UFO - 2000 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Norge, dated 4-2000 and in its 19th year of publication, is the largest special interest magazine on UFO phenomena in Norway. The cover features a striking illustration of an alien in a Santa outfit, with prominent headlines about a mysterious light phenomenon affecting a fishing boat ('Magne Johan') and an interview with former British Ministry of Defence UFO expert Nick Pope. Other featured articles include astronaut Gordon Cooper's UFO experiences, a report on a Russian UFO sighting, and scientific findings about water on Mars.

From the Editor

The editorial, written on December 7th, expresses satisfaction with getting the magazine back on schedule after a delay. The editor, Morten Løken Kværnstrøm, announces that he and Odd-Gunnar Røed will take full responsibility for the magazine's production in the coming year, promising improvements. The editorial highlights the exclusive interview with Nick Pope, who was a UFO expert for the British military. It also mentions an article about the 'Magne Johan' incident, a light phenomenon that disabled a fishing boat, and introduces Jermund Liaskar as a new field researcher focusing on anti-energy and antimass. A ghost story is included for the Christmas season, and the cover art is by Rune Enger.

The editor thanks all contributors and readers for their support, noting that many readers who submitted their UFO experiences will see them published in the spring. The issue concludes with Christmas and New Year greetings.

Contents

The table of contents lists the following articles:

• Page 4: UFO Expert Nick Pope: On the Defence Force's Payroll
• Page 6: Towards a New Life in UFO-Norge
• Page 7: The Radar - A Poor UFO Hunter II, The Grey Callers
• Page 9: Water Under Mars
• Page 10: Filer's Files
• Page 13: Clear Opinions on UFO
• Page 15: Light Phenomenon Disabled Fishing Boat 'Magne Johan'
• Page 17: Anti-Energy and Antimass
• Page 20: The House - A Good Scare for the Holidays
• Page 24: Help, I See a UFO!
• Page 26: Report News
• Page 30: Astroplukk
• Page 32: New Field Researchers in UFO-Norge
• Page 34: Press Clippings
• Page 37: The Experience That Changed Jan's Life

UFO-Kaptein Nick Pope: På Forsvarets Lønningliste Som UFO-Ekspert

This article is an exclusive interview with Nick Pope, who served as the British Ministry of Defence's official UFO representative for three years (1991-1994). Pope explains that his role was to evaluate UFO cases and determine if they posed a threat to Britain. He initially had no particular interest in UFOs but became fascinated by the job and the sheer volume of cases. He admits that while 95% of cases could be explained by misinterpretations or insufficient data, some significant observations suggested the presence of unidentified craft operating in British airspace at speeds and with maneuvers beyond current capabilities.

Pope discusses his transition from a government role to a personal interest in UFOs, stating he couldn't turn his back on the subject. He addresses conspiracy theories, acknowledging the difficulty of convincing skeptics but emphasizing his focus on evidence-based investigation. He also touches upon the Rendlesham Forest incident, noting the lack of extensive follow-up by the British government and the unusual circumstances surrounding Colonel Charles Holt's reassignment.

Pope expresses his belief in the scientific approach taken by Project Hessdalen and encourages collaboration between UFO researchers and government/military bodies to advance understanding.

Mot Nytt Liv I UFO-Norge

This section reports on a UFO-Norge committee meeting held on November 4th. Key decisions included reopening membership to the organization, offering both membership (350 NOK, including four issues of the magazine) and subscription-only options (200 NOK for 2001). The goal is to bring in fresh perspectives and active participation. The future of the magazine was discussed, with a decision to cancel the planned wider retail distribution (Narvesen) due to insufficient financial resources. However, the magazine will now accept commercial advertisements, with sales managed by Hans Petter Blaafladt AS. A fixed editorial team is being established, compensated based on subscription revenue, to ensure timely production and more original Norwegian content. The editorial team for the upcoming year will consist of Kværnstrøm and Røed. The organization also plans a more aggressive marketing strategy, including issuing press releases for significant UFO reports. The meeting concluded with a positive outlook on the organization's future and increased member engagement.

Radaren - En Dårlig UFOjeger II

This article by Arnulf Løken explores the role of the Luftforsvaret's radar station at Gråkallen, Norway, in investigating UFO reports. The station, part of NATO's early warning system, monitors the airspace over Mid-Norway. Løken interviews Major Rolf Midtlyng, head of the operations squadron at Gråkallen, who explains how the radar system works. The radar uses energy beams to detect objects, with 2D radar measuring distance and direction, and 3D radar adding altitude. The system can filter out unwanted signals and can be programmed to identify aircraft based on speed. While radar can detect various objects, including unusual shapes, the ability to identify a UFO depends on the object's form and the operator's training. Stealth aircraft are particularly difficult to detect due to their design. Midtlyng confirms that pilots have seen unusual things and suggests that the military may possess more information about UFOs than they disclose.

UFO Skremte Russiske Soldater

This report details an incident on November 14th near Dagestan, Russia, close to the Chechen border, where an unidentified flying object caused confusion. Russian authorities initially suggested it was a Western spy plane, while local experts and eyewitnesses described it as a UFO. Muslim leaders interpreted the event as a divine sign. The object, described as having three fluorescent lights, flew at a low altitude. Military jets were scrambled but could not intercept it. Officials were quick to suggest it was a NATO spy plane, possibly interested in Russian military maneuvers in the region. The report notes the internal distrust within the Russian military due to traditional secrecy.

Vann Under Mars-Overflaten

Written by John Erik Hove, this article discusses the sensational findings from the Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) mission. Rumors of significant discoveries led NASA and Science magazine to expedite a press conference. The MGS images revealed approximately 120 locations on Mars with evidence of recent water flows, forming distinct V-shaped channels. Scientists Michael Malin and Kenneth Edgett interpret these features as evidence of water emerging from underground sources, carrying sediment and forming these tracks. The article suggests that these water flows could be relatively recent, possibly due to geothermal activity melting subsurface ice or permafrost. The presence of liquid water on Mars has significant implications for future human exploration, potentially providing resources for life support and even geothermal power, and making Mars a more viable location for searching for simple life forms.

Filer's Files

Per Ottesen's column, 'Filer's Files', reports on a surge of new UFO sightings from the USA and around the world. He notes that triangular and cylindrical objects are frequently reported, along with 'luminous wings' and 'rotating cylinders'. The column highlights a statement from former astronaut L. Gordon Cooper, who claims to have witnessed a crashed craft and two alien occupants in a deep mountain gorge in the US. Cooper also recounts an incident at Edwards Air Force Base in 1957 where a metallic disc-shaped craft landed, and he was ordered to send all film footage to the Pentagon without making copies. Additionally, the column mentions a report from Hampshire County, UK, about a substance known as 'angel hair' falling on a property.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Norge strongly emphasizes the ongoing investigation and reporting of UFO phenomena, with a focus on official military and governmental involvement (Nick Pope, Gordon Cooper, military radar). There's a clear effort to present UFO research as a serious scientific endeavor, exemplified by the Project Hessdalen mention and the scientific article on Mars. The magazine also covers specific, dramatic incidents like the 'Magne Johan' event and the Russian UFO sighting, alongside personal accounts. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and aiming to provide credible information, while acknowledging the challenges of skepticism and conspiracy theories. The commitment to improving the magazine's quality and reach is evident in the organizational changes discussed.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated 4-2000, is a Norwegian publication focusing on UFO phenomena, astronaut testimonies, and related scientific and theoretical concepts. It features reports on sightings, personal accounts, and discussions on the possibility of extraterrestrial life and advanced technology.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The magazine opens with a report from Marysville, USA, detailing a UFO sighting on September 19, 2000, where a driver observed two large, round, bright white lights hovering over a field. Another report from Egypt describes two massive, orange, cigar-shaped UFOs seen near the pyramids in Giza on January 25, 2000. A sighting in Washington, USA, on September 29, 2000, involved a small, flying object performing unusual maneuvers. A significant incident occurred in Norway on November 27, 2000, when the fishing boat 'Magne Johan' experienced a complete electrical and engine failure after being illuminated by a powerful white light. The three crew members reported feeling extremely ill and disoriented.

Astronaut Testimonies

Astronaut Gordon Cooper Jr. is featured prominently, with an article by Jon Erik Hove discussing his views on UFOs. Cooper dismisses fabricated stories about his encounters but maintains that he has had genuine UFO-related experiences. He recounts observing craft in formation during his early pilot career and expresses his belief that Earth is visited by technologically advanced extraterrestrial civilizations. Cooper also criticizes governments for withholding information about UFOs, stating, "There have been too many people, highly qualified people or groups of people, who have had observations or close contact with extraterrestrial craft or beings for one to deny that they really exist... we need more explanations."

Theoretical Concepts: Anti-Energy and Negative Mass

Jermund Liaskar explores the scientific hypothesis of anti-energy and negative mass. The article explains that according to the special theory of relativity, traveling at very high speeds can cause an astronaut to age slower, effectively traveling into the future. If a spaceship could achieve this with negative total mass, it might even be possible to travel back in time. The concept of negative mass is discussed in relation to the creation of the universe and its potential for building spaceships capable of instantaneous travel across vast distances, essentially acting as "time machines."

UFO-Norge Reports

The "Rapportsentralen Informerer" section provides statistics on UFO reports received by UFO-Norge in 1999 and 2000. It highlights several interesting cases, including a red light observed near Biri, Norway, a dark oval object seen near Edøy, and a black disc-shaped UFO observed near Verdal. Reports from Nord-Trøndelag are noted as particularly intriguing, with descriptions of objects resembling a "Mateus bottle."

Book Reviews and Subscription Information

The magazine includes a section promoting books published by Krøkla Forlag, featuring titles like "Spøkelser" (Ghosts) and "Skottegullet" by Per Ottesen, which explore local folklore and historical events. Subscription information for UFO-Norge is also provided, offering options for magazine subscriptions and membership, along with details on pricing and contact information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Magazine strongly advocates for the reality of UFO phenomena and the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging the sharing of reports and the investigation of unexplained events. There is a clear emphasis on credible eyewitness accounts, including those from astronauts and military personnel, and a critical view of government secrecy surrounding the topic. The magazine also engages with theoretical physics to explore potential explanations for UFO technology and phenomena, such as time travel and advanced propulsion systems. The overall tone is one of serious investigation and a belief that UFOs represent a significant and under-explained aspect of reality.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 2000, focuses on a blend of paranormal encounters and unexplained aerial phenomena (UAP) sightings reported in Norway. The magazine features personal testimonies, detailed reports, and a section on astronomy.

Haunted House and Ghost Encounters

The issue opens with a lengthy narrative about Annie, who experiences increasingly terrifying encounters with what she believes to be a ghost in her new home. The story begins with Annie seeing an old woman's apparition in a mirror while cleaning a teak cabinet. This spectral figure is described as having a gaunt, malevolent face and pointing accusingly at Annie. The encounter leaves Annie deeply shaken, and she fleves to her husband, Arne, for comfort. Later, during breakfast, a kitchen cabinet inexplicably falls, shattering dishes. Annie attributes this to the ghost, but Arne dismisses it as a structural issue. The haunting escalates when Annie experiences a vivid hallucination or vision of Arne hanging dead in the attic, leading to her collapse and subsequent hospitalization. While recovering, she meets Ester at a clinic, who shares her own traumatic experience with a haunted house and her husband's death, hinting at a possible connection between their experiences.

UFO and UAP Sightings

Several detailed reports of UFO and UAP sightings from various locations in Norway are presented:

• Sykkylven, 1984: A witness reports seeing a large, oval, metallic UFO hovering silently outside their kitchen window. The object was described as intensely shiny, emitting heat, and approximately 7-8 meters in length.
• Vikna, 1979: Three witnesses observed a red, spherical object that stopped in the sky, then descended rapidly. It illuminated the area behind a mountain with a strong yellow-red light.
• Vikna, 1998: A witness saw three red and white lights hovering over a boat. The lights ascended rapidly and disappeared.
• Levanger, 2000: Two witnesses initially mistook a bright light for a satellite. The object then stopped, descended, and accelerated at high speed, disappearing into the clear night sky.
• Rørvik, 2000: Two witnesses observed a large, oval object with rows of lights hovering silently about 100 meters above the ground. It emitted a humming sound and moved erratically before disappearing.
• Botnan, 2000: A witness reported seeing a bright, cigar-shaped light that moved slowly, changed direction, and disappeared at high speed.
• Vemundvik, 2000: Gunnar Hellesø reported a sudden, unexplained braking event that caused his car's electrical systems to fail. He then observed a large, gray, oval object hovering silently, described as approximately 50-100 meters long, with white lights and steam-like emissions from its underside. The object then accelerated rapidly and disappeared.

Astronomy and Space Exploration

The magazine includes a section titled "ASTROPLUKK" by Jon Erik Hove, which provides updates on astronomical discoveries and space missions:

• Homeless Planets: The discovery of 18 'homeless' planets in the Orion constellation, several times larger than Jupiter, is discussed. These planets do not orbit any star and are believed to be 'cool' due to their faint, reddish light.
• Chinese Space Program: China's plans for future space exploration are highlighted, including sending a manned spacecraft, exploring the moon for commercial resources, and participating in a Mars mission.
• Cassini Mission: Updates on the Cassini spacecraft's journey to Saturn are provided, including a recent image of Jupiter and a mention of minor hardware problems that might affect data collection from the Huygens probe.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of the paranormal (ghosts, hauntings) and unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs/UAPs). The magazine presents these accounts as personal testimonies, encouraging readers to consider the possibility of phenomena beyond conventional understanding. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation into these mysterious occurrences, providing a platform for witnesses to share their experiences. The inclusion of astronomical news suggests a broader interest in the unknown, both on Earth and in space.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 4-2000, is published by UFO-Norge and focuses on a variety of topics related to UFO phenomena, space exploration, and unexplained events. The cover features a cartoonish Santa Claus with a UFO, and the headline 'UFO thanks for the year that has passed.' The magazine includes articles on Mars exploration, the ongoing investigation of the Hessdalen phenomenon, personal UFO encounter stories, and updates from UFO-Norge.

Mars Exploration

The magazine highlights upcoming Mars missions, including the Mars Surveyor 2001 Orbiter, scheduled for launch in April 2001, which will orbit Mars and study its surface with advanced instruments like THEMIS and GRS. It also discusses the two Mars Geologic Rover (MGR) vehicles planned for a 2003 launch, which are descendants of the Sojourner rover and will explore different Martian locations.

The Hessdalen Phenomenon

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Hessdalen phenomenon in Norway. It details media coverage of the events, including reports from NRK and articles in local newspapers. The EMBLA project, a scientific expedition conducted in August 2000 by Italian and Norwegian scientists, is discussed. This project utilized advanced equipment to detect 'periodic, anomalous signals' and observed luminous atmospheric phenomena. The article includes the abstract of the EMBLA project's preliminary report, detailing the use of radio spectrum analyzers and visual observations. The history of the Hessdalen phenomenon, dating back to 1981, is also covered, along with the establishment of the Hessdalen Project and the automatic measurement station. The magazine appeals for financial support for the Hessdalen project and the operation of the automatic measurement station.

Personal Encounters and Investigations

The issue features several personal accounts of UFO experiences. One detailed story recounts an event in 1971 near Sandefjord, where an individual named Jan, along with two friends, witnessed strange apparitions in the sky, including a 'death's head' and a 'Chinaman.' Jan later developed a peculiar mark on his thigh, which he believes is related to this experience. He discusses his struggles with this unexplained event and his hope for answers through regression therapy. Another article discusses a TV program that featured individuals with 'extreme' UFO experiences, such as alleged close encounters and the presence of implants, mentioning Johan Atle Lein and Kate Thorvaldsen.

Other UFO-Related News and Information

Other sections include a mention of the 'Astronomy Picture of the Day' website for astronomical images and a discussion on the increasing discovery of extrasolar planets. The magazine also includes a list of UFO-Norge's field researchers across Norway, encouraging readers to volunteer. There is a brief mention of a potential major discovery by NASA regarding Mars, announced in December 2000, possibly related to signs of ancient life. The magazine also includes a section on UFO-Norge's activities, including their mission to register and study UFO phenomena using scientific methods, and their publication schedule for 2001.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a scientific approach to UFO research, as advocated by UFO-Norge. While acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena and extraterrestrial contact, it emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and critical analysis, as seen in the commentary by Martin Ystenes. The editorial stance encourages readers to contribute to the field through reporting observations and supporting research efforts, particularly the Hessdalen project. There is a clear effort to present information from various sources, including scientific reports, media coverage, and personal testimonies, while maintaining a skeptical yet open-minded perspective.