UFOmania - No 38 - 2003 12

Magazine Overview

Title: UFOmania
Issue: 38
Date: Winter 2003
Publisher: Planète OVNI
Country: France
Price: 4.5€

This issue of UFOmania, number 38, dated Winter 2003, is dedicated to exploring the field of ufology, with a particular focus on Norway and Scandinavia. The magazine announces its upcoming transition to 'UFOmania Magazine' in Spring 2004 and includes a tribute to Gordon Creighton, the late director of the Flying Saucer Review.

Editorial: La passion toujours intacte, comme au premier jour...

Didier Gomez, the publisher, reflects on the evolution of the bulletin, which is set to become 'UFOmania Magazine' in Spring 2004. This change signifies a renewal and improvement in structure and content, aiming for a national coverage that is more extensive. The magazine promises to maintain its commitment to diversity in topics, including investigations, reflections, and fundamental ufological research, upholding its reputation for seriousness.

Gomez also mentions the upcoming release of a 60-page special issue on February 19, 2004, celebrating ten years of existence, which is available for pre-order. He also notes the personal milestone of his second book being published in early 2004. This issue delves into Scandinavian ufology, a theme not previously explored in depth. The editorial concludes with New Year's wishes for 2004 and a promise to meet readers again in the Spring.

Dossier Spécial: L'ufologie en Norvège

Author: Sébastien Denis

This section explores the history and current state of ufology in Norway, highlighting the challenges posed by language barriers among European researchers. The author introduces Ole Jonny Braenne, a ufologist and head of the UFO-Norge group, who provided insights into the country's ufological landscape.

UFO-Norge: Founded in 1972 as Norsk UFO Center, it published UFO Forum and later became UFO-Norge in 1982. The group has approximately 500 members, regional branches, and organizes events, including participation in the Hessdalen project. They collect and investigate UFO sightings.

Book Review: 'UFO i Norge' by Willy Ustad: Reviewed by Jean-Luc Rivera, this book is presented as an excellent overview of Norwegian ufology, drawing from 1,500 reports in the UFO-Norge archives. It covers historical sightings, including phantom aircraft from the 1930s and 1940s, and analyzes RR3 (close encounters) and abduction cases, with a focus on the Hessdalen phenomenon.

Historical Overview of Ufology in Norway: The first recorded UFO sighting in Norway dates back to 1563 in Bergen, involving a priest and other witnesses observing a dark cloud emitting sounds and flames. Subsequent observations by the same priest are noted in 1564, 1568, and 1570. Other historical accounts include a sighting by Lars Lillevold's grandmother in 1870 near Hessdalen, and Lars Lillevold's own reports of luminous balls in Hessdalen starting in 1981.

Phantom Aircraft Wave (1913-1916): Norway experienced a wave of phantom aircraft sightings between 1913 and 1916, similar to events in Sweden and Romania. Another wave occurred in 1946, involving sightings of aircraft and V-1 like objects.

Post-1947 Ufology: Norwegian ufology followed European trends, with a notable wave in 1972-1976. The country was not affected by the 1954 wave.

Animal Mutilation: A single case of animal mutilation was reported, involving a deer found with cuts from a sharp instrument.

Official Involvement: According to Ole Jonny Braenne, official involvement in UFO investigations in Norway is minimal. While police are obligated to file reports, these are inaccessible to the public. The air force collected reports in the 1950s, with Ole Jonny accessing about 150 pages, half of which could be explained by conventional means.

Hessdalen Phenomenon: Located in a valley near Holtâlen, Hessdalen is famous for its sightings of luminous balls that appear regularly since 1981. These lights exhibit unexplained behavior, changing colors and speeds. The Norsk Institutt for Vittenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning (NIVFO) began investigating in 1981, and in 1984, the Hessdalen Project was formed. NIVFO established a meteorological station in the valley to monitor atmospheric conditions. A 1990 report by NIVFO suggested the lights could be plasma balls, but the project continues to gather observations without a definitive explanation.

Other Locations: Similar luminous ball sightings have been reported in Ramdi (Iraq), Iliamna-Alasja, and Maco (USA).

Resources: Websites for UFO Norge (www.ufo.no) and Ole Jonny Braenne (http://home.c2i.net/1946) are provided for further information, with some content available in English.

Gordon Creighton in Memoriam

Author: Michel Granger

This article pays tribute to Gordon Creighton, director of the British magazine 'Flying Saucer Review', who passed away on July 16, 2003, at the age of 95. Creighton, a former diplomat, was a significant figure in ufology for over 20 years. He was known for his linguistic skills and his ability to compile and translate international ufological news for FSR. Granger recalls Creighton's unique perspective, including his belief that extraterrestrial interest in Earth coincided with atomic explosions and his view that UFOs could have a demonic dimension.

Granger expresses confidence in Creighton's son, Philip, who has taken over the publication of FSR.

LES ECHOS: Pourquoi les astronomes ne voient-ils pas de soucoupes volantes ?

Author: Jean-Michel Célariès (reporting on a conference by Pierre Lagrange)

This section summarizes a conference held on August 4, 2003, in Fleurance, France, by Pierre Lagrange, a sociologist specializing in the science of science. The conference aimed to explore why astronomers, despite their expertise, do not seem to observe UFOs.

Lagrange defined sociology of science as the study of scientific controversies and popular beliefs. He argued that for scientists to engage with UFOs, the subject needs to be framed in a way that makes it scientifically interesting. He cited the example of Jean-Baptiste Biau, whose work reclassified meteorites as a scientific subject.

Lagrange emphasized that science relies on data rather than anecdotal testimony. He suggested that witnesses need to be trained to observe more effectively, acknowledging that many phenomena can be misidentified. However, he also noted that a significant number of testimonies remain unexplained, possibly pointing to new phenomena.

He touched upon the Fermi paradox and the question of extraterrestrial life, suggesting that the challenge lies in developing tools to perceive potential extraterrestrial visitors and identifying radio signals.

• Audience Questions and Lagrange's Responses:
• Condon Report, Astronaut Observations, Roswell, Area 51: Lagrange acknowledged the controversies surrounding these topics, stating that rumors need verification to avoid discrediting research. He expressed skepticism about the Roswell incident, suggesting it might involve hoaxes or misinterpretations, alluding to the Ray Santilli film.
• Criticism of the Conference: One participant criticized Lagrange for conflating UFOs with 'flying saucers' and for not distinguishing between rumor and social fact, comparing the presentation to astrology.

Ndlr (Editorial Note): The note expresses disappointment with Lagrange's approach, criticizing the title 'soucoupes volantes' as reductive and his focus on controversy rather than verifiable facts. It argues that his sociological approach, while well-intentioned, does not advance the understanding of UFO phenomena and risks alienating researchers who believe the subject is not scientifically studyable.

The note calls for more concrete actions and a sociological approach that demonstrates the phenomenon's relevance across all social strata and time periods.

1946: La grande vague Scandinave

Author: Thibaut Canuti

This article details the significant wave of UFO sightings that occurred in Scandinavia in 1946, preceding Kenneth Arnold's famous sighting. The author emphasizes the importance of these post-war testimonies from qualified observers, including military pilots and civilians, as they formed the basis for many subsequent reports and raised enduring questions about the nature of these phenomena.

Gôsta Carlsson Sighting (May 1946): The article recounts the experience of Gôsta Carlsson, a Swedish industrialist, who observed a disk-shaped object with a dome and a periscope near Angelholm. The object was approximately 16 meters in diameter and 4 meters high. It had visible features like oval windows, a large fin, and landing gear. A hatch opened, and a ladder descended. Carlsson described a guard who pointed a hand at him, and other individuals working on the object. He also noted a black box worn by the guard. The object emitted jets of gas upon departure, and Carlsson's flashlight ceased to function afterward, with its batteries found completely discharged.

'Ghost Rockets' Phenomenon: The sightings in 1946 became known as 'Ghost Rockets' or 'fusées fantômes'. These were often described as luminous objects, sometimes resembling V-1 bombs, observed in Scandinavian skies.

• Specific Sightings:
• July 8, 1946 (Vuoremijoki, Norway): A witness heard explosions and saw a vapor cloud from which a rocket-shaped object ascended at a 30-40° angle. The object was estimated to be 10-15 meters long and flew at high altitude.
• July 18, 1946 (Lake Mjosa, Norway): Several witnesses observed two V-1 like objects flying low over trees. These objects, about 2.5 meters long with wings, fell into Lake Mjosa, creating a water spout without any audible explosion.
• July 19, 1946 (Lake Kölmjärv, Sweden): A similar phenomenon was reported, with an object falling into the lake.
• August 7, 1946 (Stockholm, Sweden): The 'Daily Graphic' reported 'boomerang bombs' flying over Swedish airspace.
• October 7, 1946 (Bjornebekk, Norway): A night watchman observed a luminous cylindrical object moving at high speed, estimated at 1 km altitude, before disappearing into the ground without a sound.

OVNIDOC: Livres et documents ufologiques

This section describes OVNIDOC, a CD-ROM cataloging multimedia resources related to UFOs, including DVDs, books, magazines, and videos. It boasts a bibliography of over 260 books, with searchable indexes by author and title, and provides access to cover descriptions. OVNIDOC is offered free to association members and available for purchase to subscribers. The CD-ROM was authored by Frédéric Praud and updated on September 30, 2003.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, historical cases, and contemporary sightings, with a strong emphasis on ufology as a field of study. It aims to provide diverse perspectives, including eyewitness accounts, research findings, and analyses from various experts, such as sociologists and ufologists. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging further investigation and discussion, while also acknowledging the challenges and controversies within the field. The transition to 'UFOmania Magazine' signals an ambition for broader reach and a more professional presentation of ufological information.

UFOmania issue 38, published in Spring 2004, focuses on historical UFO sightings and related phenomena, including the 1946 Scandinavian 'ghost rocket' wave, religious apparitions, and the challenges of ufological research.

The Scandinavian 'Ghost Rocket' Wave of 1946

The issue details the widespread sightings of unidentified flying objects, termed 'ghost rockets,' across Scandinavia in 1946. Initial theories ranged from Soviet experimental weapons to natural phenomena or collective hallucinations. The article highlights reports from Sweden, noting that over five hundred rockets were seen, often described as resembling jet aircraft but with less noise. Their trajectories suggested they might be guided. A Swedish general, Nils Ahlgen, suggested natural explanations but acknowledged the phenomena were observed at low altitudes, maneuvering in semicircles from the south.

An article from "Le Figaro" synthesized the Scandinavian wave of 1946, mentioning over two thousand 'ghost rockets' observed. The British newspaper "Daily Mail" sent reporter Alexander Clifford to investigate. Clifford's report, based on eyewitness accounts, described projectiles shaped like cigars, emitting orange or green flames, moving at airplane speeds, and sometimes slower, at altitudes between 300 and 1000 meters. Notably, they were silent, except for occasional whistling. While no wings were mentioned, some witnesses reported seeing fin-like structures, which scientists found difficult to explain for silent, slow-moving projectiles. The objects were reported to be traveling from the southeast to the northwest.

Reports from Denmark indicated a lack of physical trace evidence despite reported explosions. Clifford's thesis suggested these were Soviet test rockets launched from Peenemünde. However, the article questions this, citing the silence of the objects and their apparent sophisticated guidance.

Further reports from the "Gazette de Lausanne" in August 1946 linked these sightings to potential Soviet experiments with V-weapons, possibly developed with German engineers. The objects were described as resembling reaction planes but making less noise. The Swedish military noted that some projectiles traveled over 1000 kilometers above Sweden, potentially being tested in Swedish territory as part of monetary negotiations or to counterbalance the prestige of Bikini tests.

The 'ghost rockets' were also reported in Greece, Portugal, and Belgium. In September 1946, British military units observed UFOs in the Greek sky. A report to AFP mentioned sightings at altitudes between 500 meters and 10 kilometers over Macedonia and Thessaloniki. Professor Paul Santorini, a missile guidance specialist, investigated these sightings but was ordered by the military to cease his investigations, suggesting significant government involvement and secrecy.

A Dutch newspaper described a massive sighting in Twente, Netherlands, on September 12, 1946, suggesting it might be a V-6 rocket test. The object was estimated to travel at 12,800 km/h at an altitude of 21 km.

In Portugal, sightings occurred between September 14 and 21, 1946, near Alemtejo and Porto, with cigar-shaped forms noted. On September 18, two UFOs moved south silently.

In Belgium, the Ministry of Defense offered a semantic explanation, calling the phenomena 'astonishing' but nothing more. The article notes the consistent pattern of official downplaying and the lack of definitive conclusions regarding the nature of these phenomena.

The Medjugorje Apparitions

The magazine also delves into the religious phenomenon of the apparitions at Medjugorje, comparing them to the Fatima events. The article questions the supernatural claims, suggesting a potential overlap with ufological phenomena. It notes that the Medjugorje apparitions, starting in June 1981, divided believers, scientists, and ufologists. The initial reports described a 'white form' of the Virgin Mary, which appeared imprecise due to its distance. The witnesses' reactions, including screaming and fleeing, are described as unusual for traditional Marian apparitions.

The article recounts the progression of the Medjugorje events, including the use of holy water and salt by one witness, Vicka, to test the apparition. It highlights the increasing number of witnesses and the phenomena's spread from the hill to the presbytery and woods. A significant event occurred on August 2, 1981, described as a miracle similar to Fatima, involving a rotating sun and a large heart with a dancing sun. The article quotes religious figures and ufologists discussing these events, emphasizing the 'strange and marvelous' aspects that go beyond typical Marian apparitions.

Ufological Research and Secrecy

Thibaut Canuti, in an interview, discusses his extensive research into the history of UFO phenomena, arguing for its ancient origins and the consistent presence of 'thinking alterity' throughout history. He criticizes the 'maudit' (cursed) status of ufology due to its lack of integration into known scientific paradigms, leading to its marginalization and secrecy. Canuti points to the US government's policy of secrecy as a major factor in shaping the global response to UFO sightings.

He expresses skepticism about the idea of 'flying disks,' 'abductions,' and 'Belgian triangles,' suggesting these might be part of a larger 'scene' or misinterpretations of the phenomenon. Canuti believes that UFOs, for a small proportion of cases, conceal an 'alterity, a will or an intelligence' that humanity is not yet equipped to understand. He likens this to the Spanish encountering Native Americans, suggesting a potential communication gap.

Canuti emphasizes the importance of continued ufological research, viewing it as a pioneering effort that will be recognized when humanity inevitably makes contact with another intelligence, provided humanity survives its technological adolescence.

Other Sections

The magazine also includes a section on "PETITES ANNONCES" (Small Ads) offering books on UFOs and related topics. It features a communiqué from Frédéric Praud, webmaster of Studiovni, announcing the site's temporary inactivity due to internal modifications and plans for a complete reconfiguration. Another interview with Jérôme Castel, webmaster of ovnisite.com, discusses his interest in UFOs since childhood and his goal of centralizing information on his website. The magazine also announces new publications, including "Beta Tauri," a new ufological magazine, and upcoming books from JMG éditions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical analysis of UFO sightings, particularly the 1946 Scandinavian wave, the intersection of religious apparitions and UFO phenomena, and the pervasive influence of government secrecy on ufological research. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking to demystify UFOs and religious phenomena by examining them through a more objective and historical lens, while acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the potential for future discoveries. The magazine promotes a serious and objective approach to ufology, moving away from sensationalism and focusing on rigorous investigation.