UFO - 2005 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Norge, issue number 2 of 2005 and the 24th year of publication, is a special interest magazine focused on UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline "To sølvskimrende kuler over Verdal" (Two silver shimmering spheres over Verdal), alongside images related to crop circles and the first photograph of an extrasolar planet. The magazine is published by UFO-Norge, a nationwide organization dedicated to the study and registration of UFO phenomena.

Editorial

The editorial section, written by Mentz Kaarbo, apologizes for the delay in publication due to technical issues. It notes that while there haven't been many major international UFO headlines, interesting cases can still be found online. In Norway, significant cases are also rare, with a perceived decrease in spectacular sightings compared to a few decades ago, reflected in the 'Presseklipp' section being less substantial. The 'Rapportnytt' section is more detailed in this issue, including new reports and some resolved photo cases. The editor encourages submissions of photographic evidence of unusual objects. A significant mention is made of a recent doctoral thesis from the University of Bergen titled "Norsk UFO-bevegelse mellom religion og vitenskap" (The Norwegian UFO movement between religion and science), which examined organizations like NETI and UFO-NORGE. The editorial also thanks subscribers for renewing their subscriptions, noting a significant increase in readership, with numbers approaching 400.

Table of Contents

The issue includes several articles and reports:

• Rapportnytt (Report News): A section detailing recent UFO reports.
• UFO over Mexico: An account of a spectacular UFO observation in Mexico in March 2004, involving unidentified flying objects filmed by the Mexican Air Force.
• "Men from Mars": A look back at a 1940 April Fool's joke that foreshadowed many elements of ufology.
• Lys fra fremmede planeter er oppdaget (Lights from alien planets discovered): Astronomers are making breakthroughs in the search for exoplanets.
• Første bilde av ekstrasolar planet (First image of an extrasolar planet): The first successful photograph of an individual planet outside our solar system.
• Observerte egenskaper ved UFOer (Observed characteristics of UFOs): A contribution discussing how UFOs might maneuver in extreme ways.
• Leserbrev (Letters to the Editor): A letter from Denmark discussing UFO cover-ups, free energy, and cancer therapy machines.
• Laurance Rockefeller er død (Laurance Rockefeller has died): An obituary for a benefactor of the UFO movement.
• Bokanmeldelser (Book Reviews): A section for book reviews.
• Norsk UFO-bevegelse mellom religion og vitenskap: A review of the doctoral thesis on the Norwegian UFO movement.
• Presseklipp (Press Clippings): A section for news clippings related to UFOs.
• Project Blue Book Archive, Flying Saucer Review: Information on archival material available on CD.

Rapportnytt (Report News)

This section, compiled by Arnulf Løken, highlights several recent UFO reports. The "observational drought" appears to be over, with an increase in reports, including photographic cases.

• Hekstad, Rogaland (September 22, 2003): A woman reported seeing a triangular object with red and green lights near Flekkefjord. She described it as large, silent, and hovering before moving southwest. The object was estimated to be 40-50 meters on each side. The report notes that due to the time elapsed, a military or civilian investigation was not possible. Similar triangular objects have been reported from other locations, including Hessdalen.
• Eikesdalen, Møre og Romsdal (April 1, 2004): A woman reported a bright, round light moving slowly in the night sky. Initially thought to be a UFO, it was later identified as the planet Jupiter. The report explains how celestial bodies can appear to move faster and change appearance due to atmospheric effects and camera zoom.

An overview table lists key observations from January 15 to May 15, 2005, including dates, locations, durations, number of witnesses, descriptions, and types (e.g., NL for Nocturnal Lights, FS for Photo Case).

Fotosak (Photo Case)

This section presents specific cases where photographic or video evidence was involved:

• Nordhamarvik, Frøya, Sør-Trøndelag (July 4, 2004): A digital photo taken by Rolf Martinsen showed an object in the air. Despite the witness's certainty it wasn't a bird or plane, the object was identified as a seagull due to its appearance from the side.
• Saltstraumen, Nordland (July 20, 2004): A photo taken of a woman with Saltstraumen in the background contained an object that was also identified as a seagull.
• Dalsbygda, Os i Østerdalen (September 19, 2004): A group of 12-15 people observed a bright, luminous phenomenon for over 7 hours. The phenomenon had varying brightness and colors, and was filmed with two video cameras. The report suggests it might have been the planet Venus, with an illustration provided.

To sølvblanke UFOer over Verdal (Two silver blank UFOs over Verdal)

This article details an observation by Ingunn Helden and her family near Verdal, Nord-Trøndelag, on February 22, 2005. They witnessed two silver, oval-shaped objects flying silently. One object was seen by the driver and front passenger, while the second was seen by the person in the back seat. The objects had no wings or windows and were described as being the size of a fighter jet. The objects moved in a curve and disappeared behind trees. The weather was clear and still, with a temperature of -10°C. Arnulf Løken from Rapportsentralen investigated the case, contacting the Norwegian Air Force, which reported no military activity. The Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI) and NOBLE (Norwegian Battle Lab and Experimentation) were also contacted. FFI denied launching any balloons in the area, while NOBLE confirmed a balloon had broken free, but its description (white, 3-4 meters in diameter) did not match the observed objects. Attempts to get information from the military exercise J7 were unsuccessful. The case remains unexplained, with the description making it unlikely to be a Swedish drone.

Merkelig fenomen over Sarpsborg (Strange phenomenon over Sarpsborg)

This section describes two observations by a witness in Sarpsborg in August 2004. The witness reported seeing an intense white light, described as a "grown star" or "light worms," with a greyish mass and small light points. The object was estimated to be very far away and at an altitude of about 45 degrees. The witness described a metallic object with a dark dome and lights. The phenomenon lasted for 20-30 minutes and disappeared. The witness has since acquired a telescope and a camera to document future sightings. Ole-Morten Vestby of UFO-NORGE interviewed the witness, who was described as a serious and clear-headed individual. No physical documentation exists, and there are no other witnesses.

UFO-film fra Vikna oppklart? (UFO film from Vikna clarified?)

UFO-NORGE investigated a video filmed in December 2000 near Ytter-Vikna, Nord-Trøndelag, which had gained media attention. The Avdeling Midt (Mid-division) borrowed a digital video camera to test theories. They filmed Jupiter, the Moon, and a street light. The filming of Jupiter showed the light source growing and shrinking rapidly due to insufficient light for the camera's focus, creating a strange effect. The Moon, however, appeared stable because there was enough light for the camera to focus. The article concludes that the original video likely captured similar phenomena, with Jupiter being a strong candidate due to its appearance and movement when filmed with a digital camera under specific conditions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena within Norway and internationally. It aims to document and analyze these events, often presenting witness accounts, photographic, and video evidence. While some cases are explained as natural phenomena or misidentifications (e.g., planets, birds), others remain unexplained, reflecting the ongoing mystery of UFOs. The publication also touches upon the academic and public perception of UFOs, as seen in the mention of the doctoral thesis. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and diligent reporting, encouraging public participation in documenting sightings while maintaining a critical and analytical approach to evidence.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated 2-2005, focuses on two primary topics: a significant UFO encounter over Mexico and the groundbreaking discovery of an exoplanet. The magazine features articles detailing these events, along with other related phenomena and discussions.

UFOer over Mexico

The lead article, "UFOer over Mexico" by Mentz Kaarbo, details a spectacular event on May 11, 2004, when the Mexican Air Force publicly released a video showing 11 unidentified objects encountered by a reconnaissance aircraft. The incident occurred on March 5, 2004, when a Merlin C-26A aircraft, on a drug interdiction mission over the Campeche region, detected an unknown radar signal. Upon activating its infrared camera (FLIR), the crew observed a strong, round, shining object. When the aircraft approached, the object rapidly accelerated and disappeared. The object later reappeared behind the aircraft, and despite attempts to identify it, it remained invisible to the naked eye while still being detected by radar and FLIR.

During the encounter, the number of unidentified objects increased to 11, flying in formation at an altitude of approximately 3200 meters. Only three of these were visible on radar, with speeds ranging from 60 to 300 knots (110-560 km/t). The objects eventually disappeared from radar and FLIR. The Mexican Ministry of Defense, under General Clemente Vega Garcia, officially confirmed the event, stating it could not be explained. Journalist and UFO investigator Jaime Maussan was involved in the investigation, receiving video footage from the Defense Minister. Maussan described the objects as "intelligent" due to their maneuvers and stated, "We are not alone! This is so strange."

The article also discusses the crew's experience, including radar operator Lieutenant German Martin's admission of being scared, and FLIR operator Lieutenant Mario Adrian Vazquez's assertion that the phenomenon was "truly" real. Captain Magdaleno Jasso Nuñez described the objects surrounding the aircraft in a circle, leading to a "red alert" situation. The crew's decision to turn off the lights on the aircraft during the encounter is also mentioned.

Various explanations for the phenomenon were proposed by scientists, including weather balloons, burning meteorites, space debris, ball lightning, and even stealth aircraft. However, the article notes that the explanations often had weaknesses, such as the invisibility of the objects to the naked eye while being detected by advanced equipment.

Avtrykk ved Moelv

Another section reports on a strange incident in Moelv, Norway, where unusual footprints were discovered in a garden on April 14, 2005. The footprints, about 8-9 cm in diameter, were arranged in a pattern resembling a '5' on a die and a triangular formation. The discovery was investigated by UFO-Hamar representative Kjell Mickelson.

UFO-fenomener i Norge

The magazine also revisits earlier UFO-related events, including a video from Vikna, Norway, in December 2000, which showed a "street light" phenomenon exhibiting focus problems and unusual color patterns, attributed to low-light camera limitations rather than a UFO.

First Image of an Extrasolar Planet

A significant astronomical discovery is detailed in the article "Første bilde av ekstrasolar planet" by Mentz Kaarbo. Astronomers have, for the first time, directly imaged an extrasolar planet, designated 2M1207b. This planet orbits a young brown dwarf approximately 200 light-years from Earth in the Hydra constellation. The discovery was made using the NACO instrument on the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile. The planet is described as a "hot Jupiter," with an estimated mass of 5 Jupiter masses, and it orbits its star at a close distance. This breakthrough allows for direct observation and study of planets outside our solar system, a significant step beyond previous indirect detection methods.

The article also mentions a prior claim by German researchers of photographing an extrasolar planet, which was met with skepticism regarding whether the object was a brown dwarf rather than a planet.

Light from Distant Planets Discovered

Another article, "Lys fra fremmede planeter er oppdaget" by Mark Peplow, discusses the observation of infrared light from exoplanets. Researchers have used NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope to detect infrared emissions from two "hot Jupiter" exoplanets, HD 209458b and TrES-1. These planets orbit their stars closely, allowing astronomers to observe changes in total infrared radiation as they pass in front of their stars. This method provides insights into the planets' temperatures and atmospheric composition, with HD 209458b estimated to be between 850°C and 1450°C, likely containing water vapor.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Magazine demonstrates a continued interest in unexplained aerial phenomena, particularly military encounters and photographic evidence. The publication presents detailed accounts of UFO sightings, including the high-profile Mexican Air Force incident, and explores various explanations, from the mundane to the extraordinary. Alongside UFO reports, the magazine also covers significant advancements in astronomy, such as the direct imaging of exoplanets, suggesting a broad scope of interest in phenomena beyond conventional understanding. The editorial stance appears to favor thorough investigation and reporting of such events, while acknowledging the challenges in definitively explaining them.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 2-2005, is titled "Observerte egenskaper ved UFOer eller hvordan treghetskontroll kan være løsningen på det uforklarlige" (Observed Characteristics of UFOs or How Inertia Control Could Be the Solution to the Unexplainable) and is authored by Øyvind Liberg. The magazine delves into the potential physics behind UFO propulsion and behavior, contrasting them with known terrestrial technology.

Observed UFO Characteristics and Inertia Control

The main article by Øyvind Liberg explores the commonalities found in numerous UFO reports, suggesting that these similarities point towards a unique propulsion system. The author contrasts the flight characteristics of conventional aircraft with those attributed to UFOs. While traditional aircraft are described as noisy, slow to accelerate, and bound by aerodynamic principles, UFOs are reported to exhibit instantaneous acceleration, silent flight, the ability to make sudden reversals even at high speeds, and sharp turns without banking. The article questions how occupants could survive such maneuvers, proposing that the solution lies in the absence of inertia.

Liberg explains the concept of inertia as the resistance of matter to changes in its state of motion, referencing Isaac Newton's laws and Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, particularly the equivalence principle which states that inertial mass (TM) and gravitational mass (GM) are equal. The author speculates that UFOs might employ a field that negates inertia, allowing for extreme acceleration and maneuverability without the occupants experiencing G-forces. This hypothetical field could also explain the lack of noise and air resistance, as well as the potential for UFOs to stop air molecules, thus preventing sound propagation and aerodynamic drag. The article also touches upon the possibility of electromagnetic interference caused by such a field and the unusual physical sensations, like skin burns, reported by some witnesses.

Further points raised include the potential for UFO materials to be made using nanotechnology, explaining their resilience and unusual properties. The article suggests that the partial transparency of some UFOs might be due to nanotechnology, contributing to their radar invisibility. The author concludes that while the technology required for such capabilities is currently beyond human reach, the observed phenomena might not be as impossible as they seem if one considers these advanced concepts.

Related Articles and Reviews

Blue Book Archive

The magazine highlights the Project Blue Book Archive, initiated by William M. Wise. This project aims to scan and digitize all microfilm from the U.S. Air Force's Project Blue Book, making historical UFO documents accessible online and on CD-ROM. The archive contains thousands of pages of documents, including those from Project Sign and Maxwell AFB, and is presented as a valuable resource for researchers.

Flying Saucer Review

Another feature discusses the "Flying Saucer Review" (FSR), described as the world's oldest UFO magazine, which began publication in 1955. FSR served as an international forum for UFO reports and UFO investigations. The article notes that FSR Archive offers scanned images of its past issues on CD, providing a historical perspective on UFO phenomena, though the content from the 1950s might seem less relevant to contemporary issues.

Book and DVD Reviews

Several reviews are included:

• "Hinsides – Folkloristiske perspektiver på det overnaturlige" (Beyond – Folkloristic Perspectives on the Supernatural), edited by Siv Bente Grongstad, Ole Marius Hylland, and Arnfinn Pettersen, is reviewed. The book is an anthology exploring supernatural beliefs from a folkloristic perspective, with chapters on UFO myths, the X-Files, and 'star people'.
• "Kornsirkler – verdens vakreste mysterium" (Crop Circles – the World's Most Beautiful Mystery) by Eva-Marie Brekkestø is reviewed. This book is presented as the first Norwegian publication on crop circles, offering an overview of the phenomenon, its history, and arguments against hoaxes. It also touches upon related phenomena like light balls and ice circles.
• A DVD titled "Kornsirkler – visittkort fra det ukjente..." (Crop Circles – a Business Card from the Unknown...) is also reviewed, questioning whether crop circles are created by extraterrestrial intelligence and what their message might be.

Press Clippings

This section features several short news items:

• TalkToAliens.com: A service that allows people to send messages into space, with doubts expressed about its effectiveness.
• Gry Jannicke Jarlum: A Norwegian artist who is running for parliament on a platform that includes a focus on UFO mysteries and unexplained phenomena.
• World's Worst Hacker: A report on a hacker arrested in London who allegedly targeted NASA and the Pentagon to find evidence of alien visitation.
• Confused Frenchman in Denmark: A case of a man who experienced 'missing time' after a meal in Hamburg and reappeared in Denmark with no memory of how he got there.

Research Summary

"Fersk doktorgrad om UFO-miljøet i Norge: Norsk UFO-bevegelse mellom religion og vitenskap" (Fresh Doctoral Degree on the UFO Scene in Norway: The Norwegian UFO Movement Between Religion and Science) by Jan Bertil Heilund is summarized. The thesis analyzes the Norwegian UFO movement, noting its reliance on international theories, particularly from the USA, but also highlighting unique Norwegian elements, such as the Hessdalen phenomenon. Heilund categorizes UFO beliefs as a contemporary mythology, existing between fact and fiction, science and religion, and observes that distinctions between secular and spiritual UFO enthusiasts are often blurred.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from a perspective that is open to unconventional explanations, particularly those involving advanced technology and physics beyond current mainstream understanding. There is a clear interest in historical UFO research, archival material, and the scientific investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various theories and evidence while acknowledging the limitations of current scientific knowledge. The inclusion of book and DVD reviews, as well as press clippings, broadens the scope of topics related to the unexplained and alternative science. The magazine seems to advocate for a more open-minded approach to these subjects, even when they challenge established scientific paradigms. The inclusion of a reader's letter also suggests a platform for diverse opinions within the UFO community.

This issue of UFO-Norge, dated 2005, focuses on community contributions and ongoing projects. The cover headline, "Stoff mottas!" (Material Received!), invites readers to submit articles, reader letters, press clippings, and links. The magazine outlines guidelines for submissions, including length recommendations for articles (approx. 1500 words) and reader letters (approx. 300 words), and notes that while they can edit for language, authors should be mindful of their writing. They also accept photos and illustrations, with the author responsible for captions, though the editorial team can assist. For mailed submissions, unsolicited manuscripts and pictures will only be returned if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is included. The magazine is also seeking individuals with good English, German, or French language skills to help translate articles.

Community Engagement and Support

The issue highlights two key ways for readers to engage and support UFO-Norge:

UFO-NORGE Information Folder

Readers are encouraged to help promote UFO-Norge by distributing their information folder. Folders can be requested by mail or downloaded and printed from the website www.ufo.no. As an incentive, readers who recruit five new subscribers receive a free subscription.

UFO-Norge Support Fund

Recognizing that many groups and associations require funding, UFO-Norge acknowledges its own financial limitations. The support fund is presented as a way for interested individuals, even those who cannot actively work for the organization, to contribute financially. Donations, large or small, are welcomed to help the organization continue its work.

Project Hessdalen Support

Another significant appeal is for support for "Prosjekt Hessdalen" (Project Hessdalen) and the operation of its automatic measuring station. The project aims to acquire more modern equipment to better understand the Hessdalen phenomenon. The article thanks the University College of Østfold, individuals, and institutions for their support, noting that the project's funds are running low. Specific costs mentioned include transferring image data from the station to the University College of Østfold, where project leader Erling Strand is a lecturer. Readers are urged to contribute financially to ensure the continued operation of this important project. Donation details, including an address and postgiro account for Prosjekt Hessdalen, are provided.

Perlemorsky over Trondheim (Nacreous Clouds Over Trondheim)

This section details an event on December 30, 2004, around 3:30 PM, when Tor Halvor Barstad, his wife, and sister-in-law observed a peculiar light phenomenon in the sky over Trondheim. During a break in the overcast, stormy weather, they noticed an oval or ellipse-shaped light that appeared higher in the sky than the clouds. Its color was primarily white, with subtle yellow and pink hues at the edges. Barstad filmed the phenomenon for nearly two minutes. He subsequently contacted journalist Frank Lervik at TV-Trøndelag. Lervik, in turn, contacted the UFO-Norge Report Center. Upon viewing the film, it was quickly determined that the object was not a UFO but a "perlemorsky" (nacreous cloud).

The article then explains what nacreous clouds are, citing the Norwegian Meteorological Institute (met.no). These are high-altitude clouds composed of ice crystals that are illuminated by the sun when it is below the horizon. The sunlight refracts through the ice crystals, creating a spectrum of colors, similar to a prism. These beautiful, lens-shaped clouds are often seen at high latitudes during winter, formed by strong air currents over mountains. They occur at altitudes of 20-30 km and are best observed when the sun is just below the horizon. An example photo of nacreous clouds taken near Levanger on January 11, 2005, is also included.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine demonstrates a commitment to investigating unexplained phenomena while maintaining a grounded, scientific approach. It actively encourages reader participation through submissions and financial support for both the organization and specific research projects like Hessdalen. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, as evidenced by the detailed reporting of a potential UFO sighting that was ultimately explained through scientific understanding. The emphasis on community involvement and the provision of clear contact and donation information suggest a desire to foster a strong readership and support base for UFO research in Norway.