UFO - 2008 No 3 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO, published by UFO-Norge as their 27th volume, number 3-4 in 2008, is described as Norway's largest special interest magazine on the UFO phenomenon. The cover features headlines related to a trip to Sweden, the public disclosure of the Danish Air Force's UFO archive, and a discussion on science and parapsychology. The magazine is priced at Kr. 70,- for single issues and Kr. 260,- annually for subscriptions.

Editorial Content

The editorial, penned by Mentz Kaarbø, apologizes for further delays in publication but highlights that this double issue offers more content. It announces the return of the 'Rapportnytt' column, featuring reports from Mid-Norway, with indications of more significant observations. It also details Ole Jonny Brænne's visit to UFO-Sverige and the AFU in Sweden, where he assisted in scanning reports and articles, contributing to AFU's status as the world's largest UFO archive. An article on parapsychology is mentioned, which examines 140 years of research and notes the scientific community's shift from early enthusiasm to current skepticism due to a lack of definitive breakthroughs.

Key Articles and Features

Rapportnytt

This section, edited by Arnulf Løken, returns after a hiatus and focuses on reports from Trøndelag. It includes a detailed account from Gaulstad, Ogndalen, dating back to October 1958, where a witness described a bright, red-orange light moving over a forest. The section also lists other UFO observations registered between November 2008 and March 2009, including sightings in Langmyrkollen, Ogndalen; Holsjøen, Meldal; Surnadal; Brekken; and Namdalseid, with descriptions of lights, cylinder-shaped objects, and capsule-like craft.

Feltforskerkurs hos UFO-Sverige og besøk hos AFU

Written by Ole Jonny Brænne, this article details his participation in UFO-Sverige's annual field researcher course in November 2008. The course covered topics such as witness psychology and methods for investigating UFO reports. Brænne also visited the Archives for UFO Research (AFU) in Norrköping, described as the world's largest archive of its kind, housing extensive collections of books, periodicals, and reports. The article highlights the efforts of organizations like UFO-Sverige and UFO-NORGE in collecting and preserving UFO-related data.

Vitenskapen og parapsykologi

This article explores the history of research into parapsychological phenomena over the last 140 years. It points out the initial enthusiasm from the scientific community, which later waned as conclusive positive results failed to emerge, leading to current skepticism.

Offentliggjøring av det danske flyvåpenets UFO-arkiv

This feature notes that colleagues in Sweden (SUFOI) received the Danish Air Force's UFO archive, with Ole Henningsen taking possession of the files.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes book reviews, a section on UFO-themed stamps, and a discussion on whether science has forgotten the supernatural.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the study and documentation of UFO phenomena, encouraging readers to submit reports and contribute to the archives. There is a clear emphasis on field research, investigation, and the preservation of data. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFOs, while acknowledging the challenges of scientific validation and the need for critical analysis of reports. The publication also highlights the international nature of UFO research, with connections to organizations in Sweden and ongoing efforts to share information and resources.

Contact Information

UFO-Norge provides contact details for its editorial team, regional groups across Norway, and its internet portal (www.ufo.no). The magazine is published by UFO-Norge, an organization dedicated to the registration and study of UFO phenomena.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 3-4 2008, features a prominent article detailing the exciting disclosure of the Danish Air Force's UFO archive. The magazine also includes articles on the cultural phenomenon of 'star people' and a brief mention of UFOs in relation to Barack Obama's inauguration.

Danish Air Force UFO Archive Disclosure

The main feature, "Spennende offentliggjøring av det danske flyvåpenets UFO-arkiv" (Exciting disclosure of the Danish Air Force's UFO archive) by Ole Henningsen, recounts the event of January 28, 2009, when the Danish Air Force (FTK) officially released its UFO archive. Anspored by similar disclosures in other countries, the FTK decided to make its collection public. Henningsen, a long-time collaborator with Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI), was present at the event at Flyvertaktisk Kommando (FTK) in Karup.

The archive, comprising 329 pages and a 30MB PDF file, contains reports from 1978 to 2002. Sensitive information such as names and addresses has been removed. The article highlights that while the material is not necessarily filled with "great UFO secrets," it is significant and warrants further study. Some reports are expected to be published by SUFOI.

The disclosure generated considerable media interest, with TV stations like DR and TV2 Fyn covering the event and interviewing key figures. Captain Thomas Pedersen of FTK played a crucial role in the presentation and explained that the 'UFO folder' had been on his shelf for years, and the idea to make it public matured over time, aligning with international trends.

Henningsen also mentions his personal involvement in obtaining UFO-related documents over the years, including specific cases investigated by SUFOI. He notes that the archive contains only one photo case: a manatee-like cloud observed over Viborg in 1974.

The article details the process of anonymizing and scanning the documents, which was efficiently handled by a temporary press employee. Henningsen also shares his experience of receiving media requests and participating in interviews following the disclosure.

Obama and UFOs

A shorter piece titled "Ble Obama hyllet av grønne menn?" (Was Obama hailed by green men?) discusses a mysterious object captured on CNN live-camera during Barack Obama's inauguration on January 20, 2009. The blurry image sparked online debate about its identity, with some suggesting it was a bird or a drone, while others speculated about extraterrestrial involvement. The article also briefly references Obama's past encounter with UFO-related topics during his presidential campaign, including a TV debate with Dennis Kucinich.

Other Content

UFO Archive Cases and Reports

The magazine includes several examples and discussions of specific UFO reports within the Danish archive:

• Leo Nygaard's footage: Video footage taken by Leo Nygaard in Odense on September 15, 1996, is mentioned. The nature of the object is debated, with possibilities ranging from a helicopter or balloon to something else.
• Greenland sightings: Several interesting reports from Greenland are highlighted, including observations made by police and forwarded to the Air Force. One report from October 21, 1983, describes a bright light, larger than a star, hovering near Kulusuk and Kuummiut for an hour.
• Early reports: The article touches upon older UFO reports, including 'ghost rocket' investigations from 1946 and documents from August 1970. It is noted that some of this older material may no longer be with FTK but could be in national archives.

'Star People' Phenomenon

An article by Ole-Morten Vestby, "Møte med stjernemennesker" (Meeting with star people), discusses Audhild Skoglund's 1997 master's thesis. Skoglund's research, based on interviews with seven Norwegian women, explores the concept of 'star people' – extraterrestrial beings believed to be reincarnated on Earth with a mission to spread peace and love. The thesis concludes that these beliefs draw from both UFO literature and traditional folklore. Skoglund's work focuses on how individuals subjectively experience and interpret these beliefs, rather than arguing for their objective reality.

Media Coverage and SUFOI's Role

The article emphasizes the significant media attention surrounding the Danish UFO archive disclosure. SUFOI, represented by Ole Henningsen and Chairman Kim Møller Hansen, played a key role in receiving and processing the archive. The organization continues to receive media inquiries and is involved in making the information accessible to the public.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes the theme of UFO disclosure and the importance of making historical records accessible to the public. There is a clear editorial stance in favor of transparency and demystifying the UFO phenomenon. The magazine highlights the work of organizations like SUFOI in archiving and investigating UFO reports. The inclusion of the 'star people' article suggests an interest in the broader cultural and psychological aspects of belief in extraterrestrial contact. The overall tone is informative and investigative, aiming to present factual accounts and research related to UFOs.

Title: UFO nr.
Issue: 3-4
Volume: 2008
Issue Date: 2008
Publisher: Not specified
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Cover Headline: "Mysterium i britisk landsby. - Den hadde tentakler, sa vitne."

This issue of UFO nr. magazine from 2008 explores various facets of the UFO phenomenon, paranormal experiences, and related folklore, featuring a mix of research reviews, incident reports, and book critiques.

Articles and Reviews

The 'Starman' Phenomenon and Folklore

The issue begins with an analysis of the 'starmen' phenomenon, drawing on research by Skoglund. The study indicates that individuals identifying as 'starmen' are often interested in alternative topics but not deeply engaged with the broader UFO problem. Their beliefs are influenced by folklore and New Age ideas rather than a strict polarization of 'good' and 'evil' aliens. Skoglund draws parallels between 'starmen' beliefs and UFO abduction narratives, noting common themes like the continuation of an extraterrestrial lineage through reincarnation or abduction, and the reception of messages from non-human entities. However, her informants show little interest in detailed knowledge of extraterrestrial systems, focusing instead on personal experiences and abilities. Skoglund posits that the belief in 'starmen' can be seen as a modern manifestation of folklore, akin to interpreting unexplained phenomena as supernatural beings in the past.

Book Reviews

1. 'Budbärare från det okända' by Elisabeth Lannge

Reviewed by Mentz Kaarbø, this book is described as a blend of memoir and an attempt to explain the complexity of the 'unknown'. Lannge, a Swedish medium, recounts her experiences and helps people with hauntings. The review praises her self-critical and clear-sighted approach, noting her acknowledgment of potential alternative explanations and her critique of gullibility and fraud. The book is valued for its personal accounts, offering insights into paranormal phenomena, though the reviewer points out that Lannge's own theories are 'homemade'. The book also touches upon UFO observations, including a USO (unidentified submerged object), and suggests contacting UFO-Sverige for similar experiences.

2. 'Avtale med en Avdød' by Tor-Carsten Nygren

This book, reviewed by Ole-Morten Vestby, is presented as a collection of encounters with the deceased and the spirit world. Nygren, who worked as an autopsy technician, shares his experiences and interest in parapsychology. The review notes that Nygren's book is a personal account, but criticizes the book's tendency to present unargued assertions about the spirit world, which might alienate readers unfamiliar with the subject. Despite this, the reviewer finds much interesting material for parapsychology enthusiasts, detailing Nygren's experiences with apparitions, UFOs, and even alien abduction for cloning purposes.

3. 'There's Something in the Woods' by Nick Redfern

Nick Redfern's book is reviewed by Clas Svahn. Redfern, known for his work on UFOs and forteana, explores various mysterious phenomena, including cryptids, ghosts, and UFOs. The review highlights Redfern's investigation into crop circles, where he interviews a 'circle maker' who claims they are human-made for paranormal experiences. The book is characterized as having an 'X-Files' feel, with Redfern actively seeking out stories. However, the reviewer finds Redfern's explanations bizarre and lacking in scientific rigor, suggesting the book is more for entertainment than for finding answers.

4. 'Beyond UFOs' by Jeffrey Bennett

Reviewed by Clas Svahn, this book by astrophysicist Jeffrey Bennett uses the UFO topic as a hook to discuss the possibility of extraterrestrial life. Bennett explores the vastness of the universe and the likelihood of life elsewhere, suggesting humanity is on the verge of contact with advanced civilizations. While acknowledging the lack of concrete evidence for UFOs, Bennett posits that the universe is teeming with possibilities. The review notes that while 95% of the book deals with hard science, the remaining 5% delves into philosophy, speculation, and belief. Bennett questions why, if life is common, we haven't been contacted, suggesting self-destruction or alternative communication methods by advanced civilizations.

5. 'Ført bak lyset!' by Erich von Däniken

This book by Erich von Däniken is reviewed by Ole Jonny Brænne. It covers topics such as the Voynich manuscript, ancient artifacts, and the Nazca lines, attempting to draw connections between them and unknown scripts. The reviewer finds the material repetitive, stating that Däniken revisits themes from his previous books without offering substantial new insights. The book is not recommended for those seeking new information.

6. 'Dark Frontier' by Eugenia Macer-Story

Reviewed by OJB, this self-published book by Eugenia Macer-Story interprets various unexplained events, including UFOs and paranormal occurrences, as the work of interdimensional spirits. The reviewer finds the book repetitive, with excessive use of capitalization and underlining, making it a tedious read. The lack of a table of contents or index is also noted.

7. 'Inn i det ukjente. Spøkelser og gjenferd i Norge' by Cherri Døhlen

Reviewed by OJB, this book compiles ghost stories from around Norway. While the topic is generally interesting, the reviewer finds the book disappointing due to the lack of source citations for most stories, making verification impossible. A specific anecdote about a light phenomenon near Asker church is presented, but the reviewer notes discrepancies when comparing Døhlen's account with historical records from Halvard Torgersen, questioning the reliability of the stories.

8. 'The Secret Life of Paul Villa: UFO Contact from Coma Berenices' by Wendelle Stevens

This book, reviewed by OJB, details Paul Villa's alleged contacts with beings from the Coma Berenices star system. Villa, a contactee in the 1960s, reportedly took many photos of alleged spacecraft. Stevens met Villa and obtained some of his photos and notes. The review highlights numerous spelling errors, likely from an OCR process, which detract from the reading experience. The primary value of the book is seen in its collection of color photos of alleged UFOs.

9. 'Proceedings from International Project Hessdalen Workshop 2006'

Edited by Renzo Cabassi and Nico Conti, this collection of papers from a workshop in Bologna discusses research on UFO phenomena in Hessdalen. The review notes that the contributions vary in technical depth, with some focusing on instrumentation and others on the existence of the UFO phenomenon itself. The review points out that some papers are poorly written in English and that the collection is not ideal as an introduction to the Hessdalen phenomenon.

10. 'The Best of E.T. Monitor' (DVD)

Reviewed by OJB, this two-DVD set features recordings of the TV program 'E.T. Monitor' produced by Robert Barry in the 1980s-1990s. The reviewer expresses disappointment with the home-produced DVD-R format and the low-quality cover printing. The content, featuring Barry discussing UFOs and taking viewer calls, is described as 'the worst' and 'boring', with poor video quality.

11. 'Touched' (DVD)

This DVD, reviewed by OJB, is a documentary about individuals who claim contact with aliens, and about psychiatrist John E. Mack, who believed them. The film focuses on abduction phenomena.

Special Features

Stamps and UFOs

An article by Ole Jonny Brænne explores the connection between stamps and UFOs. It notes that several countries, primarily in Asia and Africa, have issued stamps featuring UFO-related motifs. These stamps are typically available online through auction sites like qxl.no and ebay.com, or from specialized dealers like espacelollini.com. The article showcases various UFO-themed stamps from different countries, including Maldives, Grenada, Tanzania, and San Marino.

Wind Turbine Damaged by UFO?

A report details a mysterious incident in Conisholme, Lincolnshire, England, on January 5, 2009, where a 90-meter wind turbine was severely damaged. Witnesses reported seeing a large, ball-shaped object with 'tentacles' descending towards the turbine, described as looking like a 'squid'. This event coincided with multiple UFO sightings in the area. While enthusiasts like Russ Kellett attributed it to a UFO, senior researcher John O. Tande from SINTEF suggested more conventional explanations, such as a malfunction or collision with a bird, are more plausible. The article includes a map of the area and photos of the damaged turbine.

Chilean Army UFO Reports

The issue mentions that the Chilean army has revealed it possesses 30 years of UFO reports and video footage. A highlight was a 7-year-old video showing army helicopters chasing a UFO. Another incident involved a near-collision between a Citation 2 aircraft and a 40-meter-long unidentified object 100 km from Santiago in 2000. This information was authorized for release by Oscar Izurieta, chief commander of the Chilean military.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena, paranormal experiences, and folklore. There's a recurring theme of questioning conventional explanations and examining anecdotal evidence, often through book and media reviews. The editorial stance appears to be open to investigating unexplained phenomena, while also maintaining a critical perspective, as seen in the reviews that point out flaws in methodology or lack of evidence. The issue highlights the ongoing debate about the nature of UFOs, whether they are extraterrestrial, terrestrial, or misinterpretations of natural phenomena, and the human tendency to interpret the unknown through existing cultural frameworks.

This issue of UFO nr. magazine, dated 2008 and identified as issue 3-4, is published by UFO-NORGE and covers a range of topics related to UFO phenomena, parapsychology, and space exploration. The cover story focuses on Mars being a 'living planet,' discussing the discovery of methane gas and its implications for potential life.

UFO Incident: Wind Turbines Explained

The issue begins by addressing a UFO mystery from January 2009 where two wind turbines in North London were damaged. Initially, speculation pointed to a UFO, but the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) stated they would not investigate unless there was a potential threat. The explanation that emerged was that the turbines were likely destroyed due to material fatigue and possibly fireworks, rather than an extraterrestrial encounter. Ecotricity's CEO, Dale Vince, expressed slight disappointment at the lack of a more extraordinary explanation.

Book Review: 'Touched' and George Adamski

A book review section covers the documentary 'Touched' by Laurel Chiten, which focuses on people's experiences with alien abductions and the psychiatrist John E. Mack. The review notes that the film prioritizes the abductees' personal narratives over arguments for or against specific theories.

Another review discusses George Adamski, a prominent figure in the 1950s and 60s who claimed direct physical contact with extraterrestrials. The review examines his early book 'Pioneers of Space' (1949), noting its similarities to his later works on space brothers and suggesting that his later writings might have been based on this earlier work. The 2008 edition of 'Pioneers of Space' is critiqued for typographical errors and includes other writings by Adamski.

John Nilson's Strange Find

A short article titled 'Merkelig funn' (Strange Find) by Linda Juanette Lande details a discovery made by dentist John Nilson in Midt-Troms, Norway. He found a piece of plastic-like material with strange symbols and letters seemingly melted into it. The material is estimated to be no more than 50 years old, and the symbols resemble ancient scripts. Nilson is seeking help from readers to decipher the markings.

New UFO Releases from the British MoD

Mentz Kaarbø reports on the release of more UFO documents by the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) in March of the current year. This release, the third of its kind, contains over 1000 pages of UFO-related information from 1987 to 1993, including witness descriptions, drawings, and tabloid clippings. One notable case mentioned is from November 1990, where a woman in Norwich reported an encounter with a man from another planet who discussed crop circles, followed by a humming sound and a spherical object ascending into the sky. The case was investigated by the MoD's D155 unit.

The History and Skepticism of Parapsychology

Egil Asprem contributes a lengthy article titled 'Har vitenskapen glemt det overnaturlige?' (Has Science Forgotten the Supernatural?), offering a historical perspective on the 'spirit debate.' The article traces the origins of parapsychology research back to the 1870s, highlighting the early interest from scientists in spiritualism and mediums. It discusses the establishment of the Society for Psychical Research (SPR) in 1882 and the subsequent research into phenomena like telepathy and clairvoyance. The article critically examines the work of J.B. Rhine, who pioneered quantitative ESP research at Duke University in the 1930s. It details the methods used, such as Zener cards, and highlights criticisms regarding methodological flaws, lack of replicability, and potential biases, citing skeptics like Martin Gardner and the findings of John Edgar Coover.

The article also touches upon the evolution of parapsychology, from early qualitative investigations to Rhine's quantitative approach, and the ongoing debate about its scientific legitimacy. It notes that despite decades of research, no conclusive, replicable evidence for paranormal phenomena has been produced.

UFO-NORGE Activities and Support

Several sections are dedicated to UFO-NORGE's activities. 'Stoff mottas!' (Material Wanted!) calls for articles, letters, and clippings from readers, outlining submission guidelines and honoraria policies. 'Husk vår informasjonsfolder' (Remember Our Information Folder) encourages readers to help promote UFO-NORGE by distributing informational folders. 'UFO-NORGES Støttefond' (UFO-NORGE Support Fund) appeals for financial contributions to support the organization's work. 'Støtt Prosjekt Hessdalen' (Support Project Hessdalen) solicits donations for the Hessdalen project and its automatic measurement station, emphasizing the need for equipment and operational funds.

Mars: A Living Planet

The final article, 'Mars er en levende planet' (Mars is a Living Planet), reports on a NASA press conference from January of the current year. Scientists have found significant amounts of methane gas in Mars' atmosphere, which is unusual as methane typically dissipates within 300 years. This suggests a constant source, possibly volcanic activity or, more plausibly, biological life. The article notes that the methane concentrations often coincide with areas where water has been detected, a key requirement for life. NASA's upcoming 'Mars Science Laboratory' mission in 2011 is mentioned as aiming to investigate the origin of this methane.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an interest in UFO phenomena and related topics, including historical cases, scientific investigations, and the history of parapsychology. There is a clear emphasis on critical analysis, particularly in the article on parapsychology, which scrutinizes the scientific validity of the field. UFO-NORGE actively encourages reader participation through submissions and financial support, and highlights ongoing research projects like Hessdalen and space exploration efforts concerning Mars. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry combined with a healthy dose of skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, while still acknowledging the enduring fascination with the unexplained.