UFO Mail - No 023 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: Nr. 23
Date: October 8, 2003
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information focuses on recent astronomical events and unusual aerial phenomena, including a close encounter with an asteroid, meteorite impacts, and a mysterious sky photograph.

Asteroid in Near-Contact

The lead article, "Asteroide i nærkontakt" (Asteroid in Near-Contact) by Ole Henningsen, reports on a small asteroid, designated 2003 SQ222, that passed unusually close to Earth on Sunday, September 28, 2003, at 01:00 DST. The asteroid was only 88,000 km away, a fraction of the distance to the Moon (400,000 km). It was estimated to be less than 10 meters in diameter, likely between 3-6 meters, and would not have caused significant damage if it had impacted Earth. The discovery was made after the asteroid had passed by Robert Cash of the Minor Planet Research program in Peoria, Arizona. Observations were shared with Lowell Observatory and the Minor Planet Center in Massachusetts. Edward Bowell, director of Lowell Observatory's Near-Earth-Object Search, noted that while about ten asteroids pass close to Earth each month, most are much larger, making this one "very special."

The article includes an image of asteroid 2003 SQ222, described as a small white streak against the background of stars. It is the first time an asteroid has been registered so close to Earth's orbit. The designation 2003 SQ222 was given, and its preliminary orbit has been determined from later photographs. The passage of this asteroid coincides with reports of meteorite falls and atmospheric explosions from various parts of the world within a short period, though no connection has been established.

Unusual Photo of Atmospheric Phenomenon

Another article, "Usædvanligt foto af himmelfænomen" (Unusual Photo of Atmospheric Phenomenon) by Ole Henningsen, details a photograph taken by 15-year-old Jonathan Burnett from South Wales, England. While photographing friends on a skateboard, Burnett captured an unusual sight in the sky. One of the two photos he took was published by the American space administration as "Astronomy Photo of the Day" online. Burnett, from Pencoed near Bridgend, was alerted by a child who exclaimed "the sun had exploded." He sent the photos to NASA for an explanation. Speculation about the phenomenon ranges from a nearby meteorite impact, where a "sofa-sized" meteor would burn up in the atmosphere, to an unusual contrail from an airplane illuminated by the setting sun. The exact cause of the phenomenon remains unconfirmed.

Meteorite Through the Roof

"Meteorit gennem taget" (Meteorite Through the Roof) by Michael J. D. Linden-Vørnle reports on a meteorite impact in the USA. On Tuesday, September 23, 2003, a meteorite weighing approximately 20 kg fell through the roof of a house in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fortunately, no one was home, so the impact only caused material damage. Neighbors heard a loud noise, described as similar to a car crash. The owner, Roy Fausset, discovered the damage upon returning home. The meteorite penetrated the roof, a first-floor room, destroyed an antique piece of furniture, continued through the bathroom on the ground floor, and finally broke apart under the house. The fragments collected weighed about 20 kg. Initial analysis suggested it was terrestrial volcanic rock, but its sudden descent from a clear sky was unusual. Detailed analysis indicated it was likely a stony meteorite. Further information is available at www.tycho.dk.

The article also mentions a separate meteorite event over the Indian state of Orissa on September 27, 2003, which injured several people. The article includes a photo of Roy Fausset and meteorite handler Mike Farmer, and a close-up of a meteorite fragment on a scale.

The Space Station Can Still Be Seen

"Rumstationen kan stadig ses" (The Space Station Can Still Be Seen) by Ole Henningsen informs readers that the International Space Station (ISS) is still visible from Denmark for a short period. It appears as a large, bright star moving from west to east across the southern sky, weather permitting. The article provides a schedule with approximate times for its appearance and disappearance on October 9th and 10th, advising viewers to go out in good time. The ISS is currently manned by two American and one Russian astronaut. An accompanying image shows the ISS as a bright streak in the night sky, photographed by astrophysicist Michael J. D. Linden-Vørnle from Tycho Brahe Planetarium with a 16-second exposure.

Hurricane Isabel

Page 4 also features images of Hurricane Isabel, though no accompanying text is provided in the scan.

Send UFO-mail to family, friends, and acquaintances!

The final page encourages readers to forward the UFO-mail to their contacts, offering free and non-binding updates on Danish and international observations, photographs, atmospheric phenomena, and UFO-related materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, astronomical anomalies, and unexplained aerial phenomena, reflecting a strong interest in the unexplained and a commitment to reporting on such events from both a scientific and observational perspective. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting information and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also providing practical information such as ISS viewing times. The publication aims to inform and engage a community interested in UFOs and related topics.