Internt UFO Forum - 1980 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: INTERNT UFO FORUM
Issue: Nr. 4 1980
Publisher: NORSK UFO CENTER
Date: April 1980

This issue of Internt UFO Forum delves into various aspects of UFO research and reporting, featuring articles on NASA's hypothetical approach to exploring inhabited planets, the official French UFO investigation agency GEPAN, and a specific case from Norway involving unusual markings on a rooftop.

NASA's Program for Exploring an Inhabited Planet

The lead article, "NASA's program for utforskning av en bebodd planet" (NASA's program for exploring an inhabited planet), poses the question of why UFOs might not be making direct contact. It outlines a hypothetical, detailed protocol for a space agency's approach to exploring a planet with an existing civilization. This protocol includes sending probes for detailed photography and mapping, identifying military installations, assessing the civilization's development level, exercising caution if the population appears hostile, landing only in remote areas, collecting samples of flora and fauna, avoiding opening fire on locals, immediate departure if encountered, maintaining strict secrecy, and avoiding direct contact unless a positive reaction is observed. The article suggests that if we were to apply this protocol to our own planet, it would explain why UFOs might not be making overt contact, mirroring our own cautious approach.

GEPAN: France's Official UFO Investigation Agency

An extensive article, "GEPAN, France`s official UFO Agency," translated from the International UFO Reporter, details the work of the French agency GEPAN. It highlights France as the only country with an officially recognized, professional, and well-funded government UFO investigation commission. The article contrasts this with the US, where NASA declined a similar task. GEPAN, established in 1977 under CNES (Centre Nationale d'Etude Spatiales), collaborates with the national police (Gendarmerie), military, and other official bodies. It has access to their equipment and facilities. The article discusses the significant difference in approach between the US and France, with France taking the scientific lead while the US exhibits apathy. GEPAN's structure involves seven specialized working groups, led by Dr. Alain Esterle, a mathematician and engineer. A scientific commission comprising specialists in various fields oversees the investigations. GEPAN's methodology involves detailed on-site investigations, witness interviews, and reconstruction of events using a "simulation device" that allows witnesses to align UFO images with landscape backgrounds. They also employ a four-degree classification system (Type A-D) for reports, with Type D being definitive UFOs. GEPAN concludes that the stimuli for Type D reports are physical but unidentified, and no known natural phenomena can adequately explain them. The agency aims to study the physical, psychological, and sociological aspects of the UFO phenomenon, as well as paranormal and parapsychological elements. They are developing a computer system similar to CUFOS's UFOCAT and maintain a UFO library. A cooperative agreement exists between CUFOS and GEPAN.

Case Study: UFO Sighting and Rooftop Imprints in Norway

The issue features a report on a UFO sighting and subsequent discovery of unusual imprints on a cabin roof near Homborsund, Norway. The cabin owner, Fred H. Meyer, discovered two concentric semicircles on his roof, with faded shingles and exposed tar, suggesting heat influence. He theorizes that a UFO may have attempted to land, with its exhaust creating the marks. The sighting occurred near the Homborsund lighthouse, where lighthouse keeper Kjell Roar Mælænder Larsen observed a luminous, spherical craft. The case has received coverage in the local newspaper, Agderposten. NUFOC Sør field researchers, including Alf Thommassen, Hans Aass, and Arne Pross Thommassen, are investigating the site. A proposed explanation involving snow melting and forming a lens that focused sunlight to burn the tar is discussed but questioned due to the lack of snow accumulation on the roof and the precise nature of the imprints.

Publications and Organizations

The magazine also includes a section on UFO literature and organizations. It announces Gunnar Bertelsen's new book, "Politibil knust av UFO" (Police Car Crushed by UFO), detailing a close encounter case. Information is provided on how to order this book and another previously published book, "UFO-80." A brochure listing "100 UFO Publications" is also available. The issue notes the upcoming distribution of the first number of "Nordic UFO Newsletter."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the serious, scientific investigation of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for rigorous, evidence-based research, as exemplified by the detailed coverage of GEPAN's methodology and the specific case study from Norway. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between sensationalism and genuine scientific inquiry, and on the importance of international cooperation in understanding UFOs. The magazine promotes the idea that UFOs are a complex phenomenon requiring dedicated study, and that official government involvement, like that of GEPAN, is crucial for advancing knowledge.

Title: Internt UFO Forum
Issue: Nr. 4
Year: 1980
Publisher: Internt UFO Forum
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of Internt UFO Forum focuses on practical aspects of UFO research, including field equipment, scientific methodology, data analysis, and specific case studies. It features articles that aim to equip researchers with the necessary tools and knowledge, while also critically examining the scientific validity and public perception of UFO phenomena.

Tips om feltutstyr (Tips on Field Equipment)

This section provides a detailed guide for field researchers, emphasizing the importance of thoroughly reading the official "Veiledning for feltforskere" (Guide for Field Researchers). The author shares personal experiences and offers practical alternatives to standard equipment. Key recommendations include:

• Rope: Instead of a 100-meter rope, the author suggests using toilet paper with "NUFOC" marked on it, along with four signs, as a less cumbersome alternative for marking off areas.
• Measuring Tape: A 25-meter measuring tape can be replaced with string with knots every meter.
• Ruler: A ruler with clearly visible markings is essential for photographing evidence to show the size of imprints. Painting sections of a measuring stick with black and white every 10 cm can improve visibility.
• Other Essentials: A knife, saw, tape recorder, camera, hammer, nails, wooden spoon, plastic bags, bottles, glass containers (no metal lids), plaster gloves, a sketch pad, notebook, compass, maps, and first-aid supplies are also listed.
• Sample Collection: Suggestions are made for collecting soil samples using well-rinsed 1/4 liter cream cartons or film beakers, and for mixing plaster with milk cartons.
• Additional Items: Gips (plaster), water in plastic containers, soap, soft cloths, and plastic gloves (pharmacy-grade are recommended over those from paint stores) are also listed.
• Documentation: A comprehensive binder for notes, including a drawing pad, scratch pad, writing pad, pens, envelopes, labels, report forms, and colored pencils, is suggested.
• Preparation: A notebook with pre-written procedures based on the research guide is highly recommended.

En vitenskapelig fremgangsmåte (A Scientific Approach)

This article by Peter A. Hill, continuing from a previous issue, discusses the crucial role of data analysis in UFO research. It highlights the current system used by BUFORA, which relies on manually sorted punch cards. The author points out weaknesses in this system and stresses the importance of identifying and eliminating fundamental errors before moving to electronic data processing.

• Data Analysis: The article emphasizes that analysis is the most critical step after data collection. BUFORA's current system uses punch cards, and the author is aware of its limitations.
• System Limitations: The current system has 161 usable holes and uses a 7-4-21 field for parameters. Some data points are found to be ambiguous and insufficient.
• The 'Contact' Problem: The definition of 'contact' with crew members is unclear, and it's difficult to determine if the report reflects the observer's belief or the investigator's acceptance.
• Misinterpretations: Many reports are received in good faith but are misinterpretations of stimuli. Eyewitness accounts, like those of traffic accidents, can vary in detail.
• Terminology and Classification: The author argues that significant progress is unlikely without an international standard terminology, definitions, and classifications. This is essential for clear communication, especially across language barriers.
• Micro-electronics: The rapid advancement of micro-electronics necessitates a unified approach to data handling and programming languages to avoid significant future errors.
• Statistical Analysis: Basic statistical analysis of UFO reports is possible. An analysis of 500 British reports examined variables like time, color, month, day of the week, reporter's occupation, and stimulus type. Some patterns are predictable, while others are not.
• Hypotheses: Correlations between solar activity and Earth's climate warming are mentioned as a serious area of study, suggesting that UFO report periodicity should also be considered.
• Conclusion: The author concludes that while data is abundant, 93% of reports are likely misinterpretations, and 7% are unidentified. He stresses the urgency of scientific investigation before further time is lost.

ONDSKAPSFULL ARTIKKEL (Malicious Article)

This article is a response to an article by James Oberg published in "New Scientist," which criticized ufology. Oberg, an engineer at NASA's Mission Control Center, reportedly received a 1000-pound prize for his essay, which labeled ufology as a "fiasko."

• Oberg's Article: Oberg's article is described as a "disjointed and emotionally charged attack" on UFO reports and their investigators.
• Criticism of Oberg: The author questions Oberg's knowledge of UFO phenomena and suggests his article may be an attempt to exploit the current confusion surrounding UFOs. The prize money is seen as reflecting the judges' standards.
• Sources of Confusion: The article blames sensationalist reporters and private authors for the widespread confusion about UFOs, citing numerous books and films that spread misinformation.
• Extreme Groups: The text distinguishes between open-minded individuals and "believers" who see UFOs as extraterrestrial saviors, and extreme groups who dismiss UFOs as nonsense, akin to astrology or witchcraft.
• "Official" Treatment: The article criticizes the handling of UFO reports by the US Air Force and CIA, contrasting it with the more open approach of Captain Ruppelt and Dr. Hynek (who was initially a skeptic but changed his mind after investigating evidence).
• Skepticism and Fraud: The article acknowledges that some individuals involved in ufology may engage in fraud, citing examples of scientific and medical scandals reported in "Science magazine."
• CSICP: The author criticizes "The Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal" (CSICP), founded by the American Humanist Association, for its alleged bias and "witch hunt" mentality. Quotes from CSICP members are presented as evidence of their prejudice.
• Debunkers: The article dismisses figures like Kendrick Frazier, Phil Klass, James Randi, and Kusche as credible authorities in the scientific world, suggesting that most scientists and engineers are open to the possibility of UFOs being a reality (citing a Gallup poll).

UFO-baser i italienske fjell (UFO Bases in Italian Mountains)

This article presents evidence suggesting the existence of UFO bases in the Italian mountains, specifically in the Gran Sasso area of the Central Apennines, northeast of Rome.

• Observations: Witnesses have reported seeing flying objects unlike known aircraft. These craft are described as circular and emitting an intense blue light.
• Gran Sasso Area: The observation area is geographically limited to a smaller region around the 2914-meter high Gran Sasso mountain.
• Campli Incident: In early January, residents of Campli observed a stationary object for over an hour, appearing as a luminous cylinder resembling a bottle, hovering above a radio mast.
• Mysterious Sightings: Throughout 1979, 12 UFO observations were made in the area. In October 1978, two fishermen from Martisikoro were found dead, their boat intact, with rumors of a large, drum-shaped whirlwind.
• Strange Phenomena: Subsequent events included sightings of a large, luminous dome and a round, flat craft with vent-like windows, where human-like beings were observed. Simultaneously, incredible sounds were heard in the sea within an area known as "The Crazy Triangle."
• Fishermen's Accounts: Fishermen reported their boats being hit by a foreign red light or a waterspout, and being pulled by an unseen force at high speed. Some described unknown underwater forces creating whirlpools.
• Naval Involvement: The Italian navy was deployed to patrol the area.
• Further Sightings: Within two weeks, numerous witnesses observed four disc-shaped craft emitting intense light and a buzzing sound, confirmed by air force radar.
• Macizo Area Incident: On December 28, a luminous craft with small wings was observed within the Macizo area, moving silently. Control board instruments at a hydroelectric power station registered strong readings, and the central unit went out of function.
• Swedish Reports: Similar incidents have been reported in Sweden, including "close encounters of the third kind" involving radio link stations.
• Oceanic Phenomena: Influences on ocean waves have also been reported from Togo, West Africa, and the "Bermuda Triangle" area.

New UFO Periodical and Organizational Changes

This section announces the launch of a new UFO periodical and discusses internal changes within the Norwegian UFO organization.

• "UFO-Sverige-Aktuellt": A new UFO magazine, "UFO-Sverige-Aktuellt," has been launched by the Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige (Swedish UFO Organization). It is planned to be published four times a year.
• End of "UFO-Information": Simultaneously, "UFO-Information," also from UFO-Sverige, will cease publication.
• Organizational Dispute: The changes are attributed to a dispute within the organization, with conflicting information emerging from the leadership of the two publications.
• Carl-Axel Jonzon's Departure: Carl-Axel Jonzon, the founder of UFO-Sverige and publisher of UFO-Information, is leaving the organization.
• Subscription Transfer: Subscribers to "UFO-Information" are no longer considered members of Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige.

De gåtefulle UFO'en (The Enigmatic UFOs)

This article, sourced from Agderposten, uses analogies to illustrate the vast distances in our solar system and the universe, questioning the feasibility of the spaceship hypothesis for UFOs given these distances.

• Scale of the Solar System: Using an apple as the Sun, Earth and Moon are represented by two grains of sand a few centimeters apart, and Pluto is a tiny grain 70-80 meters away. The nearest star would require an area the size of Akershus county, and a few more stars would need an area the size of the entire Earth.
• Skepticism towards Spaceship Hypothesis: The immense distances in the universe lead scientists to be skeptical of the spaceship hypothesis.
• Lack of Close-Up Photos: The article notes that there are no photographs of UFOs taken at close range (within 150 meters), despite a significant portion of the adult population claiming to have seen UFOs.
• Scientific Opinion: A survey of scientists (members of AIAA) found that only 0.17% reported landings or close observations. Extrapolating this to the global population suggests millions of such observations, yet no photographic evidence exists.
• Duration of Sightings: The average duration of a UFO on the ground is estimated at ten minutes. Over 25 years, this would amount to 19 hours of UFO presence on Earth daily, implying thousands of photos should exist.
• Theories on the Unknown: Various theories are discussed, including the spaceship theory, the "hollow earth" theory, bases in the Bermuda Triangle, materialization/dematerialization, and time/dimension travel. Parapsychology is also mentioned.
• Newton's Perspective: The article speculates on how Isaac Newton would react to modern technology like pocket calculators, suggesting he would not dismiss the possibility of advanced phenomena.
• Overcoming Distance: The possibility of overcoming vast distances in the universe is explored, referencing a hypothetical tunnel through the Earth's center where objects would take 42 minutes to travel through.
• Questions Raised: The author poses questions about whether this 42-minute law is universal or specific to Earth, and how it would apply to the Milky Way galaxy, which is described as a vast, diluted body taking 100,000 years for light to cross its center.
• "Black Holes": The concept of "black holes" is introduced, where extreme gravity compresses matter into a thin, invisible film from which not even light can escape. This leads to a contradiction with the speed of light limit, suggesting the existence of forces that could allow for faster-than-light travel.
• Nature's Proof: The Milky Way's movement is presented as evidence of its nature as a body in the infinite cosmos, with immense forces at its center.
• Exploiting Forces: The article suggests that advanced intelligences might already be utilizing forces like gravity, magnetic fields, and solar wind for interstellar travel.
• Spaceship Hypothesis Favored: The author leans towards the spaceship hypothesis as the most likely explanation for UFOs, acknowledging that UFOs remain unidentified.
• New Norwegian UFO Book: The article announces the release of the first serious Norwegian UFO book, "UFO -80," by Gunnar Bertelsen, who is the leader of the Global section of Norsk UFO Center.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the practicalities and scientific rigor of UFO research. There's a strong emphasis on equipping investigators with the right tools and methodologies, as seen in the "Tips om feltutstyr" section. The editorial stance appears to be one of advocating for a more scientific and systematic approach to UFO phenomena, as detailed in Peter A. Hill's article on data analysis and terminology. The magazine also engages with criticisms of ufology, as evidenced by the response to James Oberg's article, defending the field while acknowledging the need for critical evaluation and the prevalence of misinterpretations. The exploration of UFO bases in Italy and the theoretical discussions on cosmic distances and advanced technology suggest an open-minded yet analytical perspective on the subject. The overall tone encourages thorough investigation, critical thinking, and the sharing of information within the UFO research community.

Title: Internt UFO Forum
Issue: 4 1980
Date: 1980
Publisher: UFO-FORLAGET
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of Internt UFO Forum focuses on the book "UFO -80", a significant reference work for UFO enthusiasts. It highlights the book's comprehensive approach to analyzing UFO reports, particularly close encounters, and its statistical data presented through diagrams and tables. The magazine also touches upon the broader context of UFO research, the importance of field investigation, and the varied backgrounds of witnesses.

Review of "UFO -80"

The primary focus of this issue is the book "UFO -80", described as a much-needed reference work. The book, spanning 106 A4-sized pages, is packed with the latest diagrams and tables derived from analyzing UFO reports, with a special emphasis on "Close Encounters" of the first, second, and third kind. To filter out misidentified objects (IFOer), the book lists characteristic features of common aerial phenomena such as meteors, planets, balloons, searchlights, and satellites. Observations that deviate from these characteristics are classified as UFOs.

The analysis within "UFO -80" includes the movement, color, speed, duration, and number of witnesses for UFO phenomena. It also presents an overview of over 50 serious UFO books, mostly from English and French sources, a list of UFO periodicals, and addresses of UFO organizations worldwide. Notably, it includes 12 Norwegian reports, many of which have not been previously published.

The magazine suggests that even skeptics could benefit from reading "UFO -80", as anyone might encounter a "Close Encounter" unexpectedly. The book's statistics indicate that UFO reports come from a diverse cross-section of the population, from highly qualified scientists to illiterate individuals. The publication is praised for offering excellent guidance in field research, addressing practical questions like how to take the best photos, what to do with ground traces, how to handle physical reactions during an encounter, and what to do if a car engine stalls during an observation.

UFO Research and Education

The article mentions that UFOlogy is being taught in one of the country's junior high schools, where students are provided with materials and advised on how to act during potential UFO encounters. Furthermore, a request has been received from a branch of adult education in Southern Norway to lead a course on the UFO phenomenon, underscoring that the UFO problem is a real issue.

It is stressed that a competent field researcher should begin their work as soon as possible after an experience. All statistics are based on reports, which must be recorded accurately as witnessed, without leading questions from interviewers. The article notes that incredible events are often withheld due to fear of disbelief. While the shape of UFOs is analyzed, the article laments that no UFO has yet been brought into a laboratory for scientific investigation, at least not officially. This is cited as a reason why most scientists remain in the background. The text poses the question of what this strange, unidentified phenomenon is that leaves traces on the ground, breaks branches, burns grass, stops car engines, and can even make the earth radioactive.

The book "UFO -80" does not offer a definition of what a UFO is, nor does it speculate on whether UFOs are intelligently controlled. Instead, it provides objective information derived from computer analysis of results, presented in diagrams, tables, and percentages, leaving the reader to draw their own conclusions.

Statistical Analysis Example

As a concluding example, the article presents data from 1954, where 200 reports of landings were processed. Of these, 156 occurred in France. If only cases with multiple witnesses are considered (excluding 98 cases with a single witness), the remaining 102 cases involved 526 witnesses. The article questions the likelihood of ordinary people experiencing the same hallucinations simultaneously, in the same place, and in the same manner.

Despite the enigmatic nature of UFOs, the article finds it interesting that clear patterns in UFO behavior are gradually emerging, as demonstrated in "UFO -80".

"UFO -80" Book Details

The book "UFO -80" is A4 format, printed on quality offset paper with a stiff spine. It contains 110 pages of text in a typewriter-like font size. It covers the latest research findings in ufology, including numerous diagrams, sketches, and tables. It also features Norwegian sightings, a UFO bibliography, a list of UFO periodicals, organizations, and specialized content previously unpublished in Norwegian.

"Super" UFO Book Announcement

"The Encyclopedia of UFOs", a book in preparation for over three years by author Ron Story, is announced. It is planned for publication by Doubleday (New York) and New English Library (London), with a release date of November 27, 1980. This encyclopedia will contain over 300 entries, approximately 200 illustrations, arranged alphabetically. Its appendices will include an extensive bibliography of over 600 books and publications, a chronological overview of major UFO events, and a complete directory of UFO periodicals worldwide.

Norsk UFO Center Offerings

Norsk UFO Center offers two collections of UFO materials:

Collection I: Includes five classic black and white UFO photos (15 x 24 cm), one color photo (9 x 13 cm), and one color photo (13 x 18 cm), all printed on photo paper. It also includes a booklet on current Norwegian UFO cases from the 1970s (with pictures), a NUFOC sticker, and more. Price: 90 NOK (including postage).

Collection II: Features four black and white UFO photos (15 x 24 cm), one black and white photo (21 x 26 cm), and two color photos (9 x 13 cm), all printed on photo paper. It also includes a booklet on the Namsen-fjorden traces (with pictures), a NUFOC sticker, and more. Price: 70 NOK (including postage).

Both collections can be purchased together for 150 NOK (including postage).

UFO COLOR POSTER: A Paul Vila UFO photo in color print, size 30 x 40 cm, is available for 20 NOK (including postage). Additional posters cost 15 NOK each.

Orders should be sent to UFO Rama, P.O. Box 14, 3133 Duken. The postgiro account is 3 24 37 30.

Contact Information Update

Lisbeth Schanke, Deputy Head of Field Section F, has a new address: Øvre Sunde, 7620 Skogn. Her previous address was Skogheimv. 10, 7600 Levanger.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the serious study of UFO phenomena, advocating for systematic research, accurate reporting, and the dissemination of information through publications like "UFO -80". The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging both enthusiasts and skeptics to engage with the evidence and the ongoing research into UFO sightings. There is a clear emphasis on the practical aspects of UFO investigation and the need for reliable data. The magazine also serves as a platform for promoting UFO-related materials and organizations, such as Norsk UFO Center.