UFO Mail - No 203 - 2015

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 203
Date: 10. september 2015
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, published by Danmarks UFO Forening, focuses heavily on photographic analysis of reported UFO sightings, with a recurring conclusion that many are misidentified hot air balloons. It also includes an interview with Danish astronaut Andreas Mogensen and a report on a fire possibly linked to sky lanterns.

SUFOI's Photo Department: Hot Air Balloons Revisited

The lead article, "Nyt fra SUFOI's Fotoafdeling" (News from SUFOI's Photo Department) by Ole Henningsen, highlights recent observations and photographic submissions to SUFOI. The department's consistent conclusion is that many reported UFOs are actually small hot air balloons, often with visible burning material at their base.

Case 8464 Galten (July 3, 2015)

A photographer in Galten reported seeing two large orange spheres flying silently. While initially captured on a mobile phone, the photographer later attempted to film them with a proper camera. SUFOI's analysis of the photos, including technical enhancement, concluded that these were small hot air balloons with burning material for propulsion and illumination. DMI (Danish Meteorological Institute) weather data was also considered.

Case 2680 Jersie Strand (August 8, 2015)

Four witnesses in Jersie Strand observed five objects flying in a turning maneuver to the south. The objects disappeared quickly behind clouds or by extinguishing their lights. SUFOI's analysis of the submitted photos and descriptions, along with DMI weather data, again identified these as small hot air balloons.

Case 2610 Rødovre (August 8, 2015)

An observation from Rødovre involved approximately 30-40 'fireballs' flying in a north-south direction at high speed and without sound. The witnesses, initially thinking they were aircraft, later described them as flying in formation. SUFOI's conclusion, based on the visual evidence and witness descriptions, was that these were small hot air balloons with burning material. The reported flight direction was consistent with DMI weather data.

Case 2800 Lyngby (August 12, 2015)

A photographer in Lyngby submitted photos of a luminous reddish object seen between 21:45 and 22:00. A total of 4-5 objects were observed moving slowly from west to east. SUFOI's analysis, considering the visual material and DMI weather data, identified these as small hot air balloons. The photographer later expressed satisfaction with the explanation.

Case 2635 Ishøj (August 22, 2015)

Multiple reports were received by ufo.dk on this date. One witness in Ishøj described four red objects flying in formation, followed by two more. Video footage was submitted. SUFOI's Photo Department concluded that these were small hot air balloons, based on the video sequences and witness accounts.

Case 2400 København NV (August 22, 2015)

A photographer in Copenhagen NV submitted a photo and video of a yellow-orange light streak moving from southeast to northwest. The object was described as possibly a satellite or aircraft, but also compared to a flare or comet. SUFOI's analysis identified it as a small hot air balloon, noting its similarity to other photographic evidence of such objects.

Sky Lanterns and Hotel Fire

The magazine reports on a hotel fire in Liseleje, Nordsjælland, which occurred on the night of August 22-23, 2015. The fire, which destroyed the historic Lisegården Hotel & Kursuscenter, is suspected to have been caused by sky lanterns (rispapirlamper) released during a birthday party. A local resident has been charged with violating emergency preparedness legislation due to negligence with fire. The report includes links to news articles about the incident.

"Løst og facts" - Contrails

An article titled "Løst og facts" by Ole Henningsen discusses unusual contrails from aircraft. A specific example features a photo by Tina Tolstrup Rosell from Nakskov, taken on August 1, 2015, showing a striking contrail. The article explains that such formations, while appearing unusual, are often due to perspective effects and have natural explanations. It provides links to other SUFOI-Mail articles discussing contrails.

Interview with Astronaut Andreas Mogensen

"Vor danske astronaut Andreas Mogensen - hvad med ufoer?" (Our Danish Astronaut Andreas Mogensen - What about UFOs?) details a presentation by astronaut Andreas Mogensen on September 2, 2015, at the Statens Naturhistoriske Museum. During the Q&A session, Mogensen was asked about his views on UFOs. He stated that he personally does not believe intelligent beings have visited Earth, finding the concept of them traveling across galaxies to visit Earth somewhat illogical. He also noted that there is no official stance on UFOs within the astronaut community.

"Et spørgsmål om hypnose" (A Question About Hypnosis)

This section addresses a query received by SUFOI from a woman seeking a hypnotist to help her recall a childhood UFO experience from the 1980s. The author, Toke Haunstrup, explains that SUFOI receives many questions via its website, often seeking analysis of sightings or commentary on internet stories. While SUFOI could not assist with the hypnosis request or recommend a hypnotist, it confirms that local SUFOI groups, which previously existed in cities like Aalborg, Aarhus, and Copenhagen, are no longer active.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the critical analysis of UFO sightings, with a strong emphasis on photographic evidence. SUFOI's Photo Department consistently attributes many reported UFOs to mundane explanations, primarily hot air balloons. The magazine also touches upon related topics like the potential dangers of sky lanterns and the official stance of astronauts on UFOs, suggesting a skeptical yet investigative approach to the subject matter. The editorial stance appears to be one of rational explanation and debunking of misidentified phenomena, while still acknowledging the public's interest in the unexplained.

Title: UFO-Mail
Issue: 134
Date: Not specified
Publisher: SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information)
Country: Denmark
Language: Danish

Main Article: Old Memories Recalled Through Hypnosis

The primary focus of this issue is the use of hypnosis, specifically regression hypnosis, to recall past experiences, particularly those related to UFO sightings and alleged alien abductions. The article begins by explaining that the question posed seems to relate to the common belief within the UFO community that memories of past events can be 'hidden' deep within the subconscious and retrieved through hypnosis.

Regression hypnosis involves bringing an observer into a hypnotic state and asking them a series of questions about a past experience. This technique has been used in many UFO cases, especially in the USA, in connection with so-called 'abduction cases' where witnesses describe being abducted by aliens.

The Betty and Barney Hill Case

The most well-known of all abduction cases is the Betty and Barney Hill case from 1961. This couple had a strange experience of a light during a night drive in New Hampshire, USA. Initially, they remembered nothing about an abduction, but in the period that followed, they experienced nightmares. This led them to seek help from a psychiatrist, who used regression hypnosis. Under hypnosis, they recounted being taken aboard a spaceship and subjected to medical examinations, similar to what might be expected in a medical procedure.

This account, as interpreted by many UFO enthusiasts, suggested that the couple had been abducted by aliens who subsequently 'blocked' their memories of the event, and that hypnosis was used to retrieve this suppressed memory.

The article notes that the book 'Aliens' by Kim Møller Hansen (unfortunately sold out but available as an e-book) and an article titled 'En nat i New Hampshire - for 50 år siden' in UFO-Mail nr. 134 provide further details on the Hill case.

Skepticism Towards Hypnosis for Memory Retrieval

However, the article expresses significant skepticism about the use of regression hypnosis for recalling 'repressed' or forgotten memories. Kim Møller Hansen, chairman of SUFOI, is quoted from an article in UFO-Mail nr. 29, stating that hypnosis is fundamentally about suggestibility, relaxation, and receptiveness. He points out that facts and fiction can easily blend together under hypnosis, similar to dreams and hallucinatory states. Many memories that surface during hypnosis may not be genuine or consistent with reality. Memories of a traumatic or highly emotional nature, especially those involving anxiety, are often mixed and confused.

The hypnosis therapist, through their questioning technique, can influence the hypnotized person to say what the therapist wants to hear.

Warning Against Hypnosis

Based on these concerns, SUFOI strongly advises against the use of regression hypnosis, warning that it can, in the worst-case scenario, produce false memories. These false memories can be perceived as real by the observer and have a significant impact on their life. In response to a query from a woman from eastern Jutland, SUFOI recommended that she not use hypnosis, stating that experience shows hypnosis does not actually help in remembering old experiences better. Instead, there is a significant risk that hypnosis may add new, fabricated memories that have no basis in reality.

The article further explains that research on memory suggests there are no 'hidden memories.' Either one remembers an experience or one does not. While cues like a childhood photo might help recall a specific event, this is not retrieving a 'hidden memory' but rather bringing to mind something that hadn't been consciously recalled before.

Therefore, the article concludes that there is little that can be done to help the person recall more of their experience from the 1980s and advises them to rely on what they can remember. If the experience was shared with others, contacting them might help supplement their memory.

The response from Toke Haunstrup of SUFOI is polite and apologetic for not being able to assist further in memory retrieval, but hopes the commentary is helpful.

An observer responded positively to SUFOI's advice, stating that the explanation made good sense and was something they hadn't heard or considered before.

SUFOI's Book and Membership

The magazine also promotes SUFOI's new publication, "Project Saucer - Da ufomyten blev skabt" (Project Saucer - When the UFO Myth Was Created). The book, authored by the chairman of Skandinavisk UFO Information, documents how the UFO myth originated in the USA around 1947, influenced by contemporary fears, media, fiction, and the Cold War. It highlights key periods like 1947, 1965, and the Vietnam War. The book explains the mechanisms behind belief in the UFO myth, drawing from official reports and documents. It is described as an entertaining and exciting read with a touch of humor, available in A4 format with 108 illustrated pages in color for 159 DKK. Any surplus goes to the operation of ufo.dk.

SUFOI also encourages readers to join their "Støttekreds" (Support Circle) for 2015. For a contribution of 250 DKK or more, individuals can help SUFOI continue to operate ufo.dk and conduct investigations into UFO experiences. Members receive a free book as a choice. Payment can be made via giro or online banking.

SUFOI in the Media

The issue mentions SUFOI's presence in the media:

• Jyllands-Posten Viden: Interview with Kim Møller Hansen about the outcomes of American UFO reports.
• Nordvestnyt: Portrait of Toke Haunstrup, focusing on SUFOI's pursuit of natural explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of hypnosis as a tool for memory recall, particularly in the context of UFO experiences, and the promotion of SUFOI's work in providing information and documenting UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is clearly cautionary regarding the use of hypnosis, emphasizing the potential for creating false memories and the unreliability of such recovered information. SUFOI positions itself as a source of serious, evidence-based information on UFOs, advocating for natural explanations and documenting observations. They also actively seek public support through their book sales and membership program.