UFO Mail - No 187 - 2014

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: 187
Date: November 25, 2014
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information primarily focuses on debunking the famous "Greifswald lights" incident from Germany, presenting a thorough investigation that concludes the phenomenon was caused by military flares.

The Greifswald Lights Case: An Illuminating Case from Germany

The Phenomenon

The article, authored by Henning Dethlefsen, details the events of August 24, 1990, when a cluster of seven red, spherical lights were observed in the night sky east of the Baltic Sea island of Rügen and the city of Greifswald in Germany. These lights, also known as the "Rügen lights," were described by numerous witnesses as either hanging in a string or moving slowly, with some accounts even suggesting unusual maneuvers over a local nuclear power plant. Video recordings and photographs, notably one taken by the Kaiser family, captured the lights, which appeared to hover weightlessly, sometimes accompanied by smaller lights and flashes. The incident quickly gained attention in German sensationalist media and was initially interpreted by ufologists like Johannes von Buttlar as strong evidence of extraterrestrial visitation.

Initial Investigations and Media Treatment

For several years, attempts to find a definitive explanation for the lights were unsuccessful. At a 1992 UFO conference in Budapest, Michael Hesemann, a historian and author, noted that even professional UFO skeptics had failed to provide a conventional explanation, making the Greifswald lights a significant challenge to skepticism. The case was further amplified by German television broadcasts in 1994, including an NDR-3 program called "DAS Abendstudio" and "Aktuell," which featured an interview with Irmgaard Kaiser, who recounted her husband's filming of the event. Prior to these broadcasts, German UFO investigator Hansjürgen Köhler of CENAP had contacted Danish SUFOI representative Ole Henningsen to inquire about potential Danish witnesses, given Rügen's proximity to Lolland-Falster.

The Military Connection Revealed

Following the 1994 TV broadcasts, numerous witnesses came forward with accounts that, according to CENAP investigator Werner Walter, helped reveal the true nature of the event. Their descriptions strongly supported the explanation that the lights were military flares. Lüder Stock, a former officer in the East German army, immediately recognized the lights as practice targets for guided air-to-surface missiles. These flares are launched from ships and descend slowly on parachutes, making them appear stationary from a distance. CENAP confirmed with authorities that the area east of Rügen was designated as "Luftschiesszone 2," a zone used by the former East German air force and navy, along with Warsaw Pact allies, for live-fire exercises.

CENAP had attempted to inform ARD (the broadcaster) of these new findings before the program aired, but the station refused to alter its content. Rudolf Henke of CENAP also corresponded with Illobrand von Ludwiger, chairman of MUFON-CES, who acknowledged that the descriptions pointed towards light bombs but inexplicably did not draw the logical conclusion, continuing to mystify the case. This led to criticism of ARD for its unprofessional handling of the matter.

Köhler's Continued Investigation

In 2011 and 2012, Hansjürgen Köhler updated the Greifswald case online, noting that it continued to be cited as proof of genuine UFOs on platforms like YouTube, despite being largely resolved. He observed that local residents who had witnessed the lights before and after 1990 were not particularly concerned, suggesting it was considered "normal." Köhler's research into what constituted this "normal" phenomenon led him to contact former members of the NVA (East German army). This yielded detailed information confirming light bombs as the explanation and providing insights into various types of illumination ammunition, including light bombs, light grenades, light rockets, and light mines.

Identifying the Culprit: SAB Light Bombs

Köhler's investigation focused on large SAB light bombs, which can illuminate an area up to 2 km in radius and burn for up to 7.5 minutes. These bombs consist of seven smaller spheres that descend on individual parachutes, forming a cluster precisely like the lights in the Greifswald film. Launched from an altitude of approximately 10 kilometers, their slow descent (down to 2 meters per second) would make them appear stationary from a distance of 30 kilometers. While these could be used to illuminate targets at sea, they could also serve as targets for heat-seeking missiles. The article notes that these missiles were used by the air forces of East Germany, Poland, and Czechoslovakia, mounted on aircraft like the MIG 21 and MIG 23. A common argument against the light bomb theory by MUFON-CES was the duration of the Greifswald sightings (45 minutes to an hour), which they claimed exceeded the burn time of SAB bombs. However, the article counters that witnesses often described the lights disappearing and reappearing elsewhere, suggesting multiple light bomb deployments rather than a single, continuous event. The disappearance of the lights, described by some as simply "going out," further supports the light bomb explanation.

Dennis Kirstein's analysis of a single image from the Kaiser film highlighted the characteristic smoke trails from the light bombs, a detail mentioned in correspondence between von Ludwiger and Henke in 1994. A film from a Russian military exercise near St. Petersburg in 2012, involving MIG-29 and SU-27 aircraft firing at SAB light bombs, further demonstrated the visual similarity. The article clarifies that a single SAB light bomb contains seven smaller light bombs that descend via parachute.

The Czech Connection and Luftschiesszone 2

Initially, it was assumed that East German forces were responsible for the light bombs. However, Dennis Kirstein's 2014 research suggests this was not the case. Luftschiesszone 2, while located in former East German territory, was also used by other Warsaw Pact countries for air exercises. Kirstein found a photograph from a 1992 military history book showing a briefing room planning board for Jagdgeschwader 9 (fighter squadron 9). Enlarging the photo revealed that the specific area of the zone where the Greifswald lights were observed was indeed closed for exercises around August 22. The changing dates on the board indicated a prolonged exercise. Articles from "Die Bild" and "Super Illu" from 1990 indicated that similar lights had been seen in the area for weeks prior to August 24, often between 9 PM and 11 PM, matching the time frame of the Greifswald lights.

Further investigation by Kirstein into Polish and Czech archives yielded no results, with Polish archives stating they found nothing and Czech archives indicating the papers had been destroyed. Kirstein then contacted former members of the East German army in 2012. One officer recalled being woken up around 10 PM on August 24, 1990, and asked about strange dancing stars in the eastern sky. He confirmed that 10-15 such objects were visible, an unusually large number. The officer contacted his superior and was told that exercises were taking place in Luftschiesszone 2. He later heard that ufologists had constructed a "mysterious" story, but the army's explanation at the time was that "the Czechs" were responsible.

The Trivial vs. the Sensational UFO Phenomenon

Werner Walter, Hansjürgen Köhler, and Dennis Kirstein's investigations are credited with providing the definitive explanation for the Greifswald lights. The case serves as a prime example of the media's often superficial and sensationalist treatment of UFO phenomena, where the pursuit of a "mysterious" narrative overshadows rational inquiry. Even reputable media outlets like ARD have been criticized for this approach. Ufologists, in turn, often seize upon the mystery, using it to support their claims. If a case is later debunked, they can simply dismiss it as not being a "real" UFO case and move on to others, as there is no shortage of unexplained phenomena or people willing to believe.

Ufology, by its nature, focuses on the unusual and unexplained. An object ceases to be of interest to ufologists once it is identified as something ordinary. This can lead to a decline in interest for long-term researchers. Werner Walter stated in 2005 that the Greifswald case, due to its simple explanation, profoundly influenced his perception of the entire UFO phenomenon, questioning the significance of other, less impactful cases.

Conclusion and Occam's Razor

Dennis Kirstein emphasizes the importance of ufologists accepting the Greifswald lights case and drawing the necessary conclusions. He notes that ufologists often portray themselves as victims of ridicule and scientific indifference while refusing to adhere to fundamental principles of scientific investigation and criticism. Occam's Razor, the principle that the simplest explanation is usually the best, is highlighted. In the Greifswald case, if an object behaves exactly like light bombs in an area known for their use, there is no rational reason to assume anything else, unless compelling new evidence emerges. Continuing to promote a "mysterious" or "spaceship" narrative without adequate research is criticized.

Sources and Further Information

The issue provides a comprehensive list of sources, including articles by Dennis Kirstein, Hansjürgen Köhler, and Werner Walter, as well as links to relevant videos and websites. These resources offer detailed information and analyses of the Greifswald lights case.

Other Sections

"Strange, Dancing Stars from Czechoslovakia"

This brief section mentions that while the Greifswald lights are largely explained, the investigation into the origin of the light bombs is ongoing. Initially attributed to East German forces, Kirstein's research suggests Czech involvement might also be a factor.

"The Trivial vs. the Sensational UFO Phenomenon"

This section reiterates the critique of media sensationalism and the ufological tendency to focus on the unexplained. It emphasizes that once a phenomenon is identified and explained, it loses its appeal to ufologists, leading them to pursue new mysteries.

"Discover!"

This section lists external websites and resources considered serious and valuable for UFO research, including "thehoaxkiller.com," "Isaac Koi - UFOs and Rationality," and "The UFO Trail."

"New from SUFOI's Photo Department"

This section reports on a photo taken by Liv Lund Pedersen in Nakskov, Denmark, on November 6, 2014. The photo shows a bright light in the sky, initially questioned as a meteor or aircraft with fire. SUFOI's conclusion is that it was likely a short contrail from an airplane, illuminated by the low-lying sun. Possible flight paths are suggested, including those of Boeing 747 and 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

"Lost and Facts"

This section includes a news clipping from The Guardian titled "Death penalty for lantern launches?" It reports on Thai authorities threatening severe penalties, including death, for launching sky lanterns near airports during the Loy Krathong festival. The article notes that while the penalties seem extreme, they are likely related to the country's political situation and the potential danger to aviation.

"Atmospheric Mirage in the North"

This article describes a personal account from a reader in northern Norway who observed a luminous elliptical phenomenon in the sky in 1991 or 1992. The reader was driving west from Muonio towards Norway when they saw the object. The author of the article suggests it was likely an atmospheric mirage, possibly caused by reflections from a low cloud layer and the low angle of the sun, creating an illusion of a flying saucer. The reader's illustration depicts the phenomenon as a reflection in a low cloud layer over a lake.

"Tycho Brahe Planetarium 25 Years - What Shall We Go to Mars For? - And Why?"

This section announces an event at the Tycho Brahe Planetarium on December 4, 2014, as part of its 25th-anniversary celebrations. The event, titled "What Shall We Go to Mars For? - And Why?," will feature a lecture by Morten Bo Madsen, a lecturer at the Niels Bohr Institute and leader of the Mars group, who has been involved with NASA's Mars program and the Curiosity rover.

"Space Exhibition in Bella Center"

This brief item mentions that Danmarks Radio's VIDEN (Knowledge) section visited a space exhibition at the Bella Center. It provides a link to an article on DR's website about the visit and mentions that the exhibition features models of rockets and satellites.

"Become a Member of SUFOI's Support Circle in 2015"

This section is a call for membership in SUFOI's support circle. It explains that the organization relies on voluntary work and financial contributions to maintain its website and conduct investigations. Members who donate 250 Danish Kroner receive a free book from a selection of seven titles related to UFOs and related phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the debunking of sensational claims through rigorous investigation, and the critique of media sensationalism. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of rational explanations and scientific skepticism, as exemplified by the detailed analysis of the Greifswald lights case. The magazine aims to provide its readers with factual information and to counter the spread of unsubstantiated claims within the UFO community.

This document is a single page from what appears to be a newsletter or magazine titled 'UFO-Mail', published by Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) in 2014. The primary focus of this page is to advertise and provide information about a book titled 'Besøg fra rummet' (Visit from Space) by Kim Møller Hansen, published by Gyldendal.

Featured Content: 'Besøg fra rummet'

The book 'Besøg fra rummet' is presented with its cover image. Key details provided include:

• Title: Besøg fra rummet
• Author: Kim Møller Hansen
• Publisher: Gyldendal
• Order Number: B-075
• Price: 179,- (Danish Kroner)

Publication and Copyright Information

The page also includes important information regarding the publication of UFO-Mail and copyright:

• Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI)
• Year: 2014
• Quoting Policy: News media are permitted to quote from signed articles, provided they clearly cite the source, in accordance with copyright law. However, the full publication of articles requires prior written agreement from Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI).
• Reproduction Fees: Printing and photocopying of content from UFO-Mail are subject to fees regulated by Copydan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is UFOs and potential extraterrestrial visitation, as indicated by the magazine's title and the featured book. The editorial stance, as suggested by the copyright notice, is to protect the content while allowing for fair use by media outlets with proper attribution, but to strictly control the reproduction of full articles. The emphasis on SUFOI as the publisher and distributor suggests a focus on UFO research and information within a Scandinavian context.