UFO Mail - No 239 - 2017

Magazine Overview

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, specifically the "Nyt fra SUFOI's Fotoafdeling" (News from SUFOI's Photo Department) section, dated June 16, 2017, presents several cases investigated and resolved by the SUFOI Photo Department. The content focuses on analyzing photographic and video evidence of alleged UFO sightings, with explanations ranging from drones and celestial bodies to balloons and the International Space Station.

Case 1: Pulsating Light near Emdrup Station (March 22, 2017)

An observer reported seeing a light at 04:52 near Emdrup station that was not a star and remained stationary before becoming sharper and pulsating with a bluish light. It moved towards Bispebjerg hospital, stopped, pulsed again, then moved back to its origin and stopped. It then pulsed again and disappeared. The observer noted no sound. A 3.50-minute video was available. A colleague also saw it, describing green and red lights underneath and a pulsating sharp bluish-white color, but could not discern the shape due to the bright light. The SUFOI Photo Department concluded that the light was an illuminated drone used for finding leaks and heat loss in district heating pipes, as the area had been surveyed by drones in January as a pilot project. The observer, familiar with drones, found the explanation plausible, though noted the lack of engine sound. The colleague's description of green and red lights also fit the drone's operational lights.

Case 2: Light in Nexø (April 19, 2017)

An observer reported seeing a light brighter than the stars in the southeast sky around 22:15. It was described as slightly greenish with a glow, and no pulsing or sound was detected. Clouds later enhanced the glow. The original photo and a brightened version were presented. A Stellarium printout for the date and time showed the planet Jupiter and the star Spica in the same relative positions as seen in the photo. The Photo Department concluded that there was no doubt that the observed light was the planet Jupiter and the star Spica, which had mystified the observer.

Case 3: Elongated Object near Aabenraa (May 22, 2017)

An observer reported seeing an elongated object moving slowly west while driving from Aabenraa towards Rødekro around 06:35. The object became smaller and eventually disappeared on the horizon, moving southwest. The observer noted it was initially almost north. Two photos were received, with the best showing a small light. A magnified view of the light was also provided. The Photo Department's conclusion suggested that the object's movement and appearance pointed towards a reflection of sunlight (with the sun low in the eastern sky) in an aircraft's fuselage. A subsequent check with FlightRadar24.com confirmed a flight path match for a passenger plane traveling from Aalborg to Amsterdam.

Case 4: Objects in Odense SV (May 26, 2017)

A 32-year-old observer reported two video sequences of different objects in the sky in the southwestern part of Odense around 22:15 on May 26, 2017. The observer stated the object was larger than a helicopter. The first video showed a dark object against a sunset sky, while the second showed a dark object with lights underneath against a brighter sky. The Photo Department analyzed the videos, noting that the first video showed a dark object being zoomed in on, which is difficult while driving. They speculated it could be a dark plastic bag. However, the second video provided an explanation: it showed a small light that, upon zooming, revealed a dark object with light underneath. This was identified as a small hot air balloon with burning material at the bottom for lift and illumination. The department stated that balloons can appear differently depending on distance, angle, and lighting. They concluded that the second video clearly showed a small hot air balloon, and the first video showed one that was closer and possibly landing as its lift material burned out. A link to information about small hot air balloons and regulations was provided.

Case 5: Bright Light over Lolland-Falster (May 26, 2017)

On May 26, 2017, an inquiry was posted on the SUFOI Facebook debate group about a bright, non-pulsating white light observed over Lolland-Falster around 00:20. The observer described it as slow-moving (not a satellite) and not very high up (5-10 km altitude), disappearing in a south/southeast direction after about 2 minutes. No air traffic was visible. The observer had plotted the presumed flight path on a FlightRadar24.com printout but could not find a suitable aircraft to explain the observation. The observer managed to take a single, blurry photo. The SUFOI Photo Department, seeing the post on Facebook shortly after midnight, immediately identified the object as the International Space Station (ISS), which was visible in the southern sky from Sweden to Denmark at that time. They noted it would be visible again in about half an hour. The observer responded, acknowledging it was a possibility and that they had seen the ISS before but never so brightly. The department considered this confirmation sufficient evidence. A screenshot of the observer's video of the ISS passage and a link to the video were provided.

Swift Resolution

The article highlights the satisfaction of a UFO investigator when an observer agrees with the proposed explanation. It emphasizes the speed of this resolution, noting it was the fastest in SUFOI's history, facilitated by modern communication methods like Facebook, contrasting it with slower methods of the past.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the systematic investigation and explanation of alleged UFO sightings by SUFOI's Photo Department. The editorial stance is one of rational investigation, aiming to provide plausible explanations for observed phenomena, often utilizing modern technology and databases like FlightRadar24.com. The department demonstrates a commitment to educating observers and the public by identifying objects such as drones, planets, aircraft, balloons, and the ISS, thereby demystifying sightings and promoting a scientific approach to UFOlogy. The emphasis on rapid resolution through digital communication underscores the evolving methods of investigation.