Skandinavisk UFO Information

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 56
Date: May 23, 2005
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, published by Danmarks UFO Forening, focuses on the 15th anniversary of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and related topics.

Gratis Hubble-DVD

This article, written by Ole Henningsen, announces that NASA's Hubble Space Telescope celebrated its 15th anniversary on April 24, 2005. In commemoration, the European Space Agency (ESA) has produced a DVD featuring a film about the telescope and its significant results. Since its launch on April 24, 1990, Hubble has delivered a wealth of incredible images, greatly expanding our knowledge of the universe. The article highlights the telescope's precision, comparing its ability to take clear images of distant objects to holding a flashlight steady and illuminating a 50-øre coin 650 kilometers away. Despite its capabilities, Hubble has faced challenges. Its batteries are worn, and its gyroscopes are beginning to fail, threatening its ability to focus. While previous issues have been repaired by astronauts, NASA cancelled a planned service mission due to the retirement of the space shuttles. It is therefore a matter of time before Hubble can no longer provide new images and results. The article also details the free Hubble-DVD, an 83-minute production in English with Danish subtitles, which includes a segment on the Danish Ørsted satellite. Thousands of these DVDs have already been distributed in Denmark, and remaining copies are available for free while supplies last. The DVD can be collected in person at Tycho Brahe Planetarium in Copenhagen, Steno Museet in Århus, and Orion Planetarium in Jels.

Tycho Brahe Medaljen 2005

On the same day Hubble celebrated its 15th anniversary, the Tycho Brahe Medal for 2005 was awarded. The recipient was Lars Lindberg Christensen, information chief at ESA's European department for the Hubble Space Telescope, located in Garching near Munich. The medal, awarded annually by the Bodil Pedersen Fonden, includes a gold medal and a grant of 25,000 Danish kroner. Christensen has been responsible for communicating the telescope's achievements to the public across Europe since 1999, becoming an internationally recognized specialist in scientific communication. He holds a degree in astronomy from the University of Copenhagen (1996) and has a long history of engagement in educational and outreach activities, starting as a planetarium guide at the age of 14. The article notes that many physics and astronomy teachers in Danish high schools know Christensen and credit him for significant improvements in their teaching. He has also been involved in continuing education for high school teachers in St. Petersburg, Russia.

About the Recipient

Lars Lindberg Christensen has authored over 100 articles disseminating research results, and his interests extend to graphic, technical, and administrative aspects of science communication. He is the author of "The Hands-On Guide to Science Communication" and co-author of the book "Lysfænomener i naturen" (Light Phenomena in Nature), published in 1998. He has also translated several popular science books into Danish.

Danish Contribution to the Hubble-DVD

Christensen's contribution to the Hubble-DVD involved devising and applying innovative methods for effective communication of the telescope's message, whether through general information or educational materials. His work on the DVD film about the Hubble Space Telescope, produced for its 15th anniversary, is cited as a prime example.

Bodil Pedersen Fonden

The Bodil Pedersen Fonden annually honors individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting knowledge of astronomy and space. The award includes a gold medal and a grant of 25,000 Danish kroner. The article mentions Michael Linden-Vørnle in relation to a press release from Tycho Brahe Planetarium.

Space-Based Telescope Described in 1923

The Hubble film mentions that German rocket pioneer Hermann Oberth described the concept of a space-based telescope as early as 1923, ideas that were later realized with great success. Hermann Oberth was an honorary member of the Danish Society for Space Research until his death in 1989.

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers topics related to space exploration, astronomy, and UFO phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on disseminating scientific information to the public and celebrating achievements in space science, as evidenced by the focus on the Hubble Space Telescope and the Tycho Brahe Medal. The publication also serves as a platform for sharing UFO-related news and encouraging reader engagement through the "UFO-Mail" newsletter.