Internt UFO Forum - 1979 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: INTERNT FORUM
Issue: Nr. 1
Year: 1979
Publisher: NORSK UFO CENTER

This issue of INTERNT FORUM, the internal information organ of the Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC), focuses on the critical analysis of UFO explanations and proposes a structured approach to UFO research.

Editorial Stance

The editorial stance is critical of simplistic explanations for UFO phenomena, particularly those that dismiss sightings as misinterpretations or hoaxes. The magazine advocates for a serious, scientific approach to understanding unexplained aerial phenomena.

Articles and Content

"Observator Rolf Brahde OM UFO"

This article critiques an interview with observer Rolf Brahde published in the newspaper "Nationen". Brahde, presented as an authority, attributes UFO sightings to common phenomena such as the planet Venus, balloons, or reflections in windows. The magazine argues that Brahde's explanations are superficial and ignore the more substantial, unexplained UFO cases. It points out that Brahde's approach is typical of many who resist serious UFO investigation, focusing only on cases that can be easily explained away, while neglecting well-documented sightings by credible witnesses.

The article highlights that Brahde, like many other skeptics, consistently talks about misinterpretations and fraud, avoiding solid cases of large objects seen at close range by multiple credible witnesses in broad daylight. It also notes that Brahde's perspective is similar to that of many scientists who initially dismissed UFOs but later changed their views after studying the evidence. The author suggests that Brahde is still at an early stage of understanding the UFO problem, similar to how scientists like Dr. McDonald and J. Allen Hynek began before they shifted their perspectives.

The author of the article, K. Stenødegård, points out two key issues with the "Nationen" interview: its vagueness and the fact that Brahde's statements align with a classic pattern of UFO skepticism. The article contrasts Brahde's views with the broader scientific community, mentioning that many prominent scientists would likely find the "Nationen" interview embarrassing for Norway. It also touches upon the idea that UFO reports are not necessarily indicative of mass panic, citing scientific evidence that increased public attention does not necessarily lead to more reports.

"Norsk UFO Centers stillfilm"

This section announces a "stillfilm" produced by NUFOC, consisting of 80 slides with audio commentary. This film is a revised version of a film by UFO-Sverige and is intended for informational and outreach purposes as part of a Nordic collaboration. Information on how to obtain or view the film is provided, including contact details for Odd G. Røed.

"Åpent brev til UFO - forskere: Et forslag til undersøkelse av 10 punkter" by Jacques Vallee

This is a translation of an open letter from Jacques Vallee, proposing a systematic, 10-point research agenda for UFO phenomena. Vallee argues that after three decades of observations, confusion persists, with two main theories dominating: that objects are conventional, or that they are extraterrestrial. He finds both theories unsatisfactory.

Vallee asserts that scientific inquiry is essential and criticizes the official scientific community for ignoring or downplaying the UFO problem for decades. He notes that independent researchers have had to develop their own terminology and methods, often working without official support and thus lacking access to scientific resources. Despite these efforts, a comprehensive theory remains elusive, with results being fragmented.

He emphasizes that UFO research is a legitimate scientific field, not separate from general science. He argues that pioneers in fields like aviation and radio astronomy were initially considered amateurs but their work became recognized when integrated into the scientific framework. Vallee believes UFO research is at a similar stage. He criticizes ufologists for viewing scientists as outsiders and for blaming scientists for their lack of progress.

Vallee's 10-point proposal aims to address fundamental technical problems in UFO observation, data collection, and classification. These points include:

1. Developing an information and investigation system for UFO observations.
2. Discussing and improving existing archives and classification systems, aiming to catalog thousands of observations for computer analysis.
3. Creating a serious and exhaustive list of unusual celestial phenomena reported by professional scientists in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.
4. Compiling a chronological list of other observations (not in point 3) up to September 1939.
5. Gathering precise information on "foo-fighters" observed during World War II.
6. Translating and reprinting Scandinavian UFO wave documents from 1946.
7. Establishing a network of shortwave radio stations to track unusual objects and electromagnetic disturbances.
8. Critically reviewing procedures for report taking and questionnaires used.
9. Conducting a serious sociological study of patterns related to UFO phenomena and potential public panic.
10. Reorganizing local UFO research where it has stalled due to internal disputes, and creating a global list of reputable organizations and journals.

Vallee acknowledges that some of these problems have been partially addressed, but none are fully solved. He notes that points 1 and 2 are close to completion, while points 3, 4, and 6 require bibliographical work. Points 1, 2, and 9 need organized groups with computer access, and point 8 requires access to official archives. Point 9, in particular, may need official support and funding. Vallee concludes by challenging existing UFO groups to undertake these tasks, suggesting that their effectiveness can be tested by their willingness to tackle these fundamental problems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes are the critique of simplistic or dismissive explanations for UFO phenomena, the importance of rigorous scientific methodology in UFO research, and the need for organized, systematic data collection and analysis. The editorial stance is one of advocating for a serious, evidence-based approach to UFO investigation, challenging both the public's and the scientific community's often superficial engagement with the topic.

Title: INTERNT UFO FORUM
Issue: 1/1979
Volume: 12
Date: January 1979
Publisher: NORSK UFO CENTER
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of INTERNT UFO FORUM, the internal information bulletin for NORSK UFO CENTER, focuses on the enigmatic nature of UFOs and the challenges in their scientific investigation. It features articles that critique the approach of some UFO researchers, examine official investigations, and explore historical and physical evidence related to unexplained aerial phenomena.

Article: Critique of UFO Research Approaches

The issue opens with a critical assessment of UFO research, arguing that many researchers have been hampered by their own limited theories and a lack of objective analysis. The author contends that instead of rigorous investigation, many have indulged in uncritical acceptance of rumors and speculative theories, focusing on 'imaginary' evidence rather than empirical data. This approach has allegedly led to a reduction of the field into a debate between proponents and opponents, alienating the public and causing scientific organizations to ignore the problem.

The article asserts that an unexplained phenomenon undeniably exists and requires thorough investigation. It identifies ten key problems that must be solved before a coherent theory about UFOs can be presented, acknowledging that the true nature and origin of UFOs are currently beyond reach. The author emphasizes the need to move beyond mere discussion and engage in constructive, analytical work.

Article: Einstein's General Relativity and Mars Missions

This section briefly mentions an experiment using American Viking spacecraft to test Einstein's general theory of relativity by measuring the time it takes for radio signals to travel between Earth and Mars. The experiment aims for a ten times more precise result than previous attempts. The test involves measuring signal travel time when Mars passes behind the sun, as seen from Earth. The relativistic braking effect near the sun is predicted to lengthen the travel time by 0.2 milliseconds, with radio equipment capable of time measurements to within 0.1 microseconds.

Article: "The Enigmatic UFOs" - A Series Introduction

This section introduces a series of articles by Hans Aass, originally published in Agderposten, which aim to present a UFOlogist's perspective on the UFO problem. The author notes that the first article in this series is reproduced here, with more to follow in subsequent issues.

"The Condon Report and Blue Book"

This article critically examines two major US government investigations into UFOs: the Condon Report (1969) and Project Blue Book. The author, writing from a UFOlogist's viewpoint, contrasts the scientific approach with the findings of these reports.

Critique of Scientific Skepticism: The article begins by referencing earlier articles by Infantry Captain Sverre Evensen, which, from an astronomical perspective, suggested UFOs could not exist as physical objects. The author argues that Evensen's understanding of the UFO problem is not as deep as his astronomical knowledge. The author states that while scientists may struggle to define UFO phenomena, a UFO is simply an unidentified flying object. The core of the scientific argument against UFOs, as presented by Evensen, relies on the vast distances in space and the immense technological advancements required for interstellar travel, as well as the dangers of cosmic radiation.

The Condon Report: The article discusses the 1969 Condon Report, which concluded that UFOs were not extraterrestrial and could be explained by conventional phenomena. The author notes that this conclusion was widely publicized and accepted by scientific groups. However, the report faced significant criticism, with many believing its conclusion was predetermined by the air force. The article points out that despite the official conclusion, 30 cases within the report remained unexplained. It suggests that the perceived 'unreasonableness' of the official stance actually sparked interest in the UFO case among scientists.

Project Blue Book: The article then turns to Project Blue Book, another official US investigation that was dissolved in 1969. It covered 12,618 reports from 1947 to 1969, with 701 remaining unexplained. These unexplained cases were allegedly classified as top secret for up to 50 years, with reserve officers tasked with removing information that could identify witnesses. The official reason for Blue Book's dissolution was that no reports indicated hostility, thus posing no threat to national security. The author finds it peculiar that such effort was made to conceal something that supposedly didn't exist and questions the eagerness of some scientists to avoid the UFO problem, citing the principle: "It is unbelievable, therefore it is impossible."

Physical Evidence: The article acknowledges that concrete proof of UFO existence is elusive, but points to physical evidence such as ground imprints, scorched lawns, and broken branches. Specific examples from Norway are cited: large imprints in Namsenfjorden (June 9, 1972), a large ring in Espevær (Autumn 1976), rings on a lawn in Svelvik (August 13, 1977), and imprints near Hønefoss (October 25, 1977), where the landing was reportedly observed.

Cosmic Radiation and Life: The article addresses the argument that cosmic radiation makes interstellar travel hazardous. It counters that life on Earth itself evolved under harsh conditions, with the ozone layer forming only after 4 billion years to protect the surface. The author suggests that extraterrestrial intelligences would likely have developed ways to protect themselves from such radiation, just as human astronauts do.

Vastness of the Universe and Technological Advancement: The author emphasizes the immense age of the universe (12-15 billion years) compared to the solar system (4.6 billion years), suggesting ample opportunity for life to have evolved elsewhere, potentially billions of years before Earth. While acknowledging the vast distances, the article highlights human technological progress over the last 10,000 years, from walking to jet travel and space probes, reaching speeds of 171,000 km/h with the Pioneer II probe. This progress, the author argues, demonstrates humanity's ability to harness cosmic forces like gravity, hinting that extraterrestrial intelligences may have already mastered antigravity.

Antigravity and UFO Behavior: The article posits that UFOs might utilize antigravity, explaining their ability to ascend vertically without sound, hover, and exhibit other seemingly physics-defying maneuvers. The physical traces left by UFOs, such as imprints, indicate they possess physical weight.

Landing Traces in Norway: Detailed descriptions of landing traces are provided: at Hønefoss, three egg-shaped imprints (approx. 14.5 x 36 cm, 10 cm deep) were found on newly plowed land, suggesting a relatively light craft. In Namsenfjorden, over 30 imprints were found, possibly from objects with three legs or pads forming a triangle with 9-meter spacing. Each leg left a triangular imprint with sharp sides, 160 cm wide and 30-40 cm deep. The landing site in Namsenfjorden was a flat clay area extending about 100 meters from the forest edge, subject to flooding.

Article: "The Art of Flying" (Flyvekunsten)

This article explores the concept of ancient flying machines, referencing the Sanskrit term "vimaana viday," meaning "the science of building and maneuvering flying machines." It suggests that ancient civilizations, even in what is considered humanity's infancy, may have possessed advanced knowledge of flight.

The classical Indian epic MAHABHARATA is cited as describing an "aerial chariot with sides of iron and clad with wings." The RAMAYANA describes a "vimaana" as a double-decker, round aircraft with vents and a dome, flying at "wind speed" and emitting a "melodious sound." The text notes that the ancient text depicts the flyer observing the sea as a puddle from high altitudes.

The author suggests that these accounts are part of a broader pattern of evidence for a "golden past" that scientists lack a ready explanation for. When explanations are offered, they are often categorized as cultural artifacts or religious myths. In some cases, scientists refuse to engage with the problem at all.

The article poses several questions: Why are there traditions of a golden age instead of a primitive past? What causes knowledge to rise and fall? If modern humans are newcomers, who created cave paintings of extinct animals? How were electric batteries made thousands of years ago? Why do myths of sky-beings appear globally? The author acknowledges that many of these ideas are considered "bold and fantastic theories" but argues that progress in all scientific fields has always stemmed from bold ventures that risked failure and ridicule.

It is speculated that souvenirs from space might be hidden among archaeological ruins, cave paintings, and museum exhibits, or that these might be traces of past cultures that destroyed themselves. The article concludes by stating that the questions are many, but the answers are few.

Contact Information and Membership

The final pages provide contact details for various regional branches of NUFOC (Norsk UFO Center) across Norway, including addresses and phone numbers for their emergency response sections, research sections, and administrative offices. It also lists the central administration in Trondheim and offices in Bergen, Stavanger, and Arendal. Information is provided for the Norsk UFO Centers Tidsskrift Rapportnytt, including subscription prices and ordering details. The bulletin itself, "INTERNT UFO FORUM," is described as the membership magazine for Norsk UFO Center, with six issues per year. Membership, costing 50 NOK annually, includes a subscription to the forum. Contact information for the editorial team and printing company is also included.

A section also advertises a 20% discount on Science Fiction catalogs for members of UFO-KØ (Kalmar Ølands UFO-Førening) in Sweden.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent mystery of UFO phenomena, the perceived shortcomings of conventional scientific approaches to the subject, and the exploration of historical and physical evidence that challenges established narratives. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for more open-minded and objective investigation into UFOs, questioning official explanations, and highlighting the potential significance of ancient texts and unexplained physical traces as clues to a deeper understanding of the phenomenon and possibly ancient human history.