UFO Mail - No 130 - 2011

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: 130
Date: May 17, 2011
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information (UFO-Mail) focuses on recent UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings and related investigations in Denmark.

Reports of Lights in the Sky on March 19, 2011

The magazine details three reports from Saturday, March 19, 2011, concerning four lights observed in the sky. The first report comes from a 41-year-old man from Nr. Lyndelse, south of Odense on Fyn. At approximately 19:05, he observed four lights in the western sky that appeared to 'clap together' and disappear. This phenomenon repeated a few minutes later, also seen by another witness. The lights were described as white-yellow and appeared to be far away, at an altitude of about 15-20 degrees above the horizon, in the VSV direction (approx. 250 degrees).

The second report is from a 43-year-old woman in Sdr. Stenderup, east of Kolding. At around 19:15, she and her two sisters observed four large, clear lights in a horizontal line that disappeared quickly. They reappeared briefly but vanished again before a photo could be taken. The lights were described as bright yellow and were seen in the southwest.

The third report is from a 12-year-old student in southern Kolding, who saw four large yellow lights in a horizontal line in the sky between trees at approximately 19:15. They disappeared quickly and became almost invisible. The duration was noted as one minute, with two witnesses.

A map on page 1 indicates these three observations from Fyn and the Kolding area, with red arrows pointing towards activity in the air over Sønderjylland, marking Flyvestation Skrydstrup (FSN).

Military Activity and Flares as Explanation

Page 2 discusses the Danish Air Force's radar recordings from 19:05, which showed flight activity around Flyvestation Skrydstrup. In response to a query from SUFOI, the Air Force confirmed various exercise activities involving F-16 fighter jets in the area, including the 'alert readiness' of Fighter Wing Skrydstrup. Radar printouts for the period were provided.

SUFOI's photo consultant, Hans Bødker, a former pilot, noted that the described lights resemble a previous observation from June 30, 2005, where a Norwegian man filmed a phenomenon over Vesterhavet that Danish military experts identified as flares.

However, Senior Sergeant Søren M. Jensen from FTK OPSCENT, Karup, expressed doubt about the use of flares over Sønderjylland on March 19th, as firing flares over land is not permitted. He stated that if flares were accidentally fired over land, a report would be required, and no such report was found for that day. He concluded that it's unlikely flares were used over land.

Page 3 includes SUFOI's commentary, acknowledging that the Air Force's exercise activities likely explain some of the reports, but certainty about the exact observed phenomena is not possible. It defines flares as light projectiles fired from aircraft to counter heat-seeking missiles, often deployed in series when a situation is perceived as dangerous or when flying at low altitudes over enemy territory. The article includes examples of flares being deployed by F-16 Fighting Falcons and a Harrier jet, as well as a Seahawk helicopter.

Fighter Wing Skrydstrup and Air Control Wing

Page 3 also introduces Fighter Wing Skrydstrup, the base for Danish F-16 fighter jets, highlighting their role in the quick reaction force, ready to scramble within 15 minutes. A link to a video about the wing is provided.

Page 4 elaborates on the Air Control Wing, responsible for monitoring Danish airspace and controlling military aircraft using radar. It operates both stationary and mobile radar units. The Air Control Wing's radar operators monitor approximately 1,500 flights daily and alert the F-16s from Fighter Wing Skrydstrup if unidentified aircraft are detected. The wing's four long-range radars are located in Skagen, Flyvestation Skrydstrup, Skalstrup, and Bornholm. The wing also has personnel at Kastrup Airport assisting with coordinating civil and military air traffic.

Other Sightings and Incidents

Silkeborg Sighting (March 19, 2011):
Page 5 describes a sighting from Silkeborg on March 19, 2011, at 22:07. An initially skeptical observer reported a strange, orange-red, luminous object flying at medium speed without sound. Using binoculars, the observer saw a ring of about six tubes. The observation lasted about 11.5 minutes in a southeast direction. This sighting is considered more unusual and distinct from the earlier March 19th reports.

Aalborg Sighting (April 9, 2011):
Also on page 5, a report from Aalborg on April 9, 2011, around midnight, describes three 'stars' moving quickly across the sky from north to south. They were faster than planes but slower than shooting stars, with a yellow/white color. The lights suddenly changed positions and disappeared. The observer inquired about potential night exercises or formation flights in the Nordjyske region.

Nørresundby Sighting (April 9, 2011):
Another report from April 9, 2011, at 22:45, from Nørresundby, briefly describes a triangular object, compared to a flock of birds, observed for 1/2 to 1 minute. SUFOI confirmed with the Air Force that there were no exercise activities in the area at that time.

Aarhus Sighting (June 1995):
Page 5 also includes a request for witnesses regarding an unusual UFO experience from June 1995 near Aarhus. An observer described a large, metallic green, oblong object gliding silently over Mårslet towards Skåde, with four to six hatches visible. The observer's brother also saw it, confirming it was not an aircraft. An article from Århus Stiftstidende on July 4, 1995, is mentioned.

Reflection Phenomenon (April 14, 2011):
Page 6 discusses a photograph taken by a 64-year-old man from Gl. Kalvehave, South Zealand, on April 14, 2011, during sunset. He noticed a strange phenomenon in the picture and inquired if it could be a UFO. SUFOI's photo department concluded it was a reflection phenomenon caused by the strong sunlight in the camera's lens, explaining that such reflections typically appear opposite the light source.

Viborg Video Observations (April 2011):
Page 6 and 7 detail video recordings from Viborg of a bright light in the sky during April. An observer and his wife first saw a strong, orange, burning light on April 4, 2011, at 21:45, which formed a cross shape. They initially thought it was a meteor. On April 5, 2011, they saw a similar light, but weaker and slower. By April 14, 2011, they captured footage with a video camera, showing a much fainter and slower light, which they considered might be an aircraft, especially as it was heading towards Viborg Airport. However, they maintained that the lights seen on the earlier dates were not aircraft. The video footage was analyzed by SUFOI's photo consultants, who suggested the presence of faint, recurring, pulsating lights, possibly anti-collision lights on an aircraft.

Norwegian B-737-800 Explanation (Viborg Sighting):
Page 8 presents an analysis by Hans Bødker, suggesting the Viborg lights could be a Norwegian B-737-800 aircraft landing at Karup Airport. He notes the clear white light could be a wingtip light and the rotating orange light an anti-collision light. The flight path and timing align with a scheduled flight from Oslo via Aalborg to Karup, landing around 21:05. He mentions that this route might have been discontinued, explaining why the lights haven't been seen since.

Other Articles and News

Unusual Flight Incident near Aalborg Airport (August 6, 2010):
Page 8 reports on an incident detailed in a report by the Danish Accident Investigation Board. An Airbus A321 (OY-VKC) on approach to Aalborg Airport had to take evasive action due to a glider being too close. The Airbus captain reported the glider was only 200 meters away horizontally and 150 feet vertically. Aalborg ATC had no information about glider activity. The board classified the incident as 'Risk not determined' because there was no definitive data to confirm it was a glider.

"Experience Gifts" (Page 9):
A brief mention of 'experience gifts' offered by the supermarket chain NETTO, including a 'trip to space' for 529,995 DKK.

Possible Meteorite Fall near Silkeborg (March 8, 2011):
Page 9 discusses a strong fireball observed on March 8, 2011, at 20:08, which was registered by three automatic cameras in Jutland and Copenhagen. Calculations suggest that meteorite remnants might have fallen south of Silkeborg. Links to further information, including a description of meteorites and TV2 Østjylland reports, are provided.

Anonymous "Operation UFO" (Page 10):
The magazine reports on a planned mass UFO reporting event by the hacker group Anonymous on May 22, 2011. The group intended to flood UFO reporting sites with false reports of triangular objects with yellow lights to create a 'shitstorm'. The plan involved reporting sightings around 8 PM Eastern Time (14:00 Danish time) and suggested creating crop circles or landing sites.

SUFOI on Aftenshowet (April 19, 2011):
Page 10 mentions that Ole Henningsen from SUFOI participated in the DR1 program 'Aftenshowet' on April 19, 2011, discussing UFOs, possibly in connection with the release of the film 'World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles' and an old FBI document.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs/UAPs), military aviation activities, and the process of investigating and explaining such sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, presenting witness reports alongside potential explanations, often involving military exercises or known phenomena like flares and aircraft lights. The magazine encourages reader participation in investigations and provides links to further resources. There's a clear effort to debunk hoaxes or misidentifications while remaining open to genuine unexplained events.

This issue of UFO-Mail, published by Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) in 2011, focuses on historical UFO incidents and their media coverage. The magazine highlights how a Danish television program, 'Aftenshowet' on DR 1 Direkte, brought attention to the 1942 Los Angeles UFO incident and a related FBI memo from 1950. The issue also includes information on a Danish UFO video case from 1996 and promotes SUFOI's support circle.

Aftenshowet's UFO Segment

The issue details a segment from the Danish TV show 'Aftenshowet' where co-hosts Sisse Fisker and Jens Blauenfeldt introduced a UFO segment using the 1942 Los Angeles incident as a backdrop. The segment featured images from the film 'World Invasion: Battle Los Angeles' and actual UFO-related materials. Journalist Johannes Fonnesberg produced the segment, which also referenced a detailed account by Kim Møller Hansen available online.

The 1942 Los Angeles Incident

The 1942 incident, which occurred during World War II, involved the US military firing approximately 1400 rounds at an unidentified target over Los Angeles. While the film 'Battle Los Angeles' is based on this event, Ole Henningsen notes that this is the only UFO-related aspect of the historical event.

The 1950 FBI Memo

A significant focus is placed on a declassified FBI memo dated March 22, 1950. The memo, originating from G.B. Bottel in Washington to the FBI Director, discusses "Flying Saucers." It reports information from an Air Force investigator stating that three "flying saucers" were recovered in New Mexico. These objects were described as circular with raised centers, about 50 feet in diameter, and each contained three bodies of human shape, only 3 feet tall, dressed in metallic cloth. The memo suggests the saucers may have crashed due to a high-powered radar setup in the area interfering with their control mechanisms. The issue questions why such an old document is suddenly gaining widespread media attention.

Danish UFO Cases and SUFOI's Work

The magazine also touches upon a video recording of a UFO taken by Leo Nygaard in Odense, Denmark, in 1996. This case is presented as an example of a Danish UFO sighting that remains unexplained and is under investigation by SUFOI's photo department. Ole Henningsen mentions that SUFOI receives over 250 Danish UFO photos annually and that many of these are identified as hot air balloons, especially with the warmer season approaching.

SUFOI's Support Circle

The latter part of the publication is dedicated to promoting membership in SUFOI's Support Circle for 2015. The organization, run by volunteers, aims to provide serious information about UFOs via ufology.dk and to register unusual aerial phenomena. Members contributing kr. 250 or more annually help sustain the website and investigations. The support circle offers a choice of seven books by Kim Møller Hansen as a free title for new members, including 'Aliens', 'Area 51', 'Bermuda Trekanten - og andre myter', 'Nærkontakt', 'Roswell', 'UFO-styrt', and 'Besøg fra rummet'. Payment details for the support circle are provided, including giro and netbank accounts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Mail reflects SUFOI's commitment to presenting UFO phenomena with a serious and investigative approach. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of factual reporting, citing historical documents like the FBI memo and unexplained visual evidence. There is a clear effort to debunk common misidentifications, such as hot air balloons, while also acknowledging genuinely puzzling cases. The publication also highlights the role of media, both traditional and online, in disseminating information about UFOs, while also questioning the sensationalism surrounding certain revelations. The promotion of the support circle underscores the organization's reliance on public support to continue its research and educational efforts.