UFO Mail - No 206 - 2015

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 206
Date: 3. november 2015
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into a variety of topics, including a review of the documentary 'Ghost Rockets,' news about space exploration and upcoming spacecraft, and analyses of reported UFO sightings. It also addresses regulatory changes concerning sky lanterns.

'Ghost Rockets' Documentary Review

The magazine features a review of the Swedish documentary 'Ghost Rockets,' which chronicles the efforts of a group of older Swedish UFO enthusiasts attempting to unravel the mystery of the 'ghost rockets.' The film is described as both humorous and touching, highlighting the group's collective dream to answer the significant questions surrounding these enigmatic phenomena. The documentary also touches upon life on Earth and the shared exploration of existential mysteries. The review notes the enthusiasm of new, younger members joining the association and emphasizes the importance of camaraderie in pursuing such complex projects.

• Screenings: The film 'Ghost Rockets' was shown at CPH:DOX festival with several screenings listed:
• Tor. 05/11 at 21:45 at Nordisk Film Falkoner
• Man. 09/11 at 16:30 at Nordisk Film Palads
• Lør. 14/11 at 17:00 at Empire Bio
• Ons. 18/11 at 19:30 at DOX:ON TOUR Ejbybunkeren

Information on the CPH:DOX program can be found at: http://cphdox.dk/program/film/?id=3071.

Space Exploration and Boeing's CST-100 Starliner

The issue includes a report on the visit of former NASA astronaut Chris Ferguson to Denmark. Ferguson, now working for Boeing, presented the company's CST-100 Starliner spacecraft program. This new capsule is slated to transport astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) starting in 2017, aiming to fill the gap left by the retirement of the US space shuttle program in 2011. Since then, Russia's Soyuz capsules have been the sole means of transport for astronauts to the ISS.

Chris Ferguson, who captained the final space shuttle mission (STS-135 Atlantis), highlighted that both SpaceX and Boeing have been tasked by NASA to develop new spacecraft. While SpaceX is developing the Crew Dragon, Boeing's Starliner will launch on an Atlas V rocket from United Launch Alliance. The initial mission in 2017 will be uncrewed, testing the docking capabilities, followed by a crewed mission later that year. The Starliner is designed for human operation, featuring a digital instrument panel similar to modern fighter jets, and will allow for additional astronauts per mission. The ISS is expected to accommodate a crew of seven astronauts, enabling more scientific experiments. The capsules are designed for reusability, with a target of at least 10 uses, and may eventually be used for space tourism.

Ferguson also shared anecdotes from his spaceflights, including the humorous observation of duct tape being a crucial tool on spacecraft. He briefly mentioned his former colleague Edgar D. Mitchell, the Apollo-14 astronaut who walked on the Moon, describing him as a remarkable man, but did not elaborate on Mitchell's statements regarding Area 51 and Roswell.

• Further information on Chris Ferguson and the new spacecraft projects can be found at:
• https://ida.dk/event/316228
• http://www.jsc.nasa.gov/Bios/htmlbios/ferguson.html
• http://www.universetoday.com/121271/nasa-names-four-astronauts-for-first-boeing-spacex-u-s-commercial-spaceflights/
• http://videnskab.dk/teknologi/nye-rumkapsler-skal-gore-bemandet-rumfart-sikrere-og-billigere?utm_source=vores_nyhedsbrev&utm_campaign=2bb8c8c326-2015102110_21_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d2f5c83eb4-2bb8c8c326-207967049

Analysis of UFO Sightings

The 'Nyt fra SUFOI's Fotoafdeling' (News from SUFOI's Photo Department) section presents two cases:

1. Ishøj Sighting (April 21, 2015): A photograph taken in Ishøj showed a small, dark object. Upon detailed examination and enlargement, the object was identified as likely an insect flying very close to the camera lens, with features resembling 'wings.' The photographer expressed satisfaction with the analysis and response.

2. Herlev Sighting (July 16, 2015): A short video filmed in Herlev captured four small 'streaks.' When played in slow motion, these appeared to be UFOs. The analysis suggested that these were likely misidentifications. The report states that upon slow-motion playback, the streaks appeared as a UFO, and the video also showed another UFO closer to the observer, along with 7-10 other distant UFOs flying at high speeds. However, SUFOI's conclusion, after reviewing video footage with editing software, was that these phenomena were primarily insects close to the camera, or in other instances, birds. The report also references a similar past case.

The photographer in the Herlev case agreed with the conclusion but added that there might have been 'scarab beetles' involved. They expressed gratitude for the help and praised the SUFOI website.

Ban on Sky Lanterns

The article 'Løst og facts' (Loose and Facts) reports on a new regulation in Denmark prohibiting the release of small hot air balloons, commonly known as sky lanterns or 'rispapirlamper,' without a permit. The Danish Emergency Preparedness Information Service (beredskabsinfo.dk) highlighted the significant fire risk associated with these lanterns. The Danish Transport and Construction Agency has classified them as unmanned free balloons. Releasing them is now a violation of aviation law, punishable by fines or imprisonment up to four months. The article cites Per Schmock, an office manager at the agency, who stated that permits are unlikely to be granted due to safety concerns for air traffic, people, and property on the ground.

• References for the sky lantern ban:
• http://www.beredskabsinfo.dk/indland/forbud-mod-opsendelse-af-skylanterner-uden-tilladelse/
• http://newsbreak.dk/nu-er-det-slut-med-at-sende-rispapirlamper-til-vejrs/

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena ('ghost rockets'), advancements in space technology and human spaceflight, and the critical analysis of UFO sighting reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation, scientific analysis, and clear communication, distinguishing between genuine mysteries and misidentifications. There is also an emphasis on public safety and regulatory compliance, as seen in the article on sky lanterns. The magazine promotes an active engagement with the UFO community through its website and publications.