UFO - 1997 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO magazine, Volume 16, Number 2 from 1997, is titled "UFO" and published by UFO-NORGE, Norway's only special journal on UFO phenomena. The cover headline highlights "Midt-Norge haunted by inexplicable events over several decades!" and features smaller articles on mysterious tracks in Tafjord and a collaboration with NRK-TV. The issue includes a photograph of four people in a muddy landscape.

Editorial Content

From the Editor's Desk

The editorial section, "FRA REDAKSJONEN," by Mentz Kaarbø, notes the rapid production of this issue, which includes significant material. A key event covered is the long-awaited search with a remote-controlled mini-submarine (ROV) in Sundsråsa, Namsenfjorden, conducted shortly before the publication date. Due to the economic burden of this expedition, UFO-NORGE partnered with NRK Brennpunkt, with each party covering half the costs. NRK Brennpunkt planned to provide extensive coverage of the UFO observations and the dive itself. In return, UFO-NORGE agreed not to publish the dive results until the NRK program aired, expected around December 7th of that year. The editorial also mentions that strange formations discovered near Tafjord and later in Stordal on Sunnmøre are given significant attention. Arnulf Løken is credited for his work in gathering facts related to these cases and the Namsen investigations. The "Rapportnytt" section is omitted due to insufficient new information since the previous issue but will return in the next double issue (nr. 3-4), which is described as a "desperate attempt to catch up" in a difficult publication schedule. The editor thanks loyal readers and promises exciting content.

Article Series: "AVTRYKKENE VED NAMSENFJORDEN" (The Imprints at Namsenfjorden)

This extensive article series, authored by Arnulf Løken, delves into one of Norway's most discussed and investigated UFO cases. It begins with the report "Avtrykkene ved Namsenfjorden" by Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC) from 1979, detailing strange events and UFO observations around Statland and Bangsund in Nord-Trøndelag during the 1960s and 1970s. The most dramatic events occurred in 1972 with the discovery of peculiar, triangular imprints in the mudflats near Kjølsøya, west of Bangsund, and other locations in Namsenfjorden. These imprints were investigated in 1972 and 1974. A 1959 observation of a strange object over Sundsråsa is linked to these imprints. An expedition in 1968 by divers investigated the seabed in Sundsråsa for possible wreckage from the object that observer Lorentz Johnsen claimed to have seen crash there in 1959. The 1959 incident gained prominence in 1972-1974 because many imprints were found near Sundsråsa, and one was reported as radioactive.

The article breaks down the events into five parts:
1. The 1959 observation over Sundsråsa.
2. The 1968 expedition with divers in Sundsråsa.
3. The 1972 imprints and a 1973 observation.
4. Investigations in 1974.
5. New sonar investigations in 1996.
6. Mini-submarine (ROV) dives in November 1997.

#### The 1959 Observation

Just before Christmas 1959, forester Lorentz Johnsen observed a silent, cigar-shaped object gliding from the east at an estimated speed of 150 km/h. It lacked navigation lights but had window-like outlines visible in the moonlight. The object passed over him, then suddenly ascended over Sundsråsa, becoming red-glowing before breaking apart and dropping objects into the sea. Johnsen contacted Værnes Airport but found no reports of missing aircraft. He initially kept quiet for fear of ridicule, and no one else reported seeing anything at the time. Later, it was learned that a woman and a couple nearby had heard an explosion and splashes, but these witnesses could not be located.

#### Lost Trawl

In 1963, fisherman Reidar Hartvigsen lost his trawl in Sundsråsa, reportedly snagged on something on the seabed. Another fisherman, Schønning Bugge, reported seeing something unusual on his sonar. However, due to the poor sonar equipment available and fear of ridicule, no seabed investigation was conducted. Lorentz Johnsen passed away in 1985.

#### Interview with 1963 Participants

In November 1996, the author interviewed Harald Hartvigsen, brother of Reidar, about the lost trawl incident. Harald explained that it was common for trawls to get stuck due to uneven seabed conditions, and it was difficult to navigate without sonar. He suggested Reidar might have gotten too close to shore or too far inland. Schønning Bugge, when contacted, denied seeing anything unusual on his sonar, attributing Reidar's problem to nets or shallow waters.

#### The 1968 Expedition

In late July 1968, the Trondheim UFO-forening conducted a major investigation in Sundsråsa. They were assisted by members of the underwater club "Nautilus" and the fishing cutter "Harald." The weekly magazine "Hjemmet" purchased the rights to the investigation. Sonar readings indicated an object 2-3 meters high and 6-7 meters long at a depth of approximately 90 meters. Divers descended but had to return due to limited air reserves. They reported seeing two tracks on the seabed, resembling those made by wheels. The divers brought two large sea cucumbers to the surface, which caused excitement among the journalists present. The chairman of Trondheim UFO-forening, Tormod Hagen, imposed a photo ban, leading to a dispute with "Hjemmet" over reporting rights.

• Several newspaper clippings from 1968 are included:
• Felles Avisen, July 10, 1968: Announced a planned search with divers in Sundsråsa on July 21-22.
• Felles Avisen, July 22, 1968: Reported a fruitless underwater search, mentioning the 1959 observation.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, July 22: Reported on the UFO search in Namsenfjorden, looking for a 6-7 meter long object.
• Hjemmet, Summer 1968: Featured a lengthy article on the divers' seabed investigations.

After 1968, the case went quiet until mid-1970.

#### Interview with a 1968 Diver

In November 1996, Steinar Wahl, a diver from the 1968 expedition, confirmed that they descended to about 80 meters to investigate the snagged trawl. They saw parallel tracks on the seabed but did not find the trawl or what it was caught on. Wahl also confirmed the unusual brightness at the seabed, achieved by diving during daylight hours.

#### The 1972 Imprints

On the evening of June 9, 1972, residents near Bangsund experienced severe TV interference, causing the broadcast to fail. The telecommunications authority could not find any faults. On June 11, Ola Kr. Dahl discovered several strange imprints near his cabin on Kjølsøya, west of Bangsund. These were triangular and circular shapes pressed into the mud, measuring 30-40 cm deep and with knife-sharp edges. No such tracks were present a week earlier. More imprints were found elsewhere in Namsenfjorden. The article notes that the 1959 incident was being revisited, and a new expedition was investigating the seabed.

• Newspaper clippings from 1972:
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, June 21: Reported on the UFO investigation, with the Trøndelag UFO-forening showing interest. Similar imprints were reported in Anten, Sweden, and were radioactive.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, June 23: Asbjørn Grav and his son described an intensely bright, red-colored fireball moving slowly, changing to orange/yellow, with two intense beams of light descending from it. They estimated it was located somewhere over outer Namsenfjorden.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, June 24: UFO observer Anton Lidstrøm and the newspaper took samples from the Kjølsøya imprints, sending them to Norsk UFO Center. Police official Stein Ulrich measured and sketched the imprints, but the sea covered them.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, June 28: New imprints were found at Leirvikholmen in Sund, with 20 imprints in the mud. Samples were taken, but these were not radioactive. The newspaper also published theories about the cause of the imprints.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, June 29: Unexplained imprints were found at Varpneset, involving the military and police.
• Verdens Gang, June 29: Reported on the "mysterious giant tracks" in Namsenfjorden.

A photo from "Vi Menn," December 26, 1972, shows the imprints at Kjølsøya from June of that year.

#### Further Reports and Investigations (1972-1974)

• Namdal Arbeiderblad, July 5: Reported that the Sundsøya imprints were radioactive, with soil samples sent to NTH. This was considered significant as radioactivity had not previously been measured in Norwegian imprints.
• Verdens Gang, July 6: Covered the radioactive imprints.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, July 6: Imprints were also found at Sundsvatnet, with similar shapes to those at Sund, leading locals to speculate about their origin.
• Verdens Gang, July 15: Suggested a connection between the imprints and Lorentz Johnsen's 1959 observation.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, July 18: Stated that the radioactivity in the Leirvikholmen imprints appeared to have been added to the mud, mentioning the 1968 search.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, August 5: Reported on the "Vi Menn" magazine's expedition to Namsenfjorden.
• Verdens Gang, August 17: Recounted Lorentz Johnsen's 1959 observation.
• Aktuell, September 2: Featured an article titled "The mysterious tracks in the mud," describing the imprints and Johnsen's observation, including an interview with NUFOC chairman Kolbjørn Stenødegård.
• Vi Menn, December 26: Published an article "Tracks from the sky" about imprints in Namsenfjorden and an interview with Lorentz Johnsen. The magazine arranged a dive expedition to Sundsråsa, which yielded no results. The imprints from Lyngenfjorden remained a mystery.

Norsk UFO Centers Rapport Fra 1979

Following the Namdal Arbeiderblad reports, Arne Svendsen contacted NUFOC, describing three imprints found in a cove on Hoddøya, near Sundsråsa. These imprints formed a clear triangle with equal spacing (9 meters). While their exact size and depth weren't measured, the sides were estimated to be at least 150 cm, and the depth around 30 cm. A color photo of one imprint was taken (featured on the cover). Anton Lidstrøm took samples from the Kjølsøya imprints and sent a report to NUFOC. The report noted that the surrounding mud was undisturbed, and the imprints were located within a radius of about 25 meters.

The 1973 Observation

• Adresseavisen, July 10, 1973: Captain Erling Bakke reported observing a black object flying at high speed just above the water, disappearing south towards Kjølsøya. Despite being only 300 meters away, they heard no sound.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, July 11: Published Bakke's observation with a map indicating the object's direction. A cross marked a spot where the 1959 object was believed to have crashed, and a circle indicated where it might have sunk. The NUFOC 1979 report questioned why no other witnesses came forward, suggesting fear of repercussions.

Investigations in 1974

• Expedition to Sundsøya: A team of Norwegian and Swedish UFO investigators set up on Sundsøya in July to examine the 1972 imprints and the 1959 crash story. Norsk UFO Center was represented by Kolbjørn Stenødegård.
• Newspaper clippings from 1974:
• Aftenposten, February 28: Reported on a planned UFO search in Namsenfjorden by Norsk UFO-Center, which was acquiring technical equipment.
• Felles Avisa, Namsos, July 2: Featured a report on UFO investigators setting up camp on Sundsøya.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, July 2: Quoted a member of a scientific UFO investigation group stating that the Namsenfjorden investigation required advanced equipment costing over 100,000 kroner, not just a compass.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, July 3: Kolbjørn Stenødegård responded, asserting UFO-center's equipment was far more advanced than a compass.
• Felles Avisa, July 3: Reported that NUFOC had difficulty finding divers, with few members of the Namsos Froskemannsklubb willing to volunteer for the effort. Criticism from Gottfred Tande-Petersen was mentioned.
• Aftenposten, July 3: Gottfred Tande-Petersen ridiculed the UFO investigation, reiterating the need for expensive equipment.
• Adresseavisen, July 3: Kolbjørn Stenødegård replied to Tande-Petersen, stating they were well-equipped for the search.

Further Investigations and Reports (1974-1997)

• Namdal Arbeiderblad, July 6: Reported on the ongoing "laundry washing" in the UFO club, with Tande-Petersen's criticism of NUFOC.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, July 8: Investigations continued, focusing near the shore, but no concrete objects were found. Tracks at Leirvikholmen and Sundsøya were measured and recorded.
• Adresseavisen, July 8: Reported increased air activity over Namsenfjorden, with Stenødegård suggesting the UFO investigation camp was being monitored from the air.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, July 15: Announced the conclusion of the investigations, with the Sundsråsa UFO mystery remaining unsolved.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad, August 9: Kolbjørn Stenødegård provided an overview for NA readers.
• Året Rundt, October 17: Featured a lengthy article on Lorentz Johnsen's 1959 observations and the search for the alleged sunken UFO, including a sonar print showing a "sugarloaf"-like object.
• Året Rundt, October 24: Included a map drawn by a psychic from Hønefoss showing the Sundsråsa area. It also mentioned a camera lens cracking when photographing the "sugarloaf" object at 80 meters depth, resulting in all photos being black.

Interview with Adolf Refvik (January 28, 1997)

Adolf Refvik, a retired divisional engineer, confirmed his participation in the 1974 Sundsråsa investigations. He refuted the "Året Rundt" claim that he lowered an underwater camera to photograph the sonar anomaly, stating his role was solely to use sonar. He considered using a regular camera at 80 meters depth to be unserious due to the immense pressure (9 kg/cm²).

Refvik mentioned that before traveling to Namsenfjorden, he contacted a psychic who, using a map, identified potential locations of the object Johnsen saw in 1959. These locations were investigated but yielded no results.

Interview with UFO Investigators (1974)

Refvik also interviewed two UFO investigators who participated in the 1974 expeditions. Elbjørg Fjeldberg recalled investigating the tracks found that summer, noting their unusual nature and that they stood almost equally deep.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena and related physical evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and reporting, encouraging public interest and participation while acknowledging the challenges and skepticism surrounding UFO research. The Namsenfjorden case is presented as a complex, multi-faceted mystery with evidence spanning decades, involving eyewitness accounts, physical traces, and scientific investigations. The magazine highlights the collaboration between civilian UFO organizations and media outlets like NRK, as well as the challenges of funding and public perception. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of these events and the ongoing quest for answers.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 2/97, focuses on investigations into UFO phenomena, particularly the Namsenfjorden incident in Norway and a detailed personal account of a purported abduction. It also touches upon the scientific possibility of time travel.

The Namsenfjorden Incident: A Deep Dive

The magazine revisits the Namsenfjorden UFO case, which began with reports in 1974. The article details a 1970 'humanoid observation' near Kolvereid, where two farmers reported seeing a clock-shaped craft and a small figure. This incident, initially kept secret due to fear of ridicule, came to light through NUFOC's 1979 report. The report also mentioned other strange events in Nord- and Sør-Trøndelag during the same period.

Two major expeditions in the past had failed to solve the mystery of what might be on the bottom of Sundsråsa. The article highlights the 1974 expedition, which used sonar to detect a two-to-three meter high elevation, six-to-seven meters long, and a smaller 'sugarloaf'-shaped elevation about 9 meters high. The sonar data from this expedition was published in 'Året Rundt' on October 17, 1974.

In 1996, the author, prompted by earlier articles and discussions with those involved in the 1974 investigation, decided to re-examine the case. Contact was made with Maritime Assistanse A.S. in Namsos, and a sonar search was conducted on October 24, 1996. This search, funded by the UFO-NORGE support fund, used a map from the 'Namdal Arbeiderblad' dated July 11, 1973, which indicated a circle to be investigated. This area was believed to contain a 'sugarloaf'-like object that had received special attention.

Unfortunately, much of the NUFOC material concerning the Namsenfjorden case, previously held by Kolbjørn Stenødegård, was lost after his death in November 1995. The report 'Avtrykkene ved Namsenfjorden' is the only remaining document from NUFOC's investigations.

During the 1996 sonar search, the boat 'Maras', skippered by Edvin Beisvåg, moved at 2.5 to 3 knots. The sonar screen showed a formation approximately 9 meters high, described as uneven and lumpy. Beisvåg explained that the sonar beam widens with depth, potentially causing misinterpretations. A second, larger elevation, about 10 meters high, was also detected. The article notes that the exact dimensions of these objects are difficult to ascertain due to unknown boat speed and sonar settings.

Further investigation in November 1997 involved a mini-submarine (ROV) equipped with a camera and navigation tools, also operated from the 'Maras'. This expedition was a collaboration with NRK Brennpunkt, a documentary program team, which had secured exclusive rights to the initial public release of any findings.

Debbie Jordan's Abduction Account

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Debbie Jordan's personal story, detailing an alleged abduction experience. She recounts meeting a man named 'Dan' in Indianapolis and being taken to his cabin. There, she experienced a blackout after feeling a pinch and burning sensation on her arm. She awoke in what felt like a vehicle, then in an elevator, before being examined by individuals in orange jumpsuits and white lab coats.

During the examination, various samples were taken, including blood, hair, and skin scrapings. Jordan also describes the removal of a small implant from her ear, which she felt caused significant pain. She recalls 'Dan' explaining that the implant was a 'bug' and that she would feel better once it was removed, but he also stated she likely wouldn't remember the event.

Jordan describes feeling disoriented and physically ill after returning home. She claims her memory of the event returned gradually without hypnosis. She contacted Budd Hopkins, who was investigating her case, and considered reporting to the police or FBI but was advised against it due to lack of proof and fear of being institutionalized. 'Dan' reportedly disappeared shortly after, showing signs of paranoia and selling his house.

Jordan vehemently rejects any sexual undertones to her experience, viewing such suggestions as irrelevant and a way to dismiss her account. She invites readers to share similar experiences.

Time Travel Hypothesis

A letter from Nina Karud proposes a hypothesis that UFOs might be future visitors traveling back in time. This idea is supported by a reference to an article about wormholes and time travel and a mention of Stephen Hawking's evolving views on the subject. Hawking, initially skeptical, now believes that combining relativity and quantum theory makes time travel theoretically possible, though he doubts its practical realization, citing the lack of future tourists as evidence.

Project Hessdalen Update

The magazine provides an update on Project Hessdalen, detailing the testing of an automatic monitoring station. This station, equipped with two computers (Silicon Graphics Indy and an IBM-compatible PC), is designed to analyze images from a video camera and monitor meteorological and magnetic sensors. It can detect changes in images and activate a video recorder, sending data to the internet. The system also analyzes electromagnetic radiation in the 450 MHz to 900 MHz range, potentially detecting phenomena like the Hessdalen phenomenon. Readers are directed to a website for more information.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• UFO's: Let The Evidence Speak For Itself by Clifford E. Stone: This book examines UFO-related documents released by the US military and intelligence agencies, suggesting ongoing interest and potential national security risks. It includes facsimile reproductions of documents for readers to assess.
• Wizard: The Life And Times Of Nikola Tesla - Biography Of A Genius by Marc J. Seifer: This biography is praised as one of the best on Nikola Tesla, offering unique insights into his life, education, and experiments, drawing from personal correspondence and archives.
• The UFO Invasion edited by Kendrick Frazier, Barry Karr & Joe Nickell: This book is described as a sober examination of the UFO phenomenon, featuring articles from 'Skeptical Inquirer' and addressing topics like the Roswell incident, the Santilli film, abductions, and crop circles. It questions the reliability of witness testimony under hypnosis.
• UFO I NORGE by Willy Ustad: This book is highlighted as a valuable resource for Norwegians interested in UFO cases, presenting surprising and well-supported arguments about historical events, including Nazi experimental weapons and advanced aircraft.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, investigations, and alleged encounters, often with a focus on unexplained phenomena and potential cover-ups. There is a clear interest in scientific analysis, as seen in the Project Hessdalen update and the discussion of time travel. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting detailed accounts and investigations while acknowledging the complexities and uncertainties surrounding the UFO phenomenon. The magazine also highlights the efforts of researchers and organizations like UFO-NORGE and Maritime Assistanse.

This issue of "UFO-SPOR» PÅ SUNNMØRE? (UFO Tracks on Sunnmøre?) from UFO-NORGE, dated August and September 1997, details significant UFO-related events and investigations. The main focus is on the discovery of mysterious tracks in the terrain near Rødal, Tafjord, and in Stordal, Sunnmøre, Norway. The magazine features extensive media coverage and an in-depth investigation by UFO-NORGE representative Arnulf Løken.

The Tracks in Tafjord

In early August 1997, Anna and Astor Furseth discovered a peculiar imprint in Sørebotten, Rødal, near Tafjord. The track was approximately 3 meters wide and 10-12 meters long, shaped like a 'U'. It featured a pattern of parallel stripes about 25 cm apart. A wide swathe, 3-5 meters wide, was cut through dense birch thicket below the track, with branches torn off as if something had entered the valley at high speed and a low angle. Tree roots, stones, and turf were thrown over 100 meters, some hanging in trees or lying on the ground. Geologists Johann G. Heim and Hallvard Eide from Sjøholt investigated the site. They considered theories such as rockslides and avalanches but quickly dismissed them. They also examined the possibility of a meteor or ice meteor, but the low angle of impact made this unlikely. Eide noted a stone that appeared to be cleanly cut at the bottom of the track, which showed no unusual properties under microscopic examination. Soil and twigs found near the track were black and felt burnt, staining on contact. The geologists collected samples and were preparing a report, seeking input from UFO-NORGE.

Investigation and Theories

Hallvard Eide contacted Odd-Gunnar Røed of Rapportsentralen, who then connected him with Arnulf Løken. Løken met Eide in Tafjord on September 13th. Eide showed Løken samples, including twigs, and demonstrated his microscopic analysis techniques. Due to poor weather, Løken could not inspect the Rødal tracks himself during this visit.

The Tracks in Stordal

In early September 1997, similar formations were discovered in Stordalen, 16 kilometers northwest of Valldal. Farmer Jakob Øvrebust found the tracks in Kleivabotnen, an hour's walk from Langsætrane. While gathering cattle, he noticed the formations. One track showed a stone weighing approximately 5 tons that had been moved. Løken, accompanied by Eide and Øvrebust, visited the site in Stordal. Despite heavy rain, they navigated the difficult terrain. Kleivabotnen is a U-shaped valley. The tracks were found on a plain at the valley floor. A large stone, estimated to weigh around 60 tons, had been moved about 20 meters in the direction of travel, appearing to have been pushed rather than rolled, as evidenced by the undisturbed moss and heather on its surface. The area around the stone also showed signs of disturbance.

Detailed Description of Tracks

In total, 11 tracks were documented in Stordal. The descriptions include:

• Spor 1: The largest and first found, 47 meters long and 3 meters wide, with a direction from west to east (100°). A 30-40 meter wide swathe of damaged trees was found further up the slope, with bark scraped off in the direction of travel. The ground showed faint parallel stripes.
• Spor 2: Located south of Spor 1, with a direction almost due south (190°). It was about 10 meters long and 2.5 meters wide, with two visible stripes at the end.
• Spor 3: Smaller, 3-4 meters long and about 2 meters wide, with an earth mound at the end. Two faint stripes were visible at the bottom.
• Spor 4: 10 meters from Spor 1, with a direction almost perpendicular to Spor 1. It consisted of two furrows about 2 meters apart, one 7 meters long and 1.5 meters wide, the other 3 meters long and 0.6-0.8 meters wide.
• Spor 5: Located in the swathe of damaged trees from Spor 1. Grass and small birch were removed, and surrounding trees were pressed down. Stones were also displaced.
• Spor 6: In the thicket between Spor 1 and Spor 5, the upper part of the ground was scraped off, creating a black scar. Direction was west to east (100°).
• Spor 7: North of Spor 1, measuring about 3x3 meters.
• Spor 8: 10 meters west of Spor 1, with a direction from north to south (180°). It was about 10 meters long and up to 2 meters wide, with two parallel stripes up to 4-5 cm deep.
• Spor 9: South of Spor 8, a large part of a gravel ridge was removed, with earth and stones displaced in the same direction as Spor 8.
• Spor 10: South of Spor 2, about 2 meters wide and 2.5 meters long, direction west to east (100°). It had two parallel stripes in the bottom, similar to Spor 2 and Spor 8.
• Spor 11: South of Spor 10, about 4-5 meters long and 1 meter wide, consisting of two adjacent tracks.

The article includes a diagram of the tracks in Stordal and a photograph of Leif Skodje next to the large stone in Spor 1. A table details the results of bacterial analyses of soil samples taken from Spor 1, showing slight variations in bacterial counts between samples from the track and the surrounding terrain.

Media Coverage and Analysis

The findings in Tafjord and Stordal generated significant media attention. Newspapers like Sunnmørsposten reported on the possibility of 'crash landings or ball lightning' in Rødal, though one commentator dismissed the ball lightning theory. Another article highlighted the 60-ton stone moved in Stordal. The issue notes that the media sometimes sensationalized or misquoted information, particularly regarding theories about extraterrestrial visitors.

Cassini Mission to Saturn

An article by John-Erik Hove details the launch of the unmanned spacecraft Cassini on October 15, 1997, from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission, a collaboration between NASA, ESA, and ASI, aims to conduct extensive scientific research on the Saturn system. Cassini is a large and complex spacecraft, carrying the Huygens probe for landing on Saturn's moon Titan. The mission's cost is estimated at $3.4 billion. The article explains the scientific importance of studying Saturn, its rings, and moons, and the use of plutonium as an energy source due to Saturn's distance from the sun. Cassini will use gravitational assists from Venus, Earth, and Jupiter to reach Saturn in July 2004. The article also touches upon the controversy surrounding the use of plutonium and the mission's trajectory.

Sensational UFO Video from Mexico City

An article by Mentz Kaarbø describes a sensational UFO video recorded on August 6, 1997, over Mexico City. The video, broadcast by Mexican TV, shows a disc-shaped object with metallic and grayish color, exhibiting unusual movement, including hovering, horizontal movement, and rapid acceleration. The object was estimated to be about 20 meters in diameter. The article notes the skepticism surrounding such evidence but acknowledges that if genuine, it represents some of the clearest evidence of unknown craft in our atmosphere.

Press Clippings

A section titled "PRESSEKLIPP" (Press Clippings) by Mentz Kaarbø provides a chronological overview of media reports related to UFOs from May to November 1997. This includes numerous articles about the Sunnmøre tracks, interviews with Arnulf Løken, and other UFO sightings and events in Norway and internationally. It highlights the extensive media interest in the Stordal and Tafjord incidents.

Other Reports and Articles

Further articles discuss UFO observations in Larvik, Norway, and the Namsenfjorden area. One report mentions a patient who claimed to have been operated on by aliens. Another section discusses the possibility of time travel, referencing scientific discussions and science fiction works.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently emphasizes the need for serious investigation into UFO phenomena, contrasting it with sensationalized media reports. UFO-NORGE is presented as a credible organization conducting field research. The articles highlight the challenges of investigating such phenomena, including skepticism from the scientific community and the difficulty of obtaining conclusive evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, seeking rational explanations while not dismissing the possibility of unconventional phenomena. The recurring theme is the investigation of physical traces left by alleged UFOs, coupled with media reactions and the scientific community's response.

This issue of UFO magazine, published by UFO-NORGE, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, space exploration, and related mysteries. It features articles on the Roswell incident, UFO sightings in Norway, the Mars Pathfinder mission, and scientific perspectives on extraterrestrial intelligence.

Articles

Roswell Mystery and UFOs in the USA

The cover story, "STYRTET EN UFO I USA?" (Did a UFO Crash in the USA?), by Willy Ustad, examines the Roswell incident of 1947. Ustad, with a background as a military captain, analyzes whether the event involved an American or Russian test flight, a UFO from a distant planet, or a weather balloon. The article suggests that knowledge gained from this event may be the basis for secret testing of advanced flying objects, such as those observed at the High Security Test Area S4 in the Nevada desert. The author also discusses how the military can create cover stories to remove sensitive cases from archives. The book "Roswell-Mysteriet" by Willy Ustad is also presented, offering a detailed account of the event and the author's analysis.

UFO Sightings in Norway

Several articles highlight UFO sightings and related events in Norway. One piece discusses a study by Skoglund on 'star people' who believe they are reincarnated from other planets, emphasizing the human need to seek the mystical. Another section compiles various UFO reports from different regions of Norway, including observations of strange lights and objects. The magazine also touches upon the controversial topic of 'close encounters' and the skepticism surrounding them, as expressed by Ole Jonny Brænne of UFO-NORGE.

UFO Conference in Oslo

The issue reports on an international UFO conference held in Oslo, organized by Roar Krogshus. The intention was to present facts about UFO observations and allow the public to discern truth from speculation. However, the article notes that the conference's focus on 'flying saucers' and 'intelligent beings' might have been more accurately termed an 'IFO' (Identified Flying Object) conference, as UFO is often equated with spaceships.

National Geographic Program on Close Encounters

A review discusses a National Geographic program on TV 2 that explored 'close encounters of the fourth kind' (CE-4). The program presented contrasting views from SETI researchers, who are skeptical of alien visitation, and UFO investigators who believe in such possibilities. It covered the history of the SETI program and featured personal accounts of traumatic close encounter experiences. The program also touched upon more extreme UFO research, like attempts to communicate with extraterrestrials using telepathy.

Mars Pathfinder Mission

An extensive article by John-Erik Hove details the success of the Mars Pathfinder mission. It covers the spacecraft's launch, journey, and landing on Mars, as well as the deployment of the Sojourner rover. The article highlights the mission's scientific findings, including evidence of past water floods on Mars and the discovery of rock types like andesite, suggesting greater geological activity than previously thought. It also emphasizes the cost-effectiveness of robotic missions compared to manned expeditions and notes the mission's contribution to the 'Discovery series' of NASA spacecraft.

Mars Global Surveyor (MGS)

Another article provides an update on the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) mission, which celebrated its first year in orbit around Mars. MGS is tasked with creating a detailed global map of Mars, studying its atmosphere, surface composition, and internal structure, and searching for evidence of past life. The article mentions a delay in the mission due to issues with a solar panel, which will affect the timeline for its primary scientific objectives.

UFO-Spor på Sunnmøre?

This section investigates mysterious traces found in Stordalen, Norway. Initially speculated to be UFO-related, the article discusses satellite images and interviews with UFO-NORGE representatives. It also presents an alternative explanation suggesting natural phenomena, such as snowmelt carrying large rocks, as the cause of the traces.

UFO-Workshop in USA

Erling Strand, a committee member of UFO-NORGE and leader of Project Hessdalen, reports on his participation in a closed UFO workshop in the USA. The workshop brought together prominent scientists to discuss the current state of UFO research and assess the scientific basis for a larger research program. The article critically examines the Condon Report, highlighting its conclusion that UFOs do not warrant further study, despite a significant number of unidentified cases.

Books on UFOs

The magazine advertises two books by Willy Ustad: "Roswell-Mysteriet" and "UFO I Norge" (UFO in Norway). The latter focuses on Norwegian UFO observations from 1563 to the present day and the work of Norwegian UFO researchers.

UFO-NORGE Information

This section provides information on ordering back issues of the UFO magazine, purchasing special theme issues, and contacting UFO-NORGE. It also includes details about their support fund and encourages readers to become members.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the investigation of UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial intelligence. It highlights both official scientific endeavors (like NASA's Mars missions) and the work of independent UFO researchers and organizations like UFO-NORGE. There is a clear stance against dismissing unusual claims and a belief in the importance of seeking the 'mysterious.' The editorial tone is generally open to the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation and encourages critical thinking and further research into the subject. The magazine also emphasizes the value of cost-effective robotic space exploration.