UFO Mail - No 192 - 2015

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: Nr. 192
Date: February 21, 2015
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into historical UFO observations, astronomical phenomena, and the enigmatic Area 51.

Historical UFO Sightings in Denmark

The 1859 'Flying Humanoid' near Kjøge

Thomas Brisson, a researcher who utilizes the digital archives of Danish newspapers, presents a fascinating historical account from July 14, 1859. The article, originally from Nykjøbing Avis, describes an incident on a farm near Qværede ved Kjøge. Several people working in the field observed a human-like figure in an officer's uniform and a triangular hat hovering in the air. The figure descended and landed on the ground, lying on its back and flailing. The farm workers, initially terrified and suspecting a devil, approached cautiously. Upon closer inspection, they discovered it was a type of balloon, possibly one of the aerostatic figures that had ascended from Tivoli earlier that day. The object was approximately 3 1/4 alen high. Brisson notes that while this case was ultimately explained, it highlights early attempts to understand aerial phenomena.

Brisson contrasts Danish press coverage of UFO-related events with more sensationalist American accounts from the mid-1800s, finding Danish reports to be more restrained. He continues his search for early UFO-related material, particularly focusing on pre-1947 cases.

The 2013 Sydvestsjælland Photograph

Ole Henningsen reports on a photograph taken by a 19-year-old woman in Sydvestsjælland on September 25, 2013. The woman took a picture of a bull with her Sony smartphone, zooming in significantly. She only noticed an object in the sky later when reviewing her photos. She believes it might be a UFO and submitted it for analysis. However, the analysis of the photo, which had limited EXIF data and was only 203 kb in size, concluded that the object was likely a slightly blurred insect close to the camera lens, moving across the field of view. The analysis noted that enhancing the image with filters did not reveal clearer details due to the low pixel count and cautioned against over-interpreting the image. The case was filed under 'Insufficient data' in the SUFOI Photo Department archive.

The 2014 Haslev Observation

Another report details an observation near Bråby St. by Haslev on December 14, 2014. An observer and three companions witnessed a luminous, blinking object moving slowly across the sky, with sudden, rapid movements sideways and in altitude. They recorded about an hour of video, but the object appeared only as a bright spot on the screen due to its distance. The observation lasted for approximately three hours, starting around 01:00 and ending when the witnesses went to bed. The object was seen moving from South (Syd) to Southwest (syd-vest). The color of the light was described as blue-yellow-red. The SUFOI Photo Department commented that a stationary or slow-moving light in the sky over an extended period, moving from S to SW, could indicate an astronomical object like a planet or a bright star. However, astronomical programs did not show any visible planets at that time. The star Sirius was noted as being in the approximate direction and position, with a movement pattern from S to SW over three hours. The report includes a guide to identifying celestial phenomena and mentions astrophysicist Uffe Gråe Jørgensen.

Astronomy and Exoplanets

Understanding Stars and Celestial Phenomena

The magazine includes a section explaining basic astronomy, focusing on stars. It describes how starlight can be affected by atmospheric turbulence, causing variations in brightness and color (blue, white, red). It also explains how stars can appear to move due to atmospheric effects or even subconscious eye movements. The text mentions that thin cloud layers can make stars appear to move rapidly or 'fly away'. It also touches upon the clarity of bright stars and the difficulty in distinguishing them from other light sources.

The Search for Life Beyond Earth

A segment discusses the recent breakthroughs in the search for exoplanets. It highlights that 20 years ago, the existence of planets around other stars was largely unknown. However, in the last 10-15 years, numerous exoplanets have been registered, providing a basis for the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. The first exoplanet around a sun-like star was discovered in 1995, marking a new field of research. Danish astronomers are noted as being at the forefront of this research, with astrophysicist Uffe Gråe Jørgensen from the Niels Bohr Institute in Copenhagen mentioned as a leading expert.

Upcoming Lecture on Exoplanets

Astrophysicist Uffe Gråe Jørgensen is scheduled to give a lecture titled "Exoplanets, the multiverse, and the strange role of life in our universe" at the Lollands Astronomiske Forening on March 5, 2015. The lecture will explore the search for extraterrestrial life and more speculative philosophical considerations about life's connection to the universe's structure. The event will take place at the Visual Climate Center in Holeby and will include a presentation of the solar system using a unique 'floating' globe.

Review: 'Area 51-The Graphic History of America's Most Secret Military Installation'

A Comic's Take on a Legendary Base

Kim Møller Hansen reviews a graphic novel about Area 51, describing it as a comprehensive and serious look into the history of the infamous Nevada base. The review notes that Area 51 has been a subject of myths and speculation, often involving aliens and UFOs, particularly during the Cold War. The book, authored by Dwight Jon Zimmerman and illustrated by Greg Scott, is praised for its detailed, chronological account spanning 60 years, from the base's founding in 1955 to discussions of future aircraft and weapons systems. It covers 'Black Projects' like spy planes and drones that have been developed there and played significant roles in conflicts. The review highlights how the book illustrates the base's activities reflecting political and military strategies in a changing world. The graphic novel is available in print, e-book, and for loan.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information demonstrates a commitment to investigating and reporting on unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on historical cases within Denmark. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical analysis, seeking to explain phenomena through logical deduction and scientific inquiry, as seen in the analysis of the Sydvestsjælland photo and the Haslev observation. However, the magazine also acknowledges the ongoing mysteries and the broader scientific exploration of topics like exoplanets, suggesting an open yet evidence-based approach to the subject of UFOs and related phenomena. The inclusion of a review of a graphic novel on Area 51 indicates an interest in popular culture's engagement with these themes.