SUFOI Intern - 1997 09

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOI INTERN
Issue Date: September 1997
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of SUFOI INTERN, the internal newsletter for the Danish UFO organization, provides updates on recent UFO sightings, organizational activities, and a detailed discussion on improving the process of collecting and analyzing UFO reports.

SUFOI HEADLINES

• The cover highlights several key news items:
• A luminous glass sphere was sighted near Halskov.
• Toke is featured on TV3.
• The SUFOI jubilee party is sold out.
• The SUFOI website has exceeded 10,000 visitors.

Key Dates and Deadlines

• Important dates mentioned include:
• SUFOI jubilee party: October 4th
• Representative meeting: October 5th
• SUFOI congress: November 1st

• Deadlines for submissions are:
• Next Intern newsletter: October 10th
• UFO-Nyt issue 4: October 2nd

Observations

NYT FRA ØSTERBRO - Af Toke Haunstrup

Toke Haunstrup reports on several observations from the summer. He notes that the period was busy, leading to fewer contributions to INTERN. He mentions a case on May 25th where 11 people from the Copenhagen area reported a phenomenon, likely a projector light, possibly located near Herlev-Buddinge-Brønshøj. Jupiter was also a frequent subject of inquiries due to its visibility.

Haunstrup details two personal interviews conducted in August:
1. A 71-year-old woman in Korsør reported observing a phenomenon on August 13th between 21:00 and 21:30 DST. She described it as a glass sphere with a light source and rotating 'smoke', moving along the beach and then towards her house. The observation lasted approximately 25 seconds.
2. An account from the countryside near Vedde, Midtsjælland, where a couple observed a luminous phenomenon on the night of July 17th. The wife reported seeing three oval lights moving in jerky motions for about 45 minutes. The husband also witnessed it.

Another report details a phenomenon observed on the night of July 23rd, similar to the July 17th sighting, occurring around 03:00. This report came to SUFOI's attention through Carl Otto Bindslev of the Danish Korn-CirkelGruppe (DKCG).

Activities

NYT OM JUBILÆUMSFESTEN - Af Per Andersen

The jubilee party is sold out, with approximately 40 people registered. Plans for food and entertainment are underway. It is noted that some representative members will unfortunately not be able to attend.

NYT OM KONGRESSEN - Af Per Andersen

Preparations for the congress on November 1st are progressing well. A folder has been sent to all members, aiming to attract external attendees. The goal is to reach 100 external participants, excluding SUFOI members and press. Currently, 51 people are registered.

NYT NUMMER AF UFOLOGISK TIDSSKRIFT PÅ TRAPPERNE - Af Toke Haunstrup

A new issue of 'Ufologisk Tidsskrift' (Volume 2) is about to be released. It includes an article by Per Andersen on socio-psychological aspects related to UFO phenomena and an article by Robert A. Baker arguing for psychological explanations of the abduction phenomenon in the USA. The issue also features a Danish translation of a report on the investigation of a Ukrainian sphere, supported by SUFOI. The journal has nearly 30 subscribers, considered a good number for its type.

SUFOI in Media

SUFOI I TV3 M.M. - Af Toke Haunstrup

Toke Haunstrup was contacted by TV3 for an analysis of the film 'Men in Black' for their morning broadcast on July 3rd. He aimed to present SUFOI in a balanced way, mentioning their work on socio-psychological models (Project PORT). Haunstrup also participated in a radio program on Denmarkskanalen (P2) on June 24th, discussing UFO questions.

INTERNET-BESØGENDE NUMMER 10.000 - Af Per Andersen

The SUFOI website has surpassed 10,000 visitors, reaching 11,859 at the time of writing. This represents an average of nearly 2,000 visitors per month, an increase from the 1,700 in June.

People and Contact Information

NYT OM PERSONER

Email addresses for representative members will now be listed in the newsletter. The issue provides email addresses for Per Andersen, Lars H. Andersen, Kim Møller Hansen, Toke Haunstrup, Ole Henningsen, Peter Nørgaard, and Henrik Klinge.

NYT TELEFONNUMMER TIL TOKE

Toke Haunstrup has a new local phone number: 35 26 03 13 - 947.

Debate: Is the Report Taker Course Outdated?

ER RAPPORTOPTAGERKURSET FORÆLDET?! - Af Toke Haunstrup

This section critically examines the current SUFOI report taker course, arguing that it needs a significant revision after nearly 20 years. Haunstrup contends that the course spends too much time on compass and clinometer usage, which he deems of marginal practical value for most reports. He suggests reallocating this time to focus on other crucial skills.

Haunstrup identifies four key areas for improvement:
1. Better Overview: Report takers need to improve their ability to prioritize cases, avoiding over-prioritizing simple cases or under-prioritizing interesting ones.
2. Better Documentation: Many reports are poorly documented, lacking supplementary materials or even basic comments. This is particularly problematic in cases requiring in-depth investigation.
3. Greater Interview Experience: Report takers need better interview skills, including knowing which questions are relevant and avoiding leading questions.
4. Better Investigation: Few report takers conduct thorough investigations, often simply marking cases as 'unsolved'. Haunstrup emphasizes the need to provide background for conclusions, especially given the difficulty in categorizing phenomena.

• He proposes a revised course structure:
• Remove compass and clinometer exercises (saving approx. 3 hours).
• Prioritize a review of the typical workflow for handling a case, from initial contact to archiving.
• Enhance practical interview and investigation exercises, possibly using a real case scenario for role-playing, including simulated phone calls to various contacts.

Haunstrup believes that by allowing the same observation to be used throughout the exercises, participants can gain a better understanding of the entire reporting process.

He concludes that the course has become routine ('vane') and needs updating to reflect current realities. He hopes this discussion will lead to a reassessment and implementation of changes for the next course, planned for spring 1998.

Anecdote

A short anecdote about a priest who bets he can mention card-playing terms in his sermon is included, followed by a quote from the sermon: "Hvis der kom nogen ind af disse her ruder og sønderrev eders hjerter med sine skarpe klør ... Oh Herre spar os !"

Indberetninger (Report Submissions)

A table lists UFO/UAP observations reported between August 1st and August 31st, 1997. It includes observation dates, times, durations, locations (with postcodes and towns), number of observers, colors, and identification notes (e.g., satellite, meteor, projector light, Jupiter, Moon). The table contains 59 entries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the active reporting of UFO phenomena in Denmark, the organizational efforts of SUFOI (including events and publications), and a critical self-examination of the organization's operational procedures, particularly the training of its members in report collection and investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of proactive engagement with UFO research, emphasizing the need for rigorous methodology and continuous improvement of internal processes. There is a clear call for discussion and modernization within the organization, as exemplified by the detailed critique of the report taker course.

This issue of "Avis udklip" (Newspaper Clipping) from August 1997 presents a collection of articles primarily focused on UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and unusual occurrences.

Cover Story: UFOs Were Just Spy Planes

The lead story, drawing from The New York Times and published in multiple Danish newspapers like Aalborg Stiftstidende and Jydske Vestkysten, reveals that many UFO sightings during the Cold War were actually secret U-2 and SR-71 spy planes. A CIA investigation concluded that the US military deliberately misled the public to conceal its advanced surveillance aircraft program. These planes flew at high altitudes, far above commercial air traffic, and were used for photographing enemy targets. The report details that the US Air Force issued false cover stories, explaining unusual sightings as atmospheric phenomena like ice crystals or temperature inversions. The existence of the U-2 was only widely known after one was shot down over Sverdlovsk by Soviet forces in 1960, a major crisis of the Cold War. Richard Hall, chairman of a fund for UFO research, noted that this official acknowledgment of deception was significant.

The Roswell Incident and Public Belief

An article from Frederiksborg Amts Avis explores the enduring myth of the Roswell incident, where 50 years prior, a supposed alien spacecraft allegedly crashed. The official explanation, that it was a high-altitude weather balloon with espionage equipment, is contrasted with the persistent belief among many Americans (34% according to a Time Magazine poll) that aliens have visited Earth and that the government is covering it up. This distrust is linked to events like Watergate and the Vietnam War. The article also notes the cultural context in the US, where a wide range of beliefs, including those about aliens, are more readily accepted.

Crop Circles: Graffiti or Natural Phenomenon?

Several articles from different newspapers (Fyens Stiftstidende, Kolding Folkeblad, Frederiksborg Amts Avis, Midtjyllands Avis, BT, and Aarhuus Stiftstidende) focus on the appearance of crop circles in Denmark, particularly in Vester Velling. Landowner Ejvind Jensen discovered a large circle, 20 meters in diameter, in his rye field, with a unique pattern and an outer ring. Experts from Skandinavisk UFO Information and Dansk Korncirkel Gruppe are investigating, with some leaning towards the idea that it's not man-made, possibly due to magnetic phenomena or even UFO activity. The phenomenon is compared to similar occurrences in England, where it has been observed for 25 years. Some witnesses reported seeing unexplained lights in the sky around the time the Vester Velling circle appeared. The articles also mention the possibility of 'corn graffiti' by pranksters, but the complexity of some patterns makes this explanation questionable.

UFO Sightings in Denmark and Online Resources

An article from BT highlights that UFO sightings are not uncommon in Denmark, with Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) receiving over 30 reports in May alone. While many have logical explanations (shooting stars, aircraft), some remain unexplained. The article directs readers to SUFOI's website for more information, including articles and a guide to identifying aerial phenomena. The website's design is noted as basic but its content valuable.

The Heaven's Gate Cult Online

An article from Aalborg Stiftstidende reports on the Heaven's Gate cult, which, despite the mass suicide of 39 members in March 1997, continues to operate and recruit online. Chuck Humphrey, a survivor, is promoting the cult's UFO theories and beliefs about reaching the 'next level' through death via their website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena, government secrecy, and public perception. There's a clear interest in debunking official explanations for UFO sightings by presenting alternative theories, particularly those involving secret military technology or extraterrestrial origins. The articles also touch upon the cultural acceptance of such beliefs in the United States and the ongoing investigation into unexplained phenomena like crop circles. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various perspectives from believers, skeptics, and official reports.

Title: Randers Amtsavis
Issue Date: August 11, 1997
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: Hundreds Flock to V. Velling to See Crop Circle

The main headline of this issue focuses on a crop circle that appeared in a field near V. Velling, Denmark, drawing hundreds of visitors over the weekend. The circle, measuring 18 meters in diameter with an outer ring, was discovered by the Jensen family on their land. While the family is taking the event with humor, the mystery surrounding its formation remains. The article notes that the crop cannot be harvested due to being laid too close to the ground. The phenomenon has been registered by Skandinavisk UFO-Information and Dansk Korn-Cirkel-Gruppe, with the cause still unconfirmed – whether it was human intervention, an electrical discharge, or something else entirely.

Mysterious Lights Reported

Adding to the mystery, a local woman reported seeing five bright lights over the location around 10:30 PM the previous Sunday. She described them as resembling strong spotlights and, while skeptical, has reported the sighting due to the coincidence in timing with the crop circle's appearance. These details have been passed on to Skandinavisk UFO-Information.

Expert Opinions and Investigations

Peter Nørgaard, deputy chairman of Skandinavisk UFO-Information, stated he would contact the woman for more details about the lights. He visited the site himself and felt a strong sense of contemplation. He believes an intelligent force is behind the crop circle, though he also considers human creation a possibility. Agricultural consultant Niels Chr. Larsen, however, does not believe it was man-made and is puzzled by the stalks being laid down without kernels falling off, and the absence of human traces.

Other Crop Formations and Theories

The article mentions that the surrounding wheat will be harvested, but another, smaller, and more complex pattern remains in a family's rye field, not visible from public roads. This more intricate design has piqued the interest of "specialists in this particular field."

Article: Perhaps it was a Sky Pump

This article presents the theory of Mayor Jens Ole Søndergaard of Mariager, who suggests a sky pump might be responsible for the crop circle. Søndergaard, an avid weather observer, noted favorable conditions for sky pumps in Denmark recently, recalling seeing three such phenomena in Vestjylland on July 31st. He also points out that sky pumps were mentioned in DMI's weather forecast for the period. He interprets the linear pattern leading to the circle as the sky pump gathering strength, and the 18-meter diameter circle as the result of the vertical vortex characteristic of sky pumps. The article references research from the USA, where sky pumps and tornadoes are common, explaining that sky pumps begin as horizontal whirlwinds that rise vertically. However, the article also notes that the pattern's form is not entirely conclusive for this theory.

Article: Sky Pump Cannot Form Crop Circle

This piece directly contrasts the previous article's theory, featuring meteorologist Stig Rosenørn from DMI, who dismisses the sky pump explanation. Rosenørn argues that a sky pump's movements are chaotic, and its 'trunk' can vary in intensity and width, leading to a "chaotic pattern" resembling a tracked vehicle driving randomly. He believes the crop circle is man-made, possibly by strongly religious individuals, suggesting a symbolic element in its creation.

Article: Crop Patterns Worldwide

This section delves into the history and global spread of crop circles. It mentions early accounts from 1678, but notes that focus intensified in the 20th century. A key event was in 1990 when numerous patterns appeared in English fields, convincing many of an intelligent origin. The Alton Barnes area became famous for these formations. In 1991, crop circles spread worldwide, with some designs resembling computer graphics. Two men, Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, claimed responsibility for creating simpler patterns using a board and rope, but admitted they could not replicate the more complex designs. The article notes that in 1996, patterns returned, with England reporting huge and complex designs. This year (1997), there are 6-7 crop circles in Denmark, varying in complexity. The article lists various theories: human-made by 'constructors', a religious sign, a UFO, or a weather phenomenon. It also mentions an American scientist claiming to have received information about crop circles on her computer, attributing them to a 'fifth dimension' aiding humanity's entry into a new world.

Diverse Explanations

The article concludes by stating that the origin of crop circles remains unclear, with multiple explanations possible, including human activity, religious symbolism, UFOs, or weather phenomena that experts cannot immediately explain.

Article: From UFOs to Folk Dance

This article, from Dagcenter. Højskoledage, announces upcoming events at a day center. Between 30 and 50 participants are expected for various arrangements during the week. The center can accommodate up to 70 people. The week includes seven different events, with participants able to choose specific topics. Activities include storytelling from Norden and Russia, songs from the borderland, a look into art and image analysis, a day for brain injuries and language recovery, and a concluding session of light folk dancing. The article also briefly mentions Willy Wegner, who will talk about UFOs, and an excursion to Kolt Ældrehøjskole.

Article: A Shining New Lego Star

This piece, from Jydske Vestkysten, reports on Lego Group naming a star "Lego Stjernen" (Lego Star) to celebrate its 65th anniversary. The star is located in the constellation Ursa Minor, near Polaris. It has been registered in the International Star Registry. The article speculates if Lego's interest in stars is connected to their new "UFO" System line of toys, which features holographic elements and advanced fiber optics, aimed at children aged five and up.

Article: Ufology is Our Time's Mystery Cult

This lengthy opinion piece by Jørn Bjerre, a student of Master's degree, explores ufology as a modern "mystery cult." Bjerre notes that 1997 marks the 50th anniversary of the first UFO sighting in 1947. He observes a rise in UFO interest in the 1990s, with ufology increasingly integrating with other mystical genres like occultism and New Age. Psychologists and religious historians find this phenomenon interesting as it sheds light on how ideas about the unknown are formed, revealing as much about humanity's anxieties and fantasies as about potential extraterrestrial visitors.

Paradox of Modernity

Bjerre highlights the paradox of this new mysticism emerging in a secularized, modern era characterized by scientific and technological progress. He argues that technology and science, intended to free humanity from false beliefs, have paradoxically become the breeding ground for "mystery cults." In a world where traditional supernatural beings are absent, new ideas about alien beings have emerged to fit contemporary landscapes.

Technology and the Unknown

He posits that the incomprehensible aspects of the universe, much like nature's mysteries in the past, now fuel human imagination and the search for coherence. Technology and science, while advancing understanding, also open up vast, incomprehensible questions that lead people to seek answers in the occult. The current folklore, particularly in the late 1990s, is based on the idea of a political-ufological conspiracy aiming to seize power.

Media's Role and Collective Identity

Myths are formed through a blend of fact and fiction disseminated by the media. UFOs have become a common phenomenon, and the question of extraterrestrial life is a major metaphysical issue, capable of encompassing religious, existential, and ecological concerns. UFOs are seen as watchers, warning of ecological disasters and weapons, and potentially holding answers to historical mysteries like the extinction of dinosaurs or the fall of Atlantis.

Conspiracy and Order

Ufology provides a framework for understanding hidden connections in history and society, offering a sense of order and purpose behind technological and social development, even if it's through the idea of a higher power or conspiracy. The idea of a conspiracy between powerful political figures and extraterrestrial forces can be both frightening (invasion scenarios) and reassuring (a sense of control). The article suggests that UFO myths, by presenting an "Other" to unite against, can foster a sense of global unity, similar to how globalization is already shaping culture.

The Nature of Technology and Myth

Bjerre argues that technology has become an indispensable part of human nature, and its complexity often makes it seem like a mystery. This leads to a new form of folklore or mythology that helps reconcile people with this technologically driven world. Just as ancient peoples attributed agency to natural phenomena, modern society is beginning to attribute agency to the complex, often inscrutable, workings of societal systems and technology. The article draws parallels between the ancient world's mystery cults and modern ufology, suggesting that both provide a sense of individual order within a seemingly chaotic or incomprehensible reality.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around unexplained phenomena, particularly crop circles and UFOs, and the human tendency to seek explanations and meaning in the unknown. There's a clear exploration of how modern science and technology, while advancing knowledge, also create new mysteries and anxieties that are often addressed through a blend of folklore, speculation, and quasi-religious belief systems. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various perspectives – from scientific skepticism to belief in intelligent design and conspiracy theories – while also contextualizing these phenomena within broader cultural and historical trends, such as the rise of ufology as a modern "mystery cult" and the impact of technology on society. The issue also touches upon local events and community activities, grounding the more speculative content with everyday news.