UFO - 2011 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO
Issue: 1/2011
Volume: 30. ÅRGANG
Publisher: UFO-NORGE
Country: Norway
Date: 2011

This issue of UFO Magazine, published by UFO-NORGE, focuses on a mix of contemporary UFO reports, historical investigations, and critical examinations of paranormal claims.

From the Editor's Desk

Editor Mentz Kaarbø reflects on the year ahead, hoping for continued engagement with the UFO phenomenon despite a perceived lack of major headlines. He highlights the issue's content, including features on Lloyd Pye and the Starchild skull, James Randi's visit to Norway, historical observations by Absalon Pederssøn Beyer, and a look into the Hessdalen phenomenon.

Key Articles and Features

Rapportnytt (Report News)

The report center has received a steady stream of reports, particularly during the winter months. Several specific cases are detailed:

• Langhus, Akershus (October 1993): A former air force maintenance assistant reported seeing a disc-shaped object resembling an upside-down ceiling lamp, with a red underside and white top, hovering over his house.
• Kristiansund, Møre og Romsdal (December 28, 2010): Three witnesses observed a luminous sphere with a yellow-orange, flame-like light that hovered, ascended vertically, and then moved horizontally away.
• Grimstad, Aust-Agder (January 2, 2011): Two witnesses observed several orange luminous objects moving together at a steady speed towards the southeast.
• Røldal, Odda kommune, Hordaland (January 20, 2011): A witness observed a large, white and orange-red luminous sphere moving northwards over the mountains.
• Gibostad, Lenvik kommune, Troms (March 5, 2011): Two witnesses reported a bright blue light that enveloped them and then faded.

The report center comments that while some reports might be explainable as fireworks or practical jokes, others remain unexplained.

Lloyd Pye and the Starchild Skull

This article details a lecture by author Lloyd Pye in Oslo, who presented his theory about the Starchild skull. Pye claims the skull, found in Mexico around 1930, is a hybrid between an alien and a human, with DNA analysis suggesting non-human origins. The article notes the skull's unusual characteristics, including being half the thickness and weight of a human skull, and twice as strong. However, it also points out a lack of documentation regarding the initial discovery.

James Randi in Norway

This piece covers the visit of renowned skeptic and illusionist James Randi to Norway in March 2011 as part of the campaign "Ingen liker å bli lurt" (No one likes to be fooled). Randi performed shows in Oslo, Trondheim, and Bergen, engaging audiences with illusions, humor, and sharp critiques of alternative medicine, parapsychology, and other pseudoscientific claims. He famously demonstrated the ineffectiveness of homeopathic medicine by taking an overdose of homeopathic sleeping pills. The article also touches upon a tense Q&A session where Randi faced criticism from a representative of the Norwegian Parapsychological Society, with some audience members reacting negatively to independent critical thinking.

Norwegian and British Navy Had UFO Contact During Winter Exercise

Based on newly declassified British National Archives documents, this article reports on a mysterious UFO incident during a naval exercise in Northern Norway in the late 1990s. Lord Peter Hill-Norton, former Chief of the Defence Staff, inquired about the incident, which allegedly involved the HMS Manchester encountering an "unidentified aerial craft." The report states that the ship's log for February 1-13, 1999, was reported lost overboard in Bodø, Norway, due to strong winds. While the British Ministry of Defence confirmed the HMS Manchester was in Northern Norway during that period, they stated no record of an unidentified aerial craft was found in the available logs. The Norwegian Navy declined to comment.

Absalon Pederssøn Beyer's Observations

This section examines the celestial observations of Absalon Pederssøn Beyer in Bergen during the 16th century. The article notes that while Beyer's diary includes observations of meteorological phenomena, there is no clear evidence of him observing UFO-like "objects" or similar phenomena.

UFO in Hessdalen in Earlier Times?

This article investigates claims that the Hessdalen area has been a site of UFO activity for a long time. However, based on available historical records, the article suggests that the majority of reported UFO incidents in Hessdalen have occurred primarily in the last 30 years.

Other Content

The issue also includes a "Press Clippings" section and reviews of eight books and four DVDs. It notes the passing of Zecharia Sitchin.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a critical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. While reporting on sightings and alleged encounters, it also features skeptical viewpoints, particularly through the coverage of James Randi's work. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation and documentation, encouraging readers to think critically about claims related to UFOs and the paranormal. There's a clear emphasis on distinguishing between documented evidence and speculation, as seen in the analysis of historical cases and the reporting of contemporary sightings.

This issue of UFO Magazine, dated 1-2011, focuses on historical UFO observations and recent developments in UFO research and related fields. The cover prominently features a historical Norwegian UFO incident involving Admiral Peter Hill-Norton and the ship HMS Manchester, alongside a discussion of 16th-century sky phenomena.

UFO og WikiLeaks

The article "UFO og WikiLeaks" examines the extent to which documents released by WikiLeaks contain information about UFOs. While the magazine notes that UFOs were mentioned in the leaked documents, it concludes that the information's value and scope are limited. The article highlights reader interest in UFOs following the WikiLeaks release, with some hoping for confirmation or refutation of extraterrestrial visitation. However, the search yielded only 16 hits, none of which confirmed or denied the existence of UFOs or provided information on observations. One notable mention is a note from the US embassy in Belarus, quoting the head of the Belarusian secret police (BKGB) stating they no longer concern themselves with 'healers, UFOs, and the like,' indicating a shift in focus from paranormal phenomena compared to the Soviet era.

Absalon Pederssøn Beyer og himmelobservasjoner på 1500-tallet

This extensive article by Mentz Kaarbø delves into the diary of Absalon Pederssøn Beyer, a prominent citizen of Bergen in the 16th century. Beyer, a priest, teacher, author, and historian, meticulously recorded daily life in his diary, 'Liber Capituli Bergensis' (1552-1571). The article highlights that among the mundane and dramatic events of his time, Beyer also documented unusual aerial phenomena that can be interpreted as UFO observations. The author analyzes several entries, including:

• April 7, 1564: Beyer and other witnesses observed a strange sight in his yard, including a cloud forming a long neck and a head, followed by a dragon-like creature and a 'Janus-faced' object emerging from a dark cloud, with a large hand extending from it.
• Palm Sunday [1563?]: Over the fjord, a black cloud with a long neck and a head resembling a 'Ryssehatt' appeared, followed by other cloud formations resembling animals and a crown, with one described as a 'great bear' spewing fire and smoke.
• Pre-Christmas [1562?]: An event in the fjord involved the moon being obscured by a black cloud, followed by a bright sky and then a black cloud emitting fire, smoke, and noise.

The article emphasizes that these descriptions should be understood within the context of 16th-century theological and scientific understanding. It also notes that the language used in the diary has been translated into modern Norwegian for readability, with a disclaimer about potential inaccuracies due to the linguistic differences.

UFO i Hessdalen i tidligere tider?

This article by Ole Jonny Brænne investigates claims of UFO phenomena in Hessdalen dating back to the 1800s. The author examines historical records, primarily referencing the book 'Ålen' by Anders Jonsen Reitan (1936, 1967), which compiles local history and folklore. Several accounts are analyzed:

• 1811: An observation of a 'star with a large tail' is identified as likely being the comet C/1811 F1, a well-documented astronomical event.
• 1816: Mentions of 'strange signs' in Trondheim are too vague to interpret.
• 1772: An observation of a 'star with two tails' is discussed, but it does not match known comets of that period and is considered an unknown comet.
• 1870: A report from Lars Lillevold's grandmother describes seeing an object in the sky from which someone waved. The source is unclear, and a balloon is suggested as a possibility.
• 1895: Fishermen reported a luminous object falling from the sky, described as a 'broom-like' object, which is interpreted as a meteor.
• 1943: An observation of three 'objects' in the sky, with the largest emitting a cloud before they disappeared, remains unexplained.
• 1945: A 'luminous eye-like' phenomenon was observed near Hessdalen by resistance fighter Rubin Langmo, which he attributed to a possible electrical phenomenon due to the weather.

The article concludes that while many early claims about Hessdalen being haunted by UFOs are likely misinterpretations of natural phenomena like comets and meteors, some cases from 1816, 1870, 1943, and 1945 remain unresolved and are classified as UFO-related. The author suggests that the claim of Hessdalen being 'haunted' by UFOs for centuries might be an exaggeration, given the relatively small number of unexplained reports over a long period.

Kurs og dokumentarfilm

Ole Jonny Brænne reports on his participation in a UFO-Sverige field researcher course in Sweden in September 2010. He also mentions his involvement in several documentary films. A Norwegian TV team from Limelight Film and TV AS followed him for a series about Norwegians in Sweden, which was expected to air on TV3 in spring/summer 2011. Additionally, a Swedish TV team is creating a year-long documentary about UFO-Sverige. The article also touches upon a 20-minute film by Oslo Student-TV titled "UFOrklarlig," exploring the perception of UFO phenomena in Norway, featuring interviews with various individuals, including Brænne.

Presseklipp

This section provides a chronological overview of UFO-related news items from Norwegian media during October, November, and December 2010, and early January 2011. Highlights include:

• October 2010: Reports on the discovery of a potentially habitable exoplanet (Gliese 581g), alleged hauntings at the University Library in Bergen, a "UFO picture" of a lenticular cloud, a Chinese airport closure due to a UFO alert, and unusual radioactivity near Blæjevatnet.
• November 2010: Mentions of WikiLeaks documents, a UFO-related sculpture in Oslo, and discussions about the possibility of billions of Earth-like planets.
• December 2010: Reports on fireballs over Trondheim attributed to weather balloons, alleged sightings of strange lights, and a UFO observation over Bodø 50 years prior.

The section also includes a table summarizing UFO-related news from various Norwegian newspapers throughout October and November 2010.

Urfolkels gåtefulle figurer

This brief section, accompanied by an image of Nazca lines, mentions that researchers believe they may have found the answer to the phenomenon of these ancient geoglyphs in Peru. It also notes a report from Verdens Gang Helg about the Nazca lines and a discussion of UFOs in relation to a book by Terje Toftenes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers both historical and contemporary UFO sightings and related phenomena. There is a clear interest in documenting and analyzing these events, often seeking natural explanations while acknowledging unresolved cases. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to explore local history for potential UFO-related accounts. The publication also engages with broader scientific discoveries, such as exoplanets, and the role of media in reporting on these topics. The recurring theme is the persistent human fascination with the unexplained, whether in the skies above or in historical records.

This issue of Dagbladet, dated Sunday, October 31, 2010, features a prominent cover story titled "Kjendisenes overnaturlige liv: Tror på UFOer, healing og gjenferd. Se listen over hvem som tror på hva!" (Celebrities' supernatural lives: Believe in UFOs, healing, and ghosts. See the list of who believes in what!). The magazine is in Norwegian and has a cover price of kr 20.00.

Cover Story: Celebrities and the Supernatural

The cover highlights several Norwegian celebrities who reportedly have interests in the paranormal, including Jan Thomas, Ane Dahl Torp, Bjarne Hakon Hanssen, Inger Lise Rypdal, and Jon Schau. Jan Thomas recounts a personal UFO sighting experience.

News and Reports

UFO Sighting by Jan Thomas

Jan Thomas describes an encounter with a large, saucer-shaped object with a powerful light while in a hot tub outside Phoenix, Arizona. He describes it as "enormous" and recalls a friend exclaiming, "oh my god, it's the mothership."

Denver Proposal on Extraterrestrials Rejected

A brief report from Aftenposten on November 4, 2010, states that a proposal to create a public plan for tracking extraterrestrial beings was rejected by voters in Denver, Colorado, with only one in six voters supporting the idea. Jeff Peckman, who proposed it, claims authorities already register observations but are unwilling to release the information.

Uri Geller and Princess Märtha Louise

Uri Geller is featured prominently, comparing Princess Märtha Louise to Albert Einstein for her views on life after death. He defends her against criticism, stating that she is right about life after death and that energy exists everywhere, supporting the idea of the soul living on. Geller also mentions his upcoming appearance at an alternative fair in Norway and his belief in angels.

Other Noteworthy Mentions

• Marvin Wiseth, former mayor of Trondheim, spoke about UFOs in a local event.
• The film "Under the Skin," starring Scarlett Johansson as an alien, is mentioned.
• A report from Hadeland on December 1, 2010, describes a strange, yellow-red, oblong light phenomenon with a smoke trail observed in the sky, which meteorologists suggested might be a bolide.
• A mysterious smoke ring observed over Klepp station was later identified as a fire drill.

Scientific Findings

• A report from Aftenposten Morgen on November 5, 2010, notes the discovery of active hydrothermal areas ('vents') on Mars by the MRO probe, which increases the chances of finding life.
• The issue includes a mention of a seminar in Ringerikes Blad discussing UFOs and alien theories in relation to the Bible.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews related to UFOs and the paranormal:

• "Portrett av ein historieforteljar: Samtalar med Ragnar Ryan" by Johan Einar Bjerkem: This book contains conversations with the psychic Ragnar Ryan, who recounts supernatural events, near-death experiences, and a UFO sighting in 1980.
• "Lake Monster Traditions: A cross-cultural analysis" by Michel Meurger & Claude Gagnon: A review of an older book that explores traditions of lake monsters, with the authors suggesting cultural and sociological explanations rather than literal creatures.
• "Vålnader, utomjordingar och mystiska fenomen: Bilder av det okända" by Clas Svahn: A book that covers various paranormal phenomena from around the world, including Kirlian images, ectoplasm, ghosts, ball lightning, and UFOs.
• "My Way" by Jan Thomas: A biography written by Anne-Karine Strøm, detailing Jan Thomas's life and experiences.
• "Forbidden Science: Volume 2: Journals 1970-1979" by Jacques Vallée: This book, the second volume of Vallée's journals, covers his work in parapsychology and his views on UFOs as part of a broader field of study.
• "Wonders in the Sky: Unexplained aerial objects from antiquity to modern times" by Jacques Vallee & Chrish Aubeck: This book presents 500 UFO reports from 1460 BC to 1879, suggesting that UFO phenomena have a long history.
• "The Crop Circle Man" DVD: A review of a documentary featuring interviews with crop circle makers and researchers.
• "I know what I saw" DVD: A documentary focusing on a 2008 press conference where military and government officials discussed UFO experiences.
• "Crop Circles: The Hidden Truth" DVD: A documentary presenting interviews with crop circle researchers, some of whom believe in genuine phenomena while others suggest human-made circles.
• "Something unknown is doing we don't know what" DVD: A documentary featuring interviews with parapsychology researchers.
• "UFOs and Nukes - Extraordinary Encounters At Nuclear Weapons Sites" by Robert Hastings: This book details over 200 interactions between UFOs and nuclear missile bases, suggesting extraterrestrial involvement.

Other Content

• Zecharia Sitchin's Death: The passing of Zecharia Sitchin, known for his theories on ancient astronauts and the planet Nibiru, is reported. His work is described as pseudoscientific by mainstream academics.
• UFO Matrix Magazine: An announcement about the launch of a new UFO magazine from the UK.
• Rapportnytt: A section with brief updates and comments, including a report on a blue light phenomenon in Troms, Norway, attributed to potential military activity or pranksters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and alternative beliefs, often featuring celebrity involvement and book reviews on these topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these subjects, sometimes with a critical or skeptical eye, as seen in the commentary on Zecharia Sitchin's theories and the questioning of some crop circle claims. There is a clear interest in documenting historical and contemporary accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena and related subjects.

This issue of UFO-NORGE, dated 1995, features a prominent article titled "UFO OVER GARDERMOEN" by Clas Svahn, detailing a significant UFO sighting that disrupted air traffic. The magazine also includes calls for submissions, information about UFO-NORGE's informational folder, and appeals for donations to the UFO-NORGE Support Fund and Project Hessdalen.

Submissions and Information

The editorial section begins with "Stoff mottas!" (Material Received!), inviting readers to submit articles, letters to the editor, press clippings, and links. Submissions should preferably be sent via email or diskette. Articles should not exceed approximately 1500 words (about three A4 pages single-spaced). Longer pieces will be edited. Anonymous submissions are accepted only if the full name and address are provided to the editorial staff. For postal submissions, unsolicited manuscripts and photos will only be returned if a self-addressed, stamped envelope is included. The magazine is also seeking individuals with good knowledge of English, German, and French to help translate articles from other languages.

Readers are encouraged to help promote UFO-NORGE by distributing informational folders. These can be requested from the contact address or downloaded from www.ufo.no. Distributing folders can earn contributors a free subscription after recruiting five new subscribers.

UFO-NORGE Support Fund

The magazine highlights the need for financial support for UFO-NORGE's activities through its "UFO-NORGES Støttefond" (UFO-NORGE Support Fund). It states that many tasks are postponed due to poor finances, and while personal funds are used, this limits their scope. The fund accepts donations, and details for contributing are provided, including a bank account number (2470 17 28854) and the organization's address.

Project Hessdalen

An appeal is made to support "Prosjekt Hessdalen" (Project Hessdalen) and the operation of its automatic monitoring station. The project requires modern equipment and funds for station operation, which has been ongoing for many years. Project leader Erling Strand expresses gratitude for the support received from Høgskolen i Østfold, individuals, and institutions. The project's funds are running low, with even the cost of transferring images from the station to Høgskolen i Østfold (where Strand is a lecturer) being a significant expense. Readers are urged to contribute financially to Project Hessdalen, with details provided for donations, including a contact person (Erling P. Strand), address, and a postgiro account number (0530 28 87545).

UFO Over Gardermoen

The main article, "UFO OVER GARDERMOEN" by Clas Svahn, recounts an incident on March 24, 1995, where an unknown flying object forced the closure of Gardermoen International Airport near Oslo for 90 minutes. The event was observed by the pilot of a SAS Boeing 737, Johan Kylborn, and his co-pilot as they approached Gardermoen from Frankfurt. The object was described as lime-green, with a wing profile and a tail, and was seen making a controlled, sharp right turn at an altitude of 2400 meters. It was approximately 2-3 kilometers away from the SAS flight.

Kylborn reported the sighting to air traffic control, who confirmed no other aircraft were expected in the area. The object was not detected by ground radar or on the airport's radar. The SAS flight had to circle near Arvika, Sweden, while other flights were diverted to airports in Norway and Sweden, affecting about 15,000 passengers and costing millions in delays.

Johan Kylborn stated he was certain it was an unknown aircraft and did not hesitate to report it, though he was surprised by the airport closure. He speculated it might have been a glider, but the altitude and strong winds made this unlikely. He concluded it was an unidentified object, but agreed with his co-pilot that it appeared to be a type of aircraft.

According to Knut Morten Johansen, Information Manager for SAS in Norway, no explanation for the incident has been found. Police and the Norwegian Aviation Sports Federation have investigated, ruling out hang gliders and other small aircraft due to the strong winds. The cause of the disruption remains a mystery.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects UFO-NORGE's commitment to documenting and investigating UFO/UAP sightings, as evidenced by the detailed report on the Gardermoen incident. The magazine actively solicits reader contributions, indicating a desire to engage its audience and gather diverse perspectives. The appeals for financial support for both the organization itself and specific research projects like Hessdalen underscore a dedication to ongoing research and operational sustainability within the field of ufology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging reporting of unexplained phenomena while maintaining a degree of journalistic rigor, as seen in the handling of submissions and the investigation of the Gardermoen event.