UFO Mail - No 242 - 2017

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 242
Date: 1. august 2017
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information focuses on recent UFO photo analyses and a book review, presenting cases from Denmark and discussing broader UFOlogy topics.

SUFOI's Photo Department Updates

Smørum Sighting (July 3, 2016)

Ole Henningsen reports on a sighting near the Frederikssund motorway in Smørum on July 3, 2016. While driving, he observed a UFO and took two photos, which he later sent to SUFOI's Photo Department. The description accompanying the photos noted the object's appearance against the night sky. An enlarged section of one of the photos is presented, showing a dark marking against a bright night sky. The bright spots in the sky are identified as reflections on the car's windshield from which the photo was taken. SUFOI's conclusion is that the object was a small, dark cloud that was very distinct against the bright summer sky.

Luminous Noctilucent Clouds (July 16-17, 2017)

Mikael Stryger from Sakskøbing captured a time-lapse video of luminous noctilucent clouds between July 16 and 17, 2017. The small clouds appeared dark and distinct against the bright summer sky. The article states that this phenomenon is the same as observed in the Smørum photos.

Fårvang Sighting (May 27, 2017)

An observer from Fårvang submitted a photo and description of an experience on May 27, 2017. While taking long-exposure photos of the night sky, the observer and their partner noticed a very strong, slowly moving, luminous object. They managed to take a photo of the object and watched it disappear behind trees for about 1-2 minutes. Afterward, they observed another strong, slowly moving white light that moved from south to north, gradually losing brightness until it vanished. Both lights were described as being as powerful as large shooting stars. The photo, taken with a 30-second exposure, shows the bright white light as a luminous streak. The camera was pointed south, and the light moved from west to east.

SUFOI's Conclusion on Fårvang Sighting:

Based on the observation report and the submitted photo, SUFOI concludes that the phenomenon was likely the International Space Station (ISS). The report and photo were received about 1.5 months after the observation, which made it difficult to verify specific satellite passes, including the ISS, whose orbit changes. SUFOI notes that there are many possibilities, making it impossible to pinpoint a specific satellite as the explanation with certainty. The photographer expressed gratitude for the quick response and resolution of their mystery.

How to See the ISS:

Information is provided on how to observe the ISS using the website Heavens Above. Users can create an account, select a language, and log in. It is important to mark one's geographical location for accurate predictions. Links are provided for more information on Iridium satellites and the ISS, as well as an Android app for Heavens-Above.

Aarhus C Sighting (June 28, 2017)

An observer from Aarhus C reported an event on June 28, 2017. While on their balcony, they observed a single, reddish, luminous 'star' in the southwest, about 15 degrees above a distant rooftop. Initially, it was just another light, but it suddenly turned bluish, which was considered mysterious, possibly a drone or other man-made phenomenon. The object then descended very rapidly towards the ground, hovered about 10 degrees to the north, and moved southwest until it was out of sight. The speed of this maneuver was described as exceeding that of fast drones, with the fall taking perhaps 2-3 seconds over a distance that seemed like hundreds of meters or possibly kilometers. The observer took photos and videos with an older HTC phone at night, acknowledging the quality might not be superb, and also made a daylight sketch of the event. They hoped for an expert opinion on what the object might have been.

SUFOI's Conclusion on Aarhus C Sighting:

Based on the review of the report and the received recordings, SUFOI suggests that the observation was likely caused by a light-emitting drone of some kind.

Book Review: UFOs to Day - 70 Years of Lies, Misinformations and Government Cover-Up

Author: Irena McCammon Scott
Editor: Philip Mantle
Publisher: Flying Disk Press, 2017
Pages: 280
Price: £15.00 (online)

This review, written by Flemming O. Rasmussen, analyzes the book "UFOs to Day," which offers a look at 70 years of UFO research from the perspective of a conspiracy theorist. The book's subtitle, "70 Years of Lies, Misinformation and Cover-Up," sets the tone. The reviewer notes that the book doesn't present new information but rather reinforces the author's belief in alien visitations.

The book chronologically reviews major UFO incidents, primarily from the US, starting with the Roswell crash (June 14, 1947) and Kenneth Arnold's sighting (June 24, 1947). The reviewer finds the evidence presented by the author to be thin and easily dismissed with logical thinking, despite the author's claims of finding "smoking guns."

The book posits that governments have engaged in extensive cover-ups, hiding the truth about alien visitors. It suggests that the US military is storing alien spacecraft wreckage and alien bodies from Roswell in secret locations like Hangar 18 and Area 51. The reviewer points out that the author relies on hearsay and information passed through multiple sources. The book also touches upon theories involving Nazi experiments and Soviet involvement, suggesting that alien beings could be a result of Josef Mengele's genetic manipulation work, possibly sent by Joseph Stalin to create panic in the US.

Other classic UFO cases are revisited, including the Kelly Hopkinsville incident, Pascagoula, Captain Coyne's case, and several "car stop" incidents, which the author interprets as aliens acknowledging humanity's progress into space after Sputnik 1 and 2.

UFO abductions are also discussed, with cases like Antonio Villa Boas (Brazil, 1957), Betty and Barney Hill (1966, noted as a hoax by the reviewer), and the Cash-Landrum case (first described 30-40 years later). Budd Hopkins is mentioned as a contributor to abduction case information.

The reviewer also notes the book's discussion of the Silver Bridge collapse (December 15, 1967) and crop circles, which the author attributes to aliens rather than pranksters.

Ultimately, the reviewer concludes that the book is too extensive to cover fully and that much of its content is far-fetched. He advises readers seeking current UFOlogy information to invest in books like Kim Møller Hansen's "Fakta & Myter" or to consult SUFOI's website for resources like "UFO-Mail nr. 241" and their e-books.

Author's Background:

Irena McCammon Scott holds a Ph.D. in physiology and has an academic and research background, including work with the Defense Intelligent Agency (DIA) and Aerospace Center on satellite photography. She was also involved with MUFON and founded the Mid Ohio Research Association (MORA).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, photo and video analysis, and the investigation of these phenomena by organizations like SUFOI and Danmarks UFO Forening. There is a clear interest in debunking or explaining sightings, often attributing them to known phenomena like satellites (ISS), drones, or atmospheric conditions (noctilucent clouds). However, the magazine also engages with the broader UFOlogy discourse, including theories of government cover-ups and alien visitations, as evidenced by the detailed book review of "UFOs to Day." The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting evidence and conclusions while also acknowledging the existence of conspiracy theories and unexplained phenomena within the UFO field. The inclusion of resources like Heavens Above for satellite tracking suggests a practical approach to investigating sightings.