UFO Mail - No 222 - 2016

Magazine Overview

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, titled 'Nyt fra SUFOI's Fotoafdeling' (News from SUFOI's Photo Department), dated August 3, 2016, focuses on recent UFO sightings and their analysis. The magazine presents several case studies with witness accounts, photographic evidence, and the organization's conclusions.

Case Study 1: Vanløse Sighting (June 28, 2016)

An observer in Vanløse reported seeing a black, arrow-head shaped object flying horizontally south over treetops around 2:00-2:30 PM. The object made a sound like a missile. The observer was surprised that nothing happened after the object disappeared. Despite attempts to find a logical explanation, none was found.

Case Study 2: Herlev Sighting (July 9, 2016)

A reader of UFO-Mail submitted a report about a 'triangular flyer' they photographed from Herlev on July 9, 2016, at 3:17 PM. This sighting occurred after reading about the Vanløse report from June 28, 2016. The object was described as making a loud noise, similar to a large moped engine, and flew from south to north. The observer noted that Vanløse is south of Herlev, suggesting a possible connection. Two photos were provided, showing a triangular object. The magazine notes that while the dates are different, the object might have flown multiple times.

Analysis of Herlev Photos

The two photos from Herlev show a 'triangular flyer.' An enlarged view of the object is presented. The analysis suggests that the object does not immediately resemble a drone and questions if it could be the same object observed in Vanløse. The magazine also introduces the concept of 'Canard' aircraft, which have a forward-mounted horizontal stabilizer. It is suggested that the observed objects might be this type of aircraft, providing links to Wikipedia and Google Images for further information. The similarity to the photos is noted as striking.

Case Study 3: Vejers Strand Sighting (February 13, 2016)

A photographer sent photos to SUFOI's Photo Department of an object observed over the sea at Vejers Strand on February 13, 2016, around 4:21 PM. The object was visible until 4:30 PM. The photos were taken with a Sony Xperia smartphone and were not edited. The photographer had intended to capture a sunset but inadvertently included the object. The object is marked with a red arrow in one of the photos, and an enlarged inset shows it more clearly. Another inset shows the 'original' marking compared to a seagull and a small cloud formation, concluding that it is likely the same cloud formation.

SUFOI's Commentary and Conclusion on Vejers Strand

SUFOI's Photo Department received the photos in April but the investigation was delayed. The images were posted on a Facebook debate forum in June to seek explanations. The marking bears a resemblance to small cloud formations but appears more distinct and 'pixelated' against the sunlight. The analysis concludes that it is the same cloud formation seen in other photos from the same photographer. The department notes that the object's appearance is somewhat similar to other formations but is more pronounced.

Case Study 4: Horslunde Sighting (June 6, 2016)

An observer from Nordlolland reported seeing a very yellow light in the night sky around 11:50 PM to 00:30 AM on June 6, 2016. The observer, who has lived in the area since 1987, had never seen such a light before. They took 11 photos, with 8 from ground level and 3 from the first floor. The photos were taken with an iPhone 5 through a window. Using the phone's compass, the observer determined the direction to be 190° south. The light remained stationary. The observer later noticed that the light had different shapes in the photos and some had a bluish tint. They hoped for an explanation and mentioned their collaboration with the Tycho Brahe Planetarium, which referred them to SUFOI's Photo Department.

Explanation of Horslunde Sighting

Following the investigation, it was determined that the light observed in Horslunde was the planet Mars. The planetarium program 'Starry Night' confirmed that Mars was visible in the southern sky at midnight during that period. The bright planet Jupiter was also visible in the western sky. The photographer expressed satisfaction with the explanation, noting the surprising ability to photograph Mars with a mobile phone. However, the Photo Department cautioned that photographing through window glass significantly reduces image quality.

Case Study 5: København S Sighting (June 24, 2016)

An observer reported seeing a light during an evening walk near Christmas Møllers Plads in Amager on June 24, 2016. They quickly took out their phone to film it but only captured a few seconds. The observer was unsure what it was and sent the footage to SUFOI for assessment. The footage, when zoomed in, shows a small light against the dark sky. The observer mentioned that they were walking their dog at the time.

SUFOI's Commentary and Conclusion on København S

SUFOI's Photo Department reviewed the video sequences. Despite adjustments to brightness and contrast, no distinct markings were visible. The dark areas between the flashes were also examined without finding any unusual features, attributing this to the quality of mobile phone footage in low light. The report mentions that the Facebook debate forum was used to discuss the case. One participant suggested that the observer might not have filmed through a window, but this was dismissed as the observer later clarified they did not film through a window. A festival was taking place nearby, and the use of drones with cameras was mentioned. Another participant, who owns a drone, noted that the blinking light on a drone changes depending on its tilt. Based on the additional information and the debate, SUFOI concluded with high probability that the object was a drone with a blinking light. The video sequences can be viewed via a provided link.

Case Study 6: Hornbæk Sighting (May 31, 2016)

An observer in Hornbæk reported seeing a white, luminous circle flying at a relatively low altitude on May 31, 2016. Initially thinking it was a satellite, the observer realized it was flying too low. The object was described as a completely white, luminous sphere. No engine sound was heard, despite the object's speed. The observer noted that it did not fly slowly like a plane preparing to land and seemed to 'hop' up and down occasionally, though this might have been a visual illusion. The observer rushed to get their mobile phone to take a photo but, without reading glasses, was unsure if the photo was successful. They then switched to video mode and filmed the object as it flew towards Sweden. The entire event lasted 2-3 minutes. The observer could not confirm if anyone else saw the object or if it was a drone, questioning whether drones would make a sound at an altitude of 500 meters. Notably, nothing was visible in the photograph or video, and no sound was captured, suggesting the light was too distant.

SUFOI's Commentary and Conclusion on Hornbæk

The two video sequences received were too dark to reveal any markings, even after significant adjustments. The enhanced photo shows the observed light as a faint streak against the dark sky. The light moved from the center of the image towards the south-southwest, then upwards and out of the frame to the left, towards the south-southeast. The commentary notes that the object was too distant to be captured effectively by the camera.

Case Study 7: Køge Sighting (July 24, 2016)

On the night of Saturday, July 24, 2016, at 1:33 AM, an observer in Køge saw a fireball moving from west to east. Initially mistaken for a brightly lit airplane due to trees, the observer soon realized it was an object in the sky. It hovered for a few seconds before turning left (north) and disappearing. The object was described as quite large and moved calmly. The observer attempted to record the phenomenon with their mobile phone, but the video only showed a small dot that jumped and danced, making it difficult to match with the visual observation. The observer requested an explanation.

SUFOI's Commentary and Conclusion on Køge

SUFOI's Photo Department reviewed the data and photos. It was concluded with high probability that the observed phenomenon was the International Space Station (ISS). The ISS is known to be observable from Danish latitudes at certain times and can appear as a distinct light. The department has received similar reports in the past where the ISS was the cause of the observation. They provide a link for more information on ISS sightings. The commentary also highlights how observers describe their experiences in their own words, as seen in these cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the analysis of photographic and video evidence of alleged UFO sightings. SUFOI's Photo Department actively investigates these reports, often collaborating with external experts and institutions like the Tycho Brahe Planetarium. A significant aspect of their work involves identifying potential conventional explanations for sightings, such as aircraft (including drones and Canard-type planes) and celestial bodies like planets (Mars) and the International Space Station (ISS). The magazine emphasizes the importance of detailed witness accounts and the challenges of capturing clear evidence with mobile devices. The editorial stance appears to be one of careful investigation, seeking rational explanations while remaining open to the possibility of unexplained phenomena. The publication encourages reader participation and information sharing through its website and forums.