UFO Mail - No 061 - 2005

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: Nr. 61
Date: October 3, 2005
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information focuses on demystifying reported aerial phenomena, primarily an orange light observed in the sky, and also touches upon the ongoing debate surrounding the moon landing.

The Orange Light Mystery

The main article, "Hvad var det lille orange lys på himlen?" (What was the little orange light in the sky?) by Ole Henningsen, details reports received by SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) via their website regarding a small orange light seen on August 18, 2005, after an outdoor concert in Frederiksberg.

One observer described the object as "orange with a distinct, 'ball-like' shape," noting it was "a bit 'fuzzy' at the edges... but with a clear shape." At its closest, it was compared to a "distress flare" in apparent size, though the observers simultaneously knew this was "totally and utterly impossible."

Another reporter described the light as "very clear and bright, no blinking or sound," and most resembling a distress flare. The object moved slowly westward, fading out gradually like an aircraft, giving the impression it was moving away. It eventually faded completely.

These observations were discussed in a previous issue of UFO-Mail, where explanations were sought. Subsequent reader feedback suggested possibilities such as high-flying aircraft illuminated by the sun or even satellites, with Iridium satellites being specifically mentioned. These satellites, when their solar panels rotate, can reflect sunlight and appear as bright points of light. However, the described phenomenon did not match this explanation.

Hot Air Balloons as the Culprit

Page 2 features a photo collage titled "Formation of small hot air balloons at a UFO meeting in Cröffelbach in Germany, October 2004. Different phases - from close to launch until they fade into the sky." The accompanying text, attributed to Roland Gehardt, states that after reviewing the observations, SUFOI was quickly convinced of the cause.

The characteristics of the observed lights – size, appearance, color, and flight path – strongly pointed towards hot air balloons. Specifically, these were not large, manned balloons, but small, 1-2 meter high toy balloons made of paper or plastic, equipped with a combustible heat source at the bottom for lift. The burning material could, depending on lighting conditions and distance, illuminate the lower part of the balloon, making it visible even through binoculars.

SUFOI notes that similar small hot air balloons are widely sold or brought back from trips to the East by other UFO organizations in Sweden and Germany, and their appearance matches the observations from Frederiksberg. The two reports from Frederiksberg are now archived by SUFOI as hot air balloons.

Observations and Photos from Allerød

Ole Henningsen also contributes an article detailing observations from Allerød. On June 5, 2004, a 21-year-old woman from Allerød reported an interesting observation of a "flame-like" phenomenon moving across the sky from north to south.

Her report to SUFOI stated: "It didn't seem very high above the ground; you could clearly see that it was burning (that there was fire). It ascended – it looked like it was launched not too far from here – like a rocket (fireworks), but it definitely wasn't that... It was also quite large. We were first afraid it was a plane crashing, but when it was right above us, we could see it wasn't. Then we thought meteor, but I mean, it was too big and 'too close' to be that..." The observation lasted two minutes, starting at 23:45.

This report was mentioned in a previous UFO-Mail issue (nr. 41). It led to a reader contacting SUFOI, who had seen something similar in the summer of 2003, also in Allerød.

More Observations of the Same Phenomenon Type

This reader also reviewed SUFOI's observation list and found a high frequency of sightings in the Allerød area, many involving yellow-orange colored phenomena, similar to the one reported by the 21-year-old woman. This suggested the same phenomenon might have occurred repeatedly over the years.

#### Typical Allerød Observation

One such typical report came from a 56-year-old man in Allerød on July 9, 2005. For 10 minutes, he observed a light phenomenon in the western sky. He initially thought it was a plane with engine fire, then a flare, but the direction was wrong. Using binoculars, he saw an object "like surrounded by flames." Unlike a normal aircraft, there were no details visible, only an "orange-red light and apparently a spherical core." The object changed direction, unlike planes or flares. It eventually disappeared into the sky, fading into a small red dot.

SUFOI found several older cases matching these descriptions. The common thread was a "flame-like" phenomenon, a small yellow/orange, slow-moving light, sometimes with multiple lights seen simultaneously.

Lights Over Allerød Photographed

Some occasions involved photographs of these lights. A photo by Michael Nielsen shows a small, luminous streak on the dark evening sky. The text explains that a luminous streak appears if a faint object moves during exposure while the camera is not held steady.

Michael Nielsen provided a detailed account to SUFOI, reporting orange objects around Allerød, seen to the west and north. He described seeing groups of objects, some appearing to hover between the towers of Frederiksborg Castle in Hillerød. He took two photos with a digital camera of limited quality.

Nielsen also reported observing two yellow objects on September 10, 2004, over Allerød. They came from the southwest, flew in an arc, and slowly disappeared northwestward over approximately three minutes (20:44 to 20:47). He submitted photos of these round, orangey-yellow objects, explaining that their elongated appearance in the pictures was due to camera shake.

His camera was a 5-megapixel Canon Powershot S 50. He described the lights as "gulorange" (yellow-orange) and significantly larger than the brightest stars, perhaps three times larger. They appeared to grow smaller as they moved northwest. A plane was seen flying from northwest to east as they disappeared. Nielsen speculated they might be a form of fireworks or flares, possibly amateur-made, that hang in the air and drift with the wind. However, his girlfriend felt they flew too fast and stayed too close together to be wind-driven.

When asked, the fireworks factory in Allerød denied any activity that evening. The first time they saw them, the objects ascended rapidly as if shot upwards.

Appeal in Allerød Nyt

SUFOI contacted the local newspaper, Allerød Nyt, with the information and photographs. As a private organization, SUFOI aims to seriously investigate and explain sightings. They suspected a local phenomenon and increasingly focused on small hot air balloons. They sought information from anyone who might have launched these balloons.

The extensive coverage in Allerød Nyt led to more inquiries, and SUFOI was pleased to make contact with individuals who had launched small Thai hot air balloons in the Allerød/Bloustrød area.

Part of a Parachute Found in a Garden

One inquiry mentioned an unusual object found in a bush in a garden in 2003. Following the mention in Allerød Nyt, local parachute experts identified and collected it as a missing part of one of their reserve parachutes.

We Launched the Hot Air Balloons!

Photos show the "Familien R." family launching a hot air balloon. Mr. R. told UFO-Mail that shortly after launch, the balloon takes shape as a luminous dot, following the wind direction across the night sky for about 15 minutes. He mentioned potential fire hazards but noted that in calm conditions, the flame burns, and the balloon stays aloft for a while before descending.

SUFOI received further reports from the area and quickly contacted two individuals from Allerød/Bloustrød who had launched small Thai hot air balloons on various occasions.

The Families Behind the Launches

One family had meticulously noted down the times of their balloon launches, and these dates matched many of the reports received by SUFOI, though not all. In some cases, a different group launched three balloons at once for events like parties. The UFO-Mail writer had the opportunity to see the remaining balloons and witness a demonstration.

Not all "balloon launchers" wish to be named or photographed, but SUFOI knows their identities. Their faces are therefore blurred in the photos. The photos show the balloons, including a close-up comparison with Michael Nielsen's photos, where one bright point is isolated and the rest retouched. Contrast has been increased to highlight the balloon's contours.

Michael Nielsen confirmed that the images, viewed through his binoculars, bore a strong resemblance to what he saw. The photos were taken with a 3x optical zoom on a Canon Powershot S 50.

Balloon Launch at Neighborhood Parties

Aage Bliddal was one of the "balloon launchers" who contacted SUFOI. He had participated in launching hot air balloons during festive gatherings in the Cedervangen neighborhood in Allerød, such as parties and birthdays. Bliddal initially doubted the seriousness of the UFO-Nyt article but decided to contribute his knowledge after repeated appeals for information.

He stated that they normally launched three balloons at a time, and sometimes observers in the Cedervangen area had made "very imaginative" observations and comments about these launches. He confirmed that the photos from Familien R. accurately depicted the balloons they launched.

Thai Paper Balloons

The balloons used are from Thailand, described as similar in design and made of wood and rice paper. The entire balloon, including the wire frame and fuel source, weighs about 160 grams, making it a lightweight construction suitable for launching in appropriate weather. In Thailand, these balloons are apparently used in large numbers for various festivities. Familien R. acquired their balloons during a course in Jutland, while Aage Bliddal obtained his through an acquaintance who imported a larger quantity from Thailand and resold them in Denmark. The article notes it's unsurprising that such light phenomena have been observed elsewhere in the country in recent years.

When Will We See the Next Ones?

Not all recent observation reports from Nordsjælland originate from hot air balloons, but it's likely other "launchers" are involved. SUFOI is satisfied with the investigation's outcome, which has provided a definitive explanation for most observations from the Allerød area, concluding the case. However, the article hints that more balloons are still available.

Super Offer for UFO-MAIL Readers!

A promotional section offers a subscription to the journal "UFO-Nyt" for a discounted price. Subscribers to UFO-Mail can get the 2006 subscription (4 issues, 24 pages each) for 79.00 DKK (normal price 292.00 DKK). As a bonus, they receive the entire 2005 volume (normal price 292.00 DKK) for free. The offer is valid until November 15, 2005.

The Moon Landing Still Haunts

Ole Henningsen also writes about the moon landing debate. He references a reader's letter in Jyllands-Posten titled "Doubt about landing on the moon," authored by Bo Kolman, an engineering academic. Kolman questions the 1969 moon landing, citing a TV 2 documentary that presented arguments and manipulated images suggesting it was a hoax.

Kolman expresses disbelief at the stated timeline for a new US moon mission (2020), which is projected to take over 15 years. He contrasts this with the less than nine years it took to develop the original Apollo program, despite current technological advancements. He argues that the long timeline for the new mission fuels doubts about the authenticity of the original landings and calls for a more critical expert to argue against this perceived technological regression.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's primary stance in this issue is to provide rational explanations for seemingly mysterious aerial phenomena. The extensive investigation into the orange lights clearly demonstrates SUFOI's commitment to debunking UFO reports by identifying mundane causes, in this case, hot air balloons. The editorial approach is methodical, relying on witness accounts, photographic evidence, and cross-referencing with other organizations and historical data. The inclusion of the moon landing conspiracy theory article, however, suggests an interest in broader UFO-related topics beyond simple sightings, touching upon skepticism towards official narratives in science and space exploration. The magazine actively engages its readers by soliciting reports and feedback, as seen in the appeal in Allerød Nyt and the subscription offer for UFO-Nyt.

Title: Ufoer i DR2
Issue Date: April 1, 2004
Publisher: SUFOI (presumably the organization behind 'ufo-mail')
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of 'Ufoer i DR2' focuses on the portrayal and discussion of UFOs and related conspiracy theories within Danish media, specifically on the television channel DR2. It also includes a section on recommended books concerning secret societies and conspiracy theories.

Article 1: "Ærgerligt, siger astrofysiker til ufo-mail"

The lead article features an interview with astrophysicist Michael J. D. Linden-Vørnle from the Tycho Brahe Planetarium. He comments on the resurgence of the moon landing hoax theory, calling it "regrettable but not unexpected" as the US plans a return to the Moon. Linden-Vørnle suggests that the Apollo program was politically motivated and utilized disproportionate resources, whereas new lunar missions will be approached with a more realistic budget. The article also references a DR2 program from April 1, 2004, titled "I Månens skygge," a 50-minute French documentary "Dark Side of the Moon" by director William Karel, which explored the moon landing conspiracy. Links are provided for further reading on the topic, including an article by Linden-Vørnle and NASA's own text on the moon landing.

Article 2: "Ufoer i DR2"

This section reviews a segment on the DR2 late-night talk show "Clement," hosted by Clement Kjersgaard and Huxi Bach. The show, which airs live on Friday nights, blends guests, satire, and journalism. A specific episode on September 16th featured guest Per Wimmer (a potential future Danish astronaut), Swedish singer Robyn, and former mayor Peter Brixtofte. During the show, a segment briefly discussed UFOs, presented as a "report" from Skandinavisk UFO Information. This report was based on UFO observations over Iran and an article by local editor Peter Foersom from Lolland-Falsters Folketidende concerning the discovery of fallen weather balloons in Sydsjælland and Lolland-Falster. The article notes that the Iran segment originated from 'ufo-mail' nr. 52, welcoming DR2 as a reader. Future guests for the program are listed, including Pia Kjærsgaard, Flemming Jensen, Kasper Winding, Lise Nørgaard, and Jokeren. The article also mentions that the program is seeking audience members for upcoming recordings and provides a link to watch the full episode.

Book Reviews: "BOGNYHED!"

This section highlights new book releases related to secret societies and conspiracy theories.

• "Hemmelige selskaber 40 dræberkulter og sære sekter" by Klaus Aarsleff. This 176-page illustrated book covers 40 grotesque and bizarre secret societies, cults, and sects, including the Manson family, Heaven's Gate, the Thuggee order, Illuminati, Opus Dei, Orthon, Scientology, and others inspired by Dan Brown's novels.
• "Konspirationsteorier" by Lars Bugge. This 152-page book is part of a series and costs 69.95 DKK.
• "Flere konspirationsteorier" by Lars Bugge. This 160-page book is also part of the series and costs 69.95 DKK.

Readers are encouraged to order these books from the SUFOI shop under "Bøger for voksne" (Books for adults).

Call to Action: "Send ufo-mail til familie, venner og bekendte!"

This section encourages readers to forward the 'ufo-mail' newsletter to their contacts, promoting the free and non-committal subscription to receive updates on Danish and international UFO observations, photographs, atmospheric phenomena, and special offers on UFO materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of UFO phenomena and conspiracy theories with mainstream media, particularly television broadcasting in Denmark. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and analyzing how these topics are presented, while also actively promoting UFO-related literature and encouraging reader engagement through sharing the newsletter. There is a clear focus on debunking or questioning the official narratives, as evidenced by the astrophysicist's comments on the moon landing hoax theory and the critical review of the DR2 talk show segment.