UFO Mail - No 025 - 2003

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 25
Date: December 8, 2003
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into two primary themes: the detectability of Earth by extraterrestrial intelligence and the burgeoning field of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which are often mistaken for UFOs.

Can ET Find Us?

The lead article, "Kan ET finde os?" (Can ET find us?) by Seth Shostak, a senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, explores how visible and detectable humanity is to potential alien civilizations. Shostak debunks common myths, such as the visibility of the Great Wall of China from space, explaining that while large structures are visible with magnification, the naked eye has limitations. He posits that advanced aliens, with sophisticated telescopes, could easily detect technological signatures on Earth, such as cities and infrastructure, from a distance of a few hundred kilometers within our solar system.

He then discusses the possibility of detecting life on other planets. Citing an 18th-century proposal by Austrian physicist Joseph von Littrow to create giant geometric figures in the Sahara Desert to signal Mars, Shostak notes that such signals would require powerful telescopes, like the Keck telescope, to be observed from Mars. However, he concludes that if intelligent beings exist within our solar system, they would technologically find it easy to detect modern humans.

The article expands the scope to consider aliens beyond our solar system. It suggests that advanced alien civilizations might already possess telescopes capable of detecting Earth from hundreds or thousands of light-years away. Spectroscopic analysis of Earth's reflected light could reveal the presence of oxygen and methane, indicating life. While the existence of life might not cause great excitement, the presence of intelligent beings would be significant.

Shostak highlights that while visible signs like cities are difficult to detect from afar, our radio signals are a much easier way for aliens to 'hear' us. He explains that early radio transmissions were low-frequency and reflected by the ionosphere, limiting their reach. However, by the 1950s, with the advent of higher frequencies and stronger signals like radar, FM radio, and TV transmissions, these signals began to escape into space. Modern TV transmitters can broadcast with significant power, and even though the signals weaken considerably over interstellar distances, a sufficiently large antenna (estimated to be 1,200 hectares for a signal from 50 light-years away) could potentially receive them. Military radar signals, being powerful and directional, are considered the most likely to cross interstellar distances and are thus useful for a hypothetical 'SETI experiment'.

Despite the potential for detection, Shostak acknowledges that the probability of finding other civilizations within a short distance, like 50 light-years, is low. He concludes with a metaphor: we are like new children on a playground, and it's best to assume no one knows we are here yet.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and UFO Misidentifications

The magazine then shifts focus to the increasing presence of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones, and how they are contributing to a rise in UFO sightings. The article "UFO kontra UAV" (UFO versus UAV) by Leonard David introduces the concept of these advanced flying machines.

Tom Ridge, the Chief of Homeland Security in the USA, is quoted stating that his department is considering using UAVs for border surveillance. This involves collaboration with the Ministry of Defense to deploy these robot aircraft for various tasks. Robert Bonner notes that UAVs are particularly suited for border control, helping to identify terrorists and illegal immigrants.

However, the article points out that UFO organizations believe the proliferation of UAVs is creating a byproduct of increased UFO observations. For the untrained observer, UAVs can appear strange and unfamiliar, leading to misidentifications. Colm Kelleher from the National Institute of Discovery Science (NIDS) explains that as UAV technology advances, it becomes harder to distinguish reports of Earth-made craft from actual unidentified aerial phenomena (UFOs). He mentions that NIDS has received thousands of reports and is working to categorize them, including creating a database of UAVs to help differentiate them.

Kelleher notes that many reports involve large, black triangles or small objects seen in daylight, and suggests that many of these could be small UAVs. He emphasizes that NIDS aims to reclassify many 'UFO' observations as 'IFO' (Identified Flying Objects) by better understanding UAV capabilities.

The article details various types of UAVs, including the Predator, Global Hawk, and smaller micro-UAVs (MAVs) measuring only 6 inches. It highlights that the US military is investing heavily in UAV development, with plans for their use in surveillance and combat over the next 25 years.

Mark Rodeghier, scientific director at the J. Allen Hynek Center for UFO Studies, confirms that UAVs are indeed being mistaken for UFOs. He explains that while UAVs haven't flown everywhere, they have been deployed over specific areas, including military bases and near borders, especially after 9/11. He states that it's difficult to determine if a UFO observation is actually a UAV unless the object has a distinctly non-UAV shape.

Rodeghier offers advice to observers: UAVs are typically small, often lack lights, and are difficult to spot at night. Most observations are likely to occur during the day, and UAVs are unlikely to land in populated areas. He suggests that knowing where UAVs operate would greatly aid in identification.

The article also touches upon specific UAV families like the ScanEagle, developed for long-distance surveillance and communication, and the Pegasus X-47A, a tailless UAV being developed by Northrop Grumman. Scott Miller, a professor of aerospace engineering, suggests that even conventionally-shaped UAVs can go unnoticed unless they crash, and that many 'Black World' or highly classified UAV projects are underway, possibly including flying wing designs similar to the B-2 bomber.

UAVs in Denmark

The issue concludes with a section on the introduction of UAVs into the Danish defense. The article "Tårnfalken - en UAV i Danmark" (The Kestrel - a UAV in Denmark) reports that the Danish Army has begun using UAVs. Two UAV systems, each with four aircraft, were delivered to the Dronningens Artilleriregiment in Varde in September 2002. These systems were acquired from the French company SAGEM.

The 'Tårnfalken' (Kestrel) is a tactical UAV used for artillery support and intelligence gathering on enemy formations. While initially acquired for military use, the system specifications include potential civilian applications such as environmental monitoring, traffic surveillance, rescue operations, and even fire detection using infrared cameras.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained aerial phenomena and technological advancements. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational explanations for sightings while acknowledging the possibility of genuine mysteries. There's a clear emphasis on scientific investigation and the role of technology, both in detecting potential extraterrestrial life and in creating new phenomena that can be misidentified as UFOs. The publication also demonstrates a commitment to supporting UFO research through its "Støttefond" (Support Fund), highlighting the financial needs of the organization.

This document is a special edition of a publication related to conspiracy theories and UFOs, likely a newsletter or magazine insert. It announces an expanded edition of the book "Konspirationsteorier: 20 populære sammensværgelser" (Conspiracy Theories: 20 popular conspiracies), now featuring 40 such theories. The expanded edition is published by Dingbat and is available for purchase from SUFOI for Kr. 69.95. It is 151 pages long, illustrated, and bound.

Book Review and Content

The expanded book is described as a "treat for all lovers of conspiracy theories" by Lars Bugge, who has written extensively on the subject. The review highlights that the book includes the JFK assassination as a mysterious event, alongside 39 other "mysterious events" that are sure to captivate fans. These events include assassinations, mysterious deaths, and other unexplained occurrences.

The issue also details several UFO-related books available as special Christmas offers for "UFO-mails" readers. These include:

• UFO-bølger (UFO Waves): Covering airship waves over the USA and other UFO waves. It is 50 pages, illustrated, and priced at Kr. 9.00 (normal price Kr. 29.00).
• Dobbeltmåner (Double Moons): Discussing rare atmospheric phenomena observed over Denmark. It is 59 pages, illustrated, and priced at Kr. 19.00 (normal price Kr. 39.00).
• UFOer: Hvad siger videnskaben (UFOs: What Does Science Say): Examining the Pro and Contra Condon Report. It is 39 pages and priced at Kr. 9.00 (normal price Kr. 29.00).
• Nye UFO-beviser - og modbeviser (New UFO Evidence - and Counter-evidence): Covering the MJ-12 case, the New Zealand UFO film, and more. It is 59 pages, illustrated, and priced at Kr. 39.00 (normal price Kr. 86.00).
• Mirakelmanden Uri Geller (The Miracle Man Uri Geller): A report on a media phenomenon. It is 35 pages, illustrated, and priced at Kr. 9.00 (normal price Kr. 19.00).

These offers are available at the "SUFOI Butikken," described as Denmark's largest store for UFO materials.

Call to Action: Share UFO-mail

The publication encourages readers to forward the "ufo-mail" to friends and family, allowing them to receive free and non-binding updates on UFO-related information. This includes Danish and international observations, photographs, atmospheric phenomena, and special offers on UFO materials. Sign-up is available via www.ufo.dk.

Visuals

The cover features four images related to drones or UAVs: one being launched from a catapult with smoke, another descending under a parachute with a smaller object nearby, a drone being prepared for transport, and a drone being inspected for damage. The text below these images describes the 'Tårnfalken' drone, its weight (approx. 300 kg), and that they come in all sizes. It also mentions the engine stopping, parachute deployment, and airbags being inflated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme is conspiracy theories, with a strong focus on UFOs and unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting interest and engagement with these topics, evidenced by the book reviews, special offers on related literature, and the encouragement to share information via email. The publication positions itself as a source for enthusiasts of mysteries and the unexplained.