UFO - 2012 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO magazine, number 4/2012 and the 31st volume, published by UFO-NORGE, focuses on UFO phenomena in Norway. The cover prominently features "UFO over Senja" as the lead story, accompanied by images of a map and a depiction of luminous orbs. The magazine includes a "Rapportnytt" (Report News) section detailing recent sightings and a historical article about the 1958 Senja incident.

Editorial and Organization Information

The magazine is published by UFO-NORGE, a nationwide organization dedicated to registering and studying UFO phenomena. The editorial team includes Mentz D. Kaarbø as the responsible editor, Ole Jonny Brænne as co-editor, Harald Søvik for web development, and Rune Enger for illustrations. The daily leadership consists of Ole Jonny Brænne (chairman) and Stein Carlsen (treasurer). Contact information and addresses for various UFO-NORGE departments and regional groups are provided, along with details on subscriptions and membership.

Articles and Content

Fra redaksjonen (From the Editorial Office)

Mentz Kaarbø reflects on the past year, noting a perceived lack of significant UFO "events" both in Norway and internationally. He observes a global trend of UFO organizations closing down due to a declining number of sightings. Despite this, UFO-NORGE remains active, celebrating the magazine's 30th anniversary.

Innhold (Contents)

The issue features several articles:

• Rapportnytt: Reports are coming in, but there's no increase in sightings despite the dark season. Interesting observations are becoming rarer.
• Mystiske lys mellom Andøya og Bardufoss (Mysterious Lights between Andøya and Bardufoss): This article details a 1958 incident where a military transport plane crew observed unidentified phenomena over Senja, witnessed also from the ground. A delegation of high-ranking NATO officers was among the observers.
• Spitsbergen UFO-krasj historien nok en gang (Spitsbergen UFO Crash Story Once Again): This piece revisits the claim of a UFO crash on Svalbard, focusing on a newspaper that reported the story despite not existing.
• Presseklipp (Press Clippings): This section highlights media coverage of UFO phenomena and related topics.

Rapportnytt (Report News)

This section details several recent UFO sightings from September to December 2012:

• Drammen sentrum (Drammen City Center), September 28, 1972: A witness described a constant red, luminous ball with a corona that hovered and moved vertically before disappearing.
• Riksvei 15 mellom Lom og Skjåk (National Road 15 between Lom and Skjåk), October 12, 2012: A witness saw a bright white and yellowish-white beam descending from the sky.
• Skjerstad, Bodø kommune, October 14, 2012: A 23-year-old man reported seeing six luminous spheres moving in formation.
• Bø kommune, Telemark, October 28, 2012: A driver and passenger observed a stationary red light in the sky.
• Bakarvågen, Florvåg, October 29, 2012: A man observed a large, unknown orange light with a small red blinking light underneath.

The "Rapportsentralen" (Report Center) comments that while some reports are incomplete, a common pattern of luminous spheres moving silently over the landscape is observed.

UFO-sak over Namsos (UFO Case over Namsos)

This article investigates a sighting on August 3, 2012, of a white object high in the sky over Namsos. Initially observed by an AFIS official at Namsos Airport, the object was estimated to be at 30,000 feet. After contacting the weather service at Ørland flystasjon, it was confirmed that the object was a weather balloon launched at 11:00 GMT.

Mystiske lys mellom Andøya og Bardufoss (Mysterious Lights between Andøya and Bardufoss)

This detailed article recounts the 1958 incident involving a military transport plane (Dakota JW-BWN) from the 335th squadron. While flying from Andøya to Bardufoss, the crew observed three luminous orbs. The incident is significant because a delegation of high-ranking NATO officers was on board the flight. Major Reidar Skappel's report is cited, describing the lights as yellow-white. The article also mentions a witness from Andenes who claimed to have seen a German World War II balloon. The incident was initially classified and later reported in the media. The article includes a personal account from Oddvard Johnsen, the co-pilot, detailing the encounter and the subsequent debriefing of the high-ranking officers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena within Norway. There is a clear effort to document, investigate, and explain these events, distinguishing between identified flying objects (IFO) and unidentified flying objects (UFO). The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness and thorough investigation, acknowledging the decline in reported sightings but maintaining a commitment to the subject. The historical cases, particularly the 1958 Senja incident, are given significant attention, highlighting the involvement of military personnel and international observers.

This issue of UFO nr. 4-2012, published by UFO-NORGE, focuses on the Spitsbergen UFO crash case, with the cover headline "Spitsbergen UFO-krasj historien nok en gang" (The Spitsbergen UFO crash story once again) by Theo Paijmans. The magazine delves into the history and controversy surrounding this alleged incident, which occurred off the coast of Norway in mid-1952.

The Spitsbergen UFO Crash: A Deep Dive

The main article by Theo Paijmans meticulously examines the Spitsbergen case, tracing its evolution through various UFO literature and investigations. It highlights Ole Jonny Brænne's definitive study that concluded the story was likely a hoax. Paijmans focuses on an obscure Dutch UFO magazine, 'UFO-Gids,' which published an article that became a key reference point, allegedly based on a 'Stuttgarter Tageblatt' article from September 5, 1955. However, Brænne points out that 'Stuttgarter Tageblatt' appears to be a non-existent newspaper, and the article might have been misattributed or fabricated. Paijmans' research into the archives of the Dutch UFO group 'Plativolo' reveals correspondence that sheds light on how this story might have been constructed and disseminated.

Key figures like Oberst Gernod Darnhyl are mentioned as being part of an investigation, and the article discusses the difficulty in verifying the original sources. The investigation into the origins of the Spitsbergen story points to a possible misinterpretation or deliberate misdirection, with a similar article appearing in 'Hessische Nachrichten' in July 1954.

Norwegian UFO Reports and Investigations

The magazine also features several contemporary UFO reports and discussions from Norway. A section titled "Presseklikk" (Press Clippings) compiles various news items from September 2012:

• Flysam (September 2012): A report on a UFO phenomenon witnessed by pilots and NATO-top brass over Troms in August 1958, which was kept secret for 10 years.
• vol.no (September 2, 2012): Reports on strange tire marks or "braking/drifting" marks on a road between Øksnes and Sortland, questioning their origin (car, motorcycle, ATV, or spacecraft).
• Altaposten (September 3, 2012): An account of a rescue operation triggered by a distress flare, involving rescue boats and F-16 fighter jets searching for a possible casualty in Altafjorden.
• nrk.no (September 3, 2012): An article discussing the Hessdalen phenomenon, known for its numerous UFO stories, with interviews of witnesses and researchers like Arnulf Løken and Erling Strand. The Hessdalen phenomenon has been observed for 30 years, with egg-shaped objects flying in the valley.
• nrk.no (September 3, 2012): A UFO search operation in Northern Sweden, where the UFO-Sverige organization is investigating a 32-year-old UFO mystery involving a possible cruise missile or object that landed in a lake.

UFOs and Science Debate

An opinion piece titled "Siri og vitenskapen" (Siri and science) by Jan Erik Bergfjord discusses the public debate surrounding meteorologist Siri M. Kalvig's openness to UFO phenomena and crop circles. Bergfjord criticizes the scientific establishment, represented by physicists Andreas Wahl and Professor Randi Holmestrand, for their skepticism and perceived closed-mindedness. He argues that science itself is based on theories that are not always proven, citing the Big Bang, relativity, and evolution as examples, and suggests that the scientific community often ignores findings that don't fit the established paradigm.

Historical UFO Sightings and Dutch UFOology

The magazine also revisits historical UFO reports and provides context on Dutch UFOology in the 1950s. It mentions a report from the Nordlands Avis on July 18, 1917, about a possible aircraft crash in Beiarfjorden. The article on Dutch UFOology details the activities of groups like 'Plativolo,' 'UFO Contact-groep Nederland,' and others, and their engagement with figures like George Adamski. The correspondence within Plativolo's archives, particularly between Fru Wed. M.E.C.M. von Gleich-Wienandt and Antoine François van Wieringen, is presented as crucial evidence in understanding the Spitsbergen case's origins.

Other Reports and Media Mentions

The "Presseklikk" section also includes brief mentions of other UFO-related news from various Norwegian media outlets in September 2012, covering topics such as:

• A report on a Bulava rocket incident.
• Sightings of egg-shaped metal ships on Fjellværøya.
• Jannecke Øinæs launching an alternative forum called "Wisdom from North."
• A warning from UFO-NORGE about the authenticity of UFO videos on YouTube.
• Mentions of the Roswell incident, Billy Meier, and a Los Angeles event in 1942.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with scientific inquiry, historical investigation, and public perception. There's a recurring theme of questioning official narratives and the established scientific consensus. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, critical analysis of sources, and a willingness to explore unconventional explanations, while also acknowledging the possibility of hoaxes and misinterpretations. The focus on the Spitsbergen case underscores the magazine's interest in debunking myths and uncovering the factual basis of UFO reports, even if it means confronting controversial or potentially fabricated information.

This issue of UFO Norge magazine, dated 4 – 2012, focuses on a variety of UFO sightings, paranormal phenomena, and related cultural topics. The cover story, "Skrømt og sagn" (Ghosts and Legends), highlights the work of folklorist Inger Christine Årstad in documenting local myths and legends on Toten, Norway, while also touching upon UFO sightings in the region.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

The magazine features numerous reports of UFO sightings from Norway and beyond. A significant story details the claims from The Disclosure Project, where former military personnel reported seeing bases on the Moon. Another account describes a UFO incident in Norway's airspace that caused flight disruptions at Gardermoen airport. A driver named Leif Vinje recounts a close encounter on Ytterøya, Norway, involving a short, blue-suited figure and a landed craft. Other reports include a mysterious light observed over Troms, Norway, later identified as a failed missile launch, and a blinking object filmed over Målselv, Norway, which was debated as either atmospheric disturbance or a meteor.

Internationally, the magazine covers a UFO sighting in Hungary, where an egg-shaped object was filmed, with differing opinions from UFO experts and the chairman of UFO-NORGE. A promotional event in London involving a super-helicopter carrying a large Halo 4 logo is also mentioned.

Scientific and Expert Opinions

Astrophysicist Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard expresses skepticism about extraterrestrial visits to our solar system but believes in intelligent life elsewhere in the universe. He also weighs in on the Målselv sighting, identifying it as a powerful meteor or fireball (IFO).

Cultural and Folklore Aspects

The issue delves into the cultural aspects of the paranormal, with a focus on folklore and local legends. The documentary film "UFO-bygda" about the Hessdalen phenomenon is highlighted. The magazine also discusses the growing belief in the supernatural in Northern Norway, with a survey showing a significant portion of the population believing in life on other planets and paranormal abilities. The work of folklorist Inger Christine Årstad in collecting myths and legends on Toten, including stories of ghosts and local landmarks, is a prominent feature.

UFO-NORGE Activities and Events

Information is provided about UFO-NORGE's activities, including their upcoming annual meeting in Oslo on February 2, 2013. The organization's chairman, Ole Jonny Brænne, offers his perspective on some sightings, suggesting natural explanations.

Other Notable Content

The magazine also touches upon the case of hacker Gary McKinnon, who sought UFO evidence, and the phenomenon of 'doomsday refugees' flocking to Bugarach, France, in anticipation of the end of the Mayan calendar. An article also features an interview with Siri Kalvig, who discusses her views on UFOs and corn circles, emphasizing the need for skepticism while acknowledging the intriguing aspects of these phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the reporting of UFO sightings, the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the cultural impact of these beliefs, and the role of folklore and local legends. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various accounts and expert opinions while encouraging critical thinking and skepticism, as exemplified by the discussion around the 'glowing sphere' and the Målselv meteor.

This issue of UFO-NORGE, dated November 28, 2012, is primarily focused on astronomical discoveries related to quasars and black holes, alongside organizational information for UFO-NORGE.

Article: "Sort hull spyr ut rekordstor materiestrøm" (Black hole spews out record-breaking material stream)

This article details new observations from the European Southern Observatory (ESO) using the Very Large Telescope (VLT). Astronomers have discovered a quasar, identified as SDSS J1106+1939, exhibiting an outflow of material that is at least five times more powerful than any previously recorded. Quasars are extremely luminous galactic centers powered by supermassive black holes, and their outflows play a significant role in galactic evolution. While theoretical models predicted such powerful outflows, they had not been observed until now.

The energy output of the material ejected from SDSS J1106+1939 is estimated to be equivalent to at least two trillion times the Sun's total energy output, or approximately 100 times the energy output of the entire Milky Way galaxy. Team leader Nahum Arav from Virginia Tech stated that this is the most energetic outflow ever seen from a quasar and finally aligns with theoretical predictions.

This powerful outflow, located about a thousand light-years from the supermassive black hole at the quasar's heart, ejects material at a speed of approximately 8000 kilometers per second. The researchers estimate that about 400 times the mass of the Sun is expelled from the quasar each year.

The X-shooter spectrograph on the VLT was crucial for obtaining detailed data and enabling the discovery. The study also observed another quasar with powerful outflows, suggesting that these findings may apply to most luminous quasars throughout the universe. The research team is currently investigating a dozen similar quasars to confirm this hypothesis.

Nahum Arav expressed his long-term dedication to finding such phenomena, stating, "I have been looking for something like this for a decade, so it is fantastic to finally find one of the monster outflows that theorists have predicted."

The article cites ESO's press release eso1247no from November 28, 2012, as its source.

UFO-NORGE Organizational Information

Submission Guidelines ("Stoff mottas!")

The editorial team welcomes articles, reader letters, press clippings, links, and other submissions, preferably via e-post or diskette. Reader letters criticizing named individuals must include the author's full name and address, though anonymity can be maintained if the submission is signed and addressed. Submissions should ideally not exceed 300 words for reader letters and 1500 words for articles (approximately three A4 pages with single spacing and normal font). The editorial staff reserves the right to edit submissions for language and length.

Most file formats are accepted for text. Associated photos and illustrations are also welcome. Authors are expected to provide captions, though the editorial team can assist. No honorarium is offered for submissions. Unsolicited manuscripts and images will only be returned if a pre-paid, self-addressed return envelope is provided.

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

Informational Folders

Readers are encouraged to help promote UFO-NORGE by distributing informational folders. These can be requested via the contact address or downloaded and printed from www.ufo.no. For every five subscribers recruited, the referrer receives a free subscription.

UFO-NORGE Support Fund ("UFO-NORGES Støttefond")

The organization highlights the need for financial support to continue its work. Many tasks are delayed due to limited funds. The UFO-Norges Støttefond accepts donations of any amount. Details for contributions are provided: the fund is marked on the bank transfer to account number 2470 17 28854. The address for UFO-NORGE is Karl Staaffsvei 70, 0665 OSLO.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine demonstrates a strong interest in scientific discoveries related to ufology and astronomy, particularly those that challenge conventional understanding or align with theoretical predictions, as seen in the detailed coverage of the quasar outflow. The editorial stance is one of encouraging reader participation through submissions and support, emphasizing the importance of disseminating information and the organization's operational needs. There is a clear effort to bridge scientific findings with the broader field of UFO research, suggesting an open-minded yet evidence-based approach.