UFO Mail - No 105 - 2009

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 105
Date: 3. februar 2009
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information focuses on the significant event of the Danish Air Force's Flyvertaktisk Kommando (FTK) officially releasing its UFO archives to the public through SUFOI.

Release of the Danish Air Force's UFO Archives

The article, written by Ole Henningsen, details his experience attending the official handover of the FTK's UFO archives on January 28, 2009. This event marks a move towards greater transparency, following similar releases by France and the United Kingdom in previous years. Henningsen notes that other countries like the USA and Spain had already declassified their UFO files earlier.

Henningsen had previously inquired with the FTK about potential UFO-related archives and, 36 years prior, had received copies of internal documents related to a specific case for SUFOI. In 2008, contacts within the Air Force confirmed the existence of a 'UFO folder' at FTK, accessible to SUFOI and other interested parties. Niels Toftegaard, a journalist from FTK's press service, had written an article about the folder's contents for the February issue of the Air Force's magazine, 'Flyvevåbnet,' making the invitation to view the material before its publication particularly timely.

On the morning of the event, Henningsen heard an interview on Danish radio (P3) with Captain Thomas Pedersen of FTK, confirming the Air Force's intention to release its UFO archive that day.

Media Attention and Access

Henningsen initially underestimated the media interest, but his phone quickly began ringing with inquiries from his FTK contacts and, notably, from Denmark's Radio (DR) TV-Avisen, which requested permission to film his arrival and visit. TV2 Fyn also expressed interest, particularly in a case involving a 15-year-old boy from Fyn who, in 1982, observed a luminous object on the ground with five small beings. Henningsen could not immediately help locate the boy, as SUFOI's relevant materials were being scanned in Sweden, and privacy protocols needed to be followed. He referred TV2 Fyn to Ole J. Knudsen, a planetarium manager with UFO investigation experience.

Upon arrival at the Flyvestation Karup, Henningsen was met by journalists and provided with an access pass. The presentation of the UFO folder and its contents took place at the premises of the Flyvevåbnets Historiske Samling (FLYHIS), where volunteers were working. The TV-Avisen crew filmed the proceedings.

Content of the UFO Archive

Captain Thomas Pedersen explained that the UFO folder had been on his shelf for years and that, as it contained no real secrets, the decision was made to make it public, aligning with international trends. The Air Force had a history of recording and noting unusual aerial observations, sometimes consulting other defense branches to check radar data or ongoing exercises. However, their primary role was to determine if an observation posed a threat to national security; otherwise, it was not their direct responsibility to investigate further.

Pedersen stated that the archive primarily consists of notes and reports from 1978 to 2002, mostly using an old form (nr. 3622). He recognized this form from his own past investigations. The material also includes older reports dating back to 1946, concerning the investigation of 'ghost rockets' observed across Scandinavia. The archive contains only one photo case: a jellyfish-like object reportedly seen over Viborg in 1974, a case Henningsen had previously investigated with FTK's help.

Henningsen had offered to assist FTK with removing sensitive information and scanning the documents, as they lacked personnel. This task was efficiently completed by a temporary press employee, Rune Dyrholm.

Specific Cases and Materials

The article highlights several specific cases within the archive:

• Ghost Rockets (1946): Reports investigated by Major Per Winge, observed over Scandinavia.
• Viborg Jellyfish (1974): A photographic case, later identified as a steam release from a local combined heat and power plant.
• Greenlandic Police Reports: Several interesting reports from Greenland, documented by the police and forwarded via the Greenland Command to FTK. One such report from May 5, 1984, details a police officer's observation of a stationary light in the sky near Kulusuk on October 21, 1983, which was larger than a star and remained in place for an hour.
• Odense Incident (1996): A video taken by Leo Nygaard in Odense on September 15, 1996, showing an unidentified object, with speculation about it being a helicopter or balloon.

Future Reporting and Collaboration

Captain Thomas Pedersen informed the press that future UFO reports should be submitted to SUFOI via their website, www.ufo.dk. The article emphasizes the excellent cooperation between SUFOI, FTK, and other military authorities like the Søværnets Operative Kommando (SOK).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly advocates for government transparency regarding UFO phenomena, highlighting the importance of releasing historical archives. It showcases the collaborative efforts between civilian UFO research organizations like SUFOI and military bodies. The editorial stance is one of open investigation and public access to information, emphasizing that such historical data, when properly anonymized, can be shared without compromising security. The article also touches upon the historical context of UFO investigations, particularly during the Cold War era with phenomena like 'ghost rockets.' The importance of documenting and archiving these reports for future study is a recurring theme.

This document is an issue of the magazine "Flyvevåbnet", focusing on the public release of a UFO archive by the Danish Air Force (FTK). The content details the journalist Niels Toftegaard's visit to FTK, his impressions of the material, and the subsequent media frenzy.

Accessing the UFO Archive Journalist Niels Toftegaard describes a visit to the Flyvertaktisk Kommando (FTK) OPS Center, where he met with contacts and employees. He notes the small world aspect of encountering an old UFO acquaintance. After a visit to the Press Department, he expresses satisfaction with finally seeing the UFO archive material as one of the first "civilians." While he didn't expect major UFO secrets, he acknowledges the importance of the material being studied and potentially released by SUFOI.

SUFOI's Involvement and Public Reaction SUFOI (a Danish UFO organization) welcomes FTK's decision to release the material, viewing it as a step towards demystifying UFO phenomena. SUFOI's chairman, Kim Møller Hansen, reports a high volume of media inquiries and interview requests following the announcement. To facilitate further study and dissemination, Toftegaard travels to Lystrup near Århus to meet with SUFOI's webmaster, Flemming O. Rasmussen, to copy the archive material and photos to Rasmussen's server.

Media Coverage and Interviews The document highlights the media's response, including a report on TV2's "Deadline" program featuring Thomas Pedersen. Toftegaard is contacted by TV2 for a brief comment for their evening broadcast. He also notes the TV-Avisen's coverage of the UFO archive's release, referring to it as a "brilliant result" but expressing surprise at how a 2.5-hour effort is condensed into a 2-3 minute segment in fast-paced media.

On-Location Commentary and Travel Following the media engagement, Toftegaard travels to Odense for a live TV interview. He describes the process of setting up at the TV station and provides a short commentary that concludes their report, which also features an interview with Leo Nygaard and footage of his UFO film. The journey continues towards Lolland, involving a drive over the Great Belt Bridge as the ferry from Langeland is no longer an option due to the late hour. He briefs the local press about the day's events during the drive.

Post-Visit Activities and Reflection Upon returning home past midnight, Toftegaard begins responding to emails, many from international contacts seeking more information and images. He reflects on the day as "exciting and exhausting, but absolutely rewarding." The article includes a photograph of Ole Henningsen, identified as SUFOI's Ole Henningsen, returning home with the UFO archive material, reiterating that no extraordinary UFO secrets were found at the Air Force base.

Call to Action: Share UFO Mail A section encourages readers to forward "ufo-mail" to friends and family, offering them the opportunity to receive free and non-binding updates on Danish and international UFO observations, photographs, atmospheric phenomena, and offers on UFO materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The issue strongly emphasizes transparency and the demystification of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is supportive of making information public and accessible, as evidenced by SUFOI's welcoming of the FTK's decision and their active role in disseminating information. The coverage also highlights the significant public and media interest generated by such releases, and the challenges of presenting complex information within the constraints of modern media.