UFO Mail - No 163 - 2013

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 163
Date: July 23, 2013
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of UFO-Mail, published by Danmarks UFO Forening, focuses on providing additional documentation and context for various unexplained phenomena and related topics.

Ekstra dokumentation om den mørke ring over København

This section, authored by Ole Henningsen, presents further evidence regarding the dark ring observed over Copenhagen harbor on Sankt Hans aften (Midsummer's Eve). It references previous coverage in UFO-Mail and provides links to a blogspot and Videnskab.dk, which has obtained an additional video of the phenomenon. The video was recorded by a spectator at the Illutrons Sankt Hans event on Teglholmen. The article includes a direct link to the video on YouTube, which appears to be a demonstration of gas cannons used by Copenhagen Suborbitals, designed by Peter Madsen.

Fra SUFOI's Fotoafdeling

This segment, also by Ole Henningsen, details an observation from SUFOI's photo department, dated July 13, 2013, from Hillerød. The photographer reports observing two luminous 'fireballs' approximately two minutes apart. These objects moved silently and seemingly with a fixed course. The photographer managed to capture three digital photos of the third object, which, upon magnification, showed characteristics similar to an afterburner on a jet fighter or a rocket engine exhaust. The photographer offers to share photos with precise angles and timestamps and mentions that statements from two other witnesses could be obtained. The photos were taken with a handheld Canon ixus 220 HS camera in automatic mode.

The article includes a commentary from the photographer, expressing thanks for a quick explanation that aligns with their assessment, and humorously noting they might be tempted to launch such a decorative device themselves. They have also shared information about balloons with their circle of friends to prepare them for potential 'sky-joys' in the summer.

Another observation from Nykøbing F. on July 19, 2013, is noted, where an observer reported seeing two spherical red dots, followed by more, and has recorded them on their phone.

SUFOI's photo department assesses that these observations are likely small hot air balloons with a burning material at the bottom for lift and illumination.

Varmluftballon årsag til storbrand i England?

This article discusses the potential for hot air balloons to cause fires, referencing a large fire in England in June that was reportedly started by a landing hot air balloon at a recycling depot in Smethwick, West Midlands. Links are provided to BBC News and the Mirror for more information. A surveillance video shows the moment a small hot air balloon appears to land on the recycling area where the fire started.

Regler for varmluftballoner

This section addresses the regulations surrounding the launch of small hot air balloons, often referred to as 'rislamper' or lanterns. It states that while not explicitly forbidden, certain rules must be followed. Randers Kommune is highlighted for providing clear guidelines on their website. The article explains that these balloons are launched by placing a small ignition source in the bottom, which heats the air and allows the lamp to float for 10-15 minutes. While visually appealing, they pose a significant fire risk if they land on flammable materials. The Danish Consumer Safety Board (Sikkerhedsstyrelsen) is aware of the issue and is investigating the possibility of a ban. The article cites regulations regarding open fire and light, emphasizing the need for caution. It also refers to the Civil Aviation Act (luftfartsloven) and specific regulations (BL 7-9) for unmanned free balloons, which stipulate conditions for operation without permission, including distance from airports, maximum altitude, and not posing a danger to people or property. Violations can lead to fines or imprisonment.

The section concludes by stating that it is the responsibility of the launcher to ensure compliance and that due to the risk of 'rispapir lamper' exceeding the 100m altitude limit, their launch is considered problematic and risky.

Løst og facts

Forklaring på "vandrende" ørkensten

Authored by Ole Henningsen, this piece explains the phenomenon of 'sailing stones' in Racetrack Playa, near Death Valley, California. For 65 years, scientists have puzzled over how stones, some weighing over 300 kg, could move across the desert floor. Previous theories included aliens, magnetism, and strong winds. The mystery was finally solved by astronomers Ralph Lorenz and his research group in 2011. Their explanation involves the formation of ice. When water freezes around a stone while still being present underneath it, the buoyancy of the ice lifts the stone, allowing it to slide across the sand. The stones leave trails because they do not completely clear the mud. Links to Jyllands-Posten.dk, Smithsonian.com, and Wikipedia are provided for more detailed information.

Google fejrede Roswell

This short section notes that the search engine Google celebrated the 'birthday' of the Roswell incident on July 8th with a special computer game related to the myth of the crashed UFO near Roswell, USA. It recommends Kim Møller Hansen's book 'Roswell' from the 'Fakta & Myter' series for those interested in the Roswell story.

It also mentions that copies of the newly released books 'Roswell' and 'Area 51' by Kim Møller Hansen are still available for purchase from SUFOI, with prices and e-book options noted. They can also be borrowed from ereolen.

Læs ufo-beretninger på www.ufo.dk

This section encourages readers to submit their UFO experiences to www.ufo.dk under the 'Observationer' section.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Mail demonstrates a commitment to investigating and documenting unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, while also providing scientific explanations and practical information. The magazine balances reporting on intriguing events like the Copenhagen ring and the 'fireball' sightings with detailed explanations of natural phenomena (sailing stones) and technological occurrences (hot air balloons). There is a clear emphasis on providing evidence, links to further resources, and regulatory information, especially concerning potentially hazardous activities like launching hot air balloons. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, seeking to inform readers about UFO-related topics and related scientific or regulatory matters, while also maintaining a connection to the UFO community through its publications and website.