UFO - 2008 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Magazine, titled "UFO", is the first issue of Volume 27, published in 2008. It is the largest specialized magazine on UFO phenomena in Norway. The cover prominently features the headline "He fooled the whole world — Spyros Melaris admits he made the autopsy film," alongside an image related to the film and a smaller image of a man holding paintings. Another prominent article is about Kenneth Arnold's 1947 observation.

Editorial Stance and Content

The editorial, written by Mentz Kaarbø, acknowledges the late arrival of issue number 1 but expresses hope for better timeliness in the future. It highlights the 60th anniversary of the Kenneth Arnold observation in 1947, which is considered by many to be the start of the modern UFO era. Kaarbø discusses various conventional explanations that have been proposed for Arnold's sighting, as well as the theory that it involved extraterrestrial visitors. He expresses a more skeptical viewpoint, noting the lack of irrefutable evidence for alien visitation despite decades of investigation. He also touches upon the possibility that the UFO phenomenon could be explained by psychosocial factors, which he finds even more exotic than the ET hypothesis.

Key Articles and Features:

• "UFO-saken fra begynnelsen" (The UFO Case from the Beginning) by Mentz Kaarbø: This article delves into the details of Kenneth Arnold's classic UFO sighting on June 24, 1947. It recounts Arnold's flight near Mount Rainier, his observation of nine unusual objects, their description as 'flying saucers' due to their shape and movement, and the subsequent media attention. The article includes a biography of Kenneth Arnold, detailing his background as a businessman and pilot, and his involvement in UFO investigations. It also discusses the various explanations proposed for the sighting, including atmospheric phenomena and secret aircraft, and highlights the skepticism surrounding the case.

• "Enda en spiker i kisten for obduksjonsfilmen" (Another Nail in the Coffin for the Autopsy Film): This section addresses the controversial 1995 'autopsy film', presenting the story of Spyros Melaris, who claims to have created it. The article suggests this is likely the final exposé on the film, which is described as 'gruesome'.

• "Engelske UFO-arkiver åpnes" (English UFO Archives Opened): This piece reports on the declassification and release of UFO-related documents from the British Ministry of Defence on the UK's National Archives website, a result of efforts by British UFO investigators.

• "Hva er spesielt med 2012? Mayakalenderen under lupen" (What's Special About 2012? The Mayan Calendar Under the Microscope): This article offers a skeptical look at prophecies surrounding the end date of the Mayan calendar, concluding that closer examination of the calendar provides no reason for alarm.

• "Hvit flekk på Mars-bilde skaper debatt" (White Spot on Mars Image Sparks Debate): This short piece discusses another 'anomaly' found in an image from the Phoenix Mars lander.

• "Bokanmeldelser" (Book Reviews): This section includes reviews of English books published the previous year, with a particular focus on two books offering a skeptical perspective on 'foo fighters' from World War II.

• "Robbie Williams: Nærkontakt av tredje grad" (Robbie Williams: Close Encounter of the Third Kind): This article notes the singer Robbie Williams' interest in UFOs and close encounters, mentioning his debut as a presenter on BBC 4 for a report on 'implant hunters' in the USA.

Supporting Information:

• Contact Information: The magazine provides extensive contact details for UFO-NORGE, including addresses, phone numbers, and email for various departments (editorial, subscriptions, regional chapters) and key personnel.
• Copyright and Usage: UFO-NORGE allows reproduction of up to 50 words from articles with proper attribution, but further use requires written permission. The magazine states that articles represent contributions to the understanding of the UFO phenomenon and do not necessarily reflect the organization's or editors' opinions.
• Visuals: The issue includes illustrations, photographs, and maps related to the articles, such as a depiction of Kenneth Arnold's sighting, images of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, and a photo of a UFO observed over Tulsa.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around historical UFO cases, particularly the Kenneth Arnold sighting, and the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics. The editorial stance, as expressed by Mentz Kaarbø, leans towards a cautious skepticism, emphasizing the need for solid evidence and questioning the certainty of extraterrestrial visitation. The magazine also covers contemporary UFO-related news, such as the opening of archives and discussions on popular culture figures' interest in UFOs. The overall tone suggests a commitment to investigating the UFO phenomenon while maintaining a critical and analytical approach.

This issue of UFO nr. 1-2008 focuses on several key topics within UFO research: the foundational Kenneth Arnold sighting, the infamous 'alien autopsy' film hoax, and the release of British government UFO archives.

Kenneth Arnold's Sighting and its Aftermath

The issue begins by detailing the iconic 1947 sighting by pilot Kenneth Arnold, who described nine disc-shaped objects flying near Mount Rainier. The article highlights the initial investigation by Lieutenant Frank Brown and Captain William Davidson, who found Arnold credible, stating it was difficult to believe he would fabricate such a detailed report if he hadn't seen the objects. Despite this, the Army Air Forces (AAF) formally concluded it was a mirage. The AAF's intelligence division, with the FBI, conducted a secret investigation into UFO sightings, including Arnold's, concluding that the reports were not fantasy and that 'something was indeed flying in the sky'. This led to the creation of Project Sign, the first official US Air Force UFO investigation, which later evolved into Project Grudge and Project Blue Book.

Major Edwart J. Ruppelt, who led Project Grudge and Project Blue Book, noted the speculation surrounding Arnold's report. Two factions emerged: one suggesting ordinary jet planes, the other rejecting this due to Arnold's precise observations. Skeptical explanations, such as snow blown by the wind or atmospheric refractions (mirages), were considered but largely dismissed by investigators like Bruce Maccabee. Maccabee, a physicist, countered claims that Arnold might have misidentified pelicans or meteors, citing physical impossibilities regarding speed and brightness.

Skeptical Explanations and Counterarguments

The article presents various skeptical viewpoints. Philip Klass and Donald Mentzel are highlighted as skeptics who consistently offered conventional explanations. Mentzel's explanations evolved over time, from snow clouds to orographic clouds, and even water droplets on the windshield, all of which Maccabee refuted. The possibility of misidentifying pelicans, large birds with a significant wingspan, was also raised, though Maccabee argued that their flight characteristics and visibility did not match Arnold's description.

Richard Carrier's experience of misidentifying seagulls as UFOs is mentioned as an example of optical illusion. The issue also touches upon Arnold's own later reflections, where he acknowledged that while he didn't believe the objects were necessarily extraterrestrial, if not made by human scientists, they could be of 'extraterrestrial origin'. He also expressed that the topic was important but shouldn't cause hysteria.

The 'Alien Autopsy' Film Hoax

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 'alien autopsy' film, a controversial piece of footage presented as evidence of an extraterrestrial autopsy. The article reveals that Spyros Melaris, a filmmaker, was the mastermind behind staging this film. Melaris recounts how he met Ray Santilli in 1995, and together they decided to create a documentary based on a supposed alien autopsy film Santilli claimed to possess.

Melaris, along with John Humphreys (a sculptor and special effects artist), created the props, costumes, and set for the film. The filming took place in Geraldine's home in London. Melaris details the process of creating the alien figure, using animal organs for realism, and the challenges faced, including a need to reshoot parts of the film due to errors. He also discusses the creation of the wreckage with hieroglyphic inscriptions, which he claims were loosely based on Greek alphabet and Egyptian hieroglyphs, with the word 'FREEDOM' and 'VIDEO' subtly incorporated.

The article also addresses the 'cameraman' who supposedly filmed the event. Melaris explains how they found an elderly homeless man in Los Angeles and paid him to read a script, who happened to have acting experience.

Santilli's role in promoting the film and allegedly profiting from it is also scrutinized. Melaris expresses his disillusionment with Santilli, who he claims never paid him his due share and insisted the film belonged to the US military. Melaris's decision to reveal the hoax came after Santilli and his partner Gary Shoefield planned to make a feature film based on the story, continuing the deception.

British UFO Archives Released

The magazine reports on the significant event of the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) releasing its first batch of UFO-related documents on May 14, 2008. This release, comprising 11,000 reports from the 1970s to 2002, was made possible through the efforts of journalists and UFO historians like Dr. David Clarke, utilizing the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Nick Pope, a former UFO expert at the MoD, describes the administrative burden of handling UFO requests and criticizes the department's passive stance. He believes the release will generate significant interest. The article notes that this is not the first time UFO documents have been made public, as previous releases covered reports from the early 1950s and 1970s, as well as information on Winston Churchill's interest in UFOs.

The MoD's official statement clarifies that UFO reports are examined solely to determine if British airspace has been compromised by hostile or unauthorized military activity. They maintain no further interest in identifying the cause of individual sightings unless a potential threat is indicated, and express no opinion on the existence of extraterrestrial life. The released documents include a variety of observations, investigation reports, and ministerial briefings, with some skeptics noting the low number of photographic evidence provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO nr. demonstrates a critical approach to UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the historical significance of sightings like Kenneth Arnold's, the magazine emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation and the presentation of evidence. The detailed exposé of the 'alien autopsy' film hoax highlights the magazine's commitment to debunking fraudulent claims within the UFO community. Simultaneously, the coverage of the British UFO archives release underscores the value of transparency and the potential for official documents to shed light on unexplained events, even if the official stance remains neutral on the extraterrestrial hypothesis. The editorial stance appears to favor evidence-based analysis and a healthy skepticism towards sensational claims, while still recognizing the enduring public fascination with the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated nr. 1 - 2008, is published by UFO-Nyt and focuses heavily on the Mayan calendar and its connection to the year 2012, alongside historical UFO reports and book reviews.

Mayan Calendar and the 2012 Phenomenon

The main article, "Hva er spesielt med 2012? Mayakalenderen under lupen" by Egil Asprem, explores the fascination with Mayan culture and its complex timekeeping systems, particularly the prediction of an impending 'Ragnarok' on December 21, 2012. The article questions the validity of this interpretation, examining the two core assumptions: that the Mayan calendar ends on this date and that this date was chosen for a specific, possibly apocalyptic, reason.

Asprem explains that the Maya had multiple calendars, including the 365-day Haab and the 260-day Tzolk'in (divinatory calendar). These were combined into a 52-year 'calendar round.' The 'Long Count' system, originating from the Olmec culture, is presented as crucial for understanding the 2012 date. This system tracks time in larger units, with a significant cycle ending at 13 baktuns. The date 13.0.0.0.0 is often cited as the beginning of the current cycle, which, when correlated with the Gregorian calendar, points to a date around 2012.

Researchers like José Argüelles and Carl Johan Callemann have offered interpretations, with Callemann suggesting an end date of October 28, 2011. The article highlights the debate around the precise start date, with August 13, 3114 BCE, being a commonly accepted starting point, leading to an end date of December 23, 2012. However, the author suggests that the Mayan cycles were likely intended as a measurement system, similar to our centuries and millennia, rather than a prophecy of doom. The article also touches upon the idea that Mayan inscriptions refer to events far beyond 2012, such as a stele from Tikal mentioning an event in 4772 CE.

Historical UFO Sightings and Reports

The issue includes several historical accounts of UFO sightings:

• 1952: A report from the Far East describes a large, red, glowing flying saucer with a silver center.
• 1983, Aldershot: A 78-year-old man claimed contact with extraterrestrials and a tour of their spaceship.
• 1984, East Anglia: Air traffic controllers observed a high-speed, unidentified object performing a touch-and-go maneuver.
• April 1984, London: Police officers reported observing a blinking, dome-shaped light for an hour.
• 1985, Plymouth: An account of two large UFOs seen over the city, previously observed over Exeter.
• September 1985: Radar detected two objects moving at high speed.

Mars and the Phoenix Mission

A brief section discusses a white spot observed in a photo from NASA's Phoenix Mars mission. This image sparked debate online, with some conspiracy theorists, like Joseph Skipper of Mars Anomaly Research, claiming NASA was hiding evidence of Martian civilization. Peter Smith, head of scientific work for the Phoenix project, refuted these claims, stating the object was interesting but not unusual and that NASA was not distorting data.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• "Flying Saucerers: A social history of UFOlogy" by David Clarke and Andy Roberts: This book is described as a social history of the UFO movement in England up to the late 1970s. It covers the early UFO organizations, notable figures like Lord Mountbatten and Prince Philip, and the influence of Desmond Leslie's book "Flying Saucers Have Landed." The review notes that the book focuses on the social and historical aspects rather than providing scientific proof of UFOs, and that it is a good introduction to British ufology.
• "Världens Största Mysterier" by Jan Larsson: This book covers various mysteries including UFOs, Nessie, and Nostradamus. The review finds it to be a thin history, lacking in sources and author background, but notes its positive aspects, such as being free of New Age content and providing a basic introduction for beginners.
• "Strange Company: Military Encounters with UFOs in WWII" by Keith Chester: The review expresses mixed feelings, acknowledging the author's extensive research into 'foo-fighter' reports from WWII. However, it criticizes the book for presenting these accounts without sufficient critical analysis of their origins, suggesting that many are reconstructions from many years later and some are dubious. The review also points out potential inaccuracies in the book's references.
• "2. Verdenskrigs myter og legender" by James Hayward: This book examines myths and legends from WWII. The review focuses on the 'foo-fighter' phenomenon, explaining how it was initially described as mysterious lights but later became associated with disc-shaped objects. It highlights how the myth evolved and points out that the book debunks some historical claims, such as the existence of a General Massey involved in a WWII investigation.

Other Features

• Robbie Williams: Nærkontakt av tredje grad: A brief mention of Robbie Williams' involvement in a BBC Radio 4 documentary about UFOs and aliens, where he expressed interest in extraterrestrial phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient civilizations, particularly the Maya, with modern UFOlogy and conspiracy theories. There's a critical yet open approach to UFO reports, often examining historical context and potential psychological or social explanations. The editorial stance appears to favor rigorous research and skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while acknowledging the enduring public fascination with the unexplained. The reviews of books often highlight the importance of sources and critical analysis, suggesting a preference for well-researched and historically grounded content within the UFO field.

Title: UFO-NORGE
Issue: 1
Volume: 2008
Date: 2008

This issue of UFO-Norge, published in 2008, focuses on space exploration, particularly the landing of the Phoenix probe on Mars, while also continuing its advocacy for UFO research and support for ongoing projects.

Content

Editorial 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. For articles and reports, a maximum length of approximately 1500 words (about three A4 pages) is suggested, with the editorial staff offering to edit for language. Reader letters criticizing named individuals must include the full name and address, while other submissions can remain anonymous if requested, provided the sender's details are provided to the editorial staff. Submissions should not exceed 300 words for reader letters. The editorial staff reserves the right to shorten submissions. For electronic submissions, most file formats are accepted, along with accompanying photos or illustrations. Authors are responsible for captions, though the staff can assist. No payment is offered for submissions. For mailed items, unsolicited manuscripts and photos will only be returned if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is included. The magazine is also seeking individuals who can translate articles from other languages into Norwegian, particularly those with good knowledge of English, German, and French.

UFO-Norge Information Folder

Readers are encouraged to help promote UFO-Norge by distributing its information folder. Folders can be requested by writing to the contact address or by downloading them from the website www.ufo.no. For every five subscribers a member recruits, they receive a free subscription.

UFO-Norge Support Fund

The magazine highlights the need for financial support, stating that many tasks are postponed due to poor economy. It appeals to subscribers and others who may not have the time to actively work for UFO-Norge to contribute financially to the "UFO-Norges Støttefond" (UFO-Norge Support Fund). Donations can be made to account number 2470 17 28854, with the address listed as UFO-NORGE, Karl Staaffsvei 70, 0665 OSLO.

Support Project Hessdalen

Another appeal is made to support "Prosjekt Hessdalen" (Project Hessdalen) and the operation of its automatic measuring station. The project requires more modern equipment to investigate the Hessdalen phenomenon and needs funds for the station's operation. Project leader Erling Strand expresses gratitude for the support received from Høgskolen i Østfold, individuals, and institutions. The project's funds are running low, with costs associated with transferring images from the station to Høgskolen i Østfold, where Strand is a lecturer. Readers are urged to contribute financially to Project Hessdalen. Donations can be sent to Prosjekt Hessdalen, c/o Erling P. Strand, Bukkholmveien, Ullerøy, 1747 Skjeberg, or via giro account 0530 28 87545.

Phoenix Lands on Mars

The main article, "Phoenix har landet på Mars" (Phoenix has landed on Mars), reports on the American Phoenix probe's landing on Mars on May 26, 2008, after a nearly 10-month journey. Launched from Cape Canaveral on August 4, 2007, the 350 kg probe landed in the Vastitas Borealis region, near the planet's pole. The probe's primary mission is to collect and analyze surface and subsurface material to detect water ice and possibly liquid water, and to assess the potential for microbial life surviving in a dormant state. Phoenix is equipped with a large grabber capable of digging up to half a meter below the surface, a mini-laboratory for chemical and microscopic analysis, a stereo camera for surface imaging, a camera mounted on the grabber, and a complete meteorological station. The source for this information is cited as Astronomi.no / MDK.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes reader engagement through submissions and financial support for its operations and specific research projects like Project Hessdalen. There is a clear interest in unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, alongside a strong focus on scientific exploration, as evidenced by the detailed coverage of the Phoenix mission to Mars. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging contributions from various sources and supporting efforts to gather data and seek answers to mysteries, whether terrestrial or extraterrestrial.