SUFOI Nyhedsbrev - 1999 11-12 No 6

Magazine Overview

This issue of SUFOI Nyhedsbrev, number 6 from 1999, published in November/December, is the final print edition, with future publications moving exclusively online to SUFOI's website. The magazine covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, cultural trends, and new religious movements.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The magazine is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) and is edited by Flemming O. Rasmussen. Contact information for SUFOI, including postal address, telephone numbers for UFO alarms and general information, Giro account, email, and website addresses, is provided. The copyright for the publication is held by SUFOI in 1999. The magazine is printed by Burre Reklame, Silkeborg, and distributed by SUFOIS Ekspedition in Aabenraa.

Articles and Content

Leder (Editorial)

The editorial, titled 'Frem mod år 2000' (Towards the Year 2000), announces the transition from print to online publication. It highlights the growing popularity and functionality of SUFOI's website, which offers UFO news, reports, books, videos, and older articles. The editorial encourages readers to explore the website for potential 'ufological Christmas gifts' and expresses gratitude for the past year, wishing readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2000.

Fænomener (Phenomena)

Projekt kuglelyn (Ball Lightning Project): This section details an initiative by Poul Thomsen on the broadcast 'En naturlig forklaring' (A Natural Explanation) to collect reports of ball lightning from TV viewers. Over 100 letters were received. The program, aired on DR2, featured discussions on ball lightning, including personal experiences and expert explanations by Ole J. Knudsen. The collected reports have been passed on to Toke Haunstrup and are now with the author, Kim Møller Hansen, who finds the phenomenon fascinating and considers publishing a booklet on the subject. Readers are encouraged to contribute any relevant books, articles, or links.

En korncirkel er lukket op ved Vig (A Crop Circle Has Appeared Near Vig): This article, reprinted from 'lolbæk Amts Venstreblad' on August 2, 1999, reports on a crop circle found in a wheat field near Vig, Denmark. Crop circle expert Carl Otto Bindslev measured the formation, which was 41 meters long. While Bindslev did not speculate on the cause, he mentioned an English video showing lights over a field followed by a crop circle. The article notes speculation that the group 'Solvognens Venner' might be responsible and suggests the landowner report it as vandalism to potentially uncover the perpetrators.

Observationer (Observations)

This section, written by Ole Henningsen, reports a UFO sighting from Nordsjælland. A couple observed a light flying from the west and disappearing in the southwest for 2-3 minutes. SUFOI's information center had no prior reports for that time. Efforts to obtain information from Esbjerg Airport regarding local traffic to/from the North Sea oil fields were unsuccessful.

Aktiviteter (Activities)

Foredrag (Lectures): Ole Henningsen reports on two lectures:

• On October 27, a lecture on 'The search for life in the Universe' was given at Odd Fellow Loge Urania in Nakskov, attended by approximately 80 people.
• On November 6, a lecture about UFOs was held at the Town Hall in Rønnede, organized by the Folk High School for pensioners and early retirees, with 100 attendees.

A future lecture is scheduled for January 18, 2000, in Sydsjælland, focusing on mysteries of the night sky, life in the universe, and UFO phenomena.

Avisudklip (Newspaper Clippings)

Several newspaper clippings are included:

• Skagens Avis (August 27, 1999): Reports an incident where a parked fish delivery van's lights and wipers activated inexplicably, leading residents to call the police. The issue was attributed to a short circuit.
• Lolland-Falster Folketidende (September 10, 1999): Announces an event at Kulturfabrikken in Nykøbing F. focusing on UFOs, featuring Robby Curdorf discussing films like 'Strengt Fortroligt' and 'Independence Day', and presenting evidence of extraterrestrial civilizations visiting Earth.
• BT (September 9, 1999): Titled 'Flere bortføres af ufonauter' (More are Abducted by Ufonauts), this article discusses the increasing number of reported UFO abductions, citing a US survey indicating four million Americans have been abducted. It mentions researcher Michael Rothstein, who notes that while the phenomenon is primarily American, reports also exist in Denmark. The article describes typical abduction scenarios and the appearance of the beings.

UFO-RELIGION: Stadig flere sekter venter på frelsen fra flyvende tallerkener... (UFO-Religion: More and more sects await salvation from flying saucers...)

This article, from 'Kristeligt Dagblad' (August 24, 1999), explores the rise of UFO-based religions and cults that integrate science fiction themes. It notes that figures like FBI agents Scully and Mulder from 'Strengt Fortroligt' and characters from 'Star Trek' have become icons for fans. The article highlights that a significant portion of the population in the US and Germany believes in extraterrestrial life. Several cults are described as building their doctrines around UFOs and extraterrestrial saviors, often reinterpreting biblical prophecies. The article quotes Mikael Rothstein, who suggests that these UFO religions reflect how humans perceive their own world and their need for external saviors in a high-tech society. Examples include the Heaven's Gate cult and the German group Metharia. The article also touches upon the 'fear of the future' driving interest in the unknown and the search for spiritual content outside traditional religions.

Ny inspiration til troen fra det ydre rum (New Inspiration for Belief from Outer Space)

This article by Heidi Dachs, from SUFOI Nyhedsbrev nr. 6 - 1999, delves deeper into the intersection of science fiction, particularly 'Star Trek', and the formation of new belief systems. It discusses how the popularity of shows like 'Strengt Fortroligt' and 'Star Trek' has fueled interest in UFOs and extraterrestrial life, leading some to view UFOs and aliens as saviors. The article contrasts the views of researcher Mikael Rothstein, who sees the interest in 'Star Trek' as a form of fandom rather than religion in Denmark, with the German perspective of film professor Nicola Ruth Wanning, who observes that some 'Star Trek' fandoms exhibit characteristics of cults or even religions. The article also mentions the 'Star Fleet Academy' fan club in Aarhus, Denmark, and their dedication to the 'Star Trek' universe. It highlights the optimistic vision of the future presented in 'Star Trek', where societal problems like poverty and pollution are overcome, and life is respected.

Historien bag »Star Trek« (The Story Behind 'Star Trek')

This section provides background on the 'Star Trek' franchise. The name 'Star Trek' (stjernerejse) is linked to the historical 'Manifest Destiny' of American pioneers. The series' original mission, according to creator Gene Roddenberry, was to explore new life forms and civilizations, a concept that was groundbreaking for its time. The article notes the series' progressive themes, such as the first interracial kiss on American television in the 1960s and the prominent role of female and minority characters. It also touches upon the philosophical underpinnings of 'Star Trek', including its vision of a future society free from poverty and conflict, and the importance of respecting diversity.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the increasing interest in UFO phenomena, the cultural impact of science fiction, and the emergence of new belief systems that blend these elements. The magazine appears to adopt a neutral stance, presenting various reports, expert opinions, and cultural analyses without overtly endorsing any particular viewpoint, while acknowledging the growing societal fascination with the unknown and the extraterrestrial. The transition to online publication signifies an adaptation to modern media consumption and a continued commitment to disseminating information within the UFO community.

This issue of SUFOI Nyhedsbrev, number 6 from 1999, published in September, features a range of articles touching upon religious phenomena, UFO sightings, and historical accounts of nuclear testing.

Vejleå Kirke Lecture Series

The magazine highlights a lecture series at Vejleå Kirke focusing on religious imagery across different time periods, with the first lecture on Thursday at 7:30 PM. The speaker, Pia Skogemann, a local author and Jungian analyst, discusses how modern times are filled with religious phenomena such as the veneration of Elvis Presley and Princess Diana, UFO abductions, and the narratives in films like Star Wars, which she suggests parallel Christian narratives. Skogemann has previously spoken at Vejleå Kirke and is known for her work with the Danish Jung Institute and her books on dreams and Nordic folktales. The lectures are free and organized by Ishøj Menighedsråd. Upcoming topics include 'Saints and hero images in the Christian Middle Ages' and 'Revelation images in art'.

UFO Sighting over Køge Bugt

A significant UFO sighting occurred on September 3, 1999, over Køge Bugt, Denmark. Four individuals observed an unidentified flying object from a villa near Trylleskoven at approximately 9:40 PM. They estimated its altitude to be between 200 and 300 meters. The object was described as having a round or oval dome on top, with red lights around it, and two lights emanating upwards from the dome. It was heading south and suddenly stopped over Trylleskoven before disappearing northwards within 20 seconds. Kirsten Benn, a report recorder for SUFOI (Skandinavisk Ufo-information), confirmed the sighting and mentioned that one person in Hvidovre had also seen the object. SUFOI collects, investigates, and compiles statistics on UFO observations.

Nuclear Testing in Nevada

A lengthy report details the history of nuclear testing at the Nevada Test Site, particularly focusing on the 1950s. The author, Asger Liebst, recounts the experience of atomic bomb tests, including the 'Teapot' series in 1955. He interviews Eula Orton, an 81-year-old woman who witnessed a test in 1955 from her sister's garage roof with her husband and eight-year-old son. Orton describes the mushroom cloud and the lack of awareness about the dangers of radioactive fallout at the time. The article touches upon the military's use of these tests to study the effects of nuclear weapons on soldiers and to acclimate the public to the idea of nuclear war. It also mentions the 'Dommedagsbyen' (Doomsday Town) used for testing purposes and the subsequent health concerns, including cancer, among those exposed. The report highlights the shift from large-scale atmospheric tests to smaller, tactical ones, and the eventual move to underground testing after the 1963 treaty. The article also discusses the ongoing controversy surrounding the storage of high-level radioactive waste at Yucca Mountain and the continuation of sub-critical nuclear tests, which critics argue violate the spirit of the test ban treaty.

Book Reviews

Two book reviews are featured:

• 'Da Danmark blev til' by Olaf Olsen: This book, based on radio lectures, covers the Viking age and early Middle Ages in Denmark, discussing the rise of trading posts, the attempts of Ansgar to convert the Danes, and the history of Trelleborg fortresses. One of the more speculative theories mentioned is that Trelleborgs might have served as UFO landing sites.
• 'Georg Brandes. Værk og skæbne' by Werner Thierry: This book attempts to summarize the extensive work of Georg Brandes. The reviewer finds the summary to be superficial and lacking in depth, with insufficient source citations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue touches upon themes of the unknown, whether in the form of religious phenomena, UFOs, or the destructive power of nuclear weapons. There's a sense of historical reflection, particularly regarding the Cold War and its legacy. The magazine appears to present information from various sources, including eyewitness accounts and historical research, aiming to inform its readers about these complex subjects. The editorial stance seems to be one of investigation and reporting, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, particularly on controversial topics like nuclear testing and UFO sightings.