UFO Mail - No 035 - 2004

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 35
Date: 1. maj 2004
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, dated May 1, 2004, features two main astronomical topics: an upcoming total lunar eclipse and the visibility of the International Space Station (ISS).

Stor måneoplevelse i din nærhed! (Great Moon Experience Near You!)

This article, written by Ole Henningsen, announces a total lunar eclipse occurring on the evening of Tuesday, May 4, 2004. The event is described as an unusual astronomical phenomenon that will be well-positioned for observation from Denmark, appearing low on the southeastern horizon. The eclipse timing is detailed: the Moon rises around 21:00, with the initial phase beginning at 20:48. In eastern Denmark, observers may catch the full moon just as it clears the horizon before entering Earth's umbra. For those further west, the Moon will rise later, with a portion already obscured. The total phase commences at 21:52, when the Moon will be fully visible above the horizon across the country.

Bjørn Franck Jørgensen, director at Tycho Brahe Planetarium in Copenhagen, advises that the best viewing will be from a location with a clear view of the southeastern horizon. He explains that around ten minutes to ten in the evening, the last sunlight will strike the upper right edge of the Moon, causing it to gradually shift from a grayish hue with a faint orange tint to a distinct orange color. This orange color becomes more apparent as the white sunlight disappears, allowing the eyes to adjust to the darkness. Under clear skies, the experience is described as a unique spectacle of a glowing sphere hanging about ten degrees above the southeastern horizon, with the constellation Libra as a backdrop. The bright yellow star Arcturus in Boötes and the blue-white Spica in Virgo will also be visible. The total phase concludes at 23:08, with sunlight returning to the Moon's lower left edge, and the Moon will be completely out of Earth's shadow by 00:12.

In conjunction with the lunar eclipse, Tycho Brahe Planetarium and Københavns Astronomiske Forening are organizing a free public event. This event will allow attendees to observe the eclipse, as well as planets Venus, Saturn (with its rings), and Jupiter (with its four largest moons) through telescopes. Similar events with telescopes are being held at various locations across Denmark, including Observatoriet i Rundetårn (Copenhagen), Stjerne OBS Salling (Durup), Montebelloobservatoriet (Vordingborg), Olsbækken (Helsingør), Greve, Steno Museet (Århus), Varmecentralen (Næstved), and Urania Observatoriet (Aalborg). More information is available on the Tycho Brahe Planetarium website.

ISS for de morgenduelige (ISS for the Early Risers)

Another article by Ole Henningsen discusses the visibility of the International Space Station (ISS) from Danish latitudes over the next three weeks. The ISS will appear as a very large, bright star moving across the southern sky from west to east. The article includes a detailed table listing specific dates (May 2-10, 2004), start times, maximum altitude, and direction of visibility for the ISS. It notes that times may vary slightly and advises observers to go outside a little before the scheduled times, as there is no replay button for real-life events.

The table provides data such as the date, start time, altitude, and direction (e.g., SV for South-West, SSØ for South-South-East) for when the ISS becomes visible, when it reaches its highest point in the sky, and when it disappears. For example, on May 2, the ISS becomes visible at 04:18:45 at an altitude of 14 degrees in the South-West, reaches its maximum altitude at 04:20:44 at 28 degrees in the South-South-East, and disappears at 04:23:10 at 10 degrees.

The article also features a photograph of the current ISS crew, identifying Gennady I. Padalka (Russian astronaut) and Edward M. (Mike) Fincke (American astronaut), who will be spending six months aboard the station. Andre Kuipers, a Dutch ESA astronaut, is also mentioned as having been on the ISS for nine days to assist with the crew rotation. The photo was taken during training at the Johnson Space Center in the USA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights the public's interest in astronomical phenomena and space exploration. The magazine actively promotes public engagement with science through organized events and detailed observational data. The editorial stance appears to be one of informing and encouraging readers to participate in observing celestial events, bridging the gap between scientific occurrences and public accessibility. The inclusion of both a natural astronomical event (lunar eclipse) and a human-made one (ISS visibility) reflects a broad interest in the sky above. The magazine also includes a call to action for readers to share the UFO-mail with others, indicating a desire to expand its readership and community.