UFO - 2006 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO magazine, number 4 from 2006 and the 25th volume, is published by UFO-NORGE, an independent organization dedicated to the study and registration of UFO phenomena. The magazine's cover prominently features the headline "Slaget om Los Angeles" (The Battle of Los Angeles), hinting at a major article within. Other cover elements include a historical photograph of searchlights and an object in the sky, an interview with David Clarke, and a mention of a 'little alien' found in Chile. The issue is priced at 70,- for single copies and has an annual subscription price of 260,-.

Editorial and Content Summary

The editorial section, penned by Mentz Kaarbø, apologizes for a delay in publication, with issue 4 being released in early 2007. Kaarbø introduces the main articles, highlighting a significant piece on the unusual event in Los Angeles in 1942, where military forces engaged an unidentified aerial phenomenon. He also discusses an article analyzing the Project Condign report, which examined the British government's UFO policy, and mentions an interview with David Clarke, a critical UFO investigator involved in the report's public release. The editorial notes the absence of the 'Rapportnytt' section due to workload.

The Battle of Los Angeles

This extensive article by Mentz Kaarbø details the events of February 25, 1942, when an unidentified object or objects were sighted over Los Angeles. The incident, occurring during World War II, involved intense anti-aircraft fire and searchlight activity, witnessed by millions. The article recounts the timeline of events, from radar detection of an unidentified target to the blackout order and the subsequent engagement. It notes the confusion and conflicting reports from military branches, with the Navy and Army having different interpretations of the event. Theories proposed by the Defense Department included enemy reconnaissance planes or small aircraft launched from submarines. The article includes a timeline of the incident and discusses the aftermath, including civilian casualties from falling debris and traffic accidents.

Project Condign Analysis

An article analyzes the Project Condign report, with contributions from two individuals involved in its public release. It discusses the report's implications for British and US (including CIA) UFO policy. The article critiques the report for being superficial and its author for having a limited mandate, suggesting it serves as an example of how not to conduct UFO investigations. It is suggested that this might be the last official government report on UFO matters for a long time.

Interview with David Clarke

In conjunction with the Project Condign report, the magazine features an interview with David Clarke, described as a critical investigator who has done much to publicize the report. Conducted by Clas Svahn of UFO-Sverige, the interview offers insight into Clarke's life as a meticulous investigator with a possibly cool, academic distance to UFO cases. He is noted for his quality of investigation over two decades in British ufology.

Other Articles and Reports

• A Little 'Alien' Found in Chile: A brief report on a supposed alien specimen found in Chile, accompanied by photos.
• Earth Open for UFO Attacks: A warning from former British Ministry of Defence UFO expert Nick Pope about the closure of the UK's 'X-files' department.
• Martians Absent: A mention of a full-page article in the newspaper Dagsavisen about UFO-NORGE and UFO sightings in Norway.
• Strange Object Over Brazil: A report on an unusual phenomenon captured in a photograph of a hang-glider in Brazil.
• Alternative Fair 2006: Ole Jonny Brænne's report on attending the largest alternative fair in Oslo.
• Book Reviews and Letters to the Editor: Standard sections for reader engagement.

Photograph Analysis

Dr. Bruce Macabee, a long-time UFO investigator and photo expert, provides an analysis of the photograph from the 'Battle of Los Angeles' incident. He estimates the object's size to be at least 30 meters (100 feet) and discusses the possibility of image manipulation, though he concludes the visual evidence suggests a solid, possibly metallic object. The analysis includes comparisons of different processed versions of the photograph.

C. Scott Littleton's Account

C. Scott Littleton, an eyewitness to the 1942 Los Angeles event, shares his personal account. He describes waking up to the sounds of anti-aircraft fire and seeing searchlights and explosions. He recounts his family's experience, including being instructed to go to their shelter. Littleton describes the object as a silver, oval "thing" that moved slowly and was targeted by numerous shells. He estimates its altitude and discusses its trajectory over the city before it disappeared. He also mentions seeing P-38 fighter jets possibly pursuing the object.

Underlig himmelfenomen over Stavanger (Strange Phenomenon Over Stavanger)

This article reports on a mysterious smoke ring observed over Stavanger, Norway, on October 3, 2006. Initially unexplained, it was later identified as a result of a fire department training exercise involving a 'diesel cannon' and a fire starter. The explanation is confirmed by an instructor from the Sør-Rogaland Fire Department.

Gratis energi fra Steorn (Free Energy from Steorn)

A follow-up on the Irish technology company Steorn, which claimed to have developed a perpetual motion machine. The article mentions the company's invitation for scientists to critically examine their invention and the establishment of a jury to evaluate the concept. The technology has been named 'Orbo', and further updates are expected.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, historical cases, and ongoing investigations. There is a clear emphasis on providing detailed accounts of sightings, eyewitness testimonies, and expert analyses, particularly concerning the 'Battle of Los Angeles' and the Project Condign report. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFOs, encouraging critical examination while acknowledging the often unexplained nature of these events. UFO-NORGE positions itself as a central hub for UFO information and research in Norway.

This issue of UFO nr. (issue 4-2006, volume 30) focuses heavily on the mysterious "Battle of Los Angeles" incident of February 25, 1942. It also features articles on the British Ministry of Defence's "Project Condign" report and the "Interplanetary Phenomenon Unit (IPU)". The magazine includes eyewitness accounts, analysis of official reports, and discussions on the nature of UFO investigation.

The Battle of Los Angeles (February 25, 1942)

The issue dedicates significant space to the "Battle of Los Angeles," an event that occurred less than three months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Eyewitnesses, including a woman named Katie, describe a large, bright object moving slowly over the city, which was subjected to intense anti-aircraft fire. Despite the barrage, the object appeared unharmed and eventually disappeared. The article highlights the confusion and conflicting reports surrounding the event, including the military's initial denial of any planes being in the air and the subsequent investigation by C. Scott Littleton, a social anthropologist.

Littleton's investigation, based on two sources, points to the object's controlled movements, invulnerability to anti-aircraft fire, large size (up to 250 meters in diameter), brilliant white or orange glow, oval shape, and potential electromagnetic effects on nearby aircraft. The article also notes the absence of any Japanese reports of aircraft over Los Angeles that night.

Eyewitness accounts are presented, including that of "Katie," who described the object as "huge! It was enormous!" and having a "lovely pale orange color." Another eyewitness, identified as "H.C.," a 14-year-old during the event, recounts the air raid sirens, the barrage of anti-aircraft fire, and observing a slow-moving object that seemed impervious to the shelling.

The article discusses the official response, including Secretary of the Navy Frank Knox's statement that it was a "false alarm" and that no planes were found. It also mentions the confusion among military branches and the criticism from the Washington Post regarding the handling of the incident.

Further details are provided about the Japanese submarine attack near Santa Barbara on February 23, 1942, which likely contributed to the heightened state of alert and nervousness leading up to the Los Angeles incident.

Project Condign

This section examines the "Project Condign" report, a secret UFO investigation conducted by the British Ministry of Defence between 1996 and 2000. David Clarke and Gary Anthony, the authors, conclude that the report is flawed and more of an intelligence report than a scientific study. Despite its shortcomings, they argue it is an important document in UFO history. The report's main recommendation was that the "UFO group" within the intelligence services no longer needed to collect UFO reports, suggesting a desire to divert public attention away from sensitive intelligence matters. The authors also note that the report's conclusions were influenced by existing literature on UFOs, despite the author's claim of using raw data.

David Clarke – Professor and Critical UFO Investigator

This article profiles David Clarke, a British UFO investigator, journalist, and professor of ethnology. Clarke's interest in UFOs began in his youth, influenced by science fiction. He became a member of BUFORA and began investigating cases. His approach is characterized by a critical and skeptical stance, focusing not only on the phenomena themselves but also on the witnesses' backgrounds and beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and questions the tendency of some UFOlogists to accept extraordinary claims without sufficient evidence.

Interplanetary Phenomenon Unit (IPU)

The article discusses the possible existence of the "Interplanetary Phenomenon Unit" (IPU), a secret military unit that may have been established in 1947. Some UFO investigators believe that the IPU was convinced of the extraterrestrial hypothesis for UFOs. The article also mentions a connection to the controversial "Majestic 12" group.

Conclusion on the Los Angeles Incident

The authors conclude that the 1942 Los Angeles incident was spectacular, regardless of the interpretation. They consider it a unique event during World War II, noting the lack of any concrete evidence of an enemy presence despite extensive military action. Two possible explanations are presented: either it was a case of mass hysteria or a genuine encounter with a large, physical, and invulnerable object, likely of extraterrestrial origin. The latter would necessitate a re-evaluation of the start of the modern UFO era to February 1942.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, the examination of evidence, and the consideration of multiple perspectives. While acknowledging the possibility of extraterrestrial explanations, the publication also explores alternative theories and highlights the challenges of distinguishing between genuine phenomena and misinterpretations, mass hysteria, or even deliberate disinformation. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based research and a cautious interpretation of claims, as exemplified by the profiles of David Clarke and the analysis of the Condign report.

Title: UFO
Issue: 4
Volume: 2006
Publisher: UFO-NORGE
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Cover Headline: Liten "alien" funnet i Chile! (Little "alien" found in Chile!)

This issue of UFO magazine delves into various aspects of UFO research and sightings, featuring historical investigations, contemporary reports, and expert opinions.

British Government UFO Investigations

The article "The 'Flying Saucer' Working Party" by David Clarke highlights the history of British government involvement in UFO investigations. Clarke's research uncovered that the UK Ministry of Defence had a secret working party dedicated to UFOs, which produced a report in 1951. Despite its flaws and the eventual negative conclusion, the British authorities continued to investigate UFO sightings, even after the 'Flying Saucer' report. Clarke notes that the quality of these investigations varied, with some being more thorough than others. He also mentions the "Condign" report, a comprehensive study by the Defence Intelligence Staff, which concluded that most sightings were misinterpretations of natural phenomena, with a few possibly being plasma phenomena.

Nick Pope, a former UFO expert in the British Ministry of Defence, is interviewed about his departure and the perceived closure of the UK's 'X-files' department. Pope warns that the UK is now "completely open" to unidentified aerial phenomena, as the systematic investigation of UFO reports has ceased. He expresses concern that this lack of official scrutiny leaves the country vulnerable.

The 'Condign' Report and Skepticism

The "Condign" report is discussed in detail, with particular attention paid to its references to the work of neuropsychologist Michael Persinger. Persinger's experiments involving magnetic fields and their potential to induce visions are mentioned as an example of how some researchers attempt to explain UFO sightings. However, the article notes that other researchers, like Dan Larhammar, have failed to replicate Persinger's results, casting doubt on the sensational conclusions.

The "Condign" report itself is described as relying heavily on quotes from other authors' books, with limited original research. While it offers insights into natural phenomena, it is criticized for not adequately addressing truly interesting events and for questioning the credibility of some of its sources, such as Persinger's work.

UFO Sightings and Research in Norway

The magazine features an article on UFO-NORGE, an organization that collects and investigates UFO reports in Norway. Harald Søvik, the web editor, reports that UFO-NORGE received 68 reports in 2006, with many dating back several years. He explains that a significant portion of these reports are dismissed due to lack of specific details or because they can be explained by natural phenomena like planets, comets, or satellites. Only about 2% of the reports are considered genuine unidentified flying objects.

Arnulf Løken, a UFO-NORGE representative, notes that while the number of reports has remained relatively stable, there's a growing interest in UFOs again. Leif Norman Solhaug, who collects UFO observations in Northern Norway, believes that many cases go unreported due to a lack of public interest and insufficient cooperation from the military.

A Strange Discovery in Chile

A prominent article discusses the alleged discovery of a small, 15 cm long "alien" in Chile. The story, attributed to "exobiologist" Ramon Navia-Osorio and author Steve Quayle, claims that similar small beings have been depicted in Native American legends. The article also mentions Quayle's claims about finding remains of "giants" up to 19 feet long. The magazine expresses skepticism towards this sensational claim, noting that the source, The 'X' Zone Radio Show with Rob McConnell, often features unsubstantiated stories.

Other Features

Book Review: "Manual for kosmisk kontakt" by Sten Lindgren: This review critiques Lindgren's book, describing it as a collection of philosophical and spiritual assertions rather than a concrete account. The reviewer highlights inconsistencies in Lindgren's own accounts of a UFO encounter, suggesting possible fabrication or influence of substances.

UFO-NORGE on Breakfast TV: Harald Søvik of UFO-NORGE was interviewed on NRK's breakfast television program, discussing UFO phenomena and the organization's approach. He emphasized UFO-NORGE's skeptical but open-minded stance.

UFO Crash in Krasnoyarsk: The magazine reports on a claim of an unidentified flying object crashing in the Krasnoyarsk region of Russia. However, the report is met with skepticism, with the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations unable to confirm the crash, suggesting it might have been a diversionary tactic or a "newspaper duck."

Alternativmessen 2006: A report on the Alternative Fair in Oslo, which featured various exhibitors and speakers related to alternative lifestyles, including UFO-related topics. UFO-NORGE and other related organizations had stands at the event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the historical and ongoing efforts to investigate UFO phenomena, the challenges posed by skepticism and lack of official cooperation, and the presentation of various UFO-related claims and reports. The magazine appears to maintain a critical yet open-minded editorial stance, presenting information from different perspectives while encouraging readers to think critically about the evidence.

The issue highlights the tension between official investigations, often shrouded in secrecy, and the efforts of independent researchers and organizations. There's a consistent emphasis on the need for more rigorous investigation and a critical evaluation of evidence, whether it comes from government sources or independent ufologists. The skepticism towards sensational claims, such as the "alien" found in Chile, is evident, while also acknowledging the possibility of unexplained phenomena.

This issue of UFO-Norge, dated January 8, 2007, is primarily in Norwegian and focuses on UFO phenomena and related scientific inquiries. The cover prominently features the headline "NASA drepte marsboere" (NASA killed Mars inhabitants), accompanied by images of Mars rovers and a Viking lander, suggesting a lead article on potential extraterrestrial life on Mars.

Submissions and Support

The magazine opens with a section titled "Stoff mottas!" (Material Received!), inviting readers to submit articles, reader letters, press clippings, and links. Submissions can be sent via email or diskette, with articles ideally not exceeding 1500 words (approximately three A4 pages). Longer pieces will be edited for length and language if necessary. The editorial team also welcomes photos and illustrations, though no payment is offered. Unsolicited manuscripts and images will only be returned if a pre-paid, self-addressed envelope is included. The magazine is also seeking individuals with good knowledge of English, German, and French to help translate articles from other languages.

A section titled "Husk vår informasjonsfolder" (Remember our information folder) encourages readers to help promote UFO-Norge by distributing information folders. These can be requested or printed from the www.ufo.no website. Readers who recruit five new subscribers receive a free subscription.

Two specific funds are highlighted for reader support: the "UFO-NORGES Støttefond" (UFO-Norge Support Fund) and the "Støtt Prosjekt Hessdalen" (Support Project Hessdalen) initiative.

The Support Fund aims to help UFO-Norge overcome financial limitations that hinder its activities. It appeals for donations, regardless of size, from interested subscribers and others who may not have time to actively work for the organization.

The Hessdalen Project seeks financial and practical assistance to acquire more modern equipment and to maintain the operation of its automatic monitoring station. The project leader, Erling Strand, a lecturer at Høgskolen i Østfold, thanks those who have already contributed. The appeal notes that the project's funds are low, with even the transfer of images from the station to the university incurring costs. Readers are urged to contribute to ensure the continued operation of this "very important project."

Contact details for both the UFO-Norge general information and the Hessdalen Project are provided, including postal addresses and email for UFO-Norge, and a specific address and giro account for the Hessdalen Project.

Lead Article: NASA killed Mars inhabitants

The main article, "NASA drepte marsboere," discusses a hypothesis presented by geology professor Dirk Schulze-Makuch from the University of Washington. He suggests that NASA's Viking probes, which landed on Mars in the 1970s, may have been searching for the wrong type of life and could have inadvertently killed any indigenous Martian microbes.

Schulze-Makuch's hypothesis, presented to the American Astronomical Society, posits that the Viking probes looked for life based on Earth-like, saltwater-containing cells. However, he argues that due to Mars' cold and dry climate, any potential Martian life would more likely be based on a liquid mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide. This liquid has a much lower freezing point (minus 55.56 degrees Celsius) and would not destroy cells when freezing. It could also absorb scarce water from the atmosphere.

Furthermore, the article suggests that the Viking experiments themselves might have been lethal to Martian microbes. Pouring water onto the surface could have drowned hydrogen peroxide-based life forms. Another experiment involved heating the surface, which could have been strong enough to kill any extraterrestrial life present in the area.

The article draws parallels to Earth, noting that bombardier beetles produce a liquid containing 25 percent hydrogen peroxide for defense, and that life has been discovered in extreme environments previously thought uninhabitable, such as acidic rivers in Spain and subglacial lakes in Antarctica.

While Schulze-Makuch cannot definitively prove the existence of life on Mars, he considers it probable given the planet's conditions. The article also mentions recent discoveries indicating the presence of water on Mars, which is seen as a sign that life could exist there.

The source for this article is cited as Dagbladet.no, dated January 8, 2007, and attributed to MDK.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects a consistent focus on unexplained phenomena and the critical examination of scientific endeavors related to extraterrestrial life. The magazine actively solicits reader contributions, fostering a sense of community and shared investigation. There is a clear emphasis on supporting specific research projects, such as the Hessdalen Project, indicating a stance that values grassroots efforts in ufology and related fields. The critical perspective on NASA's Mars exploration, suggesting potential scientific oversights that could have impacted the search for life, aligns with a broader theme of questioning established narratives and exploring alternative interpretations of scientific findings within the ufological community.