UFO Mail - No 243 - 2017

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: nr. 243
Date: 10. august 2017
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information delves into contemporary discussions within ufology, contrasting the approaches in North America and Europe, and exploring scientific perspectives on the search for extraterrestrial life.

En ny begyndelse for amerikansk ufologi? (A New Beginning for American Ufology?)

This article, authored by Kim Møller Hansen, examines the book "UFOs - Reframing the Debate," an anthology featuring 15 North American contributors. It highlights a divergence in ufological approaches: mainstream American ufology often interprets UFO sightings as literal descriptions of physical phenomena (like 'nuts-and-bolts' spacecraft), while European ufology tends to favor sociological, psychological, and cultural explanations. The book aims to challenge the prevailing North American perspective by shifting focus to the experiencer – their background, life before and after the experience, and its personal impact.

The article notes that many American UFO organizations, like MUFON, and speakers primarily focus on the quantity of unexplained sightings rather than the individuals who have them, potentially reducing experiencers to mere 'extras' in their narratives. The book's contributors, however, generally agree that there is an unknown element or mysterious stimulus at the core of the UFO phenomenon, but the psychosocial approach is not yet mainstream in the USA.

Greg Bishop's contribution is praised for its focus on perception and memory in relation to UFO experiences. Curt Collins addresses the damage caused by hoaxes, using the Roswell Slides controversy as an example, detailed in his article "What's Wrong with this Picture?"

From a Danish perspective, the book may not offer much new information but is expected to be more provocative in the USA. The author suggests that while die-hard believers in the US might not change their views, the critical and grounded contributors in the book can find support and in-depth research from other American researchers like Tim Printy, Robert Sheaffer, Joe Nickell, and Michael Shermer.

The article also lists related books: "Project Beta - The Story of Paul Bennewitz, National Security, and the Creation of the Modern UFO Myth" by Greg Bishop, "The Greys Have Been Framed - Exploitation in the UFO Community" by Jack Brewer, and "Silver Screen Saucers: Sorting Fact from Fantasy in Hollywood's UFO Movies" by Robbie Graham.

Er der nogen derude? (Is Anyone Out There?)

Authored by Kim Møller Hansen, this section reviews the book "Aliens - The World's Leading Scientists on the Search for Extraterrestrial Life," edited by Jim Al-Khalili. The book comprises 19 short, well-written articles by experts from various scientific fields, including astrobiology, zoology, physics, psychology, planetary science, genetics, and SETI research. These articles tackle fundamental questions about habitability, the origin of life, and methods for detecting signs of life.

The book is structured into four parts: Close Encounters, Where to look for Life Elsewhere, Life as We Know It, and Alien Hunting. One chapter specifically addresses the history of the UFO myth, focusing on five key events/topics: Kenneth Arnold's observation, the Roswell incident, Area 51, the Rendlesham Forest incident, and the abduction of Betty and Barney Hill. This historical overview is presented as concise, objective, and precise, leading the reader to the conclusion that there is still no definitive proof of extraterrestrial visitation to Earth.

The book also explores the potential appearance and behavior of alien life, contrasting science fiction portrayals with scientific speculation. Adam Rutherford's contribution notes that while science fiction often deviates from scientific understanding, the film "Contact" (1997) is cited as an exception.

Rutherford concludes that if intelligent life exists in the universe, humanity may have to wait a long time to encounter it. The book offers reasoned or mathematical answers to questions about extraterrestrial life, with the underlying message that the more we search, the more we learn about ourselves, both in science and science fiction.

"Aliens" is recommended for anyone seeking current knowledge about what natural science knows, guesses, and believes regarding the origin, evolution, and characteristics of life, both on Earth and in the broader cosmos.

Related reading suggestions include "Alene igen?" (Alone Again?), "De leder efter ET" (They are looking for ET), and "På jagt efter liv i rummet." (Hunting for life in space).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently promotes a critical and evidence-based approach to UFO phenomena. It contrasts speculative or belief-driven ufology with scientific inquiry and psychological/sociological analysis. The editorial stance appears to favor skepticism towards extraordinary claims of alien visitation, emphasizing the need for rigorous research and a focus on the human element in understanding UFO experiences. The magazine encourages readers to question and explore these topics with an open yet discerning mind.