UFO Mail - No 059 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: 59
Date: August 1, 2005
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, dated August 1, 2005, features a prominent cover headline "De er her endnu!" (They are still here!). The magazine delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, including the perspectives of filmmakers, scientific inquiry into extraterrestrial life, and the re-examination of historical art for potential UFO depictions.

Editorial: Spielberg's Surprise and the Nature of UFOs

The lead article, an editorial by Kim Møller Hansen, Chairman of SUFOI, discusses filmmaker Steven Spielberg's astonishment at the apparent decrease in UFO observations compared to two decades prior, despite the proliferation of recording technology. Spielberg notes that while millions of video cameras exist, fewer recordings of such phenomena are being made. He expresses a personal desire to witness evidence of UFO existence and questions whether UFOs are physical craft that could be filmed, or if they are inherently un-filmable. The editorial posits that even if presented with clear photographic evidence of a UFO, public belief might still be elusive, suggesting that images offer glimpses rather than definitive proof.

Despite the perceived decrease in documented sightings, the article points out that the number of digital photos and video recordings of apparently inexplicable phenomena, along with the total number of observations, is not declining. Readers are directed to SUFOI's website (www.ufo.dk) to submit their own observations and to view submitted media, acknowledging that the technical quality of some submissions may vary.

The article further explores the media's role in reporting on events, noting how quickly eyewitness accounts and amateur photos emerge after disasters. It raises concerns about the credibility of media reports when images are not thoroughly verified. The editorial suggests that organizations like SUFOI have become more adept at identifying natural explanations for observations, and that many observers now seek such explanations themselves rather than immediately concluding they've seen a spaceship. SUFOI's guide, "Når du ser et stjerneskud" (When you see a shooting star), is mentioned as a tool to help people identify celestial events.

Book Review: "Universet - dødt eller levende?" (The Universe - Dead or Alive?)

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a review of Jens Kerte's new interview book, "Universet - dødt eller levende?", featuring conversations with astrophysicist Michael Linden-Vørnle. The review, also by Kim Møller Hansen, highlights Linden-Vørnle's belief in the importance of searching for extraterrestrial life to better understand ourselves and the universe. While he doesn't personally believe Earth is visited by alien intelligences, he acknowledges that a small percentage of UFO observations remain unexplained by known phenomena.

The book poses a hypothetical question: if one encountered an alien spaceship, what single question would be most important to ask? Linden-Vørnle's answer focuses on the programming of alien genetic characteristics, questioning whether extraterrestrial life uses a DNA code similar to Earth's, with its four bases and 20 amino acids, or something entirely different. He suggests that the specific genetic code on Earth might be a random occurrence, and alien life could have evolved with a different system.

Linden-Vørnle expresses optimism about finding intelligent life elsewhere in the universe, and even primitive life closer to home, particularly on Europa, Jupiter's moon. He believes Europa's internal heat, generated by tidal forces from Jupiter's gravity, could support living organisms, despite the moon's distance from the sun. The review praises Linden-Vørnle's ability as a communicator and the book's accessible presentation of complex scientific topics.

However, the review criticizes the book's final chapter, "Rumvæsner på Jorden" (Aliens on Earth), describing it as a disorganized and superficial attempt to cover the history of ufology, mixing various unrelated topics and personalities.

UFO-Arkiv online (UFO Archive Online)

This section introduces a new website, www.bluebookarchive.org, which provides free online access to thousands of pages from the US Air Force's UFO archives, previously only available through costly microfilm purchases. The archive, a collaborative effort by individuals and organizations like Project 1947 and Sign Historical Group, aims to make these historical documents more accessible for serious UFO research.

Der er en ufo i mit maleri! (There is a UFO in my painting!)

This article, by Massimo Polodoro, challenges the interpretation of certain historical paintings as depicting UFOs. It addresses the claim, often found in the works of authors like Erich von Däniken, that strange objects in old paintings are evidence of ancient alien visitations. The article focuses on two examples:

1. "Madonna con Bambino e San Giovannino" (Madonna with Child and Saint John the Baptist): Attributed to Sebastiano Mainardi or Jacobo del Sellaio, this late 15th-century painting is said to feature a strange oval object in the upper background. Art expert Diego Cuoghi argues that this object is not a UFO but likely a representation of a "radiant cloud" or an angel, a common motif in religious art of the period. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and symbolic context of art rather than imposing modern interpretations.

2. Carlo Crivelli's "Annunciazione" (Annunciation): A 1486 painting displayed in the National Gallery in London is claimed by some to show a UFO with a beam of light touching the Virgin Mary's head. Cuoghi refutes this, stating that reproductions often lack detail and that the object is actually a "whirlwind of angels in the sky," a typical artistic representation of divine presence. The article criticizes those who seek UFOs in art without understanding the symbolism and artistic conventions of the time.

Another Crivelli painting, "Madonna con Bambino" at the Pinacoteca in Ancona, is also discussed, with some interpreting objects as "modern missiles ready to fire." The article reiterates that these interpretations are flawed, lacking research into the artist's life and context. The objects are identified as spires and bell towers, common elements in Crivelli's work, and the author warns against applying modern interpretations to historical art out of its original context.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with scientific inquiry, historical analysis, and media representation. There is a clear stance against sensationalist interpretations, particularly concerning historical art, advocating for rigorous research and contextual understanding. The publication promotes accessible ufological information through its website and publications, encouraging reader participation and critical thinking about the subject matter. The editorial team appears to favor a balanced approach, acknowledging unexplained phenomena while emphasizing the importance of natural explanations and debunking unfounded claims.

Title: UFO Nyt
Issue: 23. årg. Jan/Febr. 1981 (with content spanning from November 1958 to 2004)
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO Nyt delves into the critical analysis of alleged UFO sightings in historical art and debunks popular myths, particularly concerning astronomical events and ancient imagery. It features articles by Massimo Polidoro, Tony Phillips, and others, offering a skeptical perspective on UFO phenomena.

Art and Misinterpretation

The magazine critically examines several famous paintings that have been interpreted as depicting UFOs. The article "Guds sputnik" (God's Sputnik) discusses Bonaventura Salimbeni's 1595 painting "Santissima Trinitá," where a spherical object with 'antennas' is often called the 'Montalcino sputnik.' However, art historian Diego Cuoghi explains that the 'antennas' are sceptres held by Christ and God, and the object is a representation of the Creation globe, with the Sun and Moon depicted.

Similarly, a fresco from the 6th century in Visoki Decani Monastery in Kosovo, depicting Christ's Crucifixion, features the Sun and Moon. Some have interpreted these as 'spaceships with a crew,' but Cuoghi asserts this is a misunderstanding of the era's artistic symbolism, where the Sun and Moon often represented faces or figures.

Paolo Uccello's painting "Tebaide" (also known as "Scene di Vita Ermetica") is analyzed in "Den flyvende hat" (The Flying Hat). Some interpret a red object in the painting as a 'disk-shaped object' or 'flying object.' The article clarifies that this is actually a large red hat belonging to St. Jerome, who is depicted praying before the crucified Christ. The hat is a symbol of humility and is consistent with historical descriptions of how artists should depict the saint.

Another painting, "Miracolo della neve" (The Miracle of Snow) by Masolino Da Panicale (1428), is also discussed. Proponents of UFO interpretations see a 'UFO invasion' in the lens-shaped clouds. The article explains this as a non-realistic, artistic representation of clouds common in 15th-century religious art.

Massimo Polidoro, a researcher of paranormal phenomena, is quoted criticizing 'ufo hunters' for lacking art historical knowledge. He argues that they take objects out of context and label them as 'alien' or 'unidentified' without understanding the historical and artistic conventions.

Debunking the Mars Hoax

Tony Phillips' article "Mars-svindel på internettet" (Mars Swindle on the Internet) addresses a widespread email hoax claiming that Mars would appear as large as the full moon on August 27th. The article clarifies that while Mars does have close approaches to Earth, the email's claims are false. The closest approach in 2005 was on October 30th, at a distance of 69 million kilometers, and Mars would appear as a bright star, not as large as the full moon. The article also touches upon the scientific implications of Mars being much closer, such as gravitational effects on Earth.

Literature and Archives

The "Læsertilbud" (Reader Offer) section presents a 'spring cleaning' of SUFOI's archives. It advertises rare issues of "UFO-Nyt" (UFO News), out-of-print Danish UFO books, and a film poster for "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." A special offer is made for a complete set of "UFO-Nyt" from 1958 to 2004, with the highest bid over 2,200 DKK winning the collection.

Detailed lists of available "UFO-Nyt" back issues and books by Willy Wegner are provided, along with their prices, allowing readers to order materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Nyt strongly emphasizes a skeptical and critical approach to UFO phenomena, particularly when they appear in historical contexts. The editorial stance is to debunk misinterpretations of art and historical events, grounding explanations in art history, scientific facts, and logical reasoning. The magazine promotes critical thinking and discourages the sensationalist interpretations often found in ufology. The recurring theme is that many alleged 'UFOs' in art are simply misunderstood religious symbols, artistic conventions, or natural phenomena, and that a lack of historical context leads to erroneous conclusions.

This document is an issue of 'UFO-MAIL', a publication focused on UFOs and related phenomena. It functions primarily as a catalog of books and posters for sale, alongside a promotional message encouraging the sharing of the newsletter. The content is in Danish.

Catalog of UFO Materials

The majority of the page is dedicated to listing various books and posters related to UFOs. Each item is presented with its title, author (where applicable), a brief description (e.g., number of pages), and its price in Danish Kroner (kr.).

Books listed include:

• Per Andersen: "Cheops, Pi og Talmanipulationer" (40 pages, kr. 25,00), "Projekt UFODATA" (38 pages, kr. 25,00), and "Tidsloven. UFO-fænomenets tidsfordeling" (46 pages, kr. 35,00).
• Kim Møller Hansen: "UFO'er over New Zealand" (71 pages, kr. 45,00), "Bortført - Travis Walton Sagen" (65 pages, kr. 45,00), "UFO Sløring" (70 pages, kr. 55,00), and "Piloter ser UFO'er" (72 pages, kr. 55,00).
• Studiekredsheftet: "Orientering om emnet ufo'er, 3. udgave" (28 pages, kr. 15,00).
• John Keel: "UFO-sagen er mere end observationer" (38 pages, kr. 35,00).
• Birgit Thiede: "Jordiske flyvende tallerkener" (50 pages, kr. 35,00).
• Poul M. Frederiksen: "Videnskaben og folkets øjne" (268 pages, kr. 75,00).
• Anonymous: "UFO og videnskaben" (131 pages, kr. 35,00), "UFOs i fokus" (180 pages, kr. 50,00).
• Pedersen & Kjems: "UFO-orientering (1969)" (120 pages, kr. 40,00) and "UFO-orientering (1966)" (60 pages, kr. 40,00).
• Anonymous: "UFO-billedhefte (1966)" (40 pages, kr. 40,00).
• Olavo T. Fontes: "Trinidade observationerne" (30 pages, kr. 30,00).
• McDonald: "UFOer - det største videnskabelige problem i vor tid?" (64 pages, kr. 40,00).
• Edward J. Ruppelt: "Mantell-sagen" (12 pages, kr. 10,00) - listed twice.
• Sherman J. Larsen: "UFO'er tæt på" (92 pages, kr. 35,00) - listed twice.
• Klaus Aarsleff: "Det magiske menneske" (91 pages, kr. 35,00) - listed twice.
• Åge Skjeldborg: "På sporet af ufonauten" (288 pages, kr. 45,00) - listed twice.
• Frank Edwards: "Flyvende tallerkener - En alvorlig sag" (248 pages, kr. 55,00).

Posters available include:

• "Plakat. UFO'er, farve, 80 x 60 cm" (kr. 50,00).
• "Filmplakat. Nærkontakt af Tredie Grad, farve, 80 x 120 cm" (kr. 120,00).

Ordering Information and Promotion

Readers are informed that these materials can only be purchased by using the coupon included in the UFO-MAIL and are subject to availability. A flat fee of kr. 30,00 for postage and expedition is added to the total order. All prices include VAT (moms).

A prominent section encourages readers to forward the 'ufo-mail' to family, friends, and acquaintances. The message states that by doing so, they will also have the opportunity to receive the ufo-mail for free and without obligation, which includes updates on Danish and foreign observations or photographs, current celestial phenomena, and special offers on UFO materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is clearly UFOs and related mysteries, presented through a catalog of books and posters. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting and disseminating information about UFO phenomena, encouraging reader engagement through sharing the newsletter and purchasing materials. The publication aims to keep its audience informed about observations, scientific discussions, and popular culture representations of UFOs.