in Texas who shot himself after seeing a giant trout driving a car with a salmon and a tuna. Other peculiar stories involve a man's 'time machine' exploding and a man getting his 'private parts' stuck in a padlock.

Cryptozoology and Unexplained Creatures

"Sære skabninger set siden sidst" (Strange creatures seen since last time) features biologist and cryptozoologist Lars Thomas, who has documented sightings of unusual animals in Denmark. Despite official records, people report seeing wolves, lynx, pumas, leopards, panthers, and even crocodiles and pythons in various Danish locations. Thomas also mentions reports of sea serpents in Danish lakes.

Personal Encounters and Inventions

"Knud & UFO'erne" (Knud & the UFOs) by Thomas Secher profiles Knud Lund Eriksen, an inventor from Aalborg who claims to have observed UFOs multiple times and experienced 'first-degree contact'. Eriksen believes aliens are here to guide humanity, possibly to prevent further planetary destruction, and that they reveal themselves to believers. He recounts instances where UFO sightings seemed to coincide with significant global events and describes how he uses UFO observations as a sign of good ideas for his inventions. He also shares a detailed account of an encounter involving his family, a mysterious luminous object, and F16 fighter jets.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the theme of the unexplained, with a particular focus on UFOs and extraterrestrial life. There is a clear interest in witness accounts, expert theories, and the cultural impact of these phenomena. While some articles present UFO sightings as potentially serious matters requiring investigation (e.g., SUFOI's work), others, like the Der Spiegel anecdotes, lean towards the humorous and bizarre. The overall stance appears to be one of fascination with the unknown, acknowledging both the scientific and the speculative aspects of UFOlogy and cryptozoology.