UFO Mail - No 109 - 2009

Magazine Overview

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, published by Danmarks UFO Forening on June 12, 2009, focuses on the aftermath of the Danish Air Force releasing its UFO archives. The main cover headline announces "After the opening of the air force's archives," highlighting the public's renewed interest in UFO observations.

Haubro Observation (November 8, 2002)

The issue details an observation made by students near Haubro, Denmark, in the autumn of 2002. A teacher recounts how two separate groups of students, who had no contact with each other, independently reported seeing a bright, starburst-like phenomenon. The object was described as a long, luminous stick that moved across the sky, stopped for a few seconds, illuminated the entire sky, and then faded away silently. The teacher initially dismissed it as a possible car headlight but was intrigued by the consistent accounts from both groups. Further investigation revealed that residents in the nearby town of Farsø had also observed the same phenomenon.

Teacher's Commentary (2009)

In 2009, the teacher who reported the Haubro incident found mention of it on SUFOI's website and provided additional commentary. They noted that more people than just their students had observed the phenomenon. While not having a strong opinion on the existence of UFOs, the teacher found the observation interesting due to the independent corroboration. They contacted local newspapers, which led to reports indicating that the phenomenon was observed by multiple people in Farsø, with consistent descriptions of time, location, movement, and appearance. The teacher also recalled a contact with Aalborg Air Base, which denied any low-flying aircraft activity at the time.

SUFOI's Comments

SUFOI's commentary indicates that the Haubro observation does not appear in the Air Force's UFO folder, nor did a search of the Farsø Avis yield results. They mention that their resources for delving into old newspaper archives are limited. While a logbook entry at FSN Aalborg might exist, accessing it is likely impractical. The mention of the Haubro case is available on SUFOI's website in their 2002 report summaries. Further details are likely stored in SUFOI's report archive, currently with AFU in Sweden for scanning, a process that is ongoing due to resource constraints.

Silver Paper Strips Found Near Nr. Løgum

A reader from Løgumkloster writes about finding strips of silver paper, resembling tinsel, scattered in fields and along roads in the late 1960s (around 1967-1969). The reader theorizes that this material might be radar chaff, similar to the "Windows" used by the RAF during World War II to confuse German radar, or possibly related to NATO tests or Warsaw Pact activities during autumn military exercises.

Response from UFO-Mail Editor

Ole Henningsen of UFO-Mail responds to the Nr. Løgum inquiry, suggesting that the reader's own explanation of radar chaff is likely correct. He provides a Wikipedia link for "Chaff" and explains its function as a radar countermeasure. He notes that while chaff was used extensively in WWII, it is still employed today. He recalls a similar report from Czechoslovakia involving small metal needles, which were likely also radar chaff.

Observation from September 4, 1986

The magazine also references a reader's follow-up email regarding an observation on September 4, 1986. This reader, who witnessed a large light phenomenon in the northeastern sky over Scandinavia, found reports in the Air Force's UFO archives related to this date. Ole Henningsen confirms that this event was likely a Soviet missile accident, possibly from Plesetsk or a submarine in the Barents Sea. The light phenomenon was photographed in Sweden and reported in various publications. SUFOI had investigated similar cases involving large light phenomena in Scandinavia, often linked to rocket launches from Plesetsk.

Danish Observations: Horsens (April 23, 2009)

A detailed account from Horsens describes a daylight sighting on April 23, 2009. The observer and his father witnessed a large, milky white object, followed by six smaller, shiny metal objects that moved in a swarm-like pattern around the main object. The objects exhibited unusual movements, including sudden acceleration and hovering. The observer, an experienced sky-watcher, stated with certainty that it was not an aircraft, balloon, or helicopter.

Follow-up on Horsens Observation

The observer's son, OH, also provided a corroborating account of the Horsens sighting. He described a milky white object and two smaller, shiny objects that moved erratically. The main object was described as smooth and possibly elliptical in shape, not perfectly spherical. The observation lasted about 15 minutes and was clearly visible in binoculars, and even with the naked eye when its position was known.

Hobro Observation (Date not specified, but likely same day as Horsens)

Another observer, JHE, contacted SUFOI after seeing a metal-colored object in Hobro, noting it was observed on the same day as the Horsens sighting. JHE inquired about accessing details of this observation, expressing a desire to see how it compared to the Horsens report, especially since both involved daylight sightings and metal objects. Toke Haunstrup of SUFOI's report team explained that not all reports are published due to brevity or lack of detail. The Hobro description mentioned a long, silent, rotating tube-like object that glinted in the sun, which was photographed with a mobile phone but not successfully captured. Haunstrup noted that while there are some similarities (color, possible shape), the Hobro report did not mention smaller accompanying objects. The detailed Horsens reports were forwarded to Ole Henningsen for further investigation.

Sønderborg Observation (May 10, 2009)

An account from Sønderborg describes seeing bright yellow/orange lights in the sky on May 10, 2009, around 10:30 PM. The observer initially thought they were planets but noticed they were moving. Later, only one object remained, which then accelerated rapidly and disappeared. Another witness reported seeing four objects flying low over Sønderborg, initially in formation, which then accelerated and disappeared quickly without any sound. These observations were also reported to the Air Force, which referred the inquirer to SUFOI. The observers felt somewhat "crazy" after witnessing the event, which they described as resembling a science fiction film.

SUFOI's Request for Information

SUFOI is investigating the Sønderborg orange light phenomenon and asks for local residents to come forward with any information or observations. They are considering the possibility of hot air balloons with lights, but emphasize that all possibilities should be investigated. The local newspaper, Sønderborhg Ugeavis, reported receiving no inquiries about the cause of the orange lights.

All Tiders Historie on "Flying Saucers"

The magazine briefly mentions a program on Danmarks Radio (DR) called "Alle Tiders Historie" that compiled clips about "flying saucers" from the 1950s and 1960s.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the public's engagement with UFO phenomena following the release of official archives, the detailed reporting of specific sightings (both historical and recent), and the investigative efforts of organizations like SUFOI. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging witness reports and attempting to provide explanations where possible, while acknowledging the limitations of resources and the inherent difficulty in definitively identifying all phenomena. The magazine highlights the diversity of UFO reports, from student observations of lights to daytime sightings of complex objects and potential military countermeasures like radar chaff.

This issue of 'Nyt fra SUFOI's Fotoafdeling' (News from SUFOI's Photo Department) focuses on two distinct cases: a potential UFO sighting and a significant meteorite discovery. The magazine features contributions from historians, curators, and local astronomical societies, highlighting the intersection of public interest in unexplained phenomena and scientific investigation.

UFO-observation på stranden ved Løkken?

The lead story details a UFO-like observation made on a beach in Løkken, Denmark, on Sunday, April 5, 2009. A 56-year-old man from Vrå, Nordjylland, was photographing kite surfing when he noticed a small object in the background. Upon zooming in during photo editing, the object appeared to resemble a classic UFO as depicted in the media. The photographer included prints of the photo, stating it did not look like a fishing buoy and appeared to be round and hovering above the water. He speculated it might be a helicopter, but noted the absence of a tail or rotor. He emphasized that he is not a 'ufo-freak' and generally believes in natural explanations for most observations.

SUFOI's Photo Department received the original digital photo and other related images from the same occasion. After examining the material, they concluded that the object was not a buoy or a helicopter, nor likely another surfer. Through analysis of the photographic material, adjusting light and contrast, and considering various explanations, SUFOI's Photo Department determined that the object was, in fact, a bird seen from the side with its wings raised, photographed under specific, somewhat unusual conditions.

Meteoritten fra Lolland hedder nu Maribo og er ældre end Jorden

This section reports on a meteorite that fell on Lolland, Denmark, on January 17, 2009, and has now been officially named Maribo. Lektor Henning Haack, curator of the meteorite collection at the Geological Museum in Copenhagen, explains that meteorites are typically named after their place of discovery. This particular meteorite was found a few kilometers southwest of Maribo, hence its name.

Meteorites are named after their fall location and are registered in an international database of recognized meteorites. The process of naming and recognition requires several investigations to document the find and classify its type, mineral composition, and chemical makeup. A portion of the meteorite is also provided to a museum for scientific study.

The Maribo meteorite is classified as a CM chondrite, which is rare and scientifically interesting due to its high content of organic compounds, such as amino acids, originating from the early solar system. The oldest particles within this meteorite are estimated to be 4.567.2 billion years old, making it approximately 30 million years older than Earth.

In Denmark, all newly found meteorites are declared 'Danekræ' (Danish treasures) and must be handed over to the state. Therefore, the Maribo meteorite is now part of the Danish meteorite collection at the Geological Museum in Copenhagen. There is significant international interest in studying this meteorite, with hopes that it will soon reveal more information about the origin of our solar system.

Ole Henningsen, Secretary of Lollands Astronomiske Forening, expressed excitement about Lolland being placed on the world's meteorite map due to this discovery.

Further Investigation and Call for Information

Henning Haack still believes that further fragments of the meteorite may exist. He explains that the meteorite likely broke into numerous pieces upon exploding high above Lolland during its descent through the atmosphere. While the Lollands Astronomiske Forening has received various unusual stones, none have yet been confirmed as meteorite fragments. The 30-gram meteorite was found by German Thomas Grau southwest of Maribo, but larger fragments might have fallen in the area west of Hillested, towards Christianssædeskoven, and further west.

Researchers are still interested in hearing about any findings of greyish stones with a thin dark surface. Ole Henningsen is also seeking surveillance videos from across the country that might have captured the unusual light phenomenon on the evening of January 17, 2009, around 8:08 PM.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and meteorites. While presenting intriguing cases like the Løkken observation, the publication also engages in scientific analysis, as demonstrated by SUFOI's identification of the object as a bird. Similarly, the meteorite section provides detailed scientific information and context. The publication encourages reader participation, both in reporting potential findings and in sharing the magazine's content, indicating a desire to disseminate information and foster public engagement with these topics.