UFO - 2013 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO, published by UFO-NORGE, is the first issue of 2013 and marks the 32nd year of publication. The magazine focuses on UFO phenomena and related topics, maintaining a neutral stance while presenting various reports and analyses. The cover prominently features the "Hendelsen på Byrkjefjell" (The Incident on Byrkjefjell) and a news item about "Flyvende objekter «danser» foran månen" (Flying objects 'dancing' in front of the moon).

Editorial Stance and Editor's Note

The "Fra redaksjonen" (From the editorial office) section, written by Mentz Kaarbø, reflects on the UFO phenomenon after nearly 70 years. Kaarbø notes the lack of definitive proof for the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH) and acknowledges the strength of the psychosocial hypothesis, which suggests that the phenomenon arises from the observer's psychological and social context. However, he states that the jury is still out and that UFO-NORGE, as an organization, maintains a neutral view, not taking sides on the various hypotheses. He also mentions that UFO-NORGE is celebrating its 40th anniversary, having been founded in 1973.

Table of Contents Highlights

The "Innhold" (Contents) section lists several articles and reports:

• Rapportnytt (Report News): A steady stream of reports, though no increase despite the dark season.
• George Fawcett er død (George Fawcett is dead): A tribute to the UFO investigator.
• Hendelsen på Byrkjefjell (The Incident on Byrkjefjell): An account of a strange event experienced by a couple near Bergen over 40 years ago.
• AFU er 40 (AFU is 40): Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Archives for UFO Research.
• Patrick Moore er død (Patrick Moore is dead): A note on the passing of the eccentric TV personality.
• Presseklipp (Press Clippings): UFO phenomena continue to be reported in Norwegian media, radio, and TV.
• Gamle avisklipp (Old newspaper clippings).
• Mysteriet oppklart (Mystery solved): An observation and a photo of a strange phenomenon explained.
• Bokanmeldelser (Book reviews).
• UFO i Hessdalen? (UFO in Hessdalen?): Featuring recent video footage.
• Russel Crowe fotograferte UFO (Russel Crowe photographed UFO): A celebrity sighting report.
• Alger fra Verdensrommet? (Algae from Space?).
• The Beatles' lydingeniør så UFO (The Beatles' sound engineer saw UFO): A childhood UFO sighting.

Rapportnytt (Report News)

This section details recent UFO observations registered between December 1, 2012, and March 15, 2013. The number of reports is lower than previous winter seasons. The section includes:

• Ringsdalen, Sogn og Fjordane: An account from August 3, 1984, where a couple observed a large, yellow-white object descending and ascending a mountain ridge for 20 minutes. The object was estimated to be 10 meters in diameter.
• Ruggevika, Harstad, Troms: A report from February 1995, describing a large black sphere, estimated at 300 meters in diameter, hovering over treetops, changing color between white and red, and emitting a humming sound. This observation was made by three children.
• Bø, Telemark: An observation from October 20, 2012, where a man and his wife saw a red stationary light in the sky, described as brighter than landing lights on a plane. It hovered for 5-10 minutes and appeared to have a tail with pulsating streaks.

An overview table lists these and other observations, including dates, locations, durations, colors, number of observers, descriptions, and potential identifications (e.g., Meteor).

The Incident on Byrkjefjell

This detailed article recounts a strange incident that occurred over 40 years ago on Byrkjefjell, east of Bergen. A couple, while hiking, discovered a peculiar scene:

• A "stone altar": Made of stones with a flat stone placed upright, approximately 40-50 cm wide. It appeared to have been used for an offering, with ashes and a large, bright red apple placed on it.
• A "table": A flat stone, about 60 cm long, with a very large, fresh trout (estimated 30-35 cm long) lying on it.
• Precisely cut twigs: Bunches of fresh twigs, cut with extreme precision, possibly from birch, bundled together with what looked like horsehair.
• A large circle in the snow: Approximately 12-15 meters in diameter, with a distinct, bright blue ring around its edge, suggesting an imprint from a large tire or similar object. The area within the circle was described as having a blue powder.

The couple experienced a sense of dread and fled the area. They later reported the incident, and it was noted that another person had also anonymously reported seeing a circle in the area.

Archives for UFO Research (AFU) Turns 40

This section celebrates the 40th anniversary of AFU, the world's largest UFO archive, located in Norrköping, Sweden. AFU houses an extensive collection of books, journals, and other materials related to the UFO phenomenon. The article highlights the significant contributions of individuals like Hilary Evans and Finn W. Kalvik to the archive.

George Fawcett Passes Away

The magazine reports the death of George Fawcett, a prominent American UFO investigator, at the age of 83. Fawcett was known for his extensive research, articles, and investigations into over 1200 UFO cases. His collection, "Sauceriana Samlingen," was donated to the International UFO Museum & Research Center in Roswell, New Mexico. Lakita Adams of MUFON commented on Fawcett's dedication to facts and his conclusion that UFOs exist but their nature remained an open question.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include detailed eyewitness accounts of UFO sightings in Norway, historical UFO cases, and the ongoing efforts in UFO research and archiving. The magazine consistently emphasizes a neutral approach, presenting evidence and reports without endorsing specific hypotheses. The editorial stance, as articulated by Mentz Kaarbø, acknowledges both the potential for extraterrestrial explanations and the influence of psychological and social factors on UFO experiences. The inclusion of news about prominent figures in ufology, like George Fawcett, and significant research institutions, like AFU, underscores the magazine's commitment to documenting the history and current state of UFO research.

This issue of UFO nr. 1-2013, published in January 2013, leads with the obituary of Patrick Moore, the esteemed British astronomer, broadcaster, and science communicator. The magazine also dedicates significant space to cataloging numerous reported UFO sightings and related phenomena from various Norwegian media outlets during late 2012 and early 2013.

Patrick Moore: A Life Dedicated to the Stars

The main article details the life and passing of Sir Patrick Alfred Caldwell-Moore, who died on December 12, 2012, at the age of 89. Moore was best known for hosting the BBC's "Sky at Night" program for an unprecedented 55 years, from 1957 to 2012, making it the longest-running TV series with the same presenter. He was a dedicated amateur astronomer, authoring over 70 books on the subject and giving numerous lectures. Despite lacking formal astronomical training, his expertise was undeniable. He maintained his own observatory at his home in Selsey and was a respected public figure, known for his contributions to popularizing astronomy in Britain and inspiring future scientists. The article also touches upon his diverse interests, including music composition and performance, and his past involvement in politics. Notably, the magazine suggests Moore was likely behind the "Allingham affair" in the early 1950s, a hoax involving a book about a flying saucer encounter, though he never admitted to it. Moore himself was a skeptic of UFOs and paranormal phenomena.

UFO Sightings and Phenomena in Norway (Late 2012 - Early 2013)

The magazine presents a comprehensive list of media reports concerning UFO sightings and related events across Norway during December 2012 and January 2013. These include:

• Meteor Sightings: Several reports from early December 2012 in Mid-Norway were initially thought to be UFOs but were later identified by astronomer Knut Jørgen Røed Ødegaard as strong meteors.
• Mysterious Lights: Reports of strange lights in the sky over Fossbakken (December 2-4) were eventually explained as a large direct flight from Tokyo to London. Other reports of mysterious lights over Molde and Romsdal (December) were also investigated, with one instance being identified as a Chinese lantern and another possibly related to aircraft.
• Hessdalen Phenomenon: The Hessdalen phenomenon, a well-known case of unexplained lights and activity, is revisited. An article highlights its international recognition, with the Hessdalen.org website receiving millions of hits. A National Geographic Channel series "UFO Europa" dedicated significant time to the Hessdalen events, featuring Professor Erling Strand.
• "Dancing Objects" near the Moon: A YouTube video showing what appeared to be flying objects near the Moon was analyzed, with expert opinions suggesting they might be insects or dust particles rather than UFOs.
• Ice Formations: A report from Bunnefjorden describes unusual circular patterns on the ice, with speculation that they might be the result of UFO activity, though the article also mentions someone seen creating rings on the ice.
• Aircraft and Other Explanations: Many sightings were attributed to conventional aircraft, including planes flying at high altitudes during sunset, creating condensation trails that appeared unusual. The magazine also notes the replacement of elk warning signs with UFO warning signs on a road in Nordland, a humorous incident.
• Doomsday Predictions: Several articles discuss the widespread doomsday predictions surrounding December 21, 2012, and the role of UFOs or extraterrestrial beings in some of these prophecies. The magazine notes that the world did not end as predicted and satirizes the situation.

Historical and Cultural Notes

• 19th Century Phenomenon: A reprinted article from "Bergens Tidende" dated July 16, 1884, describes a dramatic thunderstorm with fireballs and lightning, interpreted as a natural phenomenon.
• "When Prophecy Fails": The issue references Leon Festinger's book about a doomsday cult, highlighting the psychological phenomenon of cognitive dissonance.
• Lifestyle Festival: A new lifestyle festival in Drangedal is announced, featuring Princess Märtha Louise discussing angels and Gry Jannicke Jarlum sharing her UFO experiences. The festival aims to explore alternative healing, folklore, and mystical traditions.
• Book Reviews and Mentions: The magazine mentions books by Arthur Clarke, Gustav M. Galåsen, and Inger Marie Stang, who explores topics like astrology and UFOs in her work.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO phenomena. While it meticulously documents reported sightings, it also emphasizes rational explanations, often attributing events to natural phenomena, aircraft, or hoaxes. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to debunk sensationalism while acknowledging the enduring public fascination with the unexplained. The death of Patrick Moore, a figure who bridged the gap between scientific rigor and public interest in astronomy and the cosmos, serves as a poignant anchor for the issue, underscoring the importance of clear communication and evidence-based understanding in exploring the mysteries of the universe.

Title: UFO nr.
Issue: 1-2013
Volume: 37
Issue Date: 2013-01-01
Publisher: UFO-NORGE
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0800-288X
Price: kr. 89,-
Cover Headline: The Beatles' lydingeniør så UFO

Book Reviews

The Poltergeist Phenomenon by Michael Clarkson

This book is described as a straightforward introduction to poltergeist phenomena, which are physical manifestations attributed to spirits. Clarkson's work covers various poltergeist events in the USA and England, likely drawing from extensive interviews and other literature. The review notes that the book also touches upon folklore and popular culture surrounding the phenomenon but is weaker on theoretical explanations. A minor annoyance mentioned is the publisher's use of a grey "shadow effect" on the pages, making text harder to read.

Sekter, hemliga sällskap och domedagsprofeter i Sverige och världen by Clas Svahn

This comprehensive book (478 pages) is recommended for those curious about sects and secret societies. Svahn's writing is described as compact and easy to understand, starting with a mild tone but progressing to reveal destructive and criminal sects. The book is divided into three parts: secret societies, destructive sects, and doomsday prophets. It covers groups like the Illuminati, Knights Templar, Freemasons, OTO, and Bilderberger Group, as well as historical and modern destructive sects such as the Peoples Temple, Branch Davidians, Order of the Solar Temple, Aum Shinrikyo, Heaven's Gate, and Knutby Filadelfia. The review highlights the disturbing details of mind control, manipulation, and murder justified by religious beliefs. The section on doomsday prophets is found to be almost laughable due to repeated failed predictions. Notably, many of these sects and prophets have connections to UFO phenomena, with some claiming contact with extraterrestrial beings.

Sekter by Audhild Skoglund

Skoglund's book, with a background in folklore and popular culture, examines the reasons for declining religiosity and the phenomenon of sects. It covers a range of groups, from the Moon sect and Scientologists to Satanists, and discusses those who meditate, practice free sex, or believe in UFOs. The book also addresses the challenges of "deprogramming" sect members and analyzes different countries' "sect reports," favoring the mature and nuanced approaches of German and Swedish reports over the prejudiced French one.

Area 51 by Kim Møller Hansen

This booklet is the first in SUFOI's "Fakta & Myter" series, aiming to guide readers through the UFO myth. It covers the history of Area 51 in Nevada, addressing rumors and claims about aliens, alien spacecraft, and other mysteries. The book analyzes various theories related to Area 51, including the development of spy planes like the U-2 and SR-71, Lockheed's "Skunk Works," Bob Lazar, and Annie Jacobsen's book. It includes a 14-page timeline of significant events.

Sliders - The Enigma of Streetlight Interference by Hilary Evans

This book by the late Hilary Evans explores the phenomenon of "Sliders," individuals who can influence streetlights, causing them to turn off or on. Evans suggests this occurs when people are in a state of mental imbalance, stress, or heightened mental activity. The book includes numerous firsthand accounts and theories about the phenomenon. The review notes that Evans' work is a fitting conclusion to his extensive writing career.

Solving the Communion Enigma: What Is to Come by Whitley Strieber

Whitley Strieber continues his exploration of unexplained encounters, particularly with "visitors" he claims to have met. This book aims to provide a solution to the mysteries he has presented in previous works like "Communion" and "Transformation." Strieber argues that those who deny such experiences are psychotic. The review notes the inclusion of endorsements from academics like Jeffrey J. Kripal, but ultimately finds Strieber's claims, such as experiencing multiple "Whitleys" or becoming invisible, to be extraordinary. The review also questions Strieber's claims of poverty given his best-selling status.

Poltergeists by P. G. Maxwell-Stuart

This book offers a historical account of poltergeist phenomena from approximately 500 AD to the 20th century. Maxwell-Stuart, a senior lecturer in history, examines how the understanding and perception of poltergeists have evolved. The book is factual, well-sourced, and includes lesser-known historical accounts, including a Norwegian case from 1722 involving a poltergeist active for 10 months. The review praises the book's objectivity and recommends it.

Spøkelser. Fra vår egen tid by Per Ottesen

This is Ottesen's second book on ghosts, featuring recent and previously unpublished material. The author has filtered out less credible stories. The review notes that the booklet is thin and quickly read, leaving the reader wanting more. It suggests a future book could combine historical and contemporary accounts.

Vi er ikke alene by Atala Dorothy Toy

Translated from "We Are Not Alone," this book is described as teaching readers to "see, hear, and speak with intelligent life outside our world." However, the review characterizes it as focusing on subjective experiences and journeys into consciousness, rather than factual accounts. It criticizes the book for presenting no facts and relying on concepts like Merkaba, consciousness fields, and inner guides, deeming it "pure nonsense" for those not inclined towards alternative spirituality.

Geoff Emerick's UFO Sighting

This article details an account from Geoff Emerick, former sound engineer for The Beatles, who described a UFO sighting from his childhood. He recounts seeing a large, irregular object with a pulsating red light that moved erratically. While his parents dismissed it as a nightmare, a letter in a local newspaper described a similar sighting, corroborating Emerick's experience. He later shared this with Paul McCartney and John Lennon, with Paul being more receptive.

Cosmology and the Planck Satellite

This section discusses new observations from the Planck satellite, which has created a highly accurate map of the cosmic background radiation. These findings challenge the standard cosmological model by suggesting a preferred direction in the universe and inconsistencies on the largest scales. Professor Hans Kristian Eriksen is quoted stating that Planck is making cosmology "fun again" and highlighting the significant contribution of Norwegian researchers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores UFO phenomena, paranormal events, and alternative theories. It features book reviews that critically examine works on subjects ranging from poltergeists and cults to extraterrestrial contact and cosmology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives while also offering skeptical reviews, particularly concerning subjective or unsubstantiated claims. The publication encourages reader contributions and support through its "Støttefond" (Support Fund).