UFO Mail - No 117 - 2010

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 117
Date: April 22, 2010
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, published by Danmarks UFO Forening, delves into several intriguing cases that initially appeared to be UFO sightings but were later explained through careful analysis. The magazine features detailed reports, photographic evidence, and expert opinions to shed light on these phenomena.

Article 1: Warm air in Holte on Easter Saturday

This article, authored by Ole Henningsen, details a mass sighting that occurred on the evening of April 3, 2010, in the Holte area. Numerous witnesses reported seeing a large number of small, luminous objects in the sky. One observer, a 46-year-old individual, described seeing 30-50 objects, possibly more, flying low, fast, and silently from east to northwest. The objects were described as red, orange, and yellow. The observer managed to capture a one-minute video on their mobile phone, though the quality was poor. Subsequent analysis of the video footage, enhanced to highlight the lights, showed them to be distinct points of light. The observation lasted between 5-10 minutes, with the objects appearing in the eastern sky and disappearing towards the northwest at an estimated altitude of 15 degrees above the horizon. The observer noted that there were three witnesses and that the objects had a strong forward-facing light. Another witness, a 65-year-old man, reported seeing approximately 50 luminous objects in inhomogeneous groups, flying at the speed of traffic planes at an estimated height of 300-500 meters, moving from east to west. The color was described as yellow-orange, and the observation lasted about 10 minutes, with two witnesses. A third report from Holte Midtpunkt corroborated the sighting, with the observer noting that the objects were silent, flew in a random order, and had a strong white forward-facing light. The estimated height was no more than 500 meters. The article reveals that the explanation for this widespread sighting was the release of balloons with hearts for a wedding at Havartigården in Holte. Per Andersen, the groom's father, confirmed that they released about 40 balloons around the time of the observation. The balloons were impregnated to prevent them from catching fire. The magazine notes that a similar event may have occurred near Viby a few days prior, which was a general rehearsal.

Article 2: Photos – investigated by SUFOI's Photo Department

This section, also by Ole Henningsen, presents two photo-related investigations.

Case 1: Not Icelandic volcanic ash

SUFOI's Photo Department received a photo taken at Vesterhavet showing a sunset with a nearly black sun. The photographer had hoped to capture images of the ash cloud from the volcanic eruption in Iceland but instead found this unusual phenomenon. The photo was taken on April 15, 2010, near Løkken. The photographer noticed a small black spot in the sun in the first six photos, which then disappeared. Upon magnification, the photographer could not identify the cause. SUFOI's photo consultants explained that the dark spot was due to an overexposure of the camera's electronic chip, a common effect when pointing a camera directly at the sun, especially if the sunlight intensity fluctuates. This effect has nothing to do with volcanic ash. The article refers to a previous article, "Mobile Photos for Investigation," for more examples of this phenomenon.

Case 2: Dark object near a kite

This case concerns a photograph taken on September 12, 2009, at the Drageflyver-banen in Ørestaden. The photographer submitted several unedited images taken in quick succession. Upon reviewing the photos on a computer, a strange, small, dark grey object was noticed above a blue kite (shark-shaped). This object was not present in a photo taken just a fraction of a second earlier. The photographer and their family did not notice anything unusual in the sky at the time of the picnic. The article includes a magnified view of the original image and a further enhanced version to highlight the object.

Article 3: IFM caught by wildlife camera April 1

This article discusses an unusual photo captured by a 'wildlife camera' on April 1, 2010. The camera, which takes a picture when a motion sensor is triggered, was set up in a garden in Aabybro. The owner, a 30-year-old man, noticed a peculiar marking in one photo (PICT0050) taken at 07:53. He confirmed that there was nothing on the lens and that other photos taken around the same time did not show the marking. The article includes the photo with the marking circled in the upper right corner. Subsequent analysis by SUFOI's photo consultants, along with input from nature guide Klaus Bek Nielsen, identified the marking as a great tit (musvit) in flight. The bird was photographed at close range (2-3 meters) at the moment its wings were folded, flying away from the camera. This unusual angle and the camera's exposure settings (likely longer than indicated by the EXIF data) contributed to the peculiar appearance of the image, which would typically be discarded by a bird photographer.

Article 4: Infrared video from Skovlunde

This section reports on an infrared video sequence recorded by a private surveillance camera in Skovlunde on February 16, 2010, at 22:10. The footage, though of low quality due to it being a night recording, shows a small light moving at high speed along a hedge, then ascending at a 45-degree angle and changing direction out of the camera's view. The motion detection system was not triggered by this event. The video was studied by four SUFOI employees, who adjusted lighting and contrast, converted it to slow motion, and took screen prints. While they are not experts in infrared photography, they noted that something clearly triggered the camera. The article presents several screen prints (A, B, C, D, E) showing the light's movement. The conclusion is that while the exact nature of the phenomenon is undetermined, something did indeed cause the camera to record.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the investigation and explanation of phenomena that are initially perceived as unusual or potentially extraterrestrial. SUFOI's editorial stance is one of thorough investigation, utilizing photographic and video analysis, expert consultation, and cross-referencing with known phenomena. The magazine aims to demystify sightings by providing rational explanations, as demonstrated by the Holte balloon incident and the wildlife camera case. However, it also acknowledges unexplained events, such as the object near the kite and the infrared video, leaving room for further inquiry. The publication emphasizes the importance of detailed reporting and analysis in the field of UFO research.

This issue of ufo-mail (Issue 10) focuses on the intriguing phenomenon of 'holes in the sky,' exploring both potential UFO sightings and scientific meteorological explanations. The magazine features articles by Ole Henningsen and Michael Cohen, among others, and includes reports from various locations, discussions on media coverage, and public opinion polls regarding aliens.

Article: "Hul i skyerne" (Hole in the clouds) by Ole Henningsen

The lead article, "Hul i skyerne," by Ole Henningsen, addresses the mysterious 'holes' observed in the sky, which are often linked to UFO phenomena. However, meteorologists offer a natural explanation.

Moscow Incident (October 2009)

In October 2009, images of a 'hole in the sky' or 'luminous ring' circulated widely on UFO-themed websites. The phenomenon was described as a 'mysterious phenomenon' and was further fueled by a video reportedly captured by a Moscow resident on a mobile phone while driving.

Meteorological Explanation

Meteorologists explain these formations as optical effects. They state that multiple weather fronts had passed over Moscow, combined with cold air from the Arctic. When the sun shines on the cloud layer from above, such an effect can occur. Eitan Gavish, a journalist for the Daily News, reported on this, quoting weather officials who described it as a 'purely optical effect,' albeit a spectacular one.

International Sightings

The phenomenon is not unique to Moscow. In February 2010, The Sun reported on a similar 'hole' in the clouds photographed over Mexico, which also sparked speculation about extraterrestrial origins. The article provides links to the original reports and videos.

DMI's Perspective on Danish Sightings

Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) has received inquiries about similar mysterious holes in the sky over Denmark. The Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) is familiar with these cloud formations. Meteorologist Kim Sarup from DMI's weather and climate information section explains that there are several explanations for this phenomenon. While some suggest flying saucers or 'portals to the 4th dimension,' the meteorological explanation involves tiny, almost invisible ice crystals from higher clouds or condensation trails falling into the cloud cover, initiating the freezing of droplets. Another explanation suggests that aircraft flying through cloud layers can also start this freezing process.

Observed and Photographed Cases

On Sunday, November 21, 2004, several people in South Zealand observed and photographed these holes. David M. Quaife from Jollity Farm Ltd. on Falster captured images of these formations. The photos show holes in the cloud cover, with at least one extra hole visible above the sun. The grey, thread-like pattern mentioned by meteorologist Kim Sarup is also clearly visible.

Midtlolland Recordings

Following a lecture in Sakskøbing, SUFOI received photos from lawyer Mai Wandrup. She reported that the images were taken on June 9, 2006, between 8:13 and 8:22 AM near Radsted, Midtlolland. The photos were taken facing north, with clouds moving from south to north-northeast. The first pictures were taken with a zoom lens from about 75 meters behind her property. A different cloud formation was observed further west. She humorously referred to it as a 'hole in the ozone layer' and welcomed any explanations.

Online Resources

The article points readers to online resources for more information on these cloud formations, including a link to NASA's 'Astronomy Picture of the Day' from January 12, 2004, which featured a hole-punch cloud and confirmed the DMI's explanation. Another link directs to a NASA Terra satellite image from January 29, 2007, showing similar phenomena over Texas, USA.

International Sky & Telescope Feature

The international astronomy journal 'Sky and Telescope' featured a photo in its February 2009 issue, calling it one of the most unusual cloud images they had received. The photo, taken by Ronald Yaroch on October 13, 2008, north of Marlette, Michigan, USA, is presented as another example of this phenomenon.

Reader Submissions

SUFOI invites readers to send in photos or references to similar unusual cloud formations or weather phenomena, expressing interest in documenting them.

Press Release: "Landmænd har set mystisk lys på himlen" (Farmers have seen mysterious light in the sky)

This section, by Ole Henningsen, compiles recent Danish media coverage of UFO phenomena.

UFO Panic in England

The article highlights a story reported by The Sun and subsequently by BT.dk about mysterious deaths of sheep in England, where sheep were found dead without brains or eyes. Farmers claim to have seen a strange orange light in the sky prior to these events, leading to speculation about alien involvement. The article expresses skepticism about BT.dk reporting such 'nonsense.'

Article: "Var det en ufo?" (Was it a UFO?)

This article recounts a reader's sighting over Slagelse on Sunday morning, March 28, 2010. The reader described a blinking light in the sky that moved in jerky, silent, and high-speed movements, unlike any aircraft they had seen. The light was visible for only three to four seconds, and the reader sought confirmation from others who might have witnessed the same phenomenon.

Article: "Kan korncirkler sælge byggegrunde?" (Can crop circles sell building plots?)

Ringsted Municipality attempted a publicity stunt by issuing a press release about a private pilot finding mysterious crop circles. The release claimed a senior professor from Stanford University was en route to investigate. While no media initially fell for the hoax, the municipality continued its campaign, hoping viral marketing through videos would attract attention. The article notes the press release was dated April 1st, questioning the effectiveness of such a campaign.

Article: "The Sun på hjemmebane" (The Sun on home turf)

This section discusses a video clip and a dubious report published on The Sun's website on April 10, 2010, claiming fighter jets were chasing a UFO down the M5 motorway in England. The article reveals that the video was later exposed as computer-generated imagery (CGI). Debaters pointed out that the short video sequence appeared to be based on a single still image, and that trucks and containers looked artificial. The pseudonym 'princessmarije,' who uploaded the video, is associated with a group of CGI artists. 'ledrack,' a CGI artist, confirmed that the video was digitally created. The article also notes that the video cuts off before the jets reach the UFO, and the cameraman's identity is unknown. Despite most agreeing the video looked realistic, they concluded no aliens were involved.

Article: "Rumvæsener iblandt os!" (Aliens among us!)

This article presents the results of a new poll indicating that one in five people worldwide believe in aliens living among us. The poll, conducted by Ipsos among 23,000 adults in 22 countries, found higher belief rates in India and China (over 40%) compared to Belgium, Holland, and Sweden (8%). It also notes that 80% of respondents do not believe in aliens, with women being more likely to hold this view.

John Wright, Senior Vice President at Ipsos, suggests that countries with larger populations tend to have more believers in aliens, possibly due to greater familiarity with neighbors in smaller populations. The poll also found that more men (22%) than women (17%) believe in aliens, and that most believers are under 35 years old.

Article: "Ufoer til debat i TV 2's Go'morgen Danmark" (UFOs debated on TV 2's Go'Morgen Danmark)

TV 2 picked up on the alien belief poll, featuring two segments on its 'Go'Morgen Danmark' program. On Wednesday, April 14, 2010, the show included zone therapist Leif Nielsen, who shared his UFO experiences. The program also solicited UFO reports from viewers.

Carsten Christensen from Daugbjerg participated in a phone interview on April 19, where he elaborated on an older observation of several small lights in the sky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the interpretation of unusual aerial phenomena, the distinction between natural weather events and potential UFOs, and the role of media in reporting on these topics. The magazine appears to maintain a balanced approach, presenting both alleged sightings and scientific explanations, while also critically examining media sensationalism and public beliefs. The editorial stance encourages readers to submit their own observations and to approach such phenomena with a critical yet open mind, emphasizing that natural phenomena can be fascinating in themselves.