UFO - 2011 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Magazine, number 4/2011 and the 30th volume, is published by UFO-NORGE, a Norwegian organization dedicated to the study of UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the title 'UFO' and highlights two key stories: 'The first UFO picture?' referring to an 1883 event in Mexico, and 'Ball lightning killed five people,' detailing a tragic incident in Norway in 1897.

Editorial Stance and Content

The editorial, written by Mentz Kaarbø, reflects on 2011 as a 'sad year for ufology' due to the passing of several prominent figures in the field. It expresses hope that new personalities will continue the work. The issue focuses on two historical events: an 1883 astronomical observation in Mexico of objects passing the Sun, which was photographed and is considered by some to be the first UFO picture, and a 1897 incident near Egersund, Norway, where a ball lightning event tragically killed a family. The magazine also includes regular sections like book reviews and press clippings, noting an increase in 'UFO clouds' being photographed.

Key Articles and Reports

'Kulelyn tok fem liv' (Ball lightning took five lives)

Authored by Th. Smith Svensen, this article recounts a devastating event on June 13, 1897, in Ørsdalen, Norway. A group of seven people, including children, were walking when a ball lightning phenomenon exploded among them, killing five instantly. The article details the atmospheric conditions, the victims, the harrowing aftermath, and the community's grief. It highlights the survival of Gesine Amalie and her infant daughter Julia, and the profound impact the event had on the community. A memorial stone was erected at the site on the hundredth anniversary of the incident.

'Monsterkomet gav opphav til verdens første UFO-bilde' (Monster comet gave rise to the world's first UFO picture)

This article revisits the 1883 event in Mexico where an astronomer observed and photographed objects passing in front of the Sun. Recent research has offered a new, potentially more disturbing, explanation for this phenomenon. The article suggests that this event, captured in what is believed to be the world's first UFO photograph, might have posed a threat to humanity.

Rapportnytt (Report News)

This section, compiled by Ottar Sæbjørnsen, presents a summary of UFO observations registered in Norway between September 15 and December 1, 2011. Several reports are detailed:

• Kamfjordåsen, Sandefjord (October 18, 2011): A witness reported a fast-moving, rectangular object with white light, described as illuminating the sky like burning magnesium.
• Gamøyran, Tverlandet, Bodø (October 23, 2011): A student observed a large, luminous yellow-white object for an hour. The object appeared to split into parts and later rejoined.
• Ulsteinvik/Hasund (November 16, 2011): A financial manager reported an elongated, white object without wings, moving slowly and low to the ground.
• Mandal (November 22, 2011): A woman reported a bright orange light that hovered and moved across the sky, initially mistaken for a flare.
• Lade, Trondheim (November 23, 2011): A student reported a long, white object ascending vertically, which she initially thought was a rocket launch.

The 'Rapportsentralen' (Report Center) provides commentary on these sightings, sometimes suggesting conventional explanations like meteors or aircraft, but acknowledging the intriguing nature of some reports.

Bokanmeldelser (Book Reviews)

This section reviews two DVDs and five books related to UFO phenomena.

Presseklipp (Press Clippings)

This section notes a lack of dramatic UFO news but observes an increasing number of 'UFO clouds' being photographed across the country.

Innkalling til Landsmøtet 2012 (Invitation to the 2012 National Meeting)

UFO-NORGE announces its national meeting to be held in Oslo on February 4, 2012, encouraging members to attend.

Organization Information

The magazine provides contact details for UFO-NORGE, including its daily leadership (Ole Jonny Brænne and Stein Carlsen), its information and contact address, and a list of regional groups (UFO-Østfold, UFO-Sandefjord, UFO-Hamar, UFO-Rogaland). It also lists the organization's website (www.ufo.no) and its internet portal, which features news, articles, and a knowledge base.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the investigation of historical UFO and anomalous aerial phenomena, the documentation of contemporary sightings, and the organizational activities of UFO-NORGE. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained phenomena, acknowledging both the mysteries and the need for rigorous investigation, while also providing a platform for members and the public to share their experiences and knowledge. The magazine aims to inform and educate its readership about the UFO phenomenon.

Title: UFO
Issue: 4
Volume: 2011
Issue Date: 4-2011 (November 2011)
Publisher: UFO-Norge
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0800-0118
Price: kr. 70,-

This issue of UFO Magazine features a prominent article on the 'Monster Comet' that may have produced the world's first UFO image, alongside an in-depth exploration of the mysterious phenomenon of ball lightning. It also includes several book and documentary reviews related to UFOs and unexplained events.

Ball Lightning: A Mysterious Phenomenon

The article "Hva er kulelyn?" (What is Ball Lightning?) delves into the poorly documented and enigmatic nature of ball lightning. Described as a luminous sphere, often oval or kidney-shaped, it can vary in color (rarely green or violet) and size, from a few centimeters to over 20 meters in diameter. It typically appears during thunderstorms and moves slowly and randomly, sometimes following objects or stopping abruptly. Its presence is indicated by a pungent odor, and it can cause heat effects like melting metal or boiling water, though it rarely causes fires. Several theories attempt to explain its origin, including plasma of ions and electrons (P. Kapitsa), a miniature thunderstorm, or even microscopic black holes (Pace VandeVender). The article highlights the difficulty in replicating ball lightning in laboratories, though recent experiments in Brazil by Antônio Pavão and Gerson Paiva have shown promise in creating similar phenomena using silicon vapor.

The World's First UFO Image?

The cover story, "Monsterkomet gav opphav til verdens første UFO-bilde" (Monster Comet Gave Rise to the World's First UFO Image), by Mentz Kaarbø, revisits the 1883 observation by Mexican astronomer José Bonilla. Bonilla photographed over 300 dark spots passing in front of the Sun. Initially dismissed as birds or dust, these observations are now theorized by researchers at the National Autonomous University of Mexico, led by Hector Javier Durand Manterola, to be fragments of a massive comet that passed dangerously close to Earth, between 540 and 8100 kilometers away. The researchers calculate the comet's mass and suggest that if it had hit Earth, it could have caused an extinction event similar to the one that wiped out the dinosaurs. The article also touches upon criticisms of this theory, noting the lack of other simultaneous observations and the possibility of parallax effects. It also mentions other early photographic evidence of potential UFOs or cometary phenomena from the late 19th century.

Book and Documentary Reviews

The magazine features several reviews of books and a documentary related to UFO phenomena:

• "Drømmen om stjernene: Astronomi og romforskning" (The Dream of the Stars: Astronomy and Space Research) by Steinar Åge Brenden is reviewed by Ole Jonny Brænne. While covering space history and research, it dedicates a few pages to UFO phenomena, with the reviewer noting some inaccuracies in the author's claims about the origins of UFO interest in the US and the Hessdalen investigations.

• "Bløffer og bløffmakere: Episoder fra bedrageriets kulturhistorie" (Bluffers and Bluffers: Episodes from the History of Deception) by Tore Sørensen is reviewed by OJB. This book covers various hoaxes and deceptions, including a chapter on the 'Mars invasion' radio play by Orson Welles. It also recounts how the author and a friend attempted to create UFO photos, with one friend becoming a believer.

• "Projekt UFO – tro, løgne og kold krig" (Project UFO – Truth, Lies, and the Cold War) by Kim Møller Hansen is highly praised, described as one of the best UFO books from Scandinavia. The book examines UFO phenomena through the lens of culture and societal reactions, covering topics like early UFO reports, crash incidents (Roswell, Tunguska), abductions, and close encounters.

• "Besøg fra rummet" (Visit from Space) by Kim Møller Hansen is a simplified version of "Projekt UFO" for younger readers, covering similar themes.

• "The Day Before Disclosure" (New Paradigm Films, 2010), a documentary directed by Terje Toftenes, is reviewed by Ottar Sæbjørnsen and Mentz Kaarbø. The documentary features interviews with UFO researchers and personalities, discussing historical UFO cases like Rendlesham Forest and alleged alien involvement in human evolution. Sæbjørnsen praises its presentation of firsthand accounts, while Kaarbø offers a more critical perspective, questioning some of the claims and the objectivity of certain interviewees, particularly regarding Robert Dean's 'Cosmic Top Secret' clearance and the 'Assessment' document.

• "Mysterier: uforklarlige hendelser fra hele verden" (Mysteries: Unexplained Events from Around the World) by Willy Ustad is reviewed by OJB. This book presents eight unsolved mysteries, including disappearances, strange phenomena, and historical enigmas, offering possible explanations.

• "Capturing the Light: The Dorothy Izatt Phenomenon" (Outside the Box Productions, 2008), a documentary about Dorothy Izatt, a self-proclaimed contactee, is reviewed by OJB. The reviewer finds the presented evidence, mostly 8mm film footage, to be disappointing and lacking in clear explanations for phenomena like 'orbs'.

Press Clippings

The "Presseklikk" (Press Clippings) section provides a comprehensive list of UFO-related news items from October and November 2011, covering a wide range of sightings, phenomena, and related discussions from various Norwegian and international media outlets. These include reports of mysterious lights, UFO restaurants, short films about UFOs, and discussions about asteroids and meteors. Notable items include a report on a mysterious light over Lier, Norway, attributed by a meteorologist to greenhouse gases scattering sunlight, and a mention of the Hessdalen phenomenon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena, historical UFO cases, and scientific attempts to understand them. There is a clear interest in distinguishing between genuine mysteries and hoaxes or misidentifications. The reviews often provide critical analysis, questioning the validity of certain claims and the objectivity of sources. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging readers to consider various possibilities while demanding evidence and critical evaluation. The recurring mention of UFO-Norge and its activities suggests a focus on Scandinavian UFO research and history.

Title: UFO
Issue: 4
Volume: 2011
Issue Date: November 2011 (raw date: UFO nr. 4 - 2011)
Publisher: UFO-NORGE
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

Main Cover Story: 'Veldig kraftig meteor'

The cover of this issue of UFO Magazine prominently features the headline "Veldig kraftig meteor" (Very powerful meteor) and a photograph of astronomer Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard. The lead article discusses a series of mysterious light phenomena observed across Norway in late October and November 2011.

Meteor Sightings and Explanations

Numerous reports detail sightings of unusual lights. One incident on October 19th involved a strange light observed over Selbu, described as a large star with smaller lights, moving towards Tydal. Hovedredningssentralen (The Main Rescue Centre) received multiple calls about this phenomenon, with reports coming from as far north as Smøla and as far south as Lom, and as far east as Gudbrandsdalen. Witnesses described lights in various colors, and some incidents were accompanied by two distinct booms.

Astronomer Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard is quoted extensively, suggesting that many of these sightings were likely powerful meteors. He believes that an object weighing several kilograms may have entered the atmosphere, burning up and potentially scattering meteorites, particularly in the Gudbrandsdalen region. Ødegaard also suggests that the Selbu sighting around 8:30 PM on October 19th was likely not a meteor but possibly Jupiter and its moons, as meteors are too fast to photograph easily.

The Norwegian Meteorological Institute stated they had no information about the light phenomena. Police in Nord-Trøndelag had not heard of the events, while police in Sør-Trøndelag had rumors of observations over Oppdal. Gudbrandsdalen police confirmed multiple reports of a "fireball" that disappeared with great speed, described as blue at the edge and reddish-orange at the back, illuminating the entire valley. They, too, considered the possibility of a meteor or satellite, and noted that booms could be sonic booms.

International and Other Sightings

The magazine also touches upon other reported sightings and related topics:

• Brazil: A video surfaced on October 23rd from abcnyheter.no showing what appeared to be an extraterrestrial figure filmed in the Brazilian jungle near Manaus, accompanied by a blinking blue light.
• Moss: On October 23rd, a man in Moss reported seeing two mysterious, silent, hovering lights over Jeløy that moved rapidly upwards and disappeared. Meteorologist John Smits suggested this could be a ground-based light source, like a laser, while the Norwegian Armed Forces confirmed no military activity in the area.
• Hollywood and UFOs: Shirley Maclaine, a well-known Hollywood figure, is mentioned for her belief in reincarnation and UFOs.
• Trondheim: On October 26th, a "UFO-shaped cloud" was reported over Trondheim.
• England: A man in England mistakenly reported a UFO, which turned out to be the Moon.
• Alta: On October 28th, a strange light phenomenon over Alta was attributed to a Russian rocket launch.
• Oslofjord: On November 26th, a mysterious light was observed over the Oslofjord, described as being in a fixed position after sunset. While some speculated it was an IKEA 'rislampe' (rice lamp), the observer refuted this, and the magazine leans towards a reflection of an indoor lamp.

UFO-NORGE Activities and Support

UFO-NORGE, the publisher of the magazine, is actively involved in the UFO community. They announce their annual general meeting to be held on February 4, 2012, at Peppes Pizza in Oslo. Members and VIP subscribers from 2011 are eligible to attend and vote. The agenda includes reports, elections, and discussions.

The magazine also highlights two support initiatives:

• UFO-NORGE Support Fund: This fund aims to support the organization's activities, which are often limited by financial constraints.
• Project Hessdalen: The magazine appeals for donations to support the ongoing work at the Hessdalen Project, which studies unexplained phenomena using an automated measuring station. The project, led by Erling Strand, requires funds for equipment and operational costs.

Scientific Discoveries

In a significant scientific development, the magazine reports on NASA's discovery of Kepler-22b on December 5, 2011. This exoplanet is the first confirmed planet found within the "habitable zone" of a star similar to our Sun. Kepler-22b has a radius about 2.4 times that of Earth and orbits its star every 290 days. While its exact composition (rocky, gaseous, or liquid) is unknown, its discovery marks a crucial step towards finding Earth-like planets. The Kepler telescope has identified thousands of planet candidates, with a growing number being Earth-sized or super-Earths.

Contributions and Editorial Stance

The magazine solicits articles, letters to the editor, and press clippings, with guidelines on length and submission. They also mention the need for translators with knowledge of English, German, and French. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, open to possibilities but also critical of misinterpretations, as seen in the discussion of the "UFO-sky" and the explanation of the "mysterious lights" over the Oslofjord as likely reflections.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Magazine focuses heavily on reported sightings of unusual aerial phenomena, primarily in Norway, during late 2011. The recurring theme is the investigation and explanation of these sightings, with a strong emphasis on meteors as a potential cause, as championed by astronomer Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard. The magazine balances these reports with scientific news, such as the discovery of exoplanet Kepler-22b, and community-focused content like the UFO-NORGE meeting announcement and calls for support for the Hessdalen Project. The editorial stance is one of active inquiry, encouraging reader submissions while also providing rational explanations for some phenomena, suggesting a blend of open-mindedness and scientific skepticism.