UFO - 2007 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Magazine, number 1 from 2007 and the 26th volume, published by UFO-NORGE, focuses on a significant UFO observation over Guernsey and explores various related phenomena and news within the UFO community.

Articles and Features

UFO-observasjon over Guernsey (UFO Sighting over Guernsey)

This lead article details the sighting by Captain Ray Bowyer of the airline Aurigny on April 23, 2007. While flying near Guernsey, Bowyer observed two large, bright yellow, stationary objects. He estimated their size to be potentially up to 1.5 kilometers, though he notes discrepancies in size estimates from different sources. The objects were also reportedly seen by another pilot from Blue Island. The sighting was reported to the British Ministry of Defence. The article includes commentary from Nick Pope, former UFO investigator for the British Ministry of Defence, who emphasizes the reliability of pilot testimonies. It also discusses the possibility of military test flights, with pilot Troy Queripel suggesting that advanced stealth technology could be involved. A retired French pilot, Charles Duboc, also shared a similar experience from 1994 over Paris, describing a large lens-shaped object that dematerialized.

A section titled "Svindel?" (Fraud?) addresses a photograph circulating online that was claimed to be taken by a passenger on Bowyer's flight. Investigations revealed this photo to be a manipulation, originating from an unrelated image found online.

Is-sirkel i Telemark (Ice Circle in Telemark)

This article investigates a strange circular formation discovered on the ice of a river in Kleivgrend, Fyresdal, Telemark, Norway, in January 2007. Arild Gaaren, who found the circle, described it as looking like a hot iron ring had been placed on the ice. The circle, about three meters in diameter, had snow pushed to the outside, with no other tracks. Harald Søvik, chairman of UFO-NORGE, suggested a natural explanation involving water currents creating a rotation that affects ice formation, forming a distinct circle. He noted that while ice circles are not uncommon, they are rarely so geometrically precise.

The article also mentions similar ice circles observed in Michigan, USA (December 2006), and in Norway (Sandvikselva in 2002 and Snåsa in 2003). A related phenomenon of spiral patterns in snow at Haukelifjell in 1991 is also briefly mentioned.

Is-sirkler – et ikke helt uvanlig fenomen (Ice Circles – Not Entirely Uncommon Phenomenon)

This piece further elaborates on ice circles, explaining how river currents can cause them. It highlights a large ice circle formed on the Piteälven river in Sweden in 1986-87, which was 50 meters in diameter and rotated on its axis. The article notes that despite being a known phenomenon in colder regions, it lacks a specific name, with 'ice circles' being a proposed term.

Mystery Park stengt (Mystery Park Closed)

This short article reports on the closure of the Mystery Park in Switzerland, an amusement park based on Erich von Däniken's theories about extraterrestrial influence on humanity. The park, opened in 2003, faced financial difficulties and low visitor numbers, leading to its closure in November 2006 despite a potential investor's offer.

Nedtelling til en offisiell, åpen nærkontakt med ET? (Countdown to an Official, Open Contact with ET?)

This article revisits a prediction made by Brazilian ufologist Jan Val Ellam (Rogerio de Almeida Freitas) about an imminent official contact with extraterrestrial races. The predicted timeframe was between November 16, 2006, and April 30, 2007. The article notes that the predicted event did not occur, and Freitas and his followers have remained largely silent on the matter. It critiques such predictions, noting that similar claims have been made for decades without materializing.

7th Biennial European SSE Meeting

This section announces a conference organized by the Society for Scientific Exploration (SSE) to be held in Røros, Norway, from August 17-19, 2007. The conference will feature lectures on the Hessdalen phenomenon and other related topics, with several international researchers and specialists participating.

Den franske romfartsorganisasjonen åpner UFO-arkiv (The French Space Organization Opens UFO Archive)

This article details the significant event of the French space agency CNES releasing its UFO archives online on March 22, 2007. The archives contain over 100,000 pages from more than 1600 observations accumulated since 1954, including witness testimonies, photographs, and police reports. The website experienced a server crash due to high public interest shortly after its launch. The article contrasts this with the US and UK, which typically release UFO information through the Freedom of Information Act.

It also briefly mentions a case from Cussac, France, in 1967, involving four small beings and a circular object, which is considered a credible case by investigators.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, particularly those involving credible witnesses like pilots. It also delves into natural explanations for phenomena often attributed to UFOs, such as ice circles, while acknowledging the possibility of the unknown. The editorial stance, as expressed by Mentz Kaarbø, leans towards investigating natural and atmospheric phenomena that are not yet fully understood by science, rather than immediately jumping to extraterrestrial explanations. The publication also serves as a platform for UFO-related news, research updates, and community events within Norway and internationally.

Title: UFO nr.
Issue: 1-2007
Date: January 2007
Publisher: UFO-Norge
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO nr. focuses on the history of UAP (Unidentified Aerospace Phenomenon) research in France, particularly the work done by CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales) through its investigation groups GEPAN, SEPRA, and GEIPAN. It also features reports from the French Gendarmerie, a Norwegian UFO sighting, and reviews of UFO-related books.

French Gendarmerie UFO Reports

The magazine presents a report from the French Gendarmerie Nationale concerning an observation on January 18, 2003. A witness, M. F., reported seeing a green light with white flashes, estimated to be 10-15 meters in size, moving silently without a trail for about 4-5 seconds. The witness noted that the description matched a depiction in the Gendarme's handbook for UFOs. Another report details an incident on January 11, 2003, where the same witness observed a similar phenomenon. A separate, older report from August 19, 1989, describes a square to rectangular, incandescent red-orange object observed by gendarmes. The object rotated, changed intensity, moved rapidly from northwest to southeast at a stratospheric altitude, and disappeared quickly. No smoke or sound was emitted, and the visibility was excellent.

History of UAP Research at CNES

The article details the evolution of UAP research within CNES, starting with the creation of GEPAN in 1977. GEPAN's mandate was to investigate UFOs, overseen by a scientific advisory group. Claude Poher was the first leader, followed by Alain Esterle and then Jean-Jacques Velasco. In 1988, GEPAN was renamed SEPRA and also handled the evaluation of atmospheric 'reentry' phenomena. In 2000, SEPRA refocused on UAP research with limited resources. In September 2005, GEIPAN was established under Jacques Patenet. GEIPAN's tasks include collecting witness descriptions, analyzing reports, conducting on-site investigations, archiving reports, and informing the public. The organization has made its archives publicly accessible online, leading to a significant surge in website traffic.

GEIPAN employs scientific methods for data collection and analysis, drawing information from various sources including witness testimonies, government reports, and psychological and environmental factors. Reports are classified into four categories: UAP A (Certain identification), UAP B (Probable identification), UAP C (Unidentified due to insufficient data), and UAP D (Unidentified). Approximately 25% of cases are classified as UAP D.

Notable Cases and Sightings

Landing with Traces

An incident on January 8, 1981, near Trans-en-Provence, France, involved a man reporting a whistling sound and seeing a disk-shaped object, about 2.5 meters in diameter, land and leave scorched marks. Investigators took photos and collected samples, but no satisfactory explanation has been found.

Observation from a Plane

A detailed investigation was conducted on a report from an Air France crew on January 28, 1994, near Paris. The crew observed a large, reddish-brown disk whose shape continuously changed. The object's trajectory was crossed by the passenger plane, and radar signatures confirmed its presence, leading investigators to conclude that the phenomenon was unexplained.

Norwegian Sighting

On the night of May 27, 2007, near Kvernevik, Norway, Randi Finnesand and her family reported seeing three lights moving at high speed. They described the lights as moving like pearls on a string, changing positions relative to each other. The lights disappeared upwards, leading to speculation about military activity. The local airport and police had no record of any activity, but a connection was suggested to similar lights reported near Ålgård.

UFO-NORGE and Public Awareness

Harald Søvik, chairman of UFO-NORGE, was interviewed on the NRK P1 program "Kveldsåpent" following the release of the French UAP archives online. He discussed the definition of a UFO and the significant public interest generated by the French government's decision to publish its UFO reports. Søvik noted that approximately 25% of reported cases are classified as UFOs, with the majority being explainable phenomena. He also mentioned a British Ministry of Defence report that concluded that most unexplained phenomena could be attributed to rare plasma phenomena.

Book Reviews

Det Okända: Övernaturliga fenomen från Sverige och världen

This book by Clas Svahn, a journalist and chairman of UFO-Sverige, is a collection of discussions on various paranormal phenomena, including ghosts, extraterrestrials, and strange coincidences. Svahn uses a factual and scientific approach, citing numerous sources and personal accounts from Swedish witnesses. The book is praised for its readability and thoroughness.

On the Trail of the Saucer Spies: UFOs and Government Surveillance

Nick Redfern's book investigates the interest of US and UK governments in individuals interested in UFOs. Redfern argues that government surveillance was not primarily driven by a fear of UFOs revealing secrets, but rather by concerns that UFO investigators might uncover sensitive information related to national security. The book details instances of alleged infiltration and surveillance of UFO groups and individuals.

Crop Circles: Signs, Wonders and Mysteries

This book by Steve and Karen Alexander explores the phenomenon of crop circles, particularly in the UK. The authors suggest that crop circles are not hoaxes but rather reminders of ancient harmonies in nature and symbols that can influence human perception. The book features numerous photographs and the authors' interpretations, which are described as bordering on New Age philosophy.

Kosmos - En kortkort historikk

This is a condensed version of Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow's bestseller, discussing black holes, Einstein's theory of relativity, and the search for a unified theory. The reviewer found the language complex and the translation's footnotes to be overly explanatory.

UFO Data Magazine

A new glossy magazine from the UK, edited by Russel Callaghan, featuring articles on UFO phenomena, reviews, and reports. It is noted for its similarity to the former UFO Magazine.

Technology from UFOs Can Save the World

Former Canadian Defence Minister Paul Hellyer is quoted advocating for governments to disclose and utilize extraterrestrial technology to combat climate change. He believes that advanced systems and fuels from alien spacecraft could provide alternatives to fossil fuels, citing the Roswell incident as an example of extraterrestrial contact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the phenomenon of UFOs and UAPs from various angles, including official investigations, witness accounts, historical cases, and scientific analysis. There is a clear emphasis on the work of organizations like CNES and UFO-NORGE in documenting and researching these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the existence of unexplained events while also presenting rational explanations and debunking hoaxes. The reviews of books and publications further broaden the scope of UAP-related topics covered, from government surveillance to paranormal phenomena and scientific theories.

Title: Obduksjonsfilmen – nok en gang (The Autopsy Film – Once Again)
Issue: 1, 2007
Publisher: UFO-NORGE
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFO-NORGE features a prominent article by Philip Mantle revisiting the controversial "alien autopsy film." It also includes a historical UFO case from the USA, a report on new scientific findings about water on Mars, and a call for support for the Hessdalen Project.

Obduksjonsfilmen – nok en gang (The Autopsy Film – Once Again)

Philip Mantle, a UFO investigator, details his ongoing efforts to uncover the truth behind the infamous alien autopsy film. He recounts being contacted by Ray Santilli, the film's owner, in 1993 and describes the process as frustrating but fulfilling. Mantle acknowledges the help of other investigators like Michael Hesemann, Maurizio Baiata, Ed Gehrman, Tim Matthews, and Mark Center. He highlights Mark Center's persistent involvement.

Mantle conducted a phone interview with Ray Santilli on March 20, 2007, who claimed to possess actual film frames showing the alleged alien being. Santilli invited Mantle to London to see these frames. Mantle describes Santilli as a busy man, making arrangements difficult. He eventually arranged to meet Santilli for lunch in London on June 22, 2007.

Upon arriving in London, Mantle met Santilli and his business partner, Gary Shoefield, at a local restaurant. During the meeting, Mantle presented Santilli with a signed copy of his book, "Alien Autopsy Inquest." The discussion turned to the autopsy film, with Santilli and Shoefield admitting they had withdrawn from the UFO community about ten years prior due to what they called "the nasty-side" of ufology, even receiving death threats. They reiterated that their primary focus had always been the commercial aspects of the film.

Santilli suggested that the time might be right to move forward with the film, asserting that his story of how the film was found was true and that its "restoration" was genuine. He expressed openness to ideas on how to proceed. Mantle, however, was keen to see the alleged film frames of the alien. Santilli produced a "perspex" type transparency containing five or six black and white film frames. Mantle examined these frames outside in sunlight. He observed that they depicted an alien being on a table, with a swollen belly, large head, and possibly six fingers on each hand. There were also items resembling "medical instruments" on a tray. The frames appeared slightly scratched, with visible film perforations. Mantle noted that the depiction strongly resembled the alien seen in the autopsy film.

Mantle confirmed the existence of these film frames but could not verify their authenticity, noting the lack of independent scientific analysis to determine the film's age. He expressed frustration that Santilli and Shoefield seemed content to let the "mystery" continue. Mantle stated his willingness to collaborate with anyone to uncover the truth about the film, a pursuit he has been engaged in since 1993.

Santilli also gave Mantle two film frames that showed an unknown person wearing a uniform hat. These were apparently shown on the Sky One documentary "Eamon Investigates - Alien Autopsy." Mantle is seeking help from readers to identify this man.

Liket fra verdensrommet (The Body from Space)

This section presents a classic UFO story from 1950s USA, originally published in the Atlanta Constitution. On the night of July 7, 1953, three men driving on Highway 78 near Atlanta reported seeing a flying saucer. Two small creatures reportedly boarded the saucer, which then disappeared, changing color. One creature, however, did not make it aboard and was hit by the men's truck. The men brought the dead creature to the newspaper, leading to a front-page headline: "Hårløst vesen drept, 2'rømt" (Hairless creature killed, 2 escaped).

The story attracted significant media attention, with over 25 reporters and photographers interviewing the men, and military officers also questioning them. However, the following day, scientists identified the creature as a rhesus monkey. It was revealed that the three men – two hairdressers and a butcher – had bought the monkey, killed it, removed its tail, and shaved it as part of a bet to get their picture on the front page of the newspaper.

The article, commented on by David Shaw, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, is presented as an example of how sensational stories are created and the role of the press. The UFO and alien aspect is noted as coincidental to the underlying sensationalism.

Enorme mengder vann funnet på Mars (Enormous amounts of water found on Mars)

This report details new findings about water ice on Mars, based on data from the Mars Express European space probe's MARSIS radar instrument. Researchers have analyzed over 300 virtual cross-sections of the Martian south polar ice cap.

The radar has mapped the thickness of the sedimentary ice layers, penetrating down to the bottom, which in some places is as deep as 3.7 km below the surface. The findings indicate that the ice cap is thick enough that if it were to melt, it would form an 11-meter thick layer of liquid water covering the entire planet. This amount of water is significant, though estimates of Mars' total water content have been made before, this is presented as a more reliable result.

Dr. Jeffrey Plaut of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a lead scientist on the project, stated that the ice layers contain not only water ice but also dust. However, scientists estimate that at least 90 percent of the ice at the south pole is water ice. This discovery is important for several reasons: life as we know it requires water, raising hopes for past or present life on Mars. It is also crucial for the planned manned missions to Mars, which will require accessible water resources. Furthermore, the presence and state of water on Mars provide insights into the planet's geological evolution and can offer clues about Earth's own history.

The article also notes that while Earth's surface is significantly depressed by thick ice sheets, this is not observed on Mars, suggesting that the Martian surface is stiffer than Earth's.

Støtt Prosjekt Hessdalen (Support Project Hessdalen)

This section is an appeal for financial support for Project Hessdalen and the operation of its automated measurement station. The project aims to gather more modern equipment to better understand the phenomena in Hessdalen, Norway. Project leader Erling Strand expresses gratitude for past practical and financial assistance from Østfold University College, individuals, and institutions.

The project's funds are running low, particularly for the costs associated with transmitting images from the station to the university college. Readers are encouraged to contribute any amount to ensure the continued operation of this important project. Donation details, including a bank account number and postal address, are provided.

Stoff mottas! (Material Received!)

This is a standard call for submissions from readers. UFO-NORGE welcomes articles, letters to the editor, press clippings, and links, preferably via email or disk. Submissions should be clearly written, and longer articles should not exceed approximately 1500 words. The editorial staff reserves the right to edit submissions. They also accept photos and illustrations, with authors encouraged to provide captions. No honorarium is offered. Unsolicited manuscripts and images will only be returned if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is included. The magazine is also seeking translators with good knowledge of English, German, and French.

Husk vår informasjonsfolder (Remember our information folder)

This section encourages readers to help promote UFO-NORGE by distributing their information folders. Readers can request or print these folders from the UFO-NORGE website (www.ufo.no) or by contacting their postal address. Those who recruit five new subscribers receive a free subscription.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, investigations, and related scientific or historical accounts. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation and support for research projects like Hessdalen. There's a clear effort to present both controversial topics like the alien autopsy film and more scientifically grounded reports, such as the Mars water findings. The magazine also engages with its readership by soliciting contributions and providing information on how to get involved.