UFO Mail - No 245 - 2017

Magazine Overview

Title: Skandinavisk UFO Information
Issue: UFO-Mail nr. 245
Date: 25. september 2017
Publisher: Danmarks UFO Forening

This issue of Skandinavisk UFO Information, dated September 25, 2017, focuses on photographic analysis and a book review. It presents several cases investigated by SUFOI's Photo Department, analyzes a book on unusual beliefs, and announces an upcoming anniversary book.

SUFOI's Photo Department Cases

Taastrup Case (October 13, 2011)

An article details a photograph taken by Ole Henningsen near Høje Taastrup station on October 13, 2011. The photographer initially wondered about a white sphere on the right side of the image. SUFOI's analysis concluded that this was not an object but a reflection or lens flare within the camera's objective, caused by the bright sunlight from the left side of the frame. The original intent of the photo was to capture a 'bisolsfænomen' (a sun halo or similar atmospheric phenomenon), but the interest shifted to the anomaly. SUFOI notes that similar photographic anomalies have been reported and discussed in previous UFO-Mail issues.

Randbøl Case (September 19, 2017)

Following the Taastrup case, SUFOI received several photographs taken on September 19, 2017, of a similar phenomenon. These photos, also taken with the same type of camera, showed a small, round, bluish marking. SUFOI's conclusion was consistent with the Taastrup case: it was a reflection in the camera's lens caused by the sun's strong light. An example is shown with a close-up of a blue marking below a flower pot, identified as being caused by the sun.

Kværndrup Case (August 5, 2017)

SUFOI's Photo Department received a short video sequence from Kværndrup showing a dark, partially cloudy sky with several bright spots that puzzled the observer. Although the observer did not specify the direction of the recording, SUFOI concluded that the lights were from the moon shining through the clouds. To illustrate this, a comparison photo taken two days later by the Photo Department shows the moon partially covered by clouds, with distinct bright lights visible.

Book Review: 'Space Oddities - Our Strange Attempts to Explain the Universe'

Karsten Bomholt reviews the book 'Space Oddities' by S.D. Tucker, published in 2017. The book, with 320 pages (280 of text), is described as not being about astronomy, space travel, UFOs, or aliens, despite these topics appearing frequently. Instead, it delves into 'crazy, absurd, and unscientific ideas' that people have held throughout history. The review highlights examples such as the Austrian astronomer Hanns Hörbinger's theory that stars are not real but are reflections of sunlight from icebergs surrounding the solar system, and Charles Fourier's idea that planets and moons are living beings held in orbit by sexual attraction. The book also touches upon conspiracy theories like the moon landing hoax and the Roswell incident. Gerald Heard's 1950 hypothesis that UFOs appeared due to the threat of atomic bombs to Martian life is also mentioned. The review notes the book's extensive endnotes and bibliography (938 notes and 117 references). A factual error is pointed out: the book claims Kepler worked with Tycho Brahe in Denmark, which is incorrect; Kepler never visited Denmark and met Brahe in Prague in 1600. Despite this 'lapsus', the book is recommended for those interested in understanding why 'tin foil hats' are prevalent in certain circles. For those interested in astronomy, the review suggests listening to astronaut Chris Hadfield's rendition of David Bowie's 'Space Oddity'.

Upcoming Publication

The issue announces SUFOI's upcoming large anniversary book, 'UFOer - Myter og viden' (UFOs - Myths and Knowledge), to be released on October 12, 2017. It will feature 204 fully illustrated pages.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on the critical examination of UFO and UAP reports, particularly those involving photographic or video evidence. The editorial stance, as demonstrated by SUFOI's conclusions, is to seek rational, scientific explanations for phenomena, often attributing them to natural events, atmospheric conditions, or photographic artifacts like lens flares. The book review section highlights a critical perspective on pseudoscientific beliefs and conspiracy theories, while still acknowledging their prevalence and the interest they generate. The publication aims to inform its readers about UFO phenomena, debunk misconceptions, and provide a platform for documented investigations.