UFO - 1990 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO magazine, number 2 from 1990, is the 9th volume of the publication. It is published by UFO-NORGE, a nationwide organization dedicated to the independent registration and study of the UFO phenomenon, providing information to its members and the public. The magazine is published twice a year. The cover headline announces 'UFO-BØLGEN I BELGIA' (The UFO Wave in Belgium) and features a graphic that appears to be a radar display.

Editorial Content

From the Editor's Desk

The editorial section, titled 'FRA REDAKSJONEN', notes that a planned special issue has been delayed, and this issue (UFO nr. 2) is being presented instead, with the special issue expected at the end of the year. The editor mentions that not much has happened in the airspace recently, but a member in Sunnhordland reported an interesting observation of an orange-glowing object that landed near ground level on Halsnøy. A report form has been sent for this incident. The editor also references a VG article from August 4th about strange tracks in the mountains near Syvde, for which soil and rock samples have been sent for analysis. The article concludes by stating that Belgium has experienced a strong UFO wave, with headlines about Belgian military searching for UFOs, suggesting there is substance to the reports. The editorial emphasizes that sufficient events are occurring to keep readers engaged.

UFO-spor i Vanylven?

This article by Mentz Kaarbø details the discovery of unexplained tracks in the terrain near Blæjevatnet in Vanylven in late July. The local press, including Sunnmørsposten and Verdens Gang, extensively covered the find. Johannes Anonby, the local representative for UFO-Norge, conducted a thorough investigation, collecting soil and rock samples that were sent to the University of Bergen for analysis. The article recounts the timeline of the discovery and initial reporting, including interviews with the discoverers, Bjarne Sjåstad and Åge Olsen. Overingeniør and geotekniker Bjørn Wivestad commented that it was unlikely to be a snowslide. Knut Aasheim, a former committee member, also visited the site and suggested a flying object was responsible. The article describes the tracks, noting a main track about 60 meters long and 4-8 meters wide, with parallel grooves resembling those left by a bulldozer. Other smaller tracks were also present. The article mentions that the tracks were fresh, likely from June or July, based on the condition of the vegetation.

Press Coverage

This section details how the Vanylven track discovery was covered by the press. Sunnmørsposten published articles on July 30th and 31st, interviewing the discoverers and Bjørn Wivestad. The newspaper's 'åpen linje' (open line) column featured discussions about the tracks, with some readers suggesting UFOs or ball lightning as explanations. The articles also referenced earlier UFO observations in the Syvde area. Fjordingen newspaper on August 3rd reported on a similar track found in the 1950s near Fessene, which was investigated under strict secrecy by the military and security police. The article notes that the term UFO was not discussed in relation to the earlier incident. A subsequent article in Sunnmørsposten on August 7th, titled 'Mulige UFO-spor', quoted Johannes Anonby stating the tracks were interesting but did not necessarily qualify as UFO observations for his organization.

Further Investigations and Analysis

Professor Nils Spjældnes of the University of Oslo suggested that the tracks resembled those found in Ålen, Sør-Trøndelag, which were later attributed to mining operations. However, local authorities and companies denied any such activity. The article also mentions that Mørefly and Airlift denied using helicopters to transport drilling equipment to Syvde. Johannes Anonby's report from his August 5th investigation is summarized, highlighting the detailed nature of his fieldwork. The article describes the terrain and the tracks (A, B, C, and D), with track B being the main one. It notes the impressive straight edges of the turf and the parallel grooves. The freshness of the tracks is emphasized, with plant sprouts indicating they were not formed by a snowslide that would have melted earlier. The article also touches upon other phenomena, such as strange lights observed in the area.

Scientific Conclusions

Contact was made with the Geological Institute, where the tracks were preliminarily explained as surface forms created by wet snowslides. However, an expert was recommended for a field investigation. Lars Harald Blikra from the Norwegian Geological Survey (NGU) was consulted, and he noted similarities to snowslide tracks, including erosion marks and scattered material. He suggested that large blocks might have cut into the ground, creating the 'plowing' effect. He also pointed to a marked snowslide fan below the mountain 'Litleblæja'. While acknowledging that wet snowslides can have varied directions, he concluded that snowslides could have formed the tracks. He stressed the importance of understanding the timing and local meteorological conditions to confirm this. Soil samples were also analyzed by NGU using ICAP analysis, which found no anomalies in the elemental distribution compared to the Earth's crust. Jørgen Ekremsæter, an engineer at NGU, conducted independent radioactivity measurements near the tracks, finding significantly elevated levels in a specific area. He found the track features peculiar and was hesitant to fully support the snowslide theory, unable to explain the radioactivity increase naturally. The article clarifies that Ekremsæter's investigation was private and not formally linked to NGU. The timing of the tracks was also considered, with a photograph taken in May showing snow, indicating the tracks were formed later, likely in June or July, further questioning the snowslide theory.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Norge magazine demonstrates a commitment to rigorous investigation of unexplained phenomena. The Vanylven track case is presented as a prime example, with detailed reporting on the discovery, local media coverage, and extensive scientific and geological analysis. The magazine appears to favor a scientific approach, presenting evidence and expert opinions from various fields, including geology and environmental science. While acknowledging the possibility of natural explanations like snowslides, the magazine also leaves room for more unusual possibilities, as suggested by the term 'UFO-spor' (UFO tracks) and the mention of UFO waves. The editorial stance seems to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis of phenomena that challenge conventional explanations. The recurring themes include unexplained physical traces, unusual light phenomena, and the scientific investigation of these events, with a particular focus on the Vanylven case and its potential implications.

This issue of UFO 2/90, published in Norway, delves into several intriguing reports of unexplained phenomena. The primary focus is on mysterious tracks discovered in the Syvde area of Norway and a significant wave of triangular UFO sightings reported in Belgium during 1989-1990. The magazine also includes a report on the UFO-Norge national meeting and various other sighting reports from across Norway.

Unexplained Tracks in Syvde, Norway

The issue begins by detailing the investigation into unusual tracks found in the Syvde area. Initial observations by Per Ystebakk noted tracks in the snow, with some images suggesting snow remained in the area as late as June. A key point is the testimony of Trygve Ekremsæter, who stated that no tracks were visible in the area on June 1st, suggesting the tracks were made between June 1st and July 27th. Meteorologist Dag Kvamme suggests that lightning strikes could be a possible explanation, though the unusual shape and deposition of the tracks are noted. Ultimately, investigations by the University of Bergen and NGU concluded that a natural explanation was likely, but the case was deemed interesting enough to warrant further investigation.

UFO Wave in Belgium

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a remarkable wave of UFO observations in Belgium that began in October 1989. Thousands of reports, many describing large, triangular UFOs, were received from both civilian and military witnesses. The Belgian UFO organization SOBEPS (Societe Belge d'Etude des Phenomenes Spatiaux) led the investigation, establishing an unprecedented collaboration with the Belgian government and air force. The Ministry of Interior ordered the Gendarmerie Nationale to share UFO reports with SOBEPS, and the Ministry of Defense granted SOBEPS access to radar specialists, pilots, and military installations. In a unique instance, two military aircraft were placed on standby to assist with observations. Patrick Ferryn of SOBEPS noted the striking similarity between these Belgian sightings and those reported in the Hudson Valley, USA, between 1983-1986.

Witnesses described the Belgian UFOs as large, triangular objects with powerful white lights and a pulsating red light in the center. Some described them as being the size of a football field or larger than a freighter. The objects were often observed hovering silently or moving slowly, but could also accelerate rapidly. Some reports mentioned electromagnetic interference with TV, power grids, and telephones. A notable incident on November 29, 1989, involved numerous sightings near Eupen, with a triangular object observed by Gendarmerie officers, emitting a beam of light and hovering for extended periods. Another significant event occurred on March 30-31, when eight white, luminous objects were observed, leading to the deployment of F-16 fighter jets. Radar data from this event is included.

Other Norwegian Sightings

The magazine also presents a roundup of other UFO sightings reported in Norway:

• Hessdalen: A report from February describes a disc-shaped object, approximately 2 meters in diameter and 25 meters long, that hovered and then flew away.
• Høyanger: On June 12th, a farmer and two witnesses observed a white object land, move along the ground, and then ascend at high speed. The object was estimated to be 5 meters long and had three colors: yellow, white, and blue.
• Lørenskog: On July 15th, a bus driver reported seeing a slow-moving, bullet-shaped object without wings. Later, a red, blinking light was observed that grew larger and then moved horizontally before disappearing.
• Eidså, Sunnmøre: On July 15th, Birger Olsen observed a sharp blue-green light flying eastward over the Vanylvsfjorden.
• Harpefoss: On August 8th, Anne Rannstad reported seeing a large, yellow light descend and then reappear.
• Nordland: On August 16th, a boy observed a large, flattened sphere with a light on top, emitting a high-frequency sound.
• Valen, Hordaland: On September 14th, multiple witnesses observed an oblong, stationary light, followed by a growing, intensely bright oval sphere that descended.

UFO-Norge National Meeting 1990

This section covers the UFO-Norge national meeting held in Bergen on August 18-19, 1990. The meeting was attended by about 15 people, with a notable absence of several section leaders. Ole Jonny Brænne was elected as the new section leader for UFO-Norge Øst. The report notes a declining membership trend for UFO-Norge, consistent with trends in other Nordic countries, with the total membership around 400 in 1990. Despite internal challenges, UFO-Norge has maintained an active public profile. The responsibility for the Report Center was transferred to Torfrid Urdal, who is working on a new system. The organization plans to continue publishing two issues per year plus an extra edition.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, the challenges in definitively explaining some sightings, and the importance of systematic investigation. The magazine highlights the collaboration between civilian researchers and official bodies, as seen in the Belgian case, while also acknowledging the public's fear of ridicule that often accompanies such reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various cases and investigative findings without necessarily dismissing any possibility outright, while also acknowledging the potential for natural explanations. The publication aims to document and analyze UFO sightings and related phenomena, fostering discussion and further research within the UFO community.

Title: UFO 2/90
Issue Date: February 1990
Publisher: UFO-Norge
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO 2/90 provides a comprehensive look at various UFO phenomena, with a strong focus on reports from Belgium and the United States, alongside an in-depth investigation into the controversial Majestic-12 (MJ-12) documents and the enduring mystery of the Roswell incident.

Belgian UFO Wave

The magazine details a significant wave of UFO sightings in Belgium during late 1989 and early 1990. Numerous reports describe triangular-shaped objects observed by civilians and, crucially, detected by military radar installations. The article highlights specific cases, such as those in Rocourt, Seraing, Chaineux, Henri-Chapelle, Baelen, Battice, Dahlem, Embargo, and Flehalle, often accompanied by dates and sketches of the objects. These sightings were characterized by incredible speeds, rapid altitude changes, and unusual flight patterns, prompting speculation about advanced technology or unknown aerial phenomena. The Belgian Air Force's decision to openly share radar images, without excessive secrecy, is noted, with some material even receiving press coverage in Norway.

Stealth Technology and UFOs

Rumors circulated regarding the operation of the American-built F-117 Stealth Fighter in Belgian airspace. An interview with a U.S. Air Force Colonel, Tom Tolin, in the French magazine VSD, partially confirmed that F-117s operated in Europe on night maneuvers, though details about their locations were restricted. This led to speculation that some UFO sightings might be explained by the presence of stealth aircraft. However, the article points out that this explanation does not account for reports of large, stationary, or slowly moving triangular objects that could suddenly accelerate to extreme speeds.

International UFO Activity

The issue touches upon other international UFO events. It mentions a similar incident in Brazil in 1986 where military jets pursued UFOs, and a 1977 investigation in Colares, Brazil, involving numerous sightings and photographic evidence. The report also references observations in Hudson Valley, New York, including a large, triangular object hovering over a nuclear power plant, and a boomerang-shaped object exhibiting extraordinary speed.

The MJ-12 Documents and the Roswell Incident

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the MJ-12 documents and the 1947 Roswell incident. The article traces the origin of the MJ-12 claims to a brown envelope containing a 35mm film sent to TV producer Jaime Shandera in December 1984. This film allegedly contained a six-page "Top Secret" document and a letter from President Harry S. Truman to Defense Secretary James Forrestal, suggesting the existence of a secret UFO investigation group. The documents purportedly proved that a UFO crashed in New Mexico in 1947. The article discusses the skepticism surrounding these documents, questioning whether they are genuine or part of a disinformation campaign. It revisits the Roswell incident, detailing the accounts of farmers finding wreckage and the subsequent military cover-up, including the infamous press conference by Brigadier General Roger Ramey, who reclassified the object as a weather balloon. The role of authors like Charles Berlitz and William L. Moore in popularizing the Roswell story and the MJ-12 theory is examined, along with the controversy over the authenticity of their sources.

Expert Opinions and Research

The magazine includes insights from various individuals. Ferryn, a specialist, describes three particularly interesting video recordings that clearly show objects that are not conventional aircraft. Truls Hansen, an associate professor at the Arctic University of Norway, comments on the rarity of multiple witnesses to UFO sightings, suggesting that perception can be influenced by factors beyond material reality. The article also mentions the establishment of a UFO research group by the Soviet Academy of Sciences and the launch of official UFO courses in Moscow, indicating a shift in official attitudes in the Soviet Union.

Media Coverage and Sources

The issue highlights how UFO events are reported in the media, citing articles from Norwegian newspapers like Bergens Tidende, Dagbladet, and Bergens Arbeiderblad, as well as international sources like NTB-Reuter-Tass. The magazine also lists its sources, including EUROFONEWS, MUFON UFO Journal, NUFOC Journal, and UFO-Nyt, underscoring its reliance on various UFO research publications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings globally, the potential involvement of advanced or secret military technology (like the F-117), and the persistent question of government secrecy and cover-ups regarding UFO phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various accounts and theories while acknowledging the controversies and debates surrounding them, particularly concerning the MJ-12 documents and the Roswell incident. The magazine aims to keep its readers informed about new developments in ufology, promising further coverage if new information emerges.

Title: UFO
Issue: 2/90
Date: 1990
Publisher: UFO-NORGE
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO Magazine features several key articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, ball lightning, and historical mysteries.

Conference on Ball Lightning and Project Hessdalen

Erling Strand reports on an international conference on ball lightning held in Budapest, Hungary. The primary goals of his attendance were to ascertain if the Hessdalen phenomenon could be related to ball lightning, to gain a better understanding of ball lightning research, and to establish contacts with international researchers. Strand notes that many skeptics in Norway dismiss the Hessdalen phenomenon as mere plasma or ball lightning. The conference, attended by numerous physics professors and doctors, provided valuable insights. Hungarian television produced three programs about the conference, including an interview with Strand.

Strand highlights that ball lightning researchers themselves do not fully understand the phenomenon, with theories being diverse and no successful laboratory creation of ball lightning achieved. He observes that many reports that don't fit the strict definition of ball lightning are often discarded, similar to what UFO-Norge considers UFO reports. Notably, only the Soviet Union and China do not discard these reports outright. China actively investigates these phenomena, referring to them as UFO research and noting the presence of black or dark UFOs in their reports.

The conference participants agreed on a unified definition of ball lightning and, crucially, decided not to discard any reports. Reports that do not fit the definition of ball lightning will be cataloged as 'UFO-type' ball lightning, aligning with UFO-Norge's approach. Strand has established contact with several researchers, anticipating interesting future reports.

Fugo Balloons and the Roswell Incident

This extensive article explores the possibility that Japanese Fugo balloons, developed during World War II, might be the origin of the Roswell Incident rumors. These balloons, made of rice paper and often decorated by children, were designed to carry incendiary bombs across the Pacific to the United States. They were equipped with sophisticated altimeters and weight systems to control their altitude and release their payload. Some were fitted with devices to interfere with radar signals, creating large radar echoes that mystified the US military.

Aluminum spheres, used as part of the Fugo balloon system, were found in various locations worldwide after the war. The article details how the US government, through the Office of Censorship, actively suppressed information about these balloons to maintain secrecy around the Manhattan Project and to avoid revealing their vulnerability. Despite the end of the war, Fugo balloons continued to appear in North America, causing power outages and other incidents, such as a fire in Canada and four tourist deaths in Montana, which led to government censorship.

The article suggests that the Fugo balloon project was a significant intelligence operation, with reports of balloons and their debris continuing into the late 1940s. It posits that the mysterious "small men" and autopsy reports associated with the Roswell Incident might have been misinterpretations or fabrications based on the discovery of Fugo balloon debris. The article cites Frank Scully's bestseller "Behind the Flying Saucers" as a key source that popularized the Roswell narrative, despite later debunking.

UFO Sightings in Sineu, Spain

This section reports on a UFO sighting in Sineu, Mallorca, in February. Eyewitnesses Miguel Mateu and Antonia Busquet described seeing three unidentified flying objects. The first object appeared as a "window" with four squares, with the upper part more luminous than the lower, and a red platform. Later, they saw a triangular object and then a rhombus-shaped object with blinking lights. These objects made no sound and landed behind pine trees. The local mayor, Jaume Ferriol, vouched for the credibility of the witnesses.

Film Review: "Communion"

Philip Mantle reviews the film "Communion," based on Whitley Strieber's book of the same name (titled "Nærkontakt" in Norwegian). The film stars Christoffer Walken as Strieber, who recounts his experiences of being repeatedly abducted and examined by alien beings. The review praises the film for its less sensational, more documentary-like approach compared to other films in the genre. It highlights Strieber's account of intense experiences, including nightmares and his son Andrew's claims of abduction by "little blue doctors." The film explores the psychological impact of these encounters and Strieber's struggle to determine if he is losing his mind or if these are real events. The review notes that the film does not offer conclusions about the origin or nature of the aliens, focusing instead on a grounded portrayal of Strieber's experiences. The special effects are deemed functional but could have been improved. The film's music by Eric Clapton is also mentioned.

UFO-Norge Information and Support

This section provides information for UFO-Norge members and interested individuals. It includes details on how to submit articles and illustrations for the magazine, with guidelines on manuscript preparation and image quality. Readers willing to translate articles from other languages are encouraged to contact the editors. Information folders are available to help promote UFO-Norge and recruit new members. A call for donations to the UFO-Norge Support Fund is also made, explaining that funds are needed to cover various operational costs and to support the organization's activities.

How to Report a UFO Sighting

A comprehensive checklist is provided for individuals who witness a UFO. It advises observers to meticulously record details such as the time and duration of the sighting, the exact location, the object's direction of travel (course), its estimated altitude, size, shape, and color, and any visible details. Observers are also urged to note weather conditions, the presence of other aircraft, and to identify and record the names and addresses of any other witnesses. The checklist emphasizes the importance of taking photographs if possible and contacting local UFO reporting centers or UFO-Norge directly to file a report. It also encourages investigating and reporting any local UFO observations heard from others.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP), and related mysteries. There is a strong emphasis on eyewitness accounts, investigative journalism, and exploring alternative explanations for events often dismissed by mainstream science. The editorial stance appears to be open-minded and investigative, encouraging the collection and analysis of all reports, regardless of initial skepticism, as exemplified by the consensus reached at the ball lightning conference. The magazine also engages with popular culture, reviewing films and books related to UFOs and alien encounters, and provides practical guidance for the public on how to contribute to UFO research.