UFO Mail - No 199 - 2015

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: 199
Date: June 30, 2015
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into the evolving understanding of UFO phenomena, featuring prominent researchers and recent sightings.

Sådan erobrede ufoerne verden (How UFOs Conquered the World)

This lead article, by Kim Møller Hansen, introduces David Clarke, a British journalist and academic who has become an expert on the UFO myth. Clarke's interest was sparked at age 11 by a TV broadcast and the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. Today, he lectures in journalism at Sheffield Hallam University and holds a PhD in 'British Folklore'.

A significant part of Clarke's work since 2000 has been dedicated to persuading the British Ministry of Defence to release its UFO archives. This effort has been successful, with thousands of documents being made public. Since 2008, Clarke has served as an external consultant for The National Archives (TNA), advising on the declassification and release of these materials.

Clarke's latest book, 'How UFOs Conquered The World. The History Of A Modern Myth' (published May 2015), is highlighted as a potentially significant work on the UFO myth. The book is described as well-written, entertaining, educational, and serious, making it mandatory reading for UFO enthusiasts. Clarke traces the history of UFO beliefs, moving from his early fascination in 1977 to his current advocacy for a psychosocial approach. This perspective suggests that UFO sightings are often interpretations of real-world phenomena (like aircraft, balloons, or celestial objects) shaped by human beliefs, hopes, and cultural influences, particularly those developed during the Cold War and amplified by media.

Britiske X-files (British X-files)

This section details the ongoing process by The National Archives (TNA) in the UK, which began in 2008, to release its UFO archives. By June 2013, approximately 52,000 pages had been published, attracting millions of visitors worldwide. While the archives reportedly do not contain a 'smoking gun' revealing aliens or landed spacecraft, they offer substantial material that sheds light on the development of the UFO myth in Britain.

Interview with John A. Keel

The article discusses David Clarke's encounter with the renowned American author John A. Keel (1930-2009). Keel, known for his provocative writings on UFOs, Men-In-Black, and parallel universes, introduced the concept of 'ultra-terrestrials'—hidden forces from other dimensions interacting with humans. Keel believed UFOs were not extraterrestrial but rather a manifestation of these ultra-terrestrials, designed to interact with and perhaps manipulate human perception.

In an interview with Clarke and Andy Roberts, Keel expressed his view that UFOs are intrinsically linked to human consciousness. He suggested that if humans didn't exist, UFOs wouldn't either, and that humans only perceive what they are conditioned to believe. Keel also commented on ufologists, suggesting that their elaborate theories about government conspiracies and alien pacts are a way to compensate for a lack of concrete evidence, constructing a fantasy world to explain the unknown.

Konspirationer om alt (Conspiracies about Everything)

This section reviews Nick Redfern, a prolific author specializing in mysteries, ancient riddles, UFOs, and conspiracy theories. Redfern has written over 30 books. The review highlights his books such as 'Science Fiction Secrets', 'From Government Files and the Paranormal', and 'On the Trail of the Saucers Spies'.

Redfern's 2015 book, 'Secret History. Conspiracies from Ancient Aliens to the New World Order', is described as a comprehensive work covering 60 events and topics divided into three parts: 'Ancient Aliens', 'Conspiracies', and 'The New World Order'. Topics range from ancient nuclear war and Egyptian plagues to JFK assassination, Chemtrails, and 9/11.

The reviewer finds Redfern's work to be a mixed bag. While he acknowledges Redfern's writing skill and ability to find new angles, the book is criticized for its lack of depth and for giving a platform to individuals with 'wildly speculative' and undocumented claims. The reviewer argues that Redfern doesn't adequately distinguish between credible research and fringe theories, potentially misleading readers who are new to conspiracy topics. The article mentions that Redfern interviewed Nick Pope in 1997, who described the Cosford-sagen (Cosford case) as a pivotal event that turned him from a skeptic to a believer.

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

This section presents two recent sighting reports from Denmark.

Amager Sighting: An observer reported seeing a red/orange light moving in a straight line across the sky at 06:40 AM near Kastrup Airport. The object did not blink like a plane and had a constant light. The observer took four photos with an iPhone. The SUFOI Photo Department's analysis suggests that the 'stretched form' seen in the photos is likely due to camera movement during a long exposure, rather than the object's actual shape.

Frederikssund Sighting: On March 25, 2015, around 10:30 PM, an observer in Frederikssund witnessed a white light that illuminated surrounding rooftops. Multiple lights then appeared, forming various patterns (curved, pointed, straight) before all disappearing. Up to 20 lights were visible at one point. The observer filmed the event on their phone.

SUFOI's Conclusion: The Photo Department concluded that while small hot air balloons with burning material could be a plausible initial explanation for some sightings, the observed lights and their movement patterns in the Frederikssund case were not entirely consistent with this. The department suggested that the phenomena might be related to exercise activities at the nearby Jægerspris military camp.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from multiple angles, including historical research, government document analysis, and personal testimonies. There's a clear interest in the psychosocial aspects of UFO beliefs, as championed by David Clarke, suggesting that human perception and cultural context play a significant role in interpreting unexplained aerial phenomena. The publication also engages with the broader landscape of conspiracy theories, as exemplified by the review of Nick Redfern's work, though it maintains a critical stance on unsubstantiated claims. The inclusion of recent sightings from Denmark indicates an effort to connect global UFO research with local observations.

Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: 2015
Date: 2015
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

This issue of UFO-Mail primarily addresses a specific case of alleged UFO sightings near Frederikssund, Denmark, and provides an explanation based on military activities. It also serves as a call for support for the organization Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI).

Analysis of Light Phenomena Near Frederikssund

The magazine details how mysterious lights observed near Frederikssund had led to inquiries directed at SUFOI, often accompanied by photos and videos. The photo department of SUFOI contacted the Danish military (Forsvaret) for information. They received details from Captain Morten Malthe Pedersen, Chief of Firing Safety at Jægerspris, regarding their exercise activities.

Specifically, on March 25th, military exercises involved the firing of 40 mm illumination flares, signal pistols, and a 'dyssekanon' (likely a type of flare launcher) between approximately 21:30 and 22:55. Additionally, heavy machine guns firing tracer rounds were used, which create numerous small lights in the sky. These tracer rounds, due to their parabolic trajectory, can appear to hang stationary at a certain altitude for a period, even though they are part of a projectile's flight path.

Captain Pedersen expressed doubt about whether these lights could illuminate rooftops at the edge of Frederikssund. However, after reviewing video material and enlarged screen prints, the SUFOI photo department concluded that these exercise activities were indeed the explanation for the observed and filmed phenomena from the outskirts of Frederikssund.

The article notes that these exercises could not have illuminated rooftops so far away, at most perhaps causing some reflection on blank surfaces. Nevertheless, the magazine points out that this is a plausible way for sober and serious observers to misinterpret phenomena. It references Toke Haunstrup's book, "50 år med ufoer - erfaringer fra halvtreds års rapportarbejde" (50 Years with UFOs - Experiences from Fifty Years of Report Work), which provides examples of distant lights being perceived as illuminating rooftops or even following cars.

Call for Support and Membership

The second part of the magazine is dedicated to encouraging readers to become members of SUFOI's Support Group for 2015. It highlights that the organization, Skandinavisk UFO Information, is run by volunteers and its main task is to provide the public with serious information about UFOs via its website, ufo.dk. A secondary goal is to register observations of unusual aerial phenomena.

Readers are invited to support the organization's work and investigations with a financial contribution of DKK 250 or more. Payment can be made via giro account 9 11 77 25 or netbank to account 3113-9117725. Members are offered a free book as a choice. The text specifies using a short code (e.g., B-075) for the desired free title when making the payment.

Membership in the Support Group does not entail any obligations towards the association, and the support amount is valid for one year. The publication 'UFO-Mail' is issued by Skandinavisk UFO Information.

Website and Copyright

The magazine directs readers to www.ufo.dk for UFO reports and observations. It also states that news media can quote from signed articles with proper source attribution, but full reproduction of articles requires written agreement with Skandinavisk UFO Information. Printing and photocopying of content from UFO-Mail are subject to Copydan fees.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance of this issue is to provide rational explanations for reported UFO sightings, emphasizing the importance of considering mundane causes such as military activities. It promotes a serious and investigative approach to the UFO phenomenon, encouraging public engagement through its website and support for the organization's research. The magazine advocates for transparency and information sharing within the bounds of copyright and attribution.