UFO Mail - No 179 - 2014

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: 179
Date: August 7, 2014
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into various aerial phenomena, aiming to provide explanations and historical context for sightings.

Upcoming TV Broadcasts

The magazine lists upcoming television programs related to UFOs and ufology, including "Conspiracy Road Trip: UFOer" on DR3, "Battle of Los Angeles" on TV2/Zulu, and "UFO-mysteriet i Østersøen" on DR3.

Spy Satellites Playing Tricks on Observers

The main article, "Spionsatellitter spiller observatører et puds" (Spy Satellites Playing Tricks on Observers), investigates a series of sightings of unusual lights in the night sky over southern Zealand, Møn, and Lolland-Falster in late July 2014. Initially reported by the newspaper Sjællandske, the sightings involved two bright, stationary lights that slowly faded and disappeared. SUFOI was consulted, and through research on the website Heavens-Above.com, a likely explanation was found: two American NOSS (Naval Ocean Surveillance System) spy satellites. These satellites are designed to monitor ship traffic and often travel in pairs or groups. The article details the specific times and paths of NOSS 3-4 A and C satellites as they appeared over Denmark, explaining that their flares, caused by sunlight reflecting off specially reflective materials, can momentarily increase their brightness to a level comparable to Venus. The article notes that while NOSS satellites typically appear as faint points, reports exist of them flaring up. It also mentions a video recording by the Spanish group GUAIX of such a flare. The author, Toke Haunstrup, concludes that these sightings are most likely explained by these satellite flares, marking the first time NOSS satellites have been identified as the cause of reported phenomena in SUFOI's records.

Multiple Observers

Following the initial newspaper report, more observers came forward with similar sightings from Næstved, Agerup, Lendemarke on Møn, and Sakskøbing on Lolland. One detailed account from Lolland described two large, white luminous objects, appearing significantly larger than Mars, positioned vertically and separated by a small distance. The upper object reportedly moved slowly to the left (east) before both faded and disappeared. In total, at least five distinct locations reported similar phenomena, suggesting a significant event occurring at a considerable distance and altitude.

Not German Military Activity

SUFOI contacted their German counterpart, CENAP, to rule out any military exercises in the North German area that might explain the sightings. Ole Henningsen of SUFOI received confirmation from Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP that there were no military activities in the region at that time. A police helicopter search for an arsonist on Rügen was mentioned, but this was deemed unlikely to be the cause of the Danish observations.

Spy Satellites at Play?

Further investigation led to the website Heavens-Above.com, which tracks satellite visibility. A search revealed that two American NOSS satellites were visible during the time of the observations. These are described as spy satellites used for monitoring ship traffic. Their characteristic of appearing in groups of two or three, following parallel paths, is highlighted. The article provides specific times and altitudes for the NOSS 3-4 A and C satellites' appearance over Denmark, noting their path from south/southwest to northwest and then northeast. The article includes star charts illustrating these paths. While NOSS satellites usually appear as faint points of magnitude 3.7, they can sometimes flare up due to reflections from their solar panels, reaching a brightness comparable to Venus. The article references Tim Printy, an American ufologist and skeptic, who noted that such flares can be alarming. It also mentions a video recording by the Spanish group GUAIX of NOSS satellites flaring up, dated February 17, 2009.

NOSS Flares and Optical Phenomena

The article explains that NOSS satellites typically appear as faint points. However, they can briefly flare up to a brightness similar to Venus due to sunlight reflecting off their solar panels. This phenomenon is compared to seeing a strong glint from a distant window. The article provides a link to a video recording of NOSS flares by GUAIX. It also discusses how these flares can be mistaken for other phenomena, especially when observed against a dark sky with few visible stars, potentially explaining why some observers reported the lights as stationary.

SUFOI's Photo Department: Unusual Cases

This section of the magazine features selected photos and video sequences sent for investigation by SUFOI's Photo Department. The aim is to give readers insight into the types of cases received and to help them identify potential explanations for their own observations.

Frederikshavn, July 23, 2014: "Flame-like" Object

A video was submitted from Frederikshavn showing what was described as a "small flame" and a "glint." The observers noted that the object blinked slightly and moved slowly, possibly faster than the wind. A similar phenomenon was observed later. SUFOI's conclusion was that these were likely small hot air balloons (paper lanterns) launched from the local area, consistent with DMI (Danish Meteorological Institute) weather data. The photographer expressed gratitude for the thorough report.

Haarby, July 12, 2014: Luminous Markings

A photographer on a fishing trip in southern Funen submitted a photo taken at 00:24 capturing a small blue and red luminous mark. Initially, the photographer questioned if it was a meteor. The photo was taken with a Canon 1d mk III camera with a long exposure. Further photos taken later in the series did not show the mark, ruling out a camera defect. SUFOI's analysis, aided by diagonal lines on the photo, indicated that the luminous mark was a reflection, diametrically opposite the bright light of the Moon. This type of reflection, known as lens flare, is common in photography, especially with strong light sources like the Moon. The article references an Apollo-14 photograph showing similar reflections from the lunar lander and the Sun.

Nothing New Under the Sun?

This section, written by Thomas Brisson Jørgensen, revisits the common explanation of "Chinese lanterns" for UFO sightings, noting that they have fooled observers for years. The article traces the history of such explanations back to the late 19th century, referencing two articles from the Danish newspaper Politiken from October 10 and 12, 1897, which described an early "lantern case." The content of these articles, despite the time difference, is presented as still relevant, with only a few details being specific to the era.

A Celestial Phenomenon (1897)

An account from Thursday evening in Copenhagen describes a strange celestial phenomenon observed by a SUFOI employee. A sudden bright flash of light drew attention to a strong red luminous point above the treetops. The light blinked intermittently, appearing larger than the brightest stars and with a striking dark red, almost blood-red color, far surpassing the redness of Mars. The phenomenon was observed in the northwest sky. As the observer moved towards Østerbrogade, the phenomenon diminished in size and intensity, eventually disappearing as clouds covered the sky. The light was described as moving slowly westward and blinking. The observer was accompanied by a woman and a man who also witnessed the event. The article poses questions to experts: Was it a normal star, could the red color be atmospheric, or was it a fireball? The possibility of "André's balloon" is also mentioned.

"The Celestial Phenomenon" Revealed

This part of the article reveals that the red light observed in Copenhagen was caused by a large red oriental lamp attached to the tail of a large kite being flown by a group of young German men and a woman on Fælleden behind Blegdamsvejen. The lamp went out, and the "phenomenon" disappeared. The onlookers, initially bewildered, were amused by the prank. The author reflects on how "all phenomena" have natural explanations and how the mystery of "André's balloon" (referring to Salomon August Andrée's ill-fated Arctic balloon expedition) was often linked to early UFO cases due to the lack of information about its fate.

UFO Waves

The article touches upon the "UFO wave" and "airship wave" that occurred in the USA in the late 19th century, noting that many ufologists agree that the 1896-97 period constituted the first major "UFO wave," exhibiting characteristics seen in later waves. It is uncertain how many of these airship stories found their way into Danish newspapers. However, it highlights a time when people were more aware of unusual objects in the sky, fostering imagination and myth-making around unexplained aerial phenomena. The author concludes that by comparing these historical events with more recent cases, it becomes apparent that "there is nothing new under the sun."

Odd Weather Phenomenon: Square Cloud in the Sky

This section reports on a peculiar cloud formation photographed by Philip Mussell in Exeter, England. The cloud, described as a "flying carpet," was unusual due to its distinct rectangular shape. The local meteorological institute in Exeter identified it as a contrail formed by a jet engine. The explanation provided is that a jet aircraft flew through a pocket of air with the right conditions to form a contrail. The wind blowing perpendicular to the contrail, combined with specific atmospheric conditions, caused the ice crystals to spread and create the well-defined, rectangular cloud. While the processes are common, the sharp edges of this particular cloud were considered unusual.

Crop Circles Again, Again...

This article discusses a large 75-meter crop circle discovered near the small town of Raisting in Southern Germany. The crop circle was found near an area with numerous satellite tracking and communication antennas. The discovery attracted curious visitors, with explanations ranging from UFO theories to more pragmatic ones. Author Erich von Däniken is quoted as believing the crop circle is of alien origin. The farmer, Christoph Huttner, denies creating it and suggests students might be responsible. The article notes the respectful behavior of visitors, some even removing their shoes before entering the circle. Local police have not yet investigated the incident. Links to related news articles and a panorama of the area are provided.

Read UFO Reports at www.ufo.dk

This section directs readers to the website www.ufo.dk for the latest UFO reports and observations submitted to SUFOI.

UFO-Mail is Published by Skandinavisk UFO Information

This concluding note states that UFO-Mail is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information and outlines copyright and citation policies.

Lost and Facts: Fireballs

This brief section encourages readers who have observed a large, clear fireball (stjerneskud/ildkugle) to check the website www.stjerneskud.info. This site features photos from five fireball cameras set up across Denmark and provides calculations and information from Danish experts regarding fireball observations and registrations. It serves as a platform for collecting and presenting observations of bright meteors in Denmark.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the investigation and explanation of aerial phenomena, ranging from modern satellite activity to historical sightings and natural occurrences. SUFOI's stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking rational explanations for reported events, whether they be satellite flares, atmospheric effects, or man-made objects like lanterns or kites. However, the magazine also acknowledges the enduring mystery and fascination surrounding UFOs, as evidenced by the discussion of Erich von Däniken's alien hypothesis regarding crop circles and the historical context of "UFO waves." The editorial approach is informative, aiming to educate readers about the scientific and historical aspects of these phenomena while also encouraging them to share their own observations. The emphasis is on providing evidence-based explanations where possible, while also documenting the history of UFO investigation and public perception.