UFO Mail - No 178 - 2014

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: Nr. 178
Date: July 28, 2014
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, published by Danmarks UFO Forening, focuses heavily on the 50th anniversary of the famous 'Solway Firth Spaceman' photograph and includes several other photographic analyses of alleged UFO phenomena.

Berømt rummand fylder 50 (Famous Spaceman Turns 50)

This main article, authored by Henning Dethlefsen, revisits the 1964 incident where Jim Templeton photographed his 5-year-old daughter, Elizabeth, near the Solway Firth. The photograph captured a mysterious figure in the background, which was widely interpreted as an alien or 'spaceman'. The incident generated significant media attention and speculation. Templeton claimed he did not notice the figure at the time and that the photographer at the processing lab noted the middle image was destroyed by a 'spaceman' figure. The local police found nothing unusual, but an article in The Cumberland News brought the case to wider public attention.

The article details how the story spread internationally, with explanations ranging from psychic abilities to ghosts. The resemblance of the figure to NASA astronauts in their suits, with a white suit and dark visor, led to it being dubbed 'The Solway Firth Spaceman'. Templeton later shared other details that added to the mystery.

Men in Black Visit

Shortly after the photo incident, Templeton reported being visited by two men dressed in black, who identified themselves only as '9' and '11'. They claimed to be government agents and asked to be shown the location where the photo was taken. Templeton complied, but when he stated he hadn't seen any spaceman, the agents became angry and warned him against pursuing the matter further. The article notes the similarity to the 'Men in Black' trope, popularized by spy fiction.

The Australian Connection

The case gained an Australian connection when The Cumberland News sent the photo to Australia, where technicians working on the Blue Streak missile test at the Woomera military base reportedly recognized the figure. It was suggested that two figures were spotted in the test area during a Blue Streak missile test on the same day Templeton took his photo. The article notes that the Blue Streak missile was developed as a nuclear weapon delivery system, linking it to Cold War nuclear arms development and testing in Australia. Ufologist Nick Pope suggested that the Blue Streak missile itself might be of interest to visiting aliens. Ufologist Bill Birnes proposed that the 'spaceman' might be a time traveler from the future trying to prevent a global nuclear war.

Loose Ends

Despite the intriguing explanations, the article points out inconsistencies. Bill Birnes' theory that the 'agents' were angry because Templeton hadn't seen the second figure is contrasted with Templeton's own account that they were angry because he hadn't seen *any* spaceman. Professor David Clarke, viewing the phenomenon through a folkloristic lens, found a 1964 newspaper article where Templeton described the event as a 'practical joke', possibly after police involvement. Clarke also investigated the Woomera connection and found no evidence of figures in the test area; two test aborts were due to weather and technical faults, and a third launch that reportedly showed a UFO was later explained as a reflection in the camera lens.

The Blind Spot

Online and in books, numerous explanations for Templeton's photo exist, including claims of simple hoaxing. Kodak's analysis concluded the photo was not manipulated, and the company offered free film to anyone who could provide a valid explanation. Other theories suggest it was a beekeeper in protective gear or a jogger. A simpler explanation proposed is that Templeton's wife inadvertently walked into the frame. The article notes that people can become so focused on something that they miss other details, a trick used by magicians. A subsequent photo shows Templeton's wife partially in frame, suggesting she might be the figure. Her dress collar could be the 'visor', and the white appearance of her blue dress might be due to overexposure. The article also mentions that Templeton's camera model might have only captured about 70% of the actual scene, explaining why he might not have noticed his wife. The article concludes that the story has likely become a blend of several incidents, embellished with speculation, influencing the original witness's perception.

A Mysterious Guest from a Planet Named Pareidolia

This section, written by Ole Henningsen, questions why a simple photographic error could trigger such a massive wave of speculation. It suggests that the story has been retold so many times that distinguishing fact from fiction is difficult. The article discusses how modern documentaries sometimes present information contradicting Templeton's own account, even regarding basic details like date and location.

Sociological and Psychological Perspectives

The author suggests two lenses for understanding the phenomenon: sociological and psychological. Sociologically, there's a human desire for excitement and a need for overarching explanations in a world of perceived randomness. The media's thirst for sensational stories further fuels this. Psychologically, the human brain is wired to recognize patterns quickly, a survival mechanism that can lead to misidentifying objects. This tendency to see familiar forms where they don't exist is called 'pareidolia'. The famous 'Face on Mars' is cited as an example of pareidolia, where a rock formation was interpreted as a face.

Pareidolia and the Spaceman

In the context of the Templeton photo, pareidolia could explain how the image of Templeton's wife, possibly overexposed and appearing white, could be interpreted as a 'spaceman' once the idea was planted. The article notes that Templeton himself may have been presented with the photo as resembling a spaceman by the developer, reinforcing this interpretation. The author concludes that small causes can have significant effects, and the story of the 'spaceman' has become a classic UFO narrative.

New from SUFOI's Photo Department

This section, also by Ole Henningsen, details recent photographic analyses conducted by SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information).

Case 1: Mysterious Lights in Herning

A photographer from Herning reported capturing three unusual images with a wildlife camera on May 2, 2014, around midnight and 4:00 AM. The images showed mysterious lights. The camera's clock was incorrect, but the relative timing and the consistent alignment of the lights across the three photos suggested something beyond random chance. SUFOI's investigation, including analyzing the camera's EXIF data and taking additional photos from the location, initially suggested astronomical explanations. However, a correction to the camera's time setting revealed the photos were taken closer to midnight, aligning with the photographer's initial report. Further analysis by SUFOI's photo consultants focused on the camera's flash unit, noting that the six lights in the photos corresponded to the six LEDs in the camera's flash. This led to the conclusion that the lights were likely an artifact of the camera's flash, possibly due to the camera's protective casing not being properly closed or an internal reflection.

Case 2: 'Orbs' in Frøstrup

A woman from Frøstrup photographed a sunset on May 22, 2014, and captured unusual 'saucer-like' shapes on four of her pictures. SUFOI's conclusion was that these were 'orbs', which are commonly explained as small particles in the air (dust, moisture, etc.) illuminated by the camera's automatic flash. These particles appear blurry and round and are often misinterpreted in photos taken at night or in low-light conditions, particularly in contexts involving alleged paranormal activity. SUFOI states that the cause is simple and can be replicated by shaking dust in front of a camera with the flash activated.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena through a lens of critical analysis, often providing scientific or mundane explanations for reported sightings. The 'Solway Firth Spaceman' case is presented as a classic example of how a simple photographic anomaly, combined with media sensationalism and psychological factors like pareidolia, can create a lasting mystery. The publication also addresses the 'Men in Black' phenomenon and other photographic evidence, such as 'orbs', with a tendency to debunk or provide rational explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigating UFO claims while prioritizing evidence-based analysis and debunking when possible, while acknowledging the enduring human fascination with the unknown.

Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: 2014
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish
Date: 2014

Analysis of Photographic Evidence

The issue features an analysis of three photographs that show horizontal light points in the night sky, captured by a Danish wildlife camera. The timestamp on one of the photos indicates August 6, 2010, at 04:12 AM. The analysis notes that similar photos with horizontal light points can be found online, with links provided to abovetopsecret.com and YouTube videos showcasing similar phenomena.

SUFOI's conclusion, based on a 30-page report, is that the observed lights are likely an internal reflection originating from the camera's top 6 LED lights. This could also be related to the camera's cover not being properly sealed on that particular evening. Despite the conclusion pointing to a mundane explanation, the article expresses excitement when a photo case stands out from the ordinary.

Call for Support and Membership

The publication encourages readers to visit www.ufo.dk for UFO reports and observations. It also promotes membership in SUFOI's 'Støttekreds' (Support Circle) for 2015. Skandinavisk UFO Information is run by volunteers, and its primary goal is to offer serious information about UFOs through its website and to document unusual aerial phenomena.

Readers are invited to contribute financially with a donation of 250 DKK or more to help sustain the website and investigations. Payment can be made via giro account 9 11 77 25 or online banking to account 3113-9117725, specifying a free title as a thank you. Membership in the support circle is valid for one year and entails no further obligations.

Copyright and Publication Information

UFO-Mail is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information. The copyright notice states that news media may quote from signed articles with clear source attribution, but full reproduction requires written agreement with Skandinavisk UFO Information - SUFOI. Photocopying and printing of content from UFO-Mail are subject to Copydan fees.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be one of serious investigation and dissemination of information regarding UFO phenomena, while also being open to natural explanations such as camera artifacts. There is a clear emphasis on providing credible information and encouraging public engagement and support for their research efforts. The publication actively seeks to differentiate itself from sensationalism by focusing on documented evidence and thorough analysis.