UFO - 2007 No 3 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO magazine, volume 26, number 3-4 from 2007, published by UFO-NORGE, is the largest special interest magazine on UFO phenomena in Norway. The cover prominently features "UFO over Oslo" with images of the sighting and "Engelske UFO-arkiver åpnet" (English UFO Archives Opened), highlighting a key article about newly released UFO material.

Editorial Content

From the Editor's Desk (Fra redaksjonen)

In his editorial, Mentz Kaarbø discusses the double issue, focusing on the UFO observations over the Oslofjord in February. He notes that the phenomena were filmed and received some media attention, particularly from Nettavisen. The observations remain unexplained. The editorial also mentions a significant UFO event in Stephenville, Texas, in early January, where up to 50 people reported seeing strange phenomena. While most are believed to have conventional explanations, the extent of aircraft involvement is unclear. Kaarbø highlights the upcoming release of more UFO material from England, thanks to researchers like David Clarke using the Freedom of Information Act. He also reports on UFO-Norge's participation in the Alternativmessen in Oslo, noting a lack of new subscribers despite a strong presence. Finally, he congratulates SUFOI on its 50th anniversary, acknowledging the long-standing relationship between the two organizations.

Table of Contents (Innhold)

• The issue includes articles on:
• UFO over Oslo (February observations)
• UFO fever in Texas (Stephenville sightings)
• English UFO archives opening
• Beatles in space (speculative)
• A possible 'Mars-dweller' on Mars
• Alternativmessen 2007 report
• UFO observation over Chicago (O'Hare Airport)
• The passing of Arthur C. Clarke
• Book reviews
• SUFOI's 50th anniversary
• A farmer finding a mysterious 'vampire animal'
• NASA probe finding possible cave openings on Mars
• A former California governor advocating for UFOs to be taken seriously.

Key Articles

UFO over Oslo

This article by Mentz Kaarbø details the UFO sighting over the Oslofjord on Wednesday, February 27, 2007, filmed by Bård Eidem. Eidem initially observed a small, black, box-like object moving rapidly and erratically. His mother also witnessed the event. Later, four large, uneven lights appeared and hovered motionlessly before three disappeared, leaving one behind. Eidem captured video footage with his Ericsson K800 mobile phone. The defense forces stated they had no knowledge of activity in the area and would examine the film. The article notes that the footage, while clear enough to show the black box, suggested the lights might be reflections, which Eidem denies. The article also mentions that other individuals in the area reported seeing similar phenomena around the same time, including Stefan Pavlovich from Nesøya.

UFO fever in Texas

This article by Mentz Kaarbø describes the widespread UFO sightings in Stephenville, Texas, in early January 2007. Sheriff Lee Roy Gaitan reported seeing a UFO at sunset with his son. The object was described as having strange colors, lights, and movements. The event was witnessed by many residents, including a judge, a city council member, a pilot, and a businessman. Over 30 people reported seeing a large, silent object flying low and fast, with powerful lights. The local newspaper, Stephenville Empire-Tribune, received inquiries from around the world. MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) interviewed about 50 residents, with director Ken Cherry calling the number and credibility of witnesses exceptional. The article notes the town's local businesses capitalizing on the 'UFO hysteria' by selling T-shirts. The event has drawn comparisons to the Roswell incident, with some calling Stephenville the 'new Roswell'. The article also mentions that two F-16 fighter jets were reportedly seen flying in the same direction as the object shortly after, though the Air Force initially denied having aircraft in the area before retracting their statement and admitting to a training exercise. Sheriff Gaitan speculates it could be a military experiment.

English UFO Archives Opened

This section reports that thanks to the efforts of British UFO investigators, more UFO material will be released in the coming years. David Clarke is mentioned as a key figure in uncovering this information using the Freedom of Information Act.

UFO over Chicago

A brief mention of a UFO sighting at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in the fall of 2006.

SUFOI Celebrates 50 Years

The article acknowledges the 50th anniversary of SUFOI, a respected organization known for its serious and thorough approach to UFO research. A report from their anniversary conference is included.

Other Articles

• Beatles in space: A brief, somewhat speculative mention.
• A Mars-dweller on Mars: A small figure discovered in an image from Mars.
• Alternativmessen 2007: A report on UFO-Norge's participation in a large alternative fair in Oslo.
• Arthur C. Clarke is dead: A brief obituary for the science fiction author.
• Book reviews: A section dedicated to reviews of relevant books.
• Farmer finds mysterious 'vampire animal': Discusses the chupacabra myth and its potential natural explanations.
• NASA probe finds possible cave openings on Mars: Reports on geological formations discovered on Mars.
• Former California governor advocates for UFOs: Highlights a press conference where a former governor urged that the UFO phenomenon be taken seriously.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

UFO-Norge consistently emphasizes a serious, evidence-based approach to UFO research. The magazine aims to document and study UFO phenomena without jumping to conclusions, often providing context and alternative explanations where available. There is a clear stance against sensationalism, with a focus on credible witness testimony and investigative work. The organization actively engages with media, providing its perspective on sightings and phenomena. The magazine also highlights the importance of international cooperation and the release of official documents related to UFOs. The editorial stance is one of open-mindedness combined with a critical and analytical perspective, as seen in the comments on the Asker 2002 case and the London Eye photo.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated March-April 2007 (UFO nr. 3-4-2007), focuses on several significant UFO-related events and developments. The cover story highlights the opening of the British Ministry of Defence's (MoD) UFO archives, detailing the efforts involved in making these historical documents public. Other key features include an in-depth look at the UFO sightings in Stephenville, Texas, the mysterious observation at Chicago O'Hare Airport, and a unique project involving the Beatles' song 'Across the Universe' being sent into space. The magazine also reports on the Alternativmessen 2007 event in Oslo, showcasing various alternative and paranormal topics.

British UFO Archives Opened

The lead article, "Engelske UFO-arkiver åpnes" (English UFO Archives Opened), by Ole Henningsen, reports on the UK Ministry of Defence's decision in 2007 to release approximately 7000 UFO reports spanning 30 years. This initiative was partly driven by the persistent efforts of Dr. David Clarke, a folklorist and lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, and his colleagues, who sought to emulate the French government's move to open its UFO archives. A significant challenge was the contamination of 24 filing cabinets with asbestos in London's 'The Old War Office', requiring a costly cleanup operation to salvage the documents. The DI55-UFO archive was prioritized for release due to public interest. Nick Pope, former head of the MoD's 'UFO Desk', stated that the reports would be made available through the National Archives and the MoD's 'Freedom of Information Act' website, with a phased release expected to begin in spring 2008. The archives contain reports from pilots and other crew members that were not previously seen by the MoD's public UFO Desk, as well as 3000 reports received between 1987 and 1997. This release is considered a major breakthrough for British ufology and the 'Freedom of Information Act' campaign.

Stephenville UFO Phenomenon

The article "Har gjort småbyen berømt" (Made the Small Town Famous) details the UFO sightings in Stephenville, Texas, which gained national and international attention. Sheriff Lee Roy Gaitan became a prominent witness, reporting multiple observations and even videotaping an object. The phenomenon attracted significant media coverage, including a segment on Larry King Live. A website was created to document the sightings, moderated by journalist Angelia Joiner. Sheriff Gaitan described objects with red, green, and blue lights, and in one instance, a pyramid or triangle-shaped pattern. He also reported an object that rotated and flashed lights. Another witness, Rick Sorrells, described a phenomenon with red, blue, and green lights that merged into a white glow. Editor Mac McKinnon initially suspected military activity. A potential explanation was offered by helicopter pilot Chuck Mueller, who suggested the lights might have been flares dropped from a plane, citing the proximity of a military training area. However, many witnesses, including Sheriff Gaitan, found this explanation insufficient, pointing to the speed and nature of the lights as inconsistent with conventional aircraft.

Chicago O'Hare Airport UFO Sighting

"UFO-observasjon over Chicago" (UFO Sighting over Chicago) by Mentz Kaarbø recounts the incident at O'Hare International Airport in November 2006. Around 16:30 on November 7, 2006, a group of 12 airport employees reported seeing a metallic, rotating, disk-shaped object hovering over gate C-17. Witnesses described the object as dark gray, clearly defined against the cloudy sky, and emitting no sound. It reportedly accelerated straight up through the cloud cover, leaving a hole that quickly closed. Jon Hilkevitch, a journalist from the Chicago Tribune, was instrumental in bringing the story to light. Despite initial denials from United Airlines and the FAA, a Freedom of Information Act request revealed internal discussions about the sighting. The FAA's official explanation cited a weather phenomenon, which many UFO investigators found unsatisfactory. The incident garnered significant media attention, with reports appearing on major news networks.

Beatles' Song Sent into Space

"Beatles strålt ut i verdensrommet" (Beatles beamed into space) reports on a unique event on February 4, 2008, the 40th anniversary of the Beatles' song "Across The Universe." NASA's Deep Space Network transmitted the song from an antenna in California towards Polaris, a journey expected to take 431 years. This event also marked NASA's 50th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the first American space probe, Explorer 1. Yoko Ono expressed optimism about this intergalactic concert, seeing it as the beginning of a new era of communication with other planets. The event was celebrated by Beatles fans worldwide.

Mars Rover Mystery

"Er dette en klippe eller en marsboer?" (Is this a rock or a Martian?) discusses images captured by NASA's Spirit rover on Mars. One panoramic image showed a figure that some interpreted as a Martian or even Bigfoot or Osama Bin Laden. Skeptics, however, suggested it was merely a rock formation. The object, when zoomed out, was barely visible and estimated to be only about 6 cm in size, leading to further doubt about its significance.

Alternativmessen 2007

"Alternativmessen 2007" by Ole Jonny Brænne covers the alternative lifestyle fair held in Oslo from November 16-18, 2007. UFO-NORGE participated in the event, sharing a double booth. The author notes the diverse range of exhibits, including healing, fortune-telling, and crystals. UFO-NORGE sold books and DVDs, and presentations were given on topics such as "Norwegian UFO Pictures 1909-2005" and "2012, the ETI Gene & Neo-Shamanism." Other speakers discussed topics like inner Earth societies and galactic federations. The article also mentions presentations on crop circles by Eva-Marie Brekkestø of the Norwegian Crop Circle Group. The author expresses a somewhat dismissive view of some of the more speculative topics presented.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, government transparency, and public interest. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, acknowledging the historical trend of UFO phenomena being explained by conventional means, while still giving credence to witness accounts and the need for further research. There's a clear emphasis on the importance of freedom of information and the challenges in obtaining official data. The magazine also shows an interest in how popular culture, like the Beatles' music, intersects with space and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The coverage of the Alternativmessen suggests an openness to a wide range of alternative beliefs, though with a degree of skepticism towards the more outlandish claims.

This issue of UFO nr. (3-4, 2007) is a Norwegian magazine focused on UFO phenomena, paranormal topics, and science fiction. It features a mix of news, book and DVD reviews, and historical accounts.

Arthur C. Clarke's Legacy

The issue leads with an obituary for Arthur C. Clarke, who passed away on March 19, 2008, at the age of 90. The article highlights his significant contributions as a science fiction author and futurist, noting his predictions of communication satellites and space travel. Clarke's life in Sri Lanka, his advocacy for environmentalism and humanism, and his early work as a diver are mentioned. His close friends, astronomer Sir Patrick Moore and space expert Robin Scagell, are quoted, emphasizing Clarke's visionary nature and scientific accuracy in his writings. The article also touches upon his three wishes for his 90th birthday: new energy sources, lasting peace, and the discovery of extraterrestrial intelligence. Asteroid (4923) Clarke and the dinosaur Serendipaceratops arthurcclarkei are named in his honor. The piece recalls Clarke's statement that UFOs prove how rare intelligence is on Earth, as they offer no insight into extraterrestrial intelligence itself. His famous work, "2001: A Space Odyssey," co-created with director Stanley Kubrick, is discussed, noting its basis in his short story "The Sentinel." Clarke's early conceptualization of geostationary communication satellites and the idea of a space elevator are also detailed.

Book and DVD Reviews

"In Alien Heat: The Warminster Mystery Revisited"

This review discusses a book by Steve Dewey and John Ries that examines UFO observations in Warminster, England, in the mid-1960s. The book is praised for its thorough analysis of the phenomenon, its cultural and historical context, and its engaging, humorous tone. It explores the public's fascination with the unknown and the psychological aspects of UFO experiences. The reviewer notes that while the Warminster events eventually ceased, the book provides a deep understanding of why the supernatural appears so alluring.

"Alien Autopsy: Fact or Fiction?"

The review covers the film "Alien Autopsy," which is based on the controversial 1947 Roswell autopsy footage. The film follows two friends, Ray Santilli and Gary Shoefield, who claim to have obtained the footage. The review describes the film as a comedy that reveals the story behind the alleged hoax, detailing how the footage was supposedly created. The actors playing Santilli and Shoefield, Declan Donnelly and Ant McPartlin, are quoted expressing their belief in extraterrestrial life.

"Mysterier, uforklarte undere og rare hendelser"

This book, translated from German, covers various mysteries including ancient technology, angels, and UFO phenomena. The review criticizes the book for its lack of knowledge regarding UFOs and crop circles, citing its reliance on believers as authorities and misrepresenting figures like Benjamin Creme. The authors are noted for their superficial treatment of UFOs, focusing on a Russian close encounter and misrepresenting facts about Mars and the Bermuda Triangle.

"Fakta eller fantasier"

This book, edited by Jesper Jerkert, includes a chapter on UFOs written by Sven Ove Hansson. The review strongly criticizes Hansson's chapter for its simplistic and outdated approach to the UFO topic, claiming it lacks current information and examples, such as recent UFO balloon sightings. The reviewer argues that the chapter is written to fit a narrative against pseudoscience and questions the quality of other chapters in the book.

"Ekte Sverige - Reise i annerledeslandet"

A review of a travel guide that presents 260 unusual tourist destinations in Sweden. It mentions the UFO monument in Ängelholm.

"Skånske spøkelser"

A brief mention of a book about ghosts in Skåne, Sweden.

SUFOI's 50 Years of UFO Research

This section details the 50th anniversary of the Danish organization SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO Information). Founded in 1957 by military officers, SUFOI has a long history of collecting and analyzing UFO reports. The article highlights the evolution of their research methods, from early enthusiasm to a more professional approach with a report center and field researchers. Over 15,000 reports have been collected, with a decreasing percentage of unidentified cases over time. The organization has moved away from the extraterrestrial hypothesis as the primary explanation for UFOs, focusing instead on unexplained phenomena and the psychological aspects of witness accounts. The article mentions a conference held in November 2007 to celebrate the anniversary, featuring speakers like Claus Lundholm, Ole Henningsen, Steen Eiler Jørgensen, Nick Pope, and Toke Haunstrup. SUFOI continues to receive many inquiries, underscoring the ongoing relevance of their work.

The Chupacabra Mystery

An article investigates the mysterious "Chupacabra" creature, sparked by a case in Texas in July 2007. Phylis Canion found three dead, strange animals with unusual features, which she suspected were Chupacabras responsible for killing her chickens. The creature's name, derived from Spanish for "goat-sucker," reflects its alleged habit of draining blood. While initially thought to be a new species, DNA tests on a coyote, and a Texas State University analysis suggested it was a coyote with extreme hair loss. The case gained significant media attention, contributing to a national hysteria. The article traces the origin of the Chupacabra myth back to Puerto Rico in 1975.

Other Content

"UFO-bil fra Kina"

A short piece about a Chinese car named "UFO," described as a clone of the Toyota RAV4, available in different trims and prices.

"Bokanmeldelser"

This section includes reviews of various books and DVDs related to UFOs and paranormal topics, such as "Ishullene i Silsetvatnet," "Avtrykkene ved Namsenfjorden," "The UFO Files," "UFO Photographs," "Alien Autopsy," "The Secret KGB Paranormal Files," "Det Usynlige Kollegium," and "UFO Encyclopedia."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO sightings, historical cases, and the scientific investigation of these phenomena. There is a clear emphasis on critical analysis and a move away from sensationalism, particularly evident in SUFOI's stance against the extraterrestrial hypothesis as the sole explanation. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained events, while acknowledging the role of psychology, cultural influences, and potential misinterpretations. The magazine also covers related topics like cryptozoology and the legacy of science fiction authors who have shaped our understanding of space and the unknown.

Title: UFO nr.
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 2007
Date: 2007-01-01
Publisher: UFO-Norge
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0800-2743
Price: 35 kr

This issue of UFO nr. magazine, dated 2007, covers a range of topics related to unexplained phenomena, space exploration, and alleged encounters.

Articles

NASA Probe Finds Possible Cave Openings on Mars

The lead article reports on NASA's Mars Odyssey probe discovering peculiar circular formations near the Arsia Mons volcano on Mars. These formations, ranging from 100 to 250 meters in diameter, exhibit temperature differences between day and night, suggesting they could be entrances to underground caverns or hollow spaces. Glen Cushing from the U.S. Geological Survey and his colleagues analyzed data from the Mars Odyssey's infrared camera, concluding that these 'holes' are likely deep shafts or entrances to levels beneath the Martian surface, potentially offering protection for past or future life.

The Chupacabra Mystery

This section delves into the phenomenon of the chupacabra, a creature reported in Puerto Rico and other parts of the Americas. The article describes the chupacabra as a reptilian-like being with grayish-green skin, sharp spines, and a dog-like or panther-like snout. It is characterized by its habit of draining the blood of its prey through small puncture marks. Alternative descriptions suggest a hairless, dog-like creature. The article also touches upon comparisons between chupacabra sightings and UFO phenomena, particularly 'cattle mutilations'. Several hypotheses are presented, including extraterrestrial origin, military creation, an undiscovered species, or an 'urban legend'.

The Most Powerful Gamma-Ray Burst Ever Observed

The issue details the observation of an exceptionally powerful gamma-ray burst (GRB) on March 19, 2008. This event, originating from a source 7.8 billion light-years away in the Bootes constellation, was so intense that it could have been visible to the naked eye. The GRB marked the death of a massive star and the formation of a black hole. The article explains that GRBs were discovered by spy satellites in 1967 and that the 1999 GRB was a significant event, but the 2008 event was over 20 times stronger.

Fife Symington's UFO Encounter

Former Arizona Governor Fife Symington recounts his sighting of a large, delta-shaped craft over Squaw Peak in Phoenix in 1997. He describes the object as having large lights and being unlike any human-made aircraft. Symington, along with 14 other individuals with backgrounds in military and government, spoke at a press conference in Washington D.C., urging authorities to be more open about UFO phenomena. The 'Phoenix Lights' incident remains unexplained, though some suggest it was a military exercise involving flares.

Other Mentions

• Steven Spielberg's Sci-Fi Film: The magazine notes Steven Spielberg's upcoming science fiction film 'Interstellar', based on physicist Kip Thorne's theories.
• Berkeley Lab's New Microscope: A new transmission electron microscope, TEAM 0.5, with unprecedented resolution, has been installed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
• Steorn's Orbo Technology: An update on the Irish company Steorn and its 'free energy' technology, Orbo, indicates no new developments since July 2007, suggesting the project may be another failed 'perpetual motion machine'.
• Book Review: A review of Stefan Isaksson's book on Swedish ghost stories is included.
• Project Hessdalen: A call for support for the Hessdalen automatic measurement station in Norway is featured.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, cryptids like the chupacabra, and astronomical mysteries such as gamma-ray bursts. There is a clear editorial stance advocating for greater transparency from authorities regarding UFO sightings and related events. The publication also highlights scientific advancements and technological developments, such as the Mars exploration program and new microscopy technology, while maintaining a critical eye on speculative or unproven technologies like Steorn's Orbo.