UFO - 2007 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Norge, dated 2 2007 and in its 26th year, is titled 'UFO' and focuses heavily on the Hessdalen phenomenon, posing the question 'Er UFO-mysteriet i Hessdalen løst?' (Has the Hessdalen UFO Mystery Been Solved?). The cover features a striking image of a nebula and highlights the 'Rapport fra SSE-konferansen' (Report from the SSE Conference) held in Røros, Norway, from August 17-19, 2007. It also includes images related to the Hessdalen phenomenon and a mention of the 'Alien Autopsy-footage' film.

Editorial and Content

The editorial section, 'Fra redaksjonen' (From the Editors), by Mentz Kaarbø, discusses the media attention surrounding the potential solution to the Hessdalen mystery, with interviews featuring Bjørn Gitle Hauge and Harald Søvik. It notes that Hauge, along with Erling Strand, presented a report offering significant new information about the light phenomenon. The editorial also mentions a master's thesis on 'UFO myths and theosophy' by Jan Bojer at NTNU and the ongoing controversy surrounding the 'Alien Autopsy-footage' film.

Key Articles and Features

Er UFO-mysteriet i Hessdalen løst?

This article by Mentz Kaarbø delves into the recent developments in understanding the Hessdalen phenomenon. It highlights the 25 years of research, including the work of the 'Prosjekt Hessdalen' program. The article emphasizes Bjørn Gitle Hauge's technical report, which suggests the light phenomenon is a physical process. It mentions collaborations with Italian astrophysicists and notes that while media reports may have dismissed UFOs, the focus has shifted to understanding the light phenomena, which constitute about 85% of documented reports. The article also touches upon earlier reports of cigar-shaped objects and other unusual aerial phenomena.

Proceedings from SSE Conference for Sale

Information is provided on the availability of the collected proceedings from the SSE conference in Røros. These proceedings include Hauge's report on the Hessdalen phenomenon and presentations by leading researchers. The collection is 274 pages, A4 format, and includes a CD, available for 350 NOK including postage.

25 Years of Research on the Hessdalen Light Phenomenon

This detailed account traces the history of Hessdalen phenomenon research, starting from the initial observations in December 1981 by Åge and Ruth Marry Moe. It describes the surge in sightings between 1982-84, the media's involvement, and the establishment of 'Prosjekt Hessdalen' in 1983 as a private initiative to scientifically investigate the phenomena. The article details the field expeditions in 1984 and 1985, the instrumentation used (including radar, Geiger counters, and magnetometers), and the eventual decrease in reported sightings and project activity in the mid-80s. It notes the involvement of international UFO investigators like J. Allen Hynek.

Scientific Analysis of the Hessdalen Phenomenon

Erling Strand and Bjørn Gitle Hauge's research, particularly the report presented at the SSE meeting, is central. The article explains that spectral analysis of the light emitted by the phenomenon can identify the chemical elements involved. Hauge's calculations indicate the presence of oxygen, nitrogen, silicon, iron, titanium, and scandium. The phenomenon is described as a combustion process similar to that of pulsars and black holes, but occurring close to Earth. The article suggests that the Hessdalen area, rich in minerals and metals, might act as a 'mini-laboratory' for these processes. Hauge also speculates that understanding this phenomenon could lead to new energy sources.

UFO Norge on "Sommeråpent"

This section transcribes an interview from the NRK program "Sommeråpent" featuring Harald Søvik (UFO-NORGE) and astronomer Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard discussing the Hessdalen phenomenon. They explain that the lights are likely a physical phenomenon, possibly 'mini-stars' in Earth's atmosphere, and that the term UFO should not be solely associated with extraterrestrial spacecraft. They express excitement about the scientific progress and the potential for new energy discoveries. The interview also touches upon the broader work of UFO-NORGE in collecting and investigating reports from across Norway.

Science Camp 2007

Details are provided about the 'Science Camp' project, a nature and science initiative for middle school students and university students held in Hessdalen. The camp, which has been running since 2002, uses scientific equipment to explore the Hessdalen light phenomena. The 2007 camp involved students from Tindlund and Gressvik middle schools and university students, with participation from Italian researchers. A particularly strong light phenomenon was observed and photographed during the 2007 camp.

Other Mentions

• The magazine mentions a segment on the Norwegian science program 'Schrödingers katt' which featured the SSE conference and the Hessdalen research.
• It notes that even skeptical figures like chemistry professor Martin Ystenes are open to the possibility of something significant in Hessdalen.
• A brief mention is made of UFO observations in Riga in 1961 and a clarified UFO image from the Apollo 16 mission.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for a scientific and investigative approach to UFO phenomena, particularly the Hessdalen lights. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness combined with rigorous scientific inquiry, moving away from sensationalism and towards empirical evidence. There is a clear emphasis on understanding these phenomena as potentially natural, albeit unusual, physical processes. The magazine promotes the work of organizations like UFO-NORGE and the Society for Scientific Exploration, highlighting their efforts to document, research, and educate the public about these mysteries. The potential for discovering new energy sources is also a recurring theme, suggesting a practical application for understanding these phenomena.

This issue of UFO nr. 2-2007 covers the 7th Biennal European SSE Meeting, held in Røros, Norway, from August 17-19, 2007. The conference, organized by UFO-NORGE, brought together scientists and researchers to discuss phenomena such as earth lights, the Hessdalen phenomenon, and parapsychology. The magazine features reports from the event, including detailed summaries of various presentations and discussions.

SSE (Society for Scientific Exploration)

The article introduces SSE as a transdisciplinary association founded in 1982 by 14 professors from various scientific fields. Its purpose is to provide a professional forum for presenting, critiquing, and debating subjects often overlooked by mainstream science. SSE has around 800 members in 45 countries and publishes the 'Journal of Scientific Exploration'. The organization also hosts annual conferences in the USA and biennially in Europe.

Conference Location and Welcome

The conference was held at the Choice Quality Hotel in Røros, Norway, described as a cozy and well-equipped venue with excellent views overlooking the Hessdalen valley. The event was officially opened by Ivar Volden, Mayor of Holtålen Municipality.

Day 1: Friday, August 17th

Paul Devereux: "A historical case of Earth Lights: From Wales to CONDIGN - A personal journey"

Devereux presented a historical overview of light phenomena in Wales from 1904-1905. He noted that the CONDIGN report (2000) contained extensive excerpts from his own books and those of David Clarke and Jenny Randles, suggesting government acknowledgment of his theories on 'earth lights'. He emphasized that the nature of earth light phenomena remains largely unknown and requires further research.

Auguste Meessen: "From UFO Properties to UFO Propulsion"

Meessen presented observations and reports from Belgium between 1989-1993, proposing a propulsion system based on pulsed electro-magnetic propulsion (PEMP). He discussed the famous triangular object photo from Petit Rechain (March 1990) and theorized that the lights at the corners of the triangle could be used for navigation, utilizing superconducting surfaces to generate magnetic fields for propulsion.

Dave Akers: "The Toppenish Field Study: A Technical Review and Update"

Akers presented reports and images of light phenomena from the Yakima reservation in Washington, USA, from 1972 to the present, noting their similarity to phenomena in Hessdalen. He also showcased the primitive analog equipment used in the 1970s and presented measurement results.

Erling Strand: "Project Hessdalen, the history and data"

Strand provided a history of the Hessdalen project, detailing expeditions in 1984 and 1985, the AMS station from 1998, and the reasons for using the term 'Hessdalen phenomenon' instead of 'UFO'. He discussed the characteristics of the phenomenon and the data collected, noting an average of 20 observations per year currently, compared to up to 20 per week in 1981-1984.

Bjørn Gitle Hauge: "Optical spectrum analysis of the Hessdalen phenomenon. Preliminary report June 2007"

Hauge presented spectral photos of the Hessdalen phenomenon, indicating it consists of ionized gas with dominant elements of oxygen (O) and nitrogen (N), suggesting combustion. Other elements like Silicon (Si), Iron (Fe), Scandium (Sc), and Titanium (Ti) suggested dust from the ground. Titanium's ability to burn with nitrogen might explain the phenomenon's longevity, while Scandium's rarity could indicate its localized nature. Hauge noted that further calibration was needed, and the low resolution of the spectra required improvement for definitive conclusions. He also suggested comparing these spectra with those from similar phenomena elsewhere, like Yakima, USA.

Stein Johansen: "Judging and Explaining Extraordinary Phenomena and the Global Science Ecology from Superior Natural Science and a Syntropic Anthropology of Science"

Johansen discussed radical theories and their complexity in scientific explanation, arguing that skeptics need to be informed about advanced physics theories to counter parapsychological phenomena. He based his presentation on five theories: Hadronic mechanics and chemistry, universal nilpotent rewrite system, global scaling theory, causal mechanics, and topological geometrodynamics.

Other Friday Presentations:

• Massimo Silvestri, Giorgio Abraini, Renzo Cabassi and Nico Conti (presented by Stelio Montebugnoli): "Smart Optical Sensors Observatory (SOSO). An optical research project about luminous phenomena in atmosphere."
• Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos and Ole Jonny Brenne: "Norway in UFO photographs: the first catalogue."
• Antonella Vannini: "Advanced waves, retrocausality and consciousness."
• Ulisse Di Corpo: "The conflict between entropy and syntropy: the vital needs model."
• Patrice Parente: "Experience and legitimacy of UFO accounts in Argentina: Popular and scientific narratives from an anthropo-epistemic point of view."

A guided tour to Hessdalen concluded the day, including a traditional Norwegian meal.

Day 2: Saturday, August 18th

Antonio Giuditta: "Creative evolution: what are your mechanisms?"

Giuditta discussed aspects of biological evolution that raise questions about self-modification and environmental changes.

Stefano Siccardi: "Instrumental Investigation of OBE (Out of Body Experiences)"

Siccardi presented EEG measurements from individuals trained to have out-of-body experiences.

Michal Teplan: "EEG analysis for application of mind machines, relaxation, and meditation. Strategy for anomalous research"

Teplan's presentation focused on the effects of AVS (AudioVisual Stimuli) devices on brainwave activity, suggesting regular use can enhance cortical activity and psychoactive abilities.

Paul Devereux: "Mindscapes – The ancient mind's mark on the land"

Devereux's second presentation explored shamanism, psychic geography, and simulacra, discussing landscapes shaped by energy lines and sacred sites.

Emilios Bouratinos: "Truth, reality and objectification: Toward an epistemology and pre-epistemology of consciousness"

Bouratinos presented advanced scientific theory.

Wolfgang Helfrich: "Is the psychokinetic effect as found with binary random number generators suitable to account for mind-brain interaction?"

Helfrich presented a statistical analysis on whether random number generators (RNGs) can be influenced by mental activity.

Robert Jahn and Brenda Dunne: "PEAR: Past, present, and projected"

They discussed the history of the PEAR laboratory, its closure, and future plans.

Richard A. Blasband: "Experimental evidence for the existence of an 'energetic' component in psychic healing"

Blasband discussed healing and the role of orgone energy, referencing Wilhelm Reich's experiments.

Erlendur Haraldsson: "Cases of the reincarnation type"

Haraldsson presented cases of children recalling verifiable details from past lives.

Jens Tellefsen: "Dowsing along the psi-track"

Tellefsen presented research on the connection between a person's projected mental image of an object and the object itself, suggesting a measurable signal path.

Yolene Thomas: "The physical nature of the biological signal, a puzzling phenomenon: the critical contribution of Jacques Benveniste"

Thomas discussed research on homeopathic signals, suggesting they might be related to vibrations that stimulate cell receptors.

Marsha Adams: "Presentation of the International Earthlight Alliance (IEA)"

Adams presented the IEA's mission and work.

A film screening of "What the Bleep do we know?" was held, described as a documentary/drama exploring quantum physics and consciousness.

Day 3: Sunday, August 19th

Matti Pitkänen: "TGD Inspired Theory of Consciousness"

Pitkänen presented his theory of consciousness, TGD (topological geometrodynamics).

Roger Taylor: "Ormus: a possible new state of Matter with Promise for Agriculture, Health and the Environment"

Taylor discussed "Ormus," a substance with claimed metallic properties and potential benefits for agriculture and health.

Alexander V. Trofimov: "Results and perspectives of studies of solar-biospheric connections in the periods of solar eclipse. International scientific-research project 'Eclipse - 2008'"

Trofimov presented results from parapsychological experiments conducted during solar eclipses.

Dimitri Olenice: "A confirmation of the Allais and Jeverdan-Rusu-Antonescu effects during the solar eclipse from 22 September 2006, and the quantization of behaviour of pendulum"

Olenice discussed experiments with pendulums during solar eclipses, suggesting that gravity is quantized.

Other Mentions and Observations

Håkan Ekstrand and Anders Persson from UFO-Sverige were present. Notable attendees included Jon Egil Mannsåker (Norsk Parapsykologisk Selskap), Thor Stuedal, and Terje Toftenes (Norsk Kornsirkelgruppe). A report from NRK's "Schrödingers Katt" was mentioned.

Book Reviews

Jerome Clark: "Extraordinary Encounters: Encyclopedia of Extraterrestrials and Otherworldly Beings"

Reviewed by Mentz Kaarbø, this book is described as an encyclopedia of unusual extraterrestrial contacts, covering a wide range of phenomena from abductions to peaceful contacts and UFO sects, written with a healthy skepticism.

Timothy Good: "Need to know: UFOs, the military and intelligence"

Reviewed by Anders Liljegren, this book is noted for its documentation of classic contactees like George Adamski and its exploration of the potential complexities of such cases.

UFO-Mysteriet i Hessdalen (The Hessdalen UFO Mystery)

This section continues from page 10 and discusses the potential for new discoveries in Norway and the media attention such findings would generate. It also touches upon the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement in unexplained events.

Mulig Tunguska-krater funn (Possible Tunguska Crater Find)

Researchers suggest that a Siberian lake, Cheko, might be the impact crater from the 1908 Tunguska event. The lake's unusual characteristics, including steep edges and a massive object detected beneath its bottom, support this theory.

"Alien Autopsy” - filmen endelig begravd ("Alien Autopsy" - the film finally buried)

This article reports on Spyros Melaris' claim that he created the 'Alien Autopsy' film as a hoax. He alleges that Ray Santilli and Gary Shoefield hired him to create the illusion, which was then presented as a real alien autopsy. Melaris intends to publish a book and DVD detailing the fabrication.

NETI (Norwegian Organization for the Study of Extraterrestrial Intelligence)

NETI is presented as an organization for individuals with personal UFO experiences or those interested in the phenomenon. It aims to inform the public about UFOs and offers membership benefits including newsletters and meetings.

Det er ikke bare mafiaen som herjer i Italia (It's not just the mafia that's rampant in Italy)

This article reports on an Italian government investigation into unexplained fires in Canneto di Caronia, Sicily, in 2004. The investigation concluded that extraterrestrials might have been testing secret weapons, citing witness accounts of UFO sightings and the presence of powerful, non-human electromagnetic waves.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, unexplained aerial events, and related scientific and parapsychological research. There's a clear interest in documenting historical cases, presenting new research findings, and exploring the intersection of science, belief, and the unknown. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and evidence while maintaining a degree of critical analysis, particularly in book reviews and discussions of controversial topics like the 'Alien Autopsy' film. The publication also highlights Norwegian contributions to the field, such as the Hessdalen project and research by Norwegian scientists and organizations like UFO-NORGE and NETI.

Title: UFO-Nyt
Issue: 2
Volume: 2007
Issue Date: 2007
Publisher: UFO-Norge
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0800-0177
Cover Headline: NEED TO KNOW: UFOS, THE MILITARY AND INTELLIGENCE

Articles and Reviews

"Need to Know: UFOs, the Military and Intelligence" by Timothy Good

The review of Timothy Good's book "Need to Know" highlights its comprehensive overview of how military and intelligence agencies have handled UFO phenomena, often with a focus on secrecy. The reviewer, Håkan Blomqvist, notes Good's extensive research, including interviews with individuals involved in alleged secret operations. Blomqvist praises the book for its detailed accounts of classic UFO reports and new information, but suggests Good might be too trusting of witnesses, particularly in contactee cases, and lacks psychological analysis. Good himself believes in extraterrestrial visitation but speculates about intelligences that may share Earth. He advocates for a gradual disclosure of information rather than immediate government transparency to avoid social chaos.

"Journal of UFO Studies" Volume 9, New Series (CUFOS 2006)

This review covers several topics from the journal. It discusses 'angel hair' (possibly spiderwebs), hypnosis in abduction cases, and images from the STS-48 space shuttle mission showing unidentified objects. A significant portion is dedicated to Richard Haines' analysis of the Nagora photos, which depict a disk-shaped object in the Austrian Alps in 1971. Haines finds the object unlikely to be a hoax but acknowledges the case relies heavily on the witness's testimony. The reviewer, Clas Svahn, notes the lack of discussion on why the object appears tilted in the photos and reiterates the limitations of photographic evidence in UFO cases, emphasizing the importance of the observer's account.

"Svein og Rotta og UFO-mysteriet" (Film Review)

This section reviews the Norwegian children's film "Svein og Rotta og UFO-mysteriet," a sequel released in 2007. The film, based on Marit Nicolaysen's books, follows children who uncover a mystery at a nursing home involving aliens seeking knowledge from the souls of the elderly. The review notes the film's mix of humor, suspense, and seriousness, praising the acting but suggesting it might not fully appeal to either the very young or older children.

"The Intelligent Universe: AI, ET, and the Emerging Mind of the Cosmos" by James Gardner

James Gardner's book is reviewed as a philosophical exploration of the universe's potential end scenarios. Gardner proposes a third theory: that humanity can influence the universe's fate by understanding its meaning, requiring immense intelligence. The review notes the book's speculative nature, its connection to theories like directed evolution and abiogenesis, and its discussion of topics such as human-machine interaction, genetic algorithms, and the technological singularity. The reviewer, Harald Søvik, finds the book thought-provoking and a source of potential new ideas.

"Fly nesten truffet av meteoritt"

This short report details an incident on March 26, 2007, where a Chilean passenger plane flying to New Zealand narrowly avoided collision with burning debris, initially thought to be a Russian satellite but later identified by NASA as a meteoroid. The objects were estimated to have passed about 9.5 km from the aircraft.

"Ny bok om Warminster-fenomenet og den moderne UFO-historien"

This article reviews "Flying Saucerers: A social history of UFOlogy" by David Clarke and Andy Roberts. It focuses on the Warminster phenomenon in Wiltshire, England, which became a focal point for UFO enthusiasts in the 1960s, attracting thousands who awaited a close encounter. The article discusses Arthur Shuttlewood, a journalist who reported strange sounds and disturbances attributed to 'The Thing.' A photo taken by Gordon Faulkner, initially iconic, was later revealed to be a hoax. The authors argue that UFO sightings in the modern era serve as a 'psychosocial' explanation, akin to historical encounters with witches and elves, fulfilling a human need to believe in 'the Other.' The book also covers other significant figures and events in British UFO history.

"UFO over Riga" by Paul Stonehill & Philip Mantle

This article details a UFO observation and filming incident in Riga, Latvia, in August 1961. During a test flight of a Soviet fighter jet, a strange object appeared, causing the jet to malfunction. The object was filmed by Victor Dudinsh, and witnesses reported seeing a figure in profile. The film was confiscated by the KGB, but Dudinsh managed to collect witness testimonies. The article draws parallels to other cases, such as Roswell and the Rendlesham Forest incident, where official explanations are questioned. It highlights the difficulty in obtaining information about Soviet UFO research due to the political climate and language barriers. The authors, Mantle and Stonehill, have published a comprehensive book on Soviet UFO phenomena.

"UFO-bilde fra Apollo oppklart"

This article debunks a UFO sighting captured on film during the Apollo 16 mission in 1972. The object, described as a 'saucer-shaped object with a dome on top,' was analyzed by a team led by Gregory Byrne. Their conclusion, based on detailed image analysis and comparison with other Apollo mission footage, was that the object was a boom with a floodlight attached to the command/service module, used for extravehicular activities.

"Dinosaurdreper trolig identifisert"

This report discusses research identifying a large asteroid from the Baptistina family in the asteroid belt as the likely cause of the mass extinction event 65 million years ago. The impact created the Chicxulub crater in Mexico. The article explains how solar radiation and gravitational forces from Jupiter and Mars can alter asteroid trajectories, sending them towards Earth. It notes that while large impacts are rare, smaller ones occur more frequently, necessitating monitoring programs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, historical cases, and the scientific and governmental responses to them. There is a strong emphasis on detailed investigation, witness testimony, and the historical context of UFO phenomena, particularly within the Soviet Union and the UK. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and analyses while acknowledging the limitations of evidence and the role of psychological factors. The publication also supports UFO research initiatives through its "Støttefond" and "Prosjekt Hessdalen."