SUFOI Nyhedsbrev - 1998 05-06 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: SUFOI NYHEDSBREV
Issue: Nr. 3
Date: Maj/Juni 1998
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
ISSN: 1396-545X
Price: kr. 125,00 (annual subscription)

Editorial: Når Vi Selv Er Begrænsningen (When We Ourselves Are the Limitation) - By Per Andersen

Per Andersen, the editor-in-chief, begins with a critical examination of the concept of 'openness' often espoused by UFO enthusiasts. He argues that many who claim to be 'open-minded' are, in fact, quite the opposite, particularly within groups like IGAP. Andersen criticizes the tendency to dismiss alternative explanations for UFO sightings once a 'UFO' or 'spaceship' conclusion has been reached, highlighting a lack of willingness to discuss or investigate different theories.

He addresses the common argument: "I can't imagine what else this phenomenon could be, so it must be a spaceship." Andersen contends that personal limitations in imagination or understanding do not make a phenomenon more or less likely to be extraterrestrial. He emphasizes that proving UFOs are spaceships requires positive evidence, not just the absence of alternative explanations or the inability of individuals to conceive of them.

Andersen distinguishes between genuine openness and what he calls "unscientific naivety." True openness, he states, involves considering all arguments, evidence, and counter-arguments, and being willing to change one's stance based on new information. He suggests that if, after a reasonable period (e.g., 10 years), no solid evidence for UFOs being spaceships emerges, one should be prepared to conclude they are not. He dismisses the argument "you can't rule it out" as a logical fallacy that prevents genuine understanding and progress.

Cover Feature: Observationer i 1997 (Observations in 1997)

The cover prominently displays a bar chart illustrating the number of UFO observations reported to SUFOI throughout 1997. The monthly counts are: January (13), February (14), March (19), April (25), May (24), June (16), July (13), August (15), September (11), October (4), November (not shown), December (not shown). The highest number of observations occurred in April (25), while the lowest was in October (4). The chart is accompanied by a stylized illustration of an alien figure and flying saucers.

Case Study: Observation Fra Vor Frue (Observation from Vor Frue) - By Toke Haunstrup

This section details a UFO sighting by two young girls, Sarah (12) and Katja (13), from Vor Frue, a village near Roskilde, Denmark. Toke Haunstrup, the investigator, expresses initial caution due to the witnesses' age, citing research (like that of Elizabeth Loftus) indicating children can be unreliable witnesses. However, Sarah's mother encouraged her to report the incident to SUFOI's alarm center, leading to Haunstrup's investigation.

The Observation

On Sunday, March 15, 1998, around 8:00 PM, Sarah and Katja were walking when they saw what they initially thought was the moon. They then described a phenomenon consisting of three green lights in a triangle formation, surrounded by a circle of red, green, and white/yellow lights that blinked irregularly. The object appeared to spin a few times. A constant humming sound, likened to a "buzzing oil furnace," was heard after the lights were spotted. The area was otherwise silent.

During the observation, the girls experienced unusual physical sensations. Sarah felt nauseous and had an urge to vomit, while Katja felt as if her legs were being lifted by an external force. Frightened, they ran home. On the way, they saw two more phenomena: two white lights moving towards each other, circling each other, and then moving away in opposite directions. Later, they saw two more lights that initially hovered and then moved away.

Upon reaching Sarah's home, the girls were visibly distressed, leading Sarah's parents to inquire about the experience.

Complexity and Additional Elements

Haunstrup notes that the case's complexity stems not only from the visual observation but also from the accompanying strange occurrences and the witnesses' young age. He elaborates on the physical sensations and adds two more peculiar elements:

1. The Two Older Ladies: While observing the main phenomenon, the girls noticed two elderly ladies walking towards them. The ladies seemed 'strange,' walking stiffly and not responding when the girls pointed out the phenomenon. They passed by without acknowledging the girls or the object.
2. The Newspapers: On their way home, the girls saw a bundle of newspapers by the roadside. They found this unusual for a Sunday evening and noted a "green man" on the front page. Upon closer inspection, the "green man" turned out to be a person in green cycling attire.

Haunstrup emphasizes the complexity of the case, noting that Sarah's account remained consistent during a personal interview a week after the initial phone call.

Investigation

Following the initial contact, Haunstrup conducted a minor investigation to determine if the observations could be linked to military exercises or unusual aerial activity. He contacted Flyvestation Værløse, Flyvestation Skrydstrup, and Roskilde Lufthavn (formerly Tune Lufthavn). These inquiries ruled out significant military activity (except potentially fighter jets) and civilian air traffic from Roskilde. The possibility of ordinary civilian aircraft en route to or from Kastrup Lufthavn remained.

The Girls

When asked if they believed in UFOs, both girls answered "yes." Katja specified "not like green men," while Sarah mentioned "maybe beings like in the movie E.T." Both girls had developed a strong interest in UFOs, particularly after their experience. They had previously followed the TV series "Strengt Fortroligt" (The X-Files), which their parents later forbade them from watching.

Sarah recounted a film where a mother was abducted by aliens. Katja had read an article in a UFO magazine about a family seeing something in their backyard. These details suggest the girls had a pre-existing interest in UFOs, which heightened their awareness before the sighting.

They reported their experience to their teacher, who shared it with the class, leading to the girls being teased by their classmates. Since the event, they frequently look at the sky for UFOs.

Assessment

Haunstrup concludes that the girls likely witnessed unusual aerial phenomena (possibly aircraft) that triggered a series of psychological mechanisms. The initial sighting, combined with Sarah's question to Katja, created an "eerie atmosphere." Their thoughts turned to UFOs, spaceships, and scenarios from TV shows and magazines. This shared anxiety may have led to Katja's feeling of being 'forced' and Sarah's nausea, which Haunstrup suggests could be stress-related. The subsequent sightings of lights, the encounter with the ladies, and the newspapers were interpreted through this heightened state of awareness.

He reiterates that his hypothesis is a personal interpretation based on the interview and his experience, acknowledging the possibility of other explanations.

Comments on the Above - By Per Andersen

Per Andersen provides commentary on the case study, focusing on the psychology of eyewitness testimony, drawing heavily on the work of Elizabeth Loftus and her book "Eyewitness Testimony." He outlines criteria for good and bad witnesses, emphasizing that "bad witness" refers solely to the ability to accurately perceive a phenomenon, not a personal judgment.

Andersen states that the two girls in the Vor Frue case meet most criteria for "bad witnesses." This does not invalidate their experience but suggests a higher probability that they did not perceive the phenomena accurately. Therefore, the observation must be treated with greater caution.

Key factors influencing observations, according to Andersen, include:

• Duration: Witnesses tend to overestimate the duration of events, especially complex or emotional ones. SUFOI recommends reconstructing the event to get a better time estimate.
• Emotional State: Emotionally charged events are remembered less well. Witnesses in such situations may have difficulty observing details.
• Stress: Stress, whether situational or chronic, impairs observational abilities. Stress symptoms in UFO witnesses should be noted.
• Expectations: "You see what you want to see." This is illustrated by hunters mistaking other hunters for game. Similarly, individuals interested in UFOs may be more prone to interpret ambiguous phenomena as UFOs. This bias can exist even in those not specifically interested in UFOs.

Andersen details four forms of expectations:

1. Cultural Norms: Societal values and stereotypes influence perception. For example, one wouldn't expect a person in a suit to be a bank robber. In UFO contexts, stereotypes like "flying saucers," "windows," and "antennas" can subconsciously shape what witnesses report seeing.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the importance of rigorous investigation, and the psychological factors influencing witness accounts. Per Andersen's editorial strongly advocates for a skeptical and evidence-based approach, cautioning against confirmation bias and unscientific leaps of faith. The case study of the Vor Frue sighting serves as a practical example of how witness age, emotional state, and pre-existing expectations can complicate the interpretation of potentially mundane events. The inclusion of commentary on eyewitness testimony reinforces the magazine's commitment to a methodical and analytical approach to UFO research.

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: 11
Date: 1998
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Focus: UFO phenomena, investigation, and related psychological aspects.

Psychology of UFO Sightings

The issue begins with an in-depth exploration of how prior experiences and personal norms significantly influence UFO observations. It is argued that individuals often approach sightings with pre-existing expectations, leading them to automatically categorize similar phenomena as UFOs, even if they might be conventional aircraft. This psychological filtering process, which occurs unconsciously, can shape the interpretation of an observation by excluding details that might suggest a more mundane explanation, such as a plane. The article highlights that temporary expectations, arising from the immediate situation, also play a crucial role, similar to a hunter expecting to see game. In the context of UFOs, this means an observer might actively look for something exciting in the sky, thereby influencing what they perceive. The focus during an event is also critical; a witness who believes planes cannot be silent will unconsciously direct their attention to other aspects of the phenomenon, rather than those relevant to identifying an aircraft. The conclusion is that the odds are often against objective observation of potential UFOs due to these factors, often being short-lived, emotionally charged experiences shaped by preconceived notions about 'UFOs' or 'flying saucers'. This was particularly noted in the case of two girls from Vor Frue.

Large Fiery Sphere Over Northern Europe

An article by Per Andersen details a large fiery sphere observed over Northern Europe, specifically Hamburg, on May 2, 1998, around 00:55. A request for information came from CENAP in Germany. A Danish observer from Lolland reported seeing a distinct 'spluttering' light moving slowly left and descending while driving home. The light disappeared after a few seconds, and the witness was unsure if it went behind houses or simply vanished.

News from Local Groups

Copenhagen Group:
Per Andersen reports on the Copenhagen group's activities. On April 18, they held an 'observation tour' at the summer house of Bjarne and Susanne. Amateur astronomer Hans Sørensen gave a presentation on the night sky. Despite initially unclear weather, the group later used Sørensen's telescope to observe astronomical phenomena like galaxy clusters. The group concluded its season with a lecture by physicist Holger Bech Nielsen from the Niels Bohr Institute, who discussed relativity theories and wormholes. Approximately 50 people attended.

Campaign for Schools:
Kim Møller Hansen has initiated a campaign to distribute 'UFO-Nyt' (UFO News) to schools. A press release has been sent to about 600 Danish primary schools, with plans to reach 1,600 more if the response is positive.

SUFOI Activities

Report Taker Course in Copenhagen:
Toke Haunstrup describes a report-taking course held by SUFOI in Copenhagen on May 2-3. Six participants attended. The course structure and content were updated, with less emphasis on measurement exercises and more on interview techniques, including a new 'Telephone Interview' exercise. The 'Known Phenomena' section was expanded, and a new point, 'To See and Remember,' was added. These changes aimed to make the course more contemporary and equip participants better for taking reports. Originally, Torben, Per, and Toke were scheduled to teach, but Torben had to withdraw due to work issues. Per and Toke proceeded with the course. The participants found the weekend educational and positive, though some requested more information on known phenomena and more time for interview techniques.

Lectures:
Ole Henningsen gave a lecture on 'Life in the Universe' to a 7th-grade class at Østofte School on November 25, 1997. He also lectured on 'Life in the Universe' for AOF in Maribo as part of a series. Per Andersen lectured on meteorology to the Copenhagen Air Defense Squadron at Værløse Air Base on April 18.

SUFOI on CD-ROM:
Per Andersen reports that SUFOI was featured on a CD-ROM distributed with the magazine 'Komputer For Alle' in March. The CD-ROM included a 'mysticism' section with internet pages from various sources. SUFOI was the only Danish website represented, with a significant portion of its content included, providing good publicity. Other featured sites included CNI-News and UFO Sverige, alongside pages on astrology and natural medicine.

Video on Animal Cruelty:
SUFOI received an inquiry from US video company Artshark Productions about 'animal cruelty' for a documentary titled 'Papoose Meadows.' The documentary concerns a 12-hour-long incident of animal cruelty filmed in Papoose Meadows, Northern California, in autumn 1997. The producers planned to visit Denmark/Sweden but were primarily interested in financial support, which SUFOI could not provide.

Free Advertising:
Per Andersen notes that SUFOI's website was chosen as 'today's link' by Webguiden, a Danish search system, on April 26. Webguiden offers various functions to enhance internet navigation. The author did not personally check if SUFOI's site was indeed featured.

Conferences:
Information is provided on upcoming conferences. CSICOP is holding its annual world conference in Heidelberg, Germany, from July 23-26, 1998, covering topics like doomsday prophecies and natural medicine, with speakers including Elizabeth Loftus and Paul Kurtz. The Israel Center for UFO Studies is hosting a UFO congress in Jerusalem from August 16-20, 1998, featuring speakers like Stanton Friedman, Roger Lier, Donald Ware, and Michael Hesemann.

'Spaceship or Neon Tubes'

This section, authored by Suzanne Tram, discusses Torben Birkeholm, the chairman of SUFOI, who has held the position for 23 years. SUFOI, celebrating its 25th anniversary, is investigating a recent observation in Northern Jutland. On February 16, a motorist near Gandrup saw a strange phenomenon, not the low orange moon visible that evening, which greatly frightened him, leading him to believe it was an atomic bomb. The incident generated further inquiries, some potentially related to the same phenomenon. SUFOI's primary goal is to explain and demystify aerial phenomena, succeeding in most cases. However, about 10% of observations remain unexplained by current methods and knowledge. These unexplained cases are classified as UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects), which does not necessarily imply extraterrestrial origin. Torben Birkeholm states that SUFOI's purpose is not to prove alien visitation but to investigate. He is reluctant to state his personal beliefs about extraterrestrial visits, positioning himself between skepticism and belief. He notes that SUFOI receives 12,000-15,000 inquiries annually, with fewer than 50 concerning 'close encounters of the third kind' (UFOs seen with occupants). Individuals involved in such experiences are often hesitant to report due to fear of ridicule. SUFOI plans to conduct studies similar to those in the USA to find common traits among witnesses of 'second-degree' (UFOs) or 'third-degree' (UFOs with occupants) encounters. Previous studies suggest these individuals are generally more creative, imaginative, and open to spiritual phenomena. Birkeholm expresses skepticism about popular American accounts of alien abductions, particularly those recalled under hypnosis, viewing them as potentially fabricated or influenced by suggestion.

Unexplained Cases:
Birkeholm believes that if extraterrestrials were to visit Earth, they would likely be so advanced that they wouldn't need to abduct people for information. He also doubts that hypnosis can reliably recall hidden memories, suggesting it can also create false ones. Most reports received by SUFOI concern phenomena observed at night, where the light source is often obscured, making them difficult to investigate. Daytime sightings, which constitute about 5% of reports, are more often explained because the light source is visible. Torben Birkeholm himself receives 20-50 inquiries annually from people in Northern Jutland who have seen something unexplained or frightening. Police and Flyvestation Aalborg often refer such cases to SUFOI. Sometimes, multiple people report the same phenomenon, but often it is a single individual who was alone during the experience. The specific case near Gandrup is still under investigation to determine if it was a UFO or a logical explanation for the fear experienced.

Report Entries

The magazine includes extensive tables detailing UFO and aerial phenomena reports received by SUFOI. These entries include observation dates, times, durations, locations (with postal codes and towns), colors, number of witnesses, and status codes indicating how the report was handled (e.g., email, contact made, forms sent/received, report taken). The data covers periods from August 1966 to March 1998 and July 1994 to April 1998. Status codes are explained, detailing the process from initial alarm to report central submission.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the psychological aspects of UFO sightings, the importance of rigorous investigation, and the role of organizations like SUFOI in documenting and analyzing these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking rational explanations while acknowledging that a small percentage of cases remain unexplained. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific approach to studying UFOs, distinguishing between belief and evidence, and critically evaluating witness testimony, particularly concerning memory recall under hypnosis. The magazine also highlights SUFOI's efforts in public outreach, education, and maintaining a comprehensive database of sightings.

This issue of UFO-Nyt, dated 1998, focuses on "Unexplainable Fynske Objects" and UFO sightings reported in Denmark. It features numerous articles detailing witness accounts, investigations by Skandinavisk UFO-Information (SUFOI), and discussions on the nature of UFO phenomena.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Several articles detail specific UFO sightings across Denmark. In Gandrup, a witness reported a large, yellowish light that could speed up and rotate. Near Skagen and Strandby, a luminous object was observed changing course and speed. In Aalborg, a circular, orange-yellow object was seen moving erratically. A 77-year-old man in Tommerup ST. described a large, round, bowl-shaped object with lights. In Egebjerg, a brightly lit, flame-yellow object with windows was observed. In Horsens, a large, egg-shaped object with windows was seen close to the ground. On West Fyn, multiple witnesses reported a large spotlight creating UFO-like patterns on clouds, which was later identified as a powerful projector.

Torben Birkeholm, leader of SUFOI, is frequently quoted, emphasizing that while most reported phenomena have logical explanations, a small percentage remain unidentified. He clarifies that a UFO is simply an "unidentified flying object" and not necessarily an alien spacecraft.

SUFOI is actively collecting reports and has contact persons throughout the country to gather information. The organization is interested in all strange phenomena and encourages witnesses to come forward.

UFO Culture and Beliefs

The issue also touches upon the cultural and religious aspects surrounding UFOs. An article discusses a Taiwanese religious group, the "Guds Frelserkirke" (God's Savior Church), that moved to Texas, USA, expecting divine arrival via UFO on March 31st. The group's leader, Heng-ming Chen, claims to communicate with God and predicts a mass event involving a flying saucer.

Another section discusses the "UFO-Nyt" magazine itself, listing older issues for sale and promoting a large poster featuring UFO motifs. It also mentions a debate about UFOs organized by "International Dialog" in Århus, featuring Jesper Maagaard from IGAP and cand. theol. Lars Munk Sørensen.

Explanations and Misidentifications

Several articles address potential explanations for UFO sightings. The high number of sightings in August is attributed to people being outdoors for the Perseid meteor shower. The case of a "UFO" near Assens was identified as a powerful spotlight. The article "En ufo, der ikke var en ufo" (A UFO that wasn't a UFO) describes a situation where a driver saw a luminous object that turned out to be a broken fluorescent tube, explaining a previous sighting.

SUFOI's statistics show that out of 300 reported UFO observations in 1997, only 22 were seen on Fyn. The organization suggests that the lower number of reports from Fyn might be due to the lack of a local SUFOI representative there.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, witness testimonies, the investigative work of SUFOI, and the exploration of various explanations for these phenomena, ranging from natural occurrences and conventional aircraft to more speculative theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena while also promoting rational explanations and debunking misidentifications. The magazine serves as a platform for sharing UFO-related news, research, and personal accounts within the Danish UFO community.

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, dated approximately October 25, 1993, focuses on recent UFO-related investigations and publications. The cover story, 'Dobbeltmåner' (Double Moons), details SUFOI's investigation into six reports received in October 1993 concerning the observation of an apparent second moon next to the actual moon. The article notes that this optical phenomenon is not described in existing literature. The issue also highlights two books: 'UFOer over Polen' (UFOs over Poland) and a general ufology book titled 'UFO'. Additionally, it advertises various sales materials from Skandinavisk UFO Information, including postcards and a special anniversary envelope.

Dobbeltmåner

The 'Dobbeltmåner' section reports that SUFOI received six accounts of double moons in October 1993. These observations involved seeing an extra moon image adjacent to the real moon. The article emphasizes the novelty of this phenomenon, stating that no known literature appears to have described similar observations. The publication, described as a booklet, is illustrated, spans 60 pages, and costs 76.00 DKK. The report is dated from Lemvig, circa October 25, 1993.

UFOer over Polen

This section introduces a book titled 'UFOer over Polen', published in the wake of changes in Eastern Europe. It is presented as one of the few UFO books available from that region. The book contains numerous reports on landings, close encounters, physical effects, and UFO photographs from Poland. It also delves into the history of ufology in Poland, featuring the first two Polish UFO photos. The book is a two-volume set totaling 84 pages and costs 86.00 DKK. The author is identified as Bronislaw Rzepecki, and the content covers the period 1947-1987. The publication is associated with Skandinavisk UFO Information.

UFO

A general introductory book on ufology is presented, titled 'UFO'. This book includes Danish and international observations, photo analyses, and UFO theories. It is richly illustrated and specifically recommended for young people and study groups. The book is published by Gyldendal, contains 48 pages, and is currently on sale for 39.00 DKK. It is also associated with Skandinavisk UFO Information.

Andre Salgsmaterialer (Other Sales Materials)

This section details additional items available for purchase from Skandinavisk UFO Information:

• Postkort (Postcards): Five double postcards with envelopes are available for 10.00 DKK. The motif of the postcard is shown in an accompanying image.
• Jubilæumskuvert med særstempel (Anniversary Envelope with Special Stamp): In commemoration of SUFOI's 30th anniversary in 1987, a special envelope was printed, franked, and postmarked on the anniversary day. There are five unique types (A to E) with different frankings, priced from 25.00 DKK to 45.00 DKK.

Instructions for ordering are provided, including sending payment via giro or check to SUFOI, Boks 6, 2820 Gentofte, Denmark, along with a clear indication of the desired items. A contact phone number (70 20 11 22) is also given for inquiries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO phenomena, investigations, and the dissemination of information through publications and sales materials. The editorial stance appears to be one of active research (SUFOI's investigations), promotion of ufological literature (both specific regional and general), and providing resources for enthusiasts. There is a clear focus on documenting and analyzing UFO reports, with an emphasis on historical context and photographic evidence. The inclusion of sales materials suggests a commitment to supporting the organization and making related content accessible to the public.