UFO Mail - No 116 - 2010

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 116
Date: 8. februar 2010
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into the complexities of UFO phenomena, focusing on the analysis of crash retrieval cases, government secrecy, and the role of the internet in shaping public perception. It features articles that critically examine claims and contrast them with documented events involving classified terrestrial aircraft.

The Internet's Role in UFO Myths

The lead article by Kim Møller Hansen discusses how the internet has become the primary source of information for many, often replacing traditional media like newspapers and films in shaping UFO myths. Hansen notes that the internet's role is 'opinion-forming' and that many people uncritically accept information found online, making it a daunting task to counter often outlandish claims. He highlights the refreshing effort of individuals who use knowledge and common sense to expose the errors of 'charlatans and dreamers' online.

The Apollo 20 Lunar Mission Claim

The article introduces the claim of a secret, joint American-Soviet space mission called Apollo 20, which allegedly landed on the Moon in 1976. The mission's purported goal was to investigate a crashed alien spacecraft near the Izsak crater on the far side of the Moon. William Rutledge, an American born in Belgium, began posting video clips on YouTube in April 2007, claiming they were from this mission. The author uses this as an example of the significant effort people invest in promoting their fantasies online and the willingness of others to accept contradictory or flawed narratives if they align with a desire to believe.

Frygter ufologer fysiske beviser? (Do UFOlogists Fear Physical Evidence?)

This section features an article by flying historian Peter W. Merlin, who advocates for a rigorous, evidence-based approach to UFO research. Merlin quotes Edmond Locard, a forensic scientist, stating that physical evidence cannot lie and is only rendered valueless if humans fail to find, study, and understand it. Merlin's personal journey began with a desire for hard, concrete proof, leading him to investigate UFO crash reports as the most promising avenue for finding evidence of non-terrestrial intelligence. He notes common patterns in alleged crash incidents: the event occurring in a populated area, civilian witnesses being intimidated, the crash site being secured by authorities, and the highest priority being given to retrieving wreckage.

Merlin argues that government agencies possess the resources to thoroughly clean up crash sites, similar to how they would handle the recovery of secret experimental aircraft. He draws parallels between the handling of crashed top-secret aircraft (like the A-12, SR-71, and F-117) and alleged UFO crashes. In these classified aircraft incidents, the government's priority was national security, leading to extensive efforts to remove all traces of the wreckage and prevent classified material from falling into the wrong hands. Merlin's research involved examining declassified documents, interviewing witnesses, and visiting crash sites, where he found identifiable physical evidence even in areas that had supposedly undergone total cleanup.

He recounts his experience at the '4th Annual UFO Crash Retrieval Conference' in Las Vegas in November 2006, where he presented his findings. Merlin proposed that by studying similar terrestrial crash narratives, a model could be developed for investigating alleged UFO crashes. He shared details of his investigation into a Wendover A-12 crash, highlighting the physical evidence still present despite cleanup efforts. However, he was met with silence and even suspicion from some attendees, with one suggesting he might be a government agent.

Merlin expresses surprise that UFO researchers would ignore methods used in forensic science and crime investigation, questioning their fear of such approaches. He believes he offered a tool that could help distinguish between genuine phenomena and hoaxes, a 'Holy Grail' for ufology.

Ingen spor i Roswell (No Trace in Roswell)

This short piece by Tim Printy reiterates Merlin's point that no crash site is ever completely cleaned, and some debris is always overlooked. Printy mentions expeditions to Fosters Ranch related to the Roswell incident, which found no non-terrestrial debris. He questions why, if Roswell involved something other than a balloon and radar reflector, no physical evidence has ever been presented, despite numerous investigations and the possibility of government cleanup efforts.

Tidsmaskine tilbage til Ufoalderens begyndelse (Time Machine Back to the Beginning of the UFO Age)

Hans Schjørmann reflects on the growing interest in the early days of the UFO phenomenon, often linked to the Cold War. He suggests that both UFOs and the Cold War have a significant element of being 'in people's heads,' implying a strong psychological component. To understand the roots of the UFO phenomenon, one must also understand the psychological climate of the post-war years.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and analytical stance towards UFO claims. It emphasizes the importance of physical evidence and rigorous investigation, drawing parallels between alleged UFO incidents and documented cases of secret military aircraft crashes. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, particularly those amplified by the internet, while remaining open to the possibility of genuine phenomena if supported by credible evidence. The recurring theme is the challenge of discerning truth amidst misinformation and government secrecy, and the need for methodical, evidence-based research.

This document appears to be an issue of a Danish magazine focused on UFOs and related phenomena. It includes a segment about SUFOI's appearance on the television program "Go'morgen Danmark" and a review of the works of Danish satirist Finn Søeborg, particularly his writings on flying saucers. Additionally, it features a catalog of antiquarian books for sale.

SUFOI on Go'morgen Danmark

The issue details SUFOI's participation in the "Go'morgen Danmark" program on Wednesday, January 20, 2010. SUFOI's chairman, Kim Møller Hansen, and artist/illustrator Nis Jessen were guests. The appearance was prompted by a press release SUFOI issued in early January concerning 43 photo cases investigated by Ole Henningsen and other consultants in 2009. During the broadcast, Nis Jessen discussed his own observation and accompanying photograph, which remains unexplained. Kim Møller Hansen also presented a couple of other interesting photo cases from 2009. The segment can be viewed online via a provided link, and more information about Nis Jessen's experience is available in "UFO-Mail" issue 113.

Finn Søeborg and Flying Saucers

The article introduces Finn Søeborg (1916-1992) as Denmark's greatest satirist since Holberg, whose peak period coincided with the early interest in flying saucers. While his fame declined in the 1960s, the article suggests it was due to a shift in societal focus rather than a decline in his talent. Søeborg's literary works contain numerous references to "flying saucers." In one novel, the antagonist is a UFO reporteur who fabricates spectacular observations through leading questions. A specific short story, "De flyvende tallerkener" (The Flying Saucers), is highlighted. This story is described as an aktualization of an H.C. Andersen fairy tale, set in a small provincial town during the Cold War. The narrative depicts townspeople who claim to see something in the sky, or simply say they see something, to avoid being left out. The story mirrors the Cold War's East-West divisions, leading to political discussions and petitions. The short story "De flyvende tallerkener" originally appeared in the 1954 collection "Kun for sjov" (Just for Fun). The article notes that Søeborg's works have been reprinted multiple times, making the story accessible.

Antiquarian Book Sale

A section titled "Tilbud til samlere" (Offer for Collectors) presents an opportunity to purchase used books on UFOs and related subjects. The books are offered by Hans Jørgen Hinrup, who can be contacted via phone or email. The list includes a variety of titles, authors, and publication years, with prices indicated in Danish Kroner (Kr.). Notable authors and titles include:

• George Adamski: "Ombord i rumskibe" (Onboard Spaceships)
• H. P. Blavatsky: "Den hemmelige lære" (The Secret Doctrine)
• Erich von Däniken: "Beviser" (Evidence) and "Min Verden i billeder" (My World in Pictures)
• J. Allen Hynek: "UFO-dokumenteret" (UFO Documented)
• Donald E. Keyhoe: "Flyvende tallerkene fra Verdensrummet" (Flying Saucers from Outer Space)
• J. Robert Oppenheimer: "Naturvidenskab og livsforståelse" (Science and Understanding of Life)
• P. D. Ouspensky: "Tertium organum" and "Et nyt verdensbillede" (A New World Picture)
• Willy Wegner: "UFOer over Danmark" (UFOs over Denmark) and "UFO-landinger i Danmark" (UFO Landings in Denmark)

Some books are described as having defective covers or bindings.

Call to Action: Send UFO-Mail

The issue concludes with an invitation to forward the "ufo-mail" to family, friends, and acquaintances. It emphasizes that this will allow them to receive free and non-binding updates on new UFO observations, photographs, atmospheric phenomena, and special offers on UFO materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, investigations, and related cultural and historical aspects. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO sightings and reports, as evidenced by the coverage of SUFOI's work and the promotion of literature on the subject. There is also an appreciation for how UFO themes have been addressed in popular culture and literature, as seen in the review of Finn Søeborg's work. The magazine aims to inform and engage its readership, encouraging them to share information and participate in the community.