SUFOI Nyhedsbrev - 1999 07-08 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of SUFOI Nyhedsbrev, number 4 from 1999, published in July/August, is a Danish publication from Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI). The cover features a dark image of Mars and the main headline "SUFOI Nyhedsbrev". The magazine is priced at kr. 130.00 and has an ISSN of 1396-545X.

Editorial and Administrative Information

The editor-in-chief is Flemming O. Rasmussen, located in Lystrup, Denmark. The publication is copyrighted by SUFOI in 1999. Articles, letters to the editor, and debate contributions are welcomed. SUFOI Nyhedsbrev is published every other month, with deadlines on the 15th of even-numbered months for the subsequent issue. The printing is handled by Burre Reklame in Silkeborg. Distribution is managed by SUFOIS Ekspedition in Aabenraa. Subscription information is provided, with the annual subscription for 6 issues costing kr. 130.00, payable to SUFOI's Postboks 6 in Gentofte. Contact details for SUFOI include a UFO alarm number (70 20 11 22), information number (70 20 11 22), Giro account (9 11 77 25), email ([email protected]), and website (www.sufoi.dk and www.ufo.dk).

Table of Contents

The issue's table of contents reveals a strong focus on a debate surrounding the "spaceship hypothesis" for UFOs. Key articles include:

• Debat (Debate): A section dedicated to discussions on SUFOI and spaceships.
• SUFOI og rumskibene (SUFOI and the Spaceships): An article by Toke Haunstrup.
• Et par kommentarer til Toke (A Few Comments on Toke): Contributions from Per Andersen and Torben Birkeholm.
• Kommentar til „rumskibsdebatten“ (Comment on the "Spaceship Debate"): An article by Ole Henningsen.
• Erfaring og konsekvens (Experience and Consequence): Another article by Toke Haunstrup.
• Lysfænomen over Danmark (Light Phenomenon over Denmark): A report by Clas Svahn.

Other articles cover topics such as the age of the universe, news clippings, a Santilli video, SUFOI's website, searching for ET, a Mars face finding, and the start of the crop circle season.

Debate: SUFOI and the Spaceship Hypothesis

The core of this issue revolves around a debate initiated by Toke Haunstrup's editorial in SUFOI Intern, which was also published in UFO-Nyt nr. 1/99. Haunstrup argues that the spaceship hypothesis, the theory that UFOs are alien spacecraft, presents significant difficulties as an explanation for UFO phenomena. He suggests that cultural-sociological and psychological perspectives are more fruitful for understanding these events. He likens the spaceship hypothesis to a dogma that adherents desperately try to uphold, drawing parallels to historical scientific paradigms like the Ptolemaic system, which was eventually replaced by the Copernican system due to observational inconsistencies.

Haunstrup points out a paradox within the spaceship hypothesis: the more bizarre an observation, the fewer observers there are. He suggests that a simpler, more probable explanation for these close encounters is psychological. He states that SUFOI is in a "crossroads" position, as the topic is often associated with spaceships, yet their practical experience suggests a more nuanced approach is needed. He advocates for a serious discussion to prevent SUFOI from becoming a spineless organization without direction, proposing that freeing themselves from the spaceship hypothesis as a paradigm and focusing on cultural, sociological, and psychological interpretations would advance UFO research.

Per Andersen agrees with Haunstrup's assessment, suggesting that SUFOI's purpose statement needs revision as it implicitly equates the spaceship hypothesis with other theories. He argues that SUFOI should acknowledge that some theories are more probable than others, rather than maintaining a neutral stance that forces them to defend all possibilities equally, which he deems "nonsense."

Torben Birkeholm comments that while he agrees the spaceship hypothesis is not the most obvious explanation, he disagrees with Haunstrup's claim that SUFOI does not address the discrepancy between experiences and the spaceship paradigm. Birkeholm asserts that UFO-Nyt articles and editorials have often pointed to alternative explanations, including psychological and sociological models. He notes that some former members have left the organization due to this line of reasoning, and some readers may have not renewed their subscriptions because of a perceived lack of spaceship-oriented content.

Ole Henningsen expresses confusion about the need for Haunstrup's editorial, stating that SUFOI has officially "shelved" the spaceship hypothesis years ago. He believes that SUFOI has moved beyond the spaceship paradigm and that this is a strength, not a weakness. He advocates for a critical but open stance, not completely dismissing the spaceship hypothesis but maintaining a nuanced approach.

Toke Haunstrup, in his second article, "Experience and Consequence," thanks the other contributors and reiterates his agreement with the criticism of SUFOI's "spineless" purpose statement (point 4). He desires an explicit stance on the spaceship hypothesis (ETH), as it is the most prevalent theory in ufology. He argues that SUFOI's practical experience suggests that ETH is not a primary explanation for most UFO reports. Instead, many cases are likely explainable by psychological and sociological mechanisms, citing numerous instances of misobservation and misinterpretation. He believes that SUFOI's purpose statement and public statements should reflect these findings, even if it means acknowledging that the "road has turned." He emphasizes that while avoiding falling into another "ditch" (like dogmatically adhering to the spaceship hypothesis), SUFOI should follow where the evidence leads.

Haunstrup also addresses Ole Henningsen's comment about SUFOI officially shelving the hypothesis, stating that while articles in UFO-Nyt have been critical of ETH, the organization itself has not officially abandoned it. He denies any manipulative intent in his editorial and clarifies that his point was not that SUFOI is spaceship-oriented, but rather that it has avoided taking a stance on the spaceship hypothesis at a more general level. He highlights SUFOI's extensive empirical data from over 40 years of report collection, which has fostered a sober and balanced perspective. He urges the organization to take the final step and draw conclusions from this experience, even if it means discussing and examining things more closely.

UFO Sighting: Light Phenomenon over Denmark

Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sweden, reports on a light phenomenon observed by the crews of four commercial aircraft over the North Sea in early February 1999. The incident occurred west of Jutland at 17:30 GMT. The crews described a strong, glowing light that illuminated the sky for less than ten seconds, unlike aircraft landing lights. ATC (air traffic control) at Kastrup could not detect any other air traffic. Five minutes later, a radar echo was detected 120 km from the aircraft. Svahn contacted the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in London and received a summary of the pilot's report from a Debonair flight. The report mentioned an "unidentified strong light" on BAe146 at FL280 (8,400 meters). While some newspapers reported the object was "as large as a battleship" and that the light "stopped," these details were not in the pilot's report to CAA. Svahn also consulted with Bertil Lindblad, an expert on fireballs, who confirmed that fireballs, which are bright meteors from the asteroid belt, can leave radar traces due to air ionization. The delay in the radar echo could be due to weather radar.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the internal debate within SUFOI regarding the spaceship hypothesis. There is a clear division between those who believe SUFOI should take a more definitive stance, leaning away from the spaceship hypothesis and towards psychological and sociological explanations (like Haunstrup and Andersen), and those who feel the organization has already moved past the spaceship hypothesis and should maintain a critical but open approach (like Henningsen and Birkeholm). The editorial stance appears to be evolving, with a growing acknowledgment of the need to address the spaceship hypothesis more directly and to integrate empirical findings into the organization's stated purpose. The reporting of the Danish light phenomenon sighting also reflects the organization's commitment to investigating and analyzing UFO reports, while also being critical of sensationalized media coverage.

Title: SUFOI Nyhedsbrev
Issue: nr.4
Date: 1999

This issue of SUFOI Nyhedsbrev delves into a variety of intriguing topics, from unexplained aerial phenomena and astronomical discoveries to personal accounts of alternative health and ancient astronaut theories. The publication serves as a platform for reporting on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena, alongside broader scientific and personal interest stories.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The issue prominently features several UFO-related reports. One article details a radar observation made by pilots from GT, where an object was detected by radar but not seen visually. The pilots' accounts varied, with some describing the object moving directly towards them, others diagonally, and one suggesting it moved upwards. Information is noted as uncertain.

A report from UFO-Sverige indicates that approximately five sightings of very bright fireballs occur annually in Sweden. The most recent report, from the Stockholm area to northern Gotland on April 6, 1999, describes a bright light sphere, suggesting it was a light-in-sphere phenomenon. Investigations are ongoing.

Another section presents an "Observationsliste" (Observation List) detailing various reports received, including their status and how they were logged (e.g., via email, alarm center). This list spans from 1992-93 to May 1999, documenting observations with dates, durations, locations, colors, and reporting methods.

A significant article titled "Måske ER der nogen derude" (Maybe Someone Is Out There) discusses the Discovery Channel's "Alien Invasion Week," which focused on UFOs and extraterrestrial life. It touches upon Erich von Däniken's theory that ancient civilizations were instructed by alien visitors, citing his book "Chariots of the Gods?" and mentioning his claim that ancient landing sites, like Nazca in Peru, show evidence of spacecraft. The week's programming also included segments on potential alien contact and the UK's UFO wave of 1996-1997, featuring Nick Pope's work and his book "The Uninvited," which suggests government cover-ups of abduction cases.

Further UFO reports include the "Fast Walker" episode from May 5, 1984, investigated by defense authorities, where an object was tracked by satellite. The object's behavior, including stopping and moving away into space, led to speculation about its origin. The article also mentions a report from a Danish jet pilot who, along with three other pilots, observed an unidentified flying object with a bright flash of light off the coast of Jutland on February 3, 1999. The object reportedly stopped, then disappeared at high speed. Air traffic controller Sören Schütt confirmed reports from two SAS pilots and a Sabena pilot about the same incident.

Sergeant Ejgil Kjær of Vojens reported seeing a powerful light trail on the evening of May 1, 1999, describing it as a sphere with a flaming tail and glowing embers. While he speculated it might be a meteor, the description suggests a significant aerial event. Orion Planetarium in Jels did not register this phenomenon.

Finally, an article from "Morsø Folkeblad" dated April 16, 1999, features Birthe Fibæk, who discovered mysterious square marks in her garden's snow during winter. She photographed them and submitted them to Scandinavian UFO-information for analysis. Torben Birkeholm is investigating the case, comparing the marks to known unexplained phenomena. Birthe Fibæk speculates they could be related to a strong rushing sound heard at the time, possibly from an unidentified flying object.

Astronomy

The issue includes an article titled "Hvor gammelt er universet?" (How Old Is the Universe?), discussing recent findings from astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope. Led by Wendy Freedman of the Carnegie Institute, the team estimates the universe's age to be between 12 and 13.5 billion years, based on measurements of the Hubble constant. The article contrasts this with Allan Sandage's estimate of 14 to 18 billion years. It also notes that Freedman's work suggests the universe will likely continue to expand indefinitely.

Personal Stories and Alternative Health

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the personal lives and alternative health practices of actors Jonna Hjerl and Søren Elung. They share their positive experiences with "Nova Vita" wool bedding, which is infused with magnets. Jonna reports relief from hot flashes and improved sleep, while Søren's back problems have also eased. They attribute their well-being to the natural properties of wool and the magnetic therapy.

Jonna Hjerl also discusses her interest in alternative medicine, recounting how she was cured of severe asthma 30 years prior through homeopathic treatment. She emphasizes a preference for natural and organic products in her daily life, including wool, silk, cotton, spring water, and organic food.

Søren Elung shares an experience from about 40 years ago when he witnessed a large red sun-like object in the sky, followed by cigar-shaped objects emitting loud sounds before disappearing. Jonna also recounts an experience where her daughter Tacha claimed to see the apparition of a deceased family friend, an event that later seemed to be corroborated when Jonna herself experienced a similar phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the unexplained, the cosmic, and alternative approaches to well-being. The magazine consistently reports on UFO sightings and related phenomena, suggesting an open-minded stance towards the possibility of extraterrestrial life and unexplained events. The inclusion of astronomical research indicates an interest in the scientific exploration of the universe. Furthermore, the personal stories about alternative health practices highlight a focus on natural and holistic approaches to well-being, often presented as effective alternatives to conventional medicine. The editorial stance appears to be one of curiosity, investigation, and a willingness to explore phenomena that lie outside mainstream scientific or medical consensus.

Title: SUFOI Nyhedsbrev
Issue: nr. 4
Volume: 1999
Date: May 26, 1999

This issue of SUFOI Nyhedsbrev (Newsletter) delves into various topics related to unexplained phenomena, science, and technology. The cover story focuses on the start of the crop circle season, while other articles discuss the SETI project, a new discovery on Mars, amateur space exploration, and personal flying vehicles.

Crop Circle Season Begins

The main article, "Korncirkelsæsonen er startet" (The Crop Circle Season Has Started), reports on the emergence of geometric figures in fields, primarily in England. Bente Bundgaard notes that around forty such formations have been reported in Wiltshire and Hampshire. The phenomenon, which has led to the development of 'cereology,' has been occurring for about ten years and generates significant speculation about its origin. Theories range from UFO landings and 'New Age' communication to practical jokes. The article highlights that about 90% of crop circles appear in Britain. It also touches upon the economic impact, with farmers charging tourists for access to view the formations, and mentions organized tours to sites like Stonehenge and Avebury.

The article discusses various interpretations, including a Buddhist website suggesting crop circles are psychic phenomena from 'Avatars' or 'Holy Spirits.' It also contrasts this with the more grounded explanation of human creators using planks, citing crop circle maker Doug Bower's demonstration on British TV. Skeptics question the lack of footprints and the ability of humans to create such complex patterns without error. Some crop circle makers, like John Lundberg and Rod Dickinson, view their creations as art and acknowledge experiencing strange phenomena like light spheres during their nocturnal activities, suggesting their work attracts paranormal attention.

A significant development mentioned is Laurence Rockefeller's funding of a scientific study in Wiltshire to investigate the crop circle phenomenon, involving private investigators and the local agricultural association.

News and Notes

News on the Santilli Videos:

Per Andersen reports on a shift in Philip Mantle's stance regarding the controversial alien autopsy video. Mantle, previously a strong supporter of Ray Santilli, is now distancing himself from the case. This follows revelations that several English individuals have admitted to producing one of the video sequences, specifically the tent sequence involving a president and an alien. While the tent sequence is admitted as fake, there remains ambiguity about Santilli's involvement in its production. Some witnesses claim a music company produced it with Santilli's knowledge, while others suggest the company deceived Santilli. Santilli himself claims he had doubts about the tent sequence and did not include it in the general release. Mantle expresses a loss of faith in the entire case, citing Santilli's numerous opportunities to provide proof that were not taken, and a sense of personal betrayal.

SUFOI on P3:

Toke Haunstrup recounts an interview on Danish Radio P3 where he discussed the myth of UFOs always resembling flying saucers, referencing the origin of the term from Kenneth Arnold's sighting. The interview was described as sober by listeners.

SUFOI's Website:

Flemming O. Rasmssen details recent issues with SUFOI's website (www.sufoi.dk), hosted by World Online. Problems included domain name registration and server downtime. The article criticizes World Online's poor customer service and lack of information, despite offering phone numbers that lead to automated messages.

Activities

Searching for ET at Home:

This section introduces the SETI@Home project, launched by the Planetary Society. This initiative allows computer owners to contribute to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence by running a screensaver program that analyzes data from the Arecibo radio telescope in Puerto Rico. The project experienced a strong start, with 500,000 participants exceeding the initial expectation of 150,000. However, a computer error led to many participants processing the same data from January, causing a delay. The project acknowledges the 'growing start-up difficulties' and asks for patience.

SETI 'Down Under' is Successful:

Meanwhile, SETI scientists are commencing a major search in the Southern Hemisphere using the Parkes radio telescope in Australia. They aim to scan 58 million radio channels for signs of non-terrestrial intelligence. This system is similar to the one used by SETI Project Serendip in Berkeley, California, which scans the Northern Hemisphere with the Arecibo telescope.

Search for ET Yourself:

Readers interested in participating can visit planetary.org or setiathome.ssl.berkeley.edu.

SETI Project Quote:

A quote from the SETI project states that finding an extraterrestrial signal would be a historic event, forever changing humanity's perception of its place in the universe.

Amateurs Send Rocket into Space:

This article details the efforts of amateur enthusiasts to enter the space exploration field. John Powell and his group, JP Aerospace, based in Sacramento, California, planned to launch a 7.7 kg rocket from the Black Rock Desert in Nevada on May 22, 1999. The rocket, designed to reach an altitude of 200 kilometers, was to be lifted by helium balloons. The launch was initially postponed due to strong winds on May 20th. The launch attempt on May 22nd was successful in lifting the rocket, but strong upper-level winds forced an earlier-than-planned firing at an 8 km altitude. The rocket reached over 22 km, confirmed by GPS satellites. The group plans further attempts, aiming to achieve the 'Cheap Access to Space' prize of $250,000.

Around the World

Another Mars Face Found:

Terry James claims to have discovered a second 'Mars face' by analyzing photos from the 1976 Viking mission using an online program. He has published images of this formation, located at latitude 9.5, longitude 8.5 in the Arabia Terra region, which he describes as larger and more detailed than the famous 'face' at Cydonia. James, an architect by profession, states his interest in architecture, archaeology, astronomy, and prehistoric art, and asserts he is not 'crazy.' Mitch Battros has reportedly received assurances from the U.S. Geological Survey that the images are genuine, with only contrast adjustments and some false coloring applied for clarity.

Judge Dismisses Mars Man:

According to a Reuters report, a Canadian judge ruled that a man claiming to be from Mars, Rene Joly, is not protected by earthly laws. Joly had filed lawsuits against numerous individuals and organizations, alleging a conspiracy against him because he is from Mars. The judge dismissed the cases as 'unnecessarily tiresome,' stating that a Martian has no right to sue on Earth. Joly, who claims to have been cloned from NASA-discovered genetic material in the 1960s, plans to appeal the decision and continues to pursue legal action against figures like President Clinton and the CIA.

In the Footsteps of Buck Rogers - The Flying Car:

Paul Moller of Moller International in California is developing the 'Skycar,' a personal flying vehicle designed to take off from driveways and reach speeds over 600 km/t, with a fuel efficiency of nearly eight kilometers per liter. Moller has been working on the prototype for 30 years, with a maiden flight planned for the summer and an official presentation later in the year. The Skycar will initially be expensive, costing around one million dollars, but a potential increase in demand could lower the price to approximately $60,000.

Good Start to the Circle Season

This article provides an update on crop circle formations reported since the start of the year. As of June 1, 1999, 26 formations had been reported: 22 in England, two in Germany, one in Israel, and one in Peru. Most formations were found in rapeseed fields, which are early enough in the season to accommodate such designs. The article details specific formations, including one in Peru (March 2) and Israel (March 20) in wheat fields. In England, nine formations appeared in April, with the earliest on April 11 near Bath, the earliest in an English field since the 1980s. The article notes that many April formations were simple circles, while others, like the one near Newton St. Loe, were complex pictograms. May saw 13 formations in England, appearing in barley, wheat, and rapeseed fields. A notable formation on May 3 at Milk Hill in Wiltshire is described as a large number of circles and figures arranged along an axis. The article concludes that the most intense part of the crop circle season is yet to come, indicating a strong start for the 'circle makers' in 1999.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The SUFOI Nyhedsbrev consistently covers topics related to unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and crop circles, alongside advancements in science and technology that touch upon these areas. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and evidence, from the paranormal to the scientific and skeptical viewpoints. There is a clear interest in documenting reported sightings, discoveries, and technological developments, encouraging readers to engage with these subjects through provided resources. The newsletter aims to inform its readership about ongoing research, controversies, and new developments in the fields of ufology, astronomy, and fringe science.