UFO Mail - No 232 - 2017

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 232
Date: January 24, 2017
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, dated January 24, 2017, focuses on the analysis of photographic and video evidence of alleged UFO sightings and other atmospheric phenomena by SUFOI's Photo Department. The magazine presents detailed investigations into several cases, often concluding with natural explanations.

Article 1: Nyt fra SUFOI's Fotoafdeling (News from SUFOI's Photo Department)

This section covers several distinct cases analyzed by SUFOI's Photo Department.

List Havn, Sylt, November 28, 2016 A webcam at the ferry terminal in List Havn, Sylt, captured a dark marking on November 28, 2016. This image attracted the attention of a local journalist. However, SUFOI explains that this is not a mysterious phenomenon but an effect caused by the strong sunlight overexposing the webcam's chip, creating a dark artifact in the recording. SUFOI notes that they have received similar recordings for analysis on multiple occasions and that the phenomenon has been discussed in previous UFO-Mail issues.

Thy, December 14, 2016 An observer in Thy photographed a series of images with an iPhone 6, showing two contrails strongly illuminated by the setting sun. In the middle of the image, a dark marking resembling rocket exhaust was visible, capturing the observer's attention. SUFOI's analysis, based on the EXIF data of the photos, suggests the marking appeared within a 5-6 second timeframe. By combining the first and last photos of the series, SUFOI observed a correlation of the dark marking, suggesting a stationary phenomenon at a considerable distance. The report dismisses the possibility of a rocket launch due to the lack of observed rapid upward movement and the absence of any reports from organizations like Dansk Space Organisation. Instead, SUFOI proposes that the marking is a shadow cast by a contrail onto a thin layer of haze. This is described as a rare phenomenon.

Odense SØ, December 14, 2016 A photographer in Odense SØ sent in a photo taken while photographing the moon, which showed a dark spot in the upper quarter of the moon. The photographer had taken three pictures, and the spot was only visible in one. SUFOI's Photo Department requested a daylight photo from the same location for control. The analysis revealed that the dark spot was likely a small branch in front of the moon. The strong light from the moon had 'burned through' the original night exposure, making the branch invisible. The report concludes that a small branch, likely bearing a leaf, was the cause of the observed anomaly. This case is detailed in a 28-page report to the archive.

Tåstrup, October 30, 2016 An observer reported a 'strange circle in the sky' over Taastrup, captured on an iPhone video. The video showed a round circle with a hole in the middle, and a regular airplane passing by. The quality was described as poor. The observer asked for an explanation. The video showed a small light against a dark sky. The camera automatically tried to focus on objects in the frame, resulting in a lack of sharpness. SUFOI's analysis, using planetary programs, ruled out bright planets low on the horizon. By comparing stills from the beginning and end of the 35-second video, it was determined that the light moved slightly to the left, indicating an eastward direction. The movement, though slight, ruled out astronomical origins or satellites like the ISS. The most likely explanation proposed is the landing lights of an airplane. FlightRadar24 data for SAS flight SK2686 from Bologna to Kastrup Airport on October 30, 2016, showed the aircraft changing course east of Møn towards Roskilde/Tåstrup, aligning with the observation direction. The aircraft's landing lights would have disappeared from the observer's view as it approached Kastrup Airport. The slight eastward movement observed in the video is consistent with this explanation.

Fanø, August 19, 2016 A photographer on Fanø contacted the Tycho Brahe Planetarium with an observation and photos, who then referred them to SUFOI's Photo Department. The observer described seeing a red vertical streak to the left of the moon, which resolved into a bright red light surrounded by an orange-yellow halo. The light moved slowly upwards. Subsequently, a second identical red light appeared. The observer initially considered the possibility of people in a nearby summer house playing a game, but the lack of sound and the coordinated movement of the lights made this unlikely. The observer then retrieved their camera and took several pictures. The photos showed circular lights as streaks due to hand-held camera shake, but the red central part and orange/yellow ring were discernible. One light disappeared, followed by the second. At this point, a faint sound, like a distant jet fighter or passenger plane, was heard. SUFOI's conclusion, based on the visual evidence, the observer's detailed report, and weather data, is that the lights were small hot air balloons launched from the nearby summer house area. The report notes that the house was rented out to Germans the day before the observation, who might not have been aware of the fire risk in the area. The observer expressed gratitude for the thorough investigation and confirmed their acceptance of the explanation.

Article 2: Løst og facts (Loose and Facts)

Hvid ring på himlen (White ring in the sky) This article addresses a mysterious white ring observed in the sky over Northern Jutland on September 22, 2016. TV 2 VEJRET received numerous inquiries and photos regarding the phenomenon. Initial speculations included NATO's AWACS aircraft, a tanker aircraft, or even a pilot's full moon. The article presents the explanation provided by TV 2 VEJRET, citing Søren Bjørndal from the Værnsfælles Forsvarskommando (Joint Defence Command) in Karup. The phenomenon was caused by a Danish F-16 fighter jet flying in circles over Northern Jutland during an exercise, combined with a humid air layer at approximately 10 km altitude. The F-16's condensation trail persisted due to the warm and humid air moving in from the west. The circular flight path of the F-16 created a ring-shaped condensation trail. This ring dissipated after about half an hour, but not before many observers in Northern Jutland witnessed the impressive sight. SUFOI agrees with this natural explanation and sees no reason to question it.

Lyssøjler på aftenhimlen (Light pillars in the evening sky) This section discusses light pillars observed by Timmy Joe Elzinga in Northern Ontario on January 6, 2017. Initially mistaken for the Northern Lights, the phenomenon was photographed. The article explains that light pillars are not related to the Northern Lights and are rarely seen in Denmark. Natural photographer Jesper Grønne from Silkeborg has also experienced and photographed this phenomenon. He explains that light pillars form in the same way as sun pillars, through the reflection of light on the underside of horizontally oriented ice crystal plates. Light pillars are formed by artificial light shining upwards. Jesper Grønne's photos show a sky illuminated by yellow light pollution, with light pillars formed in ice crystals. The illuminated sky is typically above the light source, and the ice crystals forming the pillars are located between the light source and the observer. The color of the light pillars can vary depending on the color of the light source. The article provides several links for further information on light pillars, including Wikipedia and news articles from The Local (Sweden and Norway), as well as a link to DMI (Danish Meteorological Institute).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the investigation and explanation of unusual aerial phenomena. SUFOI's Photo Department plays a central role, meticulously analyzing photographic and video evidence. The editorial stance consistently favors natural and scientific explanations for reported sightings, emphasizing that many phenomena initially perceived as mysterious have logical causes, such as atmospheric optics, aircraft contrails, camera artifacts, or natural light effects. The magazine encourages detailed reporting from observers and highlights the importance of rigorous analysis in distinguishing between genuine anomalies and misinterpretations of common occurrences. The publication also serves as an archive for these investigations, with detailed reports being compiled for future reference.