UFO Mail - No 049 - 2004

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 49
Date: 31. december 2004
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, dated December 31, 2004, provides a year-end review of various events and phenomena, with a focus on space exploration, astronomy, and UFO-related news.

Articles

Langt fra hjemmet...

The article "Langt fra hjemmet..." (Far from home...) reports on the resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on the night between December 25th and 26th. The Russian supply ship Progress 16 delivered approximately 2 tons of food, oxygen, water, and spare parts. This resupply was crucial as the current crew had depleted their reserves, with the previous crew apparently consuming more than expected. The resupply ensured the normal operational readiness of the station. The article also mentions that astronaut Leroy Chiao became the first American to vote in a presidential election from space, sending his encrypted vote to Houston in early November. The ISS celebrated its 4th anniversary of permanent habitation on November 8th. The crew will celebrate New Year's Day at 01:00 Danish time on Saturday morning, though the ISS will not be visible from Denmark at that time. The ISS will be visible again from Danish latitudes after January 12th, with observation times to be announced.

Ny komet på sydhimlen

"Ny komet på sydhimlen" (New comet in the southern sky) announces the appearance of Comet Machholz, named after its discoverer, American amateur astronomer Donald Machholz. According to astrophysicist Michael Linden-Vørnle from the Tycho Brahe Planetarium, the comet is visible in the southern sky and can be observed with binoculars as a small, fuzzy spot. A graphic from Starry Night, created by the Tycho Brahe Planetarium, illustrates the comet's path. The comet can be found west of the constellation Orion.

Nærgående asteroide alligevel forbi

The article "Nærgående asteroide alligevel forbi" (Close asteroid passes after all) discusses the asteroid 2004 MN4, discovered on June 19th. Initially, there was concern that this 400-meter-wide object might be on a direct collision course with Earth on April 13, 2029, potentially causing extensive destruction. However, subsequent calculations have removed it from the list of potential hazards according to the Torino scale. Further calculations have also confirmed that the asteroid's orbit will not intersect Earth's path in 2027. Despite this, new radar measurements of its orbit are planned for late January or early February. The article directs readers to articles by Michael Linden-Vørnle and NASA press releases for more details.

Vinduespudser på spil?

"Vinduespudser på spil?" (Window cleaner at play?) explores an observation made by a reader regarding the Mars rover Opportunity. The reader noted that Opportunity's solar panels seemed cleaner than those of its twin rover, Spirit, leading to a significant increase in power output. Scientists at NASA are reportedly puzzled by this phenomenon, as dust accumulation on the panels was expected to reduce power over time. Theories suggest it could be Martian winds, frost, or specific wind conditions within a crater that cleared the dust. While inspection camera images confirm dust removal, the cause remains unexplained. The article also mentions that Opportunity has left the Endurance crater after six months, having found important clues about the planet's wet past.

Mystisk lys i Arktis

"Mystisk lys i Arktis" (Mysterious light in the Arctic) reports on a mysterious light observed at midday in the Arctic, as reported by Inuit people and researchers. The phenomenon was observed from a weather station near Resolute Bay, approximately 1,600 kilometers from the North Pole. Wayne Davidson, the station manager, explains it as a possible atmospheric mirror effect caused by warm air overlaying cold air, reflecting sunlight from lower latitudes. DMI's newsletter "Ugens Vejr i Verden" for week 52 is cited as the source.

Ufo-undskyldning

The section "Ufo-undskyldning" (UFO excuse) recounts an incident where a British driver claimed he was speeding because he was distracted by a UFO. He stated that blinking lights, which he believed were UFOs, caused him to become entranced, and the flash from a speed camera snapped him out of it. Unfortunately for the driver, the speed camera only captured his car, and he was fined. The article notes that this is one of many unusual excuses received by authorities. Kim Wiesener from London is mentioned for compiling other strange excuses in Politiken. The publication also expresses interest in receiving any UFO photos from readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers topics related to space exploration, astronomical phenomena like comets and asteroids, and UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these phenomena, including scientific explanations and anecdotal accounts, while maintaining a degree of curiosity and openness to unexplained events. The publication encourages reader participation by soliciting photos and information. The year-end issue reflects on past events and looks forward to the new year, emphasizing the ongoing nature of UFO research and related interests.