UFO Mail - No 055 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 55
Date: May 5, 2005
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, also known as UFO-Mail, focuses on various topics related to space, research, and unusual phenomena, with a particular emphasis on Danish and Scandinavian contributions.

Hvad den svenske regering bør gøre for ufo-forskningen?

This article, by Ole Henningsen, reports on an online poll conducted by the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet among readers of its electronic edition. The poll asked readers who they would prefer to write an article on the topic: 'What should the Swedish government do for UFO research?'. The candidates were Anna Hedborg, Director General at Skatteverket; Lottie Knutson, Information Director for the travel agency Fritidsresor; and Clas Svahn, Chairman of UFO-Sverige. Initially, the results showed a clear preference for Clas Svahn. The article notes that the poll started on April 20th and, by the time of reporting, Clas Svahn had received 2,292 votes, representing 42.1% of the total 5,455 votes cast. The magazine states it will keep readers informed about Clas Svahn's views on government UFO research.

Satellit op fra Rådhuspladsen

Also by Ole Henningsen, this section details the launch of the SpaceLab satellite from Rådhuspladsen in Copenhagen. The launch, part of 'Forskningens Døgn' (Research Day), took place on May 12th at 4:00 PM. The SpaceLab satellite was sent up using two weather balloons to an altitude of 200 meters. The public could follow the satellite's data, including its position, atmospheric pressure, temperature, wind speed, and velocity, as well as view images from Copenhagen via a large screen. The article explains that the SpaceLab instruments are replicas of those found on real international satellites, developed by seven DTU students as part of their education. The project is presented as a small-scale example of real-world research and development.

Jens Martin Knudsen æret i rummet

This article, again by Ole Henningsen, celebrates the naming of an asteroid after the renowned Danish 'Mars-man', Jens Martin Knudsen. Asteroid number 5427 has been officially named 'Jensmartin' in honor of Knudsen, who dedicated a significant part of his career to Mars exploration. He passed away on February 17th of the current year. The naming was proposed by astrophysicist Kristian Pedersen of the Niels Bohr Institute. The asteroid was originally discovered on May 13, 1986, by Poul B. Jensen at the Copenhagen University Observatory in Brorfelde. While around 100,000 asteroids have been observed in the asteroid belt, astronomers estimate there are millions more. The size of asteroid 5427 Jensmartin is estimated to be around 10 kilometers in diameter, though its precise size and surface characteristics require further observation. The article also mentions that other observatories and Danish entities, such as DR's science program 'Viden Om', and the observatories Stjerneborg and Rundetaarn, have also had asteroids named after them.

H.C. Andersen og Vagn F. Buchwald - også på himlen

This section continues the theme of celestial bodies named after Danish figures. It mentions that an asteroid named 'Holbæk' exists, named after a town near the Brorfelde observatory. More significantly, on June 20, 1996, Russian astronomers named a small planet (asteroid) after the 200th anniversary of Danish fairy tale writer H.C. Andersen. This asteroid, first observed on May 2, 1976, was designated 2476 and later became (2476) Andersen. Another small planet is named after Vagn F. Buchwald, an expert in iron meteorites. Buchwald is credited with finding the 20-ton iron meteorite 'Agpalilik' near Cape York, Greenland, on July 31, 1963. The meteorite is now displayed at the Geological Museum in Copenhagen.

Vejrballonerne falder ned igen

Written by Ole Henningsen, this article discusses the phenomenon of weather balloons falling back to Earth, noting that it is 'high season' for such occurrences. It references an article from Lolland-Falsters Folketidende from April 15, 2005, reporting three weather balloon recoveries in a single week in Sydsjælland, Sydfalster, and Midtlolland. One such balloon, originating from Germany, was found by Gunvor Østberg. The article explains that these German 'Wettersonde' balloons are equipped with a silver radar reflector to track their path. The practice of tracking weather balloons has reportedly ceased in Denmark. The magazine notes that it has received numerous reports of these weather sondes over the years and aims to satisfy the curiosity of finders. The article includes an image of Gunvor Østberg with the recovered weather balloon components, including the latex balloon, parachute, radar reflector, and a styrofoam box containing instruments, batteries, and a radio transmitter.

It is mentioned that these weather sondes cost approximately 700 Danish Kroner due to their electronic components. Some sondes include the contact information of the launching institute for return, with a small reward offered. The white latex balloons are 1.5 meters in diameter and ascend to altitudes of 30-35 kilometers before bursting. The instruments are then brought down by parachute. Data collected during ascent, such as temperature, humidity, and wind direction, is transmitted via radio and used for weather forecasts. The article also states that about 800 weather balloons are launched worldwide daily, including 9 from Denmark. A specific mention is made of the ICAO radiosonde station in Aasiaat, Greenland, which launched its 40,000th weather balloon in April 2004, having started in 1948.

ISS ses igen på aftenhimlen

This section, by Ole Henningsen, provides a schedule for observing the International Space Station (ISS) from Danish latitudes. It lists the dates, times, and directions (cardinal points) for the ISS's appearance, maximum altitude, and disappearance. The ISS is described as appearing like a large, bright star moving from west to east across the southern sky. The table covers sightings from May 5th to May 16th, detailing start and end times, maximum altitude reached, and the direction of travel.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers topics at the intersection of science, technology, and unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in astronomical events, such as asteroid discoveries and satellite launches, as well as more terrestrial mysteries like UFO sightings and the recovery of unusual objects like weather balloons. The publication aims to inform its readers about ongoing research, scientific projects, and public engagement with these subjects, often highlighting Danish or Scandinavian involvement. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting information and encouraging reader participation, as seen in the Aftonbladet poll coverage and the call to share UFO-Mail with others.