UFO - 2008 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Magazine, volume 27, number 2 from 2008, published by UFO-NORGE, focuses on the 100th anniversary of the Tunguska event and offers a new perspective on the Hill abduction case. The magazine is in Norwegian and features a cover price of 70,- NOK.

The Tunguska Event: 100 Years Later

The lead article, "100 år siden Tunguskahendelsen" (100 Years Since the Tunguska Event) by Mentz Kaarbø, delves into the mysterious event of June 1908. A massive explosion occurred over the Siberian taiga, flattening an area of approximately 2000 square kilometers without leaving a crater. The article discusses various hypotheses, including alien spacecraft, black holes, natural gas explosions, comets, and asteroids. The scientific consensus is leaning towards an airburst of a meteoroid or comet fragment at an altitude of 5-10 kilometers. The explosion's energy is estimated to be around 5.0 on the Richter scale, with a shockwave that circled the Earth twice. Eyewitness accounts describe a bright light, heat, a deafening sound, and a powerful shockwave. The article also touches upon the scientific expeditions led by Leonid Kulik, who extensively studied the area from the 1920s to the 1930s, finding no crater but identifying microscopic silicate and magnetite spheres in tree resin, indicative of extraterrestrial origin. The event's impact on the environment and its potential consequences are detailed, along with theories about the object's composition (asteroid vs. comet) and trajectory.

The Hill Abduction: A New Perspective

"Hill-saken i nytt perspektiv" (The Hill Case in a New Perspective) re-examines the famous 1961 abduction case of Betty and Barney Hill. The article, by Ole-Morten Vestby, analyzes the case through a psychosocial model. It suggests that the couple's alleged experiences, including contact with extraterrestrials, could be explained by their psychological and social status, particularly Barney's vulnerability as a black man in a segregated America. The author argues that these factors could fully account for their perceived experiences, downplaying the physical evidence like damage to their car.

Other Articles and Features

• "Dette er ikke et UFO" (This is Not a UFO): A cautionary tale from Britain about a person with a vivid imagination who contacts the police and alarm services.
• "Astronaut - har skjult UFOer i 60 år" (Astronaut - Has Hidden UFOs for 60 Years): Reports on astronaut Edgar Mitchell's belief in secret contacts between US authorities and extraterrestrial beings over many years.
• "UFOer filmet over Istanbul" (UFOs Filmed Over Istanbul): Discusses spectacular UFO footage from Turkey, filmed in 2007-2008. The article expresses skepticism about the claims, noting the fundamentalist stance of the organization promoting the videos.
• "'Når Betlehemsstjernen er en UFO'" ('When the Star of Bethlehem is a UFO'): A review by Ole-Morten Vestby of a 1997 master's thesis concerning George King and The Aetherius Society.
• "Merkelig syvkantet stjernehull avdekket" (Strange Seven-Sided Star Hole Discovered): Reports on the discovery of a peculiar hole near Volda, Norway, which led to speculation but was later explained.
• Bokanmeldelser (Book Reviews): Includes reviews of books related to UFO phenomena.

The magazine also features a section on the organization UFO-NORGE, listing its editorial staff, regional groups, and contact information. It encourages readers to visit their website, www.ufo.no.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, historical cases, and scientific investigations. While presenting various theories and eyewitness accounts, the editorial stance, as exemplified by the commentary on the Istanbul videos, tends towards critical analysis and skepticism, particularly when dealing with sensational claims or organizations with extreme viewpoints. The publication aims to inform and study the UFO phenomenon independently, providing a platform for discussion and research within the Norwegian UFO community.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 2-2008, focuses on two significant events in UFOlogy: the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case and the Tunguska event. The magazine explores various theories, analyses, and perspectives surrounding these incidents.

The Betty and Barney Hill Case

The primary focus of this issue is the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case, with a particular emphasis on a conference held in September 2000 at the Indian Head Inn in New Hampshire, USA. The conference, organized by Karl Pflock and Peter Brookesmith, brought together researchers and interested parties to re-examine the famous 1961 incident. The proceedings have been published in the book 'Encounters at Indian Head: The Betty and Barney Hill UFO Abduction Revisited'.

Key participants at the conference included Robert Shaeffer, Dennis Stacey, Thomas E. Bullard, Hilary Evans, Greg Sandow, moderator Marcello Truzzi, and sponsor Joe Firmage. Betty Hill herself and her niece Kathleen Marden were also present.

Dennis Stacey's contribution is highlighted for providing a well-researched version of the story, addressing inconsistencies in the original accounts. A significant detail revealed was Barney Hill's initial claim of grabbing a jack for protection, which was later clarified to be a .22 caliber pistol he had hidden in the car. This detail is important due to firearm regulations in Canada.

Marcello Truzzi's analysis of ufological claims is discussed, noting the tendency for ufologists to accept extraordinary claims with less evidence than would be required for other assertions. He points out that while people would likely dismiss claims of being Princess Diana and Hillary Clinton's lover, UFO claims are often accepted more readily.

The conference participants' approaches were divided: Hilary Evans, Peter Brookesmith, and Martin Kottmeyer focused on psychosocial interpretations, while Sheaffer took a skeptical stance, and Bullard, Pflock, and Webb were more inclined to believe the abduction narrative.

Brookesmith and Pflock reportedly spent considerable time retracing the Hills' route, yet disagreed on whether time was lost during the event.

Betty and Barney Hill Case - A Brief Account

The magazine provides a summary of the events of the night of September 19-20, 1961. Betty and Barney Hill were driving home from Canada to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, when they observed a bright, star-like object. The object followed their car, and they stopped several times to observe it. It then flew directly towards them, revealing itself as a disk-shaped craft hovering about 20 meters above the ground. Barney got out of the car, and the object approached. He saw windows and beings in dark uniforms. Barney panicked, shouting "They are abducting us!" He drove away at high speed. Later, they experienced a series of beeps that caused the car to shake. They arrived home two hours later than expected, having lost time.

Barney suffered from insomnia, anxiety, and stomach problems. Betty had nightmares. They sought help from Dr. Benjamin Simon, a psychiatrist specializing in hypnosis. Over six months, under hypnosis, they recounted being taken aboard the craft, examined, and having samples taken (hair, fingernails, skin scrapings, and semen). They were then returned to the car.

Analysis of Betty Hill's Dress

An analysis of Betty Hill's dress, worn during the alleged abduction, is presented. Phyllis A. Budinger, an analysis expert, examined the garment. The dress showed signs of damage, including a torn zipper and a ripped lining, consistent with the Hills' account of struggling with the beings. Pinkish-magenta discolored areas were found on the dress, particularly where the beings held Betty. These areas contained a substance composed of proteins and natural oils, suggesting an external biological source. The analysis ruled out common causes like urine, sweat, or vomit. The substance was likely a liquid that had affected the fabric and fibers. The discoloration appeared a few days after the abduction. Budinger suggested that further analysis, including DNA testing, could be beneficial.

The Tunguska Event

The magazine also revisits the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908. Several theories are discussed:

• Cheko Lake Hypothesis: Investigations using sonar and magnetometry suggest that Cheko Lake might be a meteorite impact crater, possibly linked to the Tunguska explosion. The lake's shape and the presence of a large metallic object beneath the surface support this theory.
• Speculative Hypotheses: Due to limited scientific understanding in the early 20th century and Soviet secrecy, many alternative hypotheses emerged, though none gained scientific acceptance.
• Natural H-bomb: Proposed by D'Alessio and Harms, suggesting a fusion reaction of deuterium in a comet. This was largely dismissed due to lack of evidence and understanding of cometary composition.
• Black Hole: Albert A. Jackson and Michael P. Ryan suggested a small black hole passed through the Earth. This was later refuted by William H Beasley and Brian A. Tinsley, who pointed out the lack of an "exit event".
• Antimatter: Proposed by Cowan, Atluri, and Libby, suggesting annihilation of antimatter. This was dismissed due to the lack of observed gamma radiation.
• UFO Crash: Some UFO proponents, notably Alexander Kazantsev, suggested a crashed alien spacecraft. This idea was popularized by Feliks Zigel and others.
• Geophysical Processes (Verneshot): Wolfgang Kundt proposed a sudden release of natural gas from the Earth's crust. The Verneshot hypothesis, inspired by Jules Verne, suggests a volcanic eruption caused by gas buildup.
• Tunguska and Global Warming: Vladimir Shaidurov hypothesized that the Tunguska event initiated global warming by releasing ice crystals into the mesosphere.

Other Mentions

• Nikola Tesla: His Wardenclyffe Tower has been speculatively linked to the Tunguska explosion.
• Larry Niven and Dan Simmons: Their science fiction works incorporated the black hole hypothesis for the Tunguska event.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine presents a range of perspectives on UFO phenomena, from skeptical analyses to those more open to extraterrestrial explanations. The Betty and Barney Hill case is examined through both psychological and abduction lenses, with a critical eye on the evidence and the nature of belief in extraordinary claims. The Tunguska event is presented as a historical mystery with numerous competing theories, highlighting the challenges of scientific investigation in the face of incomplete data and speculation. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation, presenting different viewpoints while critically evaluating the evidence. The magazine also touches upon the broader implications of UFO sightings and the public's perception of them, as seen in the anecdote about mistaking the moon for a UFO.

This issue of UFO nr. 2 2008, published by UFO-NORGE, focuses on a range of UFO-related topics, including astronaut claims, video evidence, technological concerns, and academic research.

Edgar Mitchell's Claims

The main cover story features an interview with Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell, who asserts that aliens have been contacting Earth for 60 years and that authorities have actively tried to conceal this. Mitchell recounts his belief that the Roswell incident was a genuine alien craft event, covered up by the government. He also states that alien technology is far superior to ours and that if they were hostile, humanity would have been eradicated long ago. The radio host, Nick Margerrison, initially doubted Mitchell but became convinced of his sincerity. NASA, in a brief statement, acknowledged Mitchell as a respected astronaut but distanced themselves from his views, stating they do not investigate UFOs or engage in cover-ups.

Mitchell also discussed his experience during the Apollo 14 mission, including a 9-hour moonwalk, and his past claims about UFO visits. He mentioned that John F. Kennedy was the last president to be fully briefed on these matters. Rome expert Erik Tandberg expressed skepticism, recalling a lecture by Mitchell that included many unusual topics. Mitchell has also been involved in alternative healing research, claiming to have cured himself of kidney cancer through mental power.

UFOs Filmed Over Istanbul

An article by Mentz Kaarbø details UFO observations and filming that occurred over Istanbul, Turkey, in 2007 and 2008. Several UFO investigators have described these videos as the most significant UFO footage ever captured, potentially holding great importance worldwide. Yalcin Yalman, a night watchman, captured approximately 22 minutes of footage in 2007 and 2 hours and 30 minutes in 2008. The videos reportedly show the physical form and metallic structure of UFOs, with some close-ups allegedly revealing two beings inside. The Sirius UFO Space and Sciences Research Center in Turkey has authenticated the footage, concluding it shows objects with physical material and not computer animation. However, the author of the article expresses skepticism, noting that while the images are interesting, the shaky camera work reduces their documentary value and questions the photographer's sole claim to such significant sightings.

Book Reviews and Features

Tors hammer: Geophysical Weapons

Maarit M. Hanssen's book 'Tors hammer' is reviewed by Ole Jonny Brænne. The book discusses HAARP technology, its potential as a geophysical weapon, and its alleged negative impacts on the planet. Hanssen claims that HAARP installations in Norway (Tromsø and Svalbard) are not under democratic control and that the technology's sinister aspects are being used. The review notes that the book uses sources from other conspiracy theorists and blogs, and while it touches upon UFOs as a potential salvation through ET technology, the reviewer finds the book unconvincing and still within the realm of science fiction.

"Når Betlehemsstjernen er en UFO" (When the Star of Bethlehem is a UFO)

Ole-Morten Vestby reviews Kristin Ryssgård's master's thesis from the University of Bergen. The thesis examines the Aetherius Society (AS), a new age group founded by George King, and its use of UFOs as a religious element. AS considers UFOs to be spacecraft piloted by divine beings involved in a cosmic plan for humanity. The review highlights that AS blends Eastern and Western religions with science and occultism, and that George King received channeled wisdom from extraterrestrial beings. The thesis analyzes AS's beliefs and organizational structure, but the reviewer suggests it relies heavily on publicly available information and lacks deeper analysis, despite King's direct involvement.

"Stora boken om Naturfenomen" (The Big Book of Natural Phenomena)

Clas Svahn's book is reviewed by Ole Jonny Brænne. The book covers various natural phenomena, including ball lightning, waterspouts, and unusual geological events, often linking them to UFO sightings. The reviewer praises the book's extensive illustrations and detailed accounts, noting that it provides natural explanations for phenomena that are sometimes mistaken for UFOs.

"UFO contact... The Four"

Anders Liljegren reviews the book 'UFO contact... The Four' by Donna R. Butts and R. Scott Corder. The review describes it as a typical American contactee story involving missing time and communication with extraterrestrials. Liljegren finds Corder's scientific approach questionable, bordering on fanaticism, and notes that Corder was dismissed from his medical position. The book is characterized by a strong blend of UFO beliefs and fundamentalist Christian faith, which the reviewer finds difficult to reconcile.

"Det förgångnas närvaro" (The Presence of the Past)

This book, edited by Bo Lundström and Maria Gussarsson, is reviewed by Clas Svahn. It includes an account by Bo Berg of a UFO sighting in Muddus National Park in 1980, where he witnessed a metallic, tube-shaped craft land on a lake. The review mentions that Berg also discusses the 'ghost rockets' phenomenon and other UFO observations, highlighting the importance of such accounts for potential future contact with defense authorities.

Karl Egon Wikström's Writings

Karl Egon Wikström's self-published booklets, such as 'När jag upptäckte att jag var gud' (When I discovered I was God), are briefly reviewed. Wikström claims to be in contact with extraterrestrial beings and describes his experiences, which the reviewer finds confusing and indicative of someone in spiritual distress.

UFO-Symbolism

A short section presents various symbols allegedly observed on UFOs or received through psychic means, noting that their authenticity is not guaranteed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena from multiple angles, including eyewitness accounts, alleged government cover-ups, technological aspects, and academic research. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing UFO sightings and related claims. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives, including skeptical ones, while also highlighting significant cases and research. The publication also promotes UFO-related merchandise and books through its webshop.

This issue of UFO NORGE is a Norwegian publication focused on UFO phenomena and related scientific topics, particularly astronomy. It includes calls for submissions, appeals for financial support, and an article detailing a significant astronomical discovery.

Material Submission Guidelines

The editorial team is actively seeking articles, reader letters, press clippings, and links for their publication. Submissions can be made via email or diskette. For reader letters criticizing named individuals, full names and addresses are required. Anonymous submissions are accepted if the editorial office receives the sender's full details. Reader letters should not exceed approximately 300 words, and the editorial staff reserves the right to shorten them. Articles and reports should ideally not exceed approximately 1500 words (about three A4 pages with single line spacing and normal font). Authors are encouraged not to worry about language, as editing will be provided. Various file formats are accepted for text, along with accompanying photos and illustrations. Authors are responsible for captions, though the editorial team can assist. No payment is offered for submissions. For mailed materials, unsolicited manuscripts and photos will only be returned if a pre-franked and addressed return envelope is included. The publication is also seeking individuals with good knowledge of English, German, and French who are interested in translating articles into Norwegian.

UFO-NORGE Information Folder

Readers are encouraged to help promote UFO-NORGE by distributing information folders. These can be requested by writing to the contact address or by visiting the www.ufo.no website, where folders can be printed or downloaded. For every five subscribers recruited, the referrer receives a free subscription.

UFO-NORGE Contact Information

UFO-NORGE
Karl Staaffsvei 70
0665 OSLO
E-post: [email protected]
Folder download: www.ufo.no/filer/Ufonorge_info.pdf

UFO-NORGE Support Fund

UFO-NORGE, like other organizations, requires financial support to continue its work. Many tasks are delayed due to limited funds, and personal contributions are essential. For those who cannot actively participate in the organization's work, financial donations to the UFO-Norge Support Fund are greatly appreciated. Donations can be made to:

Støttefondet
Konto: 2470 17 28854
Address: UFO-NORGE, Karl Staaffsvei 70, 0665 OSLO.

Support Project Hessdalen

An appeal is made to support Project Hessdalen and the operation of its automatic measurement station. The project requires modern equipment to better understand 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. However, the project's funds are running low, with expenses including data transfer costs from the station to Høgskolen i Østfold, where Strand is a lecturer. Readers and supporters are urged to contribute financially to Project Hessdalen. Donations can be made to:

Prosjekt Hessdalen
v/Erling P. Strand
Bukkholmveien, Ullerøy
1747 Skjeberg
Postgirokonto: 0530 28 87545

Distant Gamma-Ray Burst Observed

The magazine features an article about a powerful gamma-ray burst (GRB) observed on September 13, 2008, by NASA's Swift satellite. This event, designated GRB 080913, is identified as the most distant gamma-ray burst observed to date, originating from a time when the universe was extremely young, approximately 12.84 billion years ago, and less than 825 million years after the Big Bang. This places the event at the edge of the observable universe.

Andreas O. Jaunsen, a researcher at the Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics at the University of Oslo and daily leader for astronomy year 2009, explains that observing such distant events provides unique information about the early universe and its evolution. Gamma-ray bursts are valuable not only for understanding the mechanisms of stellar collapse and radiation but also as tools for studying the universe by analyzing the light that has traveled vast distances.

Determining the distance to these events involves measuring their color or redshift. GRB 080913 exhibited a very high redshift of 6.7. The research for this specific gamma-ray burst was conducted by scientists at the DARK Cosmology Centre at the University of Copenhagen, with whom Jaunsen collaborates.

The article is attributed to Mentz Kaarbø and cites sources including ABC Nyheter, Astronomi.no, and www.nasa.gov.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in unexplained phenomena (UFOs) and cutting-edge astronomical discoveries. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation through submissions and financial support for both UFO-related research and broader scientific endeavors like astronomy. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of funding for research and dissemination of information, as seen in the appeals for the UFO-Norge Support Fund and Project Hessdalen.