UFO - 2012 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO magazine, number 2/2012 and the 31st volume, is published by UFO-NORGE, Norway's largest specialist magazine on the UFO phenomenon. The cover features a dramatic starry background with the prominent title 'UFO' in gold. The main headline highlights a UFO observation over Germany in 1952, and smaller images depict a pilot with a jet and a group of men, alongside a video thumbnail.

Editorial and Content

The editorial, "Fra redaksjonen" (From the Editors), by Mentz Kaarbo, welcomes readers to the summer issue, hoping it serves as good reading material. It introduces two main stories: the "Saucer Sam" case, a pilot's encounter in 1952 that reportedly changed a British minister's view on UFOs, and the debunking of the classic "Martian" photograph. The editors also mention an expedition by a Swedish diving team investigating a sonar anomaly in the Baltic Sea, expressing skepticism about finding a crashed spaceship but acknowledging the interest in the discovery.

"Saucer Sam" – The UFO Observation That Convinced a Government Minister

This article, by Jasper Copping, details the 1952 UFO sighting by RAF Flight Sergeant Roland Hughes. While on a training flight over West Germany, Hughes encountered a shiny, silver disc-shaped object that flew alongside his jet and then sped away. The object was also detected by RAF radar. Hughes reported the incident, which was then presented to Duncan Sandys, the then-Minister of Aviation. Sandys was reportedly convinced by Hughes' account, stating he had no doubt that Hughes had seen a phenomenon similar to those described by many observers in the USA. The article notes that this case is significant because it shows how seriously such reports were taken by authorities at the time, contrary to a general tendency to downplay UFO investigations. Documents related to this case were found in the Churchill Archive and were revealed by UFO historian Dr. David Clarke.

Classic "Martian" Photo Revealed as Hoax

Authored by Kentaro Mori, this article investigates the origin of a widely circulated photograph from the early 1950s depicting a "Martian" being led by two men. While often dismissed as a hoax by UFO researchers, its true origin remained unclear. The article traces the photo back to the April Fool's edition of the German photo magazine "Neue Illustrierte" from March 29, 1950. The magazine featured a photo montage, including this image, as part of a report on alleged UFO sightings and a "Martian manuscript." The article explains how the image was created and highlights the magazine's intent to prank its readers, noting that the hoax was revealed a few days later but still persisted in UFO circles.

UFO-NORGE Activities and Reports

Rapportnytt (Report News), compiled by Ottar Sæbjørnsen, presents a summary of recent UFO observations registered by UFO-NORGE between March 15 and June 1, 2012. The number of reports increased with the onset of summer. Several specific sightings are detailed:

• Bodø, Norway (April 5, 2012): A woman reported seeing a large, red-colored object resembling a plane but with a metallic surface, moving slowly and then ascending vertically.
• Leknes, Norway (April 26, 2012): A 50-year-old man observed a white light, similar to aircraft landing lights but without sound and at a lower altitude, moving across the sky.
• Stavanger, Norway (April 28, 2012): A 37-year-old woman reported a red and orange light moving slowly over Vestvollveien.
• Sandvika, Norway (April 30, 2012): A 25-year-old man reported a red, pulsating light that appeared to be a fireball, moving from west to east.

These reports are categorized using UFO-NORGE's observation classification system (NL for Nocturnal Lights, DD for Daylight Disc, etc.). The issue also mentions the "Prosjekt Hessdalen" (Hessdalen Project) led by Erling Strand.

Other Articles and Features

• UFO-NORGE with its own stamps: The article mentions Ole Jonny Brænne's initiative to create stamps for UFO-NORGE using Posten Norge's service for personalized stamps.
• Searching for the "Millennium Falcon": This refers to the Swedish diving group Ocean-X's expedition to the Baltic Sea to investigate a sonar anomaly discovered the previous year.
• Press Clippings: A section featuring news articles related to UFOs.
• The National UFO Reporting Center to move headquarters.
• Downloadable UFO Magazines: Ole Jonny Brænne provides a list of UFO magazines available for download.
• Book Reviews: A section dedicated to reviews of books related to UFO phenomena.
• UFO Clouds: A collection of images showing the interplay between sunshine and unusual cloud formations.

The magazine also includes contact information for UFO-NORGE's leadership, regional groups, and subscription details. The website www.ufo.no is promoted for more information and resources.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting both historical cases and recent sightings. There is a clear effort to investigate and document these events, as evidenced by the "Rapportnytt" section. The debunking of hoaxes, like the "Martian" photograph, demonstrates a commitment to critical analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena while also scrutinizing potential explanations, including hoaxes and misidentifications. The "Saucer Sam" case, in particular, highlights the potential for official acknowledgment of UFOs, even if such instances are rare. The magazine also emphasizes the importance of documentation and research, as seen in the detailed reports and the promotion of its website and archives.

Title: Neue Illustrierte
Issue: nr. 2, 2012 (This seems to be a retrospective issue referencing older content, specifically from March 1950)
Date: March 29, 1950 (for the main featured story)
Publisher: Neue Illustrierte
Country: Germany
Language: German

The Great Martian Hoax of 1950

This issue of Neue Illustrierte delves into one of the most famous UFO-related hoaxes of the 20th century, centered around the "Mars-man" photographs and story published on March 29, 1950. The magazine itself, in a retrospective analysis, reveals how it masterfully deceived its readers with a sensational April Fool's joke.

The Initial Sensation

The cover story, "DER MARS-MENSCH!" (The Mars-Man!), presented what were claimed to be the first authentic images of an alien. The accompanying text described an event on March 21, 1950, at 21:45 near Monument Valley, Arizona, USA, where a "flying saucer" was photographed. Sergeant D. Ussel of the 13th Airborn Division allegedly captured the image with a telephoto lens as the craft changed direction. The report claimed the saucer was hit by anti-aircraft missiles and exploded, scattering about twenty silver capsules.

Another report from "Death Valley" on March 22, 1950, described a "ghostly invasion" with sightings of figures moving "helplessly" and gliding "like divers underwater," which then "extinguished themselves by a trick." The "Mars-man" itself was described as being only 70 cm tall, encased in a shiny metallic foil, possibly for protection against cosmic radiation. The US War Department issued a statement that it was not confirmed if the beings were from Mars, but they were of "planetary origin." The magazine warned against "cheap forgeries" circulating in the press.

The Unraveling of the Hoax

The article meticulously details the clues that pointed to the story being a fabrication. The name "D. Ussel" was identified as a pun on the German word "Dussel" (dunce or fool). The descriptions of the figures gliding "helplessly" and "like divers underwater" were linked to the British ice-skating group "The Lidstones." A search for this group yielded a photo of members, one of whom bore a resemblance to the "Mars-man."

The article also notes that the "Mars-man's" boots resembled ice skates, and the figures in other related montages wore silver jumpsuits, suggesting they were performers.

The "flying saucer" itself was later identified by Martin Kottmeyer as a retouched image of a model saucer presented by Dr. E.W. Kays in January 1950.

The "Mars Manuscript"

Further investigation into the "strange Mars manuscript" mentioned in the original article revealed it to be a simple message in German, written in mirror script and upside down. When deciphered, it read: "We do not like Earth. We wish to go home again."

The Magazine's Admission

The article confirms that the entire story was an elaborate April Fool's joke published in the magazine's April 5, 1950, issue. The magazine explicitly stated that Sergeant D. Ussel was fictional and the "Mars-man" was a member of the "The Lidstones" ice-skating group. The article emphasizes that serious UFO researchers have long considered the case a hoax.

Other UFO-Related Content

Beyond the main hoax exposé, the issue includes a compilation of UFO sightings and related news from various Norwegian and international publications throughout March and April 2012. These include:

• Reports of mysterious lights and "glowing balls" in Norway (Lillesand, Leka, Arna).
• An interview with Eva-Marie Brekkestø, a crop circle researcher, discussing her theories and involvement in the phenomenon.
• A report on a mysterious object found in Siberia in December 2011, described as a metal cylinder weighing around 200 kg, which Russian authorities initially could not identify.
• News about the Ocean X-Team's expedition in June 2012 to investigate a sonar anomaly on the seabed off the coast of Sweden, which some speculated could be related to the "Millennium Falcon" from Star Wars.
• A mention of a UFO filmed at 6400 km/h over an airport in Santiago, Chile, in 2010.
• A report on the White House's response to petitions requesting acknowledgment of extraterrestrial contact, stating there was no evidence of alien life or government cover-ups.

UFO-NORGE Personal Stamps

The issue also features an advertisement for "UFO-NORGE" personal stamps, available for purchase, with the proceeds supporting the organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The central theme of this issue is the debunking of a famous UFO-related hoax, highlighting the power of media manipulation and the importance of critical investigation. The magazine takes a stance that favors skepticism and evidence-based analysis, as demonstrated by its detailed exposure of the "Mars-man" fabrication. It also showcases a range of contemporary UFO reports, suggesting an ongoing interest in the phenomenon while implicitly encouraging readers to approach such claims with discernment. The inclusion of various news clippings from different sources reinforces the magazine's role as a chronicler of UFO-related events and discussions.

This issue of UFO Magazine, issue 2 of 2012, features a cover story with the headline "Jeg pleide å se etter UFO'er med pappa" (I used to look for UFOs with Dad), detailing how the celebrity Rihanna became interested in the supernatural. The magazine covers a wide range of UFO-related topics, from historical incidents and modern sightings to scientific skepticism and fictional explorations of the phenomenon.

Cover Story: Rihanna's UFO Interest

The cover story highlights Rihanna's childhood fascination with UFOs, sparked by her father. This personal connection to the unexplained sets a tone for the issue's exploration of various UFO phenomena.

News and Sightings

The magazine reports on numerous UFO-related news items from various Norwegian newspapers in April and May 2012. These include:

• A report from Bladet Tromsø on an alleged 1897 UFO crash in Aurora, Texas, where the pilot was found dead.
• Several newspapers (Dagsavisen, Moss Avis, Romsdals Budstikke, Sarpsborg Arbeiderblad, Sunnmørsposten, Telemarksavisa, Varden) covering the Aurora, Texas incident, with some suggesting it was a hoax to boost the town's economy.
• A humorous incident reported by ostlendingen.no and iTromsø where a flying tractor was mistaken for a UFO over Elverum, Norway. Kåre Kalsveen observed the object and initially thought it was a UFO before realizing it was a tractor.
• A report from Steinkjeravisa about a low-flying UFO that turned out to be a woman speeding on the E6 highway.
• An article in Bergens Tidende mentioning a tragic figure in Bergen, whose psychological issues led him to believe in UFOs and alien mind-reading.
• News about a UFO conference in Bergen, with mentions of NETI leader Kjell Arne Høviskeland and discussions with religion historian Asbjørn Dyrendal.
• Reports on UFO observations in Northern Norway.
• A brief mention of a UFO sighting over London during Queen Elizabeth's 60th Jubilee, filmed and posted online.

Research and Projects

• Project Hessdalen Bulletin: Mentioned as a source for UFO-Norway News.
• Fosnafolket: Features a story about eighth-graders from Stadsbygd school participating in a research project for the 50th anniversary of Andøya rocket range. They launched a research balloon with a "teddynaut" (teddy bear) and observed unusual lights in the footage, which they speculate could be related to crop circles.
• The National UFO Reporting Center: Announces its relocation from Seattle to a former US Air Force ICBM missile base.

Book Reviews

• "Vår gåtefulle jord" (Our Enigmatic Earth) by Jan Crosby: A thin booklet discussing various cryptids, Atlantis, the Yeti, and the Bermuda Triangle, referencing Crosby's previous book "Møte Med Det Ukjente" (Encounter with the Unknown).
• "UFO - Uidentifiserbare Flyvende Objekter" (UFO - Unidentified Flying Objects) by Jan Crosby: Another thin booklet from Crosby, offering a minimal overview of UFO history post-1947, mentioning Kenneth Arnold and Project Blue Book. It also critiques contactees like George Adamski and Eduard Meier, and discusses Frank Scully's book "Behind the Flying Saucers."
• "Ancient Aliens - season 2" DVD: Reviewed as a collection of episodes that present controversial theories about extraterrestrial visits to Earth. The reviewer notes the lack of skeptical viewpoints and the tendency to pose questions rather than provide answers, comparing it unfavorably to BBC documentaries.
• "Fireballs, Skyquakes and Hums" by Antony Milne: A book exploring phenomena like comets, ball lightning, plasma balls, and UFOs. The reviewer finds the stories interesting but notes some inaccuracies, such as misidentifying Allen Hynek as a NASA astronomer and stating Skylab was built by Russians.

Literary Exploration: Michel Houellebecq and UFOs

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the works of French author Michel Houellebecq, focusing on his exploration of science fiction, societal collapse, and UFO-related themes, particularly his engagement with the Raël movement.

• Houellebecq's Themes: The article discusses Houellebecq's bleak visions of future civilizations, often involving the abolition of sexuality and the use of science to reinvent humanity. His novels "De grunnleggende bestanddeler" (The Elementary Particles) and "Muligheten av en øy" (The Possibility of an Island) are highlighted for their exploration of post-collapse societies and human cloning.
• The Raël Movement: Houellebecq's novels "Lanzarote" and "Muligheten av en øy" feature the Raël movement, a UFO religion founded by Claude Vorilhon (Raël). The magazine explains the movement's beliefs about extraterrestrial creation of life and its controversial claims about human cloning through Clonaid. The article notes Houellebecq's personal involvement with the movement, attending events and being named an "honorary priest."
• Identity and Modernity: The text delves into Houellebecq's examination of identity in a technologically advancing world, particularly through the concept of clones in "Muligheten av en øy." The clones' internal lives and their struggle to maintain identity are discussed as a reflection of modern society's anxieties about selfhood and the impact of technology.
• "Kartet og terrenget" (The Map and the Territory): Houellebecq's novel where he appears as a character, further exploring themes of self-representation and the dissolution of identity.

Other Features

• UFO-skyer (UFO Clouds): A collection of photos showcasing unusual cloud formations that resemble UFOs, attributed to the interaction of clouds and sunlight.
• Carpe Diem Cartoon: A humorous cartoon depicting aliens discussing their planning, with one alien admitting a calculation error.
• List of UFO Journals: An extensive list of UFO-related journals and newsletters available online, compiled by Ole Jonny Brænne.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, scientific inquiry, and cultural commentary. There's a clear interest in both the factual reporting of sightings and the more speculative and philosophical aspects of UFOlogy. The inclusion of book reviews, particularly those delving into science fiction and fringe beliefs like the Raël movement, suggests an editorial stance that embraces a broad spectrum of topics related to the unknown. The magazine also features skeptical viewpoints, as seen in the review of "Ancient Aliens" and the discussion of scientific explanations for phenomena. The recurring theme of identity in the face of technological advancement, as explored through Houellebecq's work, adds a layer of contemporary relevance to the UFO discourse.

This issue of UFO-Norge, dated December 2011, is primarily a call for submissions and a plea for financial support for various projects. The magazine welcomes articles, reader letters, press clippings, and links, providing guidelines on length and format. It also seeks individuals proficient in English, German, and French for translation work.

Call for Submissions and Support

The "Stoff mottas!" (Material Wanted!) section details the editorial policy for submissions. Articles should ideally be around 1500 words (approximately three A4 pages single-spaced), and reader letters should not exceed 300 words. The editorial team is willing to edit submissions for language. While no payment is offered for unsolicited manuscripts, they will be returned if accompanied by a self-addressed, stamped envelope. The magazine also encourages readers to help promote UFO-Norge by distributing information folders, with a reward of a free subscription for recruiting five new subscribers.

UFO-NORGES Støttefond (Support Fund)

A dedicated section appeals for financial contributions to the UFO-NORGES Support Fund. It acknowledges that many tasks are delayed due to limited finances and that while much is covered by internal funds, this is not sustainable. The fund aims to support the organization's activities, recognizing that many subscribers may not have the time to actively work for UFO-NORGE but can still contribute financially.

Support for Project Hessdalen

Another significant appeal is for donations to "Støtt Prosjekt Hessdalen og driften av den automatiske målestasjonen!" (Support Project Hessdalen and the operation of the automatic monitoring station!). The project requires more modern equipment to unravel the Hessdalen mystery and needs funds for the station's operation. The article highlights the years of work already invested and expresses gratitude for the support received from Høgskolen i Østfold, individuals, and institutions. It notes that the project's funds are running low, particularly citing the cost of transferring image data from the station to Høgskolen i Østfold, where project leader Erling Strand is a lecturer. Readers are urged to contribute any amount to ensure the continued operation of this important project, providing specific bank account and postal giro details for "Prosjekt Hessdalen v/Erling P. Strand."

New Earth-Like Planet Discovered: Kepler-22b

The main article on page 2 announces the discovery of Kepler-22b, a planet found in the "habitable zone" of its star, announced by NASA on December 5, 2011. This discovery is significant as it represents a step closer to finding Earth-like planets. The Kepler space telescope has identified over 1000 planet candidates, with 10 of these being Earth-sized and orbiting within their star's habitable zone. Kepler-22b is the smallest planet yet found in the habitable zone of a Sun-like star, with a radius about 2.4 times that of Earth. Researchers are still determining its composition (rocky, gaseous, or liquid). The planet orbits its G-type star, similar to our Sun but slightly smaller and cooler, every 290 days. The article mentions that Kepler uses ground-based telescopes and the Spitzer space telescope for further investigation. Kepler-22b is located 600 light-years away. The article also provides statistics from a Kepler conference, noting that as of February 2011, Kepler had identified 2326 planet candidates, with a significant portion being Earth-sized or Super-Earths.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly emphasizes community involvement, both in contributing content and in providing financial support for the organization's activities and specific research projects like Hessdalen. The discovery of Kepler-22b aligns with the broader theme of searching for extraterrestrial life and understanding planetary science, a common focus for UFO-Norge. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement, seeking contributions from readers and advocating for the importance of their research endeavors.