UFO - 2002 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO" magazine, NR. 1-2002, is the 21st volume published by UFO-Norge, an organization dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena. The cover highlights "UFO over Stange" and a "New solar system discovered," alongside images related to UFO sightings and a photograph labeled "Reflections Over Norway?". The magazine is priced at 60,- for single issues and 200,- per year for subscriptions.

Editorial Content

The editorial section, titled "...fra redaksjonen" (From the editorial office), discusses ongoing projects at UFO-Norge, including the development of a new web portal and the scanning of the organization's report archive. The editor-in-chief, Ole Jonny Brænne, mentions the challenge of finding a new field researcher and the ongoing interest in pre-1947 UFO reports, specifically the "Ghost Rockets" of 1946.

Table of Contents (Innhold)

The table of contents outlines the articles and reports featured in this issue:

• 4 Rapportnytt (Report News): UFO reports from across the country.
• 11 Har du sett en blinkende UFO? (Have you seen a blinking UFO?): Discusses a satellite light, not extraterrestrial.
• 11 Engelsk turist fotograferer UFO (English tourist photographs UFO): A tourist captures a UFO image from a cruise ship.
• 12 UFO - i luften eller hodet? (UFO - in the air or in the head?): Part two of an article by Hillary Evans.
• 16 UFO over Drøbak i 1907? (UFO over Drøbak in 1907?): A case from 1907 involving an object and a photograph.
• 18 UFO-materialer fra UFO Norge (UFO materials from UFO Norge): Availability of old magazine issues and books.
• 20 Vann på Mars! (Water on Mars!): NASA's Mars Odyssey findings on water ice.
• 22 Nasjonale medier unngår UFO'er! (National media avoids UFOs!): Criticism of US media coverage of The Disclosure Project.
• 24 De er laget av kjøtt (They are made of meat): An article by Terry Bisson.
• 25 Luftforsvarets UFO-rapporter (The Air Force's UFO reports): Presentation of Air Force UFO reports.
• 28 Tallerkener full av hemmeligheter (Saucers full of secrets): Continuation of a series on the 1952 Washington UFO wave.
• 34 Presseklipp (Press clippings): Excerpts from newspapers, radio, and TV.

Report News (Rapportnytt)

This section, compiled by Arnulf Løken, details several UFO reports:

• Jåttåvågen, Stavanger (circa 1980-1985): A man reported observing two grey, round objects that emitted beams of light. The objects moved in unison and then disappeared.
• Gratangen, Troms (Summer 1989): Six round imprints, varying in size, were found in the ground. The vegetation within the imprints appeared scorched, suggesting high heat.
• Karasjok (October 10, 1996): Witnesses observed a dark, almost black object with a yellow/orange dome-like front descending slowly with a humming sound.
• Kautokeino (March 2000): Several people observed a luminous object, described as larger than Venus, with a triangular shape and bright points, hovering silently.
• Trofors, Nordland (December 5, 2000): Two individuals observed a bright, pulsating light in the northwest that appeared triangular. The light disappeared and reappeared several times.
• Kulstadlia, Mosjøen (December 5, 2000): A witness observed a light phenomenon described as a bright star, flickering in various colors and moving unstably and silently.
• Porsangermoen (December 12, 2001): An observer saw a spherical blue light with a purple tail moving at high speed across the sky.
• Vinje, Telemark (January 2, 2002): Two witnesses observed a cigar-shaped object with bright lights moving slowly and descending.
• Øverås, Eikesdalsvatnet, Møre og Romsdal (January 2, 11, 13, 2002): Multiple observations of bright, blinking yellow and red lights were reported near Eikesdalsvatnet.
• Bjørndalen, Alta (February 2, 2002): An couple reported a valley being brightly lit by an unknown source.

The section also includes a map of Norway indicating the locations of these reports.

UFO-Phenomenon on Stange

This article by Stein Carlsen details reports of strange light phenomena observed weekly near Stange, Norway, by two women, Eli Berglie Heidemann and Ann Jorunn Berg, along with family members. The lights, described as white and blue-green, were observed moving from east to south. The Hamar Dagblad newspaper covered these sightings. The author, as head of UFO-Norge Østlandet, interviewed Eli Heidemann and viewed video footage. While the footage was of poor quality, it showed two white lights. The author also visited Stange and observed potential aircraft lights from Gardermoen, but the witnesses insisted the phenomena behaved differently, including rotating and flying into each other. The article concludes that while the phenomena might be aircraft lights, further investigation and better recordings are needed.

Ex-Military Admits UFO

This brief section mentions that Chile's former chief of naval operations, Admiral Jorge Martinez, stated in a TV interview that the UFO phenomenon is real, citing two personal sightings of luminous objects near his vessels. He also mentioned an incident where an object interfered with a ship's radar. Another Chilean officer reportedly described two craft that moved faster than a submarine and caused ship electronics to malfunction.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena within Norway, presenting detailed reports from various regions. The editorial stance appears to be one of open investigation and documentation, encouraging public participation through reporting. There's also an interest in historical cases and the potential for military involvement or knowledge regarding UFOs. The publication also includes broader topics like space exploration (Mars water ice) and critiques media coverage of UFO events. The organization UFO-Norge aims to inform the public and gather data on these unexplained occurrences.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated January 2002, delves into a variety of UFO-related phenomena, scientific discoveries, and historical cases. The cover story, "Har du sett en blinkende ufo?" (Have you seen a blinking UFO?), discusses the Starshine 2 satellite, a project involving students worldwide that reflects sunlight and aids in atmospheric research. The article clarifies that the observed blinking lights are not alien visitors but a man-made satellite.

Articles

Starshine 2: A Blinking Satellite

The lead article explains that the strange blinking lights observed in the sky are from the Starshine 2 satellite, launched on December 16th. This satellite, covered in 845 mirrors polished by 30,000 students from 26 countries, reflects sunlight, making it appear as a bright star. Its orbit is being tracked to study the Earth's outermost atmosphere, particularly its interaction with solar activity. Starshine 2 is expected to re-enter the atmosphere in the summer of 2002, while Starshine 3, launched earlier, will remain in orbit until 2004. The project is ongoing, with plans for Starshine 4 and 5.

English Tourist Photographs UFO Over Norway

This section details an incident involving Mrs. Olga E. Bradbury from Coventry, who captured a strange image on a SAGA cruise ship off the Norwegian coast on April 29, 2001. Initially mistaken for the moon, the object's appearance contradicted the lunar phase. The article dismisses double-exposure as a possibility due to the camera used (Ricoh RZ-3000S). The leading hypothesis is that the image is a reflection, possibly from a lamp, and a comparative photo is provided. The original article appeared in UFO Magazine in January 2002.

UFO - In the Air or in the Head? Part 2

Written by Hilary Evans, this article explores the nature of UFO phenomena by comparing them to other unexplained occurrences. It begins by recounting a case from 1882 where a woman saw a maidservant who then vanished, only for the family to state no such person existed. Another story involves a German woman climbing in the Bavarian Alps who encountered a tall, Chinese-like figure after getting lost. This figure guided her back to safety before disappearing. Evans questions whether these apparitions are external or internal psychological phenomena, suggesting a possible 'psychic wavelength' or manifestation of subconscious needs.

The article then contrasts these with more famous cases, such as the one involving Monsieur Masse in Valensole, France, in 1965. Masse reportedly saw a UFO land and encountered small, humanoid beings. The case is considered credible due to physical evidence (marks on the ground) and the lack of motive for Masse to lie. However, it is contrasted with the case of George Adamski, whose testimony is questioned due to his witnesses' unusual beliefs and claims about lunar cities and small furry creatures, which contradict later space exploration findings.

Evans concludes that while some UFO experiences might be real, others could be psychological projections, comparing them to the 'Vardøger' phenomenon in Norway, where individuals experience premonitions. He suggests that the fear of external threats, like German aggression or Russian rockets, could manifest as sightings of Zeppelins, rockets, or UFOs, acting as 'mirror images' of buried anxieties.

UFO Observed from a Plane in 1956

This short piece recounts a sighting by four men in a plane in 1956. Operation Officer Olav Volle describes a luminous object with a white top and red bottom that hovered near their aircraft. The object, estimated to be about 5 meters in diameter, displayed unusual behavior, including accelerating rapidly and disappearing. The report originally appeared in "Intern Avis For NUFOC" in 1978.

UFO Photographed Over Drøbak 1907?

This article investigates a famous photograph often presented as evidence of a UFO sighting in Drøbak, Norway, on July 27, 1907. The photograph, which has circulated in various publications, was initially difficult to trace. Research by Italian colleagues and Portuguese researcher V-J Ballester-Olmos eventually led to the original source. The image, taken by Professor Carl Størmer, is revealed to be a photograph of noctilucent clouds, not a UFO. Størmer, a renowned mathematician and aurora researcher, used multiple stations to photograph auroras and related atmospheric phenomena.

Water on Mars!

This article reports on findings from NASA's Mars Odyssey probe, which has detected significant amounts of water ice beneath the Martian surface. Scientists, including William Boynton and William Feldman, are surprised by the extent of the discovery, which suggests the potential for past or present life on Mars. The instruments on Odyssey, particularly the gamma-ray and neutron spectrometers, can detect hydrogen, a key component of water. The ice is concentrated in the polar regions and is estimated to be between 20-50% ice by mass. The article also touches upon the question of where Mars' ancient water may have gone.

UFO Materials from UFO-Norway

This section acts as a catalog, promoting books and back issues related to UFOs. It features "Budskapet fra Nazca" (The Message from Nazca) by Erich von Däniken, "Roswell-mysteriet" (The Roswell Mystery) by Willy Ustad, and "UFO i Norge" (UFO in Norway) also by Willy Ustad. Information on purchasing back issues of the "UFO" magazine is also provided, along with contact details for UFO-Norge.

A Treat from Days Gone By

This short piece reprints a news item from the Norwegian newspaper "Dølen" dated January 6, 1917. It reports on a 'fireball' observed in Ringebu, Norway, which was accompanied by a loud noise and caused a short circuit at the local electricity plant. The editor notes that such phenomena might be related to ball lightning.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, ranging from alleged UFO sightings and encounters to psychological interpretations and scientific investigations. There's a clear interest in distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misidentifications or psychological projections. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various theories and evidence while critically evaluating claims. The magazine also highlights the importance of historical research and scientific data, as seen in the debunking of the Drøbak photograph and the reporting on the Mars water discovery. The recurring theme is the complexity and often elusive nature of UFO phenomena, suggesting that simple explanations are rare.

Title: UFO nr.
Issue: 1 - 2002
Date: January 2002
Publisher: UFO-Norge
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Cover Headline: "Nasjonale medier unngår UFOer" (National media avoids UFOs)

This issue of UFO nr. delves into the complex relationship between media, government, and the UFO phenomenon, featuring articles that question media coverage, explore historical investigations, and present scientific data.

National Media Avoids UFOs

This section, an article from Florida Today by Billy Cox and People, examines the lack of mainstream media coverage for significant UFO events, particularly the 1952 Washington UFO wave and The Disclosure Project hearing in May 2001. The article highlights how events that should have garnered national attention were largely ignored by major news outlets. It points to the reluctance of media to cover national security issues without explicit government approval, citing the example of The Disclosure Project, which aimed to expose government secrecy surrounding UFOs. The article mentions key testimonies from the hearing, such as retired Air Force Captain Bob Salas detailing UFO interference with Minuteman nuclear missiles in 1967, and John Callahan presenting CIA reports of a UFO encounter near Alaska in 1986. Authors Terry Hansen and Patrick Huyghe are quoted, suggesting that the media's image as public watchdogs is diminished when it comes to national security matters.

The Missing Times: News Media Complicity in the UFO Cover-up

This article, drawing from Terry Hansen's book, further explores the pattern of media complicity in UFO secrecy. It traces a historical tendency for media, under pressure or influence, to suppress or downplay UFO-related information. The article references the Robertson Panel, formed in 1953 to debunk UFO reports, and its recommendation to use mass media to discourage public interest. It criticizes the media's role in marginalizing UFO witnesses and cites instances where official explanations for sightings were later retracted or altered. The author notes that while the media may eventually be forced to confront the phenomenon, they often await cues from authorities like the White House or the Pentagon.

They're Made of Meat

This is a fictional short story by Terry Bisson, presented as a dialogue between two individuals discussing the nature of extraterrestrial beings. The conversation revolves around the surprising revelation that these beings are made of 'meat' and use machines for communication and exploration. The story humorously explores the concept of self-aware biological entities and their potential interactions with humanity, concluding with the decision to classify their sector of the galaxy as uninhabited.

Air Force UFO Reports

This section presents the structure of the Norwegian Air Force's UFO reporting form, detailing the information required from witnesses. It includes fields for personal details, observation time and location, descriptions of the object, and other relevant data. The accompanying text notes that UFO-Norge is still searching for the location of the Air Force's UFO archive.

Flying Saucers Full of Secrets: Part 2

This article continues the series on the 1952 Washington UFO wave. It discusses the CIA's concerns about the implications of UFO sightings for national security, particularly the possibility that the Soviet Union could use such phenomena as a weapon. The article details the formation of the Robertson Panel and its findings, which suggested that UFOs could pose a threat and recommended a public debunking campaign. It highlights the panel's worry that if the nature of UFOs remained unknown, they could be exploited by adversaries. The article also touches upon the 'Extraterrestrial Hypothesis' and the government's efforts to understand and potentially control the narrative surrounding UFOs.

Mars Neutron Data

The cover of the magazine features two maps of Mars' poles, illustrating the distribution of thermal and epithermal neutrons. These maps, presented with a caption in Norwegian, indicate areas rich in hydrogen, marked in dark blue. This section likely presents scientific findings related to the composition of Mars.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around government secrecy, the role of the media in shaping public perception of UFO phenomena, and historical investigations into UFO sightings. The editorial stance appears critical of media censorship and government obfuscation, advocating for transparency and a more open discussion of the UFO topic. The inclusion of both factual reporting and fictional narratives suggests an approach that explores the subject from multiple perspectives, from scientific inquiry to speculative fiction.

This issue of UFO Norway magazine, dated 1-2002, focuses on a variety of UFO-related topics, including significant historical sightings, ongoing research projects, and the perspectives of prominent figures in the UFO community. The cover prominently features a dramatic illustration of a UFO over the U.S. Capitol, with the headline "Se en oppskyting av en romferge!" (See a space shuttle launch!) on the back page, suggesting a broader interest in aerial phenomena.

Key Articles and Features

Washington D.C. UFO Wave of 1952

The issue dedicates significant attention to the July 1952 UFO sightings over Washington D.C. It details radar observations and eyewitness accounts, including a photograph taken by a jet fighter pilot near Wright Field. The article highlights the skepticism of Philip Klass, a well-known critic of the extraterrestrial hypothesis, who attributes many sightings to psychological effects and misidentifications. Klass's critical stance and his role as a journalist are discussed, along with his past work and his views on government involvement.

The Hessdalen Phenomenon

Research and ongoing efforts at the Hessdalen phenomenon in Norway are covered. The magazine mentions the development of an automatic measurement station and the work of project leader Erling Strand. It notes that the project is seeking funding and highlights the contributions of students from Høgskolen i Østfold. A German magazine, Der Spiegel, is mentioned for publishing an article about Project Hessdalen, providing an overview of its history and ongoing observations.

UFO Sightings in Stange, Norway

Several reports detail UFO sightings in the Stange district of Norway. Witnesses like Eli Bergli Heidemann, Knut Bergli Heidemann, and Ann Jorunn Berg describe seeing pulsating lights, sometimes red, green, and white, in the sky. Potential explanations discussed include atmospheric phenomena such as St. Elms fire and ball lightning, as well as temperature inversions and possibly secret military aircraft due to NATO exercises.

Norsk UFO-senter Opens

The opening of the Norsk UFO-senter (Norwegian UFO Center) in Ålen, Norway, on June 27th is announced. The center, located at the Kjempeplassen guesthouse, is intended to be an experience center featuring exhibitions, videos, and data links. The official opening ceremony was attended by local officials and media.

Skepticism and Investigation

Philip Klass's critical approach to UFO phenomena is a recurring theme. His views on the lack of conclusive evidence for extraterrestrial visitation are presented, along with his belief that many sightings can be explained by mundane causes. The article also touches upon the rarity of UFO reports in recent times compared to past waves.

Aircraft and Technology

Technical details about the F-94 Starfire all-weather interceptor and the B-25 Mitchell bomber are provided, likely in the context of historical sightings or as background information related to aerial phenomena.

Space Shuttle Launches

A section titled "Se en oppskyting av en romferge!" (See a space shuttle launch!) provides a table of upcoming NASA space shuttle launch dates from Kennedy Space Center, indicating a broader interest in space and aerial events.

Other Reports

Brief reports include a UFO sighting near Hokksund, a story about a stolen car and a child that was initially feared to be abducted by a UFO, and a report from Brazil about a mayor who proposed building a UFO landing port.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a balanced approach, reporting on UFO sightings and experiences while also including skeptical viewpoints and scientific explanations. There is a clear interest in documenting UFO phenomena in Norway, particularly the Hessdalen and Stange cases, and in providing information about UFO research and related events. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, acknowledging the unexplained aspects of UFO reports while also critically examining the evidence and exploring conventional explanations. The inclusion of technical details about aircraft and space missions suggests a broader interest in aviation and space exploration alongside the core UFO theme.