UFO - 2005 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Magazine, volume 24, number 4, published in 2005 by UFO-NORGE, is the largest Norwegian specialty magazine on UFO phenomena. It features a cover story on the Drake Equation and the hypothesis of a cosmic quarantine, alongside a major interview with the skeptic James Randi. The magazine also includes a section on UFO reports from Norway, photographic evidence, and an announcement for the upcoming UFO-NORGE National Meeting.

Editorial and Main Articles

Editorial: "Fra redaksjonen"

The editorial by Mentz Kaarbø celebrates the achievement of four issues in a single year, a milestone not reached since 2001. It looks forward to the UFO-NORGE National Meeting on January 21, 2006, in Oslo, emphasizing the importance of member participation for organizational democracy. The editorial introduces James Randi as a controversial figure, a magician, skeptic, and debunker, whose inclusion aims to present a more critical perspective on the UFO phenomenon. It also discusses the National Geographic Channel's program on UFOs, noting that while not endorsing all viewpoints, it presented alternative explanations for alleged anomalies, such as the 2004 Mexican Air Force UFO incident. The article highlights the Drake Equation, which estimates the number of advanced civilizations in our galaxy, and contrasts it with the Fermi Paradox. It explores the hypothesis of a 'cosmic quarantine' as a potential explanation for the absence of detected alien civilizations. The editorial concludes that the UFO phenomenon remains unsolved.

Article: "Drake-likningen og hypotesen om kosmisk karantene" (The Drake Equation and the Hypothesis of Cosmic Quarantine)

By Steven Sooter, this article examines the Drake Equation, which calculates the number of technologically advanced civilizations in our galaxy. It addresses the Fermi Paradox – the contradiction between the high probability of extraterrestrial civilizations and the lack of evidence for them. Sooter discusses the possibility of a 'cosmic quarantine' where advanced civilizations might isolate or prevent destructive ones from colonizing the galaxy. The article references Michael Crichton's criticism of the Drake Equation as unscientific, but Sooter defends it as a logical framework for organizing ignorance about a complex problem. He notes that while early estimations were difficult, the discovery of exoplanets has provided data to refine the equation. Sooter, a researcher at the Center for Ancient Studies and the Institute for Astrophysics, is known for his work with Carl Sagan on the TV series "Cosmos."

"Rapportnytt" (Report News)

This section, compiled by Arnulf Løken, details recent UFO sighting reports. It notes a decrease in the number of reports but a steady influx of photo cases. The Rapportsentralen has engaged photo expertise for analysis.

• Straume, Aust-Agder (September 10, 2005): An object resembling a star was observed moving erratically for over 25 minutes, exhibiting rapid sideways and vertical movements. The witness, Norleif Askeland, initially thought it was a plane but its movements were too unusual.
• Ogndalen, Nord-Trøndelag (September 20, 2005): Sylvia Langås reported seeing a blue-white light in her car's rearview mirror, which then flashed past her car. This phenomenon repeated multiple times, causing her distress. A similar experience was reported by another witness from 5-6 years prior.
• Ulla-Haramsøy, Møre og Romsdal (July 23, 2005): A photograph taken by an observer showed a dark spot in front of the sun. The analysis suggests this might be an artifact of the camera's CCD sensor being overexposed by the sun's intense light, rather than a distinct object.
• Surnadal, Møre og Romsdal (October 29, 2005): Two observations were made. The first, by three girls and their father, described an elongated object with multi-colored lights, including a blinking orange light, that followed their car. The second observation, by two women later that evening, involved three silent, white lights that moved towards them, then swung away. The object was described as dark, silent, and submarine-like, with a beam of light illuminating the ground beneath it. Dogs reacted fearfully. The object was estimated to be 50-70 meters in size.
• Åndalsnes (August 9, 2005): Two photos were taken of a light phenomenon. The first, taken with flash, showed a light to the right of the center. The second, taken a minute later without flash, did not show the phenomenon. Erik Faarlund from Akam.no commented that the object likely moved during the exposure, making it appear as multiple points of light. He concluded, "I don't know."

"Innhold" (Contents)

• The table of contents lists various articles:
• 4 Rapportnytt: Report news.
• 9 Landsmøtet 2006 - innkalling: Invitation to the National Meeting 2006.
• 10 Drake-likningen og hypotesen om kosmisk karantene: The Drake Equation and the hypothesis of cosmic quarantine.
• 14 Et merkelig relieff i Roma: A strange relief in Rome.
• 15 Hvordan gjøre den røde planet grønn: How to make the red planet green (simulating Mars conditions).
• 16 James Randi positiv til UFO-undersøkelser: James Randi positive towards UFO investigations.
• 19 Konferanse om mulighetene for liv utenfor Jorden: Conference on the possibilities of life beyond Earth.
• 20 UFO-materiale til salgs: UFO material for sale.
• 22 Gravity probe B halvannet år i rommet: Gravity Probe B in space for eighteen months.
• 25 Bokanmeldelser: Book reviews.
• 27 Hemmelig UFO-dokument offentliggjort: Secret UFO document released.
• 29 Program om UFO-fenomenet på National Geographic Channel: Program on the UFO phenomenon on National Geographic Channel.
• 30 Presseklipp: Press clippings.

"Landsmøtet 2006" (National Meeting 2006)

This section announces the UFO-NORGE National Meeting to be held on January 21, 2006, in Oslo. Members are invited to register by January 1, 2006. The agenda includes welcome, election of officers, financial reports, and proposals. The evening will feature films and lectures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the study and registration of UFO phenomena, aiming to inform the public. While presenting various viewpoints, including those of skeptics like James Randi, the editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into the unexplained aspects of UFOs. The inclusion of detailed sighting reports and photographic analysis suggests a commitment to documenting evidence. The magazine also fosters a sense of community among its readers through announcements of meetings and events. The recurring theme is the ongoing mystery of the UFO phenomenon and the search for explanations, whether conventional or unconventional.

Key Figures and Organizations

Key individuals mentioned include editor Mentz D. Kaarbø, co-editor Ole Jonny Brænne, internet editor Stein Carlsen, and illustrator Rune Enger. Skeptic James Randi is a prominent figure in an interview. The organization UFO-NORGE is central, with its various regional branches (Midt, Øst, Sør, Nord, Vest) and specific projects like Prosjekt Hessdalen. Other organizations mentioned include National Geographic Channel and Akam.no.

Locations

Sightings and discussions span various locations in Norway, including Hessdalen, Aust-Agder, Nord-Trøndelag, Møre og Romsdal (Ulla-Haramsøy, Surnadal, Åndalsnes), and Oslo for the National Meeting. International locations like Rome and Mars are mentioned in article titles.

Themes and Tags

The primary themes revolve around the Drake Equation, the Fermi Paradox, cosmic quarantine hypotheses, UFO sightings, photographic analysis of UFOs, and the role of skepticism in UFO research. Tags include UFO, Drake Equation, Fermi Paradox, Cosmic Quarantine, James Randi, Skepticism, UFO-NORGE, Norway, Magazine, UFO Sightings, Photo Analysis, Astronomy, SETI, Hessdalen, and Landsmøtet 2006.

Notable Quote

"We consider this a very interesting hypothesis, which could provide a possible (partial) explanation for why no flying saucers have landed on the White House lawn – if we are to give the ET component of the UFO phenomenon a chance at all."

This quote, attributed to Mentz Kaarbø, reflects the magazine's openness to speculative explanations for UFO encounters, even those involving potential extraterrestrial interaction.

This issue of UFO nr. 4-2005, published by UFO-NORGE, features a cover story on the magician and skeptic James Randi, titled 'James Randi positive to UFO investigations'. The issue delves into topics ranging from the Drake Equation and the Fermi Paradox to the possibilities of Mars colonization and the importance of critical thinking.

The Drake Equation and the Fermi Paradox

The issue begins with an exploration of the Drake Equation, which attempts to estimate the number of advanced civilizations in our galaxy. Frank Drake's formula is broken down, with discussions on the probability of habitable planets, the development of life, and the longevity of civilizations. The article highlights that while the factors related to star formation and habitable planets might be high, the probability of intelligent life developing and forming civilizations, and their average lifespan (L), are highly uncertain. The text suggests that human civilization's lifespan has been relatively short, around 400 years on average for advanced civilizations on Earth, but the potential for longer-term survival through cycles of collapse and rebirth is considered.

The Fermi Paradox is then introduced, questioning the absence of evidence for extraterrestrial civilizations despite the vastness of the universe. Several potential explanations are discussed, including the possibility that we are alone, that aliens are hiding, or that they have already visited. The 'cosmic quarantine hypothesis' is also mentioned, suggesting a self-regulating mechanism that prevents civilizations from colonizing the galaxy, possibly to avoid self-destruction.

Mars Colonization

A section titled 'How to make the red planet green' by A Rachel Metz discusses the efforts to establish colonies on Mars. It highlights the Martian Environment Simulator built by SHOT in collaboration with NASA's NIAC. The research focuses on growing plants in greenhouses on other planets and understanding how microorganisms react to Martian-like conditions. Experiments with extremophiles, such as cyanobacteria and soil bacteria, are underway to assess their survival and photosynthetic capabilities. The article also touches upon the environmental challenges on Mars, including its thin atmosphere, low pressure, and high UV radiation.

James Randi: The Skeptic's Perspective

The cover story features an interview with James Randi, a renowned magician and skeptic, by Clas Svahn. Randi, known for debunking paranormal claims and offering a million-dollar prize for proof of supernatural phenomena, discusses his career and his views on pseudoscience. He explains how he uses his skills to expose fraudulent claims made by psychics, healers, and mediums. Randi emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and the dangers of believing in unsubstantiated claims, particularly when they lead people to abandon conventional medicine. He recounts his experiences testing individuals with alleged psychic abilities and his efforts to educate the public about the tricks behind such phenomena. Randi expresses a positive view towards the investigation of UFO reports, seeing value in understanding phenomena, but remains skeptical about extraterrestrial explanations, attributing most sightings to misidentification or natural events.

Astrobiology Conference and Other Articles

Another article, 'Conference on possibilities for life beyond Earth' by Mentz Kaarbø, reports on a conference held at the Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics in Oslo. The conference discussed the potential for life in extreme environments, distinguishing between intelligent life and microbial life. The possibility of life on Mars and moons like Europa is mentioned, with projections of finding evidence within the next 20 years. The article also notes that the discovery of extraterrestrial life, even microbial, might not have significant philosophical or social consequences.

A piece titled 'Merkelig relieff i Roma' (Strange relief in Rome) by Mentz Kaarbø presents a photograph of a relief in Rome that appears to depict UFO-like objects. The author invites reader interpretations.

UFO-NORGE IT Infrastructure

An article by Harald Søvik, 'Introduction to IT infrastructure in UFO-NORGE', discusses the potential for improving the organization's information processing capabilities through electronic systems. It outlines a proposed three-module system for managing news, member information, and field research reports.

UFO Material for Sale

The issue concludes with a section advertising available UFO-related materials from UFO-NORGE, including back issues of the magazine 'UFO', books by Erich von Däniken, and a UFO-NORGE FOIA CD containing declassified documents.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, the scientific and skeptical approaches to unexplained phenomena, and the critical examination of claims of the paranormal. The magazine promotes critical thinking and evidence-based investigation, while also acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs and related mysteries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry combined with a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims.

This issue of UFO-Norge magazine, dated 4-2005, focuses on UFO-related material and investigations. It features articles on the Roswell incident, crop circles, scientific experiments, and book reviews, alongside skeptical analyses of alleged alien encounters.

Articles

Willy Ustad: Roswell-mysteriet

This section reviews Willy Ustad's book, which delves into the Roswell incident. The author, with a background as a captain in the military, analyzes the event, questioning whether it was an American or Russian test flight, a UFO from a distant planet, or a weather balloon. The article suggests that a UFO did crash in Roswell and that its technology is the basis for strange flying objects tested in secret in the Nevada desert. The U.S. Air Force's official explanation is presented as a cover story to hide the testing of secret aircraft or the discovery of a UFO and humanoids. The book is described as a suspenseful read, offering insights that allow readers to form their own opinions.

Willy Ustad: UFO i Norge

Another book by Willy Ustad, this article discusses UFO observations in Norway from the 16th century to the present. UFO is defined as 'unidentified flying object.' Norway has a significant number of physical traces of UFOs. The article mentions the mysterious light phenomena in Hessdalen, which have long puzzled researchers. It also notes that several Norwegians claim to have been taken aboard UFOs and have encountered strange creatures. The book presents various explanatory models and warns about potential pitfalls when observing strange objects in the sky.

Gravity Probe B halvannet år i rommet

This article discusses the Gravity Probe B (GP-B) experiment, a NASA and Stanford University project that has been in orbit for 1.5 years. The experiment aims to test a consequence of Einstein's theory of relativity by measuring the 'frame-dragging' effect, where Earth's rotation is expected to twist spacetime. The article explains the concept of spacetime, gravity as a 'bulk' in spacetime caused by mass, and the 'geodetic effect.' It highlights the difficulty of measuring the subtle 'frame-dragging' effect, which is expected to cause a rotation of gyroscopes' axes by 0.041 arcseconds per year. The GP-B uses four highly precise gyroscopes, essentially perfect spheres, to detect this minute change. The data analysis is ongoing, with results expected to confirm Einstein's theory or potentially lead to a revolution in physics if they deviate.

James Randi

This section features a skeptical perspective, likely from James Randi, on UFO sightings and alleged alien encounters. The author humorously suggests that UFO landings could be staged to distract from political issues, like the Iraq war. He also expresses doubt about the accounts of women claiming to have been abducted and examined, theorizing that they may have unexciting lives and are seeking attention. Randi plans to continue his investigations for another 25 years.

Presseklipp: Er du en av dem som hevder å ha blitt bortført av underlige romvesener?

This press clipping discusses a study by psychologists at London's Goldsmiths College suggesting that claims of alien abduction might be due to faulty memory rather than actual encounters. Professor Chris French, who studied 19 individuals claiming abduction, believes these are false memories. The article also touches upon the common descriptions of aliens (four feet tall, thin arms, large heads) and alleged medical experiments, including sperm extraction. The explanation offered for these experiences includes sleep paralysis, a state where a person is awake but unable to move, often accompanied by hallucinations. A lively imagination is also cited as a factor in blending internal thoughts with external reality.

Kornsirkel-forskningsarkiv til salgs

This article reports on the sale of the extensive research archive and database of the well-known English crop circle researcher Colin Andrews. The archive, listed on eBay, has a starting bid of $250,000. Andrews, considered the foremost expert on crop circles, has advised various prominent figures and institutions. He is convinced that an intelligence is behind the crop circles. The article speculates that financial difficulties might be a reason for the sale and expresses hope that the collection will be preserved and further developed.

Hemmelig UFO-dokument offentliggjort

This article discusses a recently declassified document from the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) that sheds light on secret operations during the Cold War. The document, stamped 'Top Secret Umbra,' was originally filed in 1980 to justify the withholding of UFO reports. While mostly declassified, some parts are redacted to protect names and NSA technology. The document, an affidavit from Eugene F. Yeates, was released in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. It reveals NSA's involvement in UFO-related communications intelligence, illustrating how the agency handled surprising or deliberately misleading information. The article notes that while the document shows the vast scale of NSA's electronic surveillance operations, it doesn't explicitly link the withheld documents to the UFO phenomenon itself, stating that it neither rejects nor takes a stand on the phenomenon.

Program om UFO-fenomenet på National Geographic Channel

This article reviews a National Geographic Channel program about UFO phenomena, noting its increasingly skeptical stance. The program discussed the UFO wave in Mexico, attributing it to media sensationalism surrounding a sighting of Venus during a solar eclipse. It also presented a CE-2 case (UFO observation with physical traces) that was explained as a witch's ring. The program explored CE-4 cases (abduction experiences), with psychologist Susan Clancy suggesting that these are often false memories induced by hypnosis, sleep paralysis, and vivid imaginations, rather than actual alien encounters. The article mentions the phenomenon of sleep paralysis (Kanashibari in Japanese) and its connection to abduction experiences. The program also re-examined UFO sightings from Mexico in 2004, concluding that CE-4 experiences can be explained within the 'sleep paralysis paradigm.'

Presseklipp: Juli 2005 - Destroy All Humans

This press clipping reviews the video game 'Destroy All Humans,' which flips the script on alien invasion scenarios. Players control Crypto, an alien sent to Earth to harvest human DNA. The game is praised for its humor and solid gameplay, with the developers noted for incorporating elements of UFO lore.

Presseklipp: September - Robbie Williams

This press clipping reports on pop star Robbie Williams' claims of dreaming about UFOs every night and believing that aliens will visit Earth before 2012. The article draws a parallel to Norwegian pop star Gry Jannicke Jarlum, also known as 'J-Diva,' and speculates about a potential shift in Williams' public persona.

Presseklipp: Oktober - Spionanklager mot Google

This press clipping discusses how Google Earth is being used to uncover military secrets, causing concern for various governments. It mentions a 'Spot the Black Helicopter' competition organized by 'The Register' and the use of Google Earth to identify military installations. The article also notes that Microsoft's Virtual Earth had previously censored images, such as those of Area 51 in Nevada.

Presseklipp: Oktober - UFO-ofre husker feil

This brief mention indicates another contribution to the CE-4 debate from a skeptical standpoint.

Book Reviews

• Besøk fra det ytre rom by Jean-Marc Ligny: A children's book about a boy who encounters an alien disguised as a homeless person. The story is described as easy to read and short.
• Flygende tallerkener og små grønne menn by Pia Strømstad: A non-fiction book for children that covers UFO folklore, including Roswell and Hessdalen, without much skepticism.
• 3 dager ved Alcor by Anne Mette Sannes: A novel involving a mysterious object, aliens, and a disappearance, featuring Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard.
• Faded Giant by Robert Salas and Jim Klotz: This book examines UFO incidents near U.S. nuclear missile sites, suggesting they may have interfered with the weapons. The article notes that while the book is factual, its speculation about extraterrestrial involvement is considered unnecessary.
• Unsolved Mysteries of the Sea by Lionel & Patricia Fanthorpe: A book exploring various maritime mysteries, from sea monsters to lost continents. The article finds the book entertaining but criticizes its illustrations as poor quality.

Bob Pratt er død

This is an obituary for Bob Pratt, an American UFO investigator, author, and journalist who passed away at age 79. Pratt was known for his work investigating UFO cases in the USA and Brazil and had interviewed over 2,000 observers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a range of perspectives on UFO phenomena, from those who believe in extraterrestrial visitation and government cover-ups to those who offer skeptical explanations rooted in psychology and science. There is a clear interest in scientific investigations and declassified documents, but also a willingness to engage with more speculative theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints while also highlighting critical analyses and scientific findings. The recurring theme of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and psychological explanations (like false memories and sleep paralysis) is evident throughout the issue.

This issue of UFO NORGE magazine focuses on reader contributions, organizational support, and a significant space exploration mission. The magazine actively solicits articles, letters, press clippings, and other materials from its readers, offering guidelines on length and submission formats. It also highlights the importance of public support through its information folder distribution and a dedicated support fund.

Content Highlights

Call for Submissions

The editorial section, titled "Stoff mottas!" (Material received!), encourages readers to submit a variety of content, including articles, letters to the editor, press clippings, and links. Specific guidelines are provided for article length (approximately 1500 words or three A4 pages) and the submission of photos and illustrations. The editorial team offers to edit submissions for language if necessary. For unsolicited manuscripts and images, return postage and a self-addressed envelope are required for them to be sent back. The magazine also seeks individuals with good knowledge of English, German, and French to help translate articles.

UFO-NORGE Information Folder

Readers are encouraged to help promote UFO-NORGE by distributing an information folder. Folders can be requested by mail or downloaded from the UFO-NORGE website. For every five subscribers recruited, the referrer receives a free subscription. Contact details for UFO-NORGE, including their postal address in Oslo and email address, are provided.

UFO-NORGE Support Fund

Recognizing the need for financial resources, UFO-NORGE has established a support fund. The magazine appeals to groups, associations, and individuals to contribute financially to help cover operational costs and enable the organization to undertake more tasks. Bank account details for the support fund are listed.

Support Project Hessdalen

This section calls for donations to support "Prosjekt Hessdalen" (Project Hessdalen) and the operation of its automatic measuring station. The project aims to gather more data to understand the Hessdalen phenomenon. The article mentions that the project has been ongoing for many years and expresses gratitude to the University College of Østfold, individuals, and institutions for their support. It highlights that the project faces expenses, including the cost of transferring images 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. Contact information and bank details for Project Hessdalen are provided.

Hayabusa Mission to Asteroid Itokawa

A prominent article details the successful mission of the Japanese space probe Hayabusa to the asteroid Itokawa. Launched on May 9, 2003, from Kagoshima, Japan, the probe traveled for over two and a half years to reach Itokawa, which was 288 million kilometers from Earth. The mission's primary objectives included testing advanced technologies such as an electric propulsion system (ion engine), an automatic navigation system, and a sample collection system. The probe orbited Itokawa from September 12 to November 30, 2005, photographing and mapping its surface and conducting measurements. During this period, Hayabusa made several landings and successfully collected approximately one gram of material from the asteroid's surface by firing two small projectiles. This material is intended to be returned to Earth in a capsule, with a planned soft landing in the Australian desert in June 2007. The article notes that the asteroid Itokawa is approximately 600 meters long and 200 meters in diameter, with very low surface gravity. As of December 7, the probe's status was uncertain due to communication problems. This mission is highlighted as the first time material from an asteroid has been collected and is planned to be returned to Earth for detailed study by international researchers. The article is attributed to Mentz Kaarbø.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the active engagement of readers in contributing content and supporting the organization's activities. There is a strong emphasis on the practical aspects of running a UFO research organization, including the need for financial support and the importance of disseminating information. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging participation, transparency, and scientific inquiry, particularly in the context of both terrestrial phenomena (Hessdalen) and extraterrestrial exploration (Hayabusa mission).