SUFOI Intern - 1999 01

Magazine Overview

SUFOI Intern, January 1999 issue. This internal newsletter from the Danish UFO organization SUFOI provides updates on the organization's activities, news, and discussions within the UFO community.

News and Notes

SUFOI Takes the Pulse

Toke Haunstrup reports on an upcoming TV2 youth program called 'Puls' that will feature a segment on SUFOI and UFOs in late January. Haunstrup is scheduled for an interview, and while the program aims for a sober style, he notes that TV2's programs are not always serious. He promises a detailed report in the next issue.

Advertising in Nyt Aspekt

Following a decision at a representative meeting, SUFOI advertised in 'Nyt Aspekt Nyhedsbrevet' (December) and 'Nyt Aspekt Guiden' (January). Unfortunately, the advertising had minimal impact, generating only about 10 inquiries for sample issues via the postbox. This effort cost approximately 2,000 DKK, a lesson learned for future campaigns.

Promotion for SUFOI Picture Library

In conjunction with the release of 'UFO-Nyt 1/99', SUFOI is promoting its Picture Library (PL), which is used by journalists to illustrate articles and books. Kim has updated the price list for the PL, and it will be sent to various newspapers and TV stations along with a free copy of 'UFO-Nyt' to raise awareness. The library has recently sold images to 'Forlaget FORUM' for a children's book and 'Illustreret Videnskab' for a special issue on extraterrestrial life.

SUFOI Intern Details

SUFOI Intern is an internal newsletter sent to SUFOI's representative body around the 15th of each month. Contributions are welcome on diskette in WordPerfect 5.1 or Word 4.0. The editor is Toke Haunstrup, Kristianiagade 10, 2100 København Ø. The editorial deadline for this issue was January 11, 1999.

Danish Skeptic Association Makes a Move

Toke Haunstrup writes about the Skeptiker Forening Danmark (Danish Skeptic Association), which is a Danish counterpart to the American SCICOP and has existed for about 1.5 years. The article notes that several known SUFOI members, including Willy Wegner, Per Borgaard, and Mogens Winther, are part of this association. Ole Henningsen will write an article about the association for 'UFO-Nyt' nr. 2/99.

Deadlines

Key deadlines are listed: Intern (February 10), SUFOI Newsletter nr. 2/99 (February 15), UFO-Nyt nr. 2/99 (April 3), and Half-Year Report for the representative meeting (February 19).

Half-Year Reports

The next representative meeting is scheduled for the weekend of March 13-14, 1999, in Copenhagen. All members are required to submit a half-year report for inclusion in the meeting invitation, which will be sent out two weeks prior. Reports must be submitted to Peter Nørgaard by February 19, 1999.

Observations

#### Projector Lights Puzzle New Year's Eve

On New Year's Eve, SUFOI received around 40 reports from residents in Sønderjylland about a strange light phenomenon. Verner, who operates the Alarmcentral, and his wife Ruth were inundated with calls. The observers consistently described two round or oval lights moving in circles. Verner identified this as likely projector or laser light. Cross-referencing indicated the source was near Gram. Investigations revealed that 'Høkerkroen' in Fole, near Gram, had indeed used projector lights that night. A press release was issued to local media, resulting in coverage by 'JydskeVestkysten'.

Activities

#### Status: Booklet on Celestial Phenomena

The project to create a booklet on celestial phenomena, which had been dormant since summer, is now active again. A project description has been completed and distributed to those involved. The booklet, to be printed in May 1999, will be 28 pages in A5 format with 4-color printing, and a print run of 12-15,000 copies is planned. It will be sent to libraries, observatories, planetariums, and all SUFOI members. The organization hopes to secure funding from the Tips- og Lottotjenesten for similar educational projects.

Persons

An email address list is provided for several individuals associated with SUFOI: Henrik Klinge Petersen, Kim Møller Hansen, Lars H. Andersen, Michael Linden-Vørnle, Ole Henningsen, Per Andersen, Per Nielsen, and Toke Haunstrup.

Bent Eriksen Dies

Per Andersen reports the death of Bent Eriksen from incurable cancer in July 1998. Eriksen was a long-time member of SUFOI's representative body from 1977, responsible for the lecture department and local report collection. He was also a key organizer of the annual summer seminars ('UFO 75 etc.') from 1975 to 1985. Eriksen was also chairman of the UFO Fondet of 1979, which awards grants for significant contributions to serious UFO work in Denmark and can support research projects. The board now consists of Ole Henningsen and Per Andersen, with Per Borgaard expected to replace Eriksen.

Michael Under Pressure

Toke Haunstrup notes that Michael will be reducing his SUFOI activities until the end of February due to work commitments, including overseas stays. Michael is working on a project at the Danish Space Research Institute. Due to this and potential student work for DSB, Intern may be copied and distributed by Peter, and Haunstrup asks for understanding regarding potential delays in responses.

Debate

SUFOI and Spaceships

This section presents the editorial for the next issue of 'UFO-Nyt', opening a debate on SUFOI's stance regarding the nature and origin of UFOs. Toke Haunstrup critiques the 'spaceship hypothesis' and its influence on UFO research, suggesting that cultural-sociological and psychological approaches are more fruitful. He draws parallels between the rigid spaceship paradigm and the historical Ptolemaic worldview, which was eventually replaced by the Copernican model when observations contradicted it. Haunstrup argues that the spaceship hypothesis, like the Ptolemaic system, contains inexplicable or paradoxical observations, such as fewer observers for more bizarre sightings. He suggests a psychological explanation for these near-observations, which is difficult to share among multiple people. He acknowledges that discussing this is unpopular within UFO circles but believes that avoiding the topic risks SUFOI becoming a spineless organization. He personally advocates for shifting focus from the spaceship hypothesis to cultural, sociological, and psychological interpretations to advance UFO research.

UFO Reports from 1/12 - 31/12 1998

A table lists UFO observations received between December 1, 1998, and December 31, 1998. It includes dates, times, durations, locations (postcode and city), number of observers, object descriptions (colors, shapes), possible identifications (e.g., fly, fireball, projector lights), and status codes indicating how the report was handled.

Viborg Youth School Article

A newspaper clipping from 'Viborg Stifts Folkeblad' dated December 7, 1998, titled 'Light in the Darkness', features Viborg Youth School. It highlights various courses offered, including electronics, English, Danish, computer skills (PC driving license), astrology, ghosts, UFOs, and pyramids. Students are shown working on electronics projects, learning English, and preparing for a computer gaming marathon. The article also mentions courses for obtaining a moped license.

Newspaper Clippings

Several newspaper clippings are included:

• 'gade-spejlet' (OnsdagsAvisen Midtjylland 35, January 6, 1999): Features Peter Nørgaard, vice-chairman of SUFOI, who has been with the organization for 40 years and lectures on UFOs. It also mentions Anker Jørgensen canceling a meeting and Karsten Holm leaving the Oasefællesskabet to form a new free congregation.
• 'Udk hp of Fyens Amts Avis' (December 12, 1999): Reports on a UFO sighting near Svendborg by a woman who observed a disc-shaped object with green and red lights moving slowly in the sky. She regrets not finding witnesses.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include organizational updates, promotion of SUFOI's resources (UFO-Nyt, Picture Library), and a significant debate on the theoretical frameworks used in UFO research, specifically challenging the dominant 'spaceship hypothesis' in favor of more interdisciplinary approaches. The editorial stance, as expressed by Toke Haunstrup, leans towards a critical and open-minded examination of UFO phenomena, advocating for broader interpretative models beyond conventional extraterrestrial visitation theories. The issue also highlights local UFO observations and SUFOI's role in collecting and disseminating such reports.

Title: Samvirke
Issue: Januar (January)
Date: 1999
Cover Headline: Til angreb på overtroen (Attacking Superstition)

This issue of Samvirke features a prominent article titled "Til angreb på overtroen" (Attacking Superstition), which delves into the rise of New Age beliefs and phenomena and the efforts of a group of Danish skeptics to counter them.

Main Article: "Til angreb på overtroen"

The article introduces the "Skeptiker Forening Danmark" (Skeptic Association Denmark), a group of highly educated Danish specialists and scientists who have formed to provide a constructive counterpoint to the growing trend of what they term "new superstition." This includes phenomena like astrology, clairvoyance, healing, crystal therapy, UFOs, earth rays, crop circles, paranormal phenomena, new religious movements, aura reading, and alternative healing methods.

The group sees themselves as modern-day knights fighting against the tide of irrational beliefs that they believe are becoming increasingly prevalent as the year 2000 approaches. They operate on a grassroots level, aiming to offer a rational and scientific perspective.

Formation and Purpose of Skeptiker Forening Danmark

Mogens Winther, a lecturer in mathematics, physics, and astronomy, is a founding member. He explains that the association was formed about a year and a half prior to the article's publication. Its purpose is to be available to people seeking a constructive dialogue with the New Age world's claims. The organization is not structured like traditional associations, with a formal chairman and board, but rather operates with a mailing list and a website providing links and information about its members' professions and New Age specialties.

Personal Perspectives from Skeptics

Willy Wegner, a library manager and author, discusses his personal journey into skepticism. He was initially involved in the UFO movement in the mid-1960s but began to doubt the claims after researching sources. He emphasizes the importance of having facts in order when making statements. Wegner finds the New Age movement to be a large marketplace and acknowledges that challenging it can lead to negative reactions. He also notes that while he doesn't object to people believing in things like UFOs, he objects when they try to impose those beliefs on others, citing the example of the Heaven's Gate cult.

Wegner believes that the New Age movement can provoke critical thinking and lead people to explore new areas. However, he criticizes its self-absorption and disconnect from societal development, stating that much of it is simply repackaged old ideas, like channeling, which he likens to spiritualism that was criticized at the beginning of the 20th century.

Mogens Winther focuses on the ethical and moral aspects of the New Age movement. He states that people should be free to believe in whatever they wish, as long as it respects mutual human respect. However, he points out that the New Age industry often struggles with ethical boundaries. A major concern for him is the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, citing examples of clairvoyants claiming to contact deceased family members or providing unsubstantiated details in murder cases. He finds this particularly egregious, especially when it involves the suffering of children.

Winther is also critical of businesses using clairvoyants, astrologers, and graphologists for hiring decisions. He argues that judging individuals based on such methods, rather than their qualifications and performance, undermines human respect and is ethically questionable.

Dan Frederiksen, a Cand. Scient. in mathematics and physics, became an expert on earth rays through a project. He recounts how individuals involved in earth ray detection refused to participate in tests to verify their claims, leading him to conclude that the phenomenon lacks scientific basis. He notes that while some individuals genuinely believe in earth rays, others may be exploiting people, selling them ineffective devices or advising costly interventions like digging up cement-filled pill jars for cancer patients. Frederiksen believes that while some people may feel better from these interventions due to the placebo effect, public funding for such practices is problematic. He argues that it could corrupt the established medical system and divert resources and talent from genuine scientific research.

Frederiksen also mentions the decline in sudden infant deaths (vuggedød) after the National Board of Health recommended parents place babies on their sides or backs, suggesting that such evidence-based advice is more effective than unverified New Age claims.

He expresses a sense of being overwhelmed by the volume of New Age proponents in public debate but feels that their work is important and makes a difference.

Psychiatrist Mogens Jacobsen shares his experience with various alternative practices, including having his horoscope read and being divined and healed. He is currently researching the potentially harmful effects of clairvoyants, fortune-tellers, and astrologers on their clients. Jacobsen acknowledges that while he has explored these areas, he has increasingly found them to be based on fantasy or deliberate deception.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance, as reflected in this article, is clearly in favor of scientific rationality and critical thinking. It highlights the growing influence of what it terms "superstition" and "irrational beliefs" in society, particularly within the New Age movement. The article champions the efforts of skeptics to challenge these claims with evidence and logic. There is a strong emphasis on the ethical implications of promoting unverified phenomena, especially when it involves potential exploitation of vulnerable individuals. The magazine appears to advocate for a clear distinction between scientifically validated knowledge and unsubstantiated beliefs, while also acknowledging the psychological comfort that some may derive from alternative practices, albeit often through the placebo effect. The underlying message is a call for critical engagement with claims that lack empirical support and a defense of scientific inquiry.