UFO Mail - No 217 - 2016

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 217
Date: June 15, 2016
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) addresses several key topics, including copyright infringement by imitation websites, recent UFO/UAP sightings and astronomical observations, and the intersection of UFO phenomena with the US political landscape.

Warning Against Imitation Websites

The leading article, "Vogt dig for efterligninger!" (Beware of Imitations!), written by Kim Møller Hansen, highlights a recurring problem where other websites and publications present themselves as being affiliated with SUFOI or use content from SUFOI's website (www.ufo.dk) and its publication UFO-Nyt without permission. SUFOI emphasizes that they are the sole entity behind www.ufo.dk and www.sufoi.dk. The article describes instances of content theft, including the repurposing of SUFOI's free e-books for commercial gain and the direct copying of articles from UFO-Nyt. The issue also touches upon domain name squatting, where individuals register domain names similar to SUFOI's brand to attract visitors. SUFOI states its policy is to first contact the infringing parties to request removal of the content and, if unsuccessful, to pursue legal action. They stress that their motivation is not financial gain, as the organization is run by unpaid volunteers, but rather a principle against theft and a desire to protect the brand and reputation built since 1957 through publications like UFO-Nyt and UFO-Vision, and their website.

Photo Department Reports

The "Nyt fra SUFOI's Fotoafdeling" (News from SUFOI's Photo Department) section, compiled by Ole Henningsen, presents several observational reports:

Odense SV Sighting (January 17, 2016)

An observer in Dalum, Odense SV, reported seeing stationary "strikes" in the sky that remained visible for over five minutes. Unlike aircraft, these objects appeared to be motionless. The observer contacted the Planetarium, who referred them to SUFOI. SUFOI's analysis concluded that the photos showed a contrail from a plane flying towards the observer at an altitude of approximately 11 kilometers, illuminated by the setting sun. The object was likely a Ryan Air flight en route from Brussels to Stockholm.

Vordingborg Sighting (January 9, 2016)

An observer near Vordingborg reported seeing a strange, bright object in the night sky around 11 PM. The object was brighter and slightly larger than other stars and appeared to blink unusually. The observer filmed the object with their mobile phone. Subsequent analysis, including the use of the Starry Night program, indicated that the object was likely the planet Jupiter. The report explains that planets, like stars, can appear to 'blink' due to atmospheric conditions and their position in the sky.

Indonesian Photo (April 2016)

A traveler in Indonesia sent a photo taken near a beach in West Java, which they found peculiar. The photo was taken with an iPhone 5S. SUFOI concluded that the image showed a reflection in the camera lens caused by the bright light of the sun. Diagonal lines on the photo indicated the sun's position, explaining the blue artifact.

Karup Sighting (May 27, 2016)

An observer near Karup submitted a short video sequence of a bright, luminous object (green/blue) observed in the sky around 00:35 - 00:40 AM. The object maintained a steady course, altitude, and speed, moving from southwest to southeast. The observer, a former member of the Air Force, noted the absence of engine noise and described a faint humming or rushing sound, concluding it was not an aircraft. SUFOI's analysis, using data from Heavens Above, identified the object as the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS was visible in the southern sky at the exact time and location of the observation, moving across the sky at an altitude of approximately 37 degrees and a distance of 651 km.

Mars Research and Honors

An article titled "Jens Martin Knudsen på Mars-kortet" (Jens Martin Knudsen on the Mars Map) reports that the legendary Danish Mars researcher Jens Martin Knudsen has been honored by NASA. An area on the planet Mars has been named "Knudsen Ridge" in his honor. Lector Morten Bo Madsen from the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen, who has worked with Knudsen since the mid-1990s, stated that the naming is in recognition of Knudsen's contributions to Danish Mars research and is part of NASA's celebration of the 12th anniversary of the Mars Exploration Rover, Opportunity.

UFOs and the US Election Campaign

An item titled "DR om UFO'er i den amerikanske valgkamp og ny bogudgivelse" (DR on UFOs in the American Election Campaign and New Book Release) discusses the topic of UFOs in the context of the US presidential election. It references a segment from DR P1's "P1 Eftermiddag" broadcast on May 11, 2016. The report highlights Hillary Clinton's statements that she would not dismiss the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors and would open the US's "X-files" if elected president. The segment also touches upon the debate surrounding photo manipulation in media and features interviews with Thomas Ærvold Bjerre (Lector at American Studies, SDUI) and Tobias Selnæs Markussen (photographer).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious and research-oriented approach to UFO phenomena, emphasizing factual analysis and debunking misidentifications, such as contrails or planets. SUFOI actively works to protect its intellectual property and combat misinformation. The publication also shows an interest in how UFO topics intersect with broader cultural and political discussions, as seen in the coverage of the US election campaign and the recognition of scientific contributions like Jens Martin Knudsen's Mars research. The editorial stance is one of informed inquiry, encouraging readers to report sightings and providing resources for further study, while also maintaining a firm stance against copyright infringement and unsubstantiated claims.