UFO Mail - No 016 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 16
Date: February 9, 2003
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information provides practical information for skywatchers and delves into the history of UFO research in Denmark.

ISS Visibility from Denmark

The magazine features a detailed table outlining the visibility of the International Space Station (ISS) from Denmark during the first half of February 2003. It provides specific dates (February 9, 10, 11, and 13), times of appearance and disappearance, light intensity (Lysstyrke), direction (e.g., VSV - Vest-Sydvest, SSV - Syd-Sydvest, SØ - Sydøst), and maximum altitude (Højde) in degrees. The data is based on calculations from Copenhagen's geographical position, with a note that times and positions may vary slightly depending on the observer's location within Denmark. The ISS is described as a clear, luminous object, often with a brightness comparable to the brightest planets. It is explained that the ISS is visible because its modules and solar panels reflect sunlight, meaning it can only be seen shortly before sunrise or after sunset, when it is not in Earth's shadow.

Space Tourism and the Columbia Disaster

An article discusses the emerging trend of space tourism, mentioning individuals like Dennis Tito and Mark Shuttleworth who purchased trips to the ISS at a cost of approximately 160 million Danish kroner each. However, the article notes that the recent disaster of the American space shuttle Columbia has put a temporary halt to such ventures. According to the head of the Russian space agency, there is no longer space for paying civilians on Soyuz spacecraft, as all three seats are now required for crew transport.

SUFOI's History: 1975-2000

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a comprehensive account of SUFOI's (Skandinavisk UFO Information) activities over more than 25 years. This historical overview, presented as a 240-page book, chronicles the work that brought UFO phenomena to the forefront of public attention in Denmark. The book is edited by Per Andersen, who has been active in SUFOI since 1976. It is structured into seven extensive chapters:

• Chapter 1: Covers SUFOI's leadership, evolving goals, visions, the struggle against FUFOS, internal disagreements, annual themes, economic development, and internal communication.
• Chapter 2: Details the collection of observation reports, the establishment of an alarm center, a report center, an alarm chain, observation exercises, report forms, collaboration with other groups, training for report takers, SUFOI's report group, official partners, and observation statistics.
• Chapter 3: Highlights the most exciting UFO cases and UFO photos from the 25-year period, along with SUFOI's often surprising investigations.
• Chapter 4: Discusses the development of UFO-Nyt (a publication), the release of other magazines and books, SUFOI's congresses, exhibitions, and public meetings.
• Chapter 5: Covers publicity campaigns and SUFOI's participation in radio and television programs.
• Chapter 6: Focuses on local UFO groups, annual UFO seminars, SUFOI's cooperation with international organizations, participation in international groups and events, and the UFO Fund of 1979.
• Chapter 7: Details SUFOI's research and investigation efforts, including projects like Ufodata, Padur, Port, and SUFOI's detector.

The book is described as containing over 150 illustrations, mostly in color, and an extensive index.

Upcoming SUFOI Local Group Meeting: Copenhagen

The magazine announces the next monthly meeting of the "Storkøbenhavn" (Greater Copenhagen) local group, scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2003, at Vanløse Medborgerhus. The program includes a presentation on "Danish Crop Circles" by Ole Henningsen. Henningsen, who has registered and investigated crop circles in Lolland since 1995, will also share his experience in creating crop circles for film and television. The meeting will demonstrate how crop circles can be practically produced and will discuss other Danish crop circles and their investigation methods. A small fee of 25 DKK is charged to cover expenses.

SUFOI's Exhibition in Nakskov

SUFOI has a traveling exhibition of 20 panels (70 x 100 cm) that was created for its 40th-anniversary celebration in November 1997. The exhibition offers insights into various mysterious topics often associated with UFOs, reflecting current trends in films and TV series like "The X-Files." Each panel covers a distinct subject and can be displayed in any order. The exhibition is designed for a general audience, requiring no prior "UFO expertise." It reflects the organization's critical and serious approach to UFO issues, aiming to foster a factual debate and demystify phenomena without taking a definitive stance on their origin. The exhibition was available for viewing at Nakskov Library until February 15, 2003.

Sharing UFO Information

The issue concludes with an invitation to forward the "ufo-mail" to family, friends, and acquaintances, allowing them to receive free and non-binding updates on new information, Danish and international observations, photographs, and special offers on UFO-related materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in UFO phenomena and related subjects like space exploration and unexplained aerial events. The editorial stance, as exemplified by the SUFOI exhibition description, is one of critical inquiry, aiming for factual debate and demystification rather than sensationalism or the promotion of specific theories. The publication serves as a platform for sharing research, observations, historical accounts, and upcoming events within the Danish UFO community.