UFO - 2010 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Magazine, number 2 of 2010 and the 29th volume, published by UFO-NORGE, focuses on the intersection of UFO phenomena and art, alongside reports of recent sightings. The cover features classical paintings with alleged UFOs, and a prominent photograph of multiple unidentified objects observed in Sunnmøre, Norway. The magazine is priced at KR. 70,- for single issues and KR. 260,- annually for subscriptions.

Editorial and Publisher Information

The magazine is published by UFO-NORGE, a nationwide organization dedicated to the registration and study of UFO phenomena. The editorial team includes Mentz D. Kaarbø as the responsible editor, Ole Jonny Brænne as co-editor, and Harald Søvik as the internet editor. Rune Enger is responsible for illustrations. The magazine is printed by Printall AS in Tallinn, Estonia. The editorial stance, as expressed by Mentz Kaarbø, acknowledges a perceived decline in UFO-related media coverage and organizational activity but asserts that the UFO phenomenon remains worthy of exploration.

Key Articles and Features

UFO in Art

Diego Cuoghi's article, "Kunst og UFO? Nei takk, bare kunst..." (UFO and Art? No thanks, just art...), challenges the notion that certain classical paintings and icons depict UFOs. Cuoghi, an art historian, argues that elements interpreted as UFOs are more likely artistic conventions, religious symbols, or misinterpretations of historical artworks. He examines pieces like Paolo Uccello's "La Tebaide" and Sebastiano Mainardi's "Madonna and Child with the Little St. John the Baptist," suggesting that the "objects" are often symbolic representations, such as cardinal hats, or simply artistic renderings of light and movement. The article critiques the methodology of some UFO researchers who analyze art without proper art historical context, citing Kenneth Clark and James Hall.

Spectacular Observation in Sunnmøre

The cover story details a significant UFO observation in Sunnmøre, Norway. On June 19, 2009, at 22:32 NST, an egg-shaped object approximately 30 meters in diameter was seen over Batnfjorden. It was followed by four matte black objects, about 8 meters in diameter, flying in formation. The objects were perceived as physical and cast shadows. The report includes a drawing by the observer and a commentary from the Rapportsentralen, noting that the area is sparsely populated and lacks installations that could explain the phenomenon. The observer, described as a pragmatic individual, was deeply affected by the sighting.

UFO Report Analysis (Rapportnytt)

Ottar Sæbjørnsen has taken over the Rapportsentralen, continuing the work of Arnulf Løken. This section presents a summary of recent UFO observations registered between February 15 and June 1, 2010. Notable reports include:

• Batnfjorden, Norway (June 19, 2009): Described above, involving multiple objects.
• Orderudtoppen, Sørumsand, Norway (March 3, 2010): A metallic, oval object about 10 meters in diameter was observed hovering at an estimated 30 meters altitude.
• Volda, Norway (March 3, 2010): A luminous, white object with pulsating lights, described as having 'wings,' was seen moving towards a cloud.
• Oslo, Norway (April 20, 2010): A 'round triangle' object with a dark underside and a light top was observed moving and stopping multiple times.

The report categorizes observations using terms like NL (Nocturnal Lights), DD (Daylight Disc), FS (Photo/Video), and CE (Close Encounter) levels.

Other Articles

• "Alle UFO-hemmeligheter må frigis" (All UFO secrets must be released): An interview with Brazilian Air Force General Jose Carlos Pereira regarding the UFO situation in Brazil.
• "Søken etter intelligent liv i rommet" (Search for intelligent life in space): Inge Bjart Torkildsen explores humanity's 50-year search for extraterrestrial life.
• "Du kan føle at noen stirrer" (You can feel someone staring): Psychiatrist Colin A. Ross discusses the phenomenon of feeling watched and the potential for measurable energy emission from the eyes.
• "Advarer mot kontakt med romvesener" (Warning against contact with aliens): Stephen Hawking's concerns about potential negative outcomes of contact with extraterrestrial beings, drawing parallels to historical encounters like Columbus's arrival in America.
• Book and DVD Reviews: Several books and two DVDs are reviewed.
• Nytt fra Steorn (News from Steorn): Updates on the Irish company Steorn and its controversial claims of developing an 'eternal machine.'

Online Presence

The magazine highlights its website, www.ufo.no, which serves as an internet portal for UFO-NORGE, featuring news, articles, a database, and information about membership. The website also links to projects like SETI@home.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a continued interest in UFO phenomena despite a perceived decrease in public and media attention. The editorial emphasizes the importance of continued exploration of the UFO phenomenon. There's a critical approach to claims of UFOs in art, advocating for rigorous historical and art historical analysis. The publication also covers broader topics related to the search for extraterrestrial intelligence and the psychological aspects of perceived encounters. The organization actively encourages public participation through its report submission system and local groups across Norway.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated February 2010, features a prominent cover story with the headline "All UFO Secrets Must Be Released," based on an exclusive interview with Major General José Carlos Pereira of the Brazilian Air Force. The magazine also includes articles on the iconography of St. Hieronymus, the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI), and analysis of notable UFO cases.

Exclusive Interview: Major General José Carlos Pereira

The central piece of this issue is an extensive interview with Major General José Carlos Pereira, a high-ranking officer in the Brazilian Air Force. Pereira expresses his belief that it is time to end the secrecy surrounding UFO phenomena in Brazil and calls for the release of all classified information. He states his willingness to cooperate with UFO researchers and contribute to the movement for UFO information freedom. The interview, conducted by Ademar J. Gevaerd, editor of Brazilian UFO Magazine, covers Pereira's views on national security, the military's stance on UFOs, and his personal conviction that such information should not be hidden from the public.

Pereira, who served in various high-level positions within the Brazilian Air Force, including commander of the Brazilian Airspace Command (Comdabra), acknowledges the existence of UFO-related documents and operations, such as Operation Tallerken. He emphasizes that there is no valid reason to keep such material secret, provided it does not compromise national security, incite panic, or violate personal privacy. He supports the idea of transparency and believes that releasing official UFO archives would encourage further open discussion.

Regarding the possibility of extraterrestrial life, Pereira maintains a scientific perspective, stating that based on current knowledge, there is no evidence of alien civilizations visiting Earth. However, he acknowledges the vastness of the universe and the potential for life to have evolved far beyond human understanding.

He also discusses the Varginha case and Operation Tallerken, confirming that the military was aware of these events. Pereira expresses regret over the death of Colonel Uyrangê Hollanda, who was involved in Operation Tallerken and later took his own life, suggesting that Hollanda's personal struggles might have influenced his actions but not the factual content of his statements.

UFOs in Art: St. Hieronymus and the Annunciation

The magazine analyzes several artworks, focusing on depictions of St. Hieronymus and the Annunciation, and explores how these have been misinterpreted by some UFO enthusiasts. The article clarifies that the traditional iconography of St. Hieronymus, often shown with a cardinal's hat and a lion, and the divine light in Annunciation paintings, are symbolic representations within religious art and not evidence of UFOs.

Several paintings are discussed, including works by Paolo Uccello, Carlo Crivelli, Albrecht Bouts, Petro Vannucci, Luca Signorelli, Correggio, and Lorenzo Lotto. The article debunks the idea that the beam of light in Crivelli's 'Annunciation' is a UFO, explaining it as a symbolic representation of divine intervention. It highlights that similar depictions of divine light and celestial beings are common in religious art from the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (ETI)

An article by Inge Bjart Torkildsen revisits the search for extraterrestrial life, originally published in 1974. It discusses Dr. Frank Drake's pioneering Project Ozma in 1960, which aimed to detect ETI by listening for radio signals from nearby stars like Tau Ceti and Epsilon Eridani. The article mentions the initial confusion with signals from a microwave oven and later the discovery of pulsars, which were initially mistaken for extraterrestrial signals.

The Drake Equation (N = R* x f_p x n_e x f_l x f_i x f_c x L) is presented and explained, outlining the factors used to estimate the number of communicative civilizations in the Milky Way. The article notes that recent astronomical discoveries have confirmed the existence of exoplanets, supporting the premise of the Drake Equation. It also touches upon the possibility of life on Mars and the challenges of interstellar communication due to vast distances.

Notable UFO Incidents in Brazil

The magazine briefly touches upon several UFO incidents in Brazil:

• Varginha Case (January 20, 1996): The alleged sighting of an extraterrestrial being, followed by claims of military involvement and a cover-up.
• Colonel Hollanda's Encounter (December 1977): During Operation Tallerken, Colonel Uyrangê Hollanda reported a close encounter with an extraterrestrial being near the Rio Guajará-Mirim.
• Rio Paraguay Incident (1962): A ship was reportedly followed by a UFO near Forte Coimbra.
• Anapolis Radar Incident (circa 1990s): A radar contact with an unidentified object led to a fighter jet intercept, which failed to visually confirm the object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly advocates for transparency and the declassification of UFO-related information, particularly from military sources. The interview with Major General Pereira is central to this theme, highlighting the potential for significant revelations if the military cooperates. The magazine also demonstrates a critical approach to interpreting art, distinguishing between symbolic religious imagery and actual UFO evidence. The editorial stance is clearly pro-UFO investigation and disclosure, encouraging a scientific and open approach to the phenomenon. The recurring theme is the need to "release UFO secrets" and to foster a more open dialogue between the public, researchers, and the military regarding unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated 2-2010, delves into various aspects of the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), interstellar travel, and related phenomena. It features articles discussing the challenges of detecting and communicating with ETI, theoretical physics concepts, and reviews of books and films.

Articles and Content

The Search for ETI and Communication Challenges

The magazine opens with a discussion on the vastness of the universe and the probability of extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI). Dr. Frank Drake's work and the construction of radio telescopes like the RATAN-600 in Russia are highlighted as crucial for SETI efforts. The article explores the immense difficulties in deciphering ETI signals, questioning how we would understand them and how they might communicate, possibly through means other than electromagnetic waves. It touches upon the complexity of signal encoding and decoding, drawing parallels to understanding animal communication and the role of modern computers in cryptanalysis.

Interstellar Travel and Physics

The issue examines the theoretical possibilities and paradoxes of interstellar travel. Concepts like achieving speeds close to the speed of light, time dilation, and the challenges posed by interstellar matter are discussed. The article mentions hypothetical particles called tachyons that could travel faster than light. It also explores ideas like hibernation and teleportation as potential solutions for long-duration space journeys. The limitations imposed by Einstein's theory of relativity are a recurring theme, alongside the potential for future scientific breakthroughs that could overcome these barriers.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Contact

Stephen Hawking's cautious view on potential contact with aliens is presented, warning that it might not be a friendly encounter, drawing a parallel to Columbus's arrival in America. While acknowledging the likelihood of life elsewhere in the universe, Hawking suggests that most of it might be microbial. In contrast, astronomer Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard expresses less concern about alien invasions, emphasizing the vast distances that make such interactions highly improbable.

Scientific Hypotheses and Beliefs

The magazine touches upon fringe scientific ideas, including the 'evil eye' belief, with psychiatrist Colin A. Ross proposing an electrophysiological basis for the sensation of being stared at. It also discusses the concept of 'free energy' and the controversial ORBO technology developed by Steorn, which claims to produce an energy surplus.

Book and Film Reviews

Several books and films related to space, aliens, and unexplained phenomena are reviewed:

• "Kornsirkler, underverk i åkeren" by Eva-Marie Brekkestø: A comprehensive book on crop circles, tracing their history and exploring various theories about their origin.
• "Liv i Universet" by Eirik Newth: A book for younger readers (10-12 years) exploring the possibility of life in the universe.
• "Ghost Dances and Shadow Pantomimes: Eyewitness Accounts of the Supernatural from Old Georgia. Volume One." by Gordon Burns Smith & Anna Habersham Wright Smith: A collection of supernatural stories from Georgia, USA.
• "Er det noen der? På jakt etter liv på andre planeter" by Heather Couper & Nigel Henbest: Another book for younger readers discussing the possibility of life beyond Earth.
• "Phase IV" (DVD): A 1974 science fiction film by Saul Bass, noted for featuring a crop circle.
• "The Starflight Handbook" by Eugene Mallove & Gregory Matloff: A scientific book on the possibilities of interstellar travel.
• "Nærkontakt - The Fourth Kind" (DVD): A sci-fi thriller that blends fiction with alleged real UFO witness accounts from Nome, Alaska.
• "Kua som falt ned fra himmelen" by Vera Michaelsen: A collection of unusual and humorous stories for children.
• "Secrets of antigravity propulsion" by Paul A. LaViolette: A book exploring theories of antigravity, UFOs, and classified aerospace technology.
• "Nazi UFO conspiracy" (DVD): A documentary exploring the theory that UFOs originated from Nazi Germany's advanced technology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of science, speculation, and unexplained phenomena. There is a clear interest in the scientific search for extraterrestrial life (SETI) and the theoretical physics that might enable interstellar travel. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting various theories and evidence, while also acknowledging the speculative nature of many topics. The reviews of books and films suggest a broad interest in UFOs, alien encounters, and the broader mysteries of the universe, catering to both scientifically inclined readers and those interested in more speculative or paranormal aspects.

This issue of UFO-NORGE, dated June 2010, is a Norwegian publication focused on UFO phenomena, astronomy, and related research. It functions as a platform for reader contributions, organizational updates, and scientific reporting.

Submissions and Contributions

The editorial team actively solicits material from readers, including articles, letters to the editor, press clippings, and links. They emphasize that longer articles should not exceed approximately 1500 words (about three A4 pages with single line spacing). For anonymous submissions, the full name and address must be provided to the editorial staff, though anonymity can be maintained if the submission is signed and addressed. The editorial staff reserves the right to shorten submissions. They also welcome translations of articles from other languages, particularly seeking individuals with good knowledge of English, German, and French. While they accept various file formats for text and accompanying photos/illustrations, no honorarium is offered. Unsolicited manuscripts and images will only be returned if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is included.

Supporting UFO-NORGE

The magazine encourages readers to help promote UFO-NORGE by distributing their information folders. These can be obtained by contacting UFO-NORGE directly or by downloading them from their website (www.ufo.no). A special incentive is offered: for every five new subscribers recruited by a reader, that reader receives a free subscription.

UFO-NORGE Support Fund

UFO-NORGE acknowledges the need for financial support to carry out its activities. The "Støttefondet" (Support Fund) is highlighted as a way for interested subscribers and others to contribute financially. Donations, large or small, are welcomed to help fund the organization's operations, as many tasks are delayed due to limited finances. Details for contributing to the fund are provided, including a specific account number (2470 17 28854) and the organization's address.

Support for Project Hessdalen

This section calls for support for "Prosjekt Hessdalen" (The Hessdalen Project) and the operation of its automatic monitoring station. The project aims to gather more modern equipment to better understand the Hessdalen phenomenon. Significant funding is needed for the station's operation, as the project's funds are running low. The article mentions the ongoing work and thanks those who have provided practical and financial assistance, including Høgskolen i Østfold and individuals. Specific costs, such as transferring images from the station to Høgskolen i Østfold, are highlighted as a strain. Readers are urged to contribute financially to the project. Contact and bank details for "Prosjekt Hessdalen" are provided, including a specific contact person, Erling P. Strand, and a postgiro account number (0530 28 87545).

Astronomy Feature: Exoplanet Beta Pictoris b

The magazine features a detailed article on a significant astronomical discovery reported by the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in June 2010. For the first time, astronomers directly observed the movement of an exoplanet, identified as Beta Pictoris b, as it traveled across the sky from one side of its parent star to the other. The exoplanet orbits Beta Pictoris, a young star approximately 60 light-years away in the constellation Pictor. Beta Pictoris is described as being 75% more massive than our Sun and only 12 million years old, making it a prime example of a star surrounded by a dusty disk.

Previous observations had indicated the presence of a massive planet through indirect signs like a warp in the disk and comets. The new observations, conducted using the NAOS-CONICA instrument (NACO) on ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) in 2003, 2008, and 2009, confirmed the exoplanet's existence. In 2003, a faint source was detected within the disk, but it was difficult to distinguish from a background star. By 2008 and 2009, the source had moved, and by the fall of 2009, it was observed on the opposite side of the disk, confirming it was an orbiting planet. The data also allowed for an estimation of the planet's orbital path. The article notes that the exoplanet has the smallest orbit of any directly imaged exoplanet, with its distance from the star being similar to the distance between Saturn and the Sun in our solar system. This discovery provides strong evidence that giant gas planets can form very rapidly, within a few million years, which is crucial given that disks around young stars tend to dissipate quickly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the active pursuit of knowledge in the fields of ufology and astronomy, emphasizing the importance of reader engagement and financial support for research initiatives. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting open inquiry, encouraging scientific investigation into unexplained phenomena, and fostering a community dedicated to these pursuits. The calls for submissions and financial contributions highlight a proactive approach to advancing the organization's goals and supporting specific research projects like Hessdalen and the study of exoplanets.