SUFOI News - No 15 - 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOI News 1996
Issue: Newsletter No. 15
Publisher: Scandinavian UFO Information (SUFOI)
Country: Denmark
Publication Date: 1996
Language: English (excerpts from Danish Magazine "UFO-Nyt")

This issue of SUFOI News presents a compilation of UFO sighting reports and related investigations from Denmark, primarily focusing on events from 1994 and 1995. The newsletter aims to document and analyze these phenomena, offering potential explanations where possible and classifying unexplained cases as UFO sightings.

Front Cover

The front cover features a striking illustration of a UFO with a beam of light descending onto a landscape, with a solitary human figure standing within the beam. The title "SUFOI News 1996" and "SUFOI Newsletter No. 15" are prominently displayed, along with a subtitle indicating that the content includes "Excerpts from the Danish Magazine 'UFO-Nyt'". An artist's signature, "AP 02", is visible in the lower right corner of the illustration.

Table of Contents

The table of contents outlines the various articles and reports included in the newsletter. Key topics include:

• Sightings from June 1994 - May 1995
• A Sighting with Physical Traces on Zealand
• Strong Light phenomena
• Black Triangles near Fåborg
• Three Different Lights above Aalborg
• Fireball over Denmark
• A blocked telephone line at the Report Centre
• Danish Sightings 1991 and 1992
• The Story of the "Lion" from Funen
• Discussions on distance, photo evidence, and small flashes with great effect.
• Specific sightings like Airy Spaceship over Viborg and a Danish Corn Circle.
• Analysis of a fighter plane crash and news from West BBS.
• Debates on the validity of children's UFO experiences and available disks from SUFOI.

Editorial Information

SUFOI NEWS is distributed free of charge to those who exchange magazines with SUFOI. All rights are reserved, and no material can be reprinted without the editor's written permission. The editor is Flemming O. Rasmussen, with Associated Editors Brian Dennis, Mark Smith, Mads O. Rasmussen, and Trine O. Rasmussen. Printing is handled by Micro-Forma in Odense, Denmark. Editorial correspondence should be addressed to SUFOI, Postbox 6, DK-2820 Gentofte, Denmark. The publication is copyrighted 1996 by SUFOI. UFO-Nyt is published by Scandinavian UFO Information (SUFOI), with contact details provided. The ISSN is 0904-2598.

Article Summaries

Lights over Aalborg

On February 17, 1994, a 53-year-old lecturer (NF) in Aalborg observed a 'red fog' phenomenon in the Plough constellation for about 30 minutes. The light was described as weaker than starlight, constant, and clearly defined, with a shape resembling a stretched ellipse. It was soundless and stationary. The observation ended when the sky became overcast. While the witness was alone, the report, written by Torben Birkeholm, could not provide a natural explanation. Theories like illuminated night clouds were excluded. A chemical cloud test was considered, but the duration of the sighting (30 minutes) was longer than the typical visibility of such clouds (15-20 minutes).

Photo of a UFO?

On May 25, 1994, a female medical student in Copenhagen saw a 'boomerang-shaped' black object moving west. Her boyfriend managed to take two pictures of the object through an open window. The object appeared transparent, with trees dimly visible through it. The phenomenon seemed close, and the witnesses felt a sensation of being lifted or sucked up, accompanied by a high-pitched tone. The object eventually disappeared into the western sky. The original negatives are being examined by SUFOI's Photo Archive.

UFO above the lake at Damhus

On June 27, 1994, a female therapist driving in a taxi near Damhus lake saw two strongly illuminated circle-shaped objects side-by-side. The lights were described as sharply contoured and were positioned on a horizontal line. The objects were observed for about 4-5 minutes before disappearing over the horizon. No sounds were heard.

#### The photos

SUFOI's photo consultant, Hans Bødker, estimated the object's distance to be no more than 1,500 meters, suggesting a diameter of approximately 1 meter if the distance was 500 meters. Bødker believes it was a physical object and not dust on the camera lens. He theorized it might be a plastic tube warmed by the sun, causing it to rise. SUFOI is still investigating, considering possibilities like balloons, model airplanes, or kites.

Lights above Greve

This case, investigated by SUFOI, involved two girls (aged 17 and 18) who witnessed a phenomenon early on Sunday morning, January 15, 1995, in Greve. They described four independent, powerful lights in a horizontal row, with equal spacing. The lights were blinding and illuminated the surrounding trees and shrubs. The girls disagreed on the exact shape of the lights (round vs. square) and how the phenomenon appeared (rising vs. swerving). The lights maintained their distance, bobbing and moving. The phenomenon was soundless and approximately 3-4 meters wide. The witnesses hid in bushes, startled, and the event lasted about 2-3 minutes before they fled.

#### Analysis of the figure and the light beam

Mr. CP's initial sighting involved a swinging light beam, observed at a height of 5-6 meters above a field. He described a figure, about 140-150 cm tall with blond hair, wearing a dark "phantom suit," running past his window at a distance of about 5 meters. The figure was seen on the night of November 14, 1994. Later, on November 16, 1994, at 4:45 am, CP heard a sound like a "Ronson lighter being scraped along a brick wall." Immediately after, a round beam of light, about one meter in diameter, appeared on the terrace tiles, emanating from above. The light was initially bright, then turned rusty red before disappearing. A strong smell of "hot metal" or "metal boiling" was also noted. The sighting of the 'boy' is considered to have several weak points, and the light beam is difficult to explain naturally.

Sighting with Physical Traces on Zealand

On December 29, 1994, SUFOI received a report from a 65-year-old pensioner (CP) in Stensved, Zealand, about a mysterious light, a light beam, a strange smell, and a possible "Ufonaut." CP observed a figure running past his window and later experienced a bright light beam on his terrace accompanied by a metallic smell. He also discovered two dark stripes on his tiled roof, which were later analyzed. The stripes were found to contain organic matter, including green algae and lichen. The analysis suggested an organic origin for the traces, unrelated to the light phenomenon.

#### SUFOI'S Investigation

SUFOI investigators Erling Hegelund and Toke Haunstrup visited CP. Samples from the roof traces were taken and analyzed. Microscopic examination by zoologist Lars Thomas revealed organic matter. X-ray-fluorescent analysis by lecturer Jens Laursen identified elements like sulphur, potassium, and bromine. The military authorities reported no exercises in the area. The investigation concluded that the roof traces likely had an organic origin.

#### Analysis of sound, light beam and smell

The sound heard by CP could be attributed to an animal, but the light beam and smell remain difficult to explain naturally. The light beam's movement and the smell of "hot metal" are particularly puzzling. The possibility of a boy cutting through the area is considered for the figure sighting, but the circumstances make it less likely.

Three Lights above Viby J

On January 30, 1995, a man and two women in Viby J reported seeing three boomerang-shaped lights in a triangle formation appearing in the west. The objects seemed to appear from nowhere, made a turn, and then disappeared towards the southeast. They were described as yellow-white and soundless. The sky was clear and bright.

#### Update

This section discusses the "North Sea Case" from October and November 1993. SUFOI and lecturer Erik Høg investigated the case, initially suggesting an "atmospheric reflection" of light from an oil platform. Further calculations by Høg concluded that ice crystals at a height of 1-3 kilometers, due to a temperature inversion, caused the reflection. This explanation appears to have resolved the North Sea case.

Puzzling lights, spacemen and a psychic lady from Fyn

This report details an investigation into a case from 1978, involving a claimed psychic lady in Allesø, near Odense, who stated she received abilities from spacemen. A witness, FH, along with two companions (AS and HT), decided to investigate. On Sunday evening, they observed white and red lights in a field, followed by a turquoise light pillar. At approximately 12:30 am, a light grey, transparent object appeared above a concrete ramp. The object seemed to be made of light, with trees dimly visible through it. It approached their car, and the witnesses felt a sensation of being lifted, accompanied by a high-pitched tone. The object then withdrew. The witnesses described the sound as similar to a seatbelt alarm. HT, who was frightened, saw the object divide into two hemispheres and then reform. The object also emitted a metallic sound.

#### Further investigation and witness accounts

AS later recounted that during a visit to the psychic lady, she noticed glowing triangles in the living room, which the psychic identified as small spaceships. AS was frightened and left. HT confirmed seeing the grey object and feeling it pull her upwards, and also saw it divide and reform. The psychic lady claimed that objects have landed near her house since the 1940s and that these beings are friendly and help the planet. She stated she is in telepathic contact with them and they visit her. She uses the energy for healing. The newsletter notes that people in Allesø are accustomed to these visits but do not discuss them.

Strong Light

An 89-year-old woman in Jordløse experienced a strong yellow-white light illuminating her bedroom for about half an hour. She also felt the temperature rise. Due to her age, she did not investigate further. The light persisted for about half an hour and then gradually weakened and disappeared. She did not check for marks or signs outside.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SUFOI News demonstrates a consistent editorial stance of investigating and documenting UFO phenomena in Denmark. The publication appears to be thorough in its approach, involving witness interviews, photographic analysis, and scientific testing (e.g., X-ray fluorescence). While the newsletter presents unexplained cases as UFO sightings, it also actively seeks natural explanations, as seen in the North Sea Case and the Stensved roof traces. The recurring themes include unexplained aerial lights, physical traces left by alleged UFOs, and the challenges of interpreting witness testimony and physical evidence. The publication seems to value detailed reporting and analysis, aiming to contribute to the understanding of UFO phenomena.

Title: Danish Sightings
Issue: No. 15
Date: 1993 (implied by content, cover date is '11')
Publisher: SUFOI

This issue of "Danish Sightings" presents a collection of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) and UFO reports from Denmark, primarily focusing on incidents from the late 1980s and early 1990s. The magazine details witness accounts, investigative efforts by SUFOI (The Danish Society for UFO Research), and explores various theories to explain the observed events.

Articles and Reports

Black Triangles near Fåborg

Two individuals near Fjællebro harbour on Southern Fyn reported seeing three matt black triangles in the sky for approximately five minutes. The objects were stationary and then disappeared without the witnesses understanding how.

Three Different Lights above Aalborg

Lars Mosbæk, an amateur astronomer, reported an unexplainable event on April 4th. While observing galaxies, he witnessed three objects moving across the sky. Initially appearing like satellites, one object then executed sharp manoeuvres around another before all three disappeared. The sighting lasted about five seconds.

The Light that Wouldn't Go Away (Allesø Case)

This extensive report details a case involving witnesses LH and HP, who reported a mysterious and powerful light that regularly appeared near their house in Allesø. SUFOI investigators Karin Frost and Per Andersen visited the witnesses, who had moved into the house in 1991. They described a blinding, oblong light that passed quickly past their living room and kitchen windows, often seen as a glare. The light was observed many times, sometimes by one witness, sometimes by both. LH described it as a round light, while HP saw it directly through the window. The phenomenon was described as intense and fast-moving, but soundless. The report explores various theories, including electrical/plasma phenomena, gas from a moor, car lights, and psychically-oriented phenomena, leaning towards the latter as the most likely explanation due to the subjective nature of the experience and lack of physical effects.

Fireball over Denmark

On June 4, 1995, a powerful fireball, described as a special adventure and an especially powerful meteor, was observed across Denmark. SUFOI received 20-30 reports, and the fireball was visible for up to 30 seconds, breaking into several parts. The Astronomical Society's Meteor Section and Danish Fireball Central collaborated to collect data to ascertain its orbit and potential meteorite drop area. Investigations suggested the fireball appeared over North Jutland and moved across Denmark, disappearing over the Baltic Sea or Northern Germany/Poland.

The Telephone Line Was Blocked at the Report Centre

This section details a significant event on October 7, 1990, when a large, blue and white light ball with a tail of fire appeared in the sky over Tornby. The object, described as the size of half the full moon, moved from northeast to north and then downwards before disappearing. The event generated an enormous number of calls to SUFOI, overwhelming their phone lines. The likely explanation proposed was a meteorite, possibly from the 'October Draconides' swarm.

#### UFO landing at Nørrebro?

In October, a 24-year-old female student reported seeing an oval yellow shining object standing on a flat roof, approximately 40 meters away and 16 meters above the ground. The object was about 8 meters long and exhibited flickering lights. She later saw a similar phenomenon that appeared from the clouds and moved rapidly. SUFOI's investigation was too late to find traces, and remarkably, the witness had no prior belief in extraterrestrial visitors.

#### Mystified by strange light

In October 1990, a young couple on Funen reported seeing a huge light phenomenon to the left of their car, described as a round orange light below cloud cover. The object accelerated rapidly and disappeared in ten seconds, noted for its soundless movement.

Dark object over Nørresundby

On October 16, 1990, a couple observed a dark brown-grey object, round or oval, without light, flying in a north-easterly direction. The object, approximately the size of a full moon, disappeared towards Aalborg after 10-12 seconds. The witness, who had worked at Aalborg Air Force Base, was certain it was not a plane due to its soundless nature.

Huge blue hemisphere

An article from Dagbladet in Roskilde reported a sighting of a phenomenon described as a "huge blue hemisphere" or "huge beach ball cut through the middle" seen over Roskilde. A female pensioner described an intense light that caught her attention, revealing the unusual object.

Round light seen on western Zealand

On November 6, three women driving near Tjørelunde and Høng saw an intense white light in the sky, the same size as the full moon, surrounded by twinkling red and white lights. The object flew over the road and fields at a low altitude, described as helicopter-like but soundless.

'Happy mouth' over Skovlunde

On November 15, a young man saw a black object in the sky, described as having the shape of a "smile" or "happy mouth." The object hovered and then descended rapidly, disappearing in approximately one minute.

Strange sound and intense light in the night

In November 1987, inhabitants of Skelund reported a heavy humming sound. Three years later, on November 24, 1990, a woman in Veddum heard a similar "singing" or "humming" sound. The same night, she and a friend were awakened by an intense light outside their window, too bright to look at directly.

Danish Sightings 1991 and 1992

#### Three red balls at Kalundborg Fjord

On July 14, 1986, a family witnessed three red balls hovering low near their summer cottage. The balls rose into the air, with two coming closer to the window. They were described as orange-red and between 50 and 150 cm in diameter. The sighting lasted about 25 minutes, with the balls flying over the fjord and then appearing as two stationary 'stars' before one moved north and the other remained in place.

#### Square lights at Mariager Fjord

On February 27, 1991, a woman observed a yellow light moving west/north-west, low on the horizon. Using binoculars, she saw it as a rectangular object. It then turned and appeared as two vertical flashing lights. Later, a vague green light was seen on another object described as a rectangular star. The sighting lasted about 15 minutes.

#### A daylight disc over Hvidover

On May 21, 1991, a student saw an intense, white light in the northwest sky. Initially thought to be a kite, the light's behavior was unusual. The object glided, narrowed, and then became a grey/black disc before disappearing. The sighting lasted 20 seconds.

#### Two 'fires' over Tjærebækken

On April 29-30, 1989, a man observed two light phenomena resembling bonfires near a stream. The lights, primarily yellow/orange with some blue, flared up intermittently for about an hour and 25 minutes. Investigations found no remains.

#### Lights in zig-zag at Vallekilde College

On July 12, 1991, two college students saw several odd lights. One was a yellow light blinking regularly, and another phenomenon exhibited a zig-zagging movement, splitting into two lights, and then disappearing. A third light, red and large, appeared later and moved west.

#### Illuminated square at Højslev

On November 15, 1991, a school teacher encountered a large, illuminated 'square' above treetops. This was followed by five illuminated blue/yellow spots that moved across the road and disappeared. The witness reported hearing a low humming sound during the event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of unexplained aerial phenomena observed in Denmark. The magazine consistently presents witness accounts, often highlighting the subjective nature of these experiences and the challenges in finding definitive explanations. SUFOI's role as an investigative body is evident, with the publication serving as a platform for sharing these reports and exploring various scientific and speculative theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting the evidence and theories without necessarily endorsing any single conclusion, often concluding that further analysis or more evidence is needed. The emphasis on witness credibility and the detailed descriptions of sightings underscore the seriousness with which these reports are treated.

This issue of SUFOI Newsletter No. 15, titled 'Danish Sightings', presents a collection of intriguing cases and analytical studies related to unexplained phenomena in Denmark. The content spans UFO/UAP sightings, unusual animal encounters, and a scientific investigation into witness perception.

Danish Sightings: UFO/UAP Cases

Christiansfeld and Queen Margrethe's Light Show

On July 27, 1992, multiple witnesses, including police patrols in Haderslev, reported seeing illuminated circles or light balls moving independently above Christiansfeld. Initially investigated as a potential UFO sighting, the phenomenon was later explained as a special light show organized for Queen Margrethe's 25th wedding anniversary at Koldinghus, approximately 16 km north of Christiansfeld. The light cannons, described as 'sky-tracers', projected beams of white light that could be seen up to 25 km away. Despite this explanation, one consultant from Christiansfeld found it difficult to see any connection between the light show and the reported sightings.

Sjølund Sighting

A witness from Sjølund, near Kolding, reported a sighting on July 30th, describing three light spots moving in a clover pattern. The witness also reported hearing a strange, metallic noise with an after-sound. This case was later explained as potentially coincidental with the light show at Koldinghus.

Ry: The Nine-Year-Old Witness

On September 17, 1992, a nine-year-old boy named Kim Jepsen in Ry reported a significant encounter. While playing outside, he saw a flat object with a dome on top, emitting a humming sound. A powerful light beam hit him, causing him to become stiff and unable to move for a period. His older brother corroborated that Kim was 'gone' for about 15 minutes. The case made a strong impression on Kim, who was initially unsure if it was a dream. The incident was reported in local newspapers, leading to other similar approaches from the Ry area. The case remains unsolved, with hypnosis considered but rejected by Kim's parents due to his young age.

Other Danish Sightings

Several other sightings are briefly mentioned: a fisherman in Mossø observed a similar object on September 26, 1992, and a 16-year-old girl and her friend reported a fast-moving object with sharp white lights and a humming sound near Galten on September 29, 1992.

Strange Animals: The 'Lion' from Funen

This section details a series of sightings of a large, cat-like animal, referred to as a 'lion', across Funen in the spring and summer of 1995. The first sighting occurred on May 13th when two girls saw the animal jump a fence near the zoo in Odense. Subsequent sightings placed the animal in various locations, including near Kerteminde and Nyborg. Descriptions included a lion-like sway of the tail and a height of 70-80 cm. The animal's movements were described as random wandering. Possible explanations included an escaped jungle cat or an African/Asian goldcat, though the possibility of mass psychosis was also raised by a psychologist. The article notes that such exotic cats would face difficulties surviving the Danish winter.

Ufology: What Was the Distance?

This analytical article presents the results of a SUFOI project investigating the ability of witnesses to judge distances in UFO sightings. The project analyzed reports from 1980-1993, focusing on night sightings. Key findings include:

• Distance Clues: The article discusses various clues used for distance estimation, such as stereoscopic vision, overlapping objects, air perspective, body movements, and structure gradients.
• Night Sightings: It concludes that determining distances in the dark night sky is highly unreliable due to the lack of effective distance clues. This applies to observations of meteors, satellites, stars, and even aircraft lights.
• Comparison of Groups: The analysis compared three groups: sightings of meteors, satellites, and stars (13 reports); sightings of planes after dark (31 cases); and unexplained UFO reports (29 cases). In all groups, a significant percentage of witnesses estimated distances to be between 100-2,000 meters, with a notable portion estimating 2,000 meters or more. However, the UFO group showed a higher percentage (48%) estimating distances of 100 meters or less compared to the other groups.
• UFO Classification: The analysis suggests that the tendency for UFO witnesses to estimate shorter distances might contribute to some reports being classified as UFOs.
• Limitations: The study acknowledges the difficulty in obtaining enough reports for a robust statistical analysis, particularly for daylight sightings.

Danish UFO Photos

Danish Photo Teases the Experts (Mogens Keblovszki, 1971)

This section examines a photograph taken by Mogens Keblovszki in Aarhus in November 1971. The image, developed a month later, revealed a strange object in the sky. SUFOI received the original negative in 1985 and sent it for analysis to photo consultant H. Bødker. GSW (Ground Saucer Watch) analyzed the photo and concluded it was likely a hoax, suggesting methods like using a model on a glass plate. GSW noted the object was darker than the background, asymmetric, and closer to the camera. SUFOI disagreed with the hoax conclusion, pointing out the object's asymmetry and suggesting it might be an unusual film fault. The analysis involved computer scanning and digitizing the image to enhance details, revealing the object's flatness and lack of shadows.

Small Flash with Great Effect (Bjarne Hunneche, 1975)

This case involves a photograph taken by advertising photographer Bjarne Hunneche on May 3, 1975, in Avedøre Holme, south of Copenhagen. While photographing a building, Hunneche observed a sharp white flash on the right and took additional photos. Upon developing the film, a strange bright object, described as barrel-like with flames or like a shaving brush, was discovered in the top right corner. Hunneche did not see or hear the object at the time, only the flash. The case was analyzed by GSW and CUFOS. Hypotheses considered included a light reflection in a window or glossy surface, or a fault in the film.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the diverse nature of unexplained phenomena reported in Denmark, the challenges in verifying witness accounts, and the scientific approach SUFOI takes in analyzing these cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation and objective analysis, presenting both potential explanations and acknowledging when cases remain unsolved. There is a clear emphasis on the difficulties in accurately assessing UFO sightings, particularly those occurring at night, and the importance of understanding human perception and observational limitations. The inclusion of both UAP and unusual animal sightings suggests a broad scope of interest in anomalous events.

Title: Danish UFO Photos
Issue: No. 15
Volume: 31
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Date: 1975 (Issue date is inferred from context, original scan date is not explicitly provided for the entire issue, but specific articles reference dates within the 1970s and 1990s).

This issue of SUFOI Newsletter presents a detailed investigation into several notable UFO and unexplained phenomena cases, primarily focusing on Danish sightings and photographic evidence. The magazine aims to critically analyze these events, presenting various theories, witness accounts, and expert opinions.

Danish UFO Photos: Viborg Case

The central piece of this issue revolves around a well-known Danish UFO photograph taken in Viborg in November 1974. The photo, captured by a local businessman, shows a circular, cloud-like object. The article traces the history of the photo, its initial analysis, and subsequent investigations. Early theories suggested it was a reflection, possibly of the photographer's truck, or an unusual cloud formation. Professor William A. Rice and Colin Bord were among those who considered it a reflection, with Martin S. Kottmeyer suggesting sunlight reflecting off a camera tripod screw. Carsten Selvang proposed that sunlight might have entered the camera through a small hole. Hans Bødker, a SUFOI photo consultant, found the reflex unusual.

In 1985, the case was re-examined, leading to a computer analysis by GSW (Ground Saucer Watch) in the USA. GSW's analysis, detailed in the article, concluded that the object was diffuse, lacked clear definition, and had measurements similar to surrounding clouds. They suggested it was either an unusual reflection or damage to the film emulsion. However, SUFOI found GSW's conclusion unconvincing, stating it offered no new evidence and that the computer analysis was not used convincingly. The article quotes GSW stating, "The object lacks the symmetry we would expect from a reflection."

Further investigation by SUFOI involved contacting the police officer KK, who had initially reported the sighting and obtained the photo. The police report, dated April 28, 1975, was addressed to Colonel N. Lund of Karup Air Force Base. KK described the sighting of an aircraft over Nørre Sø on November 17, 1974. The interviewed businessman, referred to as 'the interviewed,' described the object as a circular craft, approximately 20 meters in diameter, with an aerodynamic shape similar to the Boeing X-20 Dyna Soar. He noted rounded shapes on the craft and shadows indicating it could handle high speed. The craft was soundless and caused no physical discomfort.

SUFOI sent the negatives to the central bureau for color photography within the police force in Copenhagen, where they were classified as confidential. Enlargements were requested to accentuate details. The police officer's report mentioned that the photo must show some sort of flying craft and expressed hope for a thorough investigation.

In January 1979, SUFOI received the original negative for further examination. Contact with Tactical Flight Squadron (TFS) at Karup revealed that they had received the case in May 1975. TFS conducted a routine investigation, establishing that no civilian or military planes were in the area at the time. TFS initially suggested the phenomenon could be a meteorological phenomenon. Later, TFS maintained that the phenomenon was a release of steam, possibly from the heating center at the residential area Asmildpark, noting that such releases are not uncommon when cleaning boiler bottoms.

SUFOI's own investigation, including a visit to the site, confirmed the presence of a heating center's chimney, suggesting that a steam release from it, with a south-west wind, could have created the observed phenomenon. The article concludes that the photo shows a distinct form of smoke or steam release, not proof of a solid object or spacecraft.

Other Phenomena

Black Ring in the Sky

The issue also discusses sightings of a "black ring in the sky." Ole J. Knudsen, former leader of SUFOI Alarm Centre, received a report from two young people who saw a white wreath surrounding a massive black ring near Holstebro on October 19, 1978. The phenomenon rose and evaporated. This was verified by the base in Holstebro as an explosion of a type mentioned. Birthe Jensen also photographed a similar sharp delineation of a black ring in the sky near Nørre Felding.

The explanation provided is that these are smoke rings created by practice nuclear grenades. The process involves igniting diesel oil in a ring of petrol drums with TNT and a white phosphor charge, creating a mushroom cloud that can develop a concentrated black ring of smoke. This phenomenon has been observed in various UFO magazines and was investigated in the Condon Report.

Similar photos from Fort Belvoir, Virginia, taken in September 1957, show a distinctive dark ring that dissolves into a small cloud, also attributed to practice nuclear grenades.

Camouflaged UFO?

The editorial staff at UFO Contact offered a different opinion, classifying the Viborg photo as a "camouflaged UFO." This classification also extends to observations from Nørre Felding.

Computer Analysis in the USA

SUFOI sent the Viborg photo's original negative and print to GSW in the USA for analysis. GSW conducted computer-based analysis, increasing contrast and detail. Their findings indicated the phenomenon was diffuse, lacked structure, was at a considerable distance, and showed no signs of fraud. They noted the object's size relative to the field of vision and shadows suggesting a low sun. GSW concluded it was an unusual cloud, possibly a cumulus cloud, but SUFOI disagreed, finding the analysis unconvincing.

Where does the phenomenon come from?

Everything points to a distinct smoke or steam release from a local heating center. Three potential heating centers in the area were identified: Overlund Heating Centre, Viborg heating centre on Gyldenris road, and the heating centre on Odshøj road. The latter, owned by the Housing Company in Viborg and in use since 1973, is considered the most likely source due to its proximity to where the photo was taken and the prevailing wind direction.

Danish Corn Circle Phenomenon

The issue also covers a Danish corn circle discovered in Holeby, Lolland, in September 1995. The article, written by Ole Henningsen, details the investigation of this phenomenon, which received significant publicity. The markings were investigated and recorded by SUFOI's local representative.

The corn circle consisted of two large circles connected by a straight beam, with a smaller angled beam in the middle. The markings were discovered when harvesting began around August 8. The straw was bent down near the surface, and the combine harvester was set at a height of 10 cm, thus not disturbing the markings. The farm owner, KS-O, stated there was no extraordinary fertilizing or pesticide use in the area.

TV2/East reported on the phenomenon, interviewing CL and KS-O. CL contacted SUFOI's Alarm Centre, which relayed the message to Ole Henningsen. A glider instructor, Boye Hansen, reported seeing similar markings from a glider on multiple occasions prior to the harvest.

Various theories were proposed, including that children on mopeds made the markings. However, a neighbor reported seeing a "sort of hole in the corn" as early as July. The look of the straw suggested the phenomenon did not occur very early in the cultivating process.

Author Preben Hansson suggested a simple theory: if aliens were watching, they might create such markings for amusement. Robby Curdorf, director of the Astrology House, proposed they were energy marks from outside. The broadcast also included a clip of two men making a corn circle in England, though it was noted they were not responsible for the numerous English circles.

An interesting circle phenomenon from Norway was also shown. The local paper published photos from the air, with a 'local UFO expert' investigating further.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical examination of UFO sightings and phenomena through rigorous investigation, analysis, and the presentation of multiple perspectives. SUFOI's stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensational claims, favoring evidence-based explanations, often pointing towards natural phenomena like steam releases or known terrestrial activities (like military exercises) as causes for reported UFO sightings. The magazine encourages reader participation and aims to provide a thorough, albeit sometimes inconclusive, account of these intriguing cases. The editorial staff emphasizes the need for careful analysis and discourages jumping to conclusions, particularly regarding extraterrestrial origins.

Title: Phenomena
Publisher: SUFOI
Issue: No. 15
Date: September 1970
Country: Denmark
Language: English

This issue of SUFOI Newsletter delves into several intriguing topics related to unexplained phenomena, with a strong focus on investigations conducted in Denmark. It covers a Danish corn circle incident, a mysterious fighter plane crash, and a critical examination of 'false memory' as it pertains to witness testimony, particularly from children.

The Corn Circle Phenomenon

The first major article details an investigation into a corn circle discovered in Denmark. The author describes the process of gathering necessary measurements and soil samples, including samples from the surface, 20 cm depth, straw, roots, and surrounding fields. The markings themselves are noted as not being perfectly straight or symmetric, with one cross beam being notably crooked. The article mentions that the markings appeared to change over a period of approximately 14 days before harvest. While witnesses reported seeing various light phenomena, a direct connection to the corn circles was not established. A large rubber ball found on the field was also handed over for examination. The author concludes that the markings appear to be fabricated by intelligent creatures, but speculates they are from Earth, urging the 'makers' to come forward.

The Fighter Plane Crash

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to the crash of a Danish Hawker-Hunter fighter plane on September 15, 1970, near Christiansfeld. The pilot, a 23-year-old Second Lieutenant, was killed instantly. The crash created a large crater, approximately 15 meters wide and 6 meters deep. Witnesses, including a farmer and a blacksmith repairing a harvesting machine, reported seeing a glowing ball moving away from the crash site at high speed shortly after the impact. The accident investigation team initially suggested possibilities like the reflection from the explosion or exhaust from other planes. However, Kai E. Møller, SUFOI's representative in South Jutland, took a keen interest in the case. He interviewed witnesses, including Carl Gustav Christiansen, who described a circular fire ball with a distinct outline moving west at the speed of a sports plane. Another witness, Arne Asmusssen, corroborated this account, adding that the ball may have risen slightly and made a weak turn south. He estimated the ball's diameter to be 2-3 meters. The witnesses described a hissing sound and the object disappearing without an explosion. The official explanation eventually given was that the pilot had instrument trouble and, without realizing it, crashed vertically into the ground while attempting to climb above the clouds. Møller, however, continued to explore alternative theories, including the possibility of ball lightning, citing its known characteristics such as unpredictable orbits, electromagnetic effects, and unusual sounds. He noted similarities between the witness descriptions and the known properties of ball lightning, suggesting it might have caused the pilot's disorientation and the crash. The case was ultimately filed as unsolved due to the lack of further official information.

False Memory and UFO Testimony

The newsletter also addresses the psychological phenomenon of 'false memory', particularly in the context of children's UFO sightings. The article explains that false memory involves remembering complex visual pictures without having actually seen them. It highlights how witness reports can be influenced by the way questions are asked, especially 'leading questions'. An example is provided from The New York Times about a four-year-old child who, after repeated questioning over 11 weeks, developed a detailed false memory of being at the hospital for a finger injury. The article emphasizes that this phenomenon is not abnormal and can affect anyone. It raises the question of whether SUFOI and similar organizations should consider an age limit for accepting UFO sightings from children, given the susceptibility to false memories and external influences. The newsletter invites readers to share their opinions on this matter.

SUFOI Services and Resources

Towards the end of the issue, SUFOI promotes its new disk service, offering various programs related to astronomy, space, and UFOs. These include planetarium software, star maps, satellite tracking programs, solar eclipse viewers, and simulations of galaxy collisions. The service also provides databases of Danish UFO sightings from 1992-1995, text files of UFO-related presentations, and images of alleged UFOs. Additionally, SUFOI offers comprehensive archives of its publication 'UFO-NYT' from various years, as well as other materials like UFO stickers and postcards. The newsletter also mentions its connection to the international MUFONet, allowing it to receive fresh mail files about UFOs from around the world.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of SUFOI Newsletter demonstrates a commitment to rigorous investigation of unexplained phenomena, employing scientific methods where possible (e.g., sample collection, measurements) while also acknowledging the psychological factors that can influence witness testimony. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, exploring various hypotheses, including the possibility of extraterrestrial intelligence and natural phenomena like ball lightning, but also critically evaluating the reliability of evidence. The newsletter actively engages its readership by soliciting opinions on complex issues like the validity of children's testimony. The inclusion of SUFOI's services and resources suggests a dedication to archiving and disseminating information within the UFO community.