UFO Mail - No 149 - 2012

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Mail, number 149, published by Danmarks UFO Forening on August 24, 2012, delves into various unexplained aerial phenomena. The main cover story, "Rislamper, balloner eller noget helt andet?" (Lanterns, balloons, or something else entirely?), by Flemming Jensen, explores recent UFO sightings and attempts to provide explanations for some of them, while acknowledging that many remain mysterious. The magazine also features articles on the 'Ghost Rocket' phenomenon, a large-scale expedition to find a submerged object in Sweden, and an analysis of a photographic anomaly.

Rislamper, balloner eller noget helt andet?

Flemming Jensen's lead article discusses the influx of reports to SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information). While many sightings are attributed to popular sky lanterns or small hot air balloons, others are more perplexing. The article emphasizes the importance of these reports for understanding the UFO phenomenon and details how SUFOI contacts observers for further information. A specific case from Rødovre on July 14, 2012, is highlighted, where a witness described an elliptical, black-grey-metallic object with a blinking orange-red light, moving silently at an estimated 40-45 km/h at an altitude of 200-250 meters. The witness was convinced it was not a balloon due to its characteristics and silent, directed movement. Other sightings from July 2012 are briefly listed, including one identified as the International Space Station (ISS).

Dykker efter ukendt genstand i nordsvensk sø

This section, authored by Ole Henningsen, reports on an ongoing investigation into a mysterious object that has reportedly lain at the bottom of a lake in northern Sweden for over 30 years. The phenomenon of 'spøgelsesraketter' (ghost rockets) gained attention in Scandinavia in 1946, with hundreds of reports describing rocket-like metal objects. Swedish UFO researchers are launching a large-scale expedition to locate this specific object in the lake, using advanced equipment like sonar scanners and metal detectors. The article mentions a specific incident from July 19, 1946, where a farmer and his maid witnessed a two-meter-long, ash-grey projectile with a flat nose and pointed tail crash into the lake, creating a large water column. The Swedish military investigated but found nothing. The current expedition aims to clarify this case and potentially others.

Militærets forgæves eftersøgning

This part of the article details the Swedish military's previous unsuccessful attempts to find crashed 'ghost rockets,' including in the lake Kölmjärv. It recounts the testimony of Knut Lindbäck, who in 1946 observed a two-meter-long, ash-grey object crash into the lake. The military cordoned off the area and conducted a large-scale search, but the object was not found. The article suggests that the object might have been recovered by unknown parties before the military arrived.

Ekspedition af sted om få dage

This section announces an upcoming expedition to the lake in Nordsverige. The ambitious undertaking involves UFO-Sverige researchers, the original witnesses Liz and Bo Berg, a professional diving team, support staff, and a documentary film crew. The expedition is scheduled to begin on August 30, 2012, with diving operations commencing on August 31 and concluding on September 3. The goal is to find the submerged 'ghost rocket'.

The Ghost Rocket dokumentarfilm

This segment introduces a documentary film project by a Swedish documentary team, supported by Sveriges Television (SVT), which has been filming UFO-Sverige's investigations for two years. The film aims to provide a personal and in-depth look at the motivations of UFO researchers and the organization itself, focusing on the human aspect rather than revealing definitive facts or conclusions about the 'Ghost Rocket' phenomenon. The filmmakers intend to tell the story of the people who ask questions where others fear to tread.

Clas Svahn om ekspeditionen

Clas Svahn, chairman of UFO-Sweden, explains the significance of the upcoming expedition, highlighting that it is the first time a non-military entity is attempting to find a crashed 'ghost rocket.' He expresses confidence in the witnesses' accounts and notes that 'ghost rocket' related objects are distinctly physical, unlike many other UFO reports which can be explained by psychological factors. Svahn believes that if this expedition is successful, it could lead to further investigations into similar cases. He also acknowledges the possibility that an object might have been removed by unknown parties before the military could find it.

Helikoptersagen der landede...

Authored by Ole Henningsen, this article investigates a UFO sighting near Viborg, Denmark, on August 5, 2010. An observer reported a black oval or saucer-shaped object with a humming sound, rotating on its axis, followed by a military helicopter from Karup military airport. The object disappeared quickly. The report was filed late, and SUFOI did not conduct further investigation beyond posting it online. A UFO enthusiast later contacted the military for information, but the military confirmed they do not store radar data for more than 30 days and that no relevant flights were recorded by HW-Karup for that period.

Læser henvender sig til Forsvaret

This section details the follow-up by a UFO-interested reader from Nr. Snede who contacted the Flyvertaktisk Kommando (Air Tactical Command) in Karup for information regarding the Viborg sighting. The original observer was a 36-year-old man who reported the sighting at 21:30 for 5 minutes, with the object appearing to the north and disappearing to the south at an altitude of 6 degrees.

Efterforskningen

The investigation into the Viborg sighting involved contacting the military (FTK OPSCENT, Karup) and Naviair, the state-run air traffic service. Both confirmed that they do not retain radar data beyond 30 days, making it impossible to verify the sighting through radar records. Helicopter Wing Karup also found no record of any flights in the area during the specified time.

Omtalen i UFO-Mail

Due to the lack of progress in investigating the Viborg case, it was mentioned in UFO-Mail 147 to inform readers.

GEUS og SkyTEM i luften?

Following the mention in UFO-Mail, readers suggested that the observed phenomenon might be related to SkyTEM surveys, which use helicopters equipped with large iron frames to map groundwater resources. Per Kristensen and Jette Jensen pointed to this possibility, with Jensen offering photos of a helicopter involved in such surveys.

Helikopterflyvninger over Slagelse

This section discusses recent helicopter flights over Slagelse that have attracted public attention. It notes that TV2Øst reported on these flights on July 13, 2012. The article questions whether these flights could be related to the Viborg helicopter case, but a direct inquiry to SkyTEM Surveys ApS revealed that they did not fly in the Viborg area in August 2010.

Det var ikke SkyTEM 5. august 2010

This part confirms that SkyTEM Surveys ApS stated they had not flown near Viborg in August 2010, despite the proximity of the Viborg sighting to potential SkyTEM survey areas.

Observationsdatoen er ikke nødvendigvis korrekt

Revisiting the Viborg observer, it was revealed that the date of the sighting might not be precise. The observer stated that helicopters fly almost daily, and he was sure it was a "Forsvarets helikopter" (Defense helicopter). He also mentioned seeing a UFO that evening and later found a photograph of something similar, described as black and white, taken over Aalborg.

Kun få ekstra oplysninger

Further questioning of the Viborg observer revealed that he could not pinpoint the exact date, only recalling it was a Friday. He mentioned finding SUFOI's website in 2011 and reporting his observation anonymously. He also seemed defensive when pressed for details, insisting he knew what he saw and that it was a Fennec helicopter. He expressed a desire for privacy and suggested that others should not report unusual sightings.

Fortsat efterforskning nyttesløs

Due to the lack of a precise date or narrow timeframe, further investigation into the Viborg case is deemed futile. The article suggests the sighting could have been a military helicopter on a mission, a SkyTEM flight, or a genuine UFO. It highlights the challenges of investigating UFO reports when observers are uncooperative or provide insufficient details, emphasizing the importance of timely and detailed reporting.

Warszawa 11. maj 2011

This section, by John Schøler Nielsen, details an investigation into a photograph taken during a thunderstorm in Warsaw. The photographer, an experienced lightning and storm photographer, captured 13 lightning strike photos. One photo, taken with a 11.5-second exposure, shows a boomerang-shaped object near a lightning strike. The object appears sharp and not blurred, suggesting it was stationary at the moment of the lightning strike. The photographer is mystified, as he did not see the object at the time and is experienced in identifying photographic anomalies.

Billedets undersøgelse

SUFOI's photo department has produced a lengthy report on the Warsaw photograph. While no definitive conclusion has been reached, the investigation considered the possibility of an aircraft or a bird. Photoconsultant Hans Bødker used Google Earth to reconstruct the photographer's view and identified two potential airports nearby. He noted that one airport was too small for large aircraft, while Warsaw Chopin Airport was a possibility for departing or arriving flights. Bødker also discussed flight procedures during thunderstorms, explaining that aircraft typically avoid storm fronts due to downdrafts.

Fugl?

Of the 13 photos taken, only one shows the anomalous shape. The time gaps between photos suggest that a bird could have entered and exited the frame. Photoconsultant Hanne Fransen concluded that the shape resembles a bird seen from an oblique angle, with its wings down.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges of investigating UFO sightings, the difficulty in distinguishing between mundane explanations (like sky lanterns or balloons) and genuinely anomalous phenomena, and the importance of detailed and timely reporting from witnesses. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent, albeit often frustrating, investigation, seeking to provide explanations where possible while acknowledging the persistent mysteries within the UFO field. There is a clear emphasis on the physical nature of some reported phenomena and the need for rigorous evidence gathering, as exemplified by the 'Ghost Rocket' expedition and the photographic analysis.

This issue of UFO-Mail, dated August 2012, is a Danish publication from SUFOI focusing on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports and investigations. The magazine features several case studies, discussions on scientific theories, and reader contributions.

Case Study: Prato, Tuscany, Italy (June 16, 2012)

The issue details an investigation into peculiar images taken in Prato, Tuscany, Italy, by a Danish family residing there. The photos captured a strange, ring-shaped object in the sky. SUFOI's photo department analyzed the images and corresponded with the photographer. Initial theories ranged from smoke rings to aircraft, with a comparison made to Stealth aircraft. The photographer, John Schøler Nielsen, expressed his own mystification, noting the object's unusual appearance and the lack of similar phenomena in other photos taken during the same period. An investigation led to a scientific center, CENTRO DI SCIENZE NATURALI, in the vicinity, but engineer Saverio Tozzi ruled out any experiments from their end. He did, however, note the direction of the sighting aligned with their center and mentioned a kite-flying area nearby, suggesting a kite as a possible explanation. This explanation was deemed the most likely pending further information.

Case Study: Frederikshavn, Denmark (July 17, 2012)

A report from Frederikshavn describes a 23-year-old man who photographed a "flying metallic object" in the western sky at 5:01 AM. The photos showed a small light reflection above a streetlamp and a more prominent one above a house's dormer. Through analysis of the photos and available flight tracking data, SUFOI concluded that the object was likely a high-altitude passenger jet. Specifically, El Al Israel Airlines Flight LY1, a Boeing 747-458, en route from Tel Aviv to New York, was identified as being in the area at the time, flying at an altitude of 10,363 meters and a speed of 804 km/h. This flight was the closest to the observer.

Case Study: Vedbæk, Denmark (July 25, 2012)

A woman from Vedbæk reported observing what she initially believed to be a bright star. She took two photos with a new camera, one at 11:57 PM and another at 11:58 PM. Upon reviewing the photos, she noticed the "star" was not stationary and appeared to be a light formation. An initial search using flight tracking data (flightradar24.com) found no commercial aircraft in the area at that specific time. However, a crucial detail emerged: the woman's new camera had its clock set one hour incorrectly. When the times were corrected to 10:57 PM and 10:58 PM, a match was found with Holidays Czech Airlines flight HCC93W, an Airbus A320-214, flying from northwest of Hillerød towards landing at Kastrup Airport. The aircraft was at an altitude of 2,530 meters and traveling at 544 km/h. The magazine concludes that the observed lights were the landing lights of this aircraft, and the photographer expressed gratitude for the thorough investigation.

Discussion: Are We Alone in the Universe?

This section features an excerpt from an article on Videnskab.dk, discussing the probability of intelligent life in the universe. Karsten Bomholt argues for a 50% chance, stating that life either exists elsewhere or it doesn't. The article delves into the definition of life, referencing biological requirements like carbon, water, and oxygen, but also acknowledging that life elsewhere could be based on entirely different chemical systems. It highlights the importance of a liquid solvent for molecular reactions, with water being Earth's primary example, but suggesting alternatives like ammonia or methane found on moons like Titan. The challenges of detecting life on exoplanets are also mentioned.

Jetfighters Fly 6,900 Kilometers Per Hour

A brief report mentions the US military's testing of a new supersonic jet, the "Waverider," capable of reaching Mach 6 (approximately 6,900 km/h) over the Pacific Ocean. It also notes a failed flight test for a hypersonic vehicle.

Mysterious "Event Circles" Puzzle Researchers

The magazine touches upon the phenomenon of mysterious "event circles" found on the plains of Namibia, South Africa. These large, round areas appear spontaneously and disappear after several years. A new study on these circles is mentioned. Additionally, the issue reports on new crop circle formations observed in Sandvig, Denmark, with TV2Øst covering the event. The most likely explanation suggested for these Danish crop circles is birds or pranksters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Mail demonstrates SUFOI's commitment to investigating and explaining reported aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of rational inquiry, seeking logical explanations for sightings, often utilizing flight tracking data and scientific principles. While acknowledging the mystifying nature of some events, the magazine prioritizes grounded explanations over speculation when evidence supports it. The recurring themes include photographic analysis of UAP, the search for extraterrestrial life, and the exploration of unexplained natural phenomena like crop circles. The publication encourages reader participation and feedback, highlighting the collaborative nature of their investigations.

Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: 146
Date: 2012
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-Mail delves into various unexplained phenomena, including crop circles, atmospheric lights, and the potential for government disclosure of UFO existence. It features contributions from photographers, researchers, and astronauts, offering a mix of observational reports and theoretical discussions.

Crop Circles and Hessdalen Lights

The issue opens with a photograph of a crop circle found in a field near Toftlund, Sønderjylland, Denmark, with the question of its origin posed to readers. It then shifts focus to the Hessdalen lights in Norway, referencing a conference by the European Geosciences Union in Vienna. While UFO proponents are not finding confirmation of extraterrestrial visits, scientists are presenting empirical evidence for the existence of unknown phenomena in Norwegian airspace. Erling Strand, a key figure in the Hessdalen investigation, notes that sufficient funding would have led to an explanation, but the project lacks full-time resources.

Sprites Photographed by Astronauts and Danish Photographer

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the rare atmospheric phenomenon of 'sprites' and 'blue jets'. It reports that on April 30, 2012, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) captured film footage of these fleeting electrical discharges. The article highlights that while pilots have reported seeing these phenomena for decades, capturing them on film was challenging until recently. In 2011, a US research team succeeded in filming them using high-speed cameras. The issue also features the first-ever photographs of red sprites taken in Denmark by photographer Jesper Grønne, taken on August 15th during a thunderstorm over the North Sea. Grønne, known for his astronomical photography, used an astro-modified Canon 5D II camera and captured the sprites at altitudes of 50-90 km.

The CONDIGN Report and UFO Disclosure Theories

The magazine references a report with the codename CONDIGN, which was released by the British Ministry of Defence. Researchers David Clarke and Gary Anthony investigated this report, which contains technical information and descriptions of various phenomena, including sprites and blue jets. Professor Colin Price is mentioned as suggesting that such natural phenomena might explain some UFO sightings.

A review of the book "A.D. After Disclosure - When the Government Finally Reveals the Truth About Alien Contact" by Richard M. Dolan and Bryce Zabel is presented. The authors theorize that a powerful 'Breakaway Group' is keeping UFO evidence secret and that disclosure is inevitable. The review notes that the book draws on well-known UFO reports and interviews, including an account from Frankie Rowe about a piece of metal from the Roswell crash. The review critically examines the authors' claims, pointing out inconsistencies, such as the paradox of an indestructible alien craft disintegrating upon impact. The authors are presented as favoring extraterrestrial visitors from other solar systems over time travelers or beings from parallel universes.

Danish Astronaut and UFO Information Resources

The issue announces an event in Copenhagen on August 25, 2012, where Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen, an ESA astronaut, would speak about his work. Mogensen, with a background in aerospace engineering, has worked on precision control of spacecraft. The event was organized by the Dansk Selskab for Rumfartsforskning (Danish Society for Space Research).

Links are provided for further information on UFOs, including the SUFOI website, the Radio24syv 'Nattevagten' program which discussed UFOs, and the personal websites of researchers and photographers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, UFOs, and related scientific and theoretical discussions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting information from various sources, including scientific reports, eyewitness accounts, and theoretical analyses. There is a clear interest in documenting and disseminating information about UFOs and related topics to the public, encouraging reader participation through forums and websites. The publication also highlights the work of Danish individuals involved in space research and UFO investigation.