UFO Mail - No 121 - 2010

Magazine Overview

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, issue number 121 from September 3, 2010, features a cover story on NASA's plans to search for extraterrestrial life. The magazine, published by Danmarks UFO Forening, also includes a significant section on numerous UFO sightings reported in Denmark during the summer of 2010, many of which are analyzed and often attributed to conventional explanations like hot air balloons and sky lanterns. Additionally, there is a review of a book on skepticism and critical thinking.

NASA's Search for Extraterrestrial Life

The lead article, "NASA vil søge efter ikke-jordisk liv" (NASA will search for non-terrestrial life), reports on NASA's evaluation of 28 future scientific missions aimed at detecting signs of extraterrestrial life. Astrobiologist Mary Voytek stated that NASA is interested and prepared to discover any form of life. Planetary scientist Steve Squyres highlighted that astrobiology is central to solar system exploration and mentioned potential robotic missions to Mercury, Mars, Jupiter's moons, and Saturn's moons, specifically Titan (with its methane and ethane lakes) and Enceladus (with its water vapor). A proposed ambitious three-point mission to Mars involves returning soil samples to Earth for detailed analysis, which could reveal if Mars ever harbored life. Researchers like Bill Schopf from UCLA and Jack Farmer from Arizona State University have found that certain mineral deposits, specifically sulfates, can contain fossils of ancient organisms. Since sulfates are abundant on Mars, this suggests that Martian sulfates could also preserve signs of past life. Asteroids are also considered potential locations, with evidence of frozen water and organic compounds found on a piece of rock in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, both essential for habitability.

Book Review: "Den 7. sans - Hvorfor misforstår vi verden?"

Per Andersen reviews Morten Monrad Pedersen's book, "Den 7. sans - Hvorfor misforstår vi verden?" (The 7th sense - Why do we misunderstand the world?). The book aims to explain why many people reject or misunderstand science, opting instead for pseudoscience and superstitions. Andersen praises the book's focus on critical thinking and its accessible explanations of how the human brain can be deceived. The book covers topics such as how media can misrepresent findings, the complexities of statistics, and common misconceptions. It debunks astrology, alternative medicine, and conspiracy theories like the moon landing. However, Andersen criticizes the author's strong anti-religious stance, arguing that he conflates religion with superstition and unfairly promotes atheism. He suggests readers may wish to skip the sections on religion. Despite this criticism, Andersen recommends the book, especially for readers interested in alternative topics who need a solid grounding in critical thinking.

Danish UFO Sightings: "Danske jagere på ufo-jagt?" (Danish hunters on a UFO hunt?)

This section, authored by Kim Møller Hansen, delves into a specific case from July 5, 1976, involving civilian and military personnel observing a strange light phenomenon. The incident, detailed in the Flyvevåbnet's (Danish Air Force) "ufo-mappe" (UFO files), began when Bent Sønderby Larsen and his son observed a bright, star-like object moving steadily north. They initially mistook it for a plane but found the light too weak for a landing spotlight. The phenomenon was also observed by an acting sergeant at Flyvestation Aalborg and two colleagues. Radar could not detect the object, and Starfighter jets were dispatched to investigate. However, the lights reportedly switched off before the jets could intercept. The article notes that this case, involving multiple witnesses and military involvement, is considered unusual.

"Varm sommer" (Hot summer) - Analysis of Sightings

Authored by Ole Henningsen, this extensive section details numerous sightings reported during the summer of 2010, primarily attributed to hot air balloons and sky lanterns. The article presents various reports from different locations in Denmark:

• 5330 Munkebo (July 9, 2010): A video showed an object resembling a small hot air balloon.
• 5220 Odense (August 7, 2010): A photographer captured an object that moved slowly and then disappeared suddenly, speculated to be a hot air balloon.
• Fåborg (August 7, 2010): A reader reported seeing two bright spheres that merged into one and moved at high speed, also suspected to be a hot air balloon.
• 4700 Næstved (July 11, 2010): Approximately 15 luminous spots were observed moving south, identified as likely small hot air balloons.
• 8400 Ebeltoft (August 3, 2010): A luminous sphere was observed moving across the sky. The photographer doubted it was a hot air balloon due to its perceived speed, but SUFOI's photo department concluded it was likely a balloon that appeared closer than perceived.
• 2630 Tåstrup (August 7, 2010): Two bright lights were observed moving slowly, then one accelerated and ascended while the other disappeared. Initially thought to be planes, later suggested to be hot air balloons.
• 8260 Viby J (August 7, 2010): Several bright, large spheres were observed flying in formation and then moving more erratically, later identified as likely sky lanterns.
• 2600 Glostrup (August 7, 2010): A light phenomenon that changed from circular to square was observed.
• 6000 Kolding (August 7, 2010): A large, orange-oval shaped object was observed moving towards witnesses, then disappearing. One witness described the shape as a window, another as a shield.
• 5466 Asperup (August 7, 2010): Several luminous spheres were observed ascending into the sky, described as having the size of a traffic light and moving at high speed without sound.
• 5672 Broby (August 7, 2010): A fireball appeared over treetops, moving upwards and drifting with the wind, shrinking as it ascended.
• 2635 Ishøj (August 7, 2010): A group of 10-14 white lights moved in formation, disappearing like a candle wick. Some witnesses with military backgrounds could not identify them.
• 9870 Sindal (August 7, 2010): A large, circular, orange-yellow object was observed, which stopped, moved erratically, and then rapidly flew away.
• 3450 Allerød (August 7, 2010): Approximately 50 luminous spheres were observed flying in formation, faster than planes and silently. They were filmed and photographed.
• 9800 Hjørring (August 7, 2010): A large, orange-oval shaped sphere was observed hanging motionless over a roundabout before disappearing.
• 4330 Hvalsø (August 7, 2010): Six to twenty yellow-orange lights appeared in an oval formation, then ascended and disappeared. Later, white, round spheres were observed flying at high speed with a faint hum.
• 2000 Frederiksberg (August 21, 2010): A teacher observed multiple round, orange-glowing objects moving in the sky, some appearing to rotate.
• 4700 Næstved (August 21, 2010): Witnesses observed a bright yellow-orange object flying slowly, with two more objects following. Irregular blinking was noted behind the bright light.

The section concludes by noting that while many sightings are explained as hot air balloons, other cases are still under investigation.

Malmö, Sweden Sighting

An individual named JN reported observing and photographing a metallic sphere over Malmö on May 29, 2010. The object appeared to be completely stationary but also seemed to "flicker." The photos were taken from a moving bus, and the object's shape appeared to change slightly in the magnified images. SUFOI's photo consultants were unable to provide a definitive explanation, considering possibilities like a kite or a balloon, but acknowledged the object's unusual appearance.

UFO-Sweden's Commentary

UFO-Sweden commented on the Malmö sighting, with local representative Tora Greve mentioning a possible advertising balloon tethered by a thin line near Helsingborg on June 5. She also noted that helicopters frequently fly in the Malmö area. The photographer was not entirely dismissive of the balloon theory but insisted it was not a helicopter.

Danish Rocket Launch and Contrails

A reader inquired about a rocket launch observed on August 23, 2010, near Birkerød. Toke Haunstrup from SUFOI's Report Department clarified that the observed phenomenon was a contrail from an aircraft, not a rocket launch. The Danish private rocket test had not yet occurred. Photo consultant Hans Bødker, a former pilot, confirmed that the image showed a contrail.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and scientific investigation when analyzing UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the public's fascination with unexplained aerial phenomena, the editorial stance leans towards providing rational explanations, often identifying hot air balloons, sky lanterns, and atmospheric effects as the cause for many reported sightings. The magazine actively encourages readers to submit their observations and photos for analysis. There is a clear effort to debunk sensational claims and promote a grounded approach to UFO research, while also acknowledging that some cases remain unexplained. The review of Morten Monrad Pedersen's book further reinforces the theme of distinguishing between science and pseudoscience, though it also highlights the potential for bias in such analyses, particularly concerning religious beliefs.

This document is an article titled "Korncirkel haves - spøgefugl søges" (Crop Circle Found - Prankster Wanted), authored by Ole Henningsen. It details the discovery of a crop circle in a wheat field on Nordlolland, Denmark, and explores potential explanations for its creation.

The Discovery

On the evening of August 21st, farmer Knud Erik Olsen of Svinsbjerg on Nordlolland contacted the author to report a crop circle in his wheat field. The author visited the site shortly after to examine the formation. The crop circle is described as relatively small, with a total length of approximately 10.5 meters. It consists of two smaller circles, each about 4 meters in diameter, connected by a gang approximately 70-80 cm wide. The wheat stalks within the circle were laid down in the same direction as clock hands.

The green growth visible between the flattened stalks indicated that the formation was not recent. The measurement and photography were conducted the following day under better lighting conditions.

Farmer's Observations and Theories

Knud Erik Olsen stated that he had first noticed the formation about a month prior to the author's visit. He had discussed it with neighbors and others, leading to various theories, including people trampling the crop or a weather phenomenon like a whirlwind. He also mentioned that he had been referred to a UFO expert in Søllested, who had apparently been involved with crop circle cases before.

The farmer noted that the wheat field was scheduled for harvest within a few days, meaning the crop circle would likely be destroyed.

He also pointed out that the formation was located about 2.5 meters from the spray tracks, and there were no immediate signs of people having walked into the field to reach the circle, suggesting a careful approach to avoid leaving footprints.

Analysis and Author's Opinion

When asked if he believed the crop circle was created by extraterrestrial visitors, the author, Ole Henningsen, responded negatively. He described the formation as looking quite primitive and suggested that if extraterrestrials were to visit, they would likely choose a more advanced method of landing and create a more sophisticated pattern. Henningsen's personal opinion is that the crop circles were created by pranksters, referred to as "spøgefugle" (prank birds).

He explained that the lack of immediate footprints could be due to the ability to carefully step on bare patches of ground between the stalks without disturbing the crop and revealing oneself.

"Mifune's Last Song" and Previous Crop Circle Creations

The article references the film "Mifune's Last Song," which was partly filmed in Nordlolland. It mentions that a crop circle formation seen in some of the film's final scenes was created by the author and his former colleague, Filip Steenholdt, using a wooden plank with ropes at each end. This method was also used for other projects, including creating the Danmarks Radio TV news logo and an "e" for a commercial for Havre Fras, demonstrating that fabricating crop circles can be a relatively simple and effective process.

Context and Local Significance

The crop circle in Svinsbjerg is described as one of the smaller and less impressive ones found on Lolland in the past 10-15 years. The article recalls an unsolved case in Holeby, near Maribo, where the creators of crop circles were never identified.

The author expresses curiosity about who is behind the current crop circle and whether it is a prankster testing how long it will take to be discovered, or perhaps a local artist creating a happening. He also considers if it could be a promotional stunt for local cultural events like "Lys over Lolland" or the "Reventlowmarked," though Knud Erik Olsen has no connection to these events.

Appeal for Information

Both the farmer and the author are eager to learn how the crop circle was made and are seeking contact with the "producer" or anyone who knows about its creation. They are requesting information through Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI). A local inquiry in the newspaper Lolland-Falsters Folketidende had not yielded any results at the time of writing.

Individuals with information are encouraged to come forward, and anonymity can be maintained if desired. They are asked to share and document the technique and motive behind the creation.

Send UFO Mail

The final section is an invitation to forward the "ufo-mail" to family and friends, encouraging them to subscribe for free updates on new UFO sightings, photographs, celestial phenomena, and offers on UFO-related materials from Denmark and abroad.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the investigation of a crop circle, with a strong emphasis on the possibility of it being a human-made hoax or prank rather than an extraterrestrial phenomenon. The author's stance is skeptical of UFO explanations for this particular case, favoring a more grounded, human-driven explanation. The article also touches upon the history of crop circle creation, including its use in media and advertising, and highlights the ongoing mystery and curiosity surrounding such formations.