UFO - 2006 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO magazine, number 2 of 2006 and the 25th volume, is published by UFO-NORGE, Norway's largest specialized magazine on UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the headline "Roswell-filmen avslørt som bløff" (The Roswell film exposed as a hoax), alongside an image related to the alleged Roswell crash and an interview with Apollo astronaut Edgar Mitchell. Another key feature is the "Condign-rapporten: Ny britisk UFO undersøkelse" (Condign Report: New British UFO investigation).

Editorial and Main Articles

From the Editor's Desk

The editorial section by Mentz Kaarbø highlights two major "sensations" in this issue. The first is the news that the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) conducted extensive investigations into UFO phenomena in UK airspace between 1996 and 2000, despite previous government denials. The conclusion of this study, known as the Condign Report, was that while UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) exhibit advanced aerodynamic characteristics, they do not represent extraterrestrial technology and pose no significant threat. The editor contrasts this with the French COMETA report, which suggested extraterrestrial origins. The second major point is the confirmation that the famous Roswell autopsy film is a hoax, a conclusion many ufologists had already reached.

Condign Report: Britain's Secret UFO Investigation

This article details the release of a secret report by the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) on UFO phenomena. The report, titled "Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) in the UK Air Defence Region," was made public following a Freedom of Information Act request. It confirms that the MoD conducted a study between 1996 and 2000, analyzing reports from the past 30 years. The report, comprising 465 pages, acknowledges the existence of UAP and their unusual aerodynamic capabilities but concludes they are not extraterrestrial and do not pose a threat to air traffic. The article notes that the MoD had previously denied conducting such investigations, citing a 1952 report to Winston Churchill.

MoD Investigation: Could Have Been Done Better

This piece critically examines the MoD's Condign report, noting that while it analyzed a vast number of reports, its scientific quality is questioned. The author points out that the report's conclusion – that UFO reports have no defense value and are mostly misinterpretations – was unsurprising. The article criticizes the lack of peer review in military research and suggests that the investigation should have focused more on the truly anomalous cases rather than dismissing them outright. The report's findings include that UAP exist but are not spacecraft, that they can pose a risk to air traffic, that there's no evidence of international cover-ups, and that further research into plasma phenomena for potential military applications is recommended.

Karl T. Pflock is Dead

This section announces the passing of Karl T. Pflock, a UFO investigator and author, at the age of 63. Pflock was known for his book "Roswell: Inconvenient Facts and the Will to Believe," in which he concluded that the 1947 Roswell incident involved a crashed balloon from the top-secret Project Mogul, not an alien spacecraft. His work was controversial among those who believe in the extraterrestrial explanation. Pflock had a lifelong interest in UFOs stemming from a childhood observation and had a background as a CIA intelligence officer.

Hessdalen Expedition 2006

Three members of UFO-NORGE embarked on a trip to Hessdalen, Norway, in late March 2006, hoping to observe the famous light phenomena. Despite high expectations, the expedition was hampered by poor weather and a lack of sightings. The participants, Mentz Kaarbø, Per Johan Rauø, and Harald Søvik, spent time in a rented cabin and explored potential observation sites. While they noted a clear starry sky with numerous satellites and meteors, no unidentified lights were observed. The article mentions that the Hessdalen phenomenon is typically more active during the darker seasons.

Interview with Edgar Mitchell

UFO-Aktuell's Clas Svahn interviewed Apollo astronaut Edgar Mitchell, who has a long-standing interest in parapsychology and UFO phenomena. Mitchell has lectured extensively on his experiences and views, including his perspective on the Roswell incident and the broader UFO phenomenon. The article highlights his continued engagement with these subjects.

Harley Rutledge is Dead

This brief note reports the death of Harley Rutledge, who conducted the first scientific UFO investigation in the USA in the 1970s, known as "Project Identification." This project was significant for the development of the Hessdalen Project.

The Roswell Film Exposed as a Hoax

This article reiterates the confirmation that the "alien autopsy" film from Roswell, first shown in 1995, is a fraudulent production. It notes that the film divided UFO investigators into believers and skeptics, and its debunking comes as no surprise to many.

Press Clippings

A brief mention of increased press coverage in this issue compared to the previous one.

Book Reviews

This section includes reviews of books and a DVD related to UFO phenomena, covering topics such as strange lights worldwide, Uri Geller, and a cult classic.

Letters to the Editor

This section features letters from the Norsk Kornsirkelgruppe (Norwegian Crop Circle Group) and Albert Hauser from Denmark.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO magazine demonstrates a commitment to critical investigation and debunking hoaxes, as seen in the coverage of the Roswell film. However, it also engages with official reports like the Condign Report, analyzing their findings and limitations. The magazine maintains an open yet skeptical stance, reporting on sightings and phenomena while seeking rational explanations or highlighting the need for further rigorous study. The focus on Norwegian sightings and the activities of UFO-NORGE underscores a dedication to local UFO research. The passing of prominent figures like Karl T. Pflock and Harley Rutledge is noted, reflecting the magazine's engagement with the history and key personalities within the ufology community.

Title: UFO
Issue: 2-2006
Date: 2006
Publisher: Unknown
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO Magazine delves into the intersection of space exploration, paranormal phenomena, and alleged extraterrestrial encounters, with a significant focus on astronaut Edgar Mitchell.

The Hessdalen Phenomenon

The issue begins with a report on the Hessdalen phenomenon, detailing observations of lights and phenomena in the valley. The article discusses a "Condign report" which suggests that electromagnetic fields might be responsible for certain reported UFO experiences, leading to memory issues or repeated perceptions. The report concludes that while some UFO sightings may be misidentifications, the most common explanation points to "several different types of rare natural events in the atmosphere and ionosphere." It also describes an "electrically charged... gaseous anomaly" that could form in the atmosphere, appearing similar to the luminous, fast-moving, round or cigar-shaped objects reported by UFO observers.

Edgar Mitchell: The Journey That Changed His Life

A central theme of the magazine is the life and beliefs of Edgar Mitchell, the Apollo 14 astronaut who was the sixth person to walk on the Moon. The article "Reisen til Månen forandret hans liv" (The Journey to the Moon Changed His Life) highlights Mitchell's transformative experience in space. He describes a profound sense of cosmic unity and ecstasy that altered his perspective on life and humanity's place in the universe. This experience led him to explore the nature of human consciousness and paranormal abilities.

Mitchell recounts an ESP experiment conducted during the Apollo 14 mission with Swedish participant Olof Jönsson. He later founded the Noetic Science research institute to investigate these phenomena. Mitchell believes that paranormal experiences are not unusual but rather normal aspects of human consciousness, and that quantum physics supports the idea that the physical and spiritual are interconnected.

"The crash of an extraterrestrial spaceship in Roswell"

Another significant section, ""Det styrtet et utenomjordisk romskip i Roswell"" (The crash of an extraterrestrial spaceship in Roswell), explores Mitchell's strong conviction regarding the 1947 Roswell incident. He claims to have reliable information from individuals involved in the event, suggesting that an extraterrestrial spacecraft did crash and that a secret US organization, known as MJ-12, was formed to manage the situation and engage in technological cooperation with extraterrestrials. Mitchell asserts that this organization has operated with significant autonomy, even beyond the knowledge of presidents.

He discusses the telepathy experiment conducted with Olof Jönsson, where Mitchell, from space, attempted to send symbols to Jönsson on Earth. The results, when analyzed by parapsychologists J. B. Rhine and Karlis Osis, were statistically significant, far exceeding chance. Mitchell also shares his experiences with psychic Uri Geller, including alleged instances of psychokinesis and teleportation, where objects he had lost reappeared under controlled conditions.

Mitchell expresses skepticism about the idea that the Moon landings were faked, arguing that the Soviet Union would not have remained silent if it were a hoax. He also touches upon the concept of information strings within the universe and the possibility of an intelligent design.

MJ-12 and Extraterrestrial Collaboration

Mitchell elaborates on MJ-12, a clandestine group he believes has been in existence since the Roswell incident. He claims that this organization controls advanced technology and engages in a "totalitarian control" using government funds. He mentions that Wernher von Braun, the rocket scientist, was aware of the extraterrestrial presence and the Roswell crash, though not directly part of MJ-12. Mitchell also suggests that figures like Carl Sagan may have been involved in disinformation campaigns related to UFOs.

Personal Reflections and Research

Mitchell's personal journey, detailed through his website "www.edmitchellapollo14.com," is presented. He reflects on the challenges of societal sustainability and the personal focus on immediate needs over broader existential questions. He notes that UFOs were not openly discussed among astronauts, and any observed anomalies were often dismissed or exaggerated.

He mentions Gordon Cooper and Deke Slayton as other individuals who expressed beliefs about UFOs. Mitchell believes that a cover-up has occurred, preventing open discussion and reporting of UFO phenomena. He also recounts the "first Moon Olympics," a lighthearted event where he and Alan Shepard used improvised tools to hit a golf ball and throw a javelin on the lunar surface.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the unexplained, particularly in the context of space exploration and alleged extraterrestrial encounters. The editorial stance appears to be one that takes seriously the claims of individuals like Edgar Mitchell, presenting their perspectives and evidence without overt skepticism, while also acknowledging the scientific and governmental efforts to explain or potentially conceal such phenomena. Themes of consciousness, the nature of reality, and the potential for hidden truths are recurrent throughout the articles.

Title: UFO
Issue: 2
Volume: 2006
Issue Date: 2006
Publisher: UFO-Norge
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0800-2745
Price: 24.00

This issue of UFO magazine features a prominent cover story debunking the infamous 'Roswell autopsy film' and an obituary for UFO expert Dr. Harley Rutledge. It also includes reports on recent UFO sightings in Norway, the SETI project, and a UK government UFO report, alongside book reviews.

UFOer sett fra Apollo 11?

This article reports on an email from UFO investigator Pat Marcattilio, who claims that Buzz Aldrin, during the Apollo 11 mission, revealed that he, Michael Collins, and Neil Armstrong saw and filmed two UFOs. Aldrin allegedly broke 36 years of silence in a 2005 TV show, explaining that they chose not to report the sightings at the time for fear of causing alarm or being ordered to turn back.

Harley Rutledge er død

This section announces the death of Dr. Harley Rutledge, a renowned UFO expert and former physics professor at Southeast Missouri State University, at the age of 80. Rutledge gained fame for founding 'Project Identification' in 1973, a project that investigated numerous UFO sightings near Piedmont, Montana. He and his students spent six years documenting UFO activity using various instruments. His work was partly funded by the St. Louis Globe-Democrat. In 1981, he published 'Project Identification: The first Scientific Study of UFO Phenomena', which approached UFO activity with a scientific methodology. Rutledge stated in 1979 that he treated UFO reports like 'unmarked medicine bottles,' to be explained later. By 1989, he claimed to have seen 164 UFOs and possessed 700 photos. His expertise was recognized by CNN, Time-Life, and in an astrology textbook. His unfulfilled dream was to meet an alien. He is remembered by colleagues for his ability to simplify complex theories and for his role in building up the physics department. He is survived by his wife and five children.

Filmen fra Roswell avslørt som bløff

This article details the debunking of the 'autopsy film' that first gained attention in 1995. John Humphreys, a sculptor and puppet maker, confessed in April 2006 that he was behind the film. The film, marketed by agent Ray Santilli, was presented as footage of an alien autopsy taken after a UFO crash near Roswell in 1947. The footage comprised 22 film reels totaling approximately 2200 feet. The cameraman, identified only as 'JB', had reportedly worked for the military and was present at the autopsy and crash site. He sent the films to the military but never got them back. Santilli claimed to have seen the film and contacted Kodak, which indicated the film stock dated from 1927, 1947, or 1967. Another individual, Bob Shell, examined parts of the film and suggested it was from 1947. Santilli initially sought to sell the rights to Polygram, but they withdrew due to legal concerns. Santilli then bought the film himself, partly by selling one of the autopsy films to Volker Spielberg. The film was purchased in early 1995 and shown to the media in May 1995. Santilli openly stated, "We are in it for the money!".

In April 2006, John Humphreys revealed that he created the alien puppet for a science fiction comedy called 'Alien Autopsy'. The footage was shot in January 1995 in a Camden apartment. Humphreys, Santilli, and two others spent four weeks creating latex models. The internal organs were made from sheep's brains in jelly and chicken intestines. Humphreys stated they destroyed the models after filming. He also admitted that the 'crash site wreckage' sequence was recreated, including alien symbols and control panels with six-fingered grips, which Santilli later called an "artistic freedom."

The article notes that Santilli continues to promote his story, claiming the autopsy was a 'reconstruction' of the original film, which he says is safely stored in Germany. However, critics like Mark Roberts, a special effects artist, argue that the film's production would have taken months, not weeks. Roberts also points out that the film stock appears to be Super 16 mm, a format not widely used until 1969. He suggests Humphreys seemed constrained by Santilli and Gary Shoefield during an interview. The article concludes that the film and related materials are a hoax.

Pressklipp (Press Clippings)

This section compiles various news reports related to UFOs and related topics:

• Aftenposten (January 16, 2006): Reports that the controversial South Korean cloning researcher Hwang Woo-suk, who was disgraced for fabricating data, has been offered a job by the American company Clonaid, which claims to have cloned five humans and believes they were created by aliens.
• TV2 Nettavisen (March 27, 2006): Discusses a 'school for UFO and E.T.' in Russia, where people are taught how to spot flying saucers and interact with extraterrestrial beings.
• Adresseavisen (April 15, 2006): Reports on the launch of a new SETI telescope at the Oak Ridge Observatory in the USA, dedicated to searching for intelligent extraterrestrial life using light signals.
• Varden (April 18, 2006): Features two reports from Åmotsdal, Norway. The first details a sighting by Astri and Bjørn Bjerkeskaug of a large, silent, cylinder-shaped object. The second suggests that Kjetil Groven's homemade hot air balloon might be responsible for the sighting.
• NRK.no Østafjells (April 18, 2006): Mentions the Åmotsdal sighting and notes that the object seen was significantly larger than a balloon.
• NRK.no Østafjells (April 21, 2006): Reports on an unidentified object filmed over Vinje, Norway. Amateur photographer Ivar Apeland described it as moving up and down. Jon Inge Hangen of the Grenland and Omegn Astronomical Society suggests it might be Jupiter.
• Varden (April 22, 2006): Repeats the report about Ivar Apeland filming a luminous object over Vinje.
• Varden (April 24, 2006): Discusses plans for a UFO center in Øyfjell, Norway, and mentions another UFO sighting on Easter Eve in Kongsberg.
• Adresseavisen (May 5, 2006): Reports on a strange luminous phenomenon observed over Bakklandet, Norway, by Gunnar Viken, who described it as an oblong, silver object.
• Verdens Gang (May 8, 2006): Summarizes a declassified UK Ministry of Defence report that found no evidence of extraterrestrial life, attributing sightings to natural phenomena like meteors, or mundane explanations like aircraft and flocks of birds.
• Dagbladet (May 8, 2006): Reports on the UK government's UFO report, stating it found no evidence of aliens.
• Aftenposten (May 8, 2006): Notes that British intelligence has released a UFO report concluding no evidence of aliens.
• NRK.no (May 15, 2006): States that the sky over Great Britain has been UFO-free for at least 30 years, according to government figures.
• Vi Menn (May 29, 2006): Discusses the debunking of the Roswell autopsy film in England, suggesting the Roswell crash incident itself is also being questioned.

Bokanmeldelser (Book Reviews)

• Illuminating the Darkness by Dale Kaczmarek: This review discusses Kaczmarek's book, which documents numerous locations worldwide known for 'spook lights'. The reviewer notes that while Kaczmarek avoids calling them UFOs, he leaves open the possibility of unknown energies. The book is praised for its detailed descriptions of locations, particularly in the USA, and for providing directions. However, the reviewer criticizes the book's poor proofreading, difficult typography, and the inclusion of 'orbs' as genuine phenomena. The reviewer concludes that the book is interesting for its critical approach but is marred by its presentation.

• The Truth About Uri Geller by James Randi: This review of James Randi's book asserts that it effectively debunks Uri Geller's claims of supernatural abilities. Randi, a professional magician, argues that Geller's tricks are standard magic performed by other illusionists, with the key difference being Geller's claim of genuine paranormal powers. The review highlights an article from a 1974 Hebrew magazine that allegedly reveals Geller's deceptions, involving his former girlfriend and assistant. The reviewer notes that the book's photographic quality is poor, hindering the demonstration of Geller's methods.

• Join My Cult! by James Curcio: The reviewer admits to not fully understanding this book, despite its positive reception online. The book is described as dealing with occult subjects, magic, and conspiracy theories, making it 'cult-like'. The reviewer found the narrative confusing, with unclear character identities and a blurred line between reality and dreamscapes.

• UFO – En fascinerende gåte (DVD): This review criticizes a 60-minute documentary about UFOs. The reviewer finds the documentary to be of poor quality, featuring irrelevant footage of DNA strands, sunsets, and animals, accompanied by generic jazz music. The documentary's claim of being a 'special dossier with new insights' is dismissed, with the reviewer stating it is the 'absolute worst' they have seen on the subject. The two featured 'ufologists', Antonio Barella and Marcello Valerio, are deemed to have made no significant contribution.

Leserbrev (Letters to the Editor)

• Eva-Marie Brekkestø (Norsk Kornsirkelgruppe): Responds to an article about UFO investigations, providing corrections and additional information. She emphasizes that crop circles have been documented for centuries across continents, citing historical records and photographs dating back to 1590 and 1932. She also discusses 'chalk figures' in England, such as the Uffington White Horse, dating back to around 200 BC.

• Unnamed Author: Expresses gratitude for positive reactions to previous letters and suggests a collaborative effort among UFO organizations worldwide, such as www.gifnet.ch, to unite efforts and raise public awareness. The author criticizes the superficiality of modern entertainment and advocates for a unified approach to address cosmic philosophy and potential threats like meteor impacts. The author also touches upon issues like death anxiety, the monetary system, and environmental concerns.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently questions the authenticity of UFO phenomena, particularly visual evidence like the 'autopsy film'. There's a strong emphasis on debunking hoaxes and providing scientific or mundane explanations for sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards sensational claims, favoring critical analysis and evidence-based reporting. The magazine also covers a range of related topics, including historical accounts, scientific research (like SETI), and book reviews, often with a critical perspective. The recurring theme is the pursuit of truth in the face of misinformation and sensationalism within the UFO community.

Title: UFO-NORGE
Issue: 2
Volume: B
Date: June 8, 2006
Publisher: UFO-Norge
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0800-2826

This issue of UFO-Norge, a Norwegian publication focused on UFO phenomena and related research, features a prominent cover headline "Stoff mottas!" (Material Wanted!), inviting readers to submit articles, letters, and press clippings. The magazine also highlights its information folder for public outreach and a support fund for the organization's operations.

Key Articles and Content

Meteorite Impact in Nord-Troms

The lead story details an exceptionally violent meteorite impact that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, June 7, 2006, affecting the northern parts of Troms and western parts of Finnmark. Residents observed an intense, reddish fiery ball streaking across the sky, described as exceptionally bright, like a powerful flash. A few minutes later, a powerful boom was heard, causing houses to shake and curtains to be blown into rooms. The event was registered by NORSAR's seismic monitoring station in Karasjok at 02:13:25, with the sound originating from a direction slightly south of west. Some areas also reported unusual light and sound phenomena, and a possible rockslide possibly triggered by the meteor.

The article explains that meteorites enter Earth's atmosphere at extremely high speeds (around or over 100,000 km/h), generating immense kinetic energy that heats them up to thousands of degrees. Larger objects can survive atmospheric entry and reach the ground as meteorites. Norway has a history of meteorite finds, with 13 documented to date. The energy released by large meteorites can be comparable to that of an atomic bomb, and the impact in Nord-Troms may have had a similar explosive force.

Support for Project Hessdalen

Another significant section calls for support for "Prosjekt Hessdalen" (Project Hessdalen) and the operation of its automatic monitoring station. The project aims to gather more modern equipment to find answers regarding the Hessdalen phenomenon. The project leader, Erling Strand, a lecturer at Høgskolen i Østfold, expresses gratitude for past support but notes that the project's funds are running low. Expenses include the transfer of data from the station to the university. Readers are urged to contribute financially, no matter how small the amount, to ensure the continued operation of this important project. Donation details are provided, including a bank account and postal giro for "Prosjekt Hessdalen" via Erling P. Strand.

UFO-Norge's Information Folder and Support Fund

The magazine encourages readers to help make UFO-Norge better known by distributing its information folder. Folders can be requested from the contact address or downloaded from the UFO-Norge website. For every five subscribers a member recruits, they receive a free subscription. The "UFO-NORGES Støttefond" (UFO-Norge's Support Fund) is also highlighted, seeking financial contributions to support the organization's activities, which are often limited by economic constraints. The fund's bank account details are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-Norge demonstrates a clear editorial stance focused on promoting ufological research, encouraging public participation, and supporting ongoing scientific investigations into anomalous phenomena. The magazine actively solicits contributions from its readership, indicating a desire to foster a community of researchers and enthusiasts. The emphasis on Project Hessdalen underscores the publication's interest in specific, long-term investigations into unexplained events. The call for financial support for both the organization and specific projects reflects a pragmatic approach to funding research in a field that often relies on volunteer efforts and donations. The inclusion of a detailed report on a natural phenomenon (meteorite impact) also suggests an interest in distinguishing between known atmospheric events and genuinely unexplained aerial phenomena.