UFO Mail - No 152 - 2012

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 152
Date: November 14, 2012
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) delves into various UFO and astronomical phenomena, featuring a prominent report on a large fireball witnessed across Denmark, an in-depth look at a French space and UFO exhibition, and personal accounts of sightings.

Fireball Filmed from Denmark

The lead story details a significant fireball event on the evening of November 12, 2012, which lit up the southern sky and was observed by numerous Danes, particularly in Nordjylland and Sjælland. The event was captured by automatic cameras at Orion Planetarium and Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen. Lars Petersen from Orion Planetarium confirmed it was a meteor burning up in the atmosphere. Calculations by Anton Norup Sørensen of Niels Bohr Institute indicated the fireball extinguished at an altitude of 67 kilometers northwest of Hamburg. Rune Larsen, an eyewitness from Sjælland, described the dramatic moment the object exploded into thousands of pieces, calling it the 'wildest' thing he had ever seen. Links are provided to a TV2 weather report and further details, including trajectory calculations and video sequences, on the stjerneskud.info website. The issue also mentions high-quality photographs of the event, including one with smoke taken by Paul Christiansen from East Jutland and another by Steinar Midtskogen near Oslo. An additional, earlier fireball was reportedly observed and photographed at 02:17 on the same night.

Visit to France's "Space City" - Cité de l'Espace

Ole Henningsen reports on a visit to Cité de l'Espace in Toulouse, France, a park dedicated to astronomy and space exploration. The park features a miniature solar system, full-scale replicas of spacecraft like the Soyuz and Ariane 5 rocket, and exhibits on space travel. The center welcomed its 4 millionth visitor in autumn 2011. The article highlights the park's engaging displays, including a 'crashed spaceship' area reminiscent of Roswell and alien figures intended to spark curiosity in younger visitors. Notably, the exhibition includes a section dedicated to the investigation of unidentified phenomena, featuring displays on UFO photography and case files. The report mentions the presence of original rocket engines, including those from the German V-2, and replicas of satellites like Sputnik 1. The exhibition aims to provide visitors with an immersive experience of space through workshops, presentations, and IMAX and planetarium shows.

Investigating Unidentified Phenomena

Within Cité de l'Espace, a special room is dedicated to the investigation of unidentified phenomena. This section showcases various types of UFO photographs that visitors can attempt to identify. The exhibition also presents information on atmospheric entries, explaining how meteors, satellites, and space debris can be mistaken for UFOs. Examples include the disintegration of the European cargo vessel ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) during its atmospheric re-entry on September 29, 2005. The report material for the exhibition originates from GEIPAN (Groupe d'Etudes et d'Information des Phénomènes Aérospatiaux Non identifiés), the UFO investigation group under CNES, the French National Space Centre. The article also references the well-known cases of Trans-en-Provence and Hessdalen, providing links for further information.

Case Files and Photographic Evidence

The exhibition includes detailed presentations of specific cases, such as the Cash-Landrum incident from December 29, 1980, where Betty Cash and Vickie Landrum reported observing a large, diamond-shaped object with flames and significant heat radiation. The article notes that while the ring binders in the exhibition appear impressive, they are largely empty and serve as 'stage dressing.' The Roswell incident is also featured, with information presented behind 'closed doors.'

Interactive Displays and Specific Cases

An interactive computer display enhances the exhibition by showcasing events considered 'unexplainable,' including the Trans-en-Provence case from January 1, 1981. A French Gendarmerie report is presented, admitting that the observation of a 'uidentified flying object' could not be explained. The article notes that GEPAN typically handles about 100 UFO reports annually but has usually been able to explain them as natural phenomena. The Trans-en-Provence UFO was described by a retired farmer as resembling two stacked saucers with four legs, hovering silently before departing. The Hessdalen phenomena in Norway are also highlighted as significant light phenomena that garnered attention in the French exhibition. The exhibition also displays artifacts such as a fragment of the Sikhote-Alin meteorite and a piece of the Soviet satellite 'Cosmos-1984,' accompanied by technical reports from GEPAN.

Personal Sightings and SUFOI's Analysis

Ole Henningsen contributes a section from SUFOI's photo department, featuring a sighting from Grenaa on August 6, 2012. The photographer, PK, describes seeing at least 100 lights flying from south to north in clear, calm weather. While many lights disappeared, some remained, appearing like spheres on a light mast. SUFOI's analysis of the photos suggests that the bright spots might be illuminated particles in the air, possibly from a hot air balloon, supported by wind data from DMI. The conclusion is that small hot air balloons, possibly for a festive occasion, were observed.

Another report details a sighting in Taastrup on September 29, 2012, where an observer reported approximately 30 red light spheres flying silently and horizontally. The observer provided two video recordings taken on a mobile phone, showing the lights moving from west to east before disappearing at a certain point.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and space exploration. It aims to provide detailed accounts of events, witness testimonies, and photographic evidence, often accompanied by analysis from organizations like SUFOI and official bodies like GEPAN. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these phenomena, presenting information from various sources, including eyewitness accounts, scientific investigations, and exhibition reports, while also offering critical analysis and potential explanations. The inclusion of the Cité de l'Espace visit suggests an interest in the broader context of space and the public's fascination with the unknown.

Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: 12
Volume: 2012
Date: October 2012
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-Mail delves into various UFO and astronomical phenomena, featuring reports, analyses, and interviews.

Articles and Reports

Kjellerup UFO Sighting

The cover story details an observation made by Marie Andersen on the morning of October 11, 2012, in Kjellerup, Denmark. While watching planes with her son, she noticed a strange light in the sky. She took a photograph, which, despite the light not appearing in the image, captured an object she described as resembling a UFO that moved very quickly, unlike a plane. The article notes that the Danish Meteorological Institute (DMI) reported a wind of approximately 6 m/sec from the southwest at the time, consistent with airborne objects. SUFOI's photo department concluded that the object was likely a small hot air balloon, providing a link for further information.

Årslev Observation: Mistaken Identity

This section recounts an experience by an observer in Årslev, Denmark, on October 10 and 11, 2012. The observer saw a strong white light moving south at a speed significantly greater than a traffic plane, without any audible sound. Initially, it was thought to be a UFO. However, upon closer inspection and stopping their bicycle, the observer realized the light was an anti-collision light on top of a transmission mast located about 100 meters from their route. The article highlights how senses can be deceived and how diligent investigation can lead to the correct explanation.

Radio Interview and Analysis

Radio Silkeborg conducted a telephone interview with SUFOI's photo department and an observer regarding the Kjellerup sighting. The observer described a light in the sky that moved quickly. The interview also touched upon the possibility of the observation being related to the sun's reflection on contrails. Data from FlightRadar24.com indicated several flights in the area between 06:44 and 07:14 DST, which could have caused the observation. The provided photo was deemed to lack usable details, being an indistinct red-framed spot on a screenprint.

Satellite Identification via iPhone

Ole Henningsen writes about the ability to identify satellites using smartphone applications. He mentions that apps can display the night sky, and readers have used them to identify objects like the SL-16 R/B rocket body section and the International Space Station (ISS).

"The Cosmic Tourist" and Extraterrestrial Life

This section features an interview with renowned British astronomer Sir Patrick Moore, who, along with Dr. Chris Lintott and Queen guitarist Brian May, has written a book titled "The Cosmic Tourist." Moore expresses certainty that extraterrestrial life exists and predicts that signs of it may be discovered within the next 50 years, contingent on measuring exoplanet atmospheres for oxygen. He also speculates about future space tourism to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, while lamenting the lack of funding for British space exploration.

"Tidsmaskinen om UFOer" on DR2

The magazine notes that DR2 aired an updated version of a program called "Tidsmaskinen om UFOer" (Time Machine about UFOs) on October 31. This program revisited previous UFO-related content, including actor Lars Bom's 1978 experience and the Danish Air Force's release of its UFO archive in 2009.

Radio24syv "Nattevagten" Program

Radio host Ayse Dudu Tepe's program "Nattevagten" on Radio24syv discussed UFOs. The magazine mentions that the program was repeated on October 25, 2012, and provides a link to download the three-part broadcast, noting its conversational pace and potential for listeners to hear various accounts of UFO experiences.

Himmelsk lysshow over Alabama

A brief report describes a beautiful light show over Alabama, USA, on October 30, caused by ice crystals in the atmosphere creating arcs and rings, a phenomenon known as a halo.

"Sandheden er nok ikke derude alligevel" (The Truth Might Not Be Out There After All)

An article from Lolland-Falsters Folketidende discusses a surprising realization among British UFO enthusiasts: the possibility that there might be no UFOs. It suggests that the field of ufology might be nearing its end, with a conference planned to discuss the future of the subject.

Other Contributions

• "Vi kommer aldrig til at tale med en alien": An essay by Robin Engelhardt from Ingeniørens website, arguing that communication with extraterrestrial intelligence is presented as science but is actually entertainment.
• SETI Scientist: We'll Find ET By 2036: A summary of SETI researcher Seth Shostak's prediction that extraterrestrial life will be found within 24 years, based on new technologies and probability.
• Overtro topper blandt børn og ældre (Superstition Peaks Among Children and the Elderly): An article from Videnskab.dk discussing how religious people become more superstitious with age regarding death, origins, and illness.

SUFOI Membership and UFO-Mail

The final pages encourage readers to become members of SUFOI's support circle for a yearly contribution, which helps fund their work. It also states that UFO-Mail is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information and outlines copyright and citation policies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a serious and factual approach to UFO phenomena, emphasizing scientific investigation and the importance of verifying observations. There is a clear inclination to identify misidentifications, such as hot air balloons or mast lights, as explanations for reported sightings. However, the publication also covers broader astronomical topics and the ongoing scientific search for extraterrestrial life, reflecting a balanced interest in both unexplained phenomena and established science. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, aiming to provide readers with well-researched information and encouraging them to critically assess their own experiences and observations.