UFO Mail - No 141 - 2012

Magazine Overview

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, titled UFO-Mail nr. 141, dated February 1, 2012, focuses on the sociological aspects of paranormal beliefs and common misidentifications of celestial phenomena as UFOs. The main cover headline is "Afvigende adfærd" (Deviant Behavior).

Deviant Behavior: The Sociology of Paranormal Beliefs

The lead article, by Kim Møller Hansen, discusses sociologist Erich Goode's book "The Paranormal - Who Believes, Why They Believe, and Why It Matters." Goode, a former professor of sociology at Stony Brook University, approaches paranormal beliefs not by trying to prove or disprove them (like the Roswell incident), but by studying them as a sociological phenomenon. He notes that beliefs in angels, astrology, ghosts, and UFOs are widespread in the American public, seemingly unaffected by scientific education. The article highlights how paranormal topics are popular in media, such as TV documentaries and series like "The X-Files."

Goode's research uses qualitative methods like case studies and quantitative methods like surveys of the American population. He observes that the paranormal world is often seen as a 'free thinking playground' and an attractive alternative to the perceived rigidity and authority of the scientific world, which is seen by some as an extension of state power.

The article also touches upon the prevalence of creationism in the US, where some fundamentalist groups reject evolutionary theory, leading to parallel teaching of creationism and evolution in some schools.

Goode argues that people who believe in UFOs as spaceships, or in astrology, ghosts, or creationism, often rely on wishful thinking, guesswork, and feelings rather than scientific methods of hypothesis testing and correction. The scientific world's knowledge is corrigible, meaning it can be controlled, expanded, and improved, a methodology not common in the paranormal world.

Book Review: 50 Popular Beliefs That People Think Are True

Another article, also by Kim Møller Hansen, reviews Guy P. Harrison's book "50 Popular Beliefs That People Think Are True." Harrison, who created the website "Beyond the Earth" for children, aims to help readers gently steer people away from unfounded beliefs, self-deception, quack cures, and conspiracy theories. The book is described as well-written, entertaining, and non-patronizing, offering alternative, scientific explanations for mysteries.

Examples discussed include the lack of evidence for alien visitation to Earth, the ongoing search for extraterrestrial life through SETI, and the existence of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. Harrison also acknowledges that conspiracy theories are not entirely baseless, citing Watergate and the 9/11 attacks (attributing them to al-Qaeda, not the Bush administration) as examples of real conspiracies. However, he stresses that not all conspiracy theories are true and that pointing out unanswered questions or coincidences does not constitute proof.

UFO Misidentifications: The Moon as a UFO

Several sections of the magazine address instances where celestial objects, most notably the Moon, were mistaken for UFOs.

The Moon and the Emergency Services: Ole Henningsen reports on a case where an Englishman called the emergency services about a round, luminous object in the sky, only to later realize he had mistaken the Moon for a UFO. The article notes that bt.dk reported on this incident, including audio of the call.

SUFOI's Commentary: SUFOI comments on the media's role in reporting such stories, finding it positive that they highlight how ordinary natural phenomena can be mistaken for UFOs. They recount a past investigation where a driver mistook the Moon for a light flying side-to-side over the road, later realizing it was the Moon seen through a partial cloud cover and the road itself curving.

The 'Almind Spaceship' Case: This section details a famous Danish UFO case from December 15, 1957, involving three young men who observed a round, red/orange light near Almind, Denmark. The object reportedly changed shape, emitted smaller objects, and moved erratically before disappearing. While the case was initially considered strong evidence for alien visitation, the article suggests it was likely a misidentification of the Moon, possibly influenced by psychological factors. The details of this case are referenced in Toke Haunstrup's book "50 år med ufoer" (50 Years with UFOs).

'It Was Like an Exploding Atomic Bomb': Another case described in Toke Haunstrup's book involves a woman in Gandrup, Denmark, who in February 1998 reported seeing a large, bright object that 'exploded' in a massive light field. She initially feared it was an atomic bomb. Her husband contacted Aalborg Air Base, which denied any military aircraft activity, and they were referred to SUFOI. The investigation, led by Torben Birkeholm, concluded that the Moon was the likely cause, though the psychological mechanisms behind such a dramatic misperception remain a subject for further study.

Close Encounter with the Moon: A similar case from Hollington, East Sussex, England, on October 4, 1981, describes a woman and her daughter-in-law observing a large, clear object with pulsating light, described as a 'vertical cigar,' 'two golden thin discs,' and a 'crescent.' They also reported smoke and the object disappearing and reappearing. The investigation concluded that the Moon was the observed phenomenon, with cloud cover explaining its intermittent appearance and perceived changes.

Other UFO Reports and SUFOI Activities

Report from Herlev: A reader from Herlev reported seeing six red lights flying in a formation for about 10 minutes in May 2011. The objects were silent and flew from south to north. The reader provided photos, which SUFOI's photo department identified as likely small hot-air balloons with burning material for propulsion, consistent with weather data.

Report from Nørre Snede: A 40-year-old observer in Nørre Snede reported seeing mysterious lights on January 14, 2012, that differed from regular aircraft in size, movement, color, and lack of engine noise. A video was taken. Later, a Facebook member confirmed that these lights were Chinese lanterns launched as part of a celebration for a newly built house.

Report from København S: A report from January 14, 2012, describes a sharp red object with a blue glow, possibly a Russian satellite remnant.

Observation from Femø: On December 20, 2011, an observer on Femø reported seeing a round, black object in the sky that was larger than a bird of prey and a helicopter, and made no sound. It flew from southeast to northwest and appeared perforated at the edge. The observer speculated it might be a stray weather balloon.

SUFOI's Work: The magazine highlights SUFOI's efforts to investigate UFO reports and provide information through its website, www.ufo.dk. It encourages readers to become members of SUFOI's support circle to help fund their work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the sociological underpinnings of paranormal beliefs, the psychological factors contributing to misidentification of natural phenomena as UFOs, and SUFOI's role in investigating and explaining these reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to provide rational explanations for reported sightings while acknowledging the widespread nature of paranormal beliefs and the public's fascination with the unexplained. The magazine promotes scientific investigation and critical thinking as essential tools for understanding these phenomena.