UFO Mail - No 112 - 2009

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: 112
Date: 25. september 2009
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, specifically focusing on its Photo Department, details the analysis of various photographic and video submissions received by SUFOI. The primary goal is to investigate and, where possible, explain observed aerial phenomena. The magazine highlights that while many cases are resolved, the investigative process and the spectrum of observations are important to share with the readership.

Analysis of Photo Cases

The editorial by Ole Henningsen addresses the relevance of reporting on resolved cases. He explains that it showcases SUFOI's practical investigative work, the range of experiences reported by observers, and how photographic evidence can sometimes be misleading. Many seemingly mysterious markings on images are not observed during the actual photography but appear later on screen. Common explanations for observed phenomena include known objects like the International Space Station (ISS), aircraft, birds, insects, and natural atmospheric events. However, a significant portion of cases are categorized as having 'insufficient data' due to poor image quality or small object size, making definitive analysis impossible.

The magazine then presents several case studies from the spring and summer of 2009:

1455 København K - 7. maj 2009

A 28-year-old woman and six friends observed multiple glowing orange lights flying in formation over Copenhagen. The lights moved at a speed too fast for conventional aircraft, especially at low altitude. They were silent, unlike helicopters, and did not blink like typical aircraft lights. While the observer considered them possibly being aircraft with landing lights heading towards Kastrup Airport, the unusual color and lack of blinking were noted. The case included one photo and two video recordings of questionable quality. SUFOI's analysis suggests these were likely small hot air balloons.

1263 København K - 14. juli 2009

A 43-year-old civil engineer observed and photographed three small red/orange lights flying in a row from south to north, low over the rooftops near Esplanaden in Copenhagen. The lights moved in a steady formation, with the lead light eventually disappearing, possibly into a cloud, though no clouds were present. The other two lights also turned right and disappeared. The observer provided three mobile phone photos showing the lights as round, about 12 pixels in diameter. The military was consulted regarding flight and exercise plans, but no relevant activities were reported. SUFOI concluded that these were very likely small hot air balloons, a conclusion the observer found satisfactory despite a slight disappointment that the objects were identified.

9000 Aalborg - 21. juni 2009

An observer in Aalborg filmed approximately 20 red pulsating lights flying from the city center towards the airbase shortly after midnight. The observer sent video footage to SUFOI and uploaded it to YouTube. The case was also picked up by TV2 Nord. Another witness corroborated the observation of small, round lights moving silently across the sky. Analysis of the video footage and wind conditions strongly suggested these were small hot air balloons launched locally.

4621 Gadstrup - 28. juni 2009

A 26-year-old man from Gadstrup reported seeing a red/white light falling rapidly from the south, which then turned black and appeared to crash. The mobile phone photo quality was poor. The observer, who normally doesn't believe in UFOs, found it difficult to explain the phenomenon. The object lit up the area and moved from south to north, descending but not rapidly enough to be untrackable. It appeared to go out or burn out before reaching the ground as a dark object. SUFOI concluded that this was likely a small hot air balloon that had lost lift and was descending, becoming dark as it fell.

5462 Morud - 8. august 2009

An article in Fyens Stiftstidende reported on mysterious lights over Morud. An observer, Aage Ebbesen, along with his wife and grandson, witnessed about 30-40 light points appearing from the south-southeast and moving towards the north-northwest in an irregular pattern. The lights were described as red-yellowish and silent, flying under overcast skies. Aksel Hansen confirmed observing similar lights moving slowly with the wind. The article suggested these might have been 'sky lanterns' (rispapirlamper), which have become popular for festive occasions. SUFOI's investigation, including consultation with the military, indicated that these were likely sky lanterns or similar small balloons.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the diligent work of SUFOI's Photo Department in analyzing and explaining reported aerial phenomena. The editorial stance emphasizes a rational and evidence-based approach, prioritizing the identification of known objects and natural phenomena. While acknowledging the inherent fascination with the unknown, the magazine aims to educate readers about the investigative process and the common explanations for sightings. The importance of detailed reporting from observers, including photographic and video evidence, is consistently highlighted as crucial for effective analysis. The magazine also implicitly encourages reader engagement by soliciting comments and suggestions for future investigations.

This issue of SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) magazine, dated September 13, 2009, with issue number 859 and volume 45, focuses on demystifying various aerial phenomena reported in Denmark. The cover headline, "Rispapirlamper gør ingen skade??" (Rice paper lanterns do no harm??), immediately sets the tone for an investigative approach, suggesting that many reported UFO sightings might have mundane explanations.

Demystifying Aerial Sightings

Morud Incident: Rice Paper Lanterns

The issue begins by addressing a photograph taken by Aage Ebbesen over Morud. The SUFOI Photo Department suggests that the lights seen are small, so-called Thai rice paper lanterns. These lanterns, often appearing as small yellowish, orange, or red lights, can create a sense of mystery when seen from a distance. SUFOI has received numerous reports of such lights, which upon closer examination, are identified as these lanterns. They typically fly up to a kilometer high before the flame extinguishes and they descend. While no damage from falling lanterns has been reported in Denmark, Germany has experienced several fire accidents, leading some states to ban their release. The article includes a link for further information on rice paper lanterns.

Århus Incident: Wedding Lanterns and Media Coverage

Another significant report details an event in Århus on September 13, 2009, where TV2 Østjylland reported on three residents who had observed and filmed strange lights in the sky over Århus Harbour. The news report, with the headline "Besøg fra rummet" (Visit from space), suggested a possible UFO encounter. However, further investigation by SUFOI, prompted by the TV report, revealed that the lights were indeed paper lanterns released during a wedding reception. A restaurateur confirmed that approximately twenty lanterns were sent up as part of the wedding celebration. The article notes that the media later corrected the story, with TV2 Nyhederne reporting the explanation on September 14, 2009.

Bagsværd Sighting: The 'Cigar' Object

On June 23, 2009, a resident from Bagsværd submitted photos of an object described as a 'cigar' seen in the sky towards København NV. The object was photographed with a 24x optical zoom and appeared to move slowly from south to west, sometimes glinting in the sun and seeming to be made of blank metal. The observer noted a black helicopter circling the area, suggesting it might have also observed the object. The witness, along with his wife and 3-year-old grandchild, observed the object for about 10 minutes. The object seemed to hover, drifting west, with an unstable course. While mostly in shadow, it occasionally turned to be illuminated by the sun. The observer did not see it disappear but noted it was suddenly gone after he had finished taking photos. SUFOI was asked for an explanation.

Solar Zeppelins: A Recurring Phenomenon

Several articles and reports in this issue focus on what SUFOI identifies as 'solar zeppelins.' These are described as large, oblong bags made of black plastic, filled with air, and designed to fly using solar heat. The dark material heats the air inside, providing lift. They are often tethered with a string to aid in their retrieval. The magazine features photographs of these objects, showing how their appearance can change depending on the lighting and angle. An older German advertisement for a 'Riesen-Solar-Zeppelin' (Giant Solar Zeppelin) is included, indicating that these items have been available for some time and can be quite large, with models up to 15 meters long mentioned. While not common in Denmark, they have been observed in Germany for years. SUFOI's archive reportedly contains remnants of a solar zeppelin flown at least 15 years prior.

One specific incident involving a potential solar zeppelin occurred in the Copenhagen area on a sunny Sankt Hans evening. The observations, including the movement pattern and available weather data, were consistent with this explanation.

Photographic Reflections and Misidentifications

Another section addresses the phenomenon of photographic reflections, particularly when photographing towards the sun. A case from June 2, 2009, involving a photograph taken with a mobile phone camera, is discussed. The SUFOI Photo Department explains that what appears to be an object in the photo is actually a reflection within the camera's lens. These reflections, often appearing as bright spots or shapes, can be mistaken for UFOs, especially when they have unusual or spectacular appearances. The article explains how to identify such reflections by drawing diagonal lines on the original photo to find the center point and noting that the reflection (R) typically appears diametrically opposite the light source (S, the Sun).

Odense SØ Sighting: Dark Cloud Formation

On September 13, 2009, a 40-year-old man from Odense SØ reported taking photos of a sunset and later discovering a dark grey 'sphere' or 'ball' resting on a cloud in four of his pictures. After manipulating the images with Photoshop, he felt there was something noteworthy. SUFOI consulted with the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) regarding this phenomenon. Senior Climatologist John Cappelen stated that the images did not reveal anything beyond purely meteorological phenomena. He explained that the clouds were associated with a front separating cool air with showers from warmer air. The formations were identified as altocumulus or altostratus clouds, possibly with some vertical development or layering. The dark spot was likely a local thickening of the cloud or the shadow of a cloud behind it. The photographer humorously expressed his disappointment that it wasn't an extraterrestrial visitor.

Lysende Tordenskyer (Luminous Thunderclouds)

An article describes a spectacular light show observed over Sweden and Kattegat on the night of July 8, 2009. This phenomenon was caused by powerful thunderstorms with intense lightning activity. The accompanying photograph shows a thundercloud illuminated from within by lightning. The cloud top reached the tropopause, approximately nine kilometers above Denmark, where the temperature gradient changes, causing the cloud to flatten into an anvil shape. The article references further information available on the DMI website.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

Throughout this issue, SUFOI consistently adopts a rational and investigative approach to UFO sightings. The primary theme is the demystification of aerial phenomena, with a strong emphasis on identifying common objects and natural occurrences that are often misidentified as UFOs. Rice paper lanterns and photographic artifacts like lens flares are frequently cited as explanations for many reported sightings. The magazine relies on expert opinions from meteorological and aviation authorities to support its conclusions. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena, the editorial stance leans towards finding logical explanations for the majority of reported cases, encouraging observers to be cautious and informed.

Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: 11
Volume: 1
Date: September 19, 2009
Publisher: SUFOI
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-Mail presents several recent UFO/UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings reported by readers in Denmark, along with one historical account. The magazine encourages reader participation in identifying potential explanations for these phenomena.

Sightings and Reports

Risskov - August 22, 2009

The issue begins with a report from Risskov detailing an observation made on August 22, 2009. The observer, from their second-floor bedroom, noticed an orange or reddish light over Århus bugten. Initially mistaking it for a planet, they quickly realized its brightness was far greater. Considering it might be a rescue helicopter, they used binoculars but found no navigation lights, ruling out an aircraft landing at Tirstrup airport. The lights appeared to be 5-10 kilometers away.

Two additional lights appeared, seemingly igniting 3-4 degrees above the horizon. These lights moved slowly upwards, not at a constant speed, and shifted side to side. The movement reminded the observer of motorized paragliders. After 5-6 minutes, the lights became fainter and disappeared at roughly the same altitude, possibly into a cloud cover. The observer's closest explanation was paper lanterns, but they noted the objects' brightness and perceived distance made this unlikely. They expressed a desire for input from more experienced individuals.

Kongens Lyngby - September 19, 2009

A 75-year-old woman from Kongens Lyngby reported an observation on September 19, 2009. While cycling, she saw a large, clear disc, described as a "table tennis ball" sized object with a rectangular, blue-tinted window, about 3/4 meter above the ground and 1 meter away. The object remained stationary before ascending directly upwards and disappearing into the top of a tree. The observation lasted 18-20 seconds.

Ringkøbing Fjord - Older Observation

A reader submitted an older observation from the late 1970s, prompted by an article about 'flying candy floss' material near Stauning Lufthavn. The reader, along with their father and brother, observed a long, cigar-shaped object with 6-7 "portholes" of varying colors moving over the treetops near Lemvejen. They stopped their car and observed the object for a period, noting it was silent and relatively still before moving towards the north-northwest. The brother still remembers the event, but the father has suppressed it. The reader mentioned that the sighting was reported in local newspapers, Vestkysten or Ringkjøbing Amts Dagblad, and inquired if SUFOI had investigated it or had copies of the articles. SUFOI was unable to assist due to their report material being in Sweden for scanning and the difficulty of a manual search.

Ubby, south of Kalundborg - July 2009

Another report comes from Ubby, south of Kalundborg, from an evening in July 2009, around the 12th. The observer was sitting outside at 11:10 PM with only a candle lit when they witnessed a luminous object flying from northwest to southwest. The object was white in the center, with yellowish edges and a distinct red circle at the outer edge, followed by a small yellow light. It had no long tail. Suddenly, the object vanished as if switched off, without any gradual fading or explosion. The observer created a digital illustration to represent the sighting, showing the near-horizontal flight path and the disappearance point.

The observer noted the object seemed very close, unlike a distant meteor, but acknowledged this might have been an illusion. They questioned if it was a meteor, comet, or something else, and whether such phenomena normally have a long tail. Toke Haunstrup from SUFOI's report work responded that it did not sound like a meteor due to the level of detail visible, nor a comet due to its speed. He could not offer an immediate explanation but encouraged readers to provide their own theories.

Call for Reader Submissions

The magazine concludes with an invitation for readers to send in their own UFO-mail submissions, including observations, photographs of celestial phenomena, and interesting offers on UFO materials. They encourage readers to forward the UFO-mail to friends and family to expand the subscriber base.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Mail focuses on recent and historical UFO/UAP sightings within Denmark. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts without immediate judgment and actively seeking explanations from both experts and the readership. There is a clear emphasis on documenting these phenomena and encouraging public engagement with the subject. The magazine acknowledges the limitations of its own resources (e.g., archived reports being inaccessible) and relies on reader contributions and community knowledge to further investigate these unexplained events. The tone is generally neutral, presenting the reports as they are received, with a slight skepticism towards definitive conclusions, as seen in the Risskov and Ubby reports where natural explanations are considered but found wanting.