UFO Mail - No 202 - 2015

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 202
Date: August 28, 2015
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, published by Danmarks UFO Forening, focuses on the documentary "The Visit – An Alien Encounter" and its implications, alongside discussions on the influence of science fiction on UFO beliefs and a report on a recent fireball sighting over Denmark.

The Visit – An Alien Encounter

The main article reviews the documentary "The Visit – An Alien Encounter" by filmmaker Michael Madsen. The film, which had exclusive access to UN offices and military strategists, explores the hypothetical first encounter between humans and intelligent extraterrestrial life. It poses profound questions about humanity's place in the universe, our self-perception, and how society would react to such an event. Madsen states that the film aims to go beyond predicting the event to understanding its true significance, framing it as a "dress rehearsal" for a scenario that the UN fears might not have a contingency plan. The documentary attempts to make the incomprehensible comprehensible, exploring the loss of control that the presence of an alien life form might represent for modern humans. The reviewer notes that while the film's depiction of alien encounters is visually impressive, it tends to fall back on traditional science fiction tropes, such as understanding human language and the concept of a "spaceship." The article concludes that the film is an interesting thought experiment, ending with the statement: "The alien that never visited us has left!"

Key Contributors to "The Visit – An Alien Encounter"

• The issue lists several individuals involved in the documentary, including:
• Jacques Arnould: Theologian and ethical advisor for CNES.
• Paul Beaver: Retired Colonel, specialized military and PR advisor.
• Dr. Sheryl Bishop: Social psychologist and professor at the University of Texas.
• Admiral of the Fleet the Lord Boyce: Former Chief of the Defence Staff.
• Dr. Ernst Fasan: Lawyer and expert in space and metal law.
• Niklas Hedman: Head of Political/Legal Affairs at UNOOSA.
• Christopher McKay: Astrobiologist at NASA Ames Research Center.
• Mazlan Othman: PhD in astrophysics and director of UNOOSA.
• John Rummel: Chairman of COSPAR's panel on planetary protection.
• Vickie Sheriff: Former spokesperson for the British government.
• Janos Tisovszky: Director of UN's Information Service, UNIS.
• Doug Vakoch: Director of Interstellar Message Composition at the SETI Institute.
• Chris Welch: Space engineer and professor at the International Space University.

The film is directed by Michael Madsen, produced by Magic Hour Films, and is a Danish production from 2015. It runs for 83 minutes, is in English with Danish subtitles, and premiered on September 2, 2015, in Danish cinemas.

The Truth is Out There, But So Are the Lies

This section, written by Kim Møller Hansen, discusses the book "The Paranormal and the Paranoid – Conspiratorial Science Fiction Television" by Aaron John Gulyas. The book analyzes how popular culture, particularly American science fiction TV series from the 1990s, has influenced the development of UFO myths. Gulyas traces the roots of these themes in earlier series and examines how cultural shifts contributed to their impact.

Videography Analysis

• The book analyzes several TV series, including:
• Dark Skies
• In Search of...
• The Invaders
• The Lone Gunmen
• Millennium
• Nowhere Man
• The Pretender
• Project U.F.O.
• Star Trek
• Unsolved Mysteries
• VR.5
• War of the Worlds
• Wild Palms
• The X-Files

Conclusions on UFO Myths

• The article highlights several conclusions from the book regarding UFO myths:
• TV series like "The X-Files" and "Dark Skies" developed their own mythologies inspired by, but distinct from, UFO lore.
• It is difficult to precisely determine the direct influence of "The X-Files" on UFO beliefs and conspiracy theories in the mid-1990s.
• Some conspiracy theorists view "The X-Files" and similar series as a tool used by American authorities to conceal "the truth," suggesting the shows are designed to mislead UFO researchers.
• Many conspiracy theorists struggle to distinguish between fact and fiction, with episodes of "The X-Files" being mistaken for documentaries, and even an April Fools' joke being taken as fact.

The "Alternative 3" Case

The article details the "Alternative 3" case, which was presented as a documentary. It involved a supposed secret plan by top scientists from various countries to escape Earth due to pollution and climate change. Despite the credits revealing it was fictional and aired on April 1st, conspiracy theorists, including William Cooper, still believe there is truth to it. The article notes that such conspiracy narratives, often originating from figures like former pilot John Lear, can inspire themes in TV series.

"The Paranormal and the Paranoid" Book Review

Another section reviews Aaron John Gulyas' book, "The Paranormal and the Paranoid – Conspiratorial Science Fiction Television." The reviewer describes it as a significant publication for anyone seeking to understand the development of UFO myths. Gulyas is noted as a history instructor at Mott Community College in Michigan, USA, and has authored other books on extraterrestrial contact and paranormal phenomena.

Loose Ends and Facts

Fireball Over Jylland

On August 18, 2015, at 00:35, a strong fireball was observed over Denmark. The observation was captured by six cameras and is believed to have burned up in the atmosphere, though a meteorite fall is not entirely ruled out in the area between Viborg and Randers. Analysis indicates the fireball moved almost vertically downwards at approximately 18 km/s and extinguished at an altitude of over 30 km. It was not a meteor from the Perseid shower, which was active at the time.

Meteorite Fall?

Photographer Jesper Grønne from Silkeborg captured an image of the fireball. The last meteorite found in Denmark was near Maribo in January 2009. The article encourages anyone who believes they have found a meteorite to contact Henning Haack at the Natural History Museum. Eyewitnesses of the fireball are urged to submit their observations to www.ildkugle.dk.

Special Lightning Recording from Nakskov

Jan Pedersen from Nakskov photographed a powerful thunderstorm on August 15, 2015. One particular image, with a magnified section showing a thickened end, is noted as unusual. It is speculated that this appearance might be due to viewing the end of the lightning bolt lengthwise, making it appear thicker or more concentrated, rather than indicating ball lightning.

Read UFO Reports on www.ufo.dk

This section promotes the website www.ufo.dk, where the latest UFO reports submitted to SUFOI can be found under "Observationer." It encourages readers to visit the site for the latest information.

Become a Member of SUFOI's Support Circle in 2015

This part of the magazine details how to support the voluntary organization Skandinavisk UFO Information. SUFOI's primary mission is to provide serious information about UFO myths and register unusual aerial phenomena. Readers are invited to become members of the support circle with a contribution of DKK 250 or more, which helps fund the operation of ufo.dk and investigations into UFO experiences. Payment details for a giro account and a bank account are provided, along with instructions for ordering a free title as a thank you for support. Membership in the support circle does not entail any obligations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena, popular culture, and scientific inquiry. The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting information seriously and encouraging critical thinking, particularly when examining the influence of media and fiction on public perception of UFOs. There is a clear effort to distinguish between factual reporting (like the meteorite observation) and speculative or fictional narratives (like the documentary and the analysis of sci-fi TV shows). The magazine also actively promotes its own organization, SUFOI, and its resources for UFO enthusiasts.