UFO Mail - No 147 - 2012

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 147
Date: June 15, 2012
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, UFO-Mail nr. 147, dated June 15, 2012, published by Danmarks UFO Forening, covers a range of topics including a specific UFO sighting investigation, discussions on conspiracy theories, and historical astronomical events.

Helikoptersag 5. august 2010

This section details a UFO observation from August 5, 2010, reported by Lars Hansen, who contacted the Danish military (FTK) for information. The observer described a black, oval, disk-shaped object near Viborg that appeared to rotate and emitted a humming sound. A military helicopter from Karup Air Base was seen following the object for about five minutes before it disappeared. Hansen requested information about military activities and pilots on duty that day.

The original report was made by a 36-year-old man from Tapdrup, east of Viborg, to www.ufo.dk. The observation occurred at 21:30 and lasted 5 minutes, with the object appearing from the north and disappearing to the south at an altitude of 6 degrees above the horizon. The report was received by SUFOI on April 27, 2011, and automatically published on their website.

FTK, seeking to provide a comprehensive answer, contacted SUFOI. SUFOI confirmed they had no further information beyond the original report's data. They suggested that Helikopter Wing Karup (HW-Karup) might have relevant records, as all helicopter types are based there. Seniorsergent Søren M. Jensen from FTK OPSCENT stated that FTK does not store radar data for more than 30 days. However, the Air Force does keep logbooks and flight times. Jensen contacted HW-Karup, which reported no flying activity in the area during the specified time.

Jensen concluded that while the report was interesting, the case was considered closed by the Air Force. He suggested NAVIAIR in Kastrup might have records if they store data for longer periods. Ultimately, Jensen informed Lars Hansen that the observed helicopter was not one of the Air Force's.

SUFOI's henvendelse til Naviair

Naviair, the state-owned company responsible for air traffic services in Denmark, confirmed that they only retain radar data for the past 30 calendar days. Therefore, they had no radar information from August 5, 2010, regarding the UFO observation near Viborg. Michael Thomsen from Naviair stated that after 30 days, radar data is automatically deleted.

The article notes that the investigation process highlights the importance of promptly investigating unusual UFO experiences.

Hvem tror på konspirationsteorier?

This section, authored by Kim Møller Hansen, explores the prevalence and nature of belief in conspiracy theories. It cites research indicating that a significant portion of the population believes in conspiracies, contrary to the common perception of conspiracy theorists being a fringe group. The article highlights several key characteristics of conspiracy theorists:

• Major events are quickly surrounded by conspiracy theories, even before facts are established.
• Theories are becoming more numerous and varied.
• The internet facilitates the spread and confirmation of conspiracy beliefs.
• Beliefs are often resistant to contradictory evidence and are not based on a thorough review of facts.
• Faith is a primary component, and theories are difficult to disprove as they often lack positive, verifiable evidence.
• Weaknesses in existing knowledge are focused on, and a lack of evidence can be interpreted as proof of a powerful cover-up.
• Theories are adaptable, with arguments changing but the conclusion remaining the same, making them immune to refutation.
• A fundamental belief in conspiracies themselves is a defining trait.
• Believers in one conspiracy theory are more likely to believe in others, regardless of logical connection.
• A general lack of trust and a pessimistic view of the world are common.
• A lower sense of personal control increases the likelihood of believing in conspiracies.
• Those who might themselves conspire tend to believe more readily in large-scale conspiracies.

The article recommends reading the full article on Videnskab.dk and their dedicated theme on conspiracy theories.

Sagt & skrevet om konspirationsteorier

This sub-section presents two quotes related to conspiracy theories:

• Richard A. Clarke: "Conspiracy theorists hold two contradictory beliefs simultaneously: a) that the American government is so incompetent that it can overlook the explanations that theorists dig up, and b) that the American government can keep a big, juicy secret."
• Michael Barkun: "Conspiracy theories attempt to delineate and explain evil..." The three principles underlying any conspiracy theory are identified as: 1. Nothing happens by chance. 2. Nothing is as it seems. 3. Everything is connected.

It also lists articles on conspiracy theories available on ufo.dk and book reviews on the topic.

Få overblik over en skør, skør verden

Authored by Kim Møller Hansen, this section reviews two books that offer an overview of the world of conspiracy theories:

1. "Conspiracies and Secret Societies - The Complete Dossier" by Brad Steiger and Sherry Hansen Steiger: This 578-page book covers 240 people, organizations, and events questioned by conspiracy circles. Topics include historical mysteries (e.g., the Ark of the Covenant), classified US presidential knowledge, secret societies (e.g., the Knights Templar), government conspiracies (e.g., Area 51), environmental disasters (e.g., BP oil spill), and scientific mysteries (e.g., mad cow disease). The authors are praised for their thorough research and engaging storytelling.
2. "That's What They Want You to Think - Conspiracies Real, Possible, and Paranoid" by Paul Simpson: This book, with 29 chapters, delves into specific conspiracy theories. It is divided into five parts: assassinations, military conspiracies (e.g., Pearl Harbor), the non-terrestrial (e.g., Roswell, Area 51), secret organizations, and political conspiracies (e.g., Watergate).

Both books are described as well-written, offering sober accounts of genuine conspiracies, curious theories, and paranoid ones. They include indexes, references, and further reading lists. "That's What They Want You to Think" is available as an ePub or Kindle format, while "Conspiracies and Secret Societies" is available in print and digital formats.

Den daglige dosis

This short section introduces "Doubtfull News," a service providing daily news on paranormal, pseudoscience, and anomalous events, linking to it from ufo.dk.

Fra SUFOI's Fotoafdeling

This section, by Ole Henningsen, details several recent UFO-like sightings reported to SUFOI's photo department:

• Holbæk, May 26, 2012: A 52-year-old man reported observing five uniform 'fireballs' in a formation moving from west to east. The objects were reddish-yellow, similar to campfire flames. Photos were taken but were not of good quality. The observer was curious and sought an explanation.
• Lyngby, May 17, 2012: A 34-year-old teacher observed two bright lights moving rapidly from SSW to E for about 30 seconds. They were described as orange, brighter than the ISS and Venus, but not as bright as Iridium flares. The observer noted the angular speed seemed higher than ISS and wondered about the absolute height or distance. A short video was captured.
• Similar sightings: The report mentions similar observations on May 23, 2012, from Middelfart and May 19, 2012, from Copenhagen Ø.

Conclusion for Holbæk and similar sightings: Based on the descriptions, images, and weather data from DMI, SUFOI's photo department concluded that these were small hot air balloons launched from the local area. The observer from Holbæk agreed that the hypothesis of small hot air balloons fit well with the observed colors.

Tilladelse til ballonopsendelse?

This brief report discusses a case in Flatø, Guldborgsund, where local police initially denied, then granted, permission for the launch of Chinese sky lanterns. The police noted that while permitted, safety regulations limit such balloons to 100 meters altitude, which can be difficult to adhere to in windy conditions. They advised contacting the Danish Transport Authority before launching sky lanterns.

2800 Lyngby 30. maj 2012

An employee from a company in Lyngby reported observing a strange, dark, upside-down balloon-like object flying against the wind direction for about half an hour before disappearing behind clouds. The object appeared to be very high up. The employee took photos with an iPhone through a window, noting the quality was not good. They compared it to Thai hot air balloons but felt this object was much larger, possibly a weather balloon, and found its movement against the wind peculiar.

Conclusion for Lyngby 30. May 2012: Similar to the previous balloon reports, SUFOI's photo department concluded it was likely a small hot air balloon. The observer, after receiving a detailed report, acknowledged how easily distances and speeds can be misjudged.

Venus-passager har til alle tider optaget sindene

This section focuses on astronomical observations, specifically the transit of Venus:

• June 6, 2012: The article describes the clear weather and the visible transit of Venus against the Sun's surface, with sunspots also visible. Ole Henningsen observed this event from Lolland.
• DMI website: DMI's website features a collection of images of the Venus transit.
• Hubble Space Telescope: The article highlights a spectacular image of the Venus transit also showing the Hubble Space Telescope, taken by astrophotographer Theirry Legault in Australia.
• Historical Context: An excerpt from Ove von Spaeth's book "Historiske mysterier fra himmelrummet" (Historical Mysteries from Outer Space) discusses historical records of Venus transits.

Gådefuldt himmelobjekt - og dramatiske målinger

This section, by Ove von Spaeth, delves into historical astronomical observations and the work of Jesuit astronomers:

• Maximilian Hell: The article discusses the Austrian-Hungarian Jesuit monk Maximilian Hell (1720-1792), who led the imperial astronomical observatory in Vienna. His most significant work was the calculation of daily planetary positions, published annually as "Ephemerides astronomicae ad meridianum Vindobonensem." These tables were valuable for astronomers and astrologers.
• Jesuit Contributions to Astronomy: The Jesuit order, initially feared, became known for its emphasis on scientific education and research. The article quotes George Coyne S.J., chief of the Vatican Observatories, stating the universe is too vast to assume humans are alone.
• Tycho Brahe and Venus Transits: Tycho Brahe's astronomical work laid the foundation for modern science. The article explains that rare events like the transit of Venus were used to gather precise data about the Earth, Sun, and their relationship. European nations supported such scientific endeavors.
• Venus Transit of 1769: King Christian VII of Denmark and Norway requested Jesuit Father Maximilian Hell's assistance for measuring the Venus transit in 1769. The observation was planned for Vardø, in northern Norway, to utilize the midnight sun for extended observation time.

Astronomisk opmåling uden dødsstraf

To enable Father Hell's work, King Christian VII had to temporarily suspend a law that imposed the death penalty on monks, Jesuits, and other Catholic priests found working in the country. The establishment of a small chapel by Hell and his colleagues added to the complexity.

• Publication and Controversy: After the Venus transit observation and other scientific work, Hell was elected to the Royal Danish Academy of Sciences. His Venus transit observations were published in 1770. However, his results were initially accused of being forged, particularly by enemies of the Jesuits. The astronomer Littrow claimed the ephemerides were written in two colors of ink, but Littrow was colorblind. Hell was later fully rehabilitated by astronomer Simon Newcomb in 1883.
• Solparallakse: Hell's observations enabled the calculation of the solar parallax, determining the distance from the Earth to the Sun with remarkable accuracy (8°8' and 149.5 million km, compared to modern measurements of 8°79'15" and 149.45 million km).

Et særligt mysterium dukker op

This section discusses the mysterious object observed orbiting Venus:

• Giovanni Cassini's Discovery (1672): Italian-French astronomer Giovanni Cassini discovered an unknown object orbiting Venus, which he initially considered a moon. This discovery intrigued many astronomers, including William Herschel, Lagrange, Christian Horrebow, and others. However, not all astronomers could observe the object, adding to the mystery.
• Later Observations: The object was observed again during a Venus transit on June 6, 1761. Father Hell published a 91-page article in 1766 on this phenomenon, concluding it might be an optical illusion. In 1884, the object was observed by a Belgian astronomer and named "Neith" after an Egyptian goddess. Its ephemerides were calculated.
• Edward Emerson Barnard's Observation (1892): Astronomer Edward Emerson Barnard discovered an object (not a star) with a magnitude close to planet Venus on August 13, 1892. The question remained: was it a Venus moon, a stray asteroid, or a spacecraft?
• Ongoing Mystery: The true nature of this object remains unknown. It has been registered by experienced astronomers over 37 periods spanning 220 years, suggesting it is unlikely to be an illusion for all observers.

Ingen standard-tid - kun lokale tidszoner

This section discusses the historical use of time zones and astronomical records:

• Hell's Ephemerides: Several volumes of Hell's ephemerides are missing from the University Library's collection, covering years from 1756-1768, 1771, 1775-1781, and 1797-1806. The library suffered a fire in 1807 due to British bombing, but many books were saved.
• Standard Time: European observatories historically used local time. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) was established in 1847/1884, followed by Universal Time in 1972. Observatories' publications were based on local time (e.g., Berlin, Paris, London).
• Rundetårn Observatory: When the observatory moved in 1861, care was taken to maintain its precise latitude.
• Danish Astronomical Contributions: Following Tycho Brahe and Ole Rømer, Denmark continued its strong tradition in astronomy. H.C. Schumacher founded the Danish Geodetic Institute and published the "Astronomische Nachrichten," the world's oldest astronomical journal, in Altona.
• "Astronomische Nachrichten": This journal was highly influential, with John Herschel calling Altona the "astronomical centre of the civilized world." The journal's leadership became German after the Second Schleswig War in 1864. After WWI, the International Astronomical Union (IAU) moved the central register for discoveries back to Denmark, housed at the Copenhagen Observatory until 1965. International information on comets and objects is now handled by the Harvard Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.

Det historiske materiale nu på Astrologisk Museum

• Hell's Ephemerides for Historical Research: Later editions of Hell's ephemerides included special tables with fundamental planetary data going back 300 years before Christ, aiding historians and astrologers in checking past astronomical and historical events.
• Donation to Astrological Museum: The author, Ove von Spaeth, was able to borrow and copy Hell's ephemerides from the University Library in the early 1970s. This collection of approximately 30 volumes has now been donated, along with other historical astrological works, to the world's first "dedicated" astrology museum established in Copenhagen in 1999.
• Venus Passages in 2004 and 2012: The article notes that Venus passages gained renewed attention in 2004 and 2012 due to advancements in technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, investigations, and related topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting reports and analyses from various sources, including official military and civilian agencies, as well as independent researchers and observers. There is a clear interest in debunking misidentifications (e.g., hot air balloons) while also acknowledging unexplained cases. The magazine also explores the psychological and historical aspects of belief in unexplained phenomena and conspiracy theories, suggesting a broad approach to the subject matter. The inclusion of historical astronomical events and figures like Maximilian Hell indicates an interest in the long-term study of the skies and humanity's attempts to understand it.

This issue of Horoskopet, published in April 2012, features a cover story on 'Historiske mysterier fra himmelrummet' (Historical Mysteries from Outer Space) by Ove von Spaeth. The magazine also includes articles on a European UFO documentary, the Tunguska event, and historical space travel promotions.

TV-udsendelsen UFO Europe

An article by Ole Henningsen reports on a British film crew from Pioneer Productions currently filming a TV documentary titled 'UFO Europe'. The show aims to present selected European UFO experiences through interviews with witnesses and reconstructions of events. The film crew has been conducting interviews and filming across Europe, including Denmark, where they visited Jylland and København on May 30th and 31st, and June 1st. In Copenhagen, the Forsvarets Bibliotek (The Danish Defence Library) provided facilities for filming. The crew consisted of producer Kasia Uscinska, photographer Paul Lang, and researcher Philippa Gould. The article also mentions other UFO-related events that were covered, such as the observation by police officer Evald Hansen Maarup near Haderslev in 1970, 'ghost rocket' sightings in Scandinavia in 1946, and observations during NATO's Operation Main Brace in September 1952. Pioneer Productions is also known for a National Geographic documentary on British UFO archives.

UFO Books at the Defence Library

This section highlights the collection of UFO-related books at the Forsvarets Bibliotek. While only two older books are displayed for loan, the library's database contains around 30 titles accessible from the magazine. The Forsvarets Bibliotek is a research library under the Danish Defence Academy, open to civilian borrowers, with a collection of approximately 100,000 physical items and extensive digital resources.

Summer Reading at videnskab.dk

This short piece points to a blog post by astroculture blogger Thore Bjørnvig on videnskab.dk, which discusses a 1977 magazine called 'Månedens Science Fiction' and its advertisements that blur the lines between fantasy and UFOs. It also links to another blog post by Bjørnvig about the "religion of the outer space".

Tunguska - 104 years ago - Solution on the way?

This article discusses the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, in Siberia, which caused widespread destruction and unusual atmospheric phenomena. It references a new scientific article published in GEOCHEMISTRY GEOPHYSICS GEOSYSTEMS by Italian researchers from Bologna. These researchers claim that Lake Cheko, located about 8 km northwest of the explosion's epicenter, might be an impact crater from the Tunguska event. Magnetic and seismic studies suggest the presence of an unknown object buried about 10 meters below the lakebed, supporting the theory that Lake Cheko is a crater formed by a fragment of the Tunguska object (a comet or asteroid). The article provides links to the scientific paper and a related Daily Mail article.

Remember to reserve in good time

This section features a historical advertisement from the Hayden Planetarium (American Museum of Natural History) from 1950, promoting 'Inter-Planetary Tours'. It includes a 'Space Ship Time Schedule' detailing travel times and distances to the Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn. The advertisement also includes a certificate for a reservation holder, Jeremy Shapiro.

Read UFO reports at www.ufo.dk

This is a call to action for readers to visit www.ufo.dk to read the latest UFO reports and observations submitted to SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information).

Become a member of SUFOI's Support Circle

This section encourages readers to support the non-profit organization Skandinavisk UFO Information by joining its support circle with a donation of 250 DKK. This contribution helps maintain the ufo.dk website and fund UFO investigations. Members receive a free title of their choice. Payment details are provided via bank transfer.

UFO-Mail is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information

This is a standard disclaimer regarding copyright and usage of articles from UFO-Mail, the publication of Skandinavisk UFO Information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, historical mysteries related to space, and scientific investigations into unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry and information dissemination, promoting reputable sources like SUFOI and scientific publications while also exploring historical curiosities like early space travel promotions. There is a clear emphasis on providing readers with access to information through websites and library resources.