UFO Mail - No 034 - 2004

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 34
Date: April 19, 2004
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information focuses on recent sightings of aerial phenomena, primarily fireballs and unidentified lights, reported in Denmark and surrounding areas.

Ildkugle over Sønderjylland

The main article details a significant fireball sighting over Sønderjylland on the morning of April 9, 2004, at approximately 05:13. The phenomenon was observed by TN from Husum Ballum near Bredebro, who described an orange fireball that exploded into 5-8 smaller lights, burning up and disappearing about 20-25 degrees above the horizon. The object's trajectory was noted, entering at 160 degrees and disappearing at 180 degrees.

Other witnesses also reported seeing the phenomenon. Danmarks Radio (DR Syd) reported on April 10 that at least three people had seen a fireball, likely a large meteorite. Per Andresen from Sønderborg recounted his experience of cycling towards the beach when he saw a light he initially mistook for an aircraft. He described it as a fireball the size of a football or handball, which flew over rooftops and exploded into four to five pieces. He dismissed the possibility of fireworks after researching meteor impacts online.

Another witness, a listener of DR Syd in Ballum, west of Tønder, also reported seeing the fireball. Per Andresen also submitted his observation to the Astronomical Society (Astronomisk Selskab). Lars Bakmann, section leader of the Meteorsektion at Astronomisk Selskab, was interviewed about the event by Jyske Vestkysten. Based on the descriptions, SUFOI is convinced it was a meteor entering Earth's atmosphere at high speed, a view shared by Lars Bakmann. The article explains that meteors appear as bright shooting stars or fireballs when slowed by the atmosphere, and occasionally, fragments survive to fall as meteorites.

Contributing to Meteorite Discovery

Page two explains that reporting fireball sightings can help in the discovery and calculation of meteorite origins. Observations contribute to the exploration of the Solar System's formation and evolution. SUFOI collaborates with the Meteorsektion of Astronomisk Selskab, which registers observations of large shooting stars and fireballs. Sightings can be reported via a special form on the Danish Fireball Central website: http://as.dsri.dk/ildkugle/. Collaboration also extends to the Geological Museum, which is interested in finding fallen meteorites. Denmark has only registered two instances of meteorites being seen falling, with two more found in the ground, which are considered 'danekræ' (national treasures) requiring registration and study.

Hvem har set ildhaler? (Who has seen fire tails?)

This section, also by Ole Henningsen, discusses reports of phenomena that are not related to meteors. SUFOI receives reports from Astronomisk Selskab about such events. Lars Bakmann of the Meteorsektion shared a recent case: On the morning of April 15, 2004, a person named TP from Vejen and his father reported seeing three 'fire tails' moving from west to south for about 5 minutes. The observation was made while driving, with no sound or flashing lights reported. The observers ruled out aircraft as an explanation.

This report was apparently prompted by an article in Jyske Vestkysten about the Sønderborg fireball (April 9, 2004). The observers noted that the duration of their observation (implied to be long) and the distance covered (approximately 9 km) while driving supported their account. SUFOI had not registered other observations from that specific time and had no explanation for the 'fire tails' at the time of publication, inviting readers with explanations or similar observations to contact them via www.ufo.dk.

Observation fra Oslobåden (Observation from the Oslo Ferry)

Another report, by Ole Henningsen, details an unusual observation made on April 9, 2004, around 1 AM. A couple, the Andersens from Ballerup, reported seeing two self-luminous, light green objects flying side-by-side over the water near Gothenburg while on the Oslo ferry traveling to Norway. The objects flew in a circle, then moved diagonally backward before ascending vertically and disappearing. They were described as being about the size of a large dinner plate, seen from a distance where precise measurement was difficult due to darkness. The entire event lasted a few minutes. The couple confirmed they were both sober and had not been drinking, emphasizing that the lights covered the entire outline of the objects, which were estimated to be 1/2 to 1 meter in circumference, though the distance (about 1 kilometer) made their actual size uncertain.

SUFOI had not received other reports from that time but had contacted UFO-Sweden to see if their Swedish counterparts had registered any observations near Gothenburg on that date. The magazine asks readers for any additional information that might help identify these observed lights.

Send ufo-mail til familie, venner og bekendte!

This concluding section encourages readers to forward the ufo-mail newsletter to friends and family, allowing them to receive future updates on Danish and international UFO observations, photographs, and related materials for free.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and investigation of aerial phenomena, particularly fireballs and unidentified lights. The magazine, published by Danmarks UFO Forening, takes a stance of encouraging public reporting of such events and collaborating with scientific organizations like Astronomisk Selskab and geological institutions to gather data. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, seeking explanations for observed phenomena while acknowledging the possibility of unknown aerial objects and events. There is a clear emphasis on the scientific potential of these observations, particularly in relation to meteor studies and the broader exploration of the Solar System.