UFO - 2012 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO magazine, Nr. 3/2012, from the Norwegian organization UFO-NORGE, is the 31st volume and focuses on the ongoing debate surrounding images from the Hessdalen phenomenon, the BUFORA 50th Anniversary Conference, and recent UFO reports from Norway.

Editorial and Contents

The editorial, "Fra redaksjonen" (From the editorial office), by Mentz Kaarbø, highlights the issue's focus on the Hessdalen phenomenon and the skepticism some investigators have towards certain images. It also mentions the BUFORA conference in London, celebrating its 50th anniversary, and UFO-Sweden's expedition to investigate 'ghost rockets'.

Table of Contents

• 4 Rapportnytt (Report News): An increase in incoming reports, mostly 'common' nocturnal lights.
• 8 BUFORA-konferansen 2012: A report from the BUFORA 50th anniversary conference in London.
• 12 Tvil om Hessdalen-bilder (Doubt about Hessdalen pictures): Ole Jonny Brænne examines skepticism regarding recent Hessdalen images.
• 15 Presseklipp (Press Clippings): A review of recent media coverage of UFOs in Norway.
• 28 Bokanmeldelser (Book Reviews): Book reviews.
• 29 UFO-Sverige på jakt etter spøkelsesraketter (UFO-Sweden hunting for ghost rockets): An expedition to investigate a reported landing of a rocket-like object.

Rapportnytt (Report News)

This section, compiled by Ottar Sæbjørnsen, details recent UFO sightings reported to UFO-NORGE. The reports are generally characterized as 'common' nocturnal lights, with few dramatic events. Several specific sightings are detailed:

• Slettheia, Kristiansand (June 3, 2012): A white, blinking light-disc observed moving at high speed, stopping, and then moving away. The object was described as larger than a plane at a distance but smaller than the full moon.
• Hundsvann, Gjerstad (July 10, 2012): Two luminous, distinct objects were seen, one large and one smaller. The larger object changed course, and the smaller one disappeared near it.
• Kleive, Molde (August 3, 2012): A bright, star-like light moved steadily eastward at high speed, slowing down before disappearing behind a mountain. This was attributed by local news to Chinese lanterns.

A table provides a summary of observations from June 1 to September 15, 2012, including location, date, time, duration, color, sound, type (NL for Nocturnal Lights, DD for Daylight Disc, FS for Photo/Video, CE for Close Encounter), number of observers, and a brief description.

Tvil om Hessdalen-bilder (Doubt about Hessdalen Pictures)

Ole Jonny Brænne discusses the skepticism surrounding some recent images of the Hessdalen phenomenon. While some participants in Science Camps in the valley are certain the images capture the phenomenon, others raise doubts. Brænne presents the skeptics' arguments without necessarily endorsing them.

BUFORA-konferansen 2012 (BUFORA Conference 2012)

Ole Jonny Brænne reports on the BUFORA (British UFO Research Association) 50th Anniversary Conference held in London on September 22-23, 2012. Approximately 70-80 people attended. Key speakers and topics included:

• Lionel Beer: Shared anecdotes from his career as a UFO investigator and his involvement in founding BUFORA in 1962.
• Heather Dixon: Presented on "Developing an understanding of the reality behind the myths," discussing misinterpretations and how beliefs influence perception, and the unreliability of hypnosis in investigations.
• John Spencer: Gave a presentation on "The political, cultural and social influences on UFOs," exploring how the UFO phenomenon has evolved and its interaction with science fiction.
• Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos: Discussed the "FOTOCAT database," a tool for analyzing UFO photos, particularly British cases, and highlighted that many English images require further investigation.
• Lionel Fanthorpe: Offered six possible explanations for UFO phenomena: time travel, parallel universes, extraterrestrials, prehistoric technology, secret military experiments, and psychic phenomena.
• Clas Svahn: Presented on "Ghost Rockets," the wave of sightings in Scandinavia and Sweden in 1946, and UFO-Sweden's recent expedition to investigate a reported landing in a lake.
• Jenny Randles: Presented "Three cases that changed BUFORA" via Skype, focusing on the UFO film from Peter Day (1973), a wave of reports on New Year's Eve 1978, and pilot reports from 1991.
• Richard Conway: Discussed "Our way to the stars," touching on future space technology like the Alcubierre warp drive and alleged communication from non-terrestrials.
• Geoff Falla: Presented his "Vehicle interference cases" project, analyzing reports of UFOs interacting with vehicles and discussing theories like 'orthoteny'.
• Dave Newton: Provided an introduction to "The fascination of UFOs," discussing the ETH hypothesis, exoplanet discoveries, and the Alcubierre warp drive concept.

The conference also included social gatherings, allowing attendees to network and discuss UFO-related topics.

UFO-Sverige på jakt etter spøkelsesraketter (UFO-Sweden Hunting for Ghost Rockets)

This article details an expedition by UFO-Sweden to a lake in Norrland, Sweden, to investigate a report from over 30 years prior about a rocket-like object landing and sinking in the water. The expedition aimed to examine and map the lake to find evidence of the object.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers UFO sightings, investigations, and related phenomena. There is a clear interest in analyzing reports, questioning evidence (as seen with the Hessdalen images), and exploring various explanations for UFO encounters, ranging from misidentifications to more speculative theories. The organization UFO-NORGE appears to maintain an independent stance, focusing on registration, study, and information dissemination about the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 2012, delves into various UFO-related topics, with a primary focus on the controversial Hessdalen phenomenon images and other global sightings. The magazine features articles, news snippets, and analyses from a range of Norwegian and international sources, reflecting a critical yet engaged approach to the subject matter.

Hessdalen Phenomenon: A Closer Look

The core of this issue is a detailed examination of the images and data collected during the "Science Camp" in Hessdalen, Norway, between 2004 and 2007. The article "Tvil om Hessdalen-bilder" (Doubt about Hessdalen Images) by Ole Jonny Brænne critically analyzes photographs taken by Bjørn Gitle Hauge, an assistant professor at Østfold University College. Hauge's preliminary report from 2007 presented images taken with an optical grating and a Canon A1 camera, aiming to analyze the spectral composition of the light phenomena.

However, the article highlights skepticism from various researchers, including Manuel Borraz and Jean-Pierre Pharabod, who suggest that the "phenomenon" might be lens flares or reflections within the camera lens, particularly in images taken with optical gratings. The repeated appearance of the phenomenon in similar positions is noted as suspicious, given its rarity. The article points out that Hauge's report, which claimed 24 pictures were taken, only presented two, and questions the methodology, especially the presence of numerous young people during observations.

Further analysis of specific images, such as picture 0464 taken on September 20, 2007, which was hailed as the "best picture ever taken of the Hessdalen phenomena," is presented. Borraz and Pharabod argue that the long exposure time (30 seconds) combined with the apparent movement in the images (like 0462 to 0465) suggests the camera itself was moved, rather than the phenomenon moving. The possibility of internal reflections within the camera lens is illustrated with diagrams.

The article also references a documentary film, "Portalen," by Terje Toftenes, which features Hessdalen phenomena. It notes that the film's depiction of the event is questioned by some, as it allegedly shows a different scene than the photographs presented on hessdalen.org.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

Syria Rocket Launch Mistaken for UFO

Several articles address a reported UFO sighting over Syria on June 7, 2012. Initially speculated to be extraterrestrial, the event was later identified by Nettavisen and other sources as the launch of a Russian Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from Astrakhan. The article "Er dette en UFO over Syria?" (Is this a UFO over Syria?) from Nettavisen, June 8, presents this explanation, citing confirmation from Russian defense sources. It also questions the earlier speculations by UFO expert Nick Pope.

Baltic Sea Anomaly

The discovery of a mysterious 60-meter diameter circular object on the seabed of the Baltic Sea by the Swedish diving team Ocean Explorer is reported. Articles from tv2.no (June 9 and 10) and other sources detail the find, noting its unusual mushroom shape and the strange phenomenon of electrical equipment short-circuiting when near it. The team leader, Peter Lindberg, suggested it could be a "new Stonehenge." However, Professor Atle Nesje from the University of Bergen expressed skepticism, proposing a natural explanation like a mud volcano or gas formation from decaying plant matter.

Other Sightings and News

The magazine includes a "Det Hender" (What Happened) section, a chronological list of UFO-related news items from June and July 2012. Notable entries include:

• Roswell Incident (1947): A recap of the 65th anniversary of the Roswell incident, mentioning Ray Santilli's controversial autopsy film and characterizing it as a hoax.
• Rihanna's UFO Interest: An anecdote from Rihanna's brother claiming she was a "nerd" who used to watch UFOs.
• UFOs in Northern Norway: A report on 10 UFO observations in Northern Norway over two years.
• Pic de Bugarach: An article from "Ildsjelen" discusses the French mountain Pic de Bugarach, considered a landing site for UFOs and linked to the Mayan calendar's end-of-year predictions.
• Tromsø Light Phenomenon: A report on a strange light phenomenon captured on video by Alf B. Pedersen in Tromsø, which Nordlys suggested might be a reflection.
• UFOs in the Sky: Various reports of lights and objects in the sky, including one over Syria and another over Norway.

Skepticism and Analysis

Throughout the issue, a thread of skepticism is present. The magazine questions sensational claims and often provides alternative, more conventional explanations for reported phenomena. The analysis of the Hessdalen images is a prime example, where scientific reasoning is applied to debunk potential UFO sightings. The "Det Hender" section frequently includes brief mentions of skeptical viewpoints or alternative explanations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from multiple angles, including eyewitness accounts, photographic evidence, scientific analysis, and skeptical counterarguments. There's a clear effort to present a balanced view, even when leaning towards debunking. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question extraordinary claims and seek rational explanations. The recurring "Det Hender" section serves as a comprehensive news digest, highlighting the breadth of UFO-related activity reported in the media.

The magazine also touches upon the cultural impact of UFOs, referencing celebrity interest (Rihanna) and the public's trust in political figures like Barack Obama regarding potential alien invasions. The underlying theme is the persistent human fascination with the unknown and the search for answers to unexplained aerial phenomena.

Title: UFO nr.
Issue: 3
Volume: 2012
Issue Date: July 9, 2012
Publisher: UFO-Norge
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO nr. magazine, dated July 9, 2012, focuses on a variety of UFO and unexplained phenomena reports from Norway and internationally. The cover story highlights that researchers believe they have solved history's greatest UFO mystery, the Tunguska event, though Italian and American scientists offer differing theories.

Key Articles and Reports

Tunguska Event Theories

The magazine reports on two research teams, one Italian from the University of Bologna and one American from Cornell University, investigating the 1908 Tunguska explosion. The Italian team scanned Cheko Lake near the "ground zero" and found remnants of a large stone buried in the mud, suggesting an asteroid explosion. The American team, however, proposes it was a comet, drawing a connection between comet activity and noctilucent clouds observed during space shuttle launches. The article notes that while the Cheko Lake discovery is interesting, it doesn't rule out a comet, and dismisses theories of crashed spaceships.

Roswell Incident Claims

An article from side3.no reports that CIA veteran Chase Brandon claims to have seen documents and images confirming that the Roswell crash was not terrestrial. Brandon, who worked in the CIA's Historical Intelligence Collection, stated that he saw a box labeled "Roswell" and examined its contents, which he described as "pictures and written documents that undoubtedly confirm what he and many others believe happened at Roswell."

British UFO Archives

Reports from abcnyheter.no and dagbladet.no detail the release of British UFO documents. It is revealed that Prime Minister Tony Blair was briefed on these archives in 1998 by UFO historian David Clarke. Approximately 6700 pages of UFO documents have since been released by the UK's National Archives, including details of a 1979 briefing to the House of Lords and a 1996 request from an MP to initiate a national investigation into UFO observations.

UFO Sightings and Phenomena in Norway

Several articles document UFO sightings and related phenomena across Norway:

• Kjerringøy: Tove Kymre photographed a light phenomenon on Midsummer's Eve, which she initially thought might be a fireball but couldn't explain.
• Bamble: John Vidar Ingerøyen, a self-proclaimed skeptic, photographed a mysterious spot on an iPhone picture near Bamble church.
• Skien: Neighbors reported a crop circle appearing overnight. The farmer renting the field, Sverre Groven, suspected vandalism.
• Hjelset/Kleive: Johan Hatlestad observed a silent, flying object with strong lights that moved unusually fast, leading him to dismiss the theory of Chinese lanterns. Similar observations were reported in the Kleive area.
• Drammen: Witnesses reported seeing strange, Y-shaped lights in the sky, described as moving like boomerangs. These were later suggested to be light cannons from the Fjord Festival.
• Sirdal: An article mentions innovative ways to attract tourists, including a past report in Sirdølen about UFOs hovering over the valley, which was attributed to image manipulation.
• Rørvik: Aud Dekkerhus and Peder Bjørkman reported humming sounds and bright lights near a radio mast in October 2000.
• Nord-Trøndelag: A spectacular observation of a luminous object was made in 2007, with a photo taken by Bente Linmo.
• Ålesund: UFO-like clouds were photographed.
• Nammajaure, Sweden: UFO-Sverige conducted an expedition to investigate a site where a rocket-like object was reported to have landed over 30 years prior. The search was unsuccessful due to thick mud, but a follow-up expedition is planned.

Expert Opinions and Skepticism

Physicists Andreas Wahl and Professor Randi Holmestrand express skepticism regarding Siri Kalvig's fascination with UFOs and crop circles, suggesting her beliefs place her outside the scientific community and could lead to ridicule. However, Eva-Marie Brekke, leader of the Norwegian Crop Circle Group, defends Kalvig, noting that crop circles have been a subject of scientific research and that Kalvig is in good company with historical figures like Dr. Robert Plot.

Book Reviews

The magazine includes several book reviews:

• MUFON 2010 International UFO Symposium Proceedings: Edited by Barbra Schuessler Maher, this book covers presentations from the 2010 MUFON conference, with a significant focus on abduction cases.
• Darklore 6: Edited by Greg Taylor, this anthology explores occult history, paranormal events, and esoteric science, featuring articles on topics like the Slenderman myth and potential hidden chambers in the Egyptian pyramids.
• The Circles Effect and its Mysteries: By George Terence Meaden, this book from 1989 discusses crop circles, with Meaden proposing they are caused by atmospheric phenomena rather than human creation.
• On The Edge Of Reality: Edited by Brent Raynes, this book features interviews with various esoteric thinkers on topics like time, space, and consciousness.
• The Real Cowboys & Aliens: UFO Encounters of the Old West: By Moe Torres & John LeMay, this book compiles historical UFO-related newspaper accounts from 1864-1897, but is criticized for uncritically presenting myths.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO nr. magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena, scientific investigation, and public perception. There is a clear interest in presenting both eyewitness accounts and scientific analyses, often highlighting the discrepancies between them. The magazine seems to lean towards an open-minded but critical approach, acknowledging the possibility of the unexplained while also seeking rational explanations and debunking hoaxes. The recurring theme of government archives and official investigations into UFOs suggests a continued interest in transparency and disclosure. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging further investigation and discussion of these phenomena, while also providing context and historical perspective.

This issue of UFO-NORGE, identified as Volume 34, Issue 1/2013, is a Norwegian publication focused on UFO phenomena and related scientific discoveries. The magazine actively solicits contributions from its readers and the public.

Content Submission Guidelines

The editorial team welcomes articles, reader letters, press clippings, and links, preferably submitted via e-mail or diskette. For reader letters criticizing named individuals, full names and addresses are required; anonymity can be maintained otherwise, provided the submission is signed and addressed. Reader letters should not exceed approximately 300 words, and the editorial staff reserves the right to shorten them. Articles and reports should ideally be no longer than about 1500 words, equivalent to roughly three A4 pages with single line spacing and normal font. The magazine encourages submissions even if the language is not perfect, as editing will be provided. Most file formats are accepted for text, and accompanying photos/illustrations are also welcome. Authors are responsible for captions, though the editorial team can assist. No honorarium is offered for submissions. Unsolicited manuscripts and non-utilised images will only be returned if a pre-franked and addressed return envelope is included.

UFO-NORGE is also seeking individuals who can translate articles from other languages into Norwegian, particularly those with good knowledge of English, German, and French.

UFO-NORGE Information Folder

The magazine encourages readers to help promote UFO-NORGE by distributing information folders. These can be obtained by writing to the contact address or by visiting www.ufo.no, where folders can be ordered or printed for distribution. Distributing folders can lead to a free subscription for those who recruit five new subscribers.

UFO-NORGE Support Fund

The issue highlights the need for financial support for UFO-NORGE's activities, stating that many tasks are postponed due to limited funds. The magazine appeals to interested subscribers and others to contribute any amount, large or small, to the UFO-NORGE Support Fund. Donations can be made to account number 2470 17 28854, addressed to UFO-NORGE, Karl Staaffsvei 70, 0665 Oslo.

Support Project Hessdalen

There is a strong appeal to support Project Hessdalen and the operation of its automatic measurement station. The project requires more modern equipment to further investigate the Hessdalen phenomenon. The work on the measurement station has been ongoing for many years, and project leader Erling Strand expresses gratitude for the practical and financial assistance received from Høgskolen i Østfold, individuals, and institutions. However, the project's funds are running low, with expenses such as transferring images from the station to Høgskolen i Østfold (where Strand is a lecturer) being a significant cost. Readers and supporters are urged to contribute financially to ensure the continued operation of this important project. Donations can be made to Prosjekt Hessdalen, c/o Erling P. Strand, Bukkholmveien, Ullerøy, 1747 Skjeberg, or via postgiro account 0530 28 87545.

Exoplanet Discovery: Planet Found in the Star System Nearest to Earth

The main article reports on the discovery of a planet orbiting a star in the Alfa Centauri system, which is the closest star system to Earth. This planet is described as having approximately the same mass as Earth and is the lightest exoplanet ever discovered orbiting a Sun-like star. The discovery was made by European astronomers using the HARPS spectrograph at ESO's La Silla Observatory in Chile, and the results were published in the journal Nature.

Alfa Centauri is a triple star system consisting of two Sun-like stars (Alfa Centauri A and B) and a dim red dwarf (Proxima Centauri). For centuries, astronomers have speculated about the possibility of planets in this system, given its proximity. Previous investigations had not yielded results until now.

The planet was detected by analyzing observations over four years. The HARPS spectrograph measures tiny wobbles in a star's movement caused by the gravitational pull of an orbiting planet. The effect on Alfa Centauri B from this newly discovered planet is microscopic, causing it to move back and forth by a maximum of 51 centimeters per second (1.8 km/h), comparable to the speed of a crawling baby. This represents the highest accuracy achieved with this method to date.

Alfa Centauri B is similar to the Sun but slightly smaller and less luminous. The discovered planet has a slightly greater mass than Earth and orbits its star at a distance of about six million kilometers, which is much closer than Mercury is to the Sun in our solar system. The planet is therefore too hot to support life as we know it.

This discovery is significant as it is the first planet with an Earth-like mass found around a Sun-like star. The team, including Stéphane Udry, notes that while this specific planet is too hot for life, it is exciting because other HARPS studies and results from the Kepler space telescope suggest that most low-mass planets are found in such systems. Colleague Xavier Dumusque concludes that this new discovery is a crucial step towards finding a 'twin Earth' in our immediate cosmic neighborhood, calling it an exciting time for astronomy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes active participation and support for its initiatives, whether through content submission, distributing information, or financial contributions to UFO-NORGE and specific research projects like Hessdalen. The editorial stance is clearly pro-research and pro-discovery, as evidenced by the prominent coverage of the exoplanet finding, while also maintaining a focus on the ongoing investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena through Project Hessdalen and the broader UFO-NORGE organization.