SUFOI Nyhedsbrev - 1997 11-12 No 6

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOI NYHEDSBREV
Issue: Nr. 6
Date: November/December 1997
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 1396-545X

This issue of SUFOI Nyhedsbrev, the Danish UFO information newsletter, covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, investigations, and the organization's activities. It features articles, reports on observations, and updates from local SUFOI groups.

Articles and Features

Two Sides of the Same Coin: The Robert Carr Case

This extensive article, written by Per Andersen, delves into the controversial claims of Robert Spencer Carr regarding the Roswell incident. Carr, who presented himself as a 'professor' and 'Dr. Carr', alleged in 1972 that he had knowledge of an alien autopsy performed in 1948. He claimed the US Air Force had two flying saucers and the bodies of 12 aliens stored at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The article details Carr's narrative, including his account of a UFO crash in New Mexico in 1948, the subsequent sealing of the area, and the autopsy of one of the small, deceased beings.

However, the article strongly refutes Carr's claims, presenting him as a fantasist whose imaginative world was often more real to him than reality. His son, Timothy Spencer Carr, came forward in 1997 after reading about his father online, expressing shame and guilt, and revealing that his father was a pathological fantasist. The article concludes by urging readers to be critical of wild stories circulating on the internet and other uncritical media.

News from the Report Center - By Toke Haunstrup

This section provides a summary of recent UFO observations reported to SUFOI.

• Copenhagen Area (May 25th): 11 individuals reported a phenomenon likely to be a spotlight, possibly located in the Herlev-Buddinge-Brønshøj area.
• Jupiter: The planet Jupiter's visibility in the summer led to inquiries, but it was identified as a celestial body.
• Korsør (August 13th): A 71-year-old woman reported observing a sphere with a light source and rotating 'smoke' inside. The phenomenon moved erratically and lasted about 25 seconds.
• Vedde near Stenlille (Date not specified): An interview was conducted with a couple who observed a phenomenon consisting of three oval lights moving in jerky steps from the horizon upwards. The observation lasted approximately 45 minutes.

News from Local Groups

• SUFOI-Aalborg - By Torben Birkeholm: The Aalborg group had to cancel a meeting but reconvened later, hosting Casper Christensen, a young man interested in UFO phenomena who had completed school projects on the topic, including a video and presentation.
• SUFOI-Copenhagen - By Per Andersen: The Copenhagen group planned to resume activities after November 1st due to a busy period with festivities and a congress.

New Issue of Ufologisk Tidsskrift - By Toke Haunstrup

This section announces the upcoming release of Volume 2 of 'Ufologisk Tidsskrift'. It will feature an article by Per Andersen on the social-psychological aspects of UFO issues, an article by Robert A. Baker arguing for psychological explanations for the abduction phenomenon, and a Danish translation of a report on the investigation of the 'Ukrainian sphere' by RIAP (with SUFOI support). The journal currently has about 30 subscribers.

SUFOI on TV3 and Other Media - By Toke Haunstrup

This piece details SUFOI's media presence. Toke Haunstrup was contacted by TV3 for an expert opinion on the film 'Men in Black' for a morning broadcast. He aimed to present SUFOI cautiously, focusing on their work with social-psychological explanatory models (Project PORT). Additionally, Haunstrup participated in a radio program on Denmark's Radio (P2) discussing UFO questions.

Internet Visitors Number 10,000 - By Per Andersen

SUFOI's website has surpassed 10,000 visitors, with the current count at 11,859. The average monthly visits have increased to nearly 2,000, up from 1,700 in June.

Anniversary Party a Great Success - By Per Andersen

The SUFOI anniversary party, held on October 4th, was a success with 40 attendees. The event featured a buffet, live music, an auction, and a speech by Peter. The party generated a significant surplus, partly from the auction of donated items.

Lectures - By Torben Birkeholm

• September 11th: Torben Birkeholm (TB) gave a lecture on 'UFOs Up Close' to the 'Danske Sælgere' (Danish Salespeople) association in Aalborg. Despite a small audience of 22, there was significant interest and many questions.
• September 18th: TB presented about SUFOI at the Ole Rømer Observatory in Århus to local amateur astronomers. The event provided an opportunity to compare SUFOI with IGAP.

Youth Magazine - By Torben Birkeholm

A journalist from the youth magazine 'CHILI' contacted SUFOI regarding the 1995 'bilstop-sagen' (car stop case) from Vejle. TB provided information, and the journalist was interested in speaking with the witness, but this was not possible as the witness had previously declined due to their work.

Ud & Se - By Per Andersen

An article previously mentioned in 'Ud & Se' magazine is confirmed to be published, with a photographer arranged for a shoot, likely for the November or December issue.

Observation Reports (Table)

The issue includes a detailed table of reported observations from August 1st to August 31st, 1997. Each entry includes the date, time, duration, location (including postcode and town), number of witnesses, object description (color, shape), and any potential identification (e.g., satellite, projector lights, Jupiter).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of UFO sightings, the critical examination of UFO claims (particularly the Robert Carr case), and the dissemination of information through SUFOI's publications and media interactions. The editorial stance, as highlighted by the concluding moral of the Robert Carr article, is one of encouraging critical thinking and skepticism towards unsubstantiated UFO stories, while still acknowledging the ongoing interest and reporting of phenomena.

This issue of "INDBERETNINGER GENNEM PERIODEN" covers the period of August 1st to August 31st, 1997, and focuses on UFO and unexplained phenomena reports, primarily from Denmark. The magazine compiles various sightings, investigations, and discussions related to these topics.

Key Articles and Reports

CIA: UFO'er var hemmelige spionfly (CIA: UFOs were secret spy planes)

This article, referencing a CIA investigation, suggests that during the Cold War, the US military allegedly used the public's fascination with UFOs to cover up the development and use of advanced spy planes like the U-2 and SR-71. These aircraft, capable of flying at very high altitudes, were reportedly used for reconnaissance over enemy territory. The CIA allegedly fabricated 'atmospheric phenomena' explanations for sightings of these planes to protect a sensitive security project and calm public concerns. Richard Hall, chairman of a UFO research fund, is quoted, noting this admission of government deception as significant.

En sag for Mulder og Scully (A case for Mulder and Scully)

This short piece humorously references the popular X-Files characters, Mulder and Scully, as FBI agents who were contacted regarding a strange sighting. A photographer, Frydkjær, apparently captured an image of an unidentified object on a field. The author attempted to contact Mulder and Scully but only reached an answering machine, implying they were busy with another case. The object lacked registration marks, and the main question posed is about the crew and their intentions.

Mystisk cirkel i kornmark (Mysterious circle in cornfield)

This article details the discovery of a large crop circle, approximately 250 square meters, on a cornfield belonging to farmer Ejvind Jensen in Vester Velling, Denmark. Jensen believes the circle was created by something extraterrestrial. Peter Nørgaard, vice-chairman of Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI), investigated the site. Theories discussed include pranksters, unusual natural phenomena, or UFO activity. The circle's precise form, described as a giant magnifying glass, and the way the crops were laid down without breaking, are noted as particularly intriguing. The article also mentions similar phenomena reported in England and other parts of Denmark, including Lolland and Kalundborg.

Hundredvis til V. Velling for at se korn-cirklen (Hundreds to V. Velling to see the corn circle)

This follow-up report describes the significant public interest generated by the crop circle in Vester Velling. Hundreds of people visited the site over the weekend to see the phenomenon. Birthe Jensen, whose husband owns the field, humorously notes that some visitors suggested the phenomenon might reappear the following year. The article reiterates that the origin of the circle remains unclear, with possibilities including human intervention, electrical discharge, or something else entirely. It also mentions that the crop outside the main circle will be harvested soon. A local woman reported seeing five sharp lights over the field on the night the circle may have formed, and these details have been passed to SUFOI for further investigation.

Måske var det en skypumpe (Maybe it was a waterspout)

This article presents an alternative explanation for the Vester Velling crop circle, proposed by Jens Ole Søndergaard, the mayor of Mariager and an avid weather observer. He suggests that a waterspout (skypumpe), a relatively rare phenomenon in Denmark, could have created the pattern. Søndergaard points to favorable weather conditions at the time and the shape of the crop circle, with the central circle possibly representing the vortex of the waterspout. He draws parallels with research from the USA, where waterspouts and tornadoes are more common, explaining their formation from horizontal to vertical swirling winds.

Mystiske objekter hen over Agtrup (Mysterious objects over Agtrup)

Residents in Agtrup reported seeing a mysterious fireball flying rapidly across the night sky on two consecutive evenings. While some initially dismissed it as a meteor (stjerneskud), its prolonged visibility and trajectory suggested otherwise. An astronomer, Camilla Bacher, from the Jels planetarium, suggests the object was likely the Russian space station Mir. She explains that satellites, especially the Mir, can be visible for longer periods when illuminated by the sun below the horizon. She also mentions that Jupiter has been very visible in the night sky recently, appearing as a bright, yellowish-red object.

De har set lyset (They have seen the light)

This article corroborates the reports of mysterious lights seen over Agtrup, extending the sightings to residents within Kolding. Tove Karlsen and her husband Per Andersen reported seeing similar mysterious light glimmers for three consecutive evenings. While they did not initially consider the possibility of UFOs, they found the explanation of the Russian space station Mir to be credible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports on unexplained aerial phenomena, crop circles, and related investigations. There is a clear interest in UFO sightings and the possibility of extraterrestrial or unknown craft. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts without definitively concluding on the nature of the phenomena. The inclusion of scientific and official explanations (like the CIA's alleged cover-up or the Mir space station) alongside eyewitness reports suggests a balanced approach to exploring these mysteries. The recurring mention of SUFOI indicates their role as a key organization in gathering and investigating such reports in Denmark.

This issue of the magazine, identified by the identifier '23E' and dated August 16, 1997, focuses on the phenomenon of crop circles and UFO sightings. The cover headline boldly states, "Sky pump cannot form crop circles," suggesting a debunking of a common theory. The publication originates from Denmark, with articles primarily in Danish.

The Crop Circle Debate: Sky Pumps vs. Human Creation

The lead article, "Skypumpe kan ikke danne korncirkel" (Sky pump cannot form crop circles), features insights from meteorologist Stig Rosenørn of DMI. Rosenørn dismisses the idea that sky pumps, despite their recent prevalence in Denmark, could be responsible for crop circles. He describes sky pumps as chaotic phenomena with unpredictable movements, capable of creating only random patterns, akin to a tracked vehicle moving randomly. Rosenørn firmly believes crop circles are man-made, hinting at a possible symbolic or religious motivation for their creation.

This perspective is contrasted with the initial suggestion by Mariager's mayor, Jens O. Søndergård, who had proposed sky pumps as a possible explanation due to recent weather events.

Korn-mønstre overalt på kloden (Corn patterns all over the globe)

This section delves into the history and theories surrounding crop circles. It notes that while the exact origin remains a mystery, reports date back to 1678, with increased focus in the 20th century. The first reported modern crop circle was in 1966. A significant event occurred in 1976 in Saskatchewan, Canada, where farmer Edwin Fuhr reported seeing silver dome-shaped craft followed by crop circles. The 1990s saw a surge in complex patterns, including ring, box, and key shapes, appearing in English fields, which led many to believe intelligent life was involved. The article mentions that by 1991, crop circles had spread globally, with some designs resembling computer graphics. It also highlights the controversial claim by Doug Bower and Dave Chorley, who stated they created the patterns using a plank and rope, but admitted they could not replicate the most intricate designs.

The article poses several questions about the origin of crop circles: are they the work of ambitious "constructors," a religious sign, a weather phenomenon, or something else? It briefly touches upon a claim by an American scientist who allegedly received information about crop circles via her computer, suggesting a "fifth dimension" aiding humanity's entry into a new world.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

UFO near passenger plane: An article from Aalborg Stiftstidende dated September 27, 1997, reports on a US investigation into a near-miss incident involving a Swiss passenger jet and an unidentified object near New York. The object, described as elongated, white, and wingless by the pilot, passed the Boeing 747 at high speed and a distance of only 50 meters. The incident occurred in the vicinity of where TWA Flight 800 crashed in July of the previous year, fueling theories about a missile strike. The US authorities, including the FAA and NTSB, interviewed the pilots, who also described the object as "round" from the co-pilot's perspective. No pilot mentioned the word "missile" during the interrogations.

Mystery Solved: An article from Frederiksborg Amts Avis dated September 5, 1997, reports on a supposed UFO sighting on Marsmarken, Denmark. It was later revealed to be a prop created by scenographer Torben Stig Nielsen for a commercial film. Nielsen had apparently reused the prop after the filming, and it had since disappeared.

Flying Saucers in the New Spirituality: An article from Aarhuus Stiftstidende dated September 22, 1997, announces a lecture organized by Ikon, a Christian working group focused on new religious movements. Journalist Per Borgaard was scheduled to present an overview of ufology and discuss the significance of flying saucers in the context of new spirituality in Denmark.

SUFOI Conference Announcement

A press release from SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) dated October 1997 announces an international UFO conference in Lyngby, Denmark, on November 1st. The event marks the organization's 40th anniversary and will feature leading UFO experts discussing topics such as Men in Black (MIB), professional pilots' UFO observations, and myth formation in ufology. Speakers include British author Jenny Randles, Dr. Richard F. Haines (formerly of NASA), Clas Svahn (chairman of UFO-Sweden), John Spencer (chairman of BUFORA), and Ph.D. Mikael Rothstein from the University of Copenhagen. The conference will also review recent Danish UFO observations and crop circle videos. Per Andersen, chairman of SUFOI, emphasizes the importance of presenting both sides of the UFO debate.

The press release also provides details on the conference program, including an accompanying UFO exhibition, and lists contact persons for further information: Lars Thomas (press chief) and Per Andersen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation into the origins of crop circles, the debunking of natural phenomena as explanations, and the reporting of UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, leaning towards rational explanations (human-made crop circles, misidentified objects, film props) while still acknowledging the ongoing mystery and public interest in UFO phenomena. The magazine also highlights the role of organizations like SUFOI in gathering and disseminating information on these topics, and promotes open discussion through conferences.