SUFOI Nyhedsbrev - 1997 07-08 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of SUFOI Nyhedsbrev, number 4 from July/August 1997, is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI). The cover features a cartoon titled 'Mars TV' with an alien watching television, and the main headline is 'Mars TV'. The issue includes reports on UFO observations, media activities, and organizational news.

Editorial and Contact Information

The editor-in-chief is Per Andersen. SUFOI's contact details are provided, including a postal address in Gentofte, Denmark, phone numbers for UFO alarms and general information, a Giro account, an email address ([email protected]), and a website (www.sufoi.dk). The magazine is printed by Burre Reklame in Silkeborg and distributed by SUFOI's Expedition in Åbenrå. Articles, reader letters, and debate contributions are welcomed. The newsletter is published in odd-numbered months, with deadlines on the 15th of even-numbered months for the following issue. A 1997 subscription for 6 issues costs 120.00 DKK.

Articles and Features

Can One Analyze Oneself?

This article by Per Andersen questions whether UFO witnesses can objectively research UFO phenomena, given their personal involvement. It draws parallels to other professions where self-examination is problematic, such as police investigating themselves or doctors researching their own illnesses. The author posits that witnesses might tend to overlook psychological and perceptual aspects, driven by the conviction of 'I know what I saw'. Conversely, some might argue that personal experience provides a better foundation for understanding others' experiences. The article concludes by posing two questions: Can UFO witnesses conduct reasonable UFO research, and what precautions should SUFOI take if they cannot?

News on Observations

Nordjyske Observationer by Torben Birkeholm reports few inquiries from Nordjylland, with only a single daylight sighting of a black 'object with wings' being noted.

Nyt om Observationer by Toke Haunstrup details a significant sighting by a 24-year-old student and her boyfriend near Sønderborg. On February 16th, they observed an unusual, elongated, and brightly lit phenomenon that hovered, tilted, and disappeared. Later, a similar phenomenon was seen briefly. Around 12:55, another object with a 'metallic sheen' moved rapidly in a straight line before stopping abruptly. The author, after interviewing the witness and reviewing her drawings, suggests light reflections from an aircraft as a possible explanation, but notes that certain details, like the 'tilting' movements, do not align well with this theory.

Another report describes a sighting by a 31-year-old student in Odense on March 6th. The object was observed passing in front of stars, moving at a speed too high for a satellite. It appeared to have 'wings' with sharp angles and crossed the entire sky in about five seconds. The object's color was described as beige or dark brown, with no lights visible. The case was initially handled by Egon Olsen at the Alarmcentral.

A photographer in Tønder reported an event in Spain in June 1974. While driving with friends, they saw a strange, long, and brightly lit 'streak' in the sky that expanded to cover a large area. The photographer took pictures, and SUFOI received a copy. The case has been passed to Ole Henningsen, former head of SUFOI's photo department, who suspects it might be the effects of a rocket launch. Further details are expected in a future issue.

News from Local Groups

SUFOI-Aalborg by Torben Birkeholm notes that the group held no meetings in April but met on May 6th.

SUFOI-København by Per Andersen reports that after an observation trip in April, the group had a break until May 15th, when an ordinary meeting was held, followed by a public event at the Vanløse community center on May 27th.

SUFOI Activities

SUFOI Engaged by English SCI-FI Channel by Per Andersen details how the SCI-FI Channel visited Denmark on May 3rd to produce segments for their 'Earth Scan' program. They interviewed Danish UFO witnesses, including those from the boomerang-UFO sighting over Nørrebro and Kent Rose from Glostrup. Filming took place at Kastellet after initial difficulties.

Radio-Fuser by Torben Birkeholm discusses a DR-Nordjyllands Radio segment on March 26th, where Torben Birkeholm was interviewed about SUFOI's work. The segment also included an interview with a man from northern Jutland who claimed to have flown in a UFO, though the information was secondhand. This claim is being investigated.

UFO-Vision på Gaden by Per Andersen announces the release of UFO-Vision Nr. 5, a 100-page publication with articles on books, magazines, CD-ROMs, and more.

Internet News by Per Andersen reports a significant increase in visitors to SUFOI's website (www.sufoi.dk). On May 15th, there were 4514 visitors, and on June 15th, the number reached 6275, a new record, partly due to media coverage and the Vanløse event. Efforts to register the domain www.ufo.dk were unsuccessful as it appears to be registered by a US site.

SUFOI to Brazil by Per Andersen details an invitation for Per Andersen to give a UFO lecture at the 'First World UFO Forum' in Brasilia, Brazil, in December. The event will feature approximately 30-40 international speakers. SUFOI's travel, hotel, and meals will be covered.

SUFOI Sets Media Record by Per Andersen describes the extensive media coverage following an open house event in Vanløse on May 27th. This included reports on TV-Avisen (DR1) and Nyhederne (TV2), as well as articles in Politiken and Berlingske. Toke Haunstrup also participated in radio and TV programs, including 'Yderzoner' and 'Puls'. The week saw 3 TV and 2 radio appearances.

Open House in Vanløse by Per Andersen reports that the May 27th event was a success with about 60 participants, generating a small surplus. The lectures, particularly those by Per Andersen questioning the Roswell incident and witness testimonies, generated mixed reactions, but reinforced SUFOI's serious approach to the subject.

Vagn Simonsen Follow-up by Per Andersen discusses a TV2 Nyhederne segment on June 13th where Vagn Simonsen followed up on the Albertslund video. Simonsen presented a story about young people launching a large hot air balloon, but the details did not match the video evidence. SUFOI is trying to contact the individuals involved.

The World of UFOs by Per Andersen announces the release of Kim Møller Hansen's series 'UFOernes verden - klassiske beretninger Jorden rundt'. This 4-part series, totaling 218 pages, covers classic UFO cases based on articles from UFO-Nyt. The series is sold as a set for 126 DKK and is praised for its thorough research and reliable information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently reports on UFO sightings, media interactions, and SUFOI's organizational activities. There's a recurring theme of investigating and analyzing UFO phenomena, with a critical yet open approach, as seen in the article questioning self-analysis in research. SUFOI actively engages with the media and promotes its work through publications and public events. The organization appears committed to serious research, even when facing skepticism or mixed reactions to its findings and presentations. The emphasis on detailed reporting of sightings and media coverage suggests an effort to document and disseminate information within the UFO community and to the public.

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, dated April 1997, is titled 'Gådefuldt univers' (Mysterious Universe) and includes a variety of articles related to UFOs, astronomy, and public perception of the unexplained. The magazine features reports on recent events, ongoing research, and witness accounts, alongside a comprehensive list of reported sightings.

SUFOI Survey Results

An article by Per Andersen details the results of a survey conducted by SUFOI on the Danish population's awareness and beliefs regarding UFOs. A student interviewed 100 randomly selected Danes, revealing that nearly 30% know of SUFOI, primarily through media reports and SUFOI's research work. The awareness of SUFOI is higher than that of the Astronomical Society and IGAP. Only a few are familiar with 'UFO-Nyt'. Belief in UFOs and personal sightings align with previous Gallup polls, with 46% believing in UFOs and 12% reporting having seen one. The term 'UFO' is most often associated with spaceships or alien intelligence. Interestingly, over 40% of those who know SUFOI would not report an observation to the organization.

The survey also highlighted a significant lack of knowledge about common celestial phenomena. For instance, despite the visibility of Comet Hale-Bopp, many respondents held incorrect beliefs about comets, shooting stars, satellites, the moon's apparent size, and the visibility of the Northern Lights in Denmark. The study found that individuals who answered more questions incorrectly about celestial phenomena were more likely to be SUFOI members, believe UFOs are spaceships, and were more likely to be men, with no correlation to age or education.

Light Pollution Report

Another report by Per Andersen discusses SUFOI's findings on light pollution, based on a report covering 10 incidents of light emitters in Denmark during the fourth quarter of 1996. These light emitters were observed at distances of 25-30 km. The report was sent to the Ministry of Environment, the Forest and Nature Agency, and the Astronomical Society. The Forest and Nature Agency indicated that a working group would be formed to address the issue, focusing on existing legislation.

New Publication and Address Update

The magazine announces the release of the book "UFO 1947-1997," edited by Hilary Evans and Dennis Stacy, to commemorate the UFO anniversary. SUFOI has a few copies available for sale. Additionally, Toke Haunstrup, from the Rapportcentralen, has a new address in Østerbro, Copenhagen.

Reported Sightings (April 1997)

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to a detailed list of UFO sightings reported to SUFOI between April 1 and April 30, 1997. Each entry includes the date, time, duration, location (with postal code and town), observer count, colors, and any relevant identification (e.g., satellite, meteor, projector). The list also includes status codes indicating how the report was received and processed by SUFOI.

DR1 Documentary Series

An article highlights a DR1 documentary series titled 'Universets gåder' (The Mysteries of the Universe), produced by Jørgen Elers Kristensen. The series explores questions about life in the universe, the origin of life, and celestial events. It features interviews with Danish scientists and discusses topics such as comets, meteorites, and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The article notes the public's fascination with the occult over reality and mentions the tragic suicides of 32 people in the US who believed they would be taken by UFOs.

Comet Hale-Bopp and Origins of Life

The first episode of the DR1 series focuses on comets, featuring Danish astronomer Richard M. West. Comets are described as icy bodies containing dust from the solar system's formation, with about 80% being water. It is suggested that comets may have delivered a significant portion of Earth's water. The article also references the impact of Comet Shoemaker-Levy 1994 on Jupiter, where scientists observed the creation of new organic molecules after the impact.

UFOs and Public Fascination

Another article by Per Andersen discusses the growing interest in UFO phenomena, fueled by events like the Mars findings and Comet Hale-Bopp. It notes the persistent interest in the non-terrestrial in popular culture, citing the success of films like 'Star Wars' and 'Independence Day'. SUFOI, celebrating its 40th anniversary, has observed a significant increase in reports, with 181 received from June to December 1996, compared to 84 in the previous period. While many reports have natural explanations (e.g., searchlights), SUFOI investigates unexplained cases.

Per Andersen emphasizes that people who report UFOs are not typically 'crazy' but possess a certain personality type, often with a strong belief system and a tendency to misjudge distances or celestial movements. He advocates for better scientific education.

Witness Accounts

The magazine includes two detailed witness accounts. One describes a strange, black object observed over Albertslund, which rotated and moved away slowly. The other features Curd Frandsen from Jyderup, who described a large, flying triangular disc-shaped object, approximately 20 meters high and 300 meters away, with a triangular hole in the middle. He noted its metallic appearance and observed it moving at about 100 km/h before accelerating away.

UFO or Not UFO?

This section presents two more detailed accounts. One describes an object observed by a couple near Kokborg, Brande, characterized as a square object with lights, moving slowly and emitting a humming sound. The second account, from an unknown witness, describes a large, machine-like object with constantly shining projectors, moving silently and emitting a strong energy. The object was observed gliding over a farm and then ascending over trees.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the public's perception and belief in UFOs, the scientific investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, and the role of organizations like SUFOI in documenting and analyzing these events. The magazine also touches upon broader astronomical topics, such as comets and the possibility of extraterrestrial life, linking them to the public's fascination with the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging scientific understanding and critical thinking while acknowledging the genuine interest in UFO phenomena and the need for thorough investigation of unexplained cases. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between scientific inquiry and unfounded beliefs, as highlighted by Per Andersen's call for better scientific education.

Title: DE FREMMEDE ER LANDET (The Visitors Have Landed)

Issue: 23 E

Date: May 28, 1997

Publisher: Berlingske Tidende

Country: Denmark

Language: Danish

Document Type: Magazine Issue

Content Summary

This issue of the Danish magazine, published by Berlingske Tidende, focuses on the growing public interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial phenomena, largely fueled by popular culture, specifically mentioning films like "Independence Day" and TV series such as "The X-Files" and "Forunderlige Verden" (The Outer Limits).

Cover Story: "DE FREMMEDE ER LANDET"

The main cover story, "DE FREMMEDE ER LANDET," highlights the increasing attention UFOs are receiving. It features an interview with Per Andersen, the chairman of SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information), a Danish organization dedicated to collecting and investigating UFO reports. Andersen notes that while public interest is rising, it's often driven by entertainment rather than a deep desire for understanding. He expresses a desire for the UFO topic to be treated more seriously and credibly by the media.

SUFOI and its Approach

SUFOI, celebrating its 40th anniversary, is described as undergoing a generational shift. The magazine notes a tendency within the organization to debunk sensationalist stories, such as the Roswell incident, in favor of more rational explanations. Per Andersen emphasizes that SUFOI's goal is not necessarily to prove the existence of extraterrestrials but to understand what is happening and to encourage critical thinking. Their motto is "We don't believe in everything, but we believe everything should be investigated."

Notable Sightings and Cases

The magazine presents several cases and observations:

• Vejle Incident: A report from Vejle describes a luminous triangle observed by a couple. A possible explanation offered is a military exercise involving a Hercules transport plane with its rear door open, emitting light.
• Stenløse Incident: A younger woman reported waking to a humming sound, seeing a luminous spot on a cabinet, and then observing two lights in the sky. The explanation for the spot is unclear, possibly an afterimage or a psychological phenomenon.
• Ebeltoft Phenomenon: Three teachers in Ebeltoft reported seeing a celestial phenomenon, initially believed to be extraterrestrial. However, it was later suggested to be caused by sky projectors used for advertising fireworks.
• H.C. Petersen's Experiences: The magazine features an extensive interview with retired flight officer H.C. Petersen, who claims to have had over 50 UFO observations. He recounts an incident in 1955 at Flyvestation Skrydstrup where radar detected high-speed objects that disappeared upon approach by fighter jets. Petersen categorizes UFOs into four types: 'motherships,' flying saucers (16m diameter), underwater objects (40m long), and small remote-controlled 'telemeterskiver.' He also mentions seeing a large object in 1943 and a luminous object in 1953. Petersen believes extraterrestrials are friendly and that governments have often covered up UFO information.

Linguistic Note

A section titled "SPROGHJØRNET" (The Language Corner) discusses the etymology and grammatical gender of the word "UFO" in Danish, noting that while it's an acronym for "Unidentified Flying Object," it is commonly used as a common gender noun in Danish.

Other Mentions

The magazine also includes brief mentions of upcoming events, such as a lecture by Robby Curdorf on UFOs in Løsning and a SUFOI meeting in Vanløse featuring video screenings and discussions on the Roswell incident. It also touches upon the debate surrounding the Roswell incident and the role of Kurt Abildskov, a former head of Flyvestation Tirstrup, in discussing UFOs.

Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to adopt a balanced approach, presenting UFO phenomena and witness accounts while also highlighting rational explanations and the skepticism of organizations like SUFOI. There's an underlying theme of questioning official narratives and encouraging critical examination of evidence. The publication seems to lean towards debunking sensational claims while acknowledging the persistent public fascination with the unknown.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the increasing public awareness and interest in UFOs, driven by media and popular culture. The editorial stance, as represented by SUFOI and its chairman Per Andersen, is one of critical inquiry and a desire for credible, evidence-based discussion of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine highlights both the sensational aspects of UFO sightings and the more grounded, investigative work of organizations like SUFOI, which seeks to separate fact from fiction. There's a clear emphasis on rational explanations and a skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly concerning the Roswell incident. The issue also touches upon the idea of government secrecy and the challenges of obtaining verifiable information about UFOs.

Title: UFO-NYT
Issue Date: May 31, 1997
Publisher: Berlingske Tidende
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-NYT, published by Berlingske Tidende on May 31, 1997, presents a critical and multifaceted exploration of UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial beliefs, and related scientific and religious interpretations. The magazine adopts a skeptical yet open-minded approach, featuring interviews, investigative articles, and analyses that aim to dissect the complexities of these subjects.

The Skeptical Approach to UFOs

The magazine opens with a discussion on the nature of UFO interest groups, highlighting that while many members initially believe in UFOs as spaceships, a critical examination of reports leads to a deeper interest in witness psychology, perception mechanisms, and the sociology of UFO reporting. The publication emphasizes that most sightings have natural explanations, such as meteors, rather than being extraterrestrial craft. It notes that while some members are dissatisfied with this skeptical line, UFO-NYT is committed to presenting information as they see it, even if it means demystifying popular beliefs. The magazine acknowledges that UFO stories with natural explanations can still be presented in an engaging way, and it also reviews science fiction films, recognizing their appeal to readers interested in the subject.

The Raëlian Movement: UFOs, Cloning, and a New Religion

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the Raëlian Movement, a religion founded by Claude Vorilhon (Raël) in 1976. The article, written by Mikael Rothstein, describes the movement as a modern religion that integrates cloning and genetic technology into its UFO-centric worldview. Raël claims to have received messages from extraterrestrial beings called Elohim, who he believes created life on Earth. The movement reinterprets Jewish-Christian religious motifs through a scientific and UFO-based lens. The Elohim are portrayed as highly advanced scientists, and biblical narratives are explained as literal accounts of their actions. The Raëlians believe that humanity is now reaching a technological level comparable to the Elohim, particularly in areas like cloning, as evidenced by the cloning of Dolly the sheep. The movement's 'earthly base' is envisioned in Jerusalem, and they anticipate the Elohim's return in 2025. The article also details the Raëlian organization's controversial venture into human cloning through Valiant Venture Ltd. and its company CLONAID, which offers cloning services for a fee, aiming to provide a form of eternal life. The movement's scientific director, Brigitte Boisselier, defends cloning, asserting parental rights to reproduce their own genetic material.

Debunking UFO Myths: Pyramids and Crop Circles

Another article by Leif Ahm challenges the popular belief that extraterrestrials were involved in the construction of the Egyptian pyramids or the creation of crop circles. The pyramids, built over 4,500 years ago near Cairo, are presented as a massive human undertaking, not the work of aliens. Archaeologists Zahi Hawass and Mark Lehner are cited, who have found evidence of the pyramid builders' settlements, suggesting a complex societal project involving skilled laborers, prisoners of war, and peasants, rather than a slave-driven enterprise. Regarding crop circles, the article dismisses the UFO theory, referencing a National Geographic broadcast that explored the phenomenon. Experts like Pat Delgado and Colin Andrews, while rejecting alien involvement, propose that invisible energies form the circles. However, the article leans towards more mundane explanations, noting that Colin Andrews's 1990 attempt to document crop circles was overshadowed by the discovery of ouija boards, and that the phenomenon is often attributed to natural causes or hoaxes. Physicist Terence Meaden suggests that wind phenomena, possibly amplified by static electricity in chalk-rich soil, could create the patterns. The article also mentions crop circle observations in Denmark, which were ultimately attributed to human activity.

Interviews and Perspectives

The issue includes an interview with Egon Dalsgaard, a member of the organization I.G.A.P. (International Get-Aquianted-Programme). Dalsgaard expresses certainty that UFOs are real spaceships and that extraterrestrials are among us, with an estimated 12-15 from various planets visiting Scandinavia regularly. He recounts personal UFO sightings and discusses the role of I.G.A.P. in collecting information. Dalsgaard also suggests that authorities are aware of extraterrestrial contact but keep it secret, possibly to control the dissemination of advanced alien technology and energy sources. He believes that extraterrestrials use unknown laws to travel, making their presence possible.

In another interview, Dalsgaard discusses the potential impact of contact with an extraterrestrial civilization. He believes that mere confirmation of intelligent life elsewhere would not cause major upheaval, citing the muted public reaction to news of potential life on Mars. However, a physical landing of a spaceship would be a global media event. He estimates the probability of intelligent life in the universe to be 99 percent, based on the sheer number of stars.

Government and UFOs

Documents from the Danish Ministry of Environment and Energy are included, showing correspondence regarding the use of searchlights and other light sources in the night sky. The Ministry, through the Forest and Nature Agency, is coordinating efforts to address issues related to light pollution and is considering forming a working group to explore solutions within existing legislation. This indicates a governmental awareness and a structured approach to managing potential disturbances caused by such phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO-NYT are the critical examination of UFO claims, the intersection of religion and science fiction (particularly with the Raëlian movement), and the debunking of popular myths surrounding ancient structures and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance is one of informed skepticism, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims while remaining open to deeper investigation into the psychological, sociological, and scientific dimensions of UFO sightings and related beliefs. The magazine aims to provide a balanced perspective, acknowledging the allure of extraterrestrial explanations while grounding discussions in evidence and rational analysis.