Ufology News - No 24 - December 2014 March 2015

Magazine Overview

Title: НОВОСТИ УФОЛОГИИ (Ufology News)
Issue Date: December 2014 — March 2015 (Issue 24)
Content Focus: This issue delves into UFO research, featuring an extensive interview with Erling Strand, updates on archival releases, and discussions on anomalous phenomena.

Interview with Erling Strand

This section features a detailed interview with Erling Strand, an Associate Professor at Østfold University College in Norway and a key figure in the Hessdalen phenomenon research. Strand, born in 1955, is a co-founder and current project leader for the study of the Hessdalen phenomena. He was also part of the editorial board of the Society for Scientific Exploration from 2007 to 2013.

Initial Interest in Hessdalen

Strand's interest in Hessdalen was sparked in September 1982 when he and friends visited the valley after reading newspaper reports about frequent UFO sightings. They witnessed and photographed the phenomena, which deeply impressed him. Despite initial warnings from colleagues about potential damage to his reputation, his curiosity grew, leading him to discover a lack of serious research on UFOs and the ridicule faced by witnesses.

Genesis of Project Hessdalen

The continued sightings in Hessdalen prompted questions about why no one was undertaking serious research. Strand joined the UFO-Norway group and, in a meeting with representatives from UFO-Sweden and Foreningen for psykobiofysik on June 3, 1983, the decision was made to establish an independent project, "Project Hessdalen." This group, comprising three Norwegians and two Swedes, focused on instruments and scientific aspects. The first field expeditions for Project Hessdalen took place in 1984 and 1985.

Resumption of Project Hessdalen

After a pause from 1985 due to a cessation of phenomena, Project Hessdalen was revived in 1993 when Strand learned that the sightings had resumed. He decided to restart the project using the same logo, which was already known to the media. In 1994, an automated monitoring station (SMK) was developed by students at Østfold University College, with the first units installed in Hessdalen in August 1998. Bjørn Gitle Hauge joined the project at this time.

"Science Camps" for Students

Starting in 2002, "science camps" were organized for students. Young students spent a week in September conducting field research, divided into groups positioned on surrounding mountains. Equipped with various instruments, they observed phenomena throughout the night. These camps provided students with a unique opportunity to work in conditions different from a typical school setting and to engage in discovering new knowledge, which they found highly stimulating.

Results and Classification of Phenomena

Strand explains that the Hessdalen phenomena are not a single event but multiple distinct occurrences. These include balls of light of varying sizes and flashing white-blue lights lasting minutes to hours. Some phenomena have been observed moving at speeds exceeding 30,000 km/h. The optical spectrum is generally continuous, suggesting heat, yet there are no signs of burnt vegetation. Daytime observations have also occurred. The phenomena can be classified based on their movement, shape, and color, but when different types appear together, it's misleading to assume a direct connection.

International Cooperation

Strand notes that unknown phenomena attract attention from both the public and scientists. He found that many scientists were interested in the Hessdalen phenomena, even in the 1980s, though many were hesitant to associate themselves with UFOs due to reputational risks. The project's goal was to prove the reality of these phenomena and advocate for scientific investigation. In 1994, a scientific seminar attracted several scientists who were willing to risk their reputations. Media coverage of this event generated public support. Subsequently, scientists from Italy's "Instituto di Radioastronomia" proposed collaboration, and researchers from France and Greece have also joined.

Localization of Phenomena

Strand believes that similar phenomena exist globally, and many people are interested in the topic. He questions why more individuals do not conduct on-site research, emphasizing that it requires minimal resources—just the right instruments, a plan, and a willingness to explore.

Protocols of UNITE "Zond" Meetings

This section announces that the protocols from the UNITE "Zond" Coordination Council meetings in 2014 are now available on their website. These protocols contain information on methods for studying anomalous phenomena, research results, and photographic materials.

Updated List of Ufological Internet Resources

The magazine provides an updated list of ufological resources. This includes documentation from the French government commission GEIPAN, part of the CNES (French Space Agency). The update features cases categorized as D, D1, and D2, with specific examples like "Etrelles 01.06.2014" and "Dzonza 28.08.2014." Links to PDF reports containing scans, drawings, photos, and diagrams are provided. Other cases (A, B, C) are also mentioned.

Supplement No. 4 for the Global Archive of UFO Identifications and UAP Research

This supplement adds over 7.5 GB of data from 29 countries to the global archive. It lists the developers as Kalytuk I. and Gerstein M. The data is categorized by region: Eurasia (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, UK, Germany, Denmark, India, Spain, Italy, Kazakhstan, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Romania, Singapore, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Finland, France, Czech Republic, Sweden), North America (Canada, USA), South America (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia), and Australia/Oceania (Australia). It also notes data from "countries that no longer exist," specifically the USSR (148 cases).

New Version of Space Simulator "Space Engine" 0.9.7.2

The latest version of the free space simulator "Space Engine" (0.9.7.2) has been released. Information on the changes is available on the official website of the developers.

Third Part of Incoming Correspondence and Expert Analysis of Materials

This section presents the third installment of incoming UFO reports (July 2014 - January 2015) and the results of expert analyses. Reports forwarded to research centers are excluded. The magazine thanks the experts and witnesses for their contributions. A PDF file of the reports is available for download.

Mysterious Phenomenon in Novye Belokorovichi No Longer Anomalous

Vyacheslav Akulov conducted an independent investigation into a mysterious phenomenon that occurred in the 1980s near a military object in Novye Belokorovichi, Olevskyi District, Zhytomyr Oblast. The findings suggest it is no longer considered anomalous.

1127 New USAF Microfilms on UFOs

Researcher Steven Kaiser has digitized and declassified 1127 new microfilms from the US Air Force archives related to UFOs. These films are noted for being uncensored and containing military unit numbers. A link to download the 286 MB archive is provided, with a note that a backup copy is available for longer access.

934 New Microfilms from the Canadian Department of National Defence on UFOs

Similarly, Steven Kaiser has digitized and declassified 934 new microfilms from the Canadian Department of National Defence archives on UFOs. These are also described as uncensored. The 518 MB archive is available for download, with a backup copy offered.

129491 Pages from the US Air Force "Blue Book" Project

The website TheBlackVault has released the entire archive of the US Air Force "Blue Book" project, which includes archives from projects "Sign" and "Grudge." This collection comprises over 10,000 UFO cases and their identifications from 1947 to 1969. The archive is organized by date and location of the event, with download links provided.

Video Materials Dedicated to the 5th Anniversary of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)

February 11, 2015, marked the fifth anniversary of the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) launch. In its five years of operation, SDO has sent 200 million images and 2,600 terabytes of data to Earth, leading to over 2,000 scientific papers. NASA has released two videos showcasing the most striking moments of solar activity over the past five years.

First Video: SDO: 5 Years. 1826 Days in Space ### Second Video

Related content includes "Most Interesting SDO Observations for the Fourth Year of Operation" and "Special Investigations: 'The Unexplained in the Sky' - Insects and Birds in Photographs."

Text of a Letter

A reader submitted a photograph taken on May 3, 2013, with a Nikon D7000 camera and a budget lens. The reader asked for help identifying unexplained objects in the photo, noting that many such photos exist. The attached photograph (5.91 MB) was taken in Russia at 15:27. Visual description of the objects is absent, as they were not visually observed. Analysis of the camera and settings (Nikon D7000, F7.1, 100mm, 1/2000 sec) suggests that the out-of-focus objects are likely flying insects or birds.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFOs, UAPs, and related anomalous phenomena, emphasizing scientific investigation and the dissemination of research findings. It highlights the importance of archival data and international collaboration in understanding these subjects. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging rigorous research while acknowledging the challenges and skepticism often associated with the field. The publication serves as a platform for sharing news, interviews, and research updates within the ufology community.

This issue of "История НЛО" (History of UFOs) presents a detailed analysis of the 'BLURFOS' phenomenon, aiming to distinguish video camera artifacts from genuine UFO sightings. The cover prominently features a diagram illustrating how birds and bugs passing through a video camera's focal field can create distortions that are misinterpreted as UFOs, especially when viewed in freeze frames. The magazine argues that video tape's nature, unlike film, leads to composite 'frames' that can elongate and blur moving objects, contributing to misidentification.

The BLURFOS Phenomenon Explained

The article "BLURFOS: Birds/Bugs passing through the focal field of the video cam are not UFOs" provides a schematic explanation of this concept. It illustrates how objects in different focal zones of a video camera appear. Objects in the 'BLURFO ZONE' (out of focus) are described as appearing very large, blurred, and elongated. Objects in the 'In Focus' zone, especially at infinity focus or zoom focus to distant objects, appear clearer but may still show some motion distortion. The article emphasizes that freeze frames from video cameras are not true 'frames' like in film but represent a composite of time, leading to streaked and distorted images of fast-moving objects. It criticizes the selective editing of such frames to create the appearance of a UFO.

Historical UFO Cases

The magazine then presents historical UFO cases to argue for the reality of the phenomenon, independent of psychological projections. It seeks reports of 'classic' disc-shaped UFOs observed before the term became widespread (pre-1947).

1928 Russian Sighting

A case from September 1928, published in the pre-war anti-religious magazine "Атеист" (Atheist) No. 32, is detailed. The incident occurred in the Mariyskaya Oblast, Russia, in February 1928. The author, A. Struve, recounts how he and his companions, while lost in a snowstorm, observed a dark yellow, moon-like disk flying back and forth over a flat area for about twenty minutes, and then for over an hour. The object was described as flying not high above the ground, sometimes appearing matte, sometimes shining with rays. The author dismisses psychological explanations, noting that the term 'UFO' did not exist at the time and that the observation was group-based and prolonged.

1914 Sightings

Two sightings from August and September 1914 are presented:

• September 17, 1914, Alta, Norway: Many people observed a strange, inexplicable luminous phenomenon in the sky, described as a bright point resembling a large star. It flew over several locations, changing color from white to red and blue. It was initially mistaken for an airplane, but one witness heard a faint sound high in the sky.
• August 19, 1914 (August 6, old style), Chusovaya, Russia: A flying object was observed in the air emitting multi-colored lights (blue, red, and white) before heading north and disappearing. It was also initially assumed to be an airplane.

The article concludes from these cases that the UFO phenomenon is real and operates independently of human fears and desires.

The Tully Incident, Australia (1966)

The magazine dedicates significant attention to a series of events in Tully, Australia, in January 1966, which involved a farmer's sighting and the discovery of physical traces.

George Pedley's Sighting

On January 19, 1966, farmer George Pedley was driving a tractor when he heard a loud hissing sound. He then observed a large, gray, saucer-shaped object, described as convex top and bottom with a diameter of approximately 7.5 meters and a height of 3 meters, rise from a swamp. The object ascended vertically to about 9 meters above the ground, then climbed at a 45-degree angle to the southwest at high speed, disappearing within about 30 seconds. Pedley noted the object was silver-gray or blue-gray and had no visible lights or antennas.

Physical Traces and Investigation

Following the sighting, Pedley discovered a large, round depression in the swamp grass where the object had been. The grass and reeds were uprooted and twisted, with the water in the depression swirling. Initially, the grass was green, but by the afternoon, it had turned brown. Albert Pennisi, the landowner, reported having recurring dreams of a saucer-shaped object landing on his farm.

An investigation by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was conducted. Flight Lieutenant T.D. Wright submitted a report noting the depression and suggesting it might have been caused by small waterspouts. However, the RAAF's analysis of plant samples found nothing unusual, attributing the traces to strong turbulence or dust/water spouts. Pedley, however, insisted the weather was clear and calm, and the effect on the grass was not mechanical.

Further investigation by ufologists revealed additional, smaller depressions in the lagoon, some showing signs of high temperature. These were found to be older than Pedley's sighting. The RAAF report, dated February 7, 1966, concluded that the depressions were likely caused by small isolated waterspouts and that Mr. R.C. Russell, a committee member of the Queensland Flying Saucer Research Bureau, had submitted the initial reports.

Further Events and Analysis

Over the following week, eight more smaller marks were found in the lagoon. Ufologists suspected pranksters but found that some marks predated Pedley's sighting. The area became a pilgrimage site for UFO enthusiasts. The newspaper "Sun-Herald" reported that a UFO club was formed in Tully due to the sightings. Local policeman Haggerty and his wife reported seeing balls of light approaching their car.

In a separate incident, Haggerty attempted to 'run down' some hovering balls of light with his car, but they disappeared without a trace. The RAAF considered these events unexplained. Two years later, in 1966, ufologists set up automatic cameras near the lagoon. A camera finally triggered, capturing 15 frames before its batteries were drained. However, the film was lost in transit to a Kodak laboratory, leading to suspicions of a government intelligence agency interception.

The mysterious marks in Horseshoe Lagoon were last seen in 1987. Ufologists continue to debate whether they are 'crop circles' or evidence of UFO landings. Bill Cholker described the Tully traces as a 'classic example of impressive physical reality of the UFO phenomenon.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be that the UFO phenomenon is real and warrants serious investigation, distinct from psychological explanations or misinterpretations of mundane phenomena like birds or camera artifacts. It emphasizes the importance of credible, detailed, and well-documented cases. The article critiques the tendency to dismiss UFO reports and highlights the physical evidence found in cases like Tully, even when official explanations are offered. The recurring theme is the search for 'ideal cases' that provide undeniable proof of anomalous aerial phenomena.

This document is a collection of internal memoranda and correspondence related to Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) reports from the Cairns and Tully areas of Australia, dated January 1966. It functions as a minute paper or a compilation of investigative notes rather than a typical magazine issue.

UFO Reports - Cairns and Tully Area

The primary focus of the document is the reporting and investigation of two significant UFO sightings.

Machans Beach Sighting (January 13, 1966)

On January 13, 1966, R.C. Russell reported witnessing a "strange and mysterious movement" of an unidentified aircraft from his beach position near Machans Beach, approximately 15 miles north of Cairns Aerodrome. Russell, who was holidaying at Machan's Bool, described the craft's flight as not conforming to ordinary air movement. He noted its great height, estimated between 25,000 to 30,000 feet, which he considered significantly greater than typical civil airline maximum heights. The craft was observed from approximately 7:45 PM to 8:5 PM. Russell stated it did not leave Cairns or land at Cairns, and hovered in an almost still position before moving off south at normal aircraft speed. He expressed concern that the craft's movements might have significance and suggested it could be related to aircraft movements into Cairns Aerodrome on recent occasions. Russell provided a rough sketch of the area and emphasized that his observations were 100% factual, withholding further details to avoid causing unnecessary alarm and to allow for appropriate action.

Tully Sighting (January 19, 1966)

On the morning of January 20, 1966, Sgt. A.W. Moylan of the Tully Police Station reported a sighting of an object approximately 12 miles south-east of Tully. Preliminary investigation was conducted by Sgt. Moylan. The report was received by the headquarters, and it was advised that pro-forma questionnaires would be forwarded for completion by Mr. Tedley, who was involved in the sighting. A similar request was made to the Officer in Charge of the Police Station at Babinda for completion by Mr. R.C. Hunzell, presumably related to the Machans Beach sighting.

Investigation and Correspondence

The document details the procedural steps taken by the RAAF authorities in response to these reports.

• Acknowledgement and Information Gathering: Various reports and letters were acknowledged. For instance, a report concerning the Machans Beach sighting was acknowledged on January 17, 1966, with a copy of a letter attached. A letter from Mr. R.C. Russell on January 24, 1966, enclosing newspaper cuttings from the local newspaper, was also received.
• Pro-forma Questionnaires: Pro-forma questionnaires were prepared and forwarded to witnesses and relevant police stations to gather detailed information about the sightings.
• Sample Collection: On Friday, January 21, 1966, confirmation was received that a sample of grass from a "scorched area" related to the Tully sighting was requested to be obtained.
• Media Coverage: The sighting near Tully was reported in the Tamavilla Daily Bulletin on Friday, January 21, 1966. Subsequent press reports were made regarding sightings on January 21 and 22, with cuttings to be forwarded.
• Confirmation of No Ordinary Aircraft: A crucial point consistently mentioned is the confirmation that no Service or Civil aircraft were operating in the areas at the time of the sightings.
• Forwarding of Information: Photostat copies of all correspondence and completed pro-formas were to be forwarded to BGOPOCH.

Specific Communications

Several specific communications are included:

• Minute Paper (Page 1): This appears to be a summary or cover sheet detailing the reports received from Cairns and Tully areas, referencing dates and individuals involved.
• Letter from Sgt. A.W. Moylan (Page 2): Dated January 26, 1966, from Tully Station, this letter acknowledges receipt of communication regarding the unidentified object sighted near Tully on January 19, 1966. It confirms the return of completed questionnaires and mentions taking a sample of grass from a depression in the swamp grass at the site.
• Letter from R.C. Russell (Pages 3-5): Dated January 13, 1966, this detailed letter to the RAAF Base, Townsville, provides Russell's account of the Machans Beach sighting. He expresses his belief that the object was not ordinary and discusses his theory about its potential connection to aircraft movements and his own presence being noted.
• Letter from Police Station, Tully (Page 6): Dated January 21, 1966, this letter references a conversation between Sgt. Moylan and Flight Lieutenant Wallace regarding the sighting on January 20, 1966. It requests assistance in obtaining information and asks for a sample of grass from the affected area.
• Letter from Officer in Charge, Police Station, Babinda (Page 7): Dated January 21, 1966, this letter acknowledges a report on an unidentified flying object sighted near Machans Beach on January 13, 1966, made by Mr. R.C. Russell. It requests Mr. Russell to complete an attached pro-forma.
• Letter from R.C. Russell (Page 8): Dated January 17, 1966, this letter to RAAF Base, Townsville, thanks them for their acknowledgement and confirms the sighting of an unidentified flying object at Machans Beach on January 13, 1966. It states the matter is being investigated and results will be forwarded.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the reporting of unexplained aerial phenomena, the systematic investigation by military and police authorities, and the emphasis on factual reporting and security. The editorial stance, as inferred from the official nature of the documents, is one of serious inquiry and information gathering regarding potential national security or unexplained events. There is a clear effort to document sightings, gather evidence (like the grass sample), and cross-reference information between different reporting agencies and witnesses. The tone is formal and procedural, reflecting standard operating procedures for such investigations.

This issue of UFO Investigator (Issue 12) contains a report dated 11 February 1966, concerning an investigation into phenomena referred to as 'Festa' in North Queensland, Australia. The report, addressed to the President of CAPIO, was authored by A. B. McFarlane, Secretary of the Department of Air.

Investigation into 'Festa' Phenomena

The report details the findings of an investigation into the area surrounding the reported 'Festa', including the testing of samples and the interrogation of individuals involved. The conclusion of this initial investigation was that nothing of significance was revealed.

Local Observations and Potential Explanations

However, during further inquiries, it was stated by a number of local residents that the reported 'nests' are a common occurrence during the onset of the 'wet' season. The University of Queensland provided an assessment that there was nothing unnatural in the submitted samples. They suggested that the 'nests' could have been caused by severe turbulence, a phenomenon that typically accompanies line squalls and thunderstorms prevalent in North Queensland during that time of year.

Meteorological Explanations

While there was no definitive explanation for the visible phenomena reported, the report suggests it could be associated with or a result of 'down draughts', 'willy willies', or 'water spouts'. These are known to occur in the area. The report includes photographs, taken in January of the same year from an airfield in the tropics, which exemplify the type and growth of a cloud formation occurring with a severe 'down draught'. This whirling mass of tropical air, upon reaching the Earth's surface, may dissipate or persist, giving rise to dust eddies, water spouts, etc. The effect can leave a distinct circular pattern on the ground. If this phenomenon occurs over a swampy reed bed, it would flatten the reeds in a circular pattern. The report posits that the resultant photographs and investigations of the 'nests' align with this theory and accept it as a possible cause of the phenomena.

Conclusion

The Department of Air has no further information to add to the details mentioned in the report.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue focuses on a scientific and meteorological approach to unexplained phenomena, seeking natural explanations for reported sightings. The editorial stance appears to be one of thorough investigation and rationalization, leaning towards meteorological events as the cause of unusual ground patterns and visual disturbances, rather than extraterrestrial origins. The emphasis is on evidence-based conclusions derived from expert assessments and photographic documentation.