UFO Mail - No 182 - 2014

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 182
Date: September 25, 2014
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into the analysis of purported UFO sightings and photographs, offering explanations rooted in aviation experience and scientific investigation.

Troværdig og sandsynlig forklaring (Credible and Likely Explanation)

This section features commentary from Hans Bødker, a former fighter pilot and air traffic controller, regarding an article about the disappearance of American fighter pilot William Schaffner over the North Sea after an encounter with something unknown. Bødker draws parallels to his own experiences in TACEVAL exercises and with exchange pilots, confirming the high speed of aircraft like the Lightning (Mach 2.2). He states that the official explanation, often involving difficult "02-operations" (intercept and slow aircraft), is highly credible. Bødker shares a personal anecdote about losing a comrade when an F-104 Starfighter attempting to intercept a slow T-33 reduced its speed too much on final approach to Tirstrup Airport, resulting in a fatal ejection. He also corroborates the possibility of aircraft cockpits closing after a pilot ejects, with the aircraft then drifting away, a phenomenon he notes has many examples. Bødker concludes that while the official explanations are likely correct, the UFO myth arises when such events fall into the "wrong hands."

The accompanying photograph shows a young fighter pilot, identified as Hans Bødker in 1966, with his F-100 Super Sabre at Flyvestation Karup.

Nyt fra SUFOI's Fotoafdeling (News from SUFOI's Photo Department)

This section, written by Ole Henningsen, introduces the Photo Department's role in investigating submitted UFO photos and videos. The department selects and publishes cases that represent typical or unusual occurrences, aiming to give readers insight into what is submitted and to help them find explanations for their own observations.

Orientering og debat på Facebook (Information and Debate on Facebook)

Jesper Bøgh, editor at TV2 Øst, posted a photograph taken by Jørgen Henriksen of his daughter Nicoline on the beach near Korsør, with the Great Belt Bridge in the background. The photo series, taken on July 20, 2014, showed a dark spot that appeared and disappeared within a few seconds. Henriksen, who does not believe in UFOs, sent the photos to TV2 Øst hoping for an explanation. The TV station's Facebook page generated numerous comments, ranging from UFO theories to more mundane explanations like insects or smudges on the lens. Henriksen himself was puzzled by the spot, noting its size and the absence of the spot on other photos taken in quick succession.

Comments from the public included suggestions like an opening in the clouds, a fly, dirt on the lens, or a sensor spot. One comment humorously suggested sending the photo to the Flyvertaktisk Kommando for clarification.

SUFOI tilbyder at assistere (SUFOI Offers Assistance)

SUFOI's Photo Department offered to examine Jørgen Henriksen's photos and received four unedited images. After analyzing the photos, including enlargements and electronic data (exif-data), the department identified small dark markings on all four images. Their initial assessment, based on the appearance and enlargements, was that these were insects close to the camera lens on a warm summer evening. One marking had a peculiar "tail," leading to speculation about a possible "thunderfly" on the objective.

SUFOI's fotokonsulenter på banen (SUFOI's Photo Consultants on the Case)

Flemming Jensen agreed with the insect theory. Karsten Bomholt pointed out that the lens on the SAMSUNG SM-G900F camera used was small, making it unlikely for an insect to sit directly on the lens itself. Bomholt also noted that the "tail" of the marking pointed away from the setting sun (sunset at 21:41), suggesting it might be a form of shadow effect. Klaus Silberbauer Andersen suggested that given the location near water on a warm summer evening, insects were the most probable cause. He described the object as a large insect flying from left to right in front of the girl, making a turn and moving away from the camera. He also mentioned seeing a seagull in the image.

SUFOI's konklusion (SUFOI's Conclusion)

After a detailed review of the photographic material, SUFOI's Photo Department concluded with certainty that the markings were caused by a flying insect very close to the camera's lens. This conclusion was communicated to TV2 Øst, which published an article about the investigation on their website. A link to the report for SUFOI's archive was also provided.

7000 Fredericia 23. august 2014

An observer from Fredericia reported a detailed observation made on August 23, 2014, at approximately 21:48. The observer initially saw two yellow/orange landing lights, which seemed unusual. Checking Flightradar24.com yielded no results. Subsequently, six more objects appeared, heading east, with two deviating northeast. The observer initially considered them to be T-17 trainers but noted that the yellow/orange lights and the estimated speed (250-300 knots) did not match. The altitude was estimated between 4500 and 3000 ft. The observer took a blurry photo and some video footage. Following two objects flying northeast, the observer, using binoculars, saw their silhouettes and concluded they were not passenger planes but something smaller, possibly an F-16. A significant aspect of the observation was the complete absence of sound. Additionally, there were no anticollision lights, beacons, strobes, or navigation lights. The observer, who identifies as a "big aviation nerd" with interests in astronomy, astrophysics, and quantum physics, stated they do not believe in "little green men" and are convinced the objects were man-made, approximately 1000 meters above the ground.

Upon request, the observer sent the photographic material to SUFOI's Photo Department. However, they later provided a follow-up.

Kommentar (Commentary)

The observer subsequently investigated the matter further and concluded that the objects were likely Chinese sky lanterns, described as hot air balloons made of rice paper. They reflected on how the mind can be locked onto familiar concepts, transforming slow, low-altitude objects into fast, high-altitude ones. The observer mentioned that the film taken with their mobile phone showed nothing, possibly due to light pollution in their area.

SUFOI's Photo Department agreed with the observer's final conclusion. They noted that the prevailing wind direction at the time of the observation was consistent with the geographical directions of the objects' appearance and disappearance. The department commended the observer for their systematic approach to finding explanations for observed phenomena and for acknowledging how their senses could be deceived, a realization shared by many professional observers throughout history.

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

This section directs readers to the website www.ufo.dk for UFO reports and recent submissions to SUFOI's observations.

Bliv medlem af SUFOI's Støttekreds - og vælg en bog i 2015 (Become a Member of SUFOI's Support Circle - and choose a book in 2015)

This section appeals for financial support for the Skandinavisk UFO Information association, which operates with volunteer labor. Their primary mission is to provide serious information about UFO myths through ufo.dk and to register observations of unusual aerial phenomena. Donations of 250 DKK or more enable the continuation of their work. Members can choose a free book as a thank you. Payment details for bank transfers are provided. Membership is valid for one year.

UFO-Mail udgives af Skandinavisk UFO Information.

This concluding statement confirms that UFO-Mail is published by Skandinavisk UFO Information. It also outlines copyright information, stating that news media can quote from signed articles with proper attribution, but full reproduction requires written agreement. Printing and photocopying of UFO-Mail content are subject to Copydan fees.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the critical analysis of UFO sightings and photographs, emphasizing the importance of providing credible explanations based on expert knowledge, particularly from aviation and scientific fields. The editorial stance is one of skepticism towards sensationalized UFO claims, advocating for a methodical and evidence-based approach to understanding unexplained aerial phenomena. The magazine highlights how misidentification, particularly of natural phenomena or conventional aircraft, is a common source of UFO reports. It also underscores the psychological aspect of perception and how the mind can interpret ambiguous stimuli in extraordinary ways. The publication promotes its own research and analysis through SUFOI, encouraging public engagement and support for its mission of disseminating serious information about UFOs.