SUFOI Nyhedsbrev - 1996 07 No 1

Magazine Overview

This is the first issue of SUFOI Nyhedsbrev (SUFOI Newsletter), dated July 1996. The magazine is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) and aims to provide a more focused publication for news and organizational updates, complementing the more in-depth UFO-Nyt magazine. The editor-in-chief is Per Andersen.

Editorial and Vision

The editorial, titled "MAN KOMMER IKKE SOVENDE TIL NOGET" (You Don't Get Anywhere by Sleeping), emphasizes SUFOI's new vision: to be an active participant in the public debate about UFO phenomena and to broaden the knowledge of serious UFO work. The organization has increased its media presence, participating in five TV programs in the preceding month, including an appearance on TV-Avisen and a live broadcast from an event in Vanløse. This proactive approach towards the media and other groups is seen as a key part of their strategy.

The need for a publication with a newsletter character, distinct from the more academic UFO-Nyt, was identified by a reader, whose sentiment is quoted: "In my opinion, this is an excellent initiative that fills an important function, which UFO-Nyt has only been able to cover to a limited extent... There has been a need for a publication with a newsletter character."

Articles and Reports

FYNSK NÆROBSERVATION AF 3. GRAD? (Fyn Area Close Encounter of the 3rd Kind?)

Authored by Toke Haunstrup, this article details an investigation into a case from the early 1980s involving a witness named Peter. The investigation, conducted by Toke Haunstrup and Erling Hegelund, took place on March 22, 1996, at the observation site near Åsum, east-northeast of Odense. Peter reported that in the autumn of 1981 or 1982, while driving to work, his car stalled near a T-junction. As the car rolled into the intersection, he managed to restart it and simultaneously observed a bright, light-yellow, pyramid-shaped object hovering 1-2 meters above the road. A round, lighter opening was visible on the object, from which a slide-like structure descended into a depression beside the road. Peter observed approximately ten beings, described as two 'triangles' stacked on top of each other, running up and down this structure. He categorized them into 'guardians' (three beings) and 'workers' (seven smaller beings collecting samples). He also noticed a taxi parked about 200 meters away, whose driver seemed to signal with the headlights before driving away. Peter, shaken, drove off and observed the beings following him to a bridge before he lost sight of them as the road turned. The object was estimated to be 3 meters high and was observed under streetlights. This was Peter's first UFO experience. Subsequent inquiries with local residents did not yield any corroborating memories of the event.

Further details noted by the investigator include Peter's 'personification' of the beings as 'guardians' and 'workers', his reference to the American film "Gæster fra Rummet" (UFO: Distant Skies), and his viewing of the TV3 program "Mere mellem himmel og jord." Peter speculated that the beings followed him because they were surprised at being discovered and that his car could still move, referencing 'car stalling phenomena' associated with UFO sightings.

Significantly, Peter's mother reported a similar incident in 1980, where their car stalled while they observed a light in the sky.

NORDJYSKE OBSERVATIONER (North Jutland Observations)

By Torben Birkeholm, this section notes a quiet period for UFO observations in North Jutland during the spring, attributing it partly to the visibility of Venus. The author mentions that there have been few interesting reports, with "visions" being strongly influenced by the planet.

EN STILLE PERIODE (A Quiet Period)

Authored by Toke Haunstrup, this piece suggests that UFO activity across Denmark, including North Jutland, has been slow, possibly due to a "summer holiday" for UFOs. Despite the quiet period, a few interesting cases are mentioned, including "shaking water beds" in Nyborg and ground traces near Ringsted and Harreby (east of Ribe), which Erling Hegelund is investigating.

SPØRGESKEMA-UNDERSØGELSE EN SUCCES! (Questionnaire Survey A Success!)

Also by Toke Haunstrup, this article reports on a successful questionnaire survey sent to SUFOI's report-takers. Out of 23 active report-takers, 14 responded, resulting in a response rate of over 50%. This indicates a positive engagement from the report-taker group. The survey revealed that SUFOI has report-takers covering almost the entire country, with only Vestjylland and the Thy area lacking coverage. This is seen as a significant improvement from previous years. The survey also gathered feedback on the report-taking process, with some requesting better orientation on how reports are used and improved feedback from the Report Center. Others found it tedious to handle "banal night light" cases, suggesting a need to focus on more significant reports.

RAPPORTER FRA 1995 AFSLUTTES (Reports from 1995 Concluded)

Authored by Toke Haunstrup, this brief section announces that a status report on UFO reports from 1995 will be compiled. The author invites suggestions for statistical analyses of these reports, such as the number of red UFOs or geographical distribution, to be included in the Nyhedsbrev.

EFTERLYSNING AF DANSKE OBSERVATIONER MED MAGNETISKE PÅVIRKNINGER (Request for Danish Observations with Magnetic Effects)

Written by Peter Nørgaard, this section seeks information from readers about Danish cases where UFO observations were accompanied by magnetic effects, such as compass deviations or readings from electromagnetic detectors. SUFOI has received an inquiry from the USA regarding such cases.

NYT FRA DE LOKALE GRUPPER (News from Local Groups)

This section provides updates from various local SUFOI groups:

• SUFOI-AALBORG: The group continues to meet monthly with its core members. They hosted the Århus group for a visit and are anticipating a visit from Peter Nørgaard.
• UFOGRUPPEN I AALBORG: Peter Nørgaard reports on a recent meeting with 6 participants, described as pleasant with good coffee. A barbecue is planned for the summer, with the next meeting scheduled for August 21, 1996.
• GRUPPEN I KØBENHAVN: Following a successful public event in Vanløse on June 6th, the Copenhagen group is taking a summer break. A barbecue for event helpers is planned, and the new season's meetings will commence in September.

PROJEKTER (Projects)

PROJEKT PORT (Project Port)

Authored by Toke Haunstrup, this section discusses SUFOI's project group aimed at investigating theories about the UFO phenomenon, particularly those of historian Mikael Rothstein. Rothstein posits that the UFO phenomenon originates from a 'myth' or has a cultural origin, which organizations like SUFOI help to sustain. A workshop was held in March 1995 where Rothstein presented his theories, leading to the decision to form a project group. The group, comprising Martin Lyck, Brian Møller, Per Andersen, Torben Birkeholm, Peter Nørgaard, and Toke Haunstrup, held its first meeting in Silkeborg on February 24-25. The meeting focused on the 'grey zone' between UFO phenomena and psychological, social, and cultural explanatory models. Four sub-projects were decided upon:

1. Tools for personality testing: To map methods for profiling observers' personalities and conduct tests with Danish observers.
2. Temporal development of UFO shapes/appearances: To investigate changes in UFO forms over time using SUFOI's reports and develop explanatory models for any observed changes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, particularly the Åsum case, which is presented as a significant event. There is a strong emphasis on SUFOI's role in public discourse, its engagement with the media, and its efforts to professionalize its reporting and research processes. The magazine also highlights the importance of local groups and the collaborative nature of the organization's work. The editorial stance is one of proactive engagement, seeking to demystify UFO phenomena through serious investigation and open discussion, while also acknowledging and exploring various theoretical explanations, including cultural and psychological perspectives.

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, dated June 1996, is a Danish publication from SUFOI, focusing on UFO-related activities and news. The issue is primarily composed of reports and updates from the organization's activities, authored mostly by Per Andersen and Peter Nørgaard.

RIAP Project Near Completion

Per Andersen reports on the RIAP project, which SUFOI funded a few years prior for an analysis of a "mysterious, black sphere" found in the ground in Ukraine. The project has yielded sparse results, with the sphere reportedly breaking during analysis. However, the project is nearing completion, and SUFOI has been promised a report within two months, with the opportunity to be the first to publish the findings.

SUFOI Activities

Open Letter to Svend Auken

Per Andersen details a protest initiated by SUFOI's board against the use of spotlights and projectors in the night sky. Inspired by the Astronomical Society's campaign against light pollution, SUFOI views the use of these powerful lights as problematic. An open letter has been drafted and sent to the Minister of Environment, Svend Auken, as well as other organizations and the press. The letter is reproduced in full at the end of the newsletter, with reactions to be published in the next issue.

New Publications from SUFOI

Per Andersen announces the release of a new SUFOI booklet titled "Ufoer - Hvad siger videnskaben?" (UFOs - What Does Science Say?), which discusses the Condon Report and is edited by Flemming Rasmussen. The "UFO Studium" workbook has also been reprinted. Plans are underway for two more publications: a 200-page book on classic UFO cases, likely produced by Burre Reklame, and a new edition of the UFO literature yearbook, UFO Vision. A planned booklet on the Roswell incident is still in the planning stages.

Rapportoptagerkursus (Report Taker Course)

Peter Nørgaard reports on a successful report taker course held on April 20-21, with 7 participants. Several attendees remain interested in working with UFO reports after the course.

SUFOI on the Internet

Per Andersen mentions that SUFOI is exploring the establishment of a website on the internet, in collaboration with Lars H. Andersen. The BBS system is also expected to be moved within the coming months due to the closure of VEST BBS, with efforts underway to find a new host.

Unconvention

Lars Thomas recounts his experience at an "Unconvention" congress in England, which covered various topics, including UFOs. He found the event interesting, noting bizarre discussions about conspiracies. He highlights David Percy's claim that the moon landings were faked, with images allegedly taken in a TV studio, which Thomas found convincing. An article about the congress is planned for UFO-Nyt.

UFO Poster

Per Andersen discusses SUFOI's attempt to collaborate with Swedish poster publisher ScanDecor for a UFO-themed poster. Although initially not entirely dismissive, ScanDecor ultimately decided against the project. SUFOI now plans to self-publish the poster, seeking sponsors. Two support sponsors have contributed 400 DKK each, but SUFOI is still seeking two main sponsors and additional support sponsors. Ideas for potential corporate sponsors are welcomed.

Meeting with IGAP

Per Andersen announces an upcoming meeting between SUFOI's board and IGAP in Kolding on August 18th. The meeting aims to foster better acquaintance between the organizations, stemming from a dialogue following a UFO broadcast the previous year. The goal is to open SUFOI's external contact surface, with no hidden agendas, and a hope for constructive outcomes from the dialogue.

Another Collaboration - Maybe

Per Andersen reports that SUFOI has received a letter from the newly founded "Dansk Korn-Cirkel Gruppe" (DKCG). SUFOI's board has proposed a more formalized collaboration at the organizational level, not to interfere with individual members' activities, but to systematically handle crop circle cases together. This is seen as beneficial as crop circles are partially outside SUFOI's primary purpose. The crop circle group has not yet responded, but further information will follow.

Lectures

SUFOI has been active in giving lectures. The issue lists numerous lectures given from January to June 1996, covering various schools, youth clubs, and organizations across Denmark, with attendance ranging from 15 to 100 people.

SUFOI in the Media

SUFOI in Transit

Per Andersen describes SUFOI's participation in the youth program "Transit" on March 6th, alongside IGAP and a psychic medium. Toke Haunstrup was interviewed and made a good impression, though the SUFOI segments were brief.

SUFOI on TV3

Per Andersen recounts his experience filming for the TV3 program "Mænd ingen adgang" (Men No Entry) on June 11th. The program's main theme was "spirits," covering ghosts, psychic abilities, and a discussion about "spirits in the glass." He notes the presence of observer Kent R., who shared his UFO observation and drawing. Marianne Rasmussen, a known contactee, also participated, discussing contact with aliens from other galaxies. The segment on UFOs was brief, with Kent R. having limited time to explain his observation.

During the broadcast, Marianne Rasmussen made a prediction about a pregnancy, which the author found astonishing and indicative of weak editorial control. The program was scheduled to air in September.

Two Ufologists Exhibited

Peter Nørgaard describes SUFOI's participation in an exhibition in Silkeborg on April 27th. The event featured various local organizations, including a "local" UFO stand representing the Aarhus-Silkeborg UFO group. Verner Møller from the group and Nørgaard himself (now living in Nr. Sundby) manned the stand. Approximately 1500 visitors attended the event. The SUFOI stand distributed about 50 sample issues to interested individuals.

Successful Public Event

Per Andersen reports on a successful public lecture event organized by the Copenhagen group in Vanløse on June 6th. Speakers included Toke, Kent R., Lars Thomas, and Andersen himself, covering topics like observation cases, crop circles, and Danish photo cases. The event attracted 80 paying attendees plus the group members, filling the hall. The success was attributed to extensive media coverage, including a significant article in Politiken, as well as mentions in Berlingske and district papers. Radio and TV coverage was also extensive, with interviews and live broadcasts.

An aggressive individual disrupted the event by making lengthy speeches and claims, eventually being asked to leave. The event generated 600 DKK in entrance fees and 1,000 DKK from material sales. The Copenhagen group is now taking a summer break.

No News About UFOs According to East Jutland Radio

Peter Nørgaard explains that a journalist student contacted him for a radio program about UFOs on DR Østjyllands Radio. The program required a current, special, new, and exciting case from the Aarhus region. As Nørgaard could not guarantee such a case within the given timeframe, the program was cancelled.

Open Letter Regarding Spotlights/Laser Lights/Projector Lights in the Night Sky

This section contains the full text of the open letter from SUFOI to Minister Svend Auken. It details SUFOI's concerns about the increasing use of powerful lights for advertising, which contribute to light pollution, making it difficult to observe natural celestial phenomena. The letter states that many people mistake these lights for UFOs. It also questions the aesthetic value of such commercial advertising visible from afar. SUFOI highlights its unique experience in collecting observations of unknown celestial phenomena and notes that light pollution-related inquiries have grown significantly, now constituting up to a quarter of SUFOI's total inquiries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently emphasizes SUFOI's active role in investigating UFO phenomena, disseminating information through publications and media, and engaging with the public through lectures and events. There is a clear focus on practical activities, from research projects to media appearances and public outreach. The organization also demonstrates a proactive stance on issues affecting UFO observation, such as light pollution. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and public education, while also acknowledging the challenges and sometimes bizarre aspects of the UFO field. The magazine serves as a platform for reporting on SUFOI's internal affairs, external collaborations, and public engagements.

This issue of TARKONTAKT, identified as issue 23 and part of volume 1/4, dated May 31, 1996, is published by SUFOI and focuses on UFO phenomena and related topics in Denmark. The cover headline is "UFO-forening savner stadig et kronvidne" (UFO association still missing a key witness), indicating a focus on ongoing investigations.

Articles and Content

Editorial and Advocacy

A letter from Per Andersen, Chairman of SUFOI, addresses the Ministry of the Environment, urging legislative action to minimize the nuisance of light advertising, particularly from light pollution. He specifically calls for amendments to the Nature Protection Act and the Environmental Protection Act to include light pollution alongside noise pollution.

Case Study: Vejle Laser Light Incident (1995)

Appendix 1 details a specific case from Vejle in November 1995, where the installation of laser and projector lights for the opening of a venue led to 30 reports of UFO sightings. Many observers were unaware of the lights' origin and mistook them for UFOs. The lights were described as bright spots arranged in a circle, moving in a circular motion with alternating directions. The color was white. This incident is presented as an example of how projector and laser lights are used for commercial purposes.

Data on Laser/Projector Light Reports

Appendix 2 provides a statistical overview of laser/projector light activities registered by SUFOI from 1985 to 1995. The data shows a significant increase in reports from 1990 onwards, with 1991 and 1994 having the highest percentages of such reports (26% and 21% respectively).

UFO Observation Logs

Pages 4 and 5 contain detailed logs of UFO and phenomena observations from January 1996 to May 1996, and a longer period from 1978 to 1996. These logs include dates, times, durations, locations (with postcodes and towns), descriptions of the phenomena (colors, shapes), number of observers, and the status of the report (e.g., JUFOC, H, EH, TB). Status codes are explained at the end of page 5.

"Nærkontakt" Series: Car Stalling Incident

The article "TARKONTAKT" by Kim Maller Hon details a "Close Encounter" case. On September 29, 1995, a young man driving on a dark country road experienced his car suddenly stalling. The car's electrical systems went haywire, with the digital clock displaying '88.88.88'. He then observed a large, circular object, 12-15 meters in diameter with sharp white lights, hovering silently about 3-4 meters above his car. The object eventually moved behind trees and disappeared within a minute. The young man, initially scared, later contacted SUFOI after seeing a TV program that took UFOs seriously. Torben Birkeholm from SUFOI interviewed the individual and found him to be a serious witness, though no definitive explanation for the incident has been found. The article also mentions a similar incident involving a police officer in 1970 and refers to US studies of car malfunctions attributed to UFO phenomena.

UFOs and Light Pollution

Another section discusses the advocacy for legislation against light pollution, reiterating the points made in the initial letter.

UFOs in Somalia

A news clipping from Frederiksborg Amts Avis reports that the self-proclaimed republic of Somaliland is calling for an international UFO investigation following unexplained explosions in December that allegedly led to the death of children and animals. Local experts suspect UFOs as the cause.

Mars Anomalies

A clipping from Jyllandsposten discusses claims by former NASA employee Richard C. Hoagland, who alleged that photographs from the Apollo 12 and 14 missions showed evidence of artificial structures on Mars, including a glass building and possibly human-like heads. NASA has reportedly kept these photos secret for thirty years. However, a NASA spokesperson and astronaut Alan Bean have dismissed these claims as nonsense.

"Transit" TV Program

An announcement for a DR TV program called "Transit" that will feature UFOs, mystique, and unexplained events, including X-Files-like investigations. It poses questions about how Denmark handles UFO sightings and whether they are registered.

"Venus Over Lyngby" Phenomenon

A series of articles and reader letters discuss a bright light observed over Lyngby Sø. Many readers reported seeing the phenomenon. Toke Haunstrup from SUFOI suggests it is likely the planet Venus, citing its brightness and typical appearance as an evening star. Lector Erik Høg from the University of Copenhagen's Astronomical Observatory confirms this identification, explaining that Venus is the brightest planet after the sun and moon and appears as an evening or morning star every 1.5 years.

UFOs Over the Sea

A report from Thisted Dagblad describes multiple reports of strong red lights along the west coast of Denmark on a Wednesday evening. These reports followed a TV broadcast about UFOs, including footage of luminous spheres. Rescue services and police were deployed to investigate, as the observed lights lasted longer than standard distress flares.

Culture for Children and Youth

An article from Fyen's Stiftstidende describes a "Slaraffenland" (Land of Cockaigne) week in Odense offering various cultural activities for children and youth, including film screenings, theater, computer workshops, and lectures. One of the lectures, by Peter Nørgaard from Skandinavisk UFO Information, is titled "UFOs – Hoax or Fact?"

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, encouraging public reporting and offering explanations where possible, often identifying known objects like Venus or man-made lights. There is a clear advocacy for addressing light pollution and a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims, while still acknowledging the possibility of genuinely unexplained events. The publication serves as a platform for sharing eyewitness accounts, presenting data, and discussing the work of SUFOI in the field of ufology.

This issue of Avis udklip, dated February 13, 1996, and other dates from April to June 1996, covers various UFO-related incidents and developments. The main cover story, "UFO-er over Lyngby," details resident observations of a mysterious luminous object. Other articles discuss sightings in Midtsjælland, Vejle, and Fakse, the controversial Roswell incident, and advancements in Russian UFO technology.

UFOs Over Lyngby

Residents in a high-rise building on Lyngbygårdsvej in Fortunen, Denmark, reported observing a mysterious luminous object hovering over Lyngby Sø. The object was described as diamond-shaped and emitting light, unlike a weather balloon or helicopter. The residents contacted both the meteorological institute and a fly station, both of whom denied any involvement. The local police also had no knowledge of the phenomenon.

UFO at Fakse

An incident near Fakse, Denmark, involved the police, SOK (presumably a Danish intelligence agency), and a civilian passenger plane in the search for an unidentified luminous object (ULO). The first sighting was reported from Roklubben Viking in Fakse Ladeplads, with reports of a strong light several kilometers out at sea. A police patrol and the Navy's Operative Command were involved. A patrol boat and a passenger plane were dispatched, but found nothing unusual. The police patrol later identified two ships with powerful spotlights as the source of the light near Rødby, explaining their unusual brightness in the icy waters.

UFOs Over Midtsjælland

Kim Greiner, a resident of Borup, recounts an incident from 1976 when his wife, Gitte, encountered a strange luminous object while driving home through a dark forest near Ringsted. The object emitted a sharp, cone-shaped light that hovered in the air. Gitte, initially thinking it might be a helicopter, was unnerved by the lack of sound. The next day, a newspaper article in Dagbladet reported similar sightings in the Ringsted and Sorø areas, with many people having witnessed the phenomenon without explanation. Greiner expresses regret for not investigating further at the time.

UFOs in Vejle

An article by Inge Methling in Politiken describes an incident in September 1995 near Vejle, Denmark, where a young man and his dog experienced car malfunctions and observed a large, luminous object hovering about five meters above the ground. The object was illuminated by numerous small spotlights. The incident lasted only a minute, after which the car and dog returned to normal. The young man, frightened, contacted Skandinavisk Ufo Information (SUFOI) weeks later. SUFOI chairman Per Andersen stated that this was one of 20-30 annual reports that could not be explained naturally. A witness statement from a young couple corroborated the sighting of a strong light from above. The article also mentions a crop circle in Lolland-Falster that SUFOI determined was man-made.

UFOs Landingsvej in Nevada

An article from Skive Folkeblad reports on Nevada, USA, establishing the world's first "UFO Highway." The 150-kilometer stretch of road is marked with signs indicating its significance for UFO sightings. The signs feature illustrations of UFOs, and the highway is intended to attract tourists interested in extraterrestrial phenomena.

The Roswell Incident

This section details the controversial Roswell incident of July 8, 1947, where a UFO reportedly crashed near Roswell, New Mexico, USA. Mac Brazel, a rancher, discovered the wreckage and reported it to the Roswell Army Air Field Base. The base commander, Colonel William Blanchard, initially confirmed the discovery of a "flying disk" but later retracted the statement, calling it a weather balloon. The military then allegedly confiscated all evidence and suppressed information. The article also mentions a controversial film by Ray Santilli, purportedly showing the autopsy of an alien from the Roswell crash.

Russian Flying Saucers

An article discusses the development of a Russian flying saucer-like aircraft called EKIP by a group of scientists. The prototype, weighing 90 tons, was expected to undergo test flights in August 1996. The project, which began in 1976, utilizes technology from the Soviet space program 'Buran' and indigenous innovations. The EKIP is designed for passenger and cargo transport, with advanced aerodynamic features making it safer than conventional aircraft. The Russian emergency services have already placed an order for 300 of these aircraft for use in disaster response, such as combating large forest fires. The EKIP is estimated to cost around 30 million kroner per unit and can be assembled in Saratov and Kaliningrad.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and the investigation into these phenomena. There is a clear interest in documenting and exploring unexplained aerial events, ranging from local Danish sightings to international incidents like Roswell. The articles also touch upon the potential for government cover-ups and the development of advanced, possibly extraterrestrial-inspired, technology. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events and investigations, presenting different perspectives and evidence, while acknowledging the controversial and often unexplained nature of UFO phenomena. The inclusion of SUFOI's involvement suggests a focus on methodical investigation and analysis of UFO reports.