UFO Mail - No 185 - 2014

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Mail, number 185, published by Danmarks UFO Forening on November 5, 2014, is titled 'Kors i himlen' (Cross in the sky) and features an article by Thomas Brisson Jørgensen exploring this phenomenon.

Kors i himlen (Crosses in the Sky)

The article by Thomas Brisson Jørgensen delves into the phenomenon of 'himmel-kors' (sky crosses), which are often perceived as objects due to a combination of halo effects and cloud formations. While the phenomenon itself is not new, its interpretation has varied throughout history depending on the socio-political climate. In Denmark, these sightings have held significant cultural and religious weight.

Kors og krige (Crosses and Wars)

The article highlights the strong positive symbolic value of the cross in Christian nations compared to others. It suggests that many historical instances of sky crosses may not have been documented due to a lack of perceived importance, especially as religious influence has waned. However, particularly around World War II, newspaper articles interpreted sky crosses as divine signs. A popular idea emerged post-WWII suggesting that the origin story of the Dannebrog, the Danish flag, which supposedly descended from the sky during the Battle of Lyndanisse in 1219, was inspired by a sky cross phenomenon.

This hypothesis is linked to a book by Colonel Helge Bruhn and an article by Pastor L.P. Fabricius from 1941. Fabricius recounts an episode from the Iberian Peninsula in 1217, where a golden cross appeared in the sky during a battle near Alcazar. This event is considered significant because King Valdemar II of Denmark had recently married the Portuguese princess Berengaria, suggesting he might have been aware of the cross story before the Battle of Lyndanisse.

Bruhn also references a 1700s Småland legend, discovered in 1940, about a golden cross observed in a clear blue sky before a battle during Erik the Holy's crusade to Finland in 1157. This color combination is noted as matching the Swedish flag, which was officially adopted much later.

An old English legend about the Battle of Lyndanisse also describes a cross in the sky as a divine sign, indicating the connection was recognized beyond Denmark's borders. The author concludes that it is plausible that sky crosses formed the basis or inspiration for not only the Dannebrog but also other flags featuring crosses.

Himmel-kors i nyere tid (Sky Crosses in Modern Times)

The article notes that sky crosses have historically been interpreted as signs for Christians, sometimes rationalizing or justifying actions during wartime. However, they have also been seen in a more peaceful light. An example cited is from the Aftenbladet on March 27, 1946, reporting a sky cross observed in conjunction with a strong aurora borealis.

Most documented reports found by the author were from before WWII. A report from Kristeligt Dagblad on June 11, 1941, describes a red, sharply defined cross rising in the western sky after sunset, observed by travelers near Næstved. The newspaper indicated that similar reports were received by local newspapers.

Mag. scient. E. Hovmøller from the Meteorological Institute, in a response published on June 27, 1941, attempted to explain such phenomena. He suggested that the cross observed on June 9, 1941, could have partly consisted of a sun pillar, a halo effect often seen at sunset or sunrise due to light interacting with ice crystals in high-altitude clouds, which can give a reddish hue.

For the horizontal component, Hovmøller suggested a horizontal ring, a colorless ring extending from the sun's vicinity. However, he acknowledged this couldn't explain the observed cross, as it appeared after sunset. A note from Sorø Amtstidende regarding an observation on June 11, 1941, described the horizontal part as a cloud and the vertical line as clear. This suggests a horizontal cloud played a role, or it was a rare halo phenomenon.

An example from Nykøbing Falster on July 27, 1934, describes a 'moon-cross' observed over the town. Observers believed clouds behind the moon caused the effect, but the persistence of the sharp cross shape seemed unusual. The phenomenon was reportedly observed again the following Monday. The article poses questions about whether these sightings held special value for locals and if they were linked to concurrent events or social changes.

The author concludes that even if all sky cross cases have natural explanations, their religious and social impact remains. Like comets and meteors, sky crosses have been interpreted as omens, sometimes causing social panic. Their unique dimension lies in their ability to be interpreted as strong, confirming religious symbols, and their frequent appearance during critical historical periods is noted.

Et lysende Kors paa Himlen (A Shining Cross in the Sky)

This section reprints a report from Aftenbladet on March 27, 1946, detailing a 'shining cross' observed from Haderslev. It describes a red spot appearing during a strong aurora borealis, which developed into a cross. A woman interpreted it as a sign of peace.

Korsets Tegn paa Himlen (The Sign of the Cross in the Sky)

This section reprints a report from Bornholms Tidende on July 27, 1934, about a 'moon-cross' observed over Nykøbing F. It describes a cross formed by moonlight through a hazy sky, with sharp contours, lasting for some time. A similar phenomenon was observed the following Monday, not directly linked to the moon but in the southeast, also forming a cross.

Lysene i Aalborg var projektørlys (The Lights in Aalborg were Projector Lights)

This section, authored by Ole Henningsen, reports on an observation of circular lights over Aalborg on the evening of October 11, 2014, between 9-10 PM. The lights were described as two objects circling, making sudden turns in opposite directions, moving towards each other, and flying past without sound. The observers found the flight pattern to be abnormal and felt uneasy.

David Larsen investigated the sighting and concluded that the lights were projector lights from Aalborg Portland's 125th-anniversary celebration. He had also seen the lights and noted that the light beams themselves were not visible, possibly due to light pollution. He provided photos of the light beams.

Kristian Kops commented on the Facebook debate forum, corroborating the observation of two large light spots moving on the clouds. While initially suspecting ground projectors, he found the appearance unusual due to the hazy conditions, which would normally obscure light beams. However, he and his sister's boyfriend eventually agreed that some light beams could be discerned, suggesting less haze where the projectors were located.

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

This section, also by Ole Henningsen, reports on a video sequence taken in Nuuk, Greenland, on June 21, 2014. The video, available on YouTube, shows a UFO flying slowly towards the south and then eastward. The SUFOI Photo Department analyzed the video technically. Their best guess is a small hot air balloon with burnt-out buoyancy material tumbling in the air. However, they state there isn't enough data to confirm this, classifying the case as 'Insufficient data'. They invite readers with better equipment or explanations to contact them.

Løst og facts (Loose and Facts)

Jeg blev næsten helt religiøs... (I almost became religious...)

This article recounts a story by Oddbjørn Stamnes from Selbustrand, who, on March 25, 2013, experienced an unusual light phenomenon during a snowmobile trip near Helagsfjellet in Sweden. He described it as a sharp, almost religious experience. He believed it was caused by snow particles suspended in the air, creating a light arc that lasted about 10 minutes.

Meteorologist Bente Marie Wahl from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute suggested it was a refraction phenomenon, possibly a Parry arc, which requires small snow crystals in the air and is dependent on wind or high humidity.

Spændende himmel over København (Exciting Sky over Copenhagen)

This brief section mentions that DMI (Danish Meteorological Institute) received photos of a 'hole-punch cloud' over Copenhagen, taken by Jette Sato. A hole-punch cloud is formed when an aircraft flies through a cloud, creating ice particles that cause the cloud to dissipate in a circular pattern.

Så går den vilde fossiljagt igen (The Wild Fossil Hunt Begins Again)

This section discusses a photo of a potential 'alien bone' found on Mars, published on videnskab.dk. Karsten Bomholt comments that NASA's Mars rover Curiosity team stated it could not be a thigh bone. NASA explained that the shape was likely created by erosion from wind or water. They also noted that if life existed on Mars, it would likely be microbial, as the atmosphere lacked sufficient oxygen for more complex organisms.

The article mentions that the videnskab.dk article received many comments, some of which were deleted for being inappropriate. Bomholt's analysis points out that the rover's wheel tracks provide a scale, indicating the 'bone' is not very large and appears flat. He humorously suggests that other rocks might also be interpreted as bones.

He criticizes conspiracy theories and those who profit from them, stating that 'UFO watchers' and 'conspiracy theorists' often find inspiration in the 'bottomless garbage bin' of the internet, creating their own narratives.

Seneste indberetninger til SUFOI om ufo-oplevelser (Latest SUFOI Reports on UFO Experiences)

This section directs readers to www.ufo.dk for the latest UFO reports.

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Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the interpretation of aerial phenomena, both natural and potentially anomalous. There's a strong emphasis on historical context, particularly concerning Danish cultural symbols like the Dannebrog flag, and how these phenomena have been perceived through religious and societal lenses. The magazine also covers contemporary UFO sightings, with a focus on investigation and providing potential explanations, often leaning towards natural causes or conventional technology (like projectors). The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging evidence-based analysis while acknowledging the enduring human fascination with the unexplained and the cultural impact of such sightings. The article on the Mars 'bone' highlights a skepticism towards sensationalist claims and a preference for scientific explanations.