Internt UFO Forum - 1979 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: INTERNT UFO FORUM
Issue: Nr. 5
Volume: 1. Årgang
Date: September-October 1979
Publisher: NUFOC (Norsk UFO Center)
Type: Internal information organ for Norsk UFO Center.

First London International UFO Congress

The main focus of this issue is the report on the first international UFO congress held in London on August 26th and 27th, 1979. Organized by BUFORA (British UFO Research Association), the congress attracted approximately 400 participants from around the world, including representatives from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, Yugoslavia, Kenya, Cyprus, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Spain, Sweden, South Africa, USA, and West Germany. Five representatives from Norway, all affiliated with NUFOC, attended.

The congress was held over a weekend, coinciding with a Bank Holiday in Britain. The agenda was tightly packed, with pre-submitted topics dominating the discussions. The Norwegian delegation felt there was limited opportunity for spontaneous contributions. The report notes that while the congress was valuable for networking and establishing personal contacts, there was a desire for more opportunities to present their views.

Key speakers and their contributions included:

• Robert Digby (BUFORA): Spoke generally about the UFO phenomenon, using slides.
• Larry Dale (BUFORA): A chemist and member of the Royal Astronomical Society, he presented an analysis of BUFORA's UFO cases from the past three years, identifying recurring patterns in sighting locations.
• Dr. Leo Sprinkle (USA): An advisor for APRO and professor at the University of Wyoming, he discussed the psychological aspects of UFO reports, emphasizing that the observer's perception is key, regardless of whether the phenomenon is physical or psychological.
• Peter Hill (BUFORA): Focused on the impact of mass media on UFO research, arguing that the pursuit of sensationalism by newspapers and magazines has delayed scientific acceptance of the field.
• Edoardo Russo (CUN, Italy): Editor of the UFO magazine "Clypeus," he reported on UFO sightings in Italy, noting approximately 30,000 registered cases since the war, with a significant wave in November 1978 involving numerous close encounters and physical effects.
• Dr. Spinotti: Provided an overview of cases involving police in Italy during the 1978 UFO wave, including instances of police signaling UFOs with lights and receiving light flashes in response.
• Antonio Rebera (Spain): Author and editor of the UFO magazine "Stendek," he shared his ideas and famously stated, "the common sense is the less common of all senses."
• J. Bernard Delair (UFO Contakt, UK): Discussed UFO case catalogs, mentioning the UFOCAT database in the USA (approx. 75,000 cases) and MUFOC in England (approx. 50,000 cases). He highlighted the need for a global UFO case catalog and standardization of reporting details.
• Per Andersen (SUFOI, Denmark): Presented his Project UFO-data, an impressive data analysis system designed to identify patterns in UFO reports.
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek: Director of CUFOS, he warned against "cranks" and emphasized that UFO classification systems should describe how UFOs are observed, not what they are or their origin.
• Dr. Erol Faruk: Demonstrated jordanalysering (earth analysis) and phenomena that can cause the earth to become "self-luminous."
• Vicente-Juan Ballester Olmos (Spain): An engineer and data programmer, he presented Spanish UFO cases and landings.

International Working Party

A significant outcome of the congress was the formation of an international working group, the International Working Party over the UFO Question. This group will focus on terminology, classification, data, and data exchange related to UFO phenomena. Initial members represent Denmark, France, Italy, Great Britain, Spain, and the USA. Peter Hill chaired the concluding session, where it was decided that the term "object" would be replaced by "phenomenon," while "UFO" would remain. The classification key needs to be suitable for data programming, with precise definitions.

NUFOC Activities and Organization

NUFOC is collaborating with a similar data project in Sweden called Project URD (UFO Registrering och Data). Representatives from URD are expected to visit NUFOC to discuss research programs and advanced courses for field researchers. Global cooperation on EDB (Electronic Data Processing) analysis is also being explored, with discussions already held with Dr. Hynek and Dr. Vallee.

The magazine also announces new leadership within NUFOC:

• Gunnar Bertelsen has been appointed Fylkesleder for Hordaland (excluding Bergen), Leader for Nordic UFO Groups's central in Norway, and Leader for the Global Section.
• Konrad Aspen is the new Fylkesleder for Sør-Trøndelag.
• Leif Havik is the new leader for Feltseksjonen SA (Field Section), with plans to expand its scope and potentially establish groups for instrument development and phototechnics.

New telephone numbers for NUFOC departments are also listed.

Other Articles

• "De gåtefulle UFO'er" (The Enigmatic UFOs): This article critiques a report from the New Zealand Air Force, published in Aftenposten, which identified luminous aerial phenomena observed off the northeast coast as non-UFOs. The author finds the explanations provided (atmospheric conditions, unusually bright Venus, Japanese fishing lights) unconvincing and dismisses them as attempts to explain away UFO existence. The article also mentions a TV program featuring Erik Tandberg, who suggested luminous insect swarms as a possible explanation.

• "Er det risikoen verd?" (Is the Risk Worth It?): This piece discusses the ongoing search for signals from extraterrestrial civilizations by scientists in the Soviet Union, USA, and Canada. It quotes Professor Philip Morrison, who believes such messages could unlock new scientific truths, and Michel Thatcher, who expresses skepticism about the potential for a "cultural shock" that could revolutionize or destroy human society.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Intern UFO Forum primarily serves as an internal communication tool for NUFOC, providing updates on the organization's activities, leadership changes, and participation in international UFO research initiatives. The editorial stance is one of active engagement in UFO investigation and data collection, with a clear emphasis on international collaboration and the scientific study of UFO phenomena. The magazine encourages members to contribute their findings and perspectives, while also acknowledging the challenges and potential pitfalls in the field, such as sensationalism in media and the need for rigorous data analysis. The tone is informative and aims to keep NUFOC members abreast of developments both within Norway and globally in the UFO community.

This issue of INTERNT UFO FORUM (Nr. 5/1979) delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, critically examining scientific, psychological, and media-related perspectives. The cover features a provocative comparison: 'UFOet til venstre. Venus til høyre.' The content is primarily in Norwegian, with a focus on UFO investigations and theories.

Article 1: UFOs and Bioluminescent Insects

The issue begins by referencing a study in THE NATURE, which reported on laboratory experiments where insects exhibited St. Elms fire due to electrical discharges in the air. The article questions whether unusual swarms of insects could account for UFO sightings at high altitudes, noting that while astronomers like Tandberg reserved judgment, luminescent insects don't inherently explain UFOs. It also touches upon an interview with astronomer Brahde, who reportedly called a UFO film 'the smallest art,' suggesting it was easily made. The author implies a desire for Brahde to create a similar film to compare with footage from a New Zealand TV team.

The author expresses frustration with experts who avoid admitting they cannot explain certain phenomena, suggesting that acknowledging current scientific limitations is more honest. The magazine positions itself as part of the research effort, aiming to register and understand these unexplained occurrences.

Article 2: Critiquing Media and Expert Explanations

This section criticizes how the media and certain experts, specifically naming Tandberg and Brahde, handle UFO reports. The author argues that these experts, while popular and skilled in their fields, seem unaware of the advancements in UFO research. The analogy is drawn to consulting a heart specialist for black holes or an astronomer for heart disease, highlighting the perceived mismatch in expertise when discussing UFOs. The article laments the media's tendency to seek out these specific individuals for comment, suggesting it leads to superficial explanations that ignore the depth of UFO research.

The author recounts sending an article to Aftenposten, which was rejected due to space limitations. This rejection is followed by a discussion of an illustration used by Berlingske Tidende in Copenhagen, which accompanied a report on UFO events over New Zealand. The illustration placed a photograph of Venus next to UFO footage, implying Venus as the likely explanation. The article points out that while the Venus photo was taken by Mariner 10, the newspaper suggested it was how the planet appears from the Mount John Observatory. The author argues that Venus, at its closest to Earth, would appear as a crescent, not a disk, and that the photographed formations were clearly not Venus. The article questions why Erik Tandberg did not point this out, suggesting a deliberate effort by media outlets to avoid challenging their audience's perceptions and to dismiss UFOs as nonsense.

Article 3: "The Hynek UFO Report" Book Review

This section features a book review by K. Stenødegård of Dr. J. Allen Hynek's new book, "THE HYNEK UFO REPORT." The reviewer praises Hynek's quality, noting that the book goes into greater depth than his previous work, "UFO-EN DOKUMENTASJON." It analyzes over 12,000 observations and 140,000 "Blue Book pages," aiming to distinguish fact from fiction and expose what authorities may have hidden. The review mentions that the book covers the US Air Force's Project Blue Book and the Condon Report.

Crucially, the book was written after US authorities were compelled to release previously classified UFO material, following demands based on the Freedom of Information Act. This made previously secret FBI and CIA documents accessible to the public, with some exceptions. The reviewer highlights that the material is now available at the National Archives in Washington D.C. Dr. Hynek's meticulous review of certain cases is described as particularly interesting, revealing significant shortcomings in official UFO investigations, especially Project Blue Book. The book presents documentary evidence showing that official spokesmen from the US Air Force knowingly lied to individuals seeking information about UFO cases.

Of particular interest to UFO researchers, the book includes detailed analyses of well-known UFO photographs, such as the 'Trinidad' images. The reviewer notes that the official US explanation for these events, as written in reports, is so unbelievable that it should be known by everyone. Dr. Hynek's foreword suggests that while many equate UFOs with alien spaceships, his studies of UFO reports indicate that some form of 'intelligence' is behind them, posing the question of its nature and origin. The reviewer highly recommends the book for both beginners and advanced readers in the field.

The review concludes with publication details: "THE HYNEK UFO REPORT" by Dell Publishing Co., Inc., New York, 1977, with 2nd, 3rd, and 4th printings in 1978. It has approximately 300 pages, is a paperback, and costs 23.50 Danish Kroner. It can be ordered from Jensen & Suadicani in Odense, Denmark.

Article 4: Counter-argumentation Against the "Parapsychological Model"

This article presents a counter-argument to the 'parapsychological model,' which posits that UFOs are materializations of human psychic energy, triggered by collective anxiety. The author acknowledges that this model might explain some facts not covered by the 'spaceship hypothesis' but claims it conflicts with other facts to a degree that makes it highly inconsistent. Two examples are provided:

1. Ectoplasm vs. UFOs: The author questions whether there are any documented cases in parapsychology literature of 'spiritual' materializations that resemble UFOs. A recent claim by an amateur parapsychologist suggested similarities between ectoplasm and UFOs or their occupants. However, the article emphasizes that experiments with ectoplasm, particularly those by Dr. Eugen Osty with medium Rudy Schneider, show it absorbs infrared light and causes cold. In contrast, UFOs are known for emitting intense heat, capable of drying out moist terrain and hindering plant growth. This stark difference in thermal properties is presented as a major discrepancy.

2. UFOs as Constructed Machines: The article argues that even a superficial comparison of UFOs with ectoplasm overlooks key signs that UFOs appear as constructed machines. It questions the ability to imagine an analogy between ectoplasmic forms and flying objects that can reflect radar, emit light, produce sounds, generate electromagnetic effects, leave marks on the ground, and move as if guided by an intelligence. If UFOs were parapsychological materializations, they would represent a completely novel phenomenon, unlike any known mediumistic effects.

The author concedes that UFOs exhibit 'paranormal' characteristics and that analogies exist between extraordinary phenomena. However, these analogies are not sufficient to categorize UFOs as merely a specific type of effect stemming from the human mind. The article suggests that UFOs are 'much, much more than that.'

Even when assuming the 'parapsychological' model might be correct for the sake of argument, the author notes that a scientific approach requires establishing temporal and geographical correlations between UFO frequencies and psychosocial factors, as well as their forms and technical/cultural influences. The article states that no such correlations have been found. UFO waves are localized in time and space, typically covering areas the size of France and lasting for weeks or months. However, these waves show no correlation with 'stressed' populations or individual states of mind, as suggested by some proponents of the parapsychological model. A critical analysis by N. Greslou is cited as supporting this conclusion.

Article 5: Counter-argumentation Against the "Waking Hallucination" Model

This section addresses the 'waking hallucination' model, also referred to as the 'waking dream,' which some 'rationalist circles' use when witness testimony and data are too strong to be dismissed as simple misidentification of natural objects or phenomena. The author argues that there is ample material in Dr. Claude Poher's statistical studies to refute this model.

Poher's results indicate that the number of UFO sightings increases with the angle of elevation above the horizon, consistent with Bouguer's law, which describes the increase in atmospheric transparency with decreasing atmospheric thickness. This suggests UFOs are physical phenomena or objects, following optical absorption laws, which rules out psychotic hallucinations. However, it doesn't entirely exclude new types of spontaneous hallucinations triggered by the sight of a real phenomenon or object that the witness cannot identify.

The article questions the plausibility of such a 'waking hallucination' hypothesis, noting that sensory disturbances are usually brief. It uses the example of a driver at night briefly imagining an obstacle due to fatigue. However, UFO sightings are described as different: they are often strange, frightening, and rich in detail, occurring in broad daylight and lasting for several minutes. Witnesses are typically mentally normal and sober. The author asserts that psychiatric literature, lacking a 'UFO symptomatology,' does not report prolonged or deep hallucinations in mentally healthy individuals, even under low states of consciousness, unless they suffer from pathological disorders.

Article 6: UFOs and Waves

This part of the discussion explores how UFOs, when appearing in waves or series, can reproduce specific forms imagined by authors in distant lands where these waves occur. An example is given of the 'Albatross-version' UFOs observed in the American Midwest in 1897, a period limited to a few weeks. The author dismisses the idea that Midwestern farmers witnessing this event could have been influenced by a psychic atmosphere inspired by Jules Verne's stories, or that indigenous people in Papua are influenced by Western science fiction. The article concludes that while UFOs might be inspired by figures and forms created by human imagination, there is no direct link between the frequency and location of these waves and the collective thought areas of the population believed to trigger the phenomenon. Therefore, while the psychic activity creating UFOs might be influenced by human psyche, it is fundamentally separate from it.

Article 7: UFOs and Visual Perception

This section revisits the 'waking hallucination' model, arguing against it by referencing Dr. Claude Poher's findings. Poher's studies show that the annual number of UFO sightings is proportional to the amount of sunlight, indicating a correlation with atmospheric transparency. This supports the idea that UFOs are physical phenomena or objects, adhering to optical laws, and thus ruling out simple psychotic hallucinations. However, the possibility of new, spontaneous hallucinations triggered by a real but unidentifiable phenomenon is not entirely dismissed.

The article questions the plausibility of such a hypothesis, noting that sensory disturbances are usually short-lived. It contrasts brief driver illusions with the detailed, prolonged sightings of UFOs by mentally normal individuals. The author states that psychiatric literature does not report such prolonged hallucinations in healthy individuals, even those with mild consciousness disturbances, unless they have underlying pathological disorders.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. It challenges simplistic explanations, particularly those offered by mainstream media and certain experts who are perceived as uninformed or dismissive of serious UFO research. The publication emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific investigation and data analysis, as exemplified by the review of Dr. J. Allen Hynek's work. There is a clear skepticism towards purely psychological explanations like mass hallucination or parapsychological materialization, favoring the view that UFOs represent a physical phenomenon, possibly of intelligent origin, that current science cannot fully explain. The magazine positions itself as a platform for serious discussion and research into these unexplained occurrences, advocating for honesty and a deeper understanding of the UFO mystery.