Intern Avis For NUFOC - 1978 no 02

Magazine Overview

This document is issue number 2 of the internal bulletin from Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC), dated March 6, 1978. The publication is in Norwegian and is priced at kr. 45,- for the annual membership fee.

Contents

UFO Exhibition by NUFOC East

The issue details a UFO exhibition organized by NUFOC East in Hønefoss during December. The event featured slide presentations and a lecture by Knut Aasheim, which captivated the audience. Despite other local events, a significant number of people attended, and Aasheim was surrounded by curious spectators after his presentation. The event, which lasted four hours, was considered a success, with some attendees finding it difficult to leave.

Financial Reports

Detailed financial reports for the NUFOC Main Cash Office (HOVEDKASSEN) are presented for the period from October 13, 1976, to December 31, 1977. These include a balance sheet and a profit and loss account. The reports itemize income and expenses across various accounts, including cash, giro, and specific regional branches (Trondheim, Bergen, Syd, Øst). The total balance as of December 31, 1977, shows equal debits and credits of 5,296.90.

Membership Fees and Administration

An article discusses the terms 'establishment contribution', 'affiliation', 'contribution', and 'fee', suggesting they are overly complex. It advocates for simpler terms like 'membership fee' and 'annual contribution'. The author, E. Fjeldberg, the accountant/cashier, explains the rationale behind these fees. The membership fee compensates for the costs associated with registering a new member, while the annual contribution covers ongoing expenses for department and section leaders, including the financing of the internal bulletin, which accounts for nearly half of the fee. The bulletin is exclusively for members who have paid their dues.

Bermuda Triangle

A report titled 'Bermuda Triangle Claims New Lives' details the disappearance of a US Navy jet bomber off the US East Coast, carrying two crew members. This incident, which occurred near the area encompassing Bermuda, Puerto Rico, and Norfolk, Virginia, has fueled the belief among many Americans that the region is 'unsettling'. The report also recalls a 1945 incident where five US Navy torpedo planes and a subsequent rescue plane with 13 crew members vanished in the same area. The article notes that despite extensive searches, no trace of the recent jet or its crew was found.

Three UFO Incidents Explained

This section, attributed to T. Hansen, critiques Ronald Schiller's article in 'Det Beste' which attempts to debunk Ufology. The article focuses on Philip Klass's explanations for UFO phenomena. One case involves a US Army helicopter encounter near Hansfield, Ohio, on October 18, 1973. The helicopter crew reported a glowing red object that appeared to be a grey metallic structure, 15-18 meters long, which then moved away at high speed. Klass explains this as a meteor, suggesting the crew mistook it for a UFO due to atmospheric conditions and the helicopter's ascent. The article also touches upon the Travis Walton case, quoting psychiatrist Rosenbaum who states that while Walton may believe his experience was real, 'nothing actually happened'. The author expresses skepticism about Klass's methods, implying they can explain away any phenomenon.

Film: 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'

This article discusses the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' and the surge in media interest surrounding UFOs. It notes that many newspapers have covered the film with a serious tone. The article highlights a TV appearance on 'Etter dags revyen' where Arne Dørcke and Rolf Brande commented on the film. Brande, from the Institute of Astrophysics, is criticized for focusing solely on explained cases involving Venus and meteors, showing a lack of willingness to engage with the broader UFO problem. The author suggests that this approach has stalled discussions for 30 years, yielding only meaningless remarks. The article acknowledges that some scenes in the film may appear overly fantastic, but asserts that the UFO events depicted are based on real observations and provide a reasonably accurate portrayal of a 'close encounter'. It encourages continued debate and active participation from the public to ensure the film's informative impact.

Scientists Admit 'Quasi-Science'

This brief section, referencing a VG article from March 6, 1978, points to growing interest in 'quasi-science' such as astrology, spiritualism, and theories about flying saucers. It notes the proliferation of books and media on these topics, with thousands of people participating in related groups and organizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include UFO sightings and investigations, financial management of the Norsk UFO Center, and the debunking or explanation of UFO phenomena, often through scientific or conventional means. The editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement with the UFO topic, encouraging member participation and critical discussion, while also acknowledging and sometimes critiquing attempts to explain away UFO events. There is a clear interest in promoting the UFO phenomenon and challenging dismissive attitudes, particularly in the context of media coverage like the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'.

Title: VG
Issue Date: March 6, 1978
Content Type: Newspaper article (likely from a magazine section or supplement)
Language: Norwegian

Main Article: The Rise of Quasi-Science and UFO Theories

The article discusses a significant backlash against "quasi-science" (pseudoscience) in the USA, where a collective of scientists, psychologists, sociologists, and illusionists have formed an organization called "Zetetic." The primary aim of Zetetic is to combat "pseudo-sciences" and they publish a journal that critically examines phenomena such as astrological predictions, finding them to be no more accurate than simple guesswork. The organization faces opposition not only from those involved in pseudoscientific fields but also from mainstream scientists who argue that Zetetic gives undue publicity to subjects that do not warrant attention.

One of the arguments presented is that individuals already convinced of pseudoscientific beliefs, like astrology, will continue to hold them regardless of scientific criticism. Another concern is that critiquing quasi-science might inadvertently lead to conflict with religious beliefs. However, Zetetic counters this by stating that while genuine religions do not claim to be empirically provable or disprovable, quasi-science makes concrete assertions and claims to be scientific truth.

Quasi-Science in Norway

In Norway, scientists express a serious concern that quasi-science distorts reality and makes it challenging for people to differentiate between legitimate science and pseudoscientific confusion. While quasi-science is not as widespread in Norway as in the USA, it is experiencing rapid growth. Alongside traditional spiritualism, there are now groups in Norway focusing on UFOs and "flying saucers."

The Origins of UFO Theories

The article traces the origin of UFO theories back approximately 30 years, noting that they stem from various stories that have since been exposed as outright fabrications. A particularly famous example cited is that of American George Adamski, who claimed to have not only encountered but also traveled into outer space aboard a flying saucer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this article are the critical examination of pseudoscience, the role of scientific organizations in debunking unfounded claims, and the specific phenomenon of UFO theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards quasi-science, advocating for a clear distinction between scientific inquiry and pseudoscientific assertions. The article highlights the efforts of scientists to maintain the integrity of scientific discourse by challenging unsubstantiated claims and misinformation, particularly concerning UFOs and astrology.