UNB2008

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO Nieuwsbrief
Issue: Laatste editie (Final Edition)
Volume: 13
Year: 2008

This issue of the UFO Nieuwsbrief marks the end of its print run after eleven years. The publication is ceasing its physical distribution due to escalating production costs and a decline in the number of donors opting for a paper version. Future content will be published on the organization's website, www.ufonet.nl, with donors receiving an annual report.

Editorial Board and Contributors

The Stichting SUP (Studies of Unclassified Phenomena) board consists of Dorian Rooijakkers (chairman), Frits Westra (secretary), and Gino Smeulders (treasurer). Bart Meinen manages Ufonet.nl, while Jan Gort oversees the internet and telephone reporting points. Several individuals contributed to this final issue, including Terry Colvin, Paul Devereux, Marcel van Engelen, Johan Groenewold, Peter Hoeke, Bart Meinen, and Sean Topham. The layout was handled by Jan Gort and Gino Smeulders, with Frits Westra serving as the final editor.

Key Articles and Reports

Last UFO Nieuwsbrief

The editorial board expresses regret at ending the print publication after eleven years, citing high production costs and a decrease in paper subscription requests. They aim to provide timely news via their website, www.ufonet.nl, and will continue to send an annual report to donors.

201 UFO Reports Last Year

The primary objective of the UFO-Werkgroep Nederland remains the registration, archiving, and investigation of UFO reports. In the past year, 201 reports were received, making 2007 the second-highest year for reports, following the record year of 2006 with 263 reports. 2003 ranks third with 165 reports. A significant portion of the 2007 and 2006 reports were attributed to "vuurballonnen" (flying lanterns), which can be mistaken for UFOs at night due to their faint glow.

LIDAR (Part 2)

This section details two sightings involving green lights, potentially related to LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology. The first sighting, on April 10, 2006, near Bilthoven, described a faint, greenish light that appeared and disappeared. The UFO-Werkgroep Nederland commented that it could be a moving spotlight or laser directed at clouds, noting that atmospheric conditions might have made the beam itself invisible while the reflection on clouds was visible. They also mentioned that a green laser is known to be used in the vicinity of a water tower in Bilthoven. The second sighting, on November 27, 2006, near De Bilt, described a green light streak resembling a 7-meter laser beam. The RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) confirmed using a green laser for atmospheric measurements, which was active on the night of the sighting. The report suggests that these sightings might be related to LIDAR measurements used to assess air pollution and cloud height.

Exit F-117

The article notes the decommissioning of the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter by the US Air Force in April 2008. The F-117 has been a source of UFO mythology, often associated with reports of unidentified flying black triangles. Its presence over the Netherlands was rare and quickly reported by plane spotters.

Unidentified Radar Observation from a B-52

Terry Colvin, a UFO enthusiast, shares a report from a retired military pilot who commanded a B-52 bomber in 1968 or 1969. During a formation flight at high altitude (41,000-42,000 feet), an object appeared on radar without warning. It maneuvered in a coordinated manner, approaching and receding from the aircraft. The pilot described it as a "blip" that appeared suddenly, not like a typical approaching aircraft. The copilot and radar officer saw nothing unusual visually. The event lasted about ten minutes. The pilot concluded it was a UFO, stating, "Am I a believer? Most certainly."

Norway in UFO Photos

This section introduces an extensive catalog of anomalous light phenomena from Norway, compiled by Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Ole Jonny Brænne. The catalog, titled "Noorwegen in UFO-foto's – De eerste catalogus," covers reports and images from 1900 to 2005. Some cases are explained, while many remain unexplained. It includes 65 newspaper photos and 469 reports from Hessdalen, particularly from the 1980s. The catalog is available for free download.

SOBEPS Dissolved

The Belgian UFO organization SOBEPS (La Société Belge d'Etudes des Phénomènes Spatiaux) officially ceased operations on December 31, 2007. The newspaper La Meuse reported that the dissolution was due to a lack of funds and a decline in UFO sightings in Belgium. SOBEPS was founded in 1971 and gained significant traction in 1990 when it began collecting testimonies from people who reported UFO sightings between 1989 and 1991, accumulating around 5,000 accounts.

Brain Activity During Out-of-Body Experience in Focus

Researchers have observed similarities between UFO abduction experiences and out-of-body experiences (OBEs), noting that OBEs can be associated with epilepsy. Symptoms reported in UFO experiences, such as a sense of presence, intense sensory sensations, paralysis, and vivid visual hallucinations, can also occur during partial epilepsy. Neurological research, specifically a study from the University Hospital Antwerp (UZA), has identified specific brain regions involved in inducing OBEs. By stimulating a brain implant in a patient undergoing treatment for tinnitus, doctors were able to trigger OBEs lasting 15 to 21 seconds. During these episodes, the patient reported feeling as if they were outside their body. PET scans revealed significant activity in two key brain areas during these experiences. This research aims to enhance understanding of OBEs and how the brain constructs self-perception.

"UFO Journalism"

This segment discusses a complaint filed by Minister Van Middelkoop of Defense against the VPRO radio program Argos. Argos had reported that Dutch soldiers in Afghanistan had exceeded their mandate five years prior. The program presented photos allegedly showing soldiers participating in Operation Enduring Freedom without authorization. Minister Van Middelkoop disputes Argos's claims, calling it "UFO journalism" after reviewing the photos.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The UFO Nieuwsbrief, published by UFO-Werkgroep Nederland, consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. This final issue reflects a shift towards online dissemination of information due to economic pressures. Themes include the analysis of sightings using scientific methods (like LIDAR), historical accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, the dissolution of UFO organizations, and the intersection of UFO experiences with neurological research. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking explanations for sightings while acknowledging the unexplained, and also engaging with broader societal issues like media reporting on military matters.

Title: UFO-Nieuwsbrief
Issue: 2008
Date: 2008
Publisher: UFO-Werkgroep Nederland
Country: Netherlands
Language: Dutch

This issue of the UFO-Nieuwsbrief provides an overview of UFO sightings reported in the Netherlands during 2007. It highlights that 2007 was an above-average year for UFO reports, with 201 sightings logged by UFOON, placing it second only to the record year of 2006.

UFO Reports in 2007

The majority of the 201 reports in 2007 were likely attributable to sky lanterns (also known as Thai flying lanterns), which were identified as a significant cause of UFO sightings in 2006 as well. These are often described as slow-moving, (red/orange) lights or light balls, with a duration of several minutes. The apparent 'zigzagging' of an orange light, as reported by some witnesses, is explained as a potential effect of the balloon's movement around its longitudinal axis. Additionally, descriptions of rotating 'cloud-like' lights observed at night are often attributed to the reflection of powerful stage lights on clouds.

The newsletter features a selection of reports received from June to November 2007. The organization notes that due to the high volume of reports and a temporary shortage of personnel, they were unable to investigate as many cases in 2007 as in previous years.

Selected Witness Testimonies

The issue includes numerous detailed accounts from witnesses across the Netherlands:

• Lelystad and Sneek (January 4, 2005): A triangular object with three burning lights in each corner was observed for a few minutes before disappearing from view.
• Goes (May 2007): A low-flying, hovering object with a reddish-black glow, described as oval or roundish, was seen. The witness compared it to a planet but noted it appeared much closer.
• Roermond (June 1, 2007): Initially two, then three, luminous objects were seen moving in a triangular formation, eventually disappearing.
• Bergen (Noord-Holland) (June 2, 2007): Around 20 reddish-orange lights moved horizontally across the sky for about 10 minutes. They were described as having some size, not point-like, and brighter than Venus.
• Avenhorn (Noord-Holland) (June 3, 2007): An orange light point moved from west to north, appearing to be on fire and approaching.
• Gaanderen (Gelderland) (June 5, 2007): A very bright light was observed moving erratically and making strange movements, even flying under a passing airplane. The witness expressed bewilderment about its nature.
• Heerlen (June 5, 2007): A light ball, possibly a fireball with something rotating above it, was seen moving slowly and then disappearing.
• Rijen (Noord-Brabant) (June 5, 2007): A yellow to orange, fully illuminated object shaped like a half-moon flew rapidly from east to west.
• Hoogkerk (June 6, 2007): An orange object was observed moving at high speed over the village for several minutes.
• Didam (Gelderland) (June 7, 2007): A reddish-orange ball moved in a straight line from east to west, noted as being too high for conventional aircraft.
• Goor (Overijssel) (June 8, 2007): An orange light moved from west to east.
• Deventer (June 9, 2007): Similar to the previous night in Goor, an orange light moved from west to east.
• Brummen (June 9, 2007): A fireball appeared to ascend and move slowly upwards and forwards before seemingly stopping.
• Arnhem (June 10 & 11, 2007): A bright, colored light, possibly a 'ball', was observed to turn on and off, and on the second night, it moved slowly in the opposite wind direction.
• Venlo (June 12, 2007): A bright light was observed moving southeast, initially thought to be an airplane but lacking navigation lights and sound.
• Hoogeveen (June 15, 2007): A round, black object flew silently and faster than an airplane.
• Best (June 15, 2007): A large white object, shaped like an egg on its side, moved quickly and straight, without emitting light.
• Dordrecht (June 16, 2007): An object with multiple rows of lights, including red and yellow lights forming wing-like structures, flew horizontally at an estimated altitude of 200m and speed of 50 km/h.
• Sittard (June 16, 2007): A bright red/orange light moved north and then slowly continued until it disappeared.
• Groningen (June 17, 2007): Four orange lights were seen flying closely together, followed by two more. The witness stated they were not airplanes due to the lack of sound.
• Groningen (June 18, 2007): An object hovered silently for five minutes before moving in a straight line to the east.
• Barendrecht (June 21, 2007): An object with wing-like structures was observed, moving without sound.
• Nauders (Austria) (June 22, 2007): A light ball was observed moving but not progressing.
• De Vecht (Terwolde - Gelderland) (July 1, 2007): An object, described as a dark rectangle with a light source on top, moved with the clouds.
• Alkmaar (July 1, 2007): A cylindrical object with red-orange fire underneath was observed.
• Wildervank (Groningen) (July 4, 2007): Two oval, mist-like 'things' hovered high in the sky before suddenly flying away at high speed with a strange sound.
• Hoogezand / Fochteloërveen (Groningen) (July 4, 2007): Two white balls, oval in shape, moved back and forth in the air, with one witness describing them as 'angstiger' (more frightening).
• Haarlem (July 4, 2007): A white dot was observed, not a star, that remained in one place.
• Eibergen (Overijssel) (July 8, 2007): A black, rotating flying object without sound was observed moving in a straight line, described as possibly saucer-shaped but with an irregular, butterfly-bow-tie-like form.
• Stadskanaal (July 8, 2007): Three lights, arranged in a triangle, hovered silently, appearing to be an object rather than separate lights.
• Apeldoorn (July 9, 2007): An orange light, moving in a straight line from southwest to northeast, was observed. It was described as two orange 'fires' and later seemed to stop before moving southeast and ascending.
• Hoek van Holland (July 14, 2007): A large, bright white light was seen, described as a triangle with blue/white lights at each point, moving without sound.
• Lelystad (July 14, 2007): Three lights were seen in the sky, described as an object with three lamps, not three separate objects. It moved silently and appeared to tilt before disappearing.
• Arnhem (July 14, 2007): Two, then four, red/orange lights were observed moving back and forth, eventually disappearing.
• Rosmalen (July 14, 2007): An object moved quietly and gradually, estimated at 100 km/h, with a shape resembling a Stealth aircraft.
• Voorhout (July 15, 2007): A formation of 4 luminous, transparent objects shaped like large birds was observed.
• Ridderkerk (July 15, 2007): Three very bright orange lights were observed, one of which disappeared instantly, followed by another, while the third moved steadily.
• Made (Breda) (July 15, 2007): A bird-like or boomerang-shaped object with a light brown (orange) color was seen.
• Lelystad (July 16, 2007): A black triangle with blue/white lights at each point was observed, resembling a Stealth aircraft.
• Dordrecht (July 18, 2007): An octagonal object with bright lights was heard and seen.
• Rheden (July 18, 2007): A fireball-like object moved overhead, described as having a bright orange fire, with something hanging above it.
• Goor (Overijssel) (July 20, 2007): An object described as an F16-like shape, emitting an orange-green glow, made very fast, sharp turns.
• Hoorn (July 21, 2007): Two orange light balls, observed previously, pulsed and slowly disappeared.
• Wageningen (July 24, 2007): A large, symmetrical object, resembling a Boeing but completely symmetrical, flew from the moon's direction towards the east.
• Hoogeveen (July 27, 2007): A glowing ball, initially mistaken for an airplane, moved without sound and without visible wings or lights.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in these reports include sightings of unexplained lights (often orange or red), objects with unusual shapes (discs, triangles, cylinders, balls), silent movement, high speeds, and erratic maneuvers. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and presenting these reports to the public, acknowledging the possibility of misidentification (e.g., sky lanterns, airplanes, weather phenomena) but also leaving room for the unexplained. The publication serves as a record of public observations of potential UFO/UAP phenomena in the Netherlands.

This issue of the UFO-Nieuwsbrief, dated 2008, is primarily a compilation of eyewitness accounts of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and UFO sightings that occurred mainly in July and August 2007 across the Netherlands. The newsletter focuses on detailed descriptions of these events, providing a chronological collection of reports from various individuals and locations.

Key Articles and Reports

The bulk of the content consists of individual sighting reports, each attributed to a specific date and location. These reports detail the appearance, behavior, and perceived characteristics of the observed phenomena.

July 2007 Sightings:

• Stadskanaal (July 29, 2007): Witnesses described "fireballs" moving horizontally from west to east without sound, which gradually faded.
• Hoogeveen (July 27, 2007): A glowing ball, initially mistaken for a plane or helicopter, was observed flying silently and without wings. It disappeared behind trees after about 5 minutes, reappeared later, hovered for 5 minutes, and then vanished. The witness ruled out a hot air balloon due to the absence of flame bursts.
• Dordrecht (July 27, 2007): Three individuals saw what appeared to be stars, but they were red and moved. Two objects were seen moving independently back and forth above a residential area.
• Arnhem (August 1, 2007): Reports from this date describe multiple sightings. One account mentions three light points, two flying in formation and one slightly off, disappearing behind clouds. Later, another object flew faster on a different course, with a less bright aircraft approaching it. Another report from Arnhem on the same date describes four light points appearing like stars, moving in formation from west to east, and disappearing behind clouds. A subsequent sighting involved a faster object on a different course, with a less bright aircraft approaching it.
• Doesburg (August 1, 2007): A brief report mentions seeing objects.

August 2007 Sightings:

• A12 near Driebergen (August 22, 2007): An elliptical, brightly lit white object was seen moving in large circles, with a white-grey underside and a grey to dark grey top.
• A12 near Woerden (August 24, 2007): A UFO was observed making a strange circular flight pattern near a BMW dealership, emitting a humming sound before its light dimmed and it disappeared. It remained hovering at an altitude of 75-100 meters, resembling a silver donut.
• Amsterdam (August 24, 2007): An orange light point was seen rising above trees and houses, hovering briefly, then disappearing. The same phenomenon was observed again 5 minutes later.
• Swifterbant (Flevoland) (August 25, 2007): A joint observation by four people described a light point moving at the same speed as an airplane from north to east, sometimes hovering in place.
• Alkmaar (August 25/26, 2007): Ten orange lights were seen moving calmly from west to east, with some appearing later. The observer's husband also saw one or two more lights.
• Serooskerke (Zeeland) (August 26, 2007): An orange alarm flare from shipping was observed approaching rapidly, then moving away, its light dimming as it ascended towards a star, then descending again before disappearing.
• Wierden (Overijssel) (August 26, 2007): A large, fiery object was seen flying for a considerable distance, appearing as a large fireball, moving away and becoming smaller.
• St. Michielsgestel (North Brabant) (August 27, 2007): Three people observed an orange "ball" moving northwest to south at a constant speed, making a 90-degree turn. The object appeared to be at airplane altitude.
• Alkmaar (August 27, 2007): A friend noticed what appeared to be multiple aircraft, but they were not blinking and seemed too numerous. The objects flew overhead, their lights gradually dimming until they disappeared, flying in a single line and in V-formations.
• Barendrecht (August 28, 2007): Six lights were observed moving from the north in a group, like an airplane but changing positions. One light moved faster. Photos were taken, showing only stationary lights.
• Rotterdam (August 29, 2007): Six rare orange moving lights were seen, moving slowly and silently westward. They appeared suddenly and vanished just as quickly, within 15 seconds.
• Oostende (Belgium) (September 1, 2007): A fiery moving dot, like a bright star, was observed moving non-linearly for about ten minutes, speeding up and slowing down before fading.
• Groningen (September 1, 2007): Seven light objects were seen moving from east to west at a constant speed. Photos were attempted, showing orange smudges upon zooming.
• Roermond (September 1, 2007): Three lights were observed high in the sky, initially thought to be a crane. They moved southeast and eventually disappeared.
• Heerenveen (September 1, 2007): Thirty orange lights were seen hovering high in the sky, moving in various formations across the Netherlands without sound. The witness considered it a bizarre but beautiful experience.
• A1 (Rijssen-Holten) (September 1, 2007): Two white/orange objects were observed north of the highway, moving from west to east. They disappeared into the clouds at an estimated altitude of 300-500 meters. The witness, who had military aviation experience, had never seen anything like it.
• Lekkum (Friesland) (September 2, 2007): A star-like object was seen zig-zagging, then moving in a straight line before disappearing after 10 seconds.
• Arnhem (September 3, 2007): A large V-shaped formation of white lights was observed moving, resembling migrating birds but with steady lights. It was thought to be moving from the east towards the west.

Additional Reports:

• Emmer-Compascuum (August 16, 2007): Two yellow-orange light balls were seen to the left of the car, moving playfully and zig-zagging. One disappeared rapidly upwards and then returned downwards. The objects were described as larger than stars and flew at an altitude between birds and clouds.
• Boekel (Noord-Brabant) (August 18, 2007): Two orange "stars" were observed moving slowly and changing position in unison, reflecting light like real stars.
• Heerhugowaard (August 19, 2007): Orange balls were observed behind a house, moving with speed and changing color. The first sighting lasted a long time, the second was faster.
• Oudeschild - Texel (August 4, 2007): A round object with blue lighting hovered silently, clearly swaying in the wind.
• Dordrecht (August 5, 2007): Two light points, described as "flying fireballs" with colors in the sky, moved upwards together. The witness considered it unusual for a weather balloon.
• Zaandam (August 7, 2007): An object was seen moving back and forth in the clouds, seemingly attached to a white light beam, appearing grey.
• Kapel-Avezaath (August 7, 2007): An orange object was seen high in the sky, not sputtering like fireworks. Initially, one object was seen, then a second, and later a third appeared in photos.
• Heerhugowaard (August 7, 2007): A yellow light dot was seen flying, slowing down and hovering for several minutes before accelerating and disappearing upwards. Other family members also witnessed this.
• Beuningen (Gelderland) (August 5, 2007): During a meteor shower watch, an object was seen moving like a satellite but making sharp turns. It was estimated to be at airplane altitude and moved very fast.
• Buurse (August 5, 2007): A brief mention of seeing objects.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this newsletter are the visual observation of unexplained aerial lights and objects, their unusual flight characteristics, and the consistent lack of sound associated with them. The editorial stance appears to be one of documenting and presenting these eyewitness accounts without overt skepticism or endorsement, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions. The newsletter serves as a platform for sharing experiences related to potential UAP/UFO phenomena, emphasizing the details provided by observers to differentiate these events from known aerial objects like airplanes, helicopters, or balloons.

This issue of the UFO-Nieuwsbrief from 2008 is primarily a compilation of witness reports of unidentified aerial phenomena (UAP) and 'earth lights'. It features numerous individual accounts from September to November 2007, predominantly from the Netherlands, with a few from Belgium and Germany. The publication also includes an in-depth article by Paul Devereux discussing the historical context and potential explanations for these phenomena, particularly linking them to geological activity.

Witness Reports (September - November 2007)

The bulk of the newsletter consists of detailed, first-hand accounts from individuals who observed unusual aerial phenomena. These reports describe a variety of objects and light phenomena:

• Tilburg, September 3, 2007: Witnesses reported seeing four UFOs with bright lights that moved quickly and silently. The lights extinguished, revealing the contours of the UFOs before they disappeared.
• Between Muizen and Mechelen (Belgium), September 6, 2007: During twilight, three to four luminous, bright 'balls' were observed hovering low in the sky in a wide triangle formation for about 3-4 minutes.
• Hengelo (Overijssel), September 7, 2007: An orange fireball was seen moving slowly, not like a plane, from northwest to east. The witness, a technician, confirmed it was not a bird or aircraft.
• Groningen, September 8, 2007: While stargazing, witnesses saw four luminous, moving objects near Cassiopeia. Initially thought to be a multi-lamp object, the lights began moving independently. They then moved in a cluster, all in the same direction, with undulating movements, eventually appearing as six objects flying in pairs.
• Apeldoorn, September 13, 2007: An orange-yellow lamp-like UFO moved in a straight line from southwest to south, dimming until it disappeared. A soft sound, like a high-flying small airplane, was heard.
• Zoetermeer, September 13, 2007: A faint, luminous dot was seen hovering low above the houses, described as a 'stip' (dot).
• Borne (Overijssel), September 14, 2007: A white-blue light made a zig-zagging, halfrond movement. It followed the witness, and a second, similar light appeared at a distance. The first light continued to follow.
• Amersfoort, September 14, 2007: Eight orange light balls were observed in the dark. The witness, living on the 6th floor, noted they were not balloons or fireworks.
• Arnhem, September 15, 2007: Approximately 15 orange-yellow light points were observed flying in a messy formation in a line from northwest to southeast.
• Druten (Gelderland), September 15, 2007: An object with an unusual shape, possibly a plane with retractable wings, was observed. The underside had two black stripes.
• Haaksbergen, September 21, 2007: A very bright light was seen from a bedroom window. The object was described as a star-like light, larger than a star, without a tail like a meteor. It moved like a low-flying airplane but made no sound and did not disappear over the horizon. The witness's mother also saw it.
• Wilsum (Germany), September 22, 2007: Around 15-20 orange/red lights appeared in the northwest and drifted northeast, slowly dimming. Five adults observed this phenomenon.
• Reeuwijk (Noord Holland), September 22, 2007: Six yellowish balls with a red glow flew together like an airplane. They were oval and brighter than stars. Three objects disappeared, followed later by the other three. The witness, usually skeptical, observed this with her husband.
• Barendrecht (Zuid-Holland), September 22, 2007: A red-orange balloon-like object moved slowly from the northeast and then quickly away to the north.
• Eindhoven, September 22, 2007: Six balls flew in a 1-2-2-1 formation in an easterly direction. The first ball turned sharply north, followed by the others. They increased speed and altitude significantly when heading north. The last ball was followed until 23:33.
• Wormerveer (Noord-Holland), September 23, 2007: An object, initially thought to be a flare, hovered, then moved horizontally in a jerky manner before disappearing remarkably.
• Leende (Noord-Brabant), September 27, 2007: A triangular, grey-blue object was seen coming from the direction the witness was traveling.
• Alkmaar, September 28, 2007: An orange light source was observed in the twilight. The object moved slowly and at an estimated distance of 1 km, it ascended into the clouds in a southwest direction.
• Panningen, September 30, 2007: A bright object, slightly larger than a star, with a distinct red hue, moved slowly. It was later observed with binoculars as a spherical light point whose apparent speed increased, resembling a small aircraft, but it made no sound.
• Belgern (Sachsen, Germany), October 1, 2007: Two objects were seen, the second one 'dwarfing' the first with incredible inertia. The combination flew in a 45-degree arc in about 20 seconds.
• Tilburg, October 6, 2007: A large white balloon with a separate, angular object hanging from it, resembling a rubber speed boat, was observed.
• Hoofddorp, October 11, 2007: A large, stationary object was seen near the sun, not recognizable as a normal aircraft. It appeared to be a kite with a frame or a metallic-looking object, but it did not move and disappeared after a few minutes.
• Den Haag, October 12, 2007: A light was seen behind a building, initially mistaken for a falling star.
• Hoek van Holland, October 14, 2007: A star-like light with more color was observed. Using binoculars, a circle of green, red, and yellow light was seen rotating.
• Utrecht, October 14, 2007: Three light balls appeared in a triangular formation, maintaining their distance. They flew overhead and disappeared after about 5 minutes, their light fading.
• Pijnacker, October 14, 2007: Two strange lights were seen coming from Rotterdam.
• Hoensbroek, October 17, 2007: A bright white light, like a star but much brighter and closer, shot forward creating a horizontal streak before disappearing. The same phenomenon was observed by the witness's sister on another evening.
• Arnhem, October 17, 2007: A large, intense white/light yellow light ball approached slowly. It had a bright light in front and two small blinking lights (white-blue) in a triangle at the rear, resembling aircraft lights. It disappeared behind houses.
• Putten, October 20, 2007: A bright orange light was seen in the southeast, hovering and then accelerating rapidly into the clouds. It was observed by three people and did not appear to be a round object up close.
• Wehl (Gelderland), October 20, 2007: A strange object, described as a fireball but also square with a circle of fire and a tail, appeared suddenly, approached slowly, and then disappeared at high speed. This happened twice.
• Utrecht, October 24, 2007: A round object was seen above Utrecht Central Station. It made no sound and hovered for about 15 seconds. Two similar objects then quickly flew side-by-side towards the first object.
• Waalwijk, November 4, 2007: A bright white light, like a tennis ball, was seen in the southwest, moving slowly towards the witness. It remained bright and disappeared above the clouds. It was not a blinking light.
• Swalmen (Limburg), November 9, 2007: A white light was seen moving slowly upwards. It had a round shape and emitted light. Three people observed this.
• Nijmegen, November 17, 2007: An orange star was initially mistaken for an airplane. As it approached, it flew just above the houses and then moved away into the sky.
• Almere, November 18, 2007: A light without blinking was observed coming from the southeast, moving in a straight line. The witness used binoculars to observe it better, noting it made no sound and maintained its course northwest.
• Bergen op Zoom, November 30, 2007: An unexplained object was observed moving silently and in a straight line directly overhead, disappearing behind houses at high speed. It was clearly not an airplane or a falling star.

Article: Het licht zien (Seeing the Light)

This article, by Paul Devereux, discusses the Condign report, a significant internal document compiled in 2000 for the British Ministry of Defence. The report concluded that UFOs are not extraterrestrial spacecraft but that some sightings are related to 'unidentified aerial phenomena' (UAP), a term coined by UFO researcher Jenny Randles. Devereux introduces his own term, 'aardlichten' (earth lights), for a similar series of phenomena.

The author highlights the importance of the Condign report for officially recognizing non-mainstream research and potentially moving away from the 'extraterrestrial hypothesis' (ETH). He proposes a historical inventory of 'earth light' research, referring to it as the 'Cinderella' of ufology.

Early Glimpses and Charles Fort

Devereux credits Charles Fort as one of the first modern researchers to bring 'earth lights' to attention. Fort, in compiling his records of unusual events, identified possible connections that others had missed. He linked strange lights in the sky with earthquakes, anticipating modern ideas about 'earthquake lights'. In his book *New Lands* (1923), Fort drew attention to the 1896 earthquake in Hereford, England, where reports described a 'great blaze' in the sky and a flying luminous object coinciding with the tremors.

John Keel and Ferdinand Lagarde

The article mentions John Keel, who concluded that UFOs were 'soft' light forms rather than 'hard' metal aircraft. In the 1960s, Keel associated their appearance with areas of geological faults, earthquakes, and geomagnetic anomalies. Around the same time in France, Ferdinand Lagarde also noted a significant relationship between reported UFOs and geological faults.

Vincent H. Gaddis and Mysterious Fires and Lights

Vincent H. Gaddis's book *Mysterious Fires and Lights* (1967) is mentioned, containing chapters like 'The Shining Ghosts of Earth'.

Fortean Phenomena and Personal Experience

Devereux shares his own curiosity about the connection between the ground and lights in the sky, stemming from an experience in 1957 in Leicestershire, England. During an earthquake, he and other schoolchildren saw lights described as 'tadpole-shaped' in the sky just before the tremor. He notes that Kenneth Arnold, who inadvertently coined the term 'flying saucers' in 1947, had also described lights as tadpole-shaped.

Devereux and his friend Andy York later conducted research into Fortean phenomena in their home county, publishing their findings in a two-part article titled 'Portrait of a Fault Area' in *The News* (an early incarnation of Fortean Times) in 1975. This study, though primitive, indicated a shared distribution of modern 'UFOs' and earlier 'light balls' or 'meteors' in Leicestershire with faults, seismic activity, and unusual meteorology.

Devil Lights

Historical literature reveals that people across cultures have seen unexplained lights. These were known as 'elfenlichten' to the Irish, 'gealbhan' (fireballs) to the Scots, 'pennangal' (ghost heads of women who died in childbirth) to the Malaysians, 'spirits' lanterns' to the Indians, the 'Mother of Gold' leading to buried treasure in Brazil, and 'Bodhisattva lights' to Chinese Buddhists. Some of these cultures even built temples where these lights appeared.

Mary Kingsley's account from 1895 in Gabon describes a violet light rolling from a forest to a lake, accompanied by another similar light. These two light balls circled each other. Kingsley's local guides later identified such phenomena as 'aku', or devil lights.

Dragons and Fumes

In Europe, since the medieval period, there has been debate about unexplained lights. While the modern myth is that UAPs are alien spacecraft, in earlier times, they were often associated with dragons. Albertus Magnus in the 13th century suggested that 'dragons' were actually 'fumes' that rolled into a ball and floated upwards. Thomas Hill in 1590 proposed that 'ignited gases' created the illusion of a flying dragon. Edward Topskell in 1608 argued that 'dragons' were in reality a weaker form of lightning.

Early modern reports from Great Britain include an account from poet John Clare in his 1830 diary. He described encountering a light ball during an evening walk, which stopped as if listening to him. It crackled and was surrounded by a luminous halo, described as having a 'mysterious, frightening tint'. Clare noted that a 'great commotion' had occurred regarding these lights, with up to fifteen seen over Deadmoor and Eastwell Moor, flying with and against the wind.

Tectonic Stress Theory

Scientists Michael Persinger and Gyslaine Lafrenière, in their 1977 book *Space-Time Transients and Unusual Events*, linked reported UFOs in North America to 'seismically related sources' using statistical analysis. They argued that the immense energies built up by tectonic stress, even without an earthquake, could produce glowing, ionized light forms in the atmosphere above such areas. Water bodies, particularly reservoirs, could also cause stress in the underlying geology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the diverse reports of unexplained aerial phenomena and the exploration of potential natural explanations, particularly those linked to geological activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts without immediate judgment and exploring scientific and historical perspectives that move beyond the purely extraterrestrial hypothesis. The newsletter encourages readers to report their own sightings and provides contact information for UFOON.

This issue of UFO-Nieuwsbrief from 2008 focuses on the intriguing phenomenon of 'earth lights' and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), exploring their potential connections to geological and seismic activity. The publication delves into various research efforts, historical accounts, and witness testimonies, aiming to shed light on these unexplained occurrences.

Earth Lights and Seismic Connections

The issue begins by discussing the work of Professor Michael Persinger and American geologist John Derr, who investigated 'windows' of recurring light phenomena and gathered data to support a tectonic stress theory. Their studies indicated that a significant portion of these phenomena occurred near fault lines and were linked to seismic activity. The Yakima Indian Reservation in Washington State is cited as an example, where fire watchers in the 1970s observed various lights, including large orange orbs, smaller 'ping-pong' lights, columns of light, and torches, all seemingly connected to seismic events.

Project Hessdalen

The Hessdalen valley in Norway is presented as another area where natural phenomena have aided researchers. Since 1981, residents have reported lights appearing near mountain tops. These lights, described as spheres, 'kogel-' (bullet) shapes, and 'kerstboom-' (Christmas tree) shapes, were predominantly white or yellowish-white, with occasional red flashes. In 1984, Project Hessdalen was formed to study these phenomena using radar, magnetometers, and spectrum analyzers. Further observations continued in 1985 and 1986, with photos and radar anomalies recorded. A subsequent, automated Project Hessdalen, led by Erling Strand, remains active.

British Sightings and Geological Links

The term 'Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomena' (UAP) was coined by Jenny Randles and Peter Warrington in their 1979 book, UFOs – A British Viewpoint, suggesting they were the root cause of many sightings. The book Stars and Rumours of Stars by Kevin and Sue McClure documented light phenomena in the Barmouth-Harlech area of Wales between 1904 and 1905. Local journalist Beriah Evans described a large, luminous star emitting sparkling rays. Reports included diamond-shaped lights, 'bottle-shaped' lights, ruby lights rising from the ground, and columns of light. Journalists from national newspapers, initially skeptical, witnessed yellow orbs and experienced a 'soft, glittering radiation.'

Investigating the Welsh outbreak, the author collaborated with geologist Paul McCartney. They discovered that the area was located on the deep-seated Mochras fault. Most light events were clustered along this fault line, with some linked to smaller side faults. The Welsh events commenced shortly after a local earthquake in October 1904. The article notes that Harlech borders the Lleyn Peninsula, a seismically active zone.

Further Research and Publications

In 1982, the author and Paul McCartney published Earth Lights, which faced criticism from extraterrestrial theorists. Helmut Tributsch's book, When the Snakes Awake, also linked light phenomena to earthquakes. Jenny Randles' UAP-sightings and David Clarke and Granville Oldroyd's Spooklights - A British Survey further explored tectonic connections. A notable 'UFO hotspot' was Burton Dassett in Warwickshire, with sightings in 1922 and 1923 of a 'constant and bright' light hovering above the ground, situated on a fault line. The light reappeared briefly on January 25, 1924, coinciding with an earthquake near Hereford.

In 1989, the author published Earth Lights Revelation, featuring research on the Pennine UFO Mystery by David Clarke and Andy Roberts, who mapped areas with swamps and hills prone to lights. Their work was expanded in their book Phantoms of the Sky (1990).

Remote Vehicle Lights and 'Spooklights'

In the mid-1990s, the author conducted field expeditions with the International Consciousness Research Laboratories (ICRL) in the USA, investigating 'spooklight' locations. These were often characterized by long, straight roads through forests. The author concluded that many of these were distorted headlights of distant vehicles. A visit to the 'Marfa lights' in Texas with quantum physicist Hal Puthoff revealed that most were indeed distorted car headlights, though older reports from the 17th century mentioned strange lights and encounters with light orbs.

Anomalous Luminescence and UAP Characteristics

The issue discusses 'anomalous luminescence,' suggesting that while many aerial sightings are misperceptions, a substantial number remain unexplained. The author posits that UAP are natural phenomena akin to earthquake lights and ball lightning, but with longer durations and a potential link to tectonic stress. There might be a wide variety of UAP types, possibly powered by geological or meteorological energy sources.

'Forbidden Subject' of Intelligence

One peculiar characteristic of UAP is their apparent reaction to observers. Reports describe lights evading searchlights or giving the impression of intelligence and playful curiosity. This leads to the 'forbidden subject' of whether UAP possess a basic intelligence, a concept that challenges reductionist scientific views on consciousness.

Quantum Physics and UAP

Another strange UAP characteristic is its potential connection to quantum physics. The behavior of UAP is compared to quantum phenomena like entanglement and probabilities that 'collapse' upon observation. Examples include lights emitting light in only one direction or appearing and disappearing abruptly, suggesting 'macro-quantum events.'

Black Objects and Night Vision

Reports of black, disk-shaped objects are also mentioned, with the author recalling an incident in 1967 of a black, perfectly round shape that disappeared instantly. This phenomenon was also noted in Project Pennine research and in literature as 'black ball lightning.'

The section 'Erebus Nachtzicht Techniek' by Johan Groenewold introduces night vision devices (restlichtversterkers) for observing faint light sources like stars and the moon. The author describes his work in repairing and selling these devices, as well as building custom second-generation night vision viewers.

Mysterious 'Lightning' During Earthquakes

The article 'Mysterieuze 'bliksem' gezien tijdens aardbeving' by Sean Topham reports on mysterious lightning-like phenomena observed during an earthquake in Louth, Lincolnshire, UK, on February 27, 2008. Witnesses described what they believed to be ball lightning, a glowing sphere that appeared in their rooms. Dr. Graham Hubler, a ball lightning expert, confirmed that reports of ball lightning during earthquakes exist and suggested that piezoelectric minerals in the ground could generate high voltages upon pressure release, leading to such phenomena.

Another witness, Jean Howard, curator of the Louth museum, saw a lightning flash above the Wolds during the earthquake, initially mistaking the rumbling for thunder before realizing it was an earthquake. The article notes that 'earthquake lights' have been reported for centuries but only seriously studied since the 1960s. The Lincolnshire earthquake had a magnitude of 5.2.

Financial Report

The issue concludes with a financial report for SUP 2007, detailing income from the previous year's balance, donations, and a refund, totaling €1,140.72. Expenses included printing services, chamber of commerce contributions, relay subscriptions, and postage, also totaling €1,140.72.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) and natural terrestrial forces, particularly seismic activity. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting research and witness accounts without definitively attributing phenomena to extraterrestrial origins, but rather exploring a range of possibilities including geological, atmospheric, and potentially quantum-mechanical explanations. There is a clear emphasis on scientific investigation, even when dealing with subjects that challenge conventional worldviews, advocating for a broader scientific perspective and continued research into these mysterious lights.