UFO Mail - No 216 - 2016

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 216
Date: May 20, 2016
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, published by Danmarks UFO Forening, focuses on the analysis of photographic and video evidence of alleged UFO sightings. The magazine presents several cases investigated by SUFOI's Photo Department, with a recurring theme of explaining these sightings as conventional phenomena such as hot air balloons or military exercises.

Case 1: Aalborg Sighting (May 15, 2014)

The issue begins with a report from SUFOI's Photo Department regarding a sighting that occurred on May 15, 2014, near Aalborg. A listener, prompted by a radio segment about UFOs, contacted SUFOI with photos taken around 23:05-23:06 (summer time). The witness described seeing five orange-red objects flying from west to east at a steady pace, estimating their speed at 400-500 km/h and their altitude between 2000 and 4000 meters. The objects were described as flying at a lower altitude than conventional aircraft, with no sound. They appeared in groups of five, with intervals of about 1-3 minutes between them. The witness had previously sent the photos to DMI (Danish Meteorological Institute) without a response and was seeking an explanation from SUFOI.

SUFOI's analysis, supported by a magnified view of one of the photos, concluded that the objects were small hot air balloons. The report notes that the witness's perception of distance and speed was inaccurate, a common issue when observing lights in the night sky. DMI's weather data for the date and time, indicating wind from the west, supported this conclusion.

Case 2: Bagsværd Sighting (February 20, 2016)

Another case detailed is from February 20, 2016, originating from Bagsværd. The observer reported seeing an unusual orange-red, kuglelignende (sphere-like) phenomenon glide across the sky without sound at approximately 23:10-23:15. The phenomenon was observed to approach quickly, followed by similar objects. The witness managed to photograph several of these objects with a mobile phone. The report states that the objects followed the same path and that the witness had not seen anything unusual in the night sky since.

SUFOI's conclusion for this case, after examining the photographic material, was that these were also small hot air balloons. The analysis was supported by DMI's weather data. The report speculates that a recent change in official policy regarding the release of small hot air balloons might be a factor, as SUFOI had received fewer such photographic submissions in the preceding six months.

Case 3: Hemmet Sighting (March 16, 2016)

This section covers a sighting from March 16, 2016, near Hemmet. The observer reported seeing unusual orange-yellow lights over Skjern Enge, heading east towards Tarm. The witness spent over two hours trying to locate them and managed to capture poor quality video footage on a mobile phone. The objects were described as appearing higher than normal, without a discernible length, and were very bright and shiny. Upon reappearing, the objects had split into multiple, similar entities, with the witness counting seven and noting up to twelve in the photos. These objects followed a path that seemed to ascend higher and higher, and they appeared to change shape or rotate synchronously.

SUFOI's investigation involved analyzing stills from the video footage. The report highlights the difficulty in assessing distance and size in the dark, noting that the lights could have been further away than they appeared. The witness's own comments about the difficulty of judging position and the potential for visual deception in the dark are acknowledged as significant for the investigation. The conclusion, based on the appearance and movement, along with weather data, points towards a wind-borne phenomenon. The most likely explanation suggested is small helium balloons, possibly released accidentally from a net used for mass releases. The report also briefly considers the possibility of birds, but finds differences in light intensity and size less consistent with that explanation.

Case 4: Copenhagen Sighting (May 4, 2016)

Another report, dated May 4, 2016, from Copenhagen, describes an observation of what initially appeared to be an aircraft but was much higher and seemed to lack length. The object was very bright and shiny. As it disappeared behind houses, the observer, using a Nikon D600 camera with a fixed 50mm lens, prepared to photograph its reappearance. When it reappeared, it had divided into several distinct objects. The witness counted seven, but the photos revealed up to twelve. These objects followed a path ascending higher and higher, and appeared to change shape or rotate synchronously. The witness stated that they had previously observed unexplained phenomena but nothing comparable to this.

SUFOI's analysis of the 18 photos taken within a 2 minute 37 second timeframe suggests that the objects are likely small, bright lights. The report notes that some photos exhibit motion blur due to camera shake. The analysis compares the observed phenomena with images of balloon launches. While acknowledging that the data is limited due to the small size of the light points in the images, SUFOI finds a reasonable consistency with the reported direction of movement and weather data, suggesting a wind-borne phenomenon. The most plausible explanation offered is small helium balloons, possibly released from a net. The report also briefly considers birds as an alternative but finds it less likely due to potential variations in light intensity and size.

SUFOI's Photo Department Comments and Conclusion

During a visit to the Copenhagen area, SUFOI's Photo Department conducted on-site investigations, taking additional overview photos to supplement those available from Google Maps. The analysis of the received photographic material, including zoom enhancements and image processing, could not definitively identify a single, concrete explanation for all observed phenomena with 100% certainty. However, the report emphasizes that despite several sharp images, there is limited data because the light points are very small and do not contain many pixels.

Based on the photographer's own accounts, comparisons with Google Maps, and SUFOI's own photographic records, there is reasonable agreement with the reported direction of movement and weather data, particularly from DMI. This suggests a phenomenon that could be carried by the wind. The most likely explanation proposed is small, bright helium balloons launched approximately north-northwest of the observation site. These could have been accidentally released from nets used for mass launches (for festivals or advertising) and, after reaching a certain altitude, become free-flying. The shapes of these balloons can vary widely, affecting their appearance during flight.

The report notes that the small lights move among each other, as seen in SUFOI's comparative analysis of the photos. SUFOI's overall assessment is that the majority of the observer's report and photographic material closely resembles small, bright balloons against a blue sky. The possibility of birds is mentioned, but SUFOI believes that variations in light intensity and size would likely be more pronounced if the phenomena were birds.

Ultimately, SUFOI concludes that it is not possible to provide a definitive explanation with 100% certainty based on the available data. However, considering the appearance, movement, and weather data, the report is provisionally registered in the archive under the category "balloons". The magazine also directs readers to www.ufo.dk for more UFO reports and recent submissions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the rigorous analysis of photographic and video evidence by SUFOI's Photo Department. The editorial stance is one of careful investigation, seeking rational explanations for reported sightings. While acknowledging the difficulty in definitively identifying phenomena in challenging conditions (like darkness or distance), the magazine consistently leans towards conventional explanations such as hot air balloons, military exercises, or other known aerial objects. The publication encourages readers to submit their own observations and photos for investigation, promoting a scientific approach to the study of unexplained aerial phenomena.