AI Magazine Summary
SUFOI Intern - 1997 07-08
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Title: SUFOI INTERN Issue: JULY-AUGUST 1997 Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information Country: Denmark Language: Danish
Magazine Overview
Title: SUFOI INTERN
Issue: JULY-AUGUST 1997
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
This issue of SUFOI Intern, the internal newsletter of Skandinavisk UFO Information, covers the period of July-August 1997. It provides updates on the organization's activities, financial status, media appearances, and recent UFO observations reported by its members and the public.
SUFOI Headlines
The issue highlights several key points:
- A record surplus of approximately DKK 20,000 for SUFOI, the largest in 10 years.
- A busy summer for the "AC" (Alarmcentral) with a new person joining.
- A mention of a new recipe for staying awake.
- A call for help in distributing a congress flyer.
- SUFOI's media presence, including interviews on Østjyllands Radio, ANR in Ålborg, and Ud&Se.
Reports and Observations
Observationer - By Toke Haunstrup:
The report from the Alarmcentral (AC) indicates a higher than usual number of inquiries during May, June, and July, totaling around 60, with 30 in June and July alone. This is attributed to increased media attention. A notable event on the evening of May 25th saw several reports from the Storkøbenhavn area concerning a spotlight-like object, possibly located near Herlev, with eleven reports specifically on this case. The period was otherwise free of "mass observations." The report also notes that many experiences occur on clear nights, with four reports received from a single clear night between July 28th and 29th. There were also a few reports of crop circles, with two SUFOI members, Ole Henningsen and Poul Holm Andreasen, investigating them.
Nordjyske Observationer - By Torben Birkeholm:
In June, five reports were received from Northern Jutland. One case involved a woman who called the police after observing a strong light low on the horizon. The light moved erratically and changed brightness. The police and an air traffic controller at Aalborg Airport also observed the phenomenon. After contacting SUFOI Aalborg, the woman was advised to contact the AC. The observer, TB, questioned the woman, and the police provided direction and altitude details. TB then observed the light himself between two houses, noting it resembled a planet. It was identified as Jupiter, with its disappearance and reappearance explained by a narrow cloud cover moving in front of it. The woman was relieved, and SUFOI considered it another "grounded UFO."
New Person in Alarmcentral - By Toke Haunstrup:
Asle Nielsen from Horsens has joined SUFOI's Alarmcentral and has already experienced a busy period. The AC group now consists of Verner Møller, Egon Olsen, and Asle Nielsen.
Activities
Record Surplus - By Per Andersen:
Despite the fiscal year ending June 30th not being officially closed, SUFOI anticipates a surplus of around DKK 20,000, its largest in ten years. This success is partly due to a gain on stocks in Den Danske Bank (approx. DKK 8,000) and other activities. The surplus will allow SUFOI to allocate DKK 10,000 towards the congress, primarily for a new display exhibition.
News about the Congress - By Per Andersen:
The planning for the November 1st congress is proceeding smoothly. A work plan has been distributed, and activities are underway. An important change is the rental of the foyer on both Friday and Saturday, providing 12 hours for setup, a significant improvement over the previous 1.5 hours. Lars T. is credited with this idea. Per Andersen and Lars T. are planning a display exhibition with 20 new panels. They are also acquiring display cases and will feature SUFOI videos and PCs with UFO material for self-service. A promotional flyer for the event is being printed and will be sent to members around September 1st. Members are encouraged to submit lists of relevant contacts. Currently, 40 people have registered, with a target of at least 100 paying attendees, aiming for a full hall with table arrangements.
Presentations - By Per Andersen:
A list of presentations given by PN (Per Andersen) and OH (Ole Henningsen) is provided, detailing dates, locations, and approximate audience sizes. These include presentations at various schools, associations, and clubs across Denmark between February and August 1997.
New PR-Arks - By Per Andersen:
A new, updated series of PR-arks is being printed and will be delivered to Jan Hansen. All future orders for PR-arks should be directed to Jan.
CD-ROM - Possibly - By Per Andersen:
Following contact with a mystery group in Århus, a member has requested SUFOI material for a CD-ROM project. Toke has agreed to lend the material in exchange for usage rights to the final product. The CD-ROM is expected in September, potentially for use at the congress.
Danish UFOs in Lithuania - By Per Andersen:
SUFOI's video was purchased for USD 30 by a Lithuanian children's program, "Stop Kadras Plius," to be shown in their country. SUFOI will receive a tape of the finished broadcast.
Media Coverage
Østjyllands Radio - By Peter Nørgaard:
Peter Nørgaard was interviewed on Østjyllands Radio on June 24, 1997, for about 5 minutes, discussing topics such as the UFO crisis, evidence, the status of UFOs in Denmark, and SUFOI.
Live Radio - By Torben Birkeholm:
Torben Birkeholm was interviewed on ANR's "Aalborg Live" program on June 28, 1997. The interview, pre-recorded due to a festival, covered the history of UFOs, starting with Kenneth Arnold's observation, and included current Northern Jutland observations. The segment lasted about 15 minutes and was mixed with music.
Ud og Se med SUFOI - By Per Andersen:
Per Andersen was interviewed by a journalist-intern from "Ud & Se" magazine. The article is expected in the November or December issue of the magazine.
Regional Initiatives
Initiative in Mid-Jutland - By Peter Nørgaard:
A subscriber in Viborg, Carl Petersen, organized a UFO meeting on July 23, 1997, at Hjarbæk Kro. Despite initial expectations of 12-14 attendees, only 9 people (including the organizers) were present. The meeting included a video presentation about SUFOI and general discussion.
SUFOI-Aalborg - By Torben Birkeholm:
The Aalborg group held a meeting on June 3rd, discussing news from home and abroad. They are taking a break in July, with the next meeting scheduled for August 12th.
Personal News
Email Addresses:
A list of representative email addresses is provided for contact.
New Address:
Brian E. Møller has a new address: Kirketoften 4, 8260 Viby.
Death of Gotfred Møbjerg Kristensen - By Toke Haunstrup:
The newsletter reports the sad news of the death of Gotfred Møbjerg Kristensen, an amateur astronomer and long-time SUFOI contact, who passed away in the spring at the age of 52 after a serious illness. Gotfred was a member of SUFOI and led the Danish Fireball Central, participating in a collaborative project involving the Steno Museum, the Geological Museum, and SUFOI.
Letters and Data
Letter from a 72-year-old subscriber:
A letter from a 72-year-old woman expresses her continued interest in UFOs but a feeling that SUFOI has not progressed. She recounts a lecture by a Mr. Pedersen who spoke of beings from a planet beyond Venus, who had a mothership capable of holding 50,000 people and featured houses and forests. These beings were concerned about Earth's wars and nuclear weapons and sent scout ships. She questions why SUFOI hasn't reported on this and wonders why there are no pictures or souvenirs from such encounters. She also mentions a Ricki Lake talk show guest who claimed to have lived on another planet.
Dry Data:
Membership statistics for 1997 show 693 members, a decrease of 24 from the previous year. Financial information is provided for the "Research Fund" (DKK 3,686) and "Support Fund" (DKK 11,311). A detailed breakdown of expenditures and budgets for various individuals (initials) for the 1996/97 fiscal year is presented, showing some overspending in several categories.
After-Call:
There is a request for someone to build a wooden transport case for the 20 new display panels.
SUFOI Support Fest October 4, 1997
Information regarding the SUFOI Support Fest on October 4, 1997, including a form for registration, payment details (DKK 130/person), and sections for suggestions for entertainment, auction items, contributions to entertainment, help with food preparation, and general practical help.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing reporting and investigation of UFO sightings and related phenomena across Denmark, the organizational and financial health of SUFOI, and the importance of media engagement. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent reporting and investigation, aiming to provide factual accounts and updates to its members. There's a clear emphasis on the practical aspects of running the organization, such as managing finances, organizing events, and maintaining communication channels. The inclusion of a comic strip and personal anecdotes suggests an effort to maintain a connection with the readership beyond purely factual reporting. The newsletter also highlights the challenges and successes of the organization, from record surpluses to the need for volunteers and the ongoing effort to debunk misidentifications of aerial phenomena.
Title: UFO-VISION
Issue: Nr. 6
Issue Date: Saturday, November 15, 1997
This issue of UFO-VISION is a Danish magazine focused on UFO phenomena, crop circles, and related topics. It includes a call for submissions for the next issue, reports on meetings and observations, and interviews with individuals involved in UFO research.
Editorial and Submissions
The magazine opens with a letter from the editor, inviting readers to contribute to the next issue, scheduled for spring 1998. The deadline for submitting material is November 15, 1997, with a request for text to be delivered on diskette in WordPerfect 5.1 format (DOS). A coupon is included for readers to indicate their interest in reviewing titles or writing an article.
Meeting Report: UFOs and Biblical Accounts
A letter from Carl Petersen details a meeting at Hjarbæk Kro attended by nine people. The discussion revolved around UFOs in relation to biblical accounts. Peter Nørgaard presented a film about "the latest new footage on videotape." The meeting concluded late in the evening, with the hope that the shared material would encourage more contributions to UFO-Nyt.
Obituary: Gotfred Møbjerg Kristensen
A letter from Toke Haunstrup announces the sad passing of Gotfred Møbjerg Kristensen, who was 52 years old and a dedicated meteor observer and leader of the Danish Fireball Central (DIC). His death is noted as a significant loss to amateur astronomy in Denmark, particularly in meteor observation and night sky photography. A necrology will be published in 'Knudepunktet', the membership magazine of the Astronomical Society. Efforts are underway to find a successor for his role in DIC.
Crop Circles: A Debate
Several articles discuss the phenomenon of crop circles. One article from Berlingske Tidende reports on farmer Karl Henrik Haagensen, who found crop circles on his land for the second time. He dismisses them as the work of "big boys with a lawnmower." However, experts from the Danish Crop Circle Group suggest the possibility of an extraterrestrial phenomenon, noting that similar circles have been observed in England, sometimes accompanied by sightings of light spheres. Toke Haunstrup, Vice-Chairman of Skandinavisk UFO Information, also researches crop circles and leans towards explanations involving hoaxes or natural phenomena like whirlwinds. Ove Larsen from the Danish Crop Circle Group believes the circles are not man-made and involve unknown technology, suggesting a higher intelligence is involved.
Another article from Holstebro Dagblad highlights that approximately 20 percent of crop patterns might be hoaxes, but this doesn't explain everything. It mentions that crop circles have been observed in Denmark, with Karl Erik Haagensen reporting them twice. The phenomenon is particularly prevalent in Great Britain, with theories ranging from whirlwinds to extraterrestrial intelligence. Some witnesses claim to have seen the circles being formed, reporting noise and light phenomena. The article also touches upon the economic impact of crop circles as a tourist attraction.
A third article from Jyllands-Posten discusses the mystery of crop circles, noting that Denmark has become a point of interest for mystics. It reiterates the debate between explanations involving hoaxes, natural phenomena, and extraterrestrial intelligence. The article mentions that while some circles might be faked, the precise geometric patterns and lack of physical evidence of human intervention in many cases remain unexplained.
UFO Sightings and Extraterrestrial Life
An article from Århus Onsdag features retired fighter pilot and lieutenant colonel Kurt Abildskov, who believes in UFOs and extraterrestrial life. He recounts his first UFO sighting in 1952 near Aalborg and discusses his continued interest and research into the subject. Abildskov suggests that UFOs originate from planets within our solar system and are here to help humanity avoid self-destruction. He criticizes established science for hindering open communication with extraterrestrials. He also mentions that the Danish Air Force officially denies the existence of UFOs.
Another piece from Århus Onsdag, titled "Hilsen fra himlen" (Greeting from Heaven), suggests that Australia is a favored destination for extraterrestrial visitors. It references two new books on the topic: Keith Basterfield's "UFO: A Report on Australian Encounters" and Patrick Huyghe's "The Field Guide to Extraterrestrials," which categorizes alien types. The article highlights the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich in 1978 after reporting a UFO, and the case of a farm worker who witnessed a hovering object that emptied a water tank. Huyghe categorizes aliens into four types: human-like, ape-like, robot-like, and exotic beings. The article concludes by noting that while many Australians believe in extraterrestrial life, the observations might also be influenced by popular culture.
A report from Jyllandsposten details a sighting by a Brønderslev family of two bright objects moving at high speed. Amateur astronomer Hans Leth from Urania Observatory suggests these could be Russian or American spy satellites, noting that similar observations were made three years prior. The case has been sent to Skandinavisk UFO Information for assessment.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-VISION are UFO sightings, crop circles, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded stance towards these phenomena, presenting various theories and personal accounts. While acknowledging hoaxes and natural explanations, it gives significant space to eyewitness testimonies and expert opinions that support the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena and potential alien visitation. The editorial stance encourages reader participation and exploration of these mysteries.
This issue of Jyllandsposten, Morgenavis, dated June 21, 1997, focuses heavily on the 50th anniversary of the Roswell incident and the broader phenomenon of UFOs. The main cover headline, 'Et monster fylder 50' (A monster turns 50), and the accompanying image of Stan Cosby with a UFO model, immediately signal the issue's central theme.
The Roswell Incident and the Birth of the UFO Era
The lead article, 'Et monster fylder 50' by Mikkel Hertz, delves into the origins of the UFO phenomenon, tracing it back to the alleged crash near Roswell, New Mexico, in July 1947. Hertz describes the initial discovery of debris by farmer W.W. Brazel, the subsequent press release from Roswell Army Air Field claiming the recovery of a UFO, and the swift retraction by the military, which explained it as a weather balloon. Despite the official denial, the story ignited public imagination and fueled conspiracy theories about government cover-ups.
The article highlights how Roswell has become a pilgrimage site for UFO enthusiasts, comparable to Graceland for Elvis fans. It notes the proliferation of UFO-themed merchandise and the upcoming three-day UFO-gala in Roswell, expected to draw 50,000 visitors. A poll cited in the magazine reveals that a significant percentage of Americans believe in alien contact and abductions.
Kenneth Arnold and the 'Flying Saucer'
Another article, 'Flyvende tallerkener i 50 år' by Flemming O. Rasmussen, recounts the story of Kenneth Arnold's sighting on June 24, 1947. Arnold, a businessman flying his own plane, reported seeing nine shiny, disc-like objects flying near Mount Rainier, Washington. He described their movement as being like 'a saucer skipping over water,' which led to the coining of the term 'flying saucer.' The article traces the evolution of UFO terminology from 'flying saucers' to the more neutral 'UFOs' (Unidentified Flying Objects).
Historical Waves of UFO Sightings
Rasmussen's article also provides a historical overview of UFO sightings, noting that strange aerial phenomena have been reported throughout history, with different interpretations based on the cultural context of the time (e.g., portents, airships, foo fighters, ghost rockets). It mentions specific waves of sightings in the USA in 1952 and 1954, and a significant wave in Belgium from 1989 to 1990.
Official Investigations and Skepticism
The issue touches upon official investigations into UFOs, mentioning projects like 'Project Blue Book' and the 'Condon Commission' in the USA, which concluded that UFO research was a waste of time and resources. France is noted as a country that officially researched UFOs through GEPAN. The article also discusses the role of amateur UFO researchers and organizations.
The 1997 Arizona Lights Incident
A separate article, 'Ufo chokerer USA' by Aj Henning Høeg, reports on a more recent event: the 'lights over Arizona' incident on March 13, 1997. Over 300 witnesses reported seeing a massive, V-shaped object with five bright lights silently moving at low altitude over the Arizona desert. This event is highlighted as a significant 'UFO mystery' because it was witnessed by many, filmed by military personnel and police, and appeared on high-quality video and photographic recordings, yet did not register on radar.
Debunking the Roswell Myth: The 1997 Air Force Report
Several articles focus on the US Air Force's new 231-page report released in June 1997, which aimed to debunk the Roswell myth. The report, detailed in 'Rumvæsener sendes op i tynd luft' by William J. Broad and 'Luftvåben afliver UFO-myter' by Poul Høi, explains the Roswell incident as the crash of a high-altitude balloon used for Project Mogul, a secret program to monitor Soviet nuclear tests. The 'alien bodies' seen by witnesses are attributed to test dummies dropped from balloons for parachute experiments, some of which were damaged and might have resembled descriptions of aliens.
Despite the official explanation, the articles acknowledge that UFO proponents remain unconvinced, viewing the report as another government cover-up. Stanton Friedman, a UFO author, is quoted expressing skepticism about the report's accuracy.
Crop Circles and Other Phenomena
An article titled '>>Korn-cirklerne<<' by Jørgen Kofod-Jensen discusses crop circles, referencing a book by Nick Pope, who worked for the UK Ministry of Defence's UFO Desk. The article differentiates between genuine crop circles and hoaxes, noting characteristics like smooth stalks versus broken ones, and cell changes in genuine formations.
Spiritual and Esoteric Interpretations
'Rumfolk baner vejen til femte dimension' by Thomas Krakau profiles Solveig and Per Møller from Fårdrup, Denmark, who are described as ambassadors for 'space people's energies' and proponents of a coming 'fifth dimension.' They share their experiences with spiritual phenomena, including encounters with beings they identify as part of the 'Ashtar Command,' a cosmic organization supposedly preparing Earth for a higher state of consciousness by the year 2012. This article represents a different facet of the UFO phenomenon, focusing on spiritual and New Age interpretations rather than physical sightings.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The issue consistently highlights the enduring public fascination with UFOs, the persistent belief in alien visitation, and the deep-seated suspicion of government transparency. The articles present both the official explanations and the skeptical viewpoints, acknowledging the complexity and unresolved nature of many UFO cases. The editorial stance, particularly in the piece 'Tabte illusioner,' suggests a sense of disillusionment with the debunking of long-held beliefs, questioning what will fill the void left by these revelations and looking to figures like cyclist Bjarne Riis for 'miracles' to transcend the ordinary.
The magazine explores the historical context of UFO sightings, the scientific and governmental responses, and the cultural impact of these phenomena, while also touching upon more esoteric interpretations of extraterrestrial contact.
This issue of Kristeligt Dagblad, dated July 3, 1997, focuses heavily on the 50th anniversary of the alleged UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico, and related phenomena. The main headline, "John Denver, mozarella-ost og flyvende tallerken," sets a tone that blends pop culture with the unexplained. The magazine explores the cultural impact of the Roswell incident, the ongoing public belief in UFOs, and recent developments in space exploration, particularly the Mars Pathfinder mission.
The Roswell Incident and its Legacy
The lead article by Søren Berg details the 1947 Roswell event, where a local authorities initially reported the recovery of a 'flying disc' before retracting the statement to a weather balloon. The story gained renewed attention decades later, fueled by UFO hunters and claims of recovered alien bodies and technology. The article highlights that 100,000 people have converged on Roswell to celebrate the 50th anniversary, significantly boosting the town's population and economy. It notes that a third of Americans believe in extraterrestrial visits, with a majority convinced the government is hiding information.
The issue also touches upon the cultural phenomenon of UFOs in media, citing popular TV shows like 'X-Files' and 'Star Trek,' and blockbuster movies such as 'Independence Day,' 'Men in Black,' and 'Contact.' The article mentions the renaming of Highway 375 in Nevada to the 'Extraterrestrial Highway' as a tourist attraction.
Scientific Investigations and Skepticism
Bo Bjørnvig's article, "Truslen fra • det indre rum," delves into the scientific and psychological aspects of the UFO phenomenon. It discusses the division within scientific communities, with some researchers actively debunking UFO claims while others, like J. Allen Hynek, became proponents. The article references the Condon Report, a U.S. Air Force study that concluded most UFO sightings could be explained by natural phenomena or misidentifications, though it acknowledged a percentage of unexplained cases. The report's methodology and conclusions have been criticized by UFO proponents.
Bjørnvig also touches upon the growing belief in the paranormal and the role of media in shaping public perception. He notes the success of UFO-themed films and the increasing interest in extraterrestrial life, even from official sources like NATO.
Crop Circles and Local Sightings
Several articles focus on crop circle phenomena. One report from Horsens Folkeblad details a mysterious light observed by Aase Pedersen, who believes it was extraterrestrial. Another article from the same publication discusses a large, perfectly round crop circle found in a field near Ubby, Denmark. Experts from SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) and agricultural consultants are investigating, with initial theories ranging from electrical phenomena to 'sky-pumps' (waterspouts), though a definitive explanation remains elusive. The article notes that the stalks in the Ubby circle were laid down with precision, without damage, and that there were no signs of human entry or trampling.
Further reports cover a strange light observed by Karin Clausen in Torsted Vest, Denmark, and three concentric circles found in a barley field near Skælskør. Poul H. Andreasen from SUFOI suggests these might be man-made due to factors like access, full moon conditions, and the concentric nature of the patterns, contrasting them with more complex formations found elsewhere.
Mars Exploration
The issue briefly mentions the Mars Pathfinder mission, highlighting the landing of the probe on July 4, 1997. It includes speculative claims about potential signs of life and ancient civilizations on Mars, reflecting the broader public interest in space and extraterrestrial possibilities.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this issue are the enduring fascination with UFOs, the 50th anniversary of the Roswell incident, the debate between believers and skeptics, and the investigation of unexplained phenomena like crop circles. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on the phenomenon, acknowledging the public's strong beliefs and the ongoing investigations, while also presenting scientific skepticism and alternative explanations. The articles often highlight the lack of concrete evidence for many UFO claims, but also the persistence of the mystery and the cultural impact of these beliefs. The use of pop culture references and local sightings grounds the broader UFO topic in relatable contexts.
This issue of Horsens Folkeblad, dated July 25, 1997, along with accompanying clippings from other Danish newspapers (Holbæk Amts Venstreblad, Aarhuus Stiftstidende, Lolland-Falsters Folketidende, and BT), focuses on reports of unexplained phenomena in Denmark during July 1997. The primary topics include sightings of strange lights, the appearance of crop circles, and a video investigation into a potential UFO sighting. The issue also touches upon the Raelian movement and cloning.
Strange Lights in Horsens
The main article from Horsens Folkeblad, titled "Mærkeligt lys - igen" (Strange light - again), details reports from residents of the Horsens area who observed unusual lights in the night sky. Leif Hansen from Lindevej in Dagnæs described a bright, hovering light on Wednesday night, which he observed through binoculars to shift colors between red, blue, and yellow. Claudine Holmegaard from Houmannsgade 51 also reported seeing a similar phenomenon, which she described as very large and stationary, with colors including red, bluish, yellowish, and orange. Both observers initially thought it might be an aircraft but were puzzled by its lack of movement. Several other anonymous reports were received, including one from a reader in Hundslund who described red and blue blinking lights on the ground near Snaptun, from which a light beam was directed upwards, resembling a light show at a town festival. Asle Nielsen, leader of Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) in Vejle, suggested that laser lights from events are a likely explanation for many such sightings, noting that they cause many false reports to SUFOI. However, Leif Hansen rejected the laser explanation, stating he was certain it was not a laser and that the object disappeared like a small dot on the horizon.
UFO Video from Kalundborg
A clipping from Holbæk Amts Venstreblad, dated July 29, 1997, reports on a UFO video filmed by Johnny Rasmussen from Kalundborg on December 20, 1996. Rasmussen sent the video to a photo expert working for the defense forces, who is affiliated with SUFOI, for analysis. SUFOI's preliminary explanation was that the phenomenon might be distorted landing lights from an aircraft. Rasmussen, however, doubts this, stating he has never seen landing lights with such colors or intensity. He described the observed light as blue and red, appearing lower than typical aircraft. The expert in Greenland is working to "clean" the film and enhance details of the object. Rasmussen believes there is more to the phenomenon than meets the eye.
Crop Circles in Holeby
Two articles, one from Lolland-Falsters Folketidende (July 31, 1997) and another from the same publication (also July 31, 1997), detail the appearance of crop circles near Holeby for the third consecutive year. The circles have moved approximately 500 meters west from their previous location to two wheat fields near Maribovej. One circle is 12.5 meters in diameter with six 'legs' extending outwards, each about six meters long. The second circle is about 14 meters in diameter. The crop in the inner part of this circle is laid down clockwise, while the outer meters are laid counter-clockwise. The proprietor of the fields, Klaus Stentebjerg-Olesen, expressed frustration with the repeated use of his land. Ole Henningsen, a local UFO expert and advisor, stated that he does not believe these formations are related to UFO phenomena he is interested in, but he still documents them. He is seeking new information and is even willing to create a crop circle himself if a farmer provides land. Henningsen is scheduled to give a lecture on crop circles at SUFOI's 40th-anniversary congress.
A clipping from BT, dated August 10, 1997, also features a photo of a crop circle, identified as being on Eyvind Jensen's barley field in Vester Velling, near Randers. Peter Nørgaard, vice-chairman of UFO-Information, is investigating this phenomenon, which is 20 meters in diameter and has a 'handle' resembling a magnifying glass. He is collecting crop and soil samples. Niels Chr. Larsen, an agricultural consultant, believes the circle is not man-made. The article notes that crop circles have been known in England for years and have appeared in Denmark for a few years, citing examples in Lolland and near Kalundborg. Engineer Carl Otto Bindslev has formed an organization called "Dansk Korn-Cirkel Fænomener" and speculates that electrical phenomena might be responsible.
The Raelian Movement and Cloning
A lengthy article from an unspecified source, dated August 2, 1997, titled "KLONEDE DAGE" (Cloned Days), discusses the cloning of animals and the Raelian movement. It mentions Dolly the sheep and Polly the cloned sheep with human genes. The article highlights Valiant Ventures Ltd. on the Bahamas, which offers cloning services through its program Clonaid for a significant fee, including cloning deceased loved ones or creating a backup clone of a child. The company is owned by Claude Vorilhon, a former French motorsports journalist who claims to have been contacted by extraterrestrials in 1973. They allegedly told him he was a clone of Jesus, whose mother was abducted and impregnated by aliens. Vorilhon adopted the name Ral and founded the Raelian sect, which has 35,000 members worldwide and is working to build an intergalactic embassy for extraterrestrials in Jerusalem, based on patterns from crop circles. The sect's logo combines a swastika within a Star of David. Ral is reportedly negotiating with Israeli authorities for diplomatic immunity for the aliens. The article also lists several websites associated with the Raelian movement and other related groups.
Librarian's Occult Website
A clipping from Aarhuus Stiftstidende, dated July 28, 1997, features Willy Wegner, a librarian from Hørning, who runs a website that distributes the occult-themed journal "Para-nyt." Wegner describes his website as an "excursion into the occult world," covering topics like UFOs, parapsychology, doomsday sects, and prophets. He notes that the journal presents a mix of genius and madness, and that while he covers these phenomena, he advises readers to take the content with a grain of salt, as "platitudes and truths thrive in the occult culture."
Other Mentions
The issue also includes a brief mention of actor Marlon Brando being in England, and a report about a sexual assault in Aarhus. A chess problem is also presented.
Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance
The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the unexplained and the paranormal, with a particular focus on UFO sightings and crop circles. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena while also presenting skeptical viewpoints and potential rational explanations, such as laser shows or misinterpretations of natural events. The articles encourage reader participation by asking for more information and explanations. The inclusion of the Raelian movement and cloning adds a layer of contemporary scientific and fringe belief discussions. The overall tone is one of curiosity and investigation into the unknown, balanced with a degree of caution and skepticism.