UFO Mail - No 123 - 2010

Magazine Overview

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, titled 'UFO-Mail nr. 123', dated November 13, 2010, announces the final print edition of the magazine 'UFO-Nyt' (issue nr. 4) after 52 years of publication. The magazine is transitioning to an online presence at www.ufo.dk. The issue features articles by Kim Møller Hansen and Ole Henningsen, focusing on the history of UFO publications, the impact of the internet, and the release of declassified Danish military documents related to UFO sightings.

From UFO-Nyt to ufo.dk

Kim Møller Hansen's article discusses the end of the print magazine 'UFO-Nyt' and its move to the internet. He reflects on the evolution of UFO research from the early days of internet forums like 'The Other Side' (founded in 1986) which democratized information sharing, to the current digital landscape. The article notes the decline in the number of UFO periodicals worldwide, with many closing down. 'UFO-Nyt' itself, after 52 years, is ceasing its print run. The author attributes this decline partly to the internet's role in spreading misinformation and the waning interest in traditional UFO investigation, which has shifted towards more extreme or fringe topics. He also points out that some organizations, like Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI), have evolved from a belief in spaceships to a more analytical approach, examining various phenomena that might lead to UFO experiences. The article emphasizes that SUFOI's mission to provide factual information about UFO phenomena will continue online.

Declassified Danish Military Documents

Ole Henningsen's articles delve into declassified documents from the Danish military's UFO archive, focusing on sightings in Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

Aktindsigt hos Forsvarskommandoen (Access to Information from the Defence Command)

This section details a request for access to UFO documents from the Danish Defence Command. The request brought old archival materials to light, including two observations involving radar. The documents include correspondence between the Air Force Tactical Command (FTK) and the Defence Command (FKO) regarding the request.

Motorfærgen Smyril (The Ferry Smyril)

A telex message from February 10, 1983, reports an incident involving the ferry 'Smyril' in Nolsø Fjord, Faroe Islands. A small white light was observed ahead, accompanied by a radar echo. The target increased speed on radar, and the ferry was illuminated by a powerful spotlight, causing the radar echo to disappear. Another echo remained on the radar, but no visual contact was made with the object.

Holsteinsborg Politi (Holsteinsborg Police)

A telex message from January 27, 1983, reports that the skipper of the Greenlandic trawler 'Lazarus' observed green 'distress signals' and later an unidentified object on the trawler's radar. The object moved northwest in a zig-zag course for about 3 minutes before disappearing. The police cutter could not investigate due to ice conditions.

Egedesminde, May 15, 1985

This telex message from the Greenland Command (GLK) to various Danish authorities reports an unidentified light object observed south of the settlement of Agto, Greenland. The object was described as a 'strange light - almost like a strong greenish light column'. Multiple vessels reported similar observations.

Radarobservation på Thule Air Base (Radar Observation at Thule Air Base)

This section details a radar observation from January 5, 1981, at Thule Air Base, Greenland. The base commander reported that an unidentified flying object was observed on radar moving east at 20-40 knots. The object provided a signal similar to a C-14 aircraft and was observed for 20-30 seconds at an altitude between 2,000 and 30,000 feet. The report suggests that such radar anomalies are not uncommon and may be dismissed as radar errors.

Melding fra Flyvestation Tórshavn på Færøerne (Report from Air Station Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands)

A report from November 8, 1986, describes an observation by three individuals near the air station of a luminous object in the western sky. The object was described as orange-colored, very large, and possibly multi-sided. It appeared to be illuminated by powerful white spotlights from the air station's operations area. The witnesses attempted to inquire at the air station but were unable to make contact.

Rapportens vej gennem systemet (The Report's Path Through the System)

This section discusses the handling of the report from Thule Air Base, noting that it was forwarded through various military and police channels. A commentary on the report suggests that the observation might have been aurora borealis or a spotlight illuminating a mountainside, though the original report's details are also considered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the transition of UFO information dissemination from print to digital media, the historical context of UFO research, and the analysis of official documents related to UFO sightings. The editorial stance, as represented by SUFOI, is to provide factual and analytical information about UFO phenomena, moving away from sensationalism and towards a more grounded investigation of unexplained events. The magazine emphasizes the importance of critically examining evidence and understanding the limitations of human perception and technology in interpreting such phenomena.

This issue of UFO-Mail, dated November 2010, is primarily focused on debunking two widely discussed phenomena that were initially suspected to be UFOs or military actions. The magazine, published by SUFOI, aims to provide reasoned explanations for these events through careful analysis of media reports and photographic evidence.

UFO on TV Report from Indonesia?

The first article, authored by Ole Henningsen, addresses a reader's inquiry about a UFO sighting during a TV news report on a volcanic eruption in Indonesia. The reader, Kim f., reported seeing a fast-moving, dark object near the Merapi volcano in a clip from TV2 dated November 1, 2010. While initially intriguing, SUFOI's photo department analyzed the footage and concluded that the object was most likely an insect flying quickly past the camera lens. The reader, after reviewing the still images provided by SUFOI, agreed with this assessment, noting the object's dark appearance and proximity, which made it distinct from other shadows. The article highlights the importance of detailed examination of visual evidence.

Missile Launch off the US West Coast - or...?

The second major article, also by Ole Henningsen, investigates a mysterious event off the US West Coast that was initially reported as a missile launch. News helicopters, including one from CBS, captured footage of what appeared to be a rocket ascending from the horizon. This generated significant attention as no US authorities claimed responsibility for such a launch. The footage was analyzed, and former Defense Secretary Robert Ellswoth speculated it could be a test of a ballistic missile from a submarine, intended to demonstrate US military strength to Asia during President Obama's visit to the region. However, the magazine presents a more mundane explanation: a contrail from an airplane, illuminated by the setting sun. The article points out that the angle of the sun and the perspective can make such contrails appear spectacular and unusual. It references a blog by Liem Bahneman, who identified the aircraft as likely US Airways flight 808. The article also notes that the presence of a military helicopter in the vicinity led some to believe it was a military operation. Further analysis by UFO investigators like James E. Oberg also points to contrails as the likely explanation, with other similar photos available online. The article includes a reference to a similar observation by a reader in Birkerød, Denmark, on August 23rd, which was also identified as a contrail. The magazine links to various news articles and websites for further information, including "Contrail Science."

Observations Material

The final section provides information for readers interested in UFO observations. It directs them to the www.ufo.dk website, where reports from 2010 can be found in the "UFO-observationer 2010" list. Readers are also encouraged to explore previous UFO-Mail issues from 2002 onwards and to use the site's search function for specific topics. The magazine also includes a call to action, urging readers to forward UFO-Mail to friends and family to spread information about UFOs, observations, and related materials.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the critical examination of apparent UFO sightings and unusual aerial phenomena, with a strong emphasis on providing rational explanations. The editorial stance leans towards skepticism regarding sensational claims, favoring scientific investigation, media analysis, and the identification of mundane causes such as insects or contrails. The magazine actively encourages reader participation and the sharing of information, while also guiding them towards credible sources for further research.