SUFOI Intern - 1998 11

Magazine Overview

This issue of SUFOI Intern, dated November 1998, serves as an internal newsletter for the Danish UFO organization SUFOI. It covers a range of topics from organizational news and media mentions to detailed reports on specific phenomena and upcoming activities.

Press Releases and Media Mentions

The issue begins with a press release from Toke Haunstrup regarding the 40th-anniversary issue of UFO-Nyt, aiming to generate attention for both the publication and SUFOI. The organization's website has also received media attention, being mentioned in the computer magazine 'Komputer for alle' and previously in the newspaper 'BT'. New PR materials, including an updated 'Offer for new readers' sheet with 1999 prices and a new layout, are being distributed.

New Book and Organization Activities

SUFOI's board has decided to purchase a small print run of Hilary Evans' new book, 'From Other Worlds,' which will be sold to members. The price for members is approximately 150 DKK, with SUFOI selling it for 250 DKK.

Ball Lightning Phenomenon

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the phenomenon of ball lightning, stemming from a TV program where Poul Thomsen solicited reports from viewers. Ole J. Knudsen, a planetarium leader and former SUFOI member, comments on the numerous credible reports received. These reports describe slow-hovering luminous spheres entering homes through windows or chimneys, sometimes disappearing silently and other times exploding. Several specific incidents are detailed, including:

• The Rasmussen family incident in 1929 where a ball lightning exploded in a father's plate.
• Aase Marie Orholm's encounter where a ball lightning rolled towards her car and exploded near her rear wheel.
• Georg Christensen's experience in 1980 near high-voltage power lines.
• Agnete's childhood memory from 1926 of a ball lightning passing over her and her sister.
• Jens Østergaard's account from 1974 of a ball lightning hitting a raincoat hood.
• Poul Møller's experience in the 1960s with a ball lightning emerging from a meter cabinet.

Other accounts include a horse and rider being struck near Farsø, Ellen Simonsen being knocked unconscious, a childhood home being destroyed near Bjerringbro, and cows being killed in Vestjylland.

Ole J. Knudsen explains that ball lightning is a real phenomenon, not a hoax, and that research into it was initially dismissed by institutions like the Danish Meteorological Institute. He suggests it involves plasma and electrical fields, possibly with microwave fields creating standing waves. He estimates that about 2% of the population has encountered ball lightning. His advice for encountering one is to stand still and not invite it closer. He also mentions a historical account of a professor in St. Petersburg being killed by ball lightning in the 1700s. Ball lightning is distinguished from 'cold lightning' and typically does not ignite fires, though it can cause scorch marks and leave a smell of sulfur or ozone.

Further reports include a 1939 incident at the Urania Observatory and two personal experiences from carpenter Hans Markussen in 1957 and about 10 years later, both involving ball lightning during thunderstorms.

Poul Thomsen noted that the collected reports would be sent to the Steno Museum for further study. It is acknowledged that some reports might not be true ball lightning phenomena but ordinary lightning strikes or other unidentified aerial phenomena.

Financial Matters and Regional News

An article by Per Andersen addresses a minor error in the published accounts regarding the distribution of funds between giro and bank accounts, clarifying that the total sum remains unchanged.

Toke Haunstrup reports on a peculiar letter received via SUFOI's postbox, originating from Stouby, which describes concepts like the '5th Dimension' and 'Earthlings' low vibrations.' The letter promotes a course called 'Pensum 3>4>5*' for 'Gradual Vibration Increase,' which charges a significant fee based on the participant's annual income. Haunstrup questions whether SUFOI should take a stance on such groups, which appear to be sect-like and deal with paranormal topics including UFOs.

Deadlines and Contributions

Deadlines are provided for upcoming issues of 'Intern,' 'SUFOI Nyhedsbrev,' and 'UFO-Nyt.' Members are encouraged to submit contributions for 'Intern' via email in plain text format, as attachments have caused issues. Flemming Rasmussen, the new editor of 'SUFOI Nyhedsbrev,' also requests contributions.

Activities and Projects

Per Andersen is seeking individuals interested in translating the English book 'UFO, the complete sightings' by Peter Brookesmith into Danish.

Toke Haunstrup announces a campaign to promote the Picture Library (PL) in conjunction with the upcoming issue of UFO-Nyt, highlighting its value for journalists seeking UFO-related illustrations.

A report on a lecture given by PA on October 17th is mentioned.

Lectures and Events

Several lectures given by TH and PN are listed, including presentations at schools, a gymnasium, and a 'pipe smoker's club.'

The UFO-Group Copenhagen visited the Danish Space Research Institute (DRI) on November 3rd, where they received a tour and a lecture on SETI research by Michael Linden-Vørnle.

Board Activities and Future Plans

The SUFOI board is considering several projects: revising and reprinting the 'Welcome Booklet' for new members, establishing 'theme writers' for foreign UFO-Nyt articles focusing on specific topics like UFO crashes or abductions, and forming a 'web group' to help maintain and develop SUFOI's website. The latter is partly due to the webmaster needing to reduce his workload. There is also a plan to 'activate' SUFOI's exhibition by offering it as a 'combo package' to libraries and community centers, potentially including a lecture.

Personnel and Statistics

Jørgen Bengtvig has updated the organization's handbook with new contact information. Email addresses for key SUFOI members are provided. Membership statistics for September 1998 show a decrease of 14% compared to the previous year, with only 12 new members in the third quarter.

UFO-Nyt's 40th Anniversary

An article celebrates the 40th anniversary of UFO-Nyt, highlighting its evolution from an early focus on UFOs as spaceships to a more critical and multifaceted approach, considering psychological, sociological, and cultural factors. The journal is noted as Scandinavia's oldest UFO publication. The anniversary issue includes articles on creating crop circles, a near-miss incident involving a short circuit, and a bizarre story about a man who murdered his ex-wife believing aliens would take over the world.

Local UFO Sighting Report

A newspaper article from 'Lolland-Falster Folketidende' reports on a mysterious ball of light seen twice near Ryde Forest by a couple. SUFOI is interested in the case, and Ole Henningsen, the local contact, states that most sightings have natural explanations, but some remain unexplained. The article includes a description of the object as a round, luminous sphere seen at a low altitude, and a possible explanation involving the moon is also discussed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the ongoing research and documentation of UFO phenomena and related topics like ball lightning, the importance of media outreach and public awareness for SUFOI and its publications, and the internal development and activities of the organization. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious, critical, and open-minded investigation into UFOs and related phenomena, while also acknowledging the need for practical organizational management and public engagement.

This issue of Ekstra Bladet, dated November 7, 1998, with volume 236, is titled 'MYSTISKE SIGNALER FRA RUMMET' (Mysterious Signals from Space). It delves into various unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, and related mysteries, alongside local news and cultural items.

Art and Ecology: Motorways and Nature

The magazine features an article on Mikael Hansen's 'motorway ecology' art project near St. Vejleå, involving five other artists. Their work explores the regulated nature that emerges between infrastructure like motorways, power lines, and industrial areas. Frank Tomozy created a large cross-like structure symbolizing spaceships, reminiscent of UFO patterns in crop circles. Finn Reinbothe analyzed soil samples, and Bruno Kjær installed blue 'alien' heads and observation posts. Jesper Rasmussen used tent-like screens to create an eerie atmosphere and highlight landscape differences. The project, which is temporary, aims to make the landscape interesting through subtle yet impactful interventions.

Mysterious Imprint Near Nykøbing

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a puzzling event near Nykøbing, Denmark. A V-shaped imprint, approximately 30x50 cm and 6 cm deep with distinct stripes, was discovered in the soil. Zoologist Lars Thomas, a consultant for Skandinavisk UFO-information, examined photos of the imprint and concluded it could not have been made by any known Danish animal. The origin of the mark remains a mystery, with speculation ranging from a shovel from a small excavator to other unknown causes. The local newspaper, Morsø Folkeblad, and UFO-NYT have appealed for information, but no definitive explanation has been found. The article notes that if no natural explanation is found, attention might turn to UFOs.

UFO Enthusiast Intercepts Spy Satellite Signals

Another major story reports on Paul Dore, a British UFO enthusiast who claims to have accidentally intercepted signals from a top-secret US spy satellite, Project 415, while participating in the SETI At Home project. The signal, originating from the star EQ Pegasi, 22 light-years away, was initially thought to be extraterrestrial. However, Dore was visited by agents from the American NSA and British GCHQ, who interrogated him and imposed a gag order. Dore states that the signals were from a highly classified intelligence satellite and that he is bound by secrecy. His website detailing the event was subsequently removed.

Historical UFO Context and Scientific Endeavors

The issue revisits historical UFO-related events, including Orson Welles' infamous 1938 radio broadcast of 'The War of the Worlds,' which simulated a Martian invasion and caused widespread panic. It also mentions the persistent belief in the 1947 Roswell incident, where a flying saucer allegedly crashed with alien occupants. The magazine highlights the work of the Danish UFO organization SUFOI, which provides access to its publication, UFO-Nyt, online. SUFOI offers articles on various UFO topics, including a realistic assessment of the 'Face on Mars' as a natural rock formation. The scientific SETI project, co-founded by Carl Sagan, is also discussed, focusing on its efforts to detect extraterrestrial radio signals rather than direct contact due to the vast distances in space.

Local and Cultural Notes

Local news includes a report from Stenlille School where young students collected natural items like shells and snail houses for a science exhibition, while older students created UFO models for a video film. The 9th graders studied constellations. The issue also features a brief mention of the Danish pop group Aqua, noting their international success and the availability of their official website and fan interactions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the unexplained, the mysterious, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, viewed through both popular culture lenses (UFOs, sci-fi) and scientific inquiry (SETI). There's a clear interest in debunking or finding rational explanations for phenomena, as seen with the 'Face on Mars' and the Nykøbing imprint, while also acknowledging the persistent fascination with UFOs and potential alien contact. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, including eyewitness accounts, expert opinions, and scientific efforts, while maintaining a degree of skepticism and encouraging further investigation.