UFO - 2001 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Magazine, number 4-2001 and the 20th volume, is published by UFO-Norge, an independent organization dedicated to the registration and study of UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the headlines "Etterretning og UFO" (Intelligence and UFO), "Flygende objekt over Kristiansand" (Flying object over Kristiansand), and "UFO-bølgen over Washington i 1952" (The UFO wave over Washington in 1952), accompanied by relevant imagery.

Editorial and Administrative Information

The magazine provides contact details for its editorial team, including editor-in-chief Ole Jonny Brænne, co-editor Mentz D. Kaarbø, and internet editor Stein Carlsen. It also lists contact information for illustrations, subscriptions, and regional UFO-Norge branches across Norway. The publication's ISSN is 977080017500, and the single copy price is Kr. 60,-. The subscription price for 2002 is Kr. 200,-, with a membership including a subscription costing Kr. 350,-. The copyright is held by UFO-Norge 2002, with guidelines for reprinting articles.

Main Articles and Features

Intelligence and UFOs

This section explores the connection between intelligence agencies and UFO phenomena, noting that several American intelligence organizations have declassified material related to UFOs.

The UFO Wave Over Washington in 1952

This article commemorates the 50th anniversary of the significant UFO wave that occurred over Washington D.C. in July 1952. It is presented as the first part of a two-part series.

Flying Object Over Kristiansand

This section likely details a specific sighting of a flying object in Kristiansand, Norway, as indicated by the cover headline.

Nobel Laureates and UFO Experiences

This feature highlights the experiences of Nobel laureate John Nash, a brilliant mathematician who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia and believed he received messages from extraterrestrials. Despite his condition, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1994. The article references Sylvia Nasar's biography "A Beautiful Mind" and the film adaptation.

The Mystery of Ball Lightning Solved?

Researchers from New Zealand, John Abrahamson and James Dinniss, propose a theory that ball lightning is caused by burning silicon particles. These particles, formed when lightning strikes the ground, can chain together and emit light as they burn, explaining the phenomenon's appearance and behavior.

X-Files is Ending

The popular TV series "X-Files" is concluding its run, with the final episode scheduled for May. The article notes the show's significant impact and its stars, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. It also mentions the possibility of a follow-up movie.

Reports from the Rapportnytt Section

This section compiles various UFO reports from across Norway. Notable entries include:

• Tromsdalen, October 30, 1943: Olaf Østli recounts an encounter with a luminous, rainbow-colored wall that moved parallel to him on a road.
• Orkdalen, September/October 1973: Bjørn Skagen observed a dark metallic, disc-shaped object from a bus.
• Stavanger - Kvinesdal (various dates 1990-1999): Frode Leirvik reports multiple sightings, including luminous spheres, elongated objects with blue and white lights, and objects with lights of different colors moving in arcs.
• Telemark, October 27, 2001: A woman reported an oval light moving northwest, which then changed course sharply and descended towards a ridge.
• Flekkefjord, November 12, 2001: Lars Andreas Glendrange saw a bright light resembling the North Star, which dimmed and moved south.
• Øverli hyttegrend, Tinn i Telemark, November 16, 2001: Two anonymous observers reported seeing two blinking, strong blue-white lights that moved erratically, possibly identified as F-16 fighter jets due to military exercises.
• Tønsberg, November 18, 2001: Frode Gran Eriksen reported observing multiple objects with varying colors (blue, white, yellow, orange, red) over a period of 2 hours and 45 minutes.
• Ytre Vågsbygd, Kristiansand, June 18, 2001: A couple photographed a grey, oblong object that hovered and then moved rapidly.

Other Mentions

• Project Hessdalen: Mentioned with contact information for Erling Strand.
• Belgian UFO Wave: A brief mention of the well-known UFO wave in Belgium ten years prior.
• Steven Greer's Hearing: Discussion about the rejection of Steven Greer's hearing by US Congressmen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently encourages reader participation, soliciting articles and observations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, presenting various reports and theories without necessarily endorsing them. The publication aims to inform and engage its readership on a wide range of UFO-related topics, from historical cases to contemporary sightings and scientific investigations. The inclusion of a Nobel laureate's unusual experiences suggests an interest in the psychological and societal aspects of UFO beliefs. The "Rapportnytt" section underscores the organization's role in collecting and disseminating UFO sighting data from Norway.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 2001, delves into the intriguing topic of the Moon's increasing distance from Earth and explores historical UFO phenomena through scientific endeavors, skeptical analyses, and artistic interpretations.

Measuring the Moon's Distance

The lead article, "Nyt Månen mens du kan - Fjerner seg fra oss med 3,8 cm i året" (Enjoy the Moon while you can - Moving away from us by 3.8 cm per year), highlights a new scientific effort to measure the precise distance between the Earth and the Moon. Professor Kaare Aksnes from the University of Oslo explains the importance of this measurement for understanding gravity in space and determining the rate at which the Moon is receding. The Moon is currently about 384,000 kilometers from Earth's center, and its distance increases by approximately 3.8 centimeters annually due to tidal forces. This new measurement will utilize advanced laser technology and electronics, with NASA funding a five-year project. Dr. Tom Murphy from the University of Washington will be shooting pulsed laser beams at reflectors left by Apollo astronauts on the Moon. The return time of these laser pulses will allow for millimeter-accuracy measurements. This project also aims to measure changes in gravity over time, as some cosmologists believe gravity itself may be changing.

Book Review: Skeptical Oddysseys

Page 2 features a review of the book "Skeptical Oddysseys," edited by Paul Kurz. The book compiles essays from prominent skeptics who examine various paranormal claims, including UFOs, astrology, and parapsychology. The review notes that many contributors, like Philip Klass and Susan Blackmore, were once believers but became skeptics through rigorous investigation. Blackmore's essay discusses the idea that humans are biological beings driven by genetics, with free will being an illusion, a concept she finds "truly frightening." Joe Nickell, a former magician, emphasizes the importance of field research and personal investigation in skepticism. The review also touches upon the tendency within organizations like CSICOP to equate UFOs solely with extraterrestrial visitors, potentially overlooking other investigative approaches.

Psychological, Religious, and Political Impacts of UFO Encounters

An article by Willy Ustad, "Psykososiale, religiøse og politiske virkninger av nærkontakt med utenomjordisk sivilisasjon på et høyere teknisk nivå" (Psychosocial, religious, and political effects of close contact with an extraterrestrial civilization of a higher technical level), explores the potential societal ramifications of a confirmed alien encounter. Drawing on a statement from a retired brigadier general regarding the Roswell incident, the article posits that the secrecy surrounding such events was driven by psychological, religious, and political concerns. The author argues that the knowledge of an advanced extraterrestrial civilization would challenge humanity's self-perception as unique and central in the universe, potentially leading to a "psychological catastrophe." Religious beliefs would be severely tested, and new quasi-religious UFO cults might emerge. Politically, it could lead to a scramble for alien technology and knowledge, causing significant global upheaval. The article concludes that regardless of the specific nature of the Roswell event, the mere possibility of alien contact would fundamentally alter the world's religious, psychological, and political landscape.

UFO Sightings and Historical Depictions

Several articles focus on specific UFO sightings and historical evidence:

• UFO over Tucson 1947: This piece by Clas Svahn details the experience of William A. Rhodes, who photographed a strange, half-moon shaped object over Tucson, Arizona, on July 7, 1947. The sighting occurred shortly after the famous Roswell crash and Kenneth Arnold's sighting of "flying saucers." The photograph, though the original negative is lost, shows an object with a dark central area, and it influenced later descriptions of UFOs.

• UFO - i luften eller i hodet? (UFO - in the air or in the head?) by Hilary Evans presents two cases and discusses the nature of reality and perception. The first case describes a truck driver in England whose vehicle malfunctioned near a hovering, humming, egg-shaped object. The second case involves four witnesses in Manchester who saw a giant, silent, dark shadow object. The article questions how few people saw these events if they were real, and conversely, how multiple unrelated people could perceive the same phenomenon if it were merely in their heads. It also touches upon a case in Bristol where a woman claimed to control a visible object with her mind, which her husband eventually confirmed.

• Hvem kom først, mennesket eller UFO-fenomenet? (Who came first, humans or the UFO phenomenon?) by Odd-Gunnar Røed, based on Matthew Hurley's research, explores historical depictions of UFO-like phenomena. It presents examples from ancient texts (Vimaanas described in Indian Vedas), medieval embroideries from Notre Dame depicting hat-shaped objects, and Renaissance paintings (Paolo Uccello's "La Tebiade," Carlo Crivelli's "The Annunciation with Saint Emidius," and Domenico Ghirlandaio's "The Madonna with Saint Giovannino") that appear to show disk-shaped objects in the sky. The article also mentions Julio Obsequens' description of a missile-like object seen in Rome and a fresco from Yugoslavia depicting the Crucifixion with a disk in the sky. The author notes that while many of these could be interpreted as clouds, some are more suggestive of artificial objects.

UFO-vin

A brief section introduces "Le Cigar Volant," a red wine from Bonny Doon Vineyard in California, which features a UFO on its label. The label references a 1954 UFO wave in France and an ordinance passed by the village council of Chateauneuf-du-Pape prohibiting the landing of flying saucers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with science, history, and human psychology. There is a clear interest in documenting sightings, investigating historical claims, and analyzing the societal and personal impacts of believing in or encountering the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives from scientific measurement to historical art analysis, while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints and the challenges of distinguishing between reality and perception. The recurring theme is the persistent presence of unexplained aerial phenomena throughout human history and the profound questions they raise about our place in the universe.

This issue of "Ufomysteriet" (UFO Mystery), published in 2001, focuses on historical UFO sightings and the ongoing mystery surrounding them. The cover features the headline "Tallerkener full av hemmeligheter" (Plates full of secrets) and an illustration of flying saucers. The issue includes articles that delve into ancient and historical accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, as well as a detailed examination of the significant UFO wave that occurred over Washington D.C. in July 1952.

Historical UFO Observations

The magazine presents a chronological overview of UFO sightings, beginning with depictions in historical texts and artwork. Examples include:

• A 16th-century illustration from Conrad Lycosthenes' book "Prodigiorum Ac Ostentorum Chronicon" (1518-1561) showing a UFO observation from Arabia in 1479, featuring disc-shaped clouds.
• A 15th-century fresco from Kiev, possibly depicting Jesus in a rocket-like craft (Fig. 23).
• A 16th-century depiction of the 'Assumption of the Virgin' by an anonymous artist, also showing disc-shaped clouds (Fig. 22).
• Mysterious discs observed from ships, as recorded in the 16th century and found in Abraham Ortelius' "Theatrum Orbis Terrarum" (Fig. 24).
• A drawing from 1561 illustrating a UFO observation over Nuremberg, where globes, crosses, and tubes were seen fighting each other before falling to the ground, leaving behind smoke and a black spherical object (Fig. 25).
• A 1566 newspaper illustration of a UFO observation over Basel, Switzerland, depicting large black spheres in the sky (Fig. 26).
• A 1600 painting by Bonaventura Salimbeni titled "Glorification of the Eucharist," which appears to be a replica of Sputnik 1, the first satellite (Fig. 27).
• A French medal from 1680 possibly showing a wheel-like object (Fig. 28).
• A 1697 UFO observation over Hamburg, Germany, described as two glowing wheels (Fig. 32).
• A 1710 painting by Aert De Gleder, "The Baptism of Christ," showing a disc-shaped object emitting rays towards John the Baptist and Jesus (Fig. 33).
• An 1783 observation near Windsor Castle, England, where witnesses saw an oblong cloud with a luminous spherical object beneath it, described as moving parallel to the horizon and becoming spherical and brightly lit (Fig. 35).
• A 17th-century fresco in Georgia, USSR, located in Svetishoveli Cathedral in Mtskheta, showing two disc-shaped objects on either side of Jesus on the cross, with faces visible within them (Fig. 29, 30, 31).

The Washington D.C. UFO Wave of 1952

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the events of July 1952, when Washington D.C. experienced an unprecedented wave of UFO sightings. The article details:

• Radar Sightings: Multiple radar systems, including those at the domestic airport and Andrews Air Force Base, detected unidentified targets. The article quotes Harry Barnes, a senior ARTC controller, who described seeing numerous radar 'blips' that moved erratically, stopped, reversed direction, and accelerated.
• Pilot Reports: Pilots, including Captain Casey Pierman and Lieutenant William Patterson, reported seeing strange lights and objects that moved at high speeds and performed maneuvers impossible for conventional aircraft. Patterson described seeing multiple objects surrounding him.
• Visual Observations: Witnesses reported seeing 'flying saucers' and 'meteors without tails.' The objects were described as glowing, sometimes red-orange or silver-blue, and appeared to move erratically.
• Military Involvement: The U.S. Air Force was involved in intercepting the objects with F-94 jets. However, the jets were unable to catch or identify the phenomena. The article suggests that the Air Force had prior knowledge of the radar signatures.
• Government Response: The government's response was characterized by attempts to control information and downplay the events. Witnesses were reportedly told to remain silent. Project Blue Book, the Air Force's UFO investigation unit, was tasked with analyzing the reports. Initially, the official explanation leaned towards temperature inversions, but the article implies skepticism from some within the investigation team.
• Media Coverage: The events garnered significant media attention, with headlines like "Radar Spots Air Mystery Objects Here" appearing in the Washington Post. The article notes that the media coverage was extensive, leading to public concern and demands for explanations.

Technology and Cover-Ups

The article also touches upon the broader implications of UFO phenomena, including:

• Technological Advancement: It suggests that secret military projects, possibly involving reverse-engineering of extraterrestrial technology, are underway. The development of advanced propulsion systems and 'green' energy sources is mentioned, which could challenge existing energy markets.
• Information Control: The article posits that a system of disinformation has been employed to conceal the truth about UFOs and related technologies. It mentions 'Pentagon Black Budgets' and the role of intelligence agencies in controlling information flow.
• Scientific and Philosophical Implications: The article quotes Albert Einstein on the potential for understanding gravitation through precise mechanisms and Bertrand Russell on the resistance to new ideas. It suggests that a new understanding of our place in the universe and the existence of extraterrestrial intelligence is imminent.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical persistence of UFO sightings across different eras and cultures, the challenges of investigating and understanding these phenomena, and the role of government secrecy and disinformation. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for transparency and a serious, open-minded investigation into UFOs, suggesting that these phenomena represent a significant aspect of reality that has been deliberately obscured.

The article concludes by noting that the Washington D.C. UFO wave was a pivotal event that increased public awareness and fueled further speculation about extraterrestrial visitation and advanced, hidden technologies. The magazine promises a continuation of the discussion in a future issue.

Title: UFO
Issue: 4
Volume: 2001
Date: 2001
Publisher: UFO Norge
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated 2001, focuses on the release of UFO-related documents by US intelligence agencies and explores various UFO phenomena and investigations.

US Intelligence Agencies and FOIA Releases

The cover story, "Intelligence and UFO?" by Ole Jonny Branne, highlights the significant amount of previously classified material on UFOs released by American intelligence organizations, primarily through the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIA). The CIA has released 305 documents totaling 1050 pages, the FBI has declassified 1694 pages of UFO-related documents, and the NSA has admitted to holding 239 UFO-related documents. The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is also presumed to possess UFO-related material due to its role in satellite surveillance. Many of these documents are made available online in Adobe Acrobat format.

Senator Inhofe's Response to Greer Hearing

A letter from Senator James Inhofe to Jim Hickman addresses the Greer hearing, dismissing it as not warranting congressional attention due to the lack of reported hostility from UFOs and the absence of scientific benefit from previous studies. Inhofe emphasizes NASA's space exploration and NSF's radio astronomy programs as the primary investments for exploring extraterrestrial life, suggesting that using taxpayer money for UFO hearings would be irresponsible.

The Belgian UFO Wave

An interview with Christian Daubioul, head of the Belgian UFO organization CEEPA, by Herma Brockmann discusses the UFO wave in Belgium that occurred from late November 1989 to early 1992. Daubioul recounts receiving approximately 300 reports, mostly describing flying triangles with constant lights and erratic movements. He notes that while the events caused surprise, they were not perceived as a direct threat, and the Belgian authorities did not consider them a threat to national security, leaving many questions unanswered.

Vatican's Stance on Extraterrestrial Life

Several news outlets report that the Vatican's chief astronomer, George Coyne, believes it is "probable" that extraterrestrial life exists. He suggests that the vastness of the universe makes it unlikely that Earth is unique and that the existence of alien life would raise interesting theological questions about God's creation.

Other UFO Cases and Phenomena

The magazine also covers various other UFO-related news and events:

• The Mothman Prophecies: A film based on the events in West Virginia in 1966-67 involving UFO sightings and the Mothman phenomenon.
• Signs: A film directed by M. Night Shyamalan, starring Mel Gibson, about crop circles and supernatural phenomena.
• K-PAX: A film about a mysterious patient who claims to be from another planet.
• MIB II: The sequel to "Men in Black," continuing the theme of extraterrestrial encounters.
• UFO-related incidents in Norway: Reports include a case in Nordland where laser projectors may have explained UFO sightings, and a discussion about the Hessdalen project.
• A UFO-themed bar: A unique bar called "Freedom" created by Frida Berget, featuring a UFO-shaped installation.
• Insurance against alien abduction: A report on an individual in the UK who purchased insurance against alien abduction.
• Peru opens UFO office: Peru establishes an office to track and investigate UFO reports due to their interference with pilot and radar operations.
• Object for sale: An object claimed to be from a UFO, potentially explaining antigravity, is offered for sale for $89.5 million.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, government secrecy surrounding the topic, and the efforts of private organizations to uncover information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to submit articles and supporting research projects like Hessdalen. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between scientific investigation and sensationalism or "UFO-psychosis."