UFO Mail - No 051 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 51
Date: February 16, 2005
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information features two main articles: one detailing a mysterious object captured by a webcam in Washington D.C., and another providing information on observing the International Space Station (ISS).

Washington DC-ufo?

This article, written by Ole Henningsen, reports on an unusual photograph taken by a webcam belonging to the National Park Service in Washington D.C. on the morning of February 10, 2005, between 03:15 and 03:30 EST. The image shows a nighttime cityscape with an unidentified object positioned in the upper left corner. The photo was automatically sent to the internet and discussed on sites like IntelDesk.com, leading to a significant increase in visitors to the site on February 12th and 13th, with many international visitors and email inquiries.

The article includes a map showing the central part of Washington D.C. and indicates the approximate location of the webcam, which is situated north of Arlington National Cemetery and overlooks the Potomac River, with the central part of Washington in the foreground.

To provide an expert opinion, the magazine consulted Hans Bødker, a former pilot and air traffic controller, who serves as SUFOI's photo consultant. Bødker suggests that the object is likely a physical one and was relatively close to the camera. He notes the absence of atmospheric blurring, which is evident in amateur analyses found online. Contrary to some claims that the object was stationary, Bødker points out that the light trails from vehicles in the foreground indicate a longer exposure time, possibly 3-5 seconds. He believes the object is moving and appears to have two main lights, possibly with flashing navigation lights. He does not see any distinct windows as suggested by some amateur analyses.

Bødker considers the possibility of it being an aircraft with flashing navigation lights. He acknowledges that the area has been a 'no fly zone' since September 11, 2001, but notes that exceptions might exist, such as for the President's helicopter. He concludes that a plane is the most probable explanation. A 5-second exposure could indeed capture a helicopter flying up or down the Potomac River, across the camera's field of view. He also mentions that Ronald Reagan National Airport is located south of the area, and while the airport might be closed at night due to noise, helicopters can sometimes be permitted to fly under special circumstances.

Bødker states that he cannot provide a definitive identification but reiterates his belief that it is a physical object that moved during a relatively long exposure.

Op fra morgenstunden (Up from the morning hour)

This section, also by Ole Henningsen, focuses on the International Space Station (ISS). It describes the ISS as currently visible to early risers as a bright star moving across the southern sky from west to east. The ISS is crewed by two astronauts: Leroy Chiao from the USA and Salizhan Sharipov from Russia.

The article mentions that the astronauts spent most of Saturday working on a malfunctioning toilet on the space station, which had been out of order since Friday. The toilet is now functioning optimally after component replacements. For reassurance, it is noted that the astronauts could use the toilet on the connected Soyuz spacecraft during the repair.

A table is provided, detailing the times when the ISS can be observed from Danish latitudes in February 2005. It lists dates from February 17th to February 27th, with specific start and end times, maximum altitude, and direction (e.g., SØ - South-East, VSV - West-South-West, SSØ - South-South-East, S - South, SSV - South-South-West, ØSØ - East-South-East, Ø - East, SV - South-West).

The ISS weighs approximately 90 tons and orbits the Earth at an altitude varying between 349 and 362 km. The article notes that the next time the ISS will be visible from Danish latitudes will be around March 9th, when it can be seen in the evening.

A photograph shows ISS commander Leroy Chiao observing a water droplet that appears to magnify the surroundings, acting like a lens.

Call to Action

The magazine encourages readers to forward the 'ufo-mail' to friends and family, offering free and non-binding subscriptions for updates on Danish and international UFO observations, aerial phenomena, and special offers on UFO materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, unexplained aerial events, and related scientific or expert analyses. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting observations and expert opinions while encouraging reader engagement and discussion. There is a clear effort to provide credible analysis, as seen with the inclusion of the photo consultant's assessment, while also acknowledging the mysterious nature of some events.