UFO Mail - No 134 - 2011

Magazine Overview

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, dated September 5, 2011, focuses heavily on the renowned Betty and Barney Hill UFO abduction case, commemorating its 50th anniversary. The magazine delves into the details of their experience, the subsequent investigations, and the broader context of UFO research and public perception.

En nat i New Hampshire - for 50 år siden (A Night in New Hampshire - 50 Years Ago)

This central article recounts the famous encounter of Betty and Barney Hill on the night of September 19-20, 1961. While driving home to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, they observed a strange, star-like light that moved erratically. Betty, initially uneasy, used binoculars to observe the object, which she described as having a rectangular, then arc-shaped light field, and appearing to rotate. Barney, initially dismissive, became increasingly concerned as the object approached their car, displaying unusual maneuvers and lights. He eventually exited the vehicle to observe it more closely, reporting seeing 5-11 figures in windows and the object hovering about 20-30 meters above the ground. The object then moved away, and the Hills experienced a series of beeping sounds that caused their vehicle to shake.

Dagen derpå (The Next Day)

The morning after the incident, the Hills agreed to keep their experience private. However, Betty's sister, Janet, who had previous UFO experiences, advised them to check their car with a compass. The compass behaved strangely near the trunk, with the needle spinning wildly. Betty reported the incident to Pease Air Force Base, leading to an inquiry from Major Paul W. Henderson. Betty, seeking explanations, discovered Donald E. Keyhoe's book 'The Flying Saucer Conspiracy' and contacted NICAP. Ufologist Walter Webb interviewed the couple, documenting their account. A later investigation revealed that the Hills had lost approximately two hours and 35 miles of travel time, with no memory of this period.

Mareridt (Nightmare)

The experience caused significant distress for both Betty and Barney. Barney suffered from insomnia and stomach ulcers, while Betty experienced nightmares for five consecutive nights, dreaming of being taken aboard a craft and examined.

Hypnose (Hypnosis)

Following medical advice, the Hills consulted Dr. Duncan Stephens and later Dr. Benjamin Simon, a psychiatrist specializing in hypnotic therapy. Through regressive hypnosis over a period of six months, Dr. Simon helped the Hills recover memories of the lost two hours. During these sessions, they recalled being stopped by a group of beings, taken aboard a craft, and subjected to examinations, including the collection of hair, fingernails, and skin scrapings. They also described the beings as wearing shiny black uniforms and caps, with one individual identified as the 'leader' who communicated with them.

Betty Hills kjole (Betty Hill's Dress)

The article details the examination of Betty Hill's dress, which she had kept since the alleged abduction. The fabric showed signs of damage, including a pinkish powder and tears, suggesting exposure to unusual substances or forces. Analysis of the fabric indicated it had been subjected to 'something chemical'.

Bag kulisserne (Behind the Scenes)

This section discusses how the Betty and Barney Hill case became famous through John Fuller's book 'The Interrupted Journey' and a subsequent TV movie. It highlights that the case influenced many ufologists to take abduction reports more seriously. The article also references newer books that offer further insights, suggesting Barney was under significant pressure and that Betty might have had a vivid imagination. It also notes that the Hills continued to report UFO sightings after the initial incident.

Fantasi? (Fantasy?)

Dr. Benjamin Simon expressed skepticism about the 'abduction' part of the Hills' story, suggesting it might be a product of fantasy or subconscious processing, particularly Betty's dreams, where she appeared as the dominant figure. He posited that Barney's fear might stem from racial anxieties, given the interracial nature of his marriage.

På museum (At the Museum)

The article mentions that the Hills' possessions, including Betty's dress and notes, are part of a collection at the University of New Hampshire, preserving their story as a significant part of UFO history.

Bentwaters-Lakenheath, 1956

This section details a radar-visual UFO incident that occurred on August 13-14, 1956, near Bentwaters and Lakenheath in England. The case, analyzed by the Condon Commission, involved unusual radar contacts and the dispatch of Venom night fighters. While the official conclusion was that the 'mysterious object' might have been a weather balloon, the incident remains enigmatic.

Afslørende dokumenter fra det britiske forsvar (Revealing Documents from the British Defence)

This article discusses the release of 8,600 pages from the UK Ministry of Defence's (MoD) UFO archives. It highlights that while no sensational alien revelations were made, the documents offer interesting historical context. Two specific cases are examined: an internal MoD memo from 1995 acknowledging the MoD's interest in UFOs and the Bentwaters-Lakenheath radar-visual observations.

Konspiration? (Conspiracy?)

This section reviews Ole Retsbo's book 'Konspiration?' which analyzes conspiracy theories surrounding the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The author debunks various conspiracy claims, arguing that they often lack factual basis and are perpetuated by individuals seeking to confirm their beliefs rather than seeking truth. The article criticizes the manipulation of evidence by conspiracy theorists and highlights the role of the internet in spreading such theories.

Besøg fra rummet (Visit from Space)

This is a brief mention of a book titled 'Besøg fra rummet' by Kim Møller Hansen, which explores UFO history, sightings, and related topics, aimed at children and young people.

SUFOI kommentar (SUFOI Commentary)

A commentary on a photograph submitted by a reader, identifying a dark object in the image as a bird in flight rather than a UFO.

Farø-Broerne 21. august 2005 (Farø Bridges August 21, 2005)

This short piece describes a reader's photograph taken in Denmark showing a stationary object in the sky that disappeared suddenly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO phenomena with a focus on witness testimony, historical cases, and investigative efforts. While it reports on alleged alien abductions and encounters, it also includes critical analysis and skepticism, particularly regarding the interpretation of events and the role of psychology and potential government secrecy. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives and evidence while acknowledging the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the UFO phenomenon. The issue emphasizes the importance of documented evidence and critical analysis, as seen in the review of the 9/11 conspiracy theories and the examination of the MoD's UFO archives.

Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: 114
Date: August 18, 2011
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information

This issue of UFO-Mail delves into various phenomena related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and aerial observations, with a particular focus on solar zeppelins and a reported sighting in Denmark.

SUFOI Commentary: Solar Zeppelin

The lead article, "SUFOI kommentar," discusses a photographed object identified as a solar zeppelin. The author explains that these are essentially large, black plastic bags filled with air, designed to fly by utilizing the sun's heat to warm the air within the bag. The dark color of the plastic enhances this heating effect. While not very common in Denmark, they are frequently observed in Germany. The article notes that the photographed object appears to be significantly longer than the commonly available 3-meter models, with some models reaching up to 15 meters in length. The photographer is commended for capturing good quality images that illustrate the object's appearance. The disappearance of the object is noted as unexplained, but the possibility of local kitesurfers using it is suggested, given the windy conditions.

Previous Case

A section titled "Tidligere sag" references a similar case from 2009, mentioned in UFO-Mail issue 112. It provides several YouTube links related to solar zeppelins and video recordings.

August 18, 2011 Sighting

An observation from August 18, 2011, is described as a blurry image of an airplane against a sunlit sky with scattered clouds. A peculiar, small blue marking was noted lower in front of the aircraft. No further commentary is provided with this report.

SUFOI Commentary: August 26, 2011 Sighting

Another commentary addresses a photograph received by SUFOI's photo department, allegedly taken on July 26, 2011, near Pandrup, North Jutland. The photographer initially described stationary lights in the sky. However, upon closer examination and with adjustments to contrast and brightness, SUFOI concludes that the phenomenon is a reflection in the camera's lens. This type of reflection typically appears diametrically opposite the light source, which in this case was the sun. The article refers to previous issues of UFO-Mail (nos. 114, 124, 125, and 130) that featured similar reflection photographs.

Recent UFO Reports

"Seneste registreringer af ufo-beretninger" directs readers to the website www.ufo.dk for a list of UFO reports submitted to SUFOI for the period of July 1 to September 30, 2011.

Thisted, August 15, 2011 Sighting

An observer from Thisted reported seeing orange lights flying in the sky for approximately 10 seconds on August 15, 2011, moving from south to north. The observer also inquired about potential military or civil air traffic over Thisted around 10:30 PM on August 17, 2011.

SUFOI's Response to Thisted Sighting

SUFOI states that they do not have the means to immediately clarify air traffic. While they sometimes contact authorities for information, it's usually for photo cases or complex matters. They consider it unlikely that there was significant military or civil air traffic over Thisted on the specified date, though it cannot be entirely ruled out. They request witnesses from Thisted who might have additional information about air traffic or other observations from that evening to contact SUFOI's Report Department.

"Lost and Facts..." Section

This section, by Ole Henningsen, covers several distinct topics:

TV Preacher Wrong About Apocalypse

It reports that 89-year-old TV preacher Harold Camping incorrectly predicted the end of the world on May 21, 2011, due to massive earthquakes. He later revised his prediction to October 21, 2011, after admitting his previous calculation was wrong. Camping had also previously predicted the end of the world in 1994. The publication aims to release its October UFO-Mail before October 21.

Can Crop Circles Be Explained Physically?

Videnskab.dk reported on research by Richard Taylor, a physics professor at the University of Oregon, who theorizes that crop circles can be created using everyday tools like GPS and microwave ovens, possibly with the aid of lasers. Ole J. Knudsen, Planetarium Manager at Steno Museet in Aarhus, commented that Taylor's attempt to provide a plausible explanation is welcome. Both Knudsen and Taylor are convinced that crop circles are man-made.

"We Should Go Back to the Moon," Says Neil Armstrong

Astronaut Neil Armstrong, 42 years after his Moon landing, stated that the USA should prioritize returning to the Moon. He highlighted that vast areas of the Moon remain unexplored. Armstrong, known for his reserved public persona, plans to discuss how NASA can overcome its current stagnation. He has previously criticized President Obama's space policy. Armstrong believes that new Moon missions would provide valuable practical experience for future missions to Mars.

Meteor Over Peru?

This segment discusses a video of a supposed meteor falling from the sky, filmed in Peru, which was quickly labeled as a UFO by some. However, the article explains that the phenomenon is likely a plane with contrails illuminated by the setting sun. It references UFO-Mail issue 123 and a German UFO researcher's blog for comparisons. Meteors can be visible in daylight if bright enough, but evening and night sightings attract more attention. A link to a recent all-sky camera recording of a meteor burning up over Atlanta, USA, is also provided.

Read UFO Reports at www.ufo.dk

Readers are encouraged to visit www.ufo.dk to read recent UFO reports under the "Observationer" section.

Become a Member of SUFOI's Support Circle in 2015

This section details how to become a member of SUFOI's Support Circle. The organization is run by volunteers and aims to provide serious information about the UFO phenomenon through ufo.dk and to register observations. A contribution of 250 Danish Kroner (or more) helps sustain their work. Payment can be made via giro or online banking. Members receive a free title as a thank you and have no further obligations. The support is valid for one year.

UFO-Mail is Published by Skandinavisk UFO Information

This final note states that UFO-Mail is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information and that copyright laws apply. Articles can be reprinted in their entirety only with written agreement from SUFOI. Photocopies of UFO-Mail content are subject to Copydan fees.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of aerial phenomena, the scientific and skeptical analysis of reported sightings, and the promotion of citizen science through reporting and website engagement. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational explanations for reported events while acknowledging the ongoing interest in UFOs and related topics. There is a clear emphasis on providing information and encouraging reader participation, as seen in the call for witnesses and the promotion of the SUFOI website. The publication also touches upon broader themes of space exploration and the potential for future missions.