UFO Mail - No 145 - 2012

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 145
Date: April 17, 2012
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into the 'UFO disclosure' movement, astronomical observations, and art exhibitions related to the cosmos.

Afsløringer i massevis (Revelations Galore)

The main article, authored by Robert Sheaffer, focuses on the efforts of Stephen Bassett, leader of the Paradigm Research Group (PRG), to compel the US government to disclose information about extraterrestrial presence. Bassett's organization has been lobbying Congress since the late 1990s for the release of such information. The article highlights the 'We the People' petition initiative, where Bassett submitted a request for the Obama Administration to officially acknowledge the existence of non-terrestrial beings and their influence on humanity, and to release all related documents. The White House responded by stating that the US government has no evidence of extraterrestrial life or contact, and no information has been hidden.

Bassett's 'Disclosure Petition II' was submitted on December 1, 2011, requesting a full congressional investigation into UFO/ET disclosures allegedly started by the Clinton Administration. The article lists several prominent figures associated with this initiative, including Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, John Podesta, Leon Panetta, Albert Gore, and Bill Richardson.

The article also mentions other disclosure initiatives, such as one by Richard Dolan and Bryce Zabel, which requested an investigation into Unidentified Aerial Phenomenon (UAP) reports. The author notes that these efforts often lack concrete evidence and can be counterproductive, citing John Alexander's view that the UFO movement can be its own worst enemy.

Several past optimistic predictions about UFO disclosures are quoted, dating back to 1976 and 1977, highlighting a long history of anticipation for official revelations.

Exopolitik (Exopolitics)

Authored by Kim Møller Hansen, this section defines 'exopolitics' and discusses its proponents, particularly Steven Greer and Stephen Bassett. Exopolitics is broadly defined as politics related to the UFO phenomenon and non-terrestrial civilizations. Michael E. Salla is credited with popularizing the term, launching www.exopolitics.org in 2003. Salla's book, 'Exopolitics: Political Implications of the Extraterrestrial Presence,' is discussed. He posits that extraterrestrials have been present on Earth since ancient times, influencing human history, including the Nazi regime and the US invasion of Iraq, which he claims was motivated by a search for an extraterrestrial 'stargate'. The article notes that exopolitics relies heavily on belief rather than physical evidence.

Fra SUFOI's Fotoafdeling (From SUFOI's Photo Department)

This section details photographic observations and analyses conducted by SUFOI's photo department.

Venus and Jupiter Anomalies

Photographs taken in March and April 2012 by photographers in Frederiksberg and Brøndby, Denmark, captured unusual blue artifacts near Venus and Jupiter. Initially, these were thought to be unknown phenomena. However, after analysis by SUFOI in collaboration with Tycho Brahe Planetarium, it was concluded that these 'blue halos' were reflections within the camera's lens, caused by the bright light of the planets and exacerbated by the camera's autofocus system, especially when not manually set to infinity. The article includes several examples of these photographic anomalies and their explanations.

Hessdalen on the Program

The European Geosciences Union (EGU) conference in Vienna (April 22-27, 2012) included sessions relevant to UFO interests, such as 'Stimulating Interest in Natural Sciences and Training Observation Skills: The UAP Observations Reporting Scheme' and discussions on unknown radio emissions and electric/magnetic signals related to luminous lights observed in Hessdalen valley, Norway.

Forårshumøret fortsætter! (Spring Mood Continues!)

A promotional offer from SUFOI is detailed, providing 10 titles for the price of postage (51 DKK in stamps within Denmark). The offer is valid while supplies last.

Løst og facts (Loose and Facts)

Himmelgåder på Fyn (Celestial Riddles in Funen)

This article describes a special exhibition titled "Himmelgåder: Dansk kunst og astronomi 1780-2010" (Celestial Riddles: Danish Art and Astronomy 1780-2010) at the Fyns Kunstmuseum in Odense. The exhibition explores the intersection of art and astronomy, showcasing works by Danish artists inspired by celestial phenomena like the Northern Lights, Moon, planets, and stars. It features artworks from various centuries and displays historical astronomical instruments, film clips, and music. The exhibition was previously shown at Fuglsang Kunstmuseum.

Notable artists and works mentioned include Harald Moltke's paintings of the Northern Lights and Johannes Jørgensen's poem "Julestjærnen" (The Christmas Star) from 1903. A book about Harald Moltke's Northern Lights paintings is also mentioned.

The Fyns Kunstmuseum is also running a competition for the best astro-related photograph, where participants can name their own star.

Claus Deleurans Rejsen til Saturn (Claus Deleurans Journey to Saturn)

Another exhibition at Fyns Kunstmuseum features original sketches and drafts for Claus Deleurans comic series "Rejsen til Saturn" (Journey to Saturn) from 1977. Visitors can read the entire comic and explore other science fiction comics and classic sci-fi games like Space Invaders and Asteroids.

Manglende vejrballoner? (Missing Weather Balloons?)

This section addresses a Facebook post from the 'Skandinavisk UFO Information - Debatforum' where a user questioned the existence of weather balloons and their statistical probability compared to UFO sightings. The article confirms that weather balloons are still in use and come in various types. It recounts historical instances of finding weather balloon remnants on Lolland-Falster, Denmark, often originating from Germany. These remnants typically included radar reflectors and weather sonde equipment, sometimes accompanied by a request for return with a reward.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of UFOs, extraterrestrial contact, government secrecy, and the scientific and cultural interpretations of these phenomena. There is a critical stance towards unsubstantiated claims, as seen in the analysis of exopolitics and the explanation of photographic anomalies. The publication also highlights astronomical events and art exhibitions related to space, demonstrating a broad interest in the cosmos and humanity's place within it. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking evidence-based explanations while acknowledging the persistent public interest in UFOs and related topics.

Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: 2012
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Date: 2012

This issue of UFO-Mail delves into the world of high-altitude balloons, their scientific applications, and their occasional misidentification as UFOs. It features reports on weather balloon launches, ozone layer research, and reader-submitted sightings.

Weather Balloons: Global Operations and Local Presence

The magazine opens with an article detailing the widespread use of weather balloons. An inflated latex balloon, 1.5 meters in diameter, ascends to altitudes of 30-35 kilometers before bursting, with its instrument package returning to Earth via parachute. These balloons collect vital data on temperature, humidity, and wind direction, contributing to daily weather forecasts. In 2005, DMI reported that 800 weather balloons were launched globally each day, with 9 originating from Denmark. This high frequency means that remnants of these balloons are frequently found on Danish soil.

The article also touches upon the cost of these instruments, noting that a weather sonde can cost 700 Danish Kroner due to its electronic components. Some sondes are marked with the sending institute's details to facilitate their return, sometimes with a small reward.

Ozone Layer Research Over Greenland

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to the DMI's (Danish Meteorological Institute) work on monitoring the ozone layer, particularly over Greenland. The ICAO radiosonde station at Aasiaat, Greenland, celebrated launching its 40,000th weather balloon in April 2004, having operated since 1948. Erik Bødtker, DMI's observations chief, noted the station's high success rate despite Greenland's challenging weather conditions.

DMI has established observatories in Pituffik, Kangerlussuaq, and Illoqqortoormiut in Greenland to monitor the ozone layer. These sites are equipped with ground-based instruments and facilities for launching balloons to map ozone distribution in the atmosphere. They also collect data on solar ultraviolet radiation. Niels Larsen, who leads DMI's ozone research at the Danish Climate Center (DKC), explains that DMI also measures the ozone layer and ultraviolet radiation over Denmark. Findings are published on dmi.dk, and an annual report on the state of the ozone layer over Denmark and Greenland is released in early May.

Larsen further elaborates that in the early 1990s, DMI's research focused on understanding the physical and chemical processes that deplete the ozone layer in the stratosphere, partly through numerous EU projects. While the chemical processes are now well-understood, the future development and recovery of the ozone layer are closely linked to broader climate changes in Earth's atmosphere.

Reader Sightings: Balloons and Potential UFOs

The magazine features a personal account from Rasmus Roland, a reader who reported an unusual observation from a boat trip off the coast of Greenland in June 2011. While sailing from Ilulissat to Nuuk under the midnight sun, Roland and others noticed a bright object in the sky, larger than a star. He photographed the object and zoomed in to capture a clearer image. Initially intrigued, Roland later identified the object as a weather balloon, attributing the 'mysterious light' to the interplay of special lighting conditions and the balloon in a desolate area.

Roland's account is accompanied by photos taken with a Canon EOS 60D Digital SLR camera. He notes that while the balloon shape is visible in the original wide shot, the zoomed-in photo could easily be mistaken for something else. He expresses satisfaction in being able to identify the object himself, highlighting a critical approach to UFO phenomena.

Hans Bødker, SUFOI's photo consultant and a former air traffic controller in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, provided further background on these types of balloons. He examined Roland's photos and found similar images from Kiruna, Sweden, related to a balloon launch on June 10, 2011. Bødker is confident that Roland's observation was of this balloon and notes its resemblance to a balloon he photographed himself in Kangerlussuaq in the summer of 1997.

High Altitude Research Balloons

Images are shown of research balloons launched from Kiruna, Sweden, and other locations. These large balloons carry instrument containers weighing several tons to altitudes of 40-50 kilometers in Earth's atmosphere for scientific measurements. The High Altitude Observatory is credited for some of these images.

A Balloon Causes Chaos in London

A separate incident is reported from April 13, 2012, where a stray balloon caused significant disruption at London's Gatwick Airport. The incident led to the temporary cancellation of all outbound flights, although arriving flights were unaffected. Links to Ekstrabladet.dk and Sky News are provided for further details.

UFO Information and SUFOI Membership

The magazine directs readers to www.ufo.dk for UFO reports and observations. It also promotes membership in SUFOI's (Skandinavisk UFO Information) support circle for 2015. The organization operates on a voluntary basis, aiming to provide serious information about UFO phenomena and register sightings. Members can contribute financially to support the organization's work, with a donation of 250 Danish Kroner or more. Payment can be made via giro or bank transfer, and members receive a free title of their choice.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific utility and widespread presence of weather balloons, the critical importance of ozone layer research, and the careful investigation of UFO reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical thinking and accurate identification of phenomena, as exemplified by Rasmus Roland's self-identification of his sighting and the detailed explanations provided by DMI and SUFOI. The magazine promotes accessible information about UFOs and related atmospheric research, encouraging reader participation and support for the organization.