UFO Mail - No 177 - 2014

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: 177
Date: July 21, 2014
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, titled "Sådan skabte den amerikanske regering ufomyten" (How the American Government Created the UFO Myth), delves into the controversial theory that UFO myths and conspiracy theories were deliberately manufactured by the US government as part of its Cold War espionage and disinformation campaigns. The magazine explores the role of former AFOSI agent Richard Doty, who is implicated in creating and spreading false UFO information.

The 'Mirage Men' Documentary and Richard Doty's Role

The issue highlights the 2013 documentary "UFO-konspirationen" (Mirage Men), which is based on books by Mark Pilkington and Greg Bishop. The documentary focuses on Richard Doty, an AFOSI agent who, since the early 1980s, allegedly fed UFO enthusiasts fabricated stories. Doty is suspected of producing many false UFO documents and is considered a prime candidate for being the originator of the MJ-12 documents, possibly in collaboration with Bill Moore. Doty's knowledge of military jargon and procedures, combined with Moore's expertise on UFO mythology, made them a formidable pair for creating fraudulent government documents.

Doty's alleged motive for collaborating with Moore included not only sowing confusion within UFO circles but also leveraging Moore's contacts in the Soviet Union. When Moore wrote to his Soviet contacts, Doty would suggest topics for discussion. In early 1985, Doty was transferred to West Germany for counter-espionage work. His superiors became suspicious of his reports, leading to him failing a lie detector test. He was removed from AFOSI and sent back to Kirtland AFB, where he spent a year in an insignificant position before joining the New Mexico police and later becoming a prosecutor.

The Paul Bennewitz Case

The magazine details the tragic case of Paul Bennewitz (1927-2003), a central figure in the "Mirage Men" documentary. Bennewitz began observing strange lights near Kirtland AFB in 1979 and subsequently photographed and filmed these objects. He developed a "theory" of a "Great Connection" and wrote a report titled "Project Beta." It is suggested that Doty and Moore encouraged Bennewitz's fantasies, leading to his eventual commitment to a psychiatric hospital.

Greg Bishop suggests that Bennewitz may have photographed early prototypes of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The Air Force, noticing Bennewitz's interest and ability to intercept their communications, allegedly decided to contact him to monitor his activities and potentially discredit UFO enthusiasts by feeding them outlandish stories. This strategy would ensure that any true information Bennewitz might reveal would be drowned out by his "alien nonsense."

The F-117A Nighthawk and MJ-12 Documents

Mark Pilkington, in his book "Mirage Men," posits that the timing of the MJ-12 documents' appearance in the late 1970s coincided with Bennewitz being misled by intelligence agents and the testing of the F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter. The F-117A project, initiated in 1978 and first flown in 1981, remained secret until 1988. Pilkington suggests that the military aimed to divert attention from Area 51 and the F-117A's development by creating the Bennewitz case and disseminating the fake MJ-12 documents.

Timothy Good's "Earth: An Alien Enterprise"

The issue reviews Timothy Good's book "Earth: An Alien Enterprise. The Shocking Truth Behind the Greatest Cover-Up in Human History." The reviewer, Kim Møller Hansen, criticizes Good for relying on outdated UFO theories and uncritically presenting information, particularly regarding George Adamski. Hansen suggests that Good is living in a past era of UFO research and should update his knowledge.

Sky Lanterns and UFO Sightings

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to explaining how sky lanterns are frequently mistaken for UFOs. The Danish organization SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information) reports a surge in sightings of small lights, particularly during weekends and good weather, which are often attributed to sky lanterns.

Authorities, including the Danish Safety Technology Authority, the Danish Transport Authority, and the Emergency Management Agency, have advised against the use of sky lanterns due to fire hazards and potential interference with air traffic. Despite this, sky lanterns remain popular for celebrations.

The magazine presents several Danish cases where reported UFO sightings were later identified as sky lanterns, including incidents in Kastrup, Bogense, and Copenhagen. The article "Lysende objekter over København 5. august 2007" (Luminous Objects over Copenhagen August 5, 2007) details a mass sighting that mystified many but was ultimately explained as a large number of sky lanterns released during a wedding celebration.

Another case, "Kampfly eller ufoer over Greve 29. maj 2014?" (Fighter Jets or UFOs over Greve May 29, 2014?), discusses a video of numerous red lights flying in formation. While the observer suspected military aircraft or UFOs, SUFOI concluded they were likely sky lanterns, dismissing a conspiracy theory linking them to the Bilderberg Group.

Other UFO Reports

The issue also briefly mentions a video sequence from Munkeby, Odense, of a "mysterious fireball" in 2010, which also resembled sky lanterns. It provides links to numerous YouTube videos showcasing sky lanterns and other phenomena that are often misidentified.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of critical analysis and proper identification of aerial phenomena. It highlights how misinformation, whether intentional or unintentional, plays a significant role in UFO lore. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensationalist UFO claims, favoring rational explanations such as misidentified conventional objects like sky lanterns, while acknowledging the historical context of government secrecy and potential disinformation campaigns. The magazine aims to educate its readers on identifying common misidentifications and encourages detailed reporting of observations.

Title: Folketidende (Lolland-Falsters edition)
Issue Date: February 20, 2014
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Main Cover Story: Warning About Hot Air Balloons (Sky Lanterns)

The cover of this issue prominently features a warning from the Danish Emergency Management Agency, the Danish Transport Agency, and the Danish Safety Technology Authority, collectively advising against the use of sky lanterns, regardless of how festive they may seem. The headline, "Pas nu på med de varmluftballoner - det kan rent praktisk gå helt galt!" (Be careful with the hot air balloons - it can practically go completely wrong!), underscores the serious safety concerns.

What is a Lantern?

The article defines lanterns, also known by various names such as Thai peace lights, sky lanterns, light lanterns, small hot air balloons, Japanese rice lamps, and floating lanterns. These devices consist of a balloon-shaped steel or bamboo frame covered with rice paper-like material. A burning plate at the bottom heats the air inside, allowing the balloon to float like a hot air balloon. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors and can float in the air or on water.

Rules for Using Lanterns

The use of lanterns falls under the Danish Emergency Management Agency's regulations concerning open fires and lights. Key restrictions include:

• Prohibited Areas: Lanterns must not be ignited in dangerous proximity to:
• Flammable surfaces
• Flammable objects
• Flammable storage
• Locations where flammable, oxidizing, explosive, or easily ignitable substances are stored, used, or manufactured.
• Seasonal Restrictions: From March 1st to October 31st, it is prohibited to use lanterns on or near heathland, coniferous plantations, and similar areas.
• Local Prohibitions: Municipalities can ban the use of open fires, including lanterns, in areas that pose an increased fire risk. Always check local ordinances.
• Legal Consequences: Failure to exercise due diligence with fire and lights can result in fines under Section 71, Paragraph 1 of the Emergency Preparedness Act.

Facts About Lanterns and Flight Safety

The Danish Transport Agency's regulations for unmanned free balloons apply to the release of lanterns. An unmanned free balloon or its payload must not endanger people or property on the ground. For lightweight free balloons, permission from the Danish Transport Agency is not required if the following conditions are met:

• Distance from Airfields: At least 5 km from an airfield.
• Flight Altitude: Maximum 100 meters above ground.
• Air Traffic: The flight must not cause inconvenience to other air traffic.

The Danish Transport Agency will typically only permit the release of lanterns using open fire for lift if it can be proven that they remain below 100 meters.

Source: http://www.sik.dk/Forbruger/Produktsikkerhed/Brug-produkter-sikkert/Myndighederne-anbefaler-Lad-vaere-med-at-bruge-skylanterner

SUFOI's Comment

SUFOI (an organization likely related to UFOs or unexplained phenomena, given the context of the publication) comments that following the Danish authorities' media campaign in July 2014 to emphasize regulations for small hot air balloons, their use is practically considered forbidden. SUFOI believes that no manufacturer or importer of small hot air balloons can practically prove that their balloons will stay below the maximum altitude of 100 meters, as required by the Danish Transport Agency.

Incident Report: Fire in a Holiday Cabin

Location: Rødbyhavn, Denmark
Date: Wednesday evening (specific date not provided, but context suggests around February 20, 2014)

A Swedish family released a Chinese lantern to commemorate the two-year anniversary of their father's death while staying in a holiday cabin in Lalandia. However, the wind changed direction, causing the lantern to fly over a neighboring house. It landed on the roof, igniting a plastic roof vent and setting fire to the roof. The Lolland-Falster Fire Brigade was alerted around 6:15 PM and responded quickly. Before their arrival, a 37-year-old Swedish man attempted to extinguish the fire by climbing onto the roof but fell and damaged his trousers. He was subsequently fined for violating the emergency preparedness law. Fortunately, no greater damage occurred.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the significant fire hazard posed by sky lanterns. The editorial stance, as reflected by the authorities' warnings and SUFOI's commentary, is strongly against the use of these devices due to the inherent risks and regulatory challenges. The publication aims to inform the public about these dangers and the legal implications of using sky lanterns, highlighting a specific incident as a cautionary tale.