UFO - 2010 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Magazine, number 3 of 2010 and the 29th volume, is published by UFO-NORGE, Norway's largest specialized magazine on the UFO phenomenon. The cover prominently features the title 'UFO' and the headline 'Norges største spesialtidsskrift om UFO-fenomenet'. The issue includes a report titled '"Fallskjermen" er ingen satellitt' which discusses alleged 'parachutes' found in photos, suggesting they are not satellites. Another key article is about a doctor's PhD thesis on angels and UFOs in psychiatry. The magazine also highlights a Brazilian UFO magazine cover with the headline 'Os arquivos sobre os UFOs devem ser abertos' (The UFO archives must be opened), featuring an interview with Brazilian Air Force General José Carlos Pereira.

Editorial and Content

The editorial section, 'Fra redaksjonen' by Mentz Kaarbø, welcomes the return of the 'Presseklipp' (Press Clippings) column, aiming to keep readers informed about UFO news in Norway. It also discusses the conclusion of the interview series with Brazilian Air Force General Jose Carlos Pereira, noting the significance of his statements and the potential implications, while maintaining a neutral stance on the truthfulness of the claims. The editorial also touches upon an article series about UFOs in art, explaining how historical artworks might be misinterpreted as UFO depictions, thus contributing to legends and myths.

Table of Contents

The 'Innhold' (Contents) section lists several articles:

• Rapportnytt (Report News): Acknowledges a low number of reports for the current period, with hopes for more in the autumn and winter.
• "Alle UFO-hemmeligheter må frigis" (All UFO Secrets Must Be Released): The second and final part of the interview with Brazilian Air Force General Jose Carlos Pereira, discussing UFO situations in Brazil and globally.
• Kunst og UFO? Nei takk, bare kunst... (Art and UFO? No thanks, just art...): The second part of an article by Italian art historian Diego Cuoghi, examining artworks with potential 'UFO objects'.
• Presseklipp (Press Clippings): A return of the column, covering UFO-related news from the beginning of the year.
• Bokanmeldelser (Book Reviews): Reviews of about ten books.
• Paranormal Case Files of Great Britain: A new book in a series by Malcolm Robinson, an investigator of ghosts and paranormal phenomena in England.

UFO-NORGE Reporting Center

The magazine details the structure and contact information for UFO-NORGE, including its daily leadership, reporting center, and regional branches across Norway. The 'Rapportnytt' section, managed by Ottar Sæbjørnsen, presents a summary of recent UFO observations. Despite a modest number of reports due to Sæbjørnsen's illness, the section highlights two specific incidents:

1. Langfjorden, Norway (August 21, 2010): An observation of a bright, light blue, circular object moving over a fjord. The object was described as having a clear form and size estimated between 60-100 cm. It changed course and disappeared below the horizon. The male observer described it as an 'incredibly unusual experience'.
2. Trondheim, Norway (September 14, 2010): A man observed a constant orange light moving up and down and horizontally over rooftops. The object's movement was compared to a frisbee at the end of a throw. It reappeared from a different angle and disappeared again. The observation lasted five minutes.

A table summarizes key observations registered between February 15 and September 1, 2010, including a 'Lysende ring' (Luminous ring) in Langfjorden and a 'Oransjefarget konstant lys' (Orange constant light) in Trondheim, with a note suggesting 'Kinesisk lykt/varmluftsballong?' (Chinese lantern/hot air balloon?) as a possible identification for the latter.

UFO Sightings - Summer and Autumn 2010

The 'Oppsummering av innkomne rapporter sommer og høst 2010' (Summary of incoming reports summer and autumn 2010) section details several sightings:

• Oslo (June 14, 2010): A woman observed a 'burning seagull'-like object with a constant light beam moving from northeast.
• Oslo (July 12, 2010): A female author observed a 'large luminous orange' object moving rapidly across the sky.
• Oslo (July 9, 2010): A woman observed a bright yellow-white light sphere moving horizontally.
• Grimestad (August 14, 2010): Four people observed an orange light rising into the sky, appearing as a fireball with a dome shape.
• Hokksund (August 24, 2010): Four people observed four yellow and red luminous spheres moving towards them.
• Brønnøysund (August 27, 2010): A woman observed a yellowish-white light increasing in intensity.
• Tiller, Trondheim (September 10, 2010): A man observed a white metallic, shiny sphere with a corona.

The issue also includes images of Chinese lanterns and a 'UFO-sky' phenomenon, identified as a lenticular cloud formation, often mistaken for UFOs.

Interview with General José Carlos Pereira (Part 2)

This section continues the exclusive interview with Brigadier General José Carlos Pereira, a high-ranking officer in the Brazilian Air Force. Pereira discusses how the Air Force handles UFO cases, particularly those involving civilian aircraft. He explains the reporting procedures, involving control centers and military operations centers, and the role of the Air Force Command (CODA).

Pereira confirms that UFO reports are filed and investigated, and if no explanation is found, they are archived. He mentions that in the past, there were specific books for 'hotel traffic' (UFO incidents), but now everything is digital. He notes that pilot reports are the most consistent and impressive, but acknowledges that many sightings go unreported.

He discusses the challenges of pilots reporting incidents due to fear of job loss or company image concerns. Pereira emphasizes that while there are no orders to conceal UFO information, certain data is classified. He also touches upon the existence of official reports and the process of elimination used to identify phenomena.

When asked about Area 51, the response is not directly provided in this excerpt, but the context suggests a general awareness of such classified locations.

UFOs in Brazil: A Broader Perspective

The magazine provides a map of Brazil and discusses the reporting of UFOs in the country. It highlights that pilots are encouraged to report unusual sightings, and that these reports are processed through systems like Cindacta and Comdabra. The article stresses that the Brazilian UFO Magazine and its editorial team are 'ETH-oriented', meaning they focus on extraterrestrial explanations for UFO phenomena. The issue acknowledges that some statements made by General Pereira might seem extreme to skeptics but are presented as insights into the situation in South America.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings in Norway and Brazil, the official handling of UFO reports by military and aviation authorities, the potential for misinterpretation of historical art as UFO evidence, and the psychological aspects of experiencing UFOs or other anomalous phenomena. UFO-NORGE maintains an open-minded yet critical stance, presenting information and reports while encouraging further investigation and analysis. The editorial emphasizes the importance of keeping an open mind to phenomena that lie on the fringes of current understanding, while also adhering to the principle that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

Title: UFO
Issue: 3-2010
Date: January 2010 (cover date 3-2010)
Publisher: Not specified
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO magazine features a prominent interview with Brazilian Brig. Gen. Jose Carlos Pereira, alongside articles exploring the interpretation of ancient art as potentially depicting UFOs, and a review of UFO-related press clippings from Norwegian newspapers.

Interview with Brig. Gen. Jose Carlos Pereira

Brig. Gen. Pereira discusses various aspects of UFO phenomena from a military and governmental perspective. He addresses the secrecy surrounding Area 51, stating that while many military exercises occur in its vicinity, direct access is prohibited. He confirms that foreign pilots, including Brazilians, undergo specific training to avoid sensitive airspace. Pereira dismisses the idea of UFOs posing a direct threat to national security, suggesting that any extraterrestrial 'threat' would likely be addressed by international bodies like the UN rather than individual nations.

He touches upon the NPA-09 document, which mandates the recording of UFO incidents, and confirms its likely continued use if not superseded. Pereira also discusses the possibility of classified defense information being withheld during UFO investigations, a standard procedure worldwide.

Regarding international cooperation, Pereira states that Brazil's collaboration with the US on UFO matters has ceased, though he hints at past US involvement in covering up incidents like Operação Prato. He addresses the common criticism of ufologists lacking evidence, suggesting that if extraterrestrial visitors were proven, it would necessitate a significant revision of scientific, religious, economic, and cultural paradigms.

Pereira advocates for transparency, arguing that opening UFO archives would not cause public panic in Brazil. He outlines four conditions for declassification: protecting personal privacy, avoiding public panic or destruction, safeguarding diplomatic and economic secrets, and preventing strategic disadvantages. He believes UFO information does not fall under these restrictions.

He also touches upon the role of organizations like Sicofaa (System for Cooperation of American Air Forces) in fostering communication between air forces and discusses the "official UFO night in Brazil" in 1986, where numerous UFOs were observed and the defense system was put on alert. Pereira acknowledges that while a report was drafted, it was never officially released.

Pereira expresses support for transparency, citing the current trend of openness in Brazil regarding government spending. He believes that UFO archives should be made accessible, possibly through the National Archives, and that the topic should be discussed by a broader range of professionals, not just ufologists.

He mentions that while military personnel in service are hesitant to speak out, retired officers might be more willing. Pereira confirms he continues to read UFO magazines and is open to participating in international bodies advocating for the opening of UFO archives.

Art and UFOs: A Historical Analysis

This section, titled "Kunst og UFO? Nei takk, bare kunst..." (Art and UFO? No thanks, just art...), by Diego Cuoghi, critically examines claims that certain historical paintings depict UFOs. The article focuses on two main examples:

1. Ventura Salimbeni's "Esaltazione Dell'eucaristia" (c. 1568-1613): This painting, located in Montalcino, Italy, features a spherical object in the sky that some interpret as a Sputnik or a UFO. The article traces the origin of this interpretation to a 1972 article in "Clypeus" and subsequent discussions. However, it argues that the object is likely a "Sphaera Mundi" (Celestial Sphere), a common symbol in religious art representing the cosmos, with visible representations of the Sun and Moon. The "periscope" detail is explained as a common feature of globes.

2. Crucifixion scenes: The article analyzes various crucifixion paintings, particularly those in Byzantine style, where objects flanking the cross are often mistaken for UFOs. It explains these as symbolic representations of the Sun and Moon, acting as witnesses to the crucifixion. The article cites examples from the Visoki Decani monastery in Kosovo and other Byzantine artworks, as well as Renaissance and modern depictions, to illustrate this common iconography.

The conclusion is that these objects are not UFOs but rather traditional artistic and religious symbols, representing the Sun, Moon, and the cosmic significance of Christ's sacrifice.

Press Clippings from Norwegian Newspapers

This section compiles recent UFO-related news from Norwegian publications in January 2010:

• Romerikes Blad Helg (02.01.2010): Features an opinion piece by Hallgeir B. Skjellstad on the concept of negative proof and extraordinary claims. Skjellstad uses the example of UFO abductions versus a lynx attacking a horse to illustrate that while absolute proof of absence is impossible, claims of extraordinary events require substantial evidence.
• Fremover (05.01.2010): Reports on a sighting by Jarle Strømnes near Bjerkvik, Narvik, involving a strange aerial phenomenon followed by an explosion on Fagernesfjellet. The event was witnessed by others, and the local air traffic control received a related inquiry.
• Gudbrandsdølen Dagningen (08.01.2010): Mentions an ice circle in the Lågen river, attributing it to natural phenomena.
• Gudbrandsdølen Dagningen (18.01.2010): Describes a pulsating light circle observed over Teigkampen, Kvam, initially speculated to be a UFO. However, it was later identified as a powerful searchlight used for a local festival.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with military affairs, government transparency, and historical interpretation. The interview with Brig. Gen. Pereira highlights the military's perspective on UFOs, emphasizing protocols, secrecy, and the potential for future openness. The art history section demonstrates a critical approach, debunking UFO interpretations of historical artworks by grounding them in established symbolism and artistic conventions. The press clippings section provides a snapshot of how UFOs are reported in popular media, often involving misidentifications or mundane explanations. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, balancing skepticism with an openness to credible evidence and advocating for greater transparency from official sources.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 2010, delves into a variety of UFO and paranormal topics, with a strong focus on Norwegian news and research. The cover story, "«Fallskjermen» er ingen satellitt" ('The 'parachute' is not a satellite'), addresses a phenomenon captured in photographs, which is explained as an internal lens flare rather than an extraterrestrial object.

News and Sightings

The magazine meticulously documents numerous media reports from early 2010 concerning UFO sightings and related phenomena across Norway. These include discussions about 'negative evidence' in science, unusual aerial phenomena reported in various local newspapers like Romerikes Blad, Fremover, and Gudbrandsdølen Dagningen. Specific incidents highlighted are a cloud with a 'UFO shape' over Snillfjord (Sør-Trøndelag, 22.01), a northern lights phenomenon resembling a green parachute on Andøya (Andøyposten, 23.01), and a light phenomenon observed in Lyngen (NRK.no, 01.03) that baffled experts.

Other reported events include discussions on the sci-fi film 'Planet 51' (Bergens Tidende, 21.01), the explanation of 'UFO-lights' from a Russian party (Gudbrandsdølen Dagningen, 18.01), and the appearance of ice discs and mud tracks attributed to potential UFO activity (Trønderbladet, 27.02; Romsdals Budstikke, 22.06).

The issue also notes the release of new UFO documents by the British National Archives (Bergens Tidende Magasinet, 05.03) and philosophical reflections on these releases (Adresseavisen, 12.03).

Scientific and Academic Interest

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to academic and scientific perspectives on UFOs and related phenomena. It reports on Toril Borch Terkelsen's PhD thesis at the University of Bergen, which examines the handling of 'angels and UFOs' within psychiatric settings. The thesis explores how individuals experiencing psychosis perceive these phenomena and how healthcare professionals interpret them. The article notes that Terkelsen's work is an interesting approach to understanding subjective realities in psychiatric care.

Book Reviews

This issue features several book reviews, offering critical insights into recent publications on UFOs and the paranormal:

• 'Orber' by Diana Cooper & Kathy Crosswell: Reviewed by Ole Jonny Brænne, this book discusses 'light bodies' from spiritual realms, identified as orbs in photographs. The reviewer is critical, suggesting the phenomena are simply reflections and dust particles, and dismisses the authors' claims about digital cameras and spiritual development being necessary for their observation.
• 'UFOs - The Great Debate' by J. Allan Danelek: This review by OJB finds the book to be a reasonably objective introduction to UFO history and theories, with the author critically examining various claims, including 'reverse-engineering' of UFOs. The reviewer notes that Danelek presents his own theories on topics like crop circles, cattle mutilations, and abductions.
• 'Den store monsterboken' (The Big Monster Book): A collection of scary stories and rhymes about monsters, trolls, and other creatures, recommended for children aged 6-11.
• 'Spøkelseshistorier fra hele landet' (Ghost Stories from All Over the Country): Edited by Leif Norman Rosse, this book compiles ghost stories from the weekly magazine 'Allers' from the 1970s. The reviewer notes that while the stories are interesting, they often lack specific locations and dates, making them difficult to verify.
• 'A World Of UFOs' by Chris A. Rutkowski: Rutkowski, a prominent UFO investigator from Canada, presents 15 reports categorized as famous, bizarre, and interesting. The book aims to show that the UFO phenomenon is global, not just American, and covers cases from various continents.
• 'The Strange and Unexplained: Unsolved Mysteries of the Natural and Supernatural World' by Ed Ferrell: This book compiles stories from American newspapers from around 1870-1910, covering ghosts, paranormal events, mysterious disappearances, and legends. The reviewer notes that the author did not conduct his own investigations and that the credibility of the stories varies.
• 'Crash: When UFOs fall from the sky' by Kevin Randle: This book provides a chronological overview of UFO crash incidents from 1862 to 2009. Randle discusses famous cases like Roswell and others, and offers explanations for many of them, while also acknowledging that not all reported crashes are likely real.
• 'Hitler's Flying Saucers: A guide to German flying discs of the second world war' by Henry Stevens: The book examines alleged Nazi flying disc projects, including conventional projects like Schreiver-Habermohl and unconventional ones like Schauberger and atom-powered craft. The reviewer suggests that Stevens' work contributes to perpetuating the myth of Nazi UFOs.
• 'The Best of John Keel: From the files of Fate magazine, volume 1' by John Keel: This collection of articles from Keel's 'Fate' magazine column covers a wide range of unexplained phenomena, from PC ghosts to astrology and cryptozoology. It is recommended for those new to Keel's work.

Historical and Cultural Context

The magazine includes an article titled "KUNST OG UFO?" (Art and UFO?), which explores the historical representation of the Sun and Moon in art, particularly in religious iconography. It discusses how these celestial bodies were depicted as anthropomorphic symbols in various artworks, including crucifixions and bas-reliefs, sometimes appearing as 'doubled' figures or chariots. The article notes that while these symbols are common in religious art, they are not UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO magazine demonstrates a consistent interest in documenting UFO sightings and related phenomena, while also critically examining explanations and debunking myths. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, but with a preference for evidence-based explanations, as seen in the critique of the 'orbs' book and the discussion of Nazi UFO theories. The magazine actively engages with media reports, academic research, and book publications within the UFO and paranormal field, providing a comprehensive overview for its readers. There is a clear effort to distinguish between genuine unexplained phenomena and misinterpretations or hoaxes. The inclusion of a 'FAQ' section and a detailed summary suggests a commitment to informing and educating readers on these complex topics.

This issue of UFO-Norge, published by UFO-Norge, is primarily a call for submissions and a plea for financial support for ongoing projects. The magazine seeks articles, reader letters, press clippings, and links, with specific guidelines on length and format. It emphasizes that while language will be edited, contributors should not be afraid to submit their work. Honorariums are not offered. For mailed submissions, unsolicited manuscripts and pictures will only be returned if a pre-franked, addressed return envelope is included. The publication is also looking for individuals who can translate articles from other languages into Norwegian, particularly those with good knowledge of English, German, and French.

Call for Submissions

The "Stoff mottas!" (Material Wanted!) section details the editorial policy for accepting contributions. Articles and reports should ideally be around 1500 words (approximately three A4 pages single-spaced), while reader letters should not exceed 300 words. The editorial staff reserves the right to shorten submissions. They accept most file formats and also welcome accompanying photos and illustrations, with authors expected to provide captions. The magazine is interested in contributions that can help make UFO-Norge better known and attract more collaborators and subscribers.

UFO-Norge Information and Support

A section titled "Husk vår informasjonsfolder" (Remember our information folder) encourages readers to help spread awareness of UFO-Norge by distributing informational folders. These can be requested via mail or downloaded from their website (www.ufo.no). The magazine offers a free subscription to anyone who recruits five new subscribers. The contact address for UFO-Norge is provided: Karl Staaffsvei 70, 0665 OSLO, with an email address of [email protected] and a link to download the folder.

UFO-Norge Support Fund

The "UFO-NORGES Støttefond" (UFO-Norge Support Fund) section appeals for financial contributions. It states that many tasks must be postponed due to poor finances, and while personal funds are used, this limits their capacity. The fund aims to support the organization's activities, acknowledging that many subscribers may not have the time to actively work for UFO-Norge but can still contribute financially. Donations, large or small, are welcomed. Details for contributions are provided: a specific account number (2470 17 28854) and the organization's address.

Support Project Hessdalen

Another significant appeal is made to "Støtt Prosjekt Hessdalen og driften av den automatiske målestasjonen!" (Support Project Hessdalen and the operation of the automatic monitoring station!). The project requires modern equipment to better understand the Hessdalen phenomenon and needs funds for the station's operation. Project leader Erling Strand is thanked for his work, and the project acknowledges support from Høgskolen i Østfold, individuals, and institutions. The project's funds are running low, with expenses like transferring images from the station to Høgskolen i Østfold (where Strand is a lecturer) being a significant cost. Readers are urged to contribute financially to Project Hessdalen. Contact details for donations are provided: Project Hessdalen, c/o Erling P. Strand, Bukkholmveien, Ullerøy, 1747 Skjeberg, with a postgiro account number (0530 28 87545).

Stellar Formation in the Universe

The second page features an article titled "Stjernedannelse i Universet" (Stellar Formation in the Universe). It discusses a new infrared image from ESO's VISTA telescope that reveals a stunning landscape of glowing gas, dark clouds, and young stars in the Monoceros R2 region within the constellation Monoceros (Enhjørningen). This region is largely hidden by interstellar dust in visible light but is spectacular in infrared. The article explains that Monoceros R2 is an active star-forming region located about 2700 light-years from Earth. While visible light shows reflection nebulae formed by the scattering of starlight from massive stars, the thick interstellar dust absorbs most of this light. The VISTA telescope, with its large mirror and sensitive camera, is ideal for capturing deep infrared images of large celestial areas. Its wide field of view is equivalent to about 80 light-years at the distance of Monoceros R2. Because dust is more transparent to infrared light, many young stars that are not visible in optical images become apparent. These massive stars are less than ten million years old. The article cites a press release from ESO dated October 6, 2010, and notes that all images are from ESO. The VISTA telescope itself is described as having a 4.1-meter diameter and a 67-megapixel digital camera, located near ESO's Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile and completed in November 2009.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the active pursuit of UFO research and related phenomena (Project Hessdalen), the need for community involvement and financial support for such endeavors, and the dissemination of astronomical knowledge. The editorial stance is one of openness to contributions, a reliance on reader support, and a commitment to exploring unexplained phenomena and scientific discoveries. The magazine acts as a platform for both amateur and professional researchers in the UFO field and related scientific disciplines.