Intern Avis For NUFOC - 1978 no 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of INTERN avis for NUFOC (Internal News for NUFOC), dated March 31, 1978, is the second volume and third issue. It is published by NORSK UFO CENTER and is in Norwegian. The cover features a collage of flying objects and the headline 'INTERN avis for NUFOC'. The price for the annual subscription is noted as kr.45,-.

Table of Contents

The issue's table of contents lists the following articles:

• ORGANISASJONSMESSIG. Tidsskriftene, Argus-abonnement, stillfilmen, nordisk møte (Organizational. The periodicals, Argus subscription, filmstrip, Nordic meeting)
• Kort orientering fra NUFOC ØST (Brief orientation from NUFOC East)
• PRESSE OG UKEBLAD. Nærkontakt av tredje grad. (Press and weekly paper. Close Encounters of the Third Kind.)
• Kulelyn (Ball lightning)

Subscription Crisis and Call to Action

The editorial section highlights a critical situation regarding the number of subscribers to NUFOC's publications, 'UFO Forum' and 'Rapportnytt'. The organization lost nearly 100 subscribers in 1978, while gaining only about 80 new ones. The editor expresses alarm at the significant drop in subscribers from 1977. The primary reason suggested for this decline is a kr.10,- increase in the subscription price at the beginning of the year. The editor questions if this small increase is truly the sole reason for so many subscribers leaving, emphasizing that 'UFO Forum' is essential for those wishing to follow UFO-related developments in Norway. The need for financial support for the periodicals is stressed.

To address this, the publication urges all members and contacts to actively inform the public about NUFOC's work and its periodicals whenever they have contact with people, such as at events or exhibitions. The film 'NARKONTAKT AV TREDJE GRAD' (Close Encounters of the Third Kind) and the insights of Thorvald Berthelsen are mentioned as opportunities to make NUFOC known. Members are also encouraged to place advertisements in local newspapers, with financial support available through the main fund if necessary. Suggestions for other initiatives to increase subscriptions are welcomed.

Reporting System Issues

An issue with the reporting system is noted, where appointed reporters have consistently failed to send in press clippings as agreed. The editorial team suspects these individuals are either not reading the newspapers they are assigned or have forgotten their role as reporters.

Filmstrip and Nordic Meeting

The issue mentions that the filmstrip 'Nærkontakt av tredje grad' has arrived and is available in three copies. It is expected to provide significant opportunities and will be loaned out to sections and individuals. The publication requests feedback on the film to help create a list of those interested in borrowing it.

The Nordic meeting, scheduled to take place in Tønsberg during Pentecost, is reported to be well-organized, with international colleagues confirmed to attend. This event is described as a significant undertaking that will likely impact future developments.

Regional Divisions and New Representative

NUFOC's organizational structure is detailed with a map showing the divisions: NUFOC Midt-Norge, NUFOC Vest, NUFOC Øst, and NUFOC Sør. The importance of cross-border cooperation is emphasized.

In the North, a new contact in Narvik has expressed strong interest in NUFOC's work and is willing to contribute. This individual is expected to form the basis for a new NUFOC Nord-Norge department. Preparations are underway for the 'NARKONTAKT' event in Narvik in April, and the new contact has already recruited five other people.

NUFOC Øst Update

A brief report from NUFOC Øst (Leirsund) explains the "dormant period" in 1977 due to the construction of a house. The report details an incident on October 25th involving an unidentified object landing near Alm school in Åsbygda. Dag Heim attempted to report this, but telecommunication issues and a prior phone line closure complicated matters. The incident was eventually reported to the field investigation sections in Moss and Tønsberg. The need for more field investigation sections within NUFOC Øst is highlighted, with Tønsberg and Hønefoss being identified as natural additions. The report also mentions that Drammen and Lillestrøm have responded to incidents, possessing the necessary equipment. All members are encouraged to obtain the 'Veiledning for feltforskere' (Guide for Field Researchers) to be prepared for investigations. Field researchers and reporters in the Østlandet region are asked to request report forms from Elbjørg Fjeldberg.

Financial and Personnel Changes

Erik Fjeldberg has resigned from his positions as treasurer and representative for NUFOC. He has agreed to continue in a passive capacity until a replacement is found, but no later than January 1, 1979. The organization expresses regret over the loss of a capable and responsible team member and thanks him for his service.

Film Review: 'Nærkontakt av tredje grad'

A press clipping from 'Arbeideravisa' dated March 11, 1978, reviews the film 'Nærkontakt av tredje grad'. The review criticizes the film's presentation, suggesting it appeals to a specific group of 'saved UFO enthusiasts' and influences the public through mass media. The reviewer finds the film boring and considers it a speculative product designed to make money, especially since it was released in cooperation with Norsk UFO Center. The review questions the likelihood of the film's depicted events, such as alien spacecraft landing and the disappearance of soldiers. The reviewer, P.E. Randen, expresses skepticism, likening the film's claims to people worshipping Odin and Tor, and suggests that NUFOC should have pointed out the speculative nature of the film's ending.

The editorial response to Randen's review acknowledges his humor but criticizes his demand for a UFO to be placed in front of his office window to believe in the phenomenon. The response agrees with Randen that the probability of the film's specific events occurring is unknown. It suggests that many 'saved UFO enthusiasts' might feel deeply insulted by the film's portrayal.

Ball Lightning (Kulelyn)

This section provides a detailed description of ball lightning, citing a German journal and research by Dr. Axel Wittmann. Ball lightning is described as a rare phenomenon that researchers and meteorologists still struggle to explain. While it can appear in daylight, it is rarely observed. Dr. Wittmann's research suggests that most ball lightning has a diameter of less than a meter, averaging around 20 cm, and emits light across the spectrum. Its occurrence is not strongly linked to bright light. It often appears near the ground, moving horizontally or vertically at speeds of 2-3 m/s, but can reach much higher speeds at higher altitudes. Its duration is typically short (4-5 seconds, up to 30 seconds), often accompanied by crackling sounds. The phenomenon usually ends with a simple fading or, occasionally, an explosion. It can sometimes cause destruction, water heating, or even death. The article notes that the long duration compared to regular lightning is striking, and the physical formation of the ball shape remains a mystery. Advances in understanding ball lightning are expected through film documentation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the internal organization and operational challenges of NUFOC, including subscriber numbers, regional structure, and reporting efficiency. There is a strong emphasis on public outreach and making NUFOC known, particularly through media and events. The review of 'Nærkontakt av tredje grad' reveals a critical stance towards sensationalism and commercial exploitation of the UFO phenomenon, advocating for a more grounded and less speculative approach. The detailed report on ball lightning showcases the organization's interest in unexplained phenomena beyond traditional UFO sightings, presenting scientific research and observations. The editorial stance appears to be one of pragmatic management, critical analysis of media portrayals, and a commitment to informing the public while seeking financial stability for its publications.