Intern Avis For NUFOC - 1978 no 09

Magazine Overview

This document is the internal newsletter (Intern Avis) for Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC), issue number 9, dated October 31, 1978. The cover features the title prominently, along with a date and various line drawings of UFOs and related imagery. The newsletter is published by Norsk UFO Center and is intended for its members.

Content Summary

Organizational Structure and Membership

The newsletter begins by outlining the subscription details for the internal newsletter, requiring an annual membership fee of kr. 45,- and providing the postal and editorial addresses. It then delves into a discussion about the nature of membership within NUFOC, particularly addressing the concept of 'passive membership'. The editorial stance is strongly against passivity, emphasizing that NUFOC was founded to be an active organization with clear action programs. The text explains that the initial idea was to avoid the typical association model and focus on concrete goals. A questionnaire was distributed to gauge the interests and qualifications of members to better utilize their potential. The role of 'field researchers' is discussed, noting the need for training and the challenges posed by geographical distances. The newsletter stresses that a return to 'passive membership' would fundamentally alter NUFOC's identity.

It further explores the reasons behind the desire for passive membership, suggesting it might stem from a wish to participate in meetings or receive information without active commitment. The newsletter clarifies that passive members would not have rights such as ID cards, access to the internal newsletter, or voting rights. The discussion then shifts to the possibility of forming local groups independently of the main NUFOC structure, provided they do not act in the name of NUFOC or use its name publicly. Such groups are encouraged to cooperate with NUFOC.

Landsmøtet and Landsstyret

A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to clarifying the roles and relationship between the Landsmøtet (National Meeting) and the Landsstyret (National Board). The editorial notes that there was considerable, sometimes heated, discussion at the Landsmøtet, partly due to misunderstandings. It reiterates that according to the bylaws (§ 5 A and B), the Landsstyret's decisions are the highest authority. The Landsstyret comprises the SA's board and department leaders, with each having one vote. The Landsstyret is mandated to meet at least once a year to discuss the overall situation and make decisions.

In contrast, the Landsmøtet is described as having a different function: to be an occasion for members to gather, socialize, and discuss specific issues and problems that have arisen within the organization during the year. The Landsmøtet serves as a 'consultative body' for the Landsstyret, providing a forum for debate and input. However, any binding decisions must originate from the Landsstyret. The newsletter emphasizes that the bylaws can be amended to ensure NUFOC can fulfill its objectives.

It is highlighted that NUFOC's structure is somewhat democratic, with department leaders often polling their section leaders before voting in the Landsstyret, and SA leaders doing the same with their section leaders. The newsletter argues against the idea of allowing a large number of newly arrived members, who may lack understanding of NUFOC's work, to have significant influence on decisions.

UFO Theories and Observations

The newsletter then introduces a section on UFO theories, specifically featuring the ideas of Margit Sandemo from Valdres. Sandemo, an author and cultural prize winner, has studied UFOs and proposes a theory that UFOs might originate from one of Jupiter's moons. She suggests that Jupiter might not be a planet but a dying sun, and that its 'moons' are actually planets. She posits that life could exist on these planets and that UFOs might be beings from these worlds seeking refuge, possibly on Earth, because their own environment has become uninhabitable. This theory is linked to observations of large 'plastic bubbles' descending into the sea, potentially related to a mothership in the Bermuda Triangle.

Sandemo expresses frustration with the dismissal of UFO sightings, particularly the tendency to attribute them to misidentifications of Venus. She argues that such dismissals devalue the experiences of observers. She also mentions that Jeane Dixon, a well-known psychic, predicted that UFOs would make contact and come from a planet near Jupiter.

The newsletter also touches upon the Soviet astronomer Nikolai Kosyrov's hypothesis that Jupiter might be a cooling star rather than a planet, with internal temperatures up to 196,000 degrees Celsius due to nuclear reactions. This scientific speculation is used to support Sandemo's theory.

Call for Participation

The newsletter concludes with a call for members to submit questions, ideas, or suggestions to the internal newsletter, emphasizing its role as a communication channel. It encourages members to reach out to their local section leaders if they feel isolated or need to connect with other members in their area. The overarching message is a call to combat passivity and encourage active engagement within NUFOC.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the organizational structure and operational principles of NUFOC, the importance of active membership, and the exploration of UFO theories. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of an active, engaged membership and a structured, board-led organization. There is a strong emphasis on clarifying roles and responsibilities to ensure the organization functions effectively towards its stated goals. The exploration of UFO theories, particularly Sandemo's, highlights the magazine's commitment to investigating and discussing various hypotheses within the field of ufology.