UFO Mail - No 073 - 2006

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 73
Date: 22. august 2006
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information welcomes readers back after a summer break, presenting the latest UFO mail with a focus on a sighting over Copenhagen.

Lille mørkt objekt over København (Small dark object over Copenhagen)

This main article, authored by Ole Henningsen, details a personal observation of a UFO on Sunday, August 13th, at approximately 18:46. The object was first spotted by his wife while they were driving home. Henningsen managed to take several photographs of the object. He describes the object as "black with a constantly changing shape, 'Batman-like'." The observation occurred as they were driving along Borups Allé over Bispeengbuen in Copenhagen.

He recounts stopping the car to take pictures, noting that the object was high in the sky and slightly to the left of the car. The object appeared to be drifting with the wind, possibly towards Brønshøj, though this was difficult to ascertain. The photographer used a Canon 350D with a standard lens and full zoom (50mm). He estimates the object's movement was relatively quick and steady, following a roughly straight line. He created an animated GIF from the photos which shows the object's shape changing, suggesting it might be tumbling or rotating.

He compares the object's movement to a plastic bag in the wind but notes it wasn't turbulent. He estimates the wind speed to be around NV (North-West) and possibly more than 1 m/s at the time of observation. Henningsen admits he cannot find a definitive explanation, considering a large black plastic bag but finding its movement too steady. He also notes that a balloon is a possibility, but the changing shape is notable.

Supporting Evidence and Analysis

Two zoomed-in photos from August 13, 2006, are presented. A map of the area in Copenhagen is included, showing the sighting line and the approximate location. The map indicates the object's movement over 3 minutes and the camera angle. The article also includes a comparison with a photograph of an F-117 Stealth model aircraft, which one witness suggested the object resembled, albeit upside down.

Reader Comments and Interpretations

Several preliminary comments from SUFOI members are included. One member suggested it could be a small remote-controlled aircraft, explaining that such models made of foam are lightweight and can be easily carried away by the wind if control is lost. Another member suggested it was a kite, doubting that a remote-controlled aircraft could be flown in strong winds. This member also noted that the object didn't appear to move much relative to the buildings, suggesting it might be tethered.

The photographer responded, stating he did not believe it was a kite, as the object moved a considerable distance during the time it took to take the photos. He explained that the movement appeared to be away from the camera, making it seem less mobile. He acknowledged that the movement could resemble a kite and that judging distance is difficult. He also mentioned his wife's comment that the object looked like a stealth bomber, but upside down.

Nyeste observationer (Latest Observations)

This section presents recent UFO and UAP reports submitted to SUFOI.

4990 Sakskøbing, August 2, 2006

Two individuals observed a white, round light in the night sky around 22:00. They initially thought it was an airplane due to its movement, but noted the absence of blinking lights. The light moved upwards, then left, and then in shifting directions (right, left, down, up) before disappearing. They described it as being about 30-35 degrees from their viewing angle. They later visited the observation site in daylight and noted the presence of power lines in the field of view where the phenomenon was spotted. The light was described as slightly larger than a star, round, and whitish, with a yellowish/orange hue and a faint red glow.

6400 Sønderborg, August 3, 2006

Four people sitting on a balcony observed a V-shaped object moving at high speed across the sky. The object moved in a straight line west-southwest, then changed direction to south at an angle of about 25 degrees above the horizon before disappearing. The object emitted a diffuse warm yellowish light. The V-shape was described as broken in the middle where there was no light. The size was estimated to be comparable to a fingernail held at arm's length. The entire observation lasted about 6 seconds. The witnesses were astonished, particularly the two women who had never seen anything like it. The observer also mentioned seeing a similar object in 2001.

Meteors

Reports to www.ufo.dk indicate three meteor observations on August 12th, coinciding with the Leonids meteor shower. The article notes that the clear night sky had been affected by clouds in recent days. Photos of meteors from August 9th are referenced from a Japanese website.

Det grønne glimt (The Green Flash)

Authored by Ole Henningsen, this article explains the phenomenon of the green flash, an optical effect occurring at sunrise or sunset. It is caused by the atmosphere acting as a lens, splitting sunlight into colors. The shorter wavelengths (violet, blue, green) are typically scattered, leaving red and orange. However, under very clear and calm atmospheric conditions, the green light can be briefly visible just before the sun disappears below the horizon or appears above it.

The article mentions that DMI (Danish Meteorological Institute) reported on this phenomenon in their newsletter. It highlights the work of amateur astronomer Jesper Grønne, who managed to photograph the green flash. The article provides links to DMI's newsletter subscription and Jesper Grønne's astrophotography website.

Så ufo og startede fra Månen - med kuglepen (So UFO and started from the Moon - with a pen)

This short piece discusses the Apollo 11 mission. It mentions a documentary titled "Apollo11: The Untold Story" which premiered in the summer. The article recounts an anecdote from the documentary, stating that Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin had to use a ballpoint pen to activate a button in the control panel when leaving the Moon. It also touches upon the risks associated with the Apollo program, noting that President Nixon had a contingency speech prepared in case of astronaut fatalities, and NASA was instructed to cut communication in the event of a disaster.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO and UAP sightings, encouraging reader submissions and providing detailed accounts with photographic evidence where available. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting observations and potential explanations while acknowledging the unexplained nature of many phenomena. There is also an interest in related scientific and atmospheric topics, as seen in the article on the green flash, and historical space exploration events like the Apollo missions.

This issue of the magazine, dated January 2006, features a prominent article titled 'Fly forfulgt af lysende kugle' (Flight pursued by a luminous sphere), with a cover image of three astronauts. The content explores two distinct unexplained aerial phenomena: one related to the Apollo 11 moon landing and another involving a mysterious light observed during a flight over Guyana.

Apollo 11 and the UFO Claim

The magazine begins by referencing the historic Apollo 11 mission, featuring astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins. A key anecdote from Buzz Aldrin, now 76, recounts a critical moment during the mission. He told film producers how his heart leaped when he discovered a crucial electrical contact had broken off, likely due to an astronaut bumping into it with their bulky spacesuit. Aldrin used a ballpoint pen without a metal tip to activate the damaged contact during the countdown procedure before liftoff from the Moon.

Aldrin also shared a story about the astronauts seeing what they believed to be a UFO during the Moon mission, a detail NASA allegedly kept quiet for 30 years. He stated, "There was something out there that was close enough for us to see it." He explained that they decided not to ask Houston directly about the object to avoid causing alarm or demands to abort the mission. Instead, they cautiously inquired if Mission Control knew the whereabouts of their S-IVB rocket stage, which had separated two days prior. Mission Control replied that the stage was approximately 6,000 nautical miles away. Mike Collins observed something through his telescope that appeared as ellipses, then clock-shaped when focused, which didn't immediately make sense. Aldrin concluded that they dismissed the sighting, deciding not to discuss it further until debriefing after landing.

NASA's Response and the Missing Footage

Following up on these claims, a reader inquired with NASA's website about comments on Aldrin's account and the alleged instruction for astronauts not to discuss what they saw. David Morrison, Senior Scientist at NASA's Astrobiological Institute, responded on July 26, 2006. He stated he had spoken with Buzz Aldrin, who claimed his statements were taken out of context. Morrison explained that after confirming the observed object was not the S-IVB stage, the crew agreed it was likely panels from the stage's separation. These panels were probably closer to the spacecraft and not tracked from Earth. Morrison suggested that the astronauts chose not to discuss the incident over open radio to prevent misinterpretation, and that this part of the interview was seemingly cut from the published version to create the impression of a UFO sighting.

The magazine also addresses the ongoing search for the original moon landing film. BBC News reported that NASA is looking for this footage, believing better recordings exist and are archived at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland. However, the search is complicated by the retirement or death of many involved employees over the years. The current recordings are described as poor quality, akin to a photocopy of a photocopy, originating from a film camera recording a black-and-white TV screen. The original transmission was converted from 10 frames per second to 60 fps for broadcast, resulting in lost detail. Stan Lebar, responsible for the Apollo 11 recordings, and John Sarkissian are working to locate the original footage, noting that it's not lost but its exact location is unknown.

The Guyana Flight Incident

The second major article, 'Fly forfulgt af lysende kugle' by Dieter Betz, details a startling encounter in 1981/82. Captain Kahn of a Hawker Siddeley 748 from Guyana Airways reported being pursued by a powerful light, matching their altitude and speed, which he could not identify as any known aircraft. The phenomenon was witnessed by over a hundred people, including pilots and cabin crew on a Boeing 737. Dieter Betz, a pilot for Maersk Air on a lease to Guyana Airways, recounts the experience.

While waiting for takeoff clearance in Trinidad, Betz describes a beautiful sunset. Later, flying over the Orinoco River delta in darkness, the crew experienced a new 'sunrise' as the orange disc of the sun reappeared, allowing them to see it set again. The flight continued towards Georgetown. During the flight, Captain Kahn reported the pursuit by the luminous sphere. He described it as a large light ball that they could not identify. He stated, "We are being pursued by a powerful light on our starboard side - same altitude - same speed! We cannot identify anything - only a light ball - a large light ball!"

The Hawker Siddeley 748 pilot, Kahn, described the light as not being an aircraft, helicopter, or any conventional craft, as it didn't reflect off rotor blades or metal. He instructed his co-pilot, Sam, to turn slowly towards the light. The aircraft and the light followed each other at approximately 400 km/h. The light intensified and moved closer, blinding Kahn in the cargo hold. He then instructed Sam to turn left, and the light briefly illuminated the cockpit before disappearing behind the plane.

Kahn, not wanting to be made a fool of, requested a change in altitude. The controller granted permission, noting no other traffic. As they approached Timehris Airport, the light vanished. The crew, with dimmed cockpit lights, scanned the dark, swampy landscape below, noting the absence of any human lights.

The Search and Witness Accounts

The following morning, a large-scale search was initiated by the Guyanese government, involving military helicopters, Skyvans, Twin-Otters, and small aircraft. Despite a thorough search of the area, nothing was found. Betz and Kahn were relieved they were not alone in their experience, and the event sparked discussions. Many pilots who had kept similar observations secret due to fear of ridicule or drug tests, came forward with their stories.

When asked if he believed in intelligent extraterrestrial life, Kahn responded, "God is there. That must be why they haven't contacted us."

Dieter Betz's Background

The article concludes with a brief biography of Dieter Betz, a pilot, author, speaker, and photographer who has flown for 50 years, accumulating around 16,000 flight hours in over 100 different types of aircraft. He has survived three crashes and is a member of the Adventurers' Club. After a career in civil aviation, Betz has returned to gliding and is an instructor at the Viborg Gliding Club, spending winters in New Zealand as an instructor and competition pilot.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and aviation-related mysteries. It presents eyewitness accounts and attempts to provide context, including official responses from organizations like NASA. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into these events, balancing anecdotal evidence with factual reporting and acknowledging the challenges in verifying such claims. The inclusion of Dieter Betz's extensive aviation background lends credibility to the reported flight incident.

This issue of 'UFO' (International UFO Reporter, Volume 30, Number 2, January 2006) features a cover story titled "Verdens første UFO-dokumentar" (The World's First UFO Documentary) by Robert Barrow. The magazine also includes a brief mention of Dieter Betz, a Danish author who has published 10 children's books and has a repertoire of lectures based on his travels.

The World's First UFO Documentary

The main article by Robert Barrow delves into the making and significance of the 1956 documentary film "Unidentified Flying Objects" (U.F.O.). The film was produced by Clarence Greene, who was motivated by his own UFO observation. Greene aimed to create a documentary based on official US government investigations into UFO phenomena, rather than a fictional account.

Production and Experts

The film's production involved a team of experts, including Al Chop, a former Pentagon press department employee who became a UFO proponent. Tom Towers, a writer, played Chop in the film. Key advisors included former Project Blue Book chief Edward J. Ruppelt, Major Dewey J. Fournet, and radar expert Wendell Swanson. These individuals were tasked with ensuring the accuracy and credibility of the film's content.

Featured UFO Cases

The documentary highlighted some of the most compelling UFO cases of the time. These included:

• Kenneth Arnold's observation (1947): The film began with this seminal sighting.
• Captain Thomas Mantell's death (1948): Mantell tragically died while pursuing a suspected UFO.
• Lieutenant George Gorman's encounter (1948): An aerial engagement over Fargo, North Dakota.
• DC-3 incident (January 1951): A near-collision with a mysterious light near Sioux City, Iowa.
• Willis T. Sperry's account (1950): An interview with an American Airlines chief pilot about a dramatic UFO encounter.
• Montana UFO film: Two objects filmed by businessman Nicholas Mariana.
• Utah film: Several objects filmed by Delbert C. Newhouse.
• Washington, D.C. sightings (July 1952): The film's climax depicted these significant observations.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release in May 1956, "Unidentified Flying Objects" received generally positive reviews, but the public reception was mixed, and the film initially lost money. Ufologist Max B. Miller criticized the film for being slow-paced and having stiff acting, despite finding the content interesting on a first viewing. Ufologist Ted Bloecher, however, praised the film for its focus on the actual cases and the use of amateur actors, noting that the producers wisely avoided depicting the UFOs' appearance.

The article notes that the film was shot in black and white, with the exception of the Mariana and Newhouse footage, which were incorporated with dramatic color shifts. It also points out a factual inaccuracy in the film regarding a Life magazine cover, which showed President Truman instead of Marilyn Monroe.

Despite its initial financial struggles, "U.F.O." has endured, being shown on local TV stations and released on video multiple times. The author, Robert Barrow, argues that the film offers one of the most open, honest, and nuanced insights into the US government's UFO research at the time. He hopes that this 50-year-old documentary will gain greater respect as a historical document of both UFO research and American history.

Reader Offer

The magazine also promotes the availability of the classic 1956 UFO documentary on DVD, imported by SUFOI for their 20th anniversary. The DVD includes the main film, color footage from Montana and Utah, and the 1952 documentary "The Flying Saucer Mystery." The DVD is in English without Danish subtitles and is currently sold out.

Call to Action

Readers are encouraged to forward UFO-related information via email to friends and family, promoting the free and non-binding UFO mail service which shares observations, photos, and offers on UFO materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly focuses on the historical analysis of UFO phenomena, particularly through the lens of early documentary filmmaking. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFOs, valuing historical documentation and official investigations. There is an emphasis on presenting factual accounts and analyzing the significance of early UFO research and media coverage. The magazine also promotes engagement with the UFO community through its email service and the availability of historical UFO materials.