UFO Mail - No 068 - 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 68
Date: 23. april 2006
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into several UFO-related topics, including the investigation of a purported UFO photograph, a detailed personal account of a sighting, an analysis of official UFO videos from Finland, and an examination of a peculiar 'magnetic hill' phenomenon.

Tallerken på himlen (Saucer in the Sky)

This section details an investigation into a UFO photograph submitted by a 14-year-old Danish student, identified as MP. The student claimed to have captured a saucer-shaped object with his digital camera. SUFOI's photo department, staffed by volunteers, examined the photos. Initially, the student's account of when the photos were taken was inconsistent with the EXIF data, which showed a significant time gap between the two submitted images and other photos taken around the same time. The student also initially denied it was for a school project. Photo consultants Hans Bødker and Klaus Silberbauer Andersen concluded that the object was not digitally manipulated but was likely a model. Further investigation and correspondence with the student revealed that the object was indeed a hoax, created for a school project ('projektopgave') for which he received a top grade. The object consisted of two plastic plates taped together and suspended by a fishing line, with a small piece of tape possibly visible in one of the photos. The magazine notes that while it was a case of deception, it provided valuable learning experience for SUFOI.

Usædvanlig Sankt Hans aften (Unusual Midsummer Eve)

This article presents a personal account from a reader named JK, who, at the age of 8, experienced a UFO sighting with his family on Midsummer Eve in the mid-1970s on the island of Funen, Denmark. While driving near Vester Skerninge, they observed an orange light that came close to their car, causing it to slow down and nearly stall. The object, described as two deep saucers joined together, emitted a strong orange light and moderate warmth. It then accelerated away rapidly. Later that evening, after returning home, they saw the same 'UFO' hovering silently a few meters above their house. The object then flashed in three different colors (blue, red, and yellow) and disappeared instantly. The incident was witnessed by five people. The author, now nearly 40, describes himself as a skeptic of paranormal phenomena but is certain of this experience, seeking a scientific explanation and hoping for similar cases to be explained naturally to bring peace of mind.

Hemmelig UFO video - filmet af finske myndigheder (Secret UFO Video - Filmed by Finnish Authorities)

This section reports on official Finnish authorities filming UFOs with infrared video on at least two occasions: November 2003 and April 2005. The Finnish UFO organization FUFORA (Finnish UFO Research Association) received these videos for analysis. According to Tapani Koivula, president of FUFORA, no natural explanations have yet been found for the phenomena captured in these videos. The article mentions a specific 11-second clip from April 2005, providing a link to view it. It highlights that Finnish UFO researchers are pioneers in infrared photography, noting that UFO phenomena seem to appear most prominently in the infrared spectrum. The report also references a similar infrared video filmed by Mexican pilots in April 2004, which was later identified as flames from an oil platform. FUFORA representatives state that the objects filmed by Finnish authorities resemble those observed and filmed internationally. The article notes that while many pilots from the Finnish Air Force and Finnair have reported UFO sightings over the past 50 years, the standard procedure has been not to publicize these observations.

Magnetisk fænomen? (Magnetic Phenomenon?)

This section addresses a query from H. O. Axelsen regarding a 'magnetic hill' on Bornholm, Denmark, mentioned in a previous issue. The phenomenon, discovered in 1975, is an area between Gudhjem and Østerlars Rundkirke where cars appear to roll uphill with their engines off. The article confirms the existence of this location and describes how it attracted significant media attention and visitors. However, it concludes that the phenomenon is an optical illusion, not a magnetic one. By using a spirit level or a bottle of water, one can demonstrate that the ground is actually sloping downwards. The article mentions that various theories were proposed, including connections to UFO sightings and healing properties, but the most plausible explanation remains an optical trick. The author admits to having experienced this phenomenon himself during a visit to Bornholm. The article also notes that similar optical illusions exist elsewhere, such as in Dalarne, Sweden.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently approaches UFO phenomena with a blend of critical investigation and openness to witness accounts. The editorial stance emphasizes the need for evidence, particularly scientific and photographic, while acknowledging the sincerity of witnesses. There is a clear focus on debunking hoaxes and providing rational explanations where possible, as seen in the analysis of the Danish student's photo and the Bornholm magnetic hill. However, the magazine also highlights unexplained cases, such as the Finnish infrared videos, and encourages reader participation in finding solutions. The overall tone suggests a commitment to exploring the UFO phenomenon through research, analysis, and the sharing of personal experiences, while maintaining a grounded, evidence-based perspective.

This issue of UFO-mail, dated March 2006, features several articles investigating unusual phenomena, primarily focusing on photographic anomalies and radar observations. The magazine aims to provide explanations for these occurrences, often attributing them to natural or technical causes.

Magnetic Hill on Bornholm

The issue begins with a short piece by Ole Henningsen describing a 'magnetic hill' phenomenon. Similar to the Magnetic Hill in New Brunswick, Canada, this attraction is located on Bornholm, Denmark. Visitors are instructed to drive from Østerlars towards Gudhjem, then turn right onto Kobbevej. After a short distance, a parking lot appears on the left, followed by trees on the right. Just past these trees is the 'magnetic hill'. The article suggests stopping the engine and rolling uphill without motor power. The phenomenon can also be experienced on a bicycle and is reportedly observable at least two places on Kobbevej.

Weather Detectives: Who Put a Cross in Sweden?

This main article, by John Cappelen and Søren Overgaard with editing by Niels Hansen, discusses a peculiar cross-like structure observed on a DMI radar image on March 14, 2006, at 9:00 AM Danish time, over Sweden. The 'weather detectives' at DMI investigated this anomaly. While it might suggest an election in Sweden, the explanation provided is that it was likely a mobile radar in Sweden (possibly military) being 'cross-peeled' by two Danish radars. The article includes a radar image showing the structure.

UFO-Vipstjert? (UFO-Wagtail?)

Authored by Ole Henningsen, this article examines a photograph taken in May 2005 at Herning Flyveplads Skinderholm. Holger Andersen, a SUFOI report recorder, was invited to a 50th birthday party where he took photos, including one during a flight. Later, he noticed an unusual marking on the left side of the color negative. Despite being an experienced photographer, he hadn't noticed anything unusual at the time. The photograph, taken with a 200mm telephoto lens at 1/500 sec, shows a small marking above the airplane. The photo lab initially suggested it was a flaw on the negative. Holger Andersen himself proposed it might be a bird, possibly a White Wagtail (Hvid Vipstjert), due to its white cheek patch possibly reflecting sunlight. He also recalled seeing wagtails hopping near the runway. The article includes a magnified view of the marking and a drawing of a White Wagtail for comparison. It also shows a magpie for comparison.

The Investigation Continues: Bird or Magpie?

Further analysis by SUFOI's photo consultant, Hans Bødker, of the original negative and digital scans, suggests the marking is indeed a bird. While initially considering a wagtail, Bødker also noted it might resemble a magpie, which are common in open areas like airfields. The SUFOI Photo Department concludes that the marking is a bird that was inadvertently captured in the photograph without being noticed during the shoot. Readers are encouraged to examine the images themselves.

Mobile Photos for Investigation

This section, also by Ole Henningsen, discusses mobile phone photographs submitted for investigation by SUFOI. The first case involves three photos taken by Jannik Dall on July 26, 2005, in Lynge, Nordsjælland. In these photos, taken with the sun low on the horizon, a dark marking is visible. SUFOI's investigation concluded that this marking is due to overexposure of the CCD chip in the mobile phone's camera. The article explains that CCD (Charge Coupled Device) chips convert light intensity into electrical signals and that cheaper digital cameras and mobile phones are prone to such overexposure effects, especially when photographing the sun. It warns against looking directly at the sun and notes that similar artifacts can appear on webcams.

Further Examples of Camera Effects

Pages 6, 7, 8, and 9 present additional examples of photographic anomalies attributed to camera effects, particularly from mobile phones. One image shows a magnified view of the sun with contrast and brightness adjustments, explaining the dark marking as overexposure of the electronic chip. Another photo, received from the German GEP (Gesellschaft zur Erforschung des UFO-Phänomens) and investigated by Hans-Werner Peiniger, was taken in Spandau, Berlin, on February 27, 2005. This image also displays a dark spot attributed to camera effects. A link is provided to a blog post discussing similar phenomena. Another example shows a photo with a halo and a dark spot, identified as a camera effect. The article distinguishes these from actual 'sunspots' (solpletter), showing a photograph of the sun with sunspots and passing aircraft taken by amateur astronomer Jan Koeman on January 15, 2005.

Send UFO-mail to Family and Friends

The final page is an advertisement encouraging readers to forward the UFO-mail to their contacts, offering free and non-binding subscriptions to updates on Danish and international observations, photographs, atmospheric phenomena, and UFO-related materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena and photographic anomalies. SUFOI, the publishing organization, appears to adopt a rational and investigative approach, often concluding that apparent UFOs or strange sightings have mundane explanations, such as radar reflections, birds, or camera artifacts. The magazine actively engages its readers by presenting evidence and encouraging them to form their own conclusions, while also providing expert analysis from its photo department and consultants. The overall stance is one of cautious inquiry, seeking to demystify rather than sensationalize UFO reports.