UFO Mail - No 162 - 2013

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 162
Date: 1. juli 2013
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into various aerial phenomena and related news, with a focus on recent events and the ongoing release of historical UFO documentation.

Flying Things in the Sky: Dark Ring Over Copenhagen on St. John's Eve

The lead story details a mysterious dark ring observed in the sky over Copenhagen on St. John's Eve 2013. Ditte Svane-Knudsen, an observer from her apartment, described it as a large, round formation moving faster than clouds, possibly consisting of many small units, which eventually dissolved after about 10 minutes. The phenomenon was captured on camera. The report, referencing an article by Charlotte Price Persson in Videnskab.dk, also notes that a video of the event is available on YouTube.

Further investigation revealed that the 'dark ring' was actually a smoke ring produced by a gas cannon fired by the art collective Illutron during a St. John's Eve gathering on Teglholmen. Mads Høbye from Illutron explained that they use the occasion to fire off their gas cannons, and on this particular evening, ideal wind conditions resulted in exceptionally large and distinct smoke rings. The article includes a series of images illustrating the firing of a gas cannon and the resulting smoke rings.

Similar Ring Formations and Other Sightings

The magazine also touches upon similar dark ring sightings, referencing a photograph taken in the Randers area on June 24, 2006, by Rikke Hansen. Ole Mørch, a resident of Randers, commented that these rings are often created at the Beredskabsgården during demonstrations where a mixture of diesel and gasoline is ignited in an oil barrel, producing a large smoke ring that rises into the sky and can remain visible for a long time on clear, still days.

Another report describes a sighting on June 25, 2013, by Ole Henningsen, who observed a small dark sphere low on the horizon while driving towards Copenhagen on the Køge Bugt motorway near Greve. Initially thought to be a tethered advertising balloon, it was later identified as the EU's Project PEGASOS airship, which had departed from Ljungbyhed, Sweden, and was en route to Lübeck, Germany. Images of the airship are included.

Copenhagen Suborbitals' Success and Sonic Booms

The issue highlights the success of Copenhagen Suborbitals, an amateur group that achieved a significant milestone in space exploration on Sunday, June 23, 2013. They successfully launched the 205 kg rocket 'Sapphire' to an altitude of 8.2 km using a rocket motor with active steering. The launch took place from a floating platform 15 nautical miles east of Neksø, Bornholm. The rocket landed in the water a few kilometers from the launch site four minutes later. Links to news coverage and videos of the launch are provided.

Additionally, the magazine reports on two large sonic booms heard on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, in Sydsjælland, Møn, and Falster. These were caused by two F16 fighter jets breaking the sound barrier over the Baltic Sea while intercepting a Russian aircraft that was reportedly challenging Danish airspace. The jets were at an altitude of 10 kilometers.

Release of the Last British UFO Files

A major article focuses on the release of the final batch of British UFO files by the UK National Archives. Dr. David Clarke, a folklorist and journalist, has been instrumental in this process, working for years to end decades of official secrecy surrounding UFOs. Since June 2013, 209 files, comprising approximately 52,000 pages from the Ministry of Defence, have been made public. The article provides links to a 'Highlights Guide' of the released files, a blog post from the National Archives, and a YouTube video featuring Dr. David Clarke discussing the documents. Readers are informed that the files were available for free download until the end of July 2013, after which they could be purchased.

UFO Apps and Photo Hoaxes

The magazine addresses the growing trend of 'UFO apps' that allow users to easily create fake UFO photos. An example is given of a photo submitted from Ukkusissat, Greenland, which initially appeared to show a UFO but was later confirmed by the photographer to be the result of using such an app. The article warns readers about this new technical development, noting that many internet UFO images may be fabricated using these applications. It provides links to YouTube videos demonstrating how to create fake UFO photos and reviews of such apps.

Leadership Change at UFO-Sverige

The 'Løst og facts' (Loose and facts) section reports on a change in leadership at UFO-Sverige. Clas Svahn has stepped down as chairman after many years, during which he made significant contributions to serious UFO research in Sweden and managed international contacts. He will continue as vice-chairman. Anders Berglund, 33, has been welcomed as the new chairman.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include unexplained aerial phenomena, the scientific and journalistic investigation of such events, the role of amateur organizations, and the increasing ease of creating fabricated evidence through technology. The magazine maintains a stance of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, distinguishing between genuine sightings and hoaxes, and advocating for transparency in government information. The editorial content encourages readers to engage with UFO research and support organizations like SUFOI.