UFO Mail - No 233 - 2017

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 233
Date: February 14, 2017
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, published by Danmarks UFO Forening, focuses on the upcoming 'Weird Weekend Denmark 2017' event and features a photo analysis section discussing recent sightings.

Weird Weekend Denmark 2017

The main event highlighted is 'Weird Weekend Denmark 2017', a two-day event scheduled for the Pentecost weekend, June 3-4, 2017, at the August Krogh Building at the University of Copenhagen. The event aims to demonstrate that the study of mysterious phenomena and animals (forteana and cryptozoology) can be both serious and enjoyable. It will feature lectures by leading Danish and English experts on topics such as the Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, DNA analysis for tracking mysterious creatures, blood-sucking chupacabra monsters, fake UFO photographs, and Celtic mythology. The event also includes an exhibition of strange animals from the Zoological Museum's archives, a ghost walk in inner Copenhagen, and workshops on conducting field investigations. Quizzes and children's activities are planned to engage a younger audience.

Lars Thomas, a writer, biologist, and science communicator with over 25 years of experience in the field, is the originator of the event. His goal is to share his enthusiasm for cryptozoology and forteana, highlighting them as valuable subjects for both researchers and the general public.

Foredragsprogram (Lecture Program)

The program includes several lectures:

• Intro to Cryptozoology and Weird Weekend: Lars Thomas will introduce the study of mysterious animals, cryptozoology, and fortean phenomena, discussing their relevance and research potential.
• Modern and Classic Mythical Creatures: British author and cryptozoologist Jonathan Downes will present well-known mythical creatures from the past and present, distinguishing between superstition and actual unsolved cases. (Lecture in English).
• DNA & Cryptozoology: Professor Tom Gilbert from the University of Copenhagen will explain how DNA analysis is conducted and its applications in cryptozoological research. (Lecture in English).
• Could the Chupacabra Monster Exist?: British veterinarian Shoshannah McCarthy will compare the myth of the Latin American 'El Chupacabra' with known animals, addressing the possibility of such a creature's existence. (Lecture in English).
• Superstition, UFOs, and Strange Beings: Michael Rothstein, a lecturer at SDU and Ph.D. in religious history, will explore the psychology and sociology behind humans' belief in the inexplicable.
• The Mysterious Denmark: Lars Thomas will guide attendees through mysterious places and creatures from Danish and Nordic folklore, such as the sea monk and the kraken, based on his books.
• 800 Danish UFO Photos...: Photography and UFO expert Ole Henningsen will discuss how observers' recordings of mysterious aerial phenomena are investigated.
• Celtic Mythology and Irish Mythical Creatures: Irish author Ronan Coghlan will recount his homeland's mythology and its many mythical creatures. (Lecture in English).
• The Secret of the Giant Squid: Ph.D. Inger Winkelmann will present her research using DNA to investigate some of the most mysterious deep-sea creatures.

Registration for Weird Weekend Denmark 2017 is available via a provided link.

Photo Analysis: "Nyt fra SUFOI's Fotoafdeling" (News from SUFOI's Photo Department)

This section presents and analyzes recent photographic evidence of unexplained phenomena.

Case 1: Hornbæk, May 2, 2016

A photographer from Hornbæk, Nordsjælland, submitted a photo taken on May 2, 2016, at 23:23. The photographer was attempting to capture a meteor or other celestial event. This image was one of ten taken of the same sky area, but the unusual light formation only appeared in this single frame. The photographer discovered the anomaly when reviewing the images later, noting that the Big Dipper constellation was visible at the bottom of the picture. The exposure time for all shots was 15 seconds, and the peculiar marking was not present in the preceding or subsequent images. The case has been discussed within SUFOI's Photo Department, on Facebook, and on Astro-forum's Meteorsektion. Despite various explanations, no definitive conclusion has been reached.

Case 2: Snedsted, December 14, 2016

A photographer from Snedsted reported observing a green celestial object after photographing what they believed to be the planet Uranus. The object was visible in the southern-southwestern direction at approximately 45 degrees above the horizon. While the planet remained visible as a bright star, the object itself was not discernible with the naked eye. The photographer submitted their series of images, seeking a natural explanation.

Analysis and Conclusion:

SUFOI's Photo Department analyzed the images, including a comparison with the planetarium program Stellarium. The analysis revealed that the bright object observed was the planet Venus. The green marking in the photograph was determined to be a reflection within the camera's lens, likely due to the camera's automatic exposure settings (5-second exposure time) and movement. The analysis confirmed that the photographed object was indeed Venus, providing a natural explanation for the phenomenon.

Case 3: Køge, January 19, 2017

An observer driving between Køge and Odense reported seeing a light that resembled an airplane "decorated with Christmas lights." The observer was unsure if there were two lights at one point. Flightradar24 and Google Skymap provided no explanation. The light was stationary, and the observer, while not believing it to be a UFO, was curious about its nature. The observer took two photos with a mobile phone: the first, appearing as a sickle, was taken between Køge and Ringsted; the second, resembling a 'V', was taken on the Great Belt Bridge. The images were taken with an automatic exposure time of 1/7 second, resulting in a streaky appearance due to the car's movement. A close-up of the V-formation is provided. SUFOI's Photo Department has processed the image to clarify the appearance of the light.

Analysis and Conclusion:

SUFOI's Photo Department's analysis, including a comparison with Stellarium, strongly suggests that the observed light was the planet Venus. The V-shape was caused by the camera's movement during the long exposure time. The green hue in some images was also attributed to lens reflection.

Astronomy Section

Planet Visibility in February

According to Tycho Brahe Planetarium's website, February's night sky is rich with planets. Venus is the brightest and has been visible for a long time, while Jupiter is high in the sky. February, being the last month of winter, offers optimal conditions for observing the night sky due to lower atmospheric moisture, allowing for clearer views of stars.

Orion - The Most Famous Winter Constellation

The winter constellations are prominent. Orion can be seen in the southeast after sunset, easily identified by its three belt stars. Below the belt lies Orion's sword, which appears as three stars in a line. The middle star of the sword is not a star but the Orion Nebula, a vast cloud of gas and dust, approximately 1350 light-years away, and a nursery for new stars.

Spot Venus and Mars After Sunset

Venus is the brightest object in the night sky, apart from the Moon. In February, Venus reaches its maximum brightness due to its position relative to the Sun and Earth. It can be seen for about three hours after sunset in the constellation Pisces. Mars is located slightly above and to the left of Venus in Pisces, appearing dimmer with a reddish hue.

Jupiter is High

At the beginning of February, Jupiter rises shortly before midnight in the southeast and rises progressively earlier throughout the month. It is located in the constellation Virgo and is the brightest object in that region, appearing relatively high in the sky during the night.

Saturn Can Be Seen in the Morning Hours

Saturn is visible in the constellation Ophiuchus and rises late at night, becoming visible before sunrise in the southeast. Unfortunately, Saturn does not rise very high above the horizon.

The Tycho Brahe Planetarium website is recommended for information on upcoming planetarium shows, exhibitions, lectures, and cinematic journeys.

Skyfrit Skandinavien by night

A stunning midnight photo of southern Scandinavia taken on April 3, 2015, from the International Space Station. The lights of cities are clearly visible, and snow is prominent in the Norwegian mountains. A green band of aurora borealis is visible far to the north at an altitude of over 100 km. The original image is available from NASA.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information continues its focus on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings and cryptozoology, as evidenced by the promotion of the 'Weird Weekend' event. The magazine also dedicates significant space to astronomical observations and explanations, often providing natural explanations for alleged sightings, as seen in the photo analysis section. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the investigation of mysteries while also grounding discussions in scientific evidence and astronomical knowledge.