UFO - 2003 No 3 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Norge, Volume 22, Number 3-4, dated 2003, is the largest special interest magazine on UFO phenomena in Norway. It features a prominent interview with Gordon Creighton, described as a profile that has 'gone out of time'. The cover also highlights a rocket launch and a collage of book covers, suggesting a focus on both current events and historical UFO literature.

Editorial and Content

The editorial, penned by Mentz Kaarbø, notes an increase in UFO observations and photographic cases, attributing some of this to the proliferation of digital cameras and the ease of uploading images online. The magazine dedicates significant space to a Norwegian UFO bibliography, "Oversikt over norsk UFO-litteratur 1954-2003" (Overview of Norwegian UFO Literature 1954-2003), compiled by Ole Jonny Brænne. This bibliography is presented in its entirety, aiming to provide readers with a comprehensive overview of UFO literature in Norway over the past 50 years. The editorial also marks the 30th anniversary of UFO-Norge's founding (originally Norsk UFO Center) and the 30th anniversary of the first nationwide gathering of local UFO groups. It mentions that while a major celebration is not feasible, a smaller commemoration might occur later.

The issue includes several articles and reports:

• Rapportnytt (Report News): This section, edited by Arnulf Løken, presents recent UFO observations from across the country. It notes that while most cases have conventional explanations, a few remain challenging. The section emphasizes the value of people submitting photos for analysis.
• Gösta Carlsson er død (Gösta Carlsson is dead): Reports the passing of Gösta Carlsson, described as Sweden's first and perhaps most well-known contact person, at the age of 84.
• Har nåtidens UFO-opplevelser vært beskrevet før 1947? (Have Today's UFO Experiences Been Described Before 1947?): This article explores the similarities between modern UFO encounters and science fiction literature from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Minutter unna full katastrofealarm (Minutes Away from Full Disaster Alarm): Briefly mentions astronomers being close to issuing a full alarm about a potential asteroid impact in January.
• Norsk UFO-forsker reiser til USA (Norwegian UFO Researcher Travels to USA): Notes that Erling P. Strand traveled to the USA in January to participate in a project aimed at establishing an organization to research earthlight phenomena.
• Prosjekt Hessdalen på «Newton» (Project Hessdalen on "Newton"): Reports that the NRK children's science program "Newton" featured a comprehensive presentation of the Hessdalen phenomenon on December 7, 2003.
• Skraphandlere på Mars? (Scrap Dealers on Mars?): Discusses Richard Hoagland's claims about finding sculptures, pyramids, and formations indicative of intelligent beings on Mars.
• For Gordon Creighton var verden en stor konspirasjon (For Gordon Creighton, the World Was a Big Conspiracy): This article commemorates Gordon Creighton, the publisher of the long-running UFO magazine 'Flying Saucer Review', who passed away.
• Gravity Probe B skutt opp (Gravity Probe B Launched): Mentions the launch of the gravity probe in April, highlighting the technological breakthroughs required for its development after 42 years.
• Oversikt over UFO-litteratur utgitt i Norge 1954 - 2003 (Overview of UFO Literature Published in Norway 1954-2003): This is a key feature, presenting a complete bibliography of UFO-related literature in Norway.
• Bokanmeldelser (Book Reviews): Features reviews of interesting books on the UFO phenomenon.
• Presseklipp (Press Clippings): Includes recent UFO news from the press and broadcast media.

Detailed Reports on Sightings

The magazine includes several detailed reports of specific sightings:

• Mustadroa ved Gjøvik (Mustadroa near Gjøvik): A witness describes a bright, silent, square white light observed hovering overhead on January 20, 1991. The light illuminated the area as if it were daytime.
• Tyristrand i Buskerud (Tyristrand in Buskerud): A metallic object was observed stopping in strong winds and hovering near a house window in February 1999. The witness took photos, but the film was partially damaged.
• Lillehammer: A report from September 2000 describes a jogger being repeatedly illuminated by an unseen light source from above. The witness felt observed and increased their pace.
• Evenskjer i Troms (Evenskjer in Troms): On January 14, 2003, two rotating white lights, brighter than stars, were observed moving northwards. The witness contacted air traffic control, which confirmed no known aircraft in the area.
• Bjugn i Sør-Trøndelag (Bjugn in Sør-Trøndelag): Two reports from November 6 and 7, 2003, describe multiple blinking lights observed in the sky. These were later identified as likely military aircraft exercises.
• Over Røros (Over Røros): Two pilots reported observing a strong blue-green light object moving rapidly across the sky on November 29, 2003.
• Mysen: A detailed account from October 5, 1986, describes a bus driver witnessing three objects with multiple rows of lights and different colored lights, moving slowly over a rural area. The witness's subsequent attempts to get information from the military were met with a lengthy interrogation and no clear answers.

Photographic Analysis

The issue also includes analyses of photographic evidence:

• Fotosak: Tre lyse punkter på foto fra Lillehammer (Photo Case: Three bright points on a photo from Lillehammer): This section analyzes a digital photo taken in Lillehammer, showing three bright points. The explanation offered is that the automatic flash of the digital camera likely illuminated tiny snowflakes in the air, creating the appearance of bright spots. The analysis also suggests two dark spots in the same photo might be birds in flight.
• Fotosak: Mørk flekk på foto fra Meråker (Photo Case: Dark spot on a photo from Meråker): This section discusses a photo taken in Meråker, showing a dark spot in the sky. The report's commentary suggests it could be a bird in flight, such as a ptarmigan or a duck, or possibly an insect close to the lens.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of citizen reports and photographic evidence in UFO research. It adopts a critical yet open approach, analyzing sightings and photos to provide explanations where possible, often attributing phenomena to conventional causes like aircraft, atmospheric conditions, or photographic artifacts. However, it also acknowledges cases that remain unexplained, such as the interview with Gordon Creighton and the detailed report from Mysen, which hints at potential government secrecy or cover-ups. The publication serves as a platform for documenting UFO phenomena in Norway and fostering discussion and research within the UFO community.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 3-4-2003, is published by UFO-NORGE and covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, contactees, and scientific investigations. The issue includes articles on photographic evidence of light spheres, the life and experiences of prominent ufologists, the ongoing research into the Hessdalen phenomenon, a near-miss asteroid event, and a discussion on the historical context of UFO reports.

Photosak: To lyskuler på foto fra Stord

This article presents photographs taken by journalist Wenche M. Eriksen in Stord, Norway, showing two spherical light phenomena. The photos were taken in January with a Nikon Coolpix 5400. While UFO-NORGE cannot definitively identify the objects, they suggest possibilities such as electronic noise (CCD), lens flare, or flash illumination of atmospheric particles. The lights were not visible to the naked eye at the time of photography.

Fotosak: Lysfenomener over Danmark

This section describes an observation by Roger Kleven in Denmark in November/December 2003. While driving between Ålborg and Hanstholm around 5:00 PM, he witnessed two light phenomena that appeared as burning objects. The observation lasted for 20 minutes, and Kleven eventually concluded they were aircraft. The magazine's commentary suggests these were likely contrails illuminated by the sun, referencing a similar filmed event in Asker in 2002.

GÖSTA CARLSSON ER DØD

This obituary by Mentz Kaarbø commemorates Gösta Carlsson, a prominent Swedish contact person who passed away on October 4, 2003, at the age of 84. Carlsson was known for his alleged first encounter with extraterrestrial beings in 1946 near Ängelholm and for building a successful pharmaceutical business, earning him the nickname "Pollenkongen" (The Pollen King). The article details his famous close encounter, describing a disc-shaped object with a mast and lights, and the beings he encountered. Carlsson maintained telepathic contact with the beings for years. He publicly shared his story in 1971, becoming famous in UFO circles. A monument was erected at the site of his encounter. The article also mentions Clas Svahn's book, "Mõtet i Gläntan" (1995), which documented Carlsson's story.

Har nåtidens UFO-opplevelser vært beskrevet før 1947?

Authored by Mentz Kaarbø, this article explores the idea that modern UFO experiences and narratives may have roots in science fiction from before 1947. It references the work of French sociologist Bertrand Meheust and English UFO investigator Hilary Evans, who have pointed out similarities between contemporary UFO accounts and early science fiction stories. The article highlights a 1934 science fiction story titled "Hodomur, Man of Infinity" which contains elements found in later UFO reports, such as crop circles, men in black, physiological effects, craft with internal lights, beings passing through walls, telepathy, and missing time. The author suggests these parallels might strengthen the psychosocial explanation for UFO experiences.

MINUTTER UNNA FULL KATASTROFE-ALARM

This article reports on a near-miss event in January 2004 when astronomers were minutes away from issuing a full alarm about a 30-meter asteroid, designated 2004 AS1, potentially impacting Earth within 36 hours. The potential collision could have caused widespread destruction. The alarm was averted when new data indicated Earth was out of danger. The article describes the dramatic situation, including the possibility of the President being alerted, and quotes asteroid researchers Clark Chapman and David Morrison. It also notes that the asteroid was later found to be 500 meters wide and passed Earth at a distance of 12 million kilometers.

NORSK UFO-FORSKER REISER TIL USA

Written by Arnulf Løken, this piece announces that Norway's leading UFO researcher, Erling P. Strand, is participating in a project in the USA with the International Earthlight Alliance (IEA). The project aims to establish an organization focused on researching 'earthlights' (anomalous luminous phenomena). Strand will collaborate with Dr. Marsha Adams, who specializes in earthquake prediction. The project, initially set for six months, seeks funding for a research center and plans scientific expeditions to areas with frequent earthlight occurrences. The article mentions previous expeditions to Arizona, Hessdalen, and Washington. It also touches upon the status of Project Hessdalen in Norway, noting technical issues with its monitoring station.

Prosjekt Hessdalen på «Newton»

This article, by Mentz Kaarbø, reviews a segment on the Norwegian television program "Newton" that featured Project Hessdalen. Program leader Unni Eikeseth and project leader Erling Strand provided an introduction to the Hessdalen phenomenon and the research conducted. The program included a historical overview of UFOs, featuring skeptic Asbjørn Dyrendal, and showcased footage of the phenomenon, including the famous December 4, 1999 video. The article also mentions the use of optical gratings for spectral analysis and magnetometers to study the phenomenon's effects on Earth's magnetic field. Despite the program's attempt to explain the phenomenon, it remains elusive.

SKRAPHANDLERE PÅ MARS?

This short piece by Mentz Kaarbø discusses Richard Hoagland's claims about 'cased objects' and 'machinery' found on Mars, as presented on his website, The Enterprise Mission. The article refers to images from the Mars rover 'Spirit' and Hoagland's interpretation of them as artifacts left by intelligent beings, suggesting that further commentary is unnecessary.

For Gordon Creighton var verden en stor konspirasjon

Authored by Clas Svahn, this article is a portrait of Gordon Creighton, the influential editor of "Flying Saucer Review," who passed away on July 16, 2003, at the age of 95. Creighton, who spoke around 20 languages, was a diplomat and ufologist. He believed UFO phenomena were malevolent and linked them to conspiracy theories, including secret governments and alien control. The article notes his critical stance on certain aspects of modern ufology, such as the abduction film, while accepting the reality of crashed saucers. It highlights his support for conspiracy theorists like John Lear and Bill Cooper. Svahn describes Creighton as a sympathetic man with a passionate interest in the unknown, whose worldview was both fascinating and frightening.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and unexplained phenomena from around the world, with a particular focus on Scandinavian cases. There is a strong interest in historical UFO reports and the potential origins of UFO narratives in pre-1947 science fiction. The publication also delves into conspiracy theories surrounding UFOs and government cover-ups. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting various perspectives and evidence, while also acknowledging skepticism and offering critical commentary, as seen in the discussions of the Hessdalen phenomenon and the Stord light spheres. The magazine also covers related topics like asteroid threats and alleged alien artifacts on Mars.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated 2003 and identified as issue 3-4, focuses on two main subjects: the life and work of Gordon Creighton, a significant figure in UFO research, and the scientific mission of the Gravity Probe B satellite. The magazine is published by UFO-Norge and is in Norwegian.

Gordon Creighton: A Life Dedicated to the UFO Enigma

The cover story prominently features Gordon Creighton, who served as the editor of Flying Saucer Review (FSR) for 21 years and was also the leader of the British UFO organization BUFORA. The article, accompanied by a photo of Creighton in his Rickmansworth home, delves into his unique perspective on the UFO phenomenon.

Creighton's core belief was that UFOs were not necessarily visitors from other planets but rather entities from another dimension or aspect of our reality. He argued that the sheer volume of UFO reports suggested a source closer to home, perhaps from within our own world or a parallel dimension. He emphasized the importance of understanding the 'inner space' and parapsychology, rather than solely focusing on the 'flying saucer theory'.

The article recounts Creighton's early life and career, including his diplomatic service in China in the late 1930s and early 1940s, where he was privy to significant geopolitical information. He describes witnessing a UFO near the Tibetan border in 1941, long before the term 'flying saucer' became common. His experiences in New Orleans after World War II and his subsequent career in the British Foreign Office and later in intelligence further shaped his views.

Creighton's involvement with Flying Saucer Review began when he contacted Brinsley Le Poer Trench, who was starting the publication. Creighton became a valuable asset due to his linguistic skills, translating articles and connecting with researchers worldwide. His first article, "Unidentified satellites," appeared in FSR in 1961.

The magazine details the history of FSR, including its founding in 1954 with a small capital and its various editors, including Derek Dempster, Brinsley Le Poer Trench, Waveney Girvan, Charles Bowen, and finally Gordon Creighton himself, who took over as editor in 1982.

Creighton believed that governments possessed significant knowledge about UFOs but kept it secret. He noted the interest of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, in UFOs, mentioning that the Prince had an extensive archive of UFO reports and occasionally invited witnesses to Buckingham Palace.

The article touches upon various UFO cases and figures, including George Adamski, whose photographs and stories Creighton found compelling, though acknowledging the controversy surrounding them. He also discusses Elisabeth Klarer, a South African woman who claimed to have met an alien and had a child with him.

Creighton expressed skepticism about science's ability to fully unravel the UFO enigma, suggesting that the beings involved might exist in dimensions beyond our current scientific understanding. He saw the continued publication of FSR as a way to inform humanity and warn against our own follies, advocating for a broader understanding of possibilities and other beings.

Despite the challenges, including the impact of the internet on subscriptions, Creighton remained dedicated to the cause, believing that even a few awakened individuals would make the effort worthwhile.

Gravity Probe B: Testing Einstein's Relativity

This issue also features a detailed report on the launch of the Gravity Probe B satellite on April 20, 2003. This highly sophisticated probe was designed to test Einstein's general theory of relativity by measuring the warping of spacetime caused by Earth's mass and rotation.

The mission aimed to verify two specific effects predicted by relativity: the geodetic effect, which describes how mass curves spacetime, and the frame-dragging effect, caused by Earth's rotation. To achieve the required precision, the probe carried four ultra-precise, perfectly spherical quartz gyroscopes, each about 3.8 cm in diameter. These gyroscopes were designed to maintain their orientation in space with extreme accuracy.

The gyroscopes were housed in a quartz block within a large Dewar flask, cooled to 1.8 Kelvin (-271.35 °C) using liquid helium. This extreme cold was necessary to make the quartz and niobium components superconducting, allowing for the precise measurement of the tiny magnetic fields generated by the spinning gyroscopes. The measurements were to be made using SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) sensors.

The satellite's orientation was maintained by a drag-free control system, which used tiny thrusters to keep the spacecraft aligned with the free-falling gyroscopes. The reference for this alignment was a distant star, IM Pegasi, observed through a quartz telescope. The extreme precision required meant that even the slight movements of IM Pegasi due to galactic rotation and Earth's orbit had to be accounted for using large radio telescopes and quasars as fixed reference points.

The article highlights the long development time of the Gravity Probe B project, spanning 42 years, and the technological breakthroughs required for its completion. It also mentions the project's near-cancellation due to budget issues and the change in launch plans from the Space Shuttle to a Delta-2 rocket.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's editorial stance appears to be one that embraces unconventional theories and historical accounts within the UFO field, as exemplified by its focus on Gordon Creighton and his belief in non-extraterrestrial origins for UFOs. It also demonstrates an interest in the intersection of scientific inquiry and unexplained phenomena, as seen in the detailed coverage of the Gravity Probe B mission. The publication seems to aim at providing a platform for diverse perspectives, from personal testimonies and historical UFO research to cutting-edge scientific endeavors that might shed light on the nature of reality.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 3-4/2003, presents a comprehensive overview of UFO-related literature published in Norway between 1954 and 2003. The magazine is divided into two main parts: an extensive bibliography of periodicals and a bibliography of books. Additionally, it features an article detailing the Gravity Probe B mission, an experiment testing Einstein's theory of general relativity.

UFO Literature Bibliography

The bibliography is meticulously compiled by Ole Jonny Brænne, who has dedicated over ten years to this project. It is organized into four parts, though only parts 1 (periodicals) and 2 (books) are fully detailed in this issue. The aim is to create a complete record of Norwegian UFO publications, acknowledging that some items may have been overlooked or misidentified.

Part 1: Periodicals

This section lists numerous Norwegian UFO-related periodicals, including their publication years, publishers, editors, and issue numbers where available. Titles range from "Ad Astra" and "Alpha Star Base informerer" to "Det Ukjente," "Ekstern," "Fakta?," "Intern," "Maya," "Merkabah," "Mystic," and "Norsk UFO-Bulletin." The entries provide detailed publication histories, often noting changes in names, editors, and ISSN numbers. For many publications, the list indicates if it is incomplete, meaning not all issues were seen by the compiler.

Part 2: Books

This section lists books published in Norway concerning UFOs and related phenomena. It includes authors, titles, publication years, publishers, page counts, ISBNs, and brief descriptions or notes about the content. Notable authors featured include Erich von Däniken, Charles Berlitz, William L. Moore, and Josef F. Blumrich. The entries often specify if the book is a translation and who the translator is. Some entries note if the book was not seen by the compiler but was referenced in other sources.

Gravity Probe B: Testing Einstein's Relativity

The magazine also features an article on the Gravity Probe B (GP-B) mission, a significant scientific endeavor to test Einstein's theory of general relativity. The mission, developed at Stanford University with significant contributions from Lockheed Martin, aims to measure the tiny effects of spacetime warping caused by Earth's gravity. The article highlights the project's long development, its substantial budget (approximately $700 million), and the challenges faced in its execution. It mentions key figures like chief scientist Francis Everitt and the mission's launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base. The experiment involves highly precise measurements using gyroscopes to detect the frame-dragging effect, aiming for an accuracy of one percent, a significant improvement over previous experiments like LAGEOS 1 and 2.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO magazine primarily serves as a historical and archival resource for the UFO phenomenon in Norway. The extensive bibliography demonstrates the long-standing interest and activity within the Norwegian UFO community. The inclusion of the Gravity Probe B article suggests an editorial stance that bridges the gap between mainstream scientific inquiry into fundamental physics and the more fringe topic of UFOs, perhaps implying a shared interest in exploring the unknown and testing established theories. The magazine's focus on documentation and historical records underscores a commitment to cataloging and preserving information related to UFO research in Norway.

Title: UFO nr.
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 2003
Date: 2003
Publisher: Norsk UFO Center
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0332-6089
Price: 49

This issue of "UFO nr." is a special edition dedicated to an extensive overview of UFO literature published in Norway between 1954 and 2003. Compiled by Ole Jonny Brænne, the issue serves as a comprehensive bibliography, cataloging a wide array of books, reports, and articles related to UFO phenomena and related topics. The primary focus is on Norwegian publications and authors, but it also includes translated works and international influences.

Contents Overview

The magazine is structured as a detailed listing of UFO-related literature, organized by author and publication type. It covers a broad spectrum of subjects within ufology, including:

• Erich von Däniken's Works: A significant portion of the listings pertains to books by Erich von Däniken, detailing various titles, original languages, publishers, publication years, and translators. His works, which explore the ancient astronaut theory, are prominently featured.
• Norwegian Authors and Researchers: The issue highlights numerous Norwegian authors and their contributions to UFO literature. This includes works on specific cases, investigations, and theoretical aspects of ufology.
• Key UFO Cases and Phenomena: Several entries refer to specific UFO incidents and phenomena investigated in Norway, such as the Hessdalen phenomenon, reports from Mosjøen, and other documented sightings.
• Translated Works: Many international UFO books have been translated into Norwegian and are listed, providing access to a wider range of global UFO literature.
• Science Fiction and Novels: A dedicated section, "DEL 3 - ROMANER," lists science fiction novels with UFO and extraterrestrial themes, featuring popular authors like Douglas Adams, Frank Herbert, and Orson Scott Card.
• Reports and Manuals: The bibliography includes technical reports, investigation manuals, and informational pamphlets from organizations like NUFOC (Norsk UFO Center) and NIVFO.

Featured Authors and Works

Prominent authors and their works mentioned throughout the issue include:

• Erich von Däniken: His books such as "Gudene var astronauter!", "Gudenes strategi", "Har jeg tatt feil?", "Min Verden I Bilder", "På Sporet Av De Fremmede", "Reisen Til Kiribati", "Sfinksens Øyne", "Tilbake Til Stjernene", and "Vi Er Alle Gudenes Barn" are extensively listed.
• J. Allen Hynek: "UFO - En Dokumentasjon" (The UFO Experience) is cited.
• Budd Hopkins: "UFO - Tapte Timer" (Missing Time) is included.
• Jacques Vallée: "Det Usynlige Kollegium" (The Invisible College) is featured.
• David Fryberger: "A model for ball lightning" is mentioned in relation to proceedings from a workshop.
• Uri Geller: "Om Meg Selv" (My Story) is listed.
• Richard F. Haines: "En Ny Avansert Metodikk Ved Vitne-Intervjuer/Feltforskning."
• Solveig J. Hansen: "Reisende Fra Fremtiden."
• Whitley Strieber: "Nærkontakt" (Communion).
• Robert K. G. Temple: "Sirius-Mysteriet" (The Sirius Mystery).
• Willy Ustad: A series of books titled "Vokterne" (The Guardians) and "Brente Spor" (Burnt Tracks) are listed.

Specific Reports and Investigations

The issue details various reports and investigations, including:

• Hessdalen Reports: Several reports related to the Hessdalen phenomenon are listed, authored by Jan S. Krogh and Erling Strand.
• Mosjøen Reports: Reports concerning UFO sightings and encounters in Mosjøen are included.
• Ball Lightning: Works by David Fryberger and Erling Strand discuss ball lightning phenomena.

Organizations and Publishers

Key organizations and publishers involved in the Norwegian UFO scene mentioned include:

• Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC)
• NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning)
• Mortensen Forlag
• Gyldendal
• Kagge Forlag
• Grøndahl Dreyer
• Nordisk/Semic

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The overarching theme of this issue is the comprehensive documentation and cataloging of UFO-related literature within Norway. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough archival and informational dissemination, aiming to provide researchers and enthusiasts with a complete reference guide to the field. The inclusion of both factual reports and science fiction highlights the broad interest in the subject matter. The detailed bibliographic information suggests a serious approach to ufology as a field of study, emphasizing the importance of accessible information and historical records. The compilation by Ole Jonny Brænne underscores the effort to consolidate and preserve knowledge within the Norwegian UFO community.

This issue of UFO-Norge, identified as issue number 3-4 from 2003, presents a comprehensive overview of UFO literature published in Norway between 1954 and 2003. Titled "Oversikt Over UFO-Litteratur Utgitt I Norge 1954-2003" (Overview of UFO Literature Published in Norway 1954-2003), this is the fourth part of the series, compiled by Ole Jonny Brænne. The magazine features a wide range of content, including detailed book reviews, articles on specific UFO cases, and press clippings.

Book Reviews and Literature Analysis

The issue dedicates significant space to reviewing numerous books that touch upon UFO phenomena, often as part of broader themes like mysteries, the paranormal, or science fiction. Books reviewed include works by authors such as Charles Berlitz, Nigel Blundell, Paul Jan Brudal, Johannes Von Buttlar, Jan Crosby, Tore Fredriksen, Billy Graham, and others. Many of these reviews provide page numbers where UFO-related material can be found, offering a valuable resource for researchers.

Several reviews focus on books aimed at younger readers, such as "Allt om UFO" and "Se havet!", noting their layout and content, while also offering critical commentary on the quality and sources used. The review of "Allt om UFO" by Mats Wänblad & Kenneth Andersson, compiled by Clas Svahn, notes that while the book is readable, it lacks the highest quality and relies on questionable sources.

The "Journal of UFO Studies" (New Series, Vol. 7, 2000) is also highlighted, featuring articles on geophysical parameters, Project Sign, abduction experiences, and a review of abduction literature. The Delphos, Kansas case from 1971 is analyzed in detail, including an examination of the ground ring and its properties.

Notable UFO Cases and Phenomena

This issue delves into several specific UFO-related incidents and phenomena:

• Mars Sighting: A prominent article discusses a UFO observed on Mars, photographed by the Mars rover Spirit. The object, appearing as a streak in the sky, was identified by NASA as an unknown object in motion, leading to speculation about whether it was man-made or a meteor.
• Delphos, Kansas Case: The 1971 sighting of a mushroom-shaped object by a 16-year-old boy is detailed, including the subsequent discovery of a glowing ring on the ground.
• Norwegian Sightings: Several Norwegian cases are reported, including a sighting in Bodø in October 2003 of a black, boomerang-shaped UFO, and reports from Senja and Skånland. The issue notes a general decline in reported UFO sightings in Northern Norway.
• Nasca Lines: The article on Mars also touches upon the Nasca Lines in Peru, discussing how they are best observed from the air and the use of ESA satellite radar to assess their preservation.
• Hessdalen Phenomenon: The Hessdalen phenomenon in Norway is mentioned in relation to a program broadcast on NRK P2 and an article in the Allgemeine Zeitung.

Press Clippings and General Commentary

The "Presseklipp" (Press Clippings) section compiles recent news reports on UFOs from various Norwegian and international sources. These include a report from Indianapolis, USA, about three police officers witnessing a UFO, and a peculiar report from Brazil about a planned UFO landing being canceled due to a football match.

Commentaries within the magazine offer perspectives on the UFO phenomenon. One commentary on Erik Tandberg's views suggests that while he may be correct about the lack of definitive proof for extraterrestrial visitation, his characterization of UFO proponents as solely seeking the 'occult' might overlook the objective research conducted by UFO organizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

A recurring theme is the distinction between objective investigation and sensationalism or pseudoscience. The magazine seems to advocate for a scientific approach to UFO research, referencing organizations like UFO-Norge and Skepsis. There's an underlying acknowledgment of the enduring human fascination with the unexplained, comparing modern UFO beliefs to older folklore like 'hulder' (hidden folk).

The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, presenting information from various sources, including critical ones, and encouraging readers to form their own conclusions. The decline in reported UFO sightings in some regions is noted, with speculation that it might be due to a decrease in interest rather than a decrease in actual phenomena.

Title: UFO Norge
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 2003
Date: 2003
Publisher: UFO Norge
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO Norge delves into various unexplained phenomena, from terrestrial sightings to potential extraterrestrial encounters and mysteries on Mars. It highlights public interest in UFOs, the challenges of reporting such events, and ongoing investigations.

UFOs in Northern Norway

The magazine begins by discussing the declining popularity of UFO sightings in Northern Norway, with an expert, Solhaug, suggesting media saturation might be a factor. Despite this, unusual sightings continue. A woman from Ballangen reported a house-like object on fire that moved and disappeared. Solhaug is interviewed by Radio Tromsø and TV2 Nettavisen, where he notes that while statistics might be low, some observations are intriguing, such as a rocket-like object in Finnmark and a boomerang-shaped object near Bodø. He also mentions a sighting near Evenskjer of two rotating stars disappearing towards Ursa Major. Solhaug emphasizes the difficulty people face in coming forward due to fear of not being taken seriously, and the complex nature of some reports.

Andøya Phenomena

NRK Nordland reports on "unconventional phenomena" on Andøya, including UFOs and "phantom animals." Lindis Gansmoe, a teacher, described seeing a cascade of lights after hearing a bang while hiking. In the same area, tracks resembling lynx were observed, leading to speculation about a connection. Initially, the lights were unexplained, with Gansmoe ruling out lightning and the military confirming no exercises were in the area. However, a later report from NRK Nordland suggests the lights were likely British Harrier fighter jets conducting exercises with Norwegian F16s off the coast of Andøya, using flares.

Nigerian Aviation Mystery

An incident in Nigeria is detailed, where witnesses claimed to see a regional turboprop aircraft, possibly a Beech 1900, crash into the sea. A large-scale rescue operation was launched but later called off. The National Air Safety Initiative (NASI), led by Jerry Agbeyegbe, classified the event as a UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) because no company reported a missing plane, air traffic control observed no aircraft, and no wreckage was found. NASI criticized the government's decision to halt the search, arguing that the lack of physical evidence made further investigation crucial. Despite initial reports of wreckage, investigators found none. Emmanuel Ljewere of the Nigerian Red Cross expressed frustration, stating they were convinced it was not a crash.

Mars Rover 'Opportunity' and the 'Rabbit Ears'

An article by Mentz Kaarbo explores a peculiar discovery made by NASA's Opportunity rover on Mars. Images captured by the rover showed a yellowish object, about five centimeters in size, that appeared to have "rabbit ears." This sparked curiosity among scientists and the public. Jeff Johnson, a researcher at the US Geological Survey, studied the images and noted the object's movement, suggesting it might have been blown by the wind. The prevailing theory, supported by Rob Manning, who is responsible for the rover's landing operations, is that the "rabbit ears" were a piece of soft material from the Opportunity rover itself, possibly insulation or a fragment from its airbag. Visual spectrum analysis by Johnson indicated a strong similarity between the object's color and the airbag material. The article concludes by noting this as the "official" explanation.

Editorial and Support

The magazine also includes sections for reader contributions, encouraging articles and letters, with guidelines on length and submission. It mentions that unsolicited manuscripts and images will not be returned unless a self-addressed, stamped envelope is included. The publication is also seeking individuals interested in translating UFO-related articles from English, German, and French. A "Will you become a millionaire?" section offers flaxlotto tickets as prizes for contributing reports. Information is provided on how to help promote "UFO Norge" by distributing flyers, with a reward of a free subscription for referring five new subscribers. The issue also highlights the "UFO Norges Støttefond" (UFO Norway Support Fund) and the "Prosjekt Hessdalen" (Hessdalen Project), appealing for financial contributions to support the operation of an automatic measuring station.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the persistent nature of unexplained aerial phenomena, the challenges in verifying and reporting such events, and the intersection of UFOlogy with scientific exploration (as seen with the Mars rover). The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various reports and theories while also offering conventional explanations when available, as seen with the Andøya lights and the Mars 'rabbit ears'. There's a clear effort to engage the readership through calls for contributions and support for ongoing projects.