SUFOI News - No 17 - 1999

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOI News
Issue: No. 17
Volume/Year: 1999
Publisher: SUFOI (Scandinavian UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: English
ISSN: 0904-2598
Cover Headline: SUFOI News 1999

Cover Description: The cover features an old engraving depicting a hand holding a sword of flame amidst swirling clouds and multiple human faces, with a starburst at the center. The title 'SUFOI News 1999' and 'SUFOI Newsletter No. 17' are prominently displayed, along with 'Excerpts from the Danish Magazine "UFO-Nyt"'.

Editorial: New Vision for SUFOI

The editorial, written by Per Andersen, announces a new vision for SUFOI, coinciding with its 40th birthday in 1997. The organization has reviewed its work and set new goals. The vision consists of four points:

1. Identify and demystify all observed aerial phenomena: This involves seriously investigating what people see in the sky, whether known or unknown, without making things seem more mysterious than they are. The goal is to demystify aerial phenomena.
2. Engender familiarity with the sky: SUFOI aims to help everyone recognize known phenomena, as city lights have increasingly estranged people from natural sky phenomena.
3. Ensure reporting of unknown aerial phenomena: The organization wants to process and investigate reports of unknown aerial phenomena, emphasizing the need for as many sightings as possible to be reported to SUFOI.
4. Be the primary contact for UFO information: SUFOI aims to be the organization people turn to for information about UFOs.

The editorial notes that this vision marks a shift from the former question of whether UFOs are spacecraft, to a broader focus on people's experiences of the sky and demystifying phenomena. The term 'UFO' is notably absent from the new vision's wording. SUFOI expresses readiness to move forward with renewed vigor.

Danish Sightings in the Second Half of 1996

This article by Toke Haunstrup summarizes UFO reports received by SUFOI from June to December 1996. A total of 181 reports were registered, averaging 26 per month, a significant increase compared to the previous six months (97 reports, averaging 16 per month). This rise is attributed to two factors:

• Increased use of searchlights: At least 55 of the 181 reports involved lasers or searchlights, accounting for about 30%.
• Media interest: The autumn and winter saw increased media attention, partly due to the film "Independence Day".

Of the 181 reports, 73 were immediately explainable. The clear-up rate for known phenomena was around 40%, a decrease of 10% from the previous period. This is attributed to a lack of resources, making it difficult to investigate each case thoroughly. The final clear-up percentage may be higher once more cases are processed.

New Video Footage: Throughout 1996, SUFOI observed a rise in video recordings of aerial phenomena, a rarity a decade prior. This is linked to the increased ownership and use of video cameras. Explanations for these recordings often involve aircraft lights, bright stars, or planets. The article warns that camera auto-focus can cause over-focusing, making distant lights appear as large, murky blobs, which can be misinterpreted.

A specific case from December 19, 1996, describes a couple observing a stationary light with red and blue blinking lights. Through binoculars, the wife saw the lights, and the husband recorded it on video. The phenomenon appeared as a large shining disc with pulsating rings, possibly due to lens reflections. The object flew away at high speed. The initial assessment suggested it might be searchlights from a distant aircraft, possibly preparing to land.

Danish Reports: Mysterious Light

This case, reported by Toke Haunstrup, details an atypical sighting by a young woman on August 19, 1996. She observed a light phenomenon in her bedroom, described as a mass of shiny dots on a cupboard, about the size of a tennis ball. Later, she saw two lights in the sky, a red one above a white one, moving west-southwesterly at a height of 10-15 degrees. The lights ascended rapidly and disappeared, leaving a condensation trail. The witness reported signs of nervousness and fear. SUFOI investigator Poul Holm Andreasen interviewed the witness and found no immediate explanation, noting the strangeness of the light on the cupboard.

Danish Reports: Aircraft Startles Married Couple

This report, investigated by Erling Hegelund and Toke Haunstrup, details an incident on September 21, 1996, involving a married couple, Kirsten and Kim, near Kokborg. Kirsten observed a large, rectangular object (approx. 15m long, 10m wide) with four lights (green, blue, white, red) moving slowly eastwards, emitting a 'whirring monotonous vibration'. Kim described it as a 'very big machine' with constantly lit searchlights, gliding about 10-15 meters high. The object ascended rapidly and disappeared. The case was reported in the local newspaper, leading to an approach from a home guard who suggested it might be a military exercise involving a Hercules transport plane. The shining triangle at the back could be light from the open hatch, and the other lights could be navigation lights.

Danish Reports: Lights in Triangular Formation

On December 20, 1996, a woman in Frederiksværk noticed ten grey-white lights moving in a triangular formation. Six lights were in one leg of the triangle and four in the other. The phenomenon disappeared over the horizon towards Frederiksværk. Each light appeared as a black triangle with a smaller grey triangle inside. The hindmost light seemed to sway. Birds illuminated by town lights were suggested as a possible explanation, but the case remained uninvestigated.

Danish Reports: Triangular Phenomenon over Jyderup

On the same day as the Frederiksværk sighting (December 20, 1996), a heating engineer working on a roof in Jyderup saw a triangular, 'shiny as gold' phenomenon moving south towards Slagelse. It had a distinct outline and shimmering surface. The phenomenon pointed downwards, had a triangular hole in the center, and was visible as a red, pulsating sphere before disappearing. The case was reported in the local newspaper, leading to other calls about observations, but none directly connected.

Did a Meteor Fall on Greenland?

This article reports on an event witnessed on November 29, 1996, by three local authority employees in Nuuk, Greenland. They described a gigantic, multicolored flash of light in the sky, which they believed was a meteorite impact near Buksefjorden. Despite a search by helicopter, no meteorite was found. The article mentions the 15-ton iron meteorite "Agpalilik" on display at the Geological Museum in Copenhagen, found in 1963.

Close Encounter of the Third Kind on Funen

This detailed case, by Erling Hegelund and Toke Haunstrup, describes a sighting by a young man, referred to as PN, in the village of Åsum on Funen in the early eighties (1981 or 1982). While driving to work around 02:10, PN's car stalled near a beech copse. He observed a glowing object, about 3 meters high and 'circle-shaped', emitting a bright light. A ramp seemed to lead down from the object. PN also saw two groups of entities: seven small entities 'running' up and down the ramp, and three larger 'guards' holding instruments. The entities were described as light grey, resembling two triangles stacked on top of each other. PN managed to restart his car, and the entities began moving towards him at high speed. He drove away, and later found no trace of the phenomenon.

Further investigation by SUFOI in 1996 involved interviewing PN and attempting to locate the taxi driver mentioned in the report, without success. The report was investigated by Erling Hegelund and Toke Haunstrup, who visited the area and spoke to residents, but none provided further information.

A Psychological Explanation?

The article discusses the possibility of a psychological explanation for PN's experience. It questions the reliability of witness reports and notes that PN has had other 'psychical experiences' since the sighting. His parents had a similar car-stalling incident in 1980 with a light in the sky. The article suggests that PN might have been influenced by his parents' report or that his own experiences have made him 'receptive' to such phenomena. It also points out that the description of the light in his parents' case was reminiscent of aircraft lights. The article concludes that PN genuinely believes he encountered alien entities, but acknowledges that the 'physical' origin of the incident is difficult to determine, suggesting 'fantasy images' and preconceptions might have induced the experience. The witness was 21 or 22 at the time of the sighting, and the event occurred over 15 years prior to the investigation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of SUFOI News revolve around UFO sightings and aerial phenomena in Denmark, with a focus on detailed case investigations and analysis. There is a strong emphasis on demystifying these events and promoting a serious, investigative approach. The organization's new vision highlights its commitment to providing information and encouraging public reporting. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, exploring both potential physical explanations and psychological factors, while maintaining a skeptical yet engaged perspective on UFO reports. The newsletter also touches upon the historical context of UFOs (comets as portents) and contemporary issues like light pollution.

This issue of the SUFOI Newsletter, number 17, focuses on Danish reports and UFO investigations, alongside a historical look at comets. The cover prominently features the headline "SUFOI - the world's most well known UFO organisation!", suggesting a focus on the organization's public profile and activities in Denmark.

Danish Reports

The article "Danish reports" discusses a survey conducted by SUFOI on the Danish public's knowledge of UFOs and the organization itself. The survey revealed that approximately one-third of Danes are familiar with SUFOI, a figure that exceeded the organization's expectations. This awareness is attributed to SUFOI's consistent media contact over several years, including recent coverage on TV2 News and DR TV News, as well as radio and print media. The article highlights SUFOI's goal of being recognized as Denmark's serious UFO organization and notes that its awareness level is higher than many other UFO organizations globally. The organization's activities are primarily seen as investigations and the publication of a magazine, followed by members' meetings and research.

Sightings: Object filmed in Albertslund

This section details an incident on July 8, 1996, where a 23-year-old radio engineer from Albertslund, Denmark, filmed a strange phenomenon. The object, described as oblong/oval, was observed for about fifteen minutes. It rotated, bobbed, and appeared to move away from the observers. The witness's mother saw the object at an elevation of about 15 degrees north-east, and the son, using binoculars, thought he saw a string hanging from its bottom. SUFOI investigators examined the case, including the witness report and the video recording. Their investigation, which included contacting balloon clubs and airship keepers, led them to conclude that a balloon or airship was the most likely explanation. However, they could not confirm any such objects being present in the area at the time. Further analysis suggested that a small balloon on a rope was a plausible explanation due to its observed movements. The DMI (Danish Meteorological Institute) provided weather data, indicating a light breeze but no specific information that could definitively explain the object's movement. Calculations based on the object being below the clouds (at an altitude of no more than 1,500 meters) and the measured angle of elevation suggested a maximum distance of about six kilometers. The investigation ruled out a balloon from Nordvang School due to altitude calculations and a balloon from Glostrup Sports Ground as being too high. The article concludes that a balloon attached to a cable is the most likely explanation, even if the specific balloon could not be identified, as various entities might use such balloons for attention.

Sightings: Classic saucer photograph

This section critically examines the "Saas Fee UFO" photograph, taken on July 26, 1975, by three Dutch tourists in Switzerland. The photograph gained prominence after being presented by photographic expert William H. Spaulding at the "First International UFO Conference" in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1977. Computer analysis by Spaulding suggested the object was genuine and not a model hung from a string. However, the article presents a counter-argument, referencing a book by Belgian ufologists Wim van Utrecht and Frits van der Veldt titled "Unidentified Aerial Object photographed near Zwischenbergen, Switzerland, on July 26 1975 - A Case Analysis". This book, based on extensive research, presents arguments for the photograph being a hoax. These arguments include photographic tests showing an aluminum dish hanging from a string that is practically indistinguishable from the Saas Fee object, meteorological data that does not fit the visual evidence, and the photographer's admission that three pictures taken just before the UFO picture were missing from the holiday album, possibly because they revealed the hoax. The article also mentions other computer analyses that agree the object is three-dimensional but disagree on its size and distance. Some analyses, like those by Hans van Kampen, Herman van Regenmortel, and Jan Prast, based on the original color slide, concluded it was a small model. The article notes that the Saas Fee picture is likely not a genuine UFO photograph and should be removed from such lists.

Exposé

This section continues the critical examination of the Saas Fee photograph and related incidents. It mentions a similar mysterious object captured on film by Belgian tourists in Eison, Switzerland, just five minutes after the Saas Fee photograph was taken. Investigations into the Eison photograph suggest it might be a bird or a film fault. The book by van Utrecht and van der Veldt is praised for its thorough investigation, including witness interviews, astronomical and meteorological data, and detailed photographic analysis. The authors' conclusion that the Saas Fee photograph is likely a hoax is presented as discouraging but well-supported. The section also touches upon the mystery of the object's exact position in the landscape, which remains unknown. It highlights that Wim van Utrecht and Frits van der Veldt intend to further investigate this aspect. The section also includes details on how to order their book.

News on SUFOI

This brief section reports on the media coverage of the Saas Fee case, specifically mentioning TV2 News reporting on a group of young people who claimed to have launched a balloon that could explain the sighting. However, it was noted that the sighting occurred in July, while the balloon launch was in August, thus ruling out that specific balloon as an explanation.

Great Interest in UFO Lectures

This article describes an evening of lectures held by SUFOI in Vanløse on May 27, 1997. Over 70 people attended to hear lectures on the Roswell case, current Danish video recordings of unknown phenomena presented by Toke Haunstrup, and a personal UFO experience shared by Curt Frandsen. The event was described as interesting and challenging, concluding with a discussion on the psychology of UFO witnesses.

Astronomy vs. superstition: Comets still portents of doom

This article by Ole Henningsen explores the historical and contemporary perception of comets. It notes that for centuries, comets have been associated with disaster and bad omens. Despite modern scientific understanding, the appearance of comets continues to appeal to fantasists. The article mentions the widespread superstition surrounding Halley's comet in 1910 and its return in 1986, which generated significant media coverage and literature. It also references historical engravings of comets from 1456 and 1528, which were interpreted as bad omens, with the latter coinciding with a plague outbreak. The article includes a photograph of the comet Haley-Bopp taken on March 31, 1997, illustrating its tail and ion trail.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SUFOI Newsletter consistently demonstrates a commitment to rigorous investigation and critical analysis of UFO phenomena. The articles on the Albertslund sighting and the Saas Fee photograph exemplify this, with detailed examinations of evidence, witness accounts, and potential explanations, including the possibility of hoaxes or misidentifications. The organization actively engages with the media and the public to raise awareness and promote its research. The inclusion of historical perspectives, such as the article on comets, suggests a broader interest in how humans perceive and interpret unexplained phenomena, both in the past and present. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking factual explanations while acknowledging the enduring fascination with the unknown.

This issue of the SUFOI Newsletter, number 17, dated 1997, focuses on the intersection of astronomy and superstition, particularly in relation to Comet Hale-Bopp. The cover headline, 'Astronomy vs. superstition,' sets the tone for a discussion that contrasts scientific understanding with popular beliefs and media influence. The newsletter also delves into issues of light pollution and SUFOI's ongoing efforts in research and advocacy.

Comet Hale-Bopp: Science vs. Superstition

The newsletter addresses the widespread public fascination and apprehension surrounding Comet Hale-Bopp. It notes that while astronomers had high expectations for its appearance, the public discourse was often dominated by superstitious interpretations. A reader's letter from Marianne Rasmussen in Odense, published in the Danish tabloid BT, exemplifies this, linking the comet's proximity to Earth with an increase in natural disasters, illness, and violence. The article critiques these views, suggesting that such claims are unfounded and that the comet itself posed no danger.

The 'Saturn-like object' and conspiracy theories

A significant portion of the coverage is dedicated to the 'Saturn-like object' incident involving amateur astronomer Chuck Shramek. Shramek photographed Comet Hale-Bopp in November 1996 and claimed to have discovered a new object. This claim was amplified through media channels, including Art Bell's radio show. However, experts quickly identified the object as an ordinary star, SAO 141894, which Shramek had misidentified due to an error in his star chart software. The newsletter points out that this incident fueled conspiracy theories, including claims of NASA concealing information and a secret alliance with the Vatican to prepare for an alien invasion. It also mentions the tragic mass suicide of the 'Heaven's Gate' sect, whose leader cited the comet as a sign for their departure.

Internet and public access to information

The article highlights the role of the internet in disseminating information and misinformation about the comet. It notes that the internet provided access to professional and amateur photographs, as well as scientific data, but also served as a platform for the proliferation of conspiracy theories on sites associated with figures like Art Bell and Whitley Streiber.

SUFOI's Survey on Aerial Phenomena Knowledge

In the spring of 1997, SUFOI conducted a survey among 100 randomly selected Danes to assess their knowledge of natural aerial phenomena. The survey revealed surprising gaps in public understanding. While nearly everyone claimed to have seen stars, meteors, the Milky Way, and comets (especially after the media coverage of Hale-Bopp), knowledge of other phenomena was less robust. For instance, only 38% claimed to have seen a satellite, and a significant 72% reported seeing searchlights, indicating a growing problem with light pollution.

Misconceptions and errors

The survey identified numerous misconceptions. A large percentage of respondents answered basic astronomical questions incorrectly, such as whether a comet moves quickly (39% wrong), if a satellite can stand still (39% wrong), or if light from an aircraft 30 km away is visible (21% wrong). The question about the moon appearing larger on the horizon elicited the most incorrect answers, with 68% believing it to be true. The article notes that the number of errors was not significantly influenced by whether individuals claimed to have seen UFOs or comets themselves, suggesting that the inaccuracies stemmed from a general lack of knowledge rather than misinterpretation of specific sightings.

Gender differences in survey responses

Interestingly, the survey found a correlation between sex and the number of errors, with men making more mistakes on average than women. The article speculates that men might feel more pressure to appear knowledgeable, leading them to take more chances with their answers, while women might feel more comfortable admitting they don't know.

Conference on Light Pollution

SUFOI actively participated in a conference on light pollution held on January 15, 1997, at the Tycho Brahe planetarium. The conference, organized jointly with several other organizations, aimed to initiate a debate on the general use of outdoor lights. While the event was somewhat disappointing for amateur astronomers, SUFOI found satisfaction in a promise to ban the use of searchlights. The newsletter emphasizes that searchlights are a significant contributor to light pollution, with calls to SUFOI's Alert Centre often involving this issue.

Problems and proposed solutions

The problems posed by light pollution were categorized into waste of energy, aesthetic considerations ('light chaos'), and nuisance (pollution). The existing legislation was deemed too weak to address these issues effectively. Proposed solutions included better guidance for the public and professionals, enforcement of existing laws, and the introduction of new regulations. The article highlights the Ministry of Environment's representative, Henrik Knudth-Winterfeldt, who spoke about the need for legislation, particularly concerning searchlights, which are increasingly used for advertising and celebratory purposes.

Legislation and SUFOI's role

SUFOI is committed to advocating for legislation against excessive searchlight use. The newsletter details instances of widespread searchlight use in Denmark, such as for advertising at a shopping center in Næstved and for a birthday celebration in Ringsted. SUFOI plans to document the use of searchlights to support legislative efforts and ensure that promises made at the conference are kept.

News on SUFOI: Celebration and Renewal

The newsletter concludes with news about SUFOI's 40th anniversary party, held on October 4th in Vanløse. The event featured a buffet, a humorous speech by Peter Nørgaard, and jazz music. Concurrently, SUFOI's board held its semi-annual meeting, re-electing its management, including Chairman Per Andersen. The meeting discussed current and future projects, including the UFO Congress in Lyngby, and named two honorary members: Per Borgaard and Finn W. Kalvik. The article reflects on SUFOI's active role and continued dedication to its mission.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the tension between scientific understanding and popular superstition, the impact of media on public perception, the growing problem of light pollution and its legislative implications, and SUFOI's role as an organization dedicated to researching and educating the public about aerial phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of scientific inquiry and evidence-based understanding, while advocating for practical measures to address issues like light pollution. SUFOI positions itself as a proactive organization, engaging in surveys, conferences, and advocacy to promote its goals.

Title: News on SUFOI
Issue: No. 17
Volume: 31
Date: October 5, 2003 (inferred from context)

This issue of the SUFOI Newsletter, titled "News on SUFOI," is issue number 17 and part of volume 31. The publication date is inferred to be around October 5, 2003, based on the mention of a board meeting on that date. The newsletter is published by SUFOI and is in English, with an ISSN of 0904-2598. The cover features a photograph of a jazz performance and headlines related to SUFOI's board activities and anniversaries.

Key Articles and News

SUFOI Board Meeting and New Members

The newsletter reports that SUFOI's board gained new energy at a meeting held on October 5th. Two new members were elected: Casper Kai Lech from Charlottenlund and Michael Storm from Herlev. Casper Kai Lech will be responsible for the organization's tape archive, while Michael Storm will manage the book archive. The newsletter extends a warm welcome to both new members and expresses anticipation for future collaboration.

Anniversary Celebration and Farewell

At the organization's anniversary party, Finn W. Kalvik was honored for his 25-year tenure as a member of the SUFOI board. Kalvik, who has been described as "our man in Norway," expressed his wish to step down and enjoy retirement. The newsletter acknowledges his significant contributions over the years, noting that his efforts have been instrumental in maintaining a strong readership for UFO-Nyt among Norwegian readers.

Per Borgaard's Contributions

Per Borgaard is recognized as a long-standing journalist who has closely followed SUFOI's work and the development of ufology since the organization's early days. His numerous articles in the daily press, UFO-Nyt, and UFO-Vision are highlighted for their healthy skepticism, which has educated many on the subject.

Cultural Event

The Inge Andersen's Swingtet performed high-class jazz at the event, earning deserved applause.

SUFOI Online Presence

Readers are encouraged to visit SUFOI's homepage at http://www.sufoi.dk. The website offers:

• Latest news from SUFOI
• Articles from old SUFOI Newsletters
• Danish observations
• The ability to download articles

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue focuses on internal organizational news, celebrating milestones and welcoming new members to the SUFOI board. There is a clear emphasis on the historical contributions of long-term members like Finn W. Kalvik and the ongoing work of journalists like Per Borgaard in disseminating information about ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of professional organization, acknowledging past achievements while embracing new energy and resources, particularly through the management of archives and the promotion of the organization's online presence. The mention of "healthy skepticism" in relation to Per Borgaard's work suggests an approach that values critical inquiry within the field of ufology.