UFO Mail - No 191 - 2015

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: Nr. 191
Date: February 10, 2015
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, titled "Højtflyvende ufo-påstande fra CIA" (High-flying UFO Claims from the CIA), investigates a recent media story suggesting that CIA U-2 spy plane flights were responsible for a significant portion of UFO sightings in the 1950s and 1960s. The article, authored by Henning Dethlefsen, critically examines this claim, concluding that it lacks credibility.

CIA and the U-2 Spy Plane: Debunking the Myth

The central article delves into the assertion that the U-2 spy plane, designed for high-altitude reconnaissance over the Soviet Union, caused a surge in UFO reports. The CIA itself released a document, "Reports of unusual activity in the skies in the '50s? It was us," linking the U-2 program (1954-1974) to these sightings. This document, originally from 1998 and declassified in 2013, was highlighted by the CIA on Twitter in late 2014.

The article explains that the U-2 was developed by Lockheed Corporation in the 1950s because conventional bombers were too vulnerable to Soviet anti-aircraft defenses. The U-2's ability to fly at extreme altitudes (up to 21 kilometers) was intended to make it unreachable by ground fire. Its development involved creating specialized equipment, including cameras, and pilots wore suits similar to those of astronauts. The U-2 was a unique aircraft, combining glider-like wings with a powerful jet engine.

Key incidents involving the U-2 are recounted, including its first shootdown on May 1, 1960, over the Soviet Union, resulting in the capture of pilot Francis Gary Powers. Another critical event was the U-2's photographic evidence of Soviet missile shipments to Cuba on October 14, 1962, which escalated into the Cuban Missile Crisis. The U-2 remains in use today due to its flexibility compared to spy satellites.

The article strongly refutes the claim that U-2 flights caused the increase in UFO sightings. It cites several points:

• Robert J. Friend, former head of Project Bluebook (1958-1963), stated that there was no increase in UFO reports due to spy flights and could not recall a single instance.
• Dr. Bruce Maccabee, a photo analyst and ufologist, pointed out that the U-2's small size and extreme altitude would have made it virtually invisible. Furthermore, the lack of atmospheric moisture at such heights would prevent contrails. Any sightings would likely have been brief glints of light.
• Alejandro Rohas from Open Minds highlighted a chronological inconsistency: Project Blue Book began in 1952, while the first U-2 flight did not occur until 1954. This discrepancy undermines the entire premise.

The article suggests the original CIA document's claim stemmed from an overzealous bureaucrat involved in the U-2 program who exaggerated its impact. This was then uncritically included in an official CIA report. The media's interest in the story is attributed to the sensational appeal of UFOs and the CIA.

Analysis of a Fake UFO Video: Santa Clarita, California, October 2012

The magazine also features an analysis of a viral UFO video posted in October 2012, allegedly filmed in Santa Clarita, California. The video, which garnered significant attention, was later revealed to be a hoax created by visual artist Aristomenis "Meni" Tsirbas and his team from MeniThings Productions, in collaboration with Gnomon School of Visual Effects. The video depicted a small UFO and a larger "mothership."

Isaac Koi and Nancy Atkinson analyzed the footage, concluding that every element—the sky, clouds, trees, car, and driver—was computer-generated. The article provides a link to a behind-the-scenes video showing the VFX process. Despite the revelation of the hoax, the video's initial impact and the subsequent admission of its artificial nature are discussed. The article notes that while some videos are created for profit or to mock believers, this one was admitted to be a hoax, possibly to avoid further scrutiny.

Tips are provided on how to identify fake UFO videos, emphasizing the importance of checking online analyses from reputable sources like Isaac Koi's website. The article points out technical flaws in the Santa Clarita video, such as the sudden appearance of the "mothership" and the disappearance of power lines, as well as inconsistencies in the apparent size of the UFOs.

Astronomical Phenomena Mistaken for UFOs

Two brief reports cover astronomical events that have led to UFO-like inquiries:

• Jupiter Alarm in Germany: In early February 2015, the bright planet Jupiter, visible to the left of the moon, caused several reports to CENAP-Mannheim. The phenomenon was identified as Jupiter's light reflecting off the camera lens, creating a halo effect around the moon.
• Red Sprites at La Silla Observatory: On January 20, 2015, photographer Petr Horálek captured images of red sprites over Argentina, likely associated with a storm system over 500 km away. These rare atmospheric phenomena, also photographed by Jesper, have previously been mistaken for UFOs.

Support SUFOI

The magazine concludes with a call for membership and support for SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information), a volunteer-run organization dedicated to providing serious information about UFO phenomena and registering unusual aerial phenomena. Members contributing 250 DKK or more receive a free book.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO claims, particularly those involving government secrecy and advanced technology, and the debunking of hoaxes and misidentifications. The editorial stance is clearly skeptical towards sensationalist claims, favoring evidence-based analysis and scientific explanations. The magazine actively promotes critical thinking and provides resources for investigating UFO phenomena, while also highlighting the importance of distinguishing between genuine mysteries and fabricated or misinterpreted events. The issue demonstrates a commitment to providing accurate and well-researched information within the field of ufology.