UFO - 2010 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Magazine, number 4 of 2010 and the 29th volume, is published by UFO-NORGE and focuses on UFO phenomena. The cover headline highlights an investigation into the Danish X-files, with additional features on famous UFO photos being debunked and a series on art and UFOs.

Articles and Features

Hva inneholder de danske X-files? (What do the Danish X-files contain?)

This article, authored by Ole Henningsen, delves into the Danish Air Force's UFO archive, made public in 2009. While many cases were unremarkable, one from 1976 stands out. It describes an incident where both civilian and military personnel independently observed a luminous object. The case involved radar and fighter jets. The description is based on official UFO reports, supplemented by UFO report forms, correspondence, and notes from SUFOI's archive. The incident occurred on July 6, 1976, near Flystasjon Aalborg. A civilian observer, Bent Sønderby Larsen, reported seeing a bright light, which was also seen by the watchkeeping assistant at the airbase, Oversersjant O.H. Christiansen. Radar personnel could not detect the object. The article also touches upon a meteor event that caused false alarms for ships in Jammerbugten on the same night.

Berømte UFO-bilder bløff (Famous UFO pictures bluff)

This section reveals that the well-known Brazilian UFO photos from 1958, taken by Almiro Baruno on Trindade Island, have been exposed as a hoax. These photos had been accepted by most UFO investigators for over 50 years, but are now definitively debunked, eliminating another piece of supposed evidence for extraterrestrial craft.

Kunst og UFO? Nei takk, bare kunst... (Art and UFO? No thanks, just art...)

This is the third and final part of an article series examining paintings and artworks that might suggest the presence of UFOs. The series, by Italian art historian Diego Cuoghi, concludes that these objects, while sometimes appearing mind-boggling at first glance, have entirely natural, art historical explanations.

Rapportnytt (Report News)

This section, compiled by Ottar Sæbjørnsen, details recent UFO observations reported to UFO-NORGE. The reports cover a period from September 15 to December 1, 2010, and include:

• Tromsø (October 24, 2010): A triangular light observed from a car, moving at high speed.
• Kongsvinger (November 5, 2010): A woman observed a bright orange-white light that moved across the sky and faded.
• Molde (November 16, 2010): A white light was seen moving from left to right and then rapidly disappearing into space.
• Brattvåg (November 17, 2010): A constant white light was observed moving across the sky.
• Takelvdalen (November 24, 2010): An oval object with red and blue lights was reported.
• Våglia (November 24, 2010): A woman observed a complex light formation that pulsed and changed shape.

The section also includes comments from the report center, noting similarities between some sightings and suggesting possible explanations like light cannons or reflections.

Leserbrev (Letters to the Editor)

A letter from an old 'UFO activist' recalls the 1970s and meetings at Lillestrøm.

Hun skal bli FNs ambassadør til rommet (She will become UN ambassador to space)

A brief mention of a new ambassadorial position at the UN.

Presseklipp (Press Clippings)

This section includes press clippings from August and September.

Bokanmeldelser (Book Reviews)

Four books are reviewed in this issue.

Elvis var UFO-fan (Elvis was a UFO fan)

This article suggests that new aspects of Elvis Presley's interest in UFOs have come to light.

Organization Information

The magazine also provides contact information for UFO-NORGE, its editorial staff, web developer, illustrators, and subscription details. It lists regional groups affiliated with UFO-NORGE across Norway and includes details about the 'Prosjekt Hessdalen' (Hessdalen Project).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The editorial stance, as expressed by Mentz Kaarbø, is one of continued dedication to investigating the UFO phenomenon. The magazine aims to be current with its publications, utilizing full color and maximum page count. The editorial emphasizes the importance of critical analysis, as seen in the debunking of the Brazilian photos and the exploration of art as a source of UFO-related imagery. The magazine encourages reader participation through reports and subscriptions, looking forward to a potentially exciting UFO year in 2011. The overall tone is one of serious investigation and information dissemination within the UFO community.

This issue of UFO nr. 4 from 2010, titled "Kunst og UFO? Nei takk, bare kunst..." (Art and UFO? No thanks, just art...), delves into the intersection of UFO phenomena with art and historical accounts. It features a multi-part article by Diego Cuoghi examining religious art for potential UFO depictions, alongside an in-depth investigation into a specific Danish UFO case from 1976.

The Aalborg Incident: A Military and Civilian Encounter

The central focus of the issue is the UFO sighting on July 5, 1976, near Flystasjon Aalborg (Aalborg Air Station) in Denmark. The article meticulously reconstructs the event, drawing from military reports, civilian testimonies, and interviews. The initial report was filed by a civilian observer, Bent Sønderby Larsen, who described a bright white light, later seen by military personnel at the WING OPS (Watch Officer's Post).

The military report, a standard form (3622), was completed by watch officer O.H. Christiansen. It confirms the sighting by military personnel, noting the object's appearance as a "very strong white light" and its disappearance when Larsen had it at 60 degrees above the horizon, while WING OPS observed it at 10 degrees above the horizon to the south. The report also mentions a faint humming sound heard by Larsen's daughter and a subsequent reappearance of the light, now weaker and pulsating between white and red, before slowly disappearing southwest.

Further details emerged from notes by O.H. Christiansen and subsequent inquiries by SUFOI (Scandinavian UFO Organization). Larsen, along with WING OPS and EKYT GCA (Ground Controlled Approach radar), observed another white light at a high angle. This object moved at high speed WNW-ESE. Ole J. Knudsen, a reader of SUFOI's Alarmsentral, suggested it might have been a meteor.

Later observations by O.H. Christiansen noted a new white pulsating light from the west, which turned northeast rapidly. The object then disappeared northeast. Ole J. Knudsen of SUFOI noted that this path corresponded to civilian flight route A8-R4 over Aalborg Air Station.

SUFOI's report recorder, Vagn G. Andersen, interviewed O.H. Christiansen two days after the event. Christiansen described the light's movement as minimal, not a course change, and its disappearance as sudden, like an electric bulb being switched off.

The article highlights the credibility of the military witnesses, noting that the Air Force acknowledged the incident, confirmed no military aircraft were airborne at the time, and that the object was visible both visually and on GCA radar. Two jets were dispatched but had to return due to fuel shortage. A report was filed with the Flyvertaktisk Kommando (FTK).

SUFOI's Investigation and FTK's Response

Torben Birkeholm, SUFOI's representative, played a crucial role in gathering information. He obtained a copy of the military report and, through subsequent requests, sought further details from the Air Force. Despite initial reports and civilian accounts, Birkeholm encountered difficulties in obtaining a comprehensive response from FTK.

FTK's initial response, dated June 8, 1983, was brief. They stated that the F-104 fighter jets mentioned in the material were returning to Aalborg after a routine flight and were not involved in the incident, other than pilots being asked if they had observed the phenomena. FTK dismissed the possibility of the first observation being a meteor, as it lasted 10-15 minutes.

Birkeholm's follow-up inquiry on August 30, 1983, with eight attachments, pressed for details on whether the F-104s deviated from their course for observation and requested information on FTK's investigations. He specifically asked about observations between 22:30 and 22:50.

FTK's response, signed by Major M.F.S. Nielsen on September 8, 1983, was terse. They stated they could not provide further details as a matter of official duty and advised SUFOI to contact the individuals directly. FTK also mentioned contacting the Ole Rømer Observatory, which suggested the phenomenon could be a meteor, and that witness timing discrepancies could be explained by witness psychology.

Birkeholm also spoke with Major S.B. Helldén of FTK, who revealed that the previous FTK response was not written by him but by a colleague, as Helldén was on vacation. Helldén explained that military personnel had been reluctant to comment due to potential ridicule from colleagues, hence FTK could not treat the matter as an official duty. He confirmed that FTK had no further information from military sources and did not investigate the case further, deeming it outside their purview as it did not involve civil or military aviation activity.

Art and UFOs: Interpreting Religious Iconography

The issue also features a section titled "Kunst og UFO?" (Art and UFO?) by Diego Cuoghi, which critically examines claims that ancient religious art depicts UFOs. The article debunks several examples:

• The "Kiev Fresco" (Transfiguration of Christ): This 15th-century Byzantine artwork is not a fresco but a drawing or woodcut. Similar scenes are common in Orthodox Christianity and represent the Transfiguration of Christ as described in the Gospels, with figures of Elijah and Moses conversing with Jesus on a mountain, accompanied by divine light and a cloud.
• Aert de Gelder's "Baptism of Jesus": This painting, from the Fitzwilliam Museum, is also cited by some UFO enthusiasts as depicting a UFO. However, the article explains that the "disk" and "rays" are standard artistic representations of divine light and the Holy Spirit descending as a dove, a common motif in depictions of Jesus's baptism.

Cuoghi emphasizes that these artistic elements are rooted in religious narratives and iconography, not extraterrestrial encounters. He contrasts these interpretations with the straightforward explanations found in religious texts and art history.

Debunking the Almiro Baruna Hoax

A significant portion of the "Kunst og UFO?" section is dedicated to debunking the famous 1958 UFO photographs taken by Brazilian photographer Almiro Baruna. The article reveals that a Brazilian TV program, "Fantastico," exposed these images as a hoax. A friend of Baruna, Emilia Bittencourt, confirmed that Baruna admitted to staging the photos using two spoons arranged against his refrigerator to create a "spaceship" effect. His niece also corroborated the hoax. The article notes that UFO researchers had previously doubted the authenticity due to inconsistencies in the background.

Other Contributions and Recurring Themes

Letters to the Editor:

• Ole Jonny Brænne writes about UFO meetings in Lillestrøm, Norway, recalling an incident where a man claimed to see UFOs by intensely staring at stars until they appeared to move, a phenomenon explained by optical effects.
• Mazaian Othman, a Malaysian astrophysicist and head of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs, is highlighted for her role in preparing for potential extraterrestrial contact, emphasizing the need for a planned response.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance:

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and investigative approach to UFO phenomena. It prioritizes factual reporting, detailed analysis of evidence, and debunking of hoaxes and misinterpretations. The editorial stance appears to favor rational explanations and scientific scrutiny over sensationalism. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine unexplained phenomena and misidentified objects, artistic representations, or deliberate fabrications. The challenges faced by SUFOI in obtaining information from official sources, particularly military bodies, are a recurring theme, highlighting the difficulties in investigating such cases thoroughly.

Title: UFO nr.
Issue: 4
Volume: 2010
Date: 2010
Publisher: UFO nr.
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO nr. delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, art analysis, media coverage of crop circles, and scientific speculation about extraterrestrial life. It features critical examinations of artworks, reports on media discussions, and reviews of books related to UFOs and space exploration.

Art Analysis: UFOs in Renaissance Paintings?

The magazine critically examines paintings by artists like Carlo Crivelli and Aert De Gelder, where certain elements have been interpreted by some as UFOs. The article on Carlo Crivelli's 'Madonna and Child' and other works suggests that perceived 'UFOs' are likely misinterpretations of artistic details such as towers, spires, and landscape features. The author, A. Volterra, is quoted describing a 'sigar-like' object and a 'rocket taking off' in a Crivelli painting, but the magazine's analysis dismisses these as artistic conventions and quick brushstrokes, not evidence of alien craft. The article also touches upon Aert De Gelder's depiction of the Baptism of Christ, noting that the 'circles' in the sky are common artistic motifs representing divine presence, often symbolized by a dove.

Media Watch: Crop Circles Dominate Norwegian News

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to tracking media coverage of crop circles in Norway during August 2010. Several newspapers, including Aftenposten, Bergens Tidende, Dagbladet, and Varden, reported on crop circles found in Skien. The reports highlight differing opinions on their origin, with some attributing them to local pranksters, natural phenomena, or even UFOs. Eva Marie Brekkestø, leader of the Norwegian Crop Circle group, is frequently quoted, often expressing uncertainty about whether the circles are man-made or not. The article notes that some media outlets, like Bergens Tidende, presented a more skeptical view, with one article concluding that crop circles are man-made.

Historical UFO Cases and Government Secrecy

The issue revisits historical UFO-related events. A notable section discusses claims that Winston Churchill ordered the suppression of information about a possible UFO sighting by a British RAF bomber during World War II. Declassified documents are cited, suggesting that Churchill and General Dwight Eisenhower decided to keep the incident secret to prevent public panic. Another historical case mentioned is the alleged UFO crash in the Berwyn Mountains, Wales, in 1974, which is described as a legendary report involving lights and ground tremors.

Scientific Speculation: Life on Mars and Lunar Phenomena

Beyond immediate UFO sightings and crop circles, the magazine explores broader themes of extraterrestrial life. A book review discusses Joseph P. Skipper's 'The Hidden Truth: Water & Life on Mars,' which posits that Mars is a biologically active planet with evidence of liquid water, plant life, and underground civilizations. The review notes that Skipper claims NASA and authorities are hiding this information. Additionally, a brief report touches upon observations of 'light fountains' on the Moon, attributed to static electricity and dust kicked up by lunar vehicles, as reported by astronauts from the Apollo missions.

UFOs and Celebrities

The magazine also touches upon the intersection of UFOs and celebrities, reporting that Elvis Presley was allegedly a UFO enthusiast who believed in aliens and saw UFOs. This claim is attributed to his friend and hairdresser, Larry Geller, who recounts Elvis's openness to metaphysical experiences and his belief in extraterrestrial life. The issue also mentions Princess Märtha Louise's involvement with paranormal phenomena, including her defense of psychic abilities, and her subsequent public scrutiny, particularly in relation to a BBC program that staged a crop circle.

Book Reviews

Several books are reviewed:

• 'UFO Down? The Berwyn Mountain UFO crash' by Andy Roberts: This book is praised for its thorough investigation into the 1974 Berwyn Mountains incident, presenting it as a textbook example of how to investigate complex cases.
• 'UFOs Attack Earth...' edited by Sean Casteel: This compilation of Harold Wilkins' writings from the 1940s and 1950s is presented as an introduction to his work, covering topics like pirates, cryptids, and UFOs.
• '50 Crazy Things to Do in Norway' by Marte Østmoe: This travel guide includes a brief mention of Hessdalen and UFO sightings, but is criticized for its superficial treatment of the topic.
• 'The Hidden Truth: Water & Life on Mars' by Joseph P. Skipper: Reviewed as a provocative book suggesting evidence of life on Mars and alleged government cover-ups.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical analysis of UFO claims, the debunking of sensational interpretations of art and events, and the reporting of media trends related to the paranormal. The magazine appears to adopt a skeptical yet open-minded stance, aiming to provide a balanced perspective by presenting evidence, expert opinions, and critical reviews. There is a clear effort to distinguish between genuine investigation and sensationalism, particularly concerning crop circles and artistic interpretations. The editorial stance seems to favor rational explanations and rigorous investigation over unsubstantiated claims, while still acknowledging the enduring public interest in UFOs and related mysteries.

Title: ufo nyt
Issue: 4
Volume: 52
Date: 4th Quarter 2010 (November 1958 - 2010)
Publisher: Skandinavisk UFO Information - SUFOI
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of the Danish UFO-Nyt magazine marks its cessation after 52 years of publication, with the final print edition being number 4, 2010. The magazine, which began in November 1958, has been a consistent voice in the UFO field, largely adhering to a rational and evidence-based approach, particularly under the long tenure of editor Kim Møller Hansen. The editorial stance has increasingly moved away from the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ET hypothesis), culminating in a clear statement in 1997 that "Nothing indicates that Earth is visited by beings from outer space." The decision to cease print publication is attributed to the significant resources required and a diminishing readership, with the organization, Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI), choosing to focus its efforts on online platforms to reach a wider audience more efficiently.

Content Highlights

UFO-Nyt Ceases Publication

The lead article details the end of UFO-Nyt after 52 years. It highlights the magazine's history, its consistent line of "sober inquiry" into the UFO phenomenon, and its evolution from an early fascination with the ET hypothesis to a more critical stance. The article notes that the internet has become a more accessible platform for disseminating information, leading to the decision to cease print operations. The authors express regret over the closure but understand the reasons, thanking the magazine's editors and wishing SUFOI success with its online activities.

Call for Contributions and Information

UFO-Norge actively seeks contributions from its readers, including articles, letters to the editor, press clippings, and links. They encourage submissions via email or diskette and are particularly interested in individuals who can translate articles from other languages into Norwegian. While they offer editorial assistance, they do not offer payment for submissions. For unsolicited manuscripts and photos, return postage is required for their return.

UFO-Norge Information Folder

Readers are encouraged to help promote UFO-Norge by distributing their information folder. The folder can be requested or downloaded from their website (www.ufo.no). Those who recruit five new subscribers are entitled to a free subscription.

UFO-Norge Support Fund

The magazine appeals for financial support for the UFO-Norge Support Fund. Many tasks are postponed due to limited finances, and while the organization uses its own funds, this restricts its activities. Readers are urged to contribute any amount, large or small, to help fund the organization's work.

Support the Hessdalen Project

There is a strong appeal to support the Hessdalen Project and the operation of its automatic monitoring station. The project requires modern equipment and funding for its continued operation. Project leader Erling Strand expresses gratitude for past support from institutions and individuals. The project faces ongoing expenses, including data transfer costs. Readers are encouraged to donate to the Hessdalen Project to ensure its continued operation. Contact details for donations are provided, including a bank account and postal address for "Prosjekt Hessdalen v/Erling P. Strand."

Cover Story: New Times, New Media

The cover prominently features headlines such as "New Times - New Media," "Release of UFO Archives Worldwide," "Radar Observation at Thule Air Base," and "Access to Information at the Defence Command." This suggests that the issue delves into contemporary developments in UFO research, including government transparency and technological advancements in observation.

Website and Online Presence

Information about UFO-Norge and Skandinavisk UFO Information (SUFOI) is available online. The website provides links to press releases, school services, photos, videos, contact information, and an archive of articles. The latest news section mentions a missile launch off the US West Coast and the closure of the UFO-nyt magazine. A guide to identifying celestial phenomena and a look at "50 years of UFO reports" are also highlighted.

Press Release: UFO-Nyt to ufo.dk

A press release from November 2010 announces the transition of UFO-Nyt to the online platform ufo.dk. It reflects on the historical role of print magazines in UFO discourse and the rise of the internet as a democratic forum. However, it also cautions about the proliferation of unsubstantiated claims online. The release notes the decline in UFO periodicals worldwide and frames the move to the net as a continuation of the battle for information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the evolution of UFO research and reporting, the transition from print to digital media, the importance of critical inquiry, and the need for financial support for ongoing research projects. The editorial stance, as exemplified by UFO-Nyt's history, is one of skepticism towards sensationalism and a commitment to a rational, evidence-based approach to the UFO phenomenon. The closure of UFO-Nyt signifies a broader trend in media consumption and a shift in how UFO information is disseminated and discussed, with a clear emphasis on the internet as the primary medium for the future.