UFO Mail - No 169 - 2013

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 169
Date: December 10, 2013

This issue of UFO-Mail, published by Skandinavisk UFO Information, focuses on the persistent myth of crashed UFOs and presents a skeptical perspective on many UFO phenomena. It also touches upon astronomical discoveries and unexplained aerial sightings.

Er fremmede rumskibe styrtet ned? (Are Alien Spaceships Crashing?)

This article, written by Kim Møller Hansen, introduces his book "UFO-styrt" (UFO Crash), which delves into the myth of crashed alien spacecraft and the alleged cover-ups by authorities. The book examines various UFO crash cases, including the Aurora mystery (1897), the Rendlesham Forest incident (1980), the Berwyn mystery, and a near-miss incident in Denmark in 1985. The book aims to separate facts from myths surrounding these events. "UFO-styrt" is a 56-page illustrated book available for purchase through SUFOI. The "Fakta & Myter" series, to which this book belongs, aims to guide readers through the complex world of UFO phenomena, conspiracy theories, and half-truths.

Tag modgift mod ufo-kuller (Take Antidote Against UFO-Colds)

Authored by Kim Møller Hansen, this piece reviews the work of Philip J. Klass and his newsletter "SUN (Skeptics UFO Newsletter)", which ran from 1989 to 2003. Klass was a prominent UFO skeptic who wrote extensively on the subject. His newsletter is now archived online by The Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI). The article introduces "SUNlite", a free e-magazine launched in May 2009 by Tim Printy, which serves as a worthy successor to "SUN". "SUNlite" focuses on providing new perspectives on UFO myths and presents results of exemplary investigations. Tim Printy's work includes examining the 701 unsolved cases from Project Blue Book and cases from NICAP's "The UFO Evidence". Printy aims to find natural explanations for many UFO experiences that have been presented as evidence of extraterrestrial visitation. The article also critiques Stephen Bassett, described as the only registered lobbyist in the US for UFO issues and a proponent of the exopolitics movement. Printy suggests that Bassett and his followers overestimate the significance of UFOs and resort to conspiracy theories when faced with media indifference. Bassett is characterized as a media-hungry UFO fanatic who confuses fiction with fact.

Den største gåde (The Greatest Mystery)

Written by Kim Møller Hansen, this section discusses the question of whether humanity is alone in the universe. It references Edward Ashpole's book "Signatures of Life: Science Searches the Universe", which explores the challenges of scanning the universe for intelligent signals and the potential reasons for the lack of positive results from SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) projects. Ashpole's book discusses the difficulties in communicating with alien species due to potential technological differences and suggests that advanced extraterrestrial civilizations might already be aware of Earth's life.

UFO-profeterne lever! (UFO Prophets Live On!)

This article by Kim Møller Hansen examines the phenomenon of "UFO prophets" – individuals who claim contact with extraterrestrial beings since the 1950s. It reviews Aaron John Gulyas' book "Extraterrestrials and the American Zeitgeist: Alien Contact Tales Since the 1950s". Gulyas argues that these narratives help people understand and shape their world, particularly in the context of physical or psychic encounters. The book analyzes how these messages, often perceived as outlandish, are part of grassroots movements seeking reform. Gulyas traces a line from early UFO prophets like George Adamski to the modern exopolitics movement, suggesting that the latter repackages old messages in new forms. The article lists several prominent UFO prophets, including George Adamski, Truman Bethurum, George Hunt Williamson, George Van Tassel, George King, Elizabeth Klarer, Howard Menger, Buck Nelson, and Billy Meier. Gulyas' book is praised for providing an overview and context, connecting historical UFO narratives to contemporary issues.

Intet nyt under Solen (Nothing New Under the Sun)

This section, by Kim Møller Hansen, discusses Nick Redfern's approach to investigating controversial events like the Roswell incident, Rendlesham Forest, and the JFK assassination, focusing on declassified documents and "missing" or top-secret files. Redfern's book, "For Nobody's Eyes Only: Missing Government Files and Hidden Archives That Document the Truth Behind the Most Enduring Conspiracy Theories", is reviewed. The reviewer notes Redfern's skill in uncovering stories and finding new angles but cautions that he sometimes relies on speculative reasoning and may omit crucial details, making cases appear more mysterious than they are. The reviewer suggests that while Redfern is an intelligent investigator, his work may not always present a balanced view.

Arkiv med lydklip online (Archive with Audio Clips Online)

This short piece announces the availability of an online audio archive documenting the early years of UFO history. Wendy Connors has compiled interviews with witnesses, investigators, military personnel, and others. The archive, named "Faded Discs Archives", is accessible on Archive.org.

Fra SUFOI's Fotoafdeling (From SUFOI's Photo Department)

This section presents two reports on aerial phenomena observed in Denmark. The first report details an observation by Charles Christensen on November 24, 2013, near Holtugg Strandvej, of three small lights in formation, later joined by two more, near sunset. The second report describes a similar observation from Skovlunde on the same day. Initially described as "flying object" or "rocket-like", subsequent analysis, including the use of FlightRadar24 data, concluded that these phenomena were likely contrails from high-altitude passenger jets illuminated by the setting sun. The report includes photographic evidence and detailed analysis by SUFOI's photo department.

Løst og facts (Miscellaneous and Facts)

This section includes a brief mention of a Finnish colleague's comment about "December UFOs" referring to contrails. It then focuses on the comet ISON, reporting that it did not survive its close encounter with the Sun. Images from the SOHO (Solar & Heliospheric Observatory) show the comet approaching and passing the Sun, with its brightness rapidly diminishing. Information about SOHO, a joint ESA/NASA project, is also provided.

Skal du snart ud at flyve? (Are You Flying Soon?)

This section features two distinct items. The first is a photograph of pilots in a cockpit, with a caption explaining "Sanktelmsild" (St. Elmo's Fire) as a luminous electrical discharge that can occur during thunderstorms around high points. The second item is a photograph of Venus and a meteor from the Leonids shower, noted for its brightness. The issue concludes with a holiday greeting from the UFO-Mail editorial team.

Læs ufo-beretninger på www.ufo.dk (Read UFO Reports on www.ufo.dk)

This section encourages readers to visit the website www.ufo.dk to read the latest UFO reports submitted to SUFOI.

Bliv medlem af SUFOI's Støttekreds i 2015 (Become a Member of SUFOI's Support Circle in 2015)

This is a call for membership in SUFOI's support circle. It explains that the organization operates on volunteer labor and aims to provide serious information about UFOs. Financial contributions help sustain the website and support investigations. Members can choose a book as a thank-you gift. Payment details are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of UFO crash claims, the role of skepticism in UFO research, and the distinction between factual evidence and myth. The editorial stance, as reflected in the articles, leans towards a critical and skeptical examination of UFO phenomena, seeking natural explanations where possible, while acknowledging the enduring public fascination with the subject. The magazine also covers related topics like astronomy and unexplained atmospheric events, positioning itself as a source of serious information on ufology.