Internt UFO Forum - 1981 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: INTERNT UFO FORUM
Issue: 3
Volume/Year: 1981
Publisher: NORSK UFO CENTER
Date: March 1981

This issue of Internt UFO Forum, published by the Norsk UFO Center, presents a diverse range of articles exploring the phenomenon of UFOs from various perspectives, including psychological, archaeological, and scientific investigations. The magazine aims to provide a platform for discussion and information within the Norwegian UFO community.

Table of Contents Highlights

• The issue features a comprehensive table of contents, including:
• "I UFOenes kjølvann" (In the Wake of UFOs): A psychological analysis of human reactions to the unknown and the conflict arising from new perceptions.
• "MUFONs etterforskningsgruppe for fysiske spor" (MUFON's Investigation Group for Physical Traces): A report detailing findings from a decade of collecting and analyzing physical evidence related to UFO sightings.
• "Astroarkeologi" (Astroarchaeology): An exploration of ancient Egyptian beliefs and symbols, suggesting connections to ancient technology.
• "Ikke mer astroarkeologi" (No More Astroarchaeology): A critical commentary on the astroarchaeology series, questioning its scientific rigor and relevance to ufology.
• "Romsement? Kjempe-'sylinder' i Middelhavet" (Space Cement? Giant 'cylinder' in the Mediterranean).
• "UFO og Sovjet" (UFO and Soviet).
• "Liv i Universet, del 2" (Life in the Universe, Part 2).
• "Geigerteller" (Geiger Counter).

Redaktørens Ord (Editor's Word)

The outgoing editor announces their departure due to military service and introduces Leif Havik as the interim editor. The editor notes the growing membership of Norsk UFO Center and the increasing reader engagement, suggesting a bright future for the publication.

Articles and Features

I UFOenes kjølvann: De menneskelige reaksjoner sett fra et psykologisk synspunkt (In the Wake of UFOs: Human Reactions from a Psychological Perspective)

By Rolf Lindgren, this article delves into the psychological impact of encountering the unknown, specifically UFOs. It posits that human limitations and the conflict between existing worldviews and new information are key to understanding our perception of UFOs. The author suggests that a subconscious fear of the known drives some individuals to seek definitive answers about UFOs, sometimes leading to extreme theories without sufficient evidence. The article touches upon intuition as a means of understanding, referencing Carl Jung's definition.

MUFON's Etterforskningsgruppe for Fysiske Spor (MUFON's Investigation Group for Physical Traces)

• Authored by Ted Phillips, this piece details the establishment of a MUFON investigation group focused on physical traces left by UFOs. It presents statistics from a ten-year report (1950-1979) covering 1525 reports from 52 countries. Key findings include:
• The peak reporting month for physical traces is October.
• UFOs are most frequently observed between 9 PM and 10 PM.
• 8.4% of UFOs reportedly emitted a humming or hissing sound.
• Lights, beams, and landing gear are common descriptions.
• Humanoid sightings occurred in 14.3% of cases, with 71% being shorter than average human height.
• Effects on animals, humans, and electrical systems were reported in 14.1% of cases.
• 39.2% of sightings involved multiple witnesses.
• Landing marks were often round, ranging from 4 to 45 feet in diameter, and described as burnt, pressed down, or dried.
• The Midwestern USA is a highly active region for such reports.
• 74% of UFOs were described as saucer-shaped, with 34% being metallic in color. Common features included vents, windows, and domes.

Astroarkeologi (Astroarchaeology)

By Bjarno Finderup, this article explores ancient Egyptian mythology and hieroglyphs, suggesting they contain elements of advanced technology. It references the Greek historian Plutarch's view on symbolic language and the Egyptian Book of the Dead, attributing the hieroglyphic system to the god Thoth. The author posits that the throne of the god Ptah, described in Memphis theology, functioned as a rechargeable accumulator, potentially an early form of electrical technology. The article discusses the 'SOLHUSSPEIL-GENERATOR' worn by Queen Nephthys and interprets Egyptian texts as describing electrical components like plugs and sockets.

Ikke mer astroarkeologi (No More Astroarchaeology)

This is a critical letter to the editor by Hans-Kurt Karlsen, expressing strong disapproval of the astroarchaeology series. Karlsen argues that the series is unscientific, overly speculative, and bordering on religious belief. He criticizes the author, Bjarno Finderup, for making unsubstantiated claims, such as equating magic and sorcery with electricity, and for using weak evidence to support his theories. Karlsen urges NUFOC to maintain a more factual and scientific approach to avoid being perceived as unprofessional.

Pressemelding fra TUT-ANKH-AMON Instituttet (Press Release from the TUT-ANKH-AMON Institute)

This press release announces the establishment of a Scandinavian office for the 'Ancient Astronaut Society' (AAS). The office will be headed by Frede Meldegaard and will serve to gather and disseminate information related to the AAS's theories, which include the possibility of prehistoric extraterrestrial visits to Earth and the idea that current civilization is not the first on the planet. The press release provides contact information for AAS in both the USA and Switzerland.

Palma-observatoriet får nye medlemmer (Palma Observatory Gets New Members)

A brief note about the European astronomical observatory being built in La Palma, Canary Islands, which will be equipped with advanced telescopes, including a 15m radio telescope.

To nye galakser funnet (Two New Galaxies Found)

This short piece reports on the discovery of two new galaxies by astronomers at the University of California, located ten billion light-years away. The discovery supports the 'Big Bang' theory of the universe's origin. It also mentions a Chinese researcher's prediction of increased natural disasters in 1982 due to planetary alignment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon, with a particular interest in the psychological aspects of belief and perception. There is a clear tension between a desire for scientific rigor, as highlighted in the critique of the astroarchaeology series, and the exploration of more speculative theories, such as ancient astronauts. The Norsk UFO Center appears to be striving for legitimacy as a serious organization, while still embracing a wide range of UFO-related topics. The editorial stance, as indicated by the 'Redaktørens Ord' and the 'Leserens Mening' section, is to foster open discussion among members, while also encouraging a more factual and less speculative approach to certain topics.

This issue of "Intern UFO Forum" (Internal UFO Forum), number 3 from 1981, published by UFO Forum, is primarily in Norwegian and focuses on UFO phenomena, astronomy, and the search for extraterrestrial life. The cover headline teases a "Close encounter of the third kind in Mosjøen in 1954?", indicating a focus on a specific historical case. The magazine also features articles on a Mediterranean UFO sighting, a critical look at Soviet UFO claims, and scientific perspectives on life in the universe.

Nærkontakt av tredje grad i Mosjøen i 1954 ? (Close Encounter of the Third Kind in Mosjøen in 1954 ?)

This section revisits the well-known 1954 incident in Mosjøen, Norway, where sisters Edith Jacobser and Åsta Solvang claimed to have met a man with a 'flying saucer' during a berry picking trip. The article notes that while the case garnered significant international attention, few people are aware of the details. NUFOC (Norwegian UFO Information Center) has produced a special booklet detailing the case, including statements from locals, a journalist's account, and various hypotheses. The booklet is described as being 6 pages in A4 format with a colored cover and costs 10 NOK including postage. Limited print runs are mentioned, urging prompt orders.

Additionally, the magazine advertises other publications: "Avtrykkene ved Namsenfjorden" (Imprints by Namsenfjorden), an A4 booklet with 9 text pages and 2 photo pages, costing 30 NOK, and "Ishullene på Silsetvatnet" (Ice Holes at Silsetvatnet), an A4 booklet with 5 text pages and 2.5 photo pages, including a 4-page police report, priced at 10 NOK for members and 15 NOK for non-members.

ROMSEMENT ? (Space Travel?)

This article recounts an incident involving Bernt Johansson and a friend who went fishing in the Luleå archipelago (Sweden) on the night of September 5-6, 1977. Shortly before midnight, Johansson found a lump of material resembling mortar on the deck. While investigating, he observed an intense, yellow-white light in the sky, described as a miniature moon, and a blinking red light. Using binoculars, he saw what appeared to be 10-20 illuminated windows on a craft shaped like a classic saucer. The object, which remained visible for 3-4 minutes, moved in a parabolic path before disappearing at high speed. As the craft approached their fishing boat to within approximately 500 meters, Johansson and his friend became frightened and retreated to the cabin.

Kjempe-«sylinder» i Middelhavet (Giant 'Cylinder' in the Mediterranean)

This piece details an encounter with a large, cylinder-shaped object in the Mediterranean Sea on June 22, 1977. Giuseppe Guzzi, a 36-year-old radiotelegraphist serving on the motoryacht "Rainbow II", reported the sighting. While en route from Viareggio to Porto Cervo, Sardinia, at approximately 18:30, the crew observed an object standing still in the water, near the horizon. It was described as being as tall as a 10-story building and at least a dozen meters wide. Attempts to identify the object on nautical charts and inquiries to Radio Livorno and the marine administration in Porto di Livorno were unsuccessful. The marine authorities advised them to approach the object for closer inspection. The article notes that similar events have occurred in Italian waters, including a report of a "colossally large" object seen by fishermen near "Cinque Terre" that descended into the water and then re-emerged. The author expresses that this event, being under the control of competent maritime authorities, warrants attention.

UFO og SOVJET (UFO and the SOVIET)

Authored by James Oberg, this article critically examines UFO reports originating from the Soviet Union and their dissemination through Western media, particularly "The National Enquirer". Oberg suggests that sensational headlines about damaged UFOs, alien bases, and extraterrestrial activity on the moon are often sensationalized or fabricated. He points out that while the Soviet government officially denies the existence of UFOs, the public is receptive to rumors, which serve as an ideological safety valve. The article identifies key figures in the Soviet UFO community, including Feliks Zigel (a prominent ufologist), Aleksander Kazantsev (a science fiction author), and Aleksey Zolotov (a professor who attributes the 1908 Tunguska event to a crashed spaceship). Physicists Vladimir Azhazha and Sergey Bozhich are also mentioned for their role in adapting foreign UFO reports to appear as Russian originals. Oberg highlights that "The National Enquirer", through its contact person Henry Gris, presents these individuals as "outstanding Russian scientists" and "leading Russian physicists", potentially misrepresenting their actual standing and the nature of their claims. The article also debunks specific sensational stories, such as the Petrozavodsk UFO incident (explained as satellite exhaust) and the "damaged UFO in orbit" story (attributed to a misinterpretation of a natural phenomenon). The Apollo-UFO story is traced back to a French book by Maurice Chatelain, which in turn was based on fabricated "space photos" from a fringe UFO cult in Japan.

The Russian UFO Scene and Skepticism

Oberg continues his analysis of the Russian UFO scene, noting that the same group of "dubious enthusiasts" frequently appears in sensational reports. He mentions Dr. Vladimir V. Migulin of the "Academy of Sciences lonospheric Physics Laboratory" as a lone Soviet official attempting to debunk UFO rumors, facing difficulties due to state security regulations that prevent him from admitting to Soviet military spacecraft. The article also touches upon the variety of UFO sketches reported over 30 years, with Dr. Richard F. Haines, a scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, suggesting that these drawings are influenced by pre-existing stereotypes of UFOs rather than direct observation. Haines's research indicates that untrained individuals could produce drawings indistinguishable from those of alleged UFO witnesses, implying that memory and preconceptions play a significant role in UFO reports.

LIVSBETINGELSER (Conditions for Life)

This section, authored by Bjørn Arnfinn Godtland, explores the conditions necessary for life to exist on planets. It begins by stating that Earth's atmosphere is unique and questions whether it's the only type that can support life. The article discusses the importance of a planet's position within the habitable zone (ecosphere) of its star, particularly in binary star systems where orbits can be highly eccentric. For single-star systems, stable, nearly circular orbits are considered ideal. The author notes that even with suitable orbits, the star itself can pose a threat; massive stars age quickly and can emit excessive ultraviolet radiation, while smaller, cooler stars might not provide enough energy. The article estimates that only about 5% of all stars might offer suitable conditions for life.

KRAV TIL PLANETENE (Requirements for Planets)

Beyond a suitable star, planets must also meet specific criteria. Large, massive planets like Jupiter might not allow light elements to form a solid surface with a thin atmosphere, and their strong gravity could hinder development. Conversely, small planets like Mercury and Mars might lack sufficient gravity to retain an atmosphere. Other factors, such as seasonal variations (dependent on axial tilt), wind speed, volcanic activity, and meteorite impacts, further reduce the number of potentially habitable planets. The article suggests that Venus, with its high carbon dioxide atmosphere, might have developed differently if it were farther from the sun.

PLANETATMOSFÆRER (Planetary Atmospheres)

This part of the article emphasizes the uniqueness of Earth's atmosphere, which is a secondary atmosphere formed from volcanic outgassing. The high oxygen content is attributed to photosynthesis, which began with the advent of plants. Unlike Mars and Venus, which have abundant carbon dioxide, Earth's carbon dioxide is largely bound in sedimentary rocks, partly due to the presence of liquid water, which is influenced by Earth's size and distance from the sun.

KONTAKT MED ANDRE SIVILISASJONER (Contact with Other Civilizations)

The article posits that it is unlikely Earth is the only planet harboring life, given the vast number of stars in our galaxy (estimated at 250 billion) and potentially the universe. Statistical probability suggests numerous planets with life-sustaining systems. It mentions early optimistic estimates for finding extraterrestrial civilizations, which have been tempered by considerations of civilization lifespan (risk of self-destruction) and technological levels. Carl Sagan is cited as suggesting that there might be only one civilization similar to ours in the Milky Way, but if civilizations have long lifespans, the chances increase, though interstellar distances would still pose significant communication challenges.

FORSKJELLIGE SIVILISASJONER (Different Civilizations)

Nikolaj Kardasjev's classification of civilizations based on energy consumption is introduced: Type I (early stage, like humanity), Type II (harnessing their star's energy), and Type III (harnessing their galaxy's energy). The article speculates that humanity's evolutionary path might lead to extinction or the development of a new species with greater intellectual capacity before contact is made, or perhaps electronic intelligence could eventually supersede humans.

FORSØK PÅ KONTAKT (Attempts at Contact)

Early statistical estimates for finding other civilizations were optimistic, but factors like lifespan and technological advancement have led to more cautious views. The article mentions the 1974 Arecibo message sent towards the M13 star cluster, a 3-minute transmission that will take 24,000 years to reach its destination, with a potential reply taking another 48,000 years. Radio communication is considered the most practical method due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to penetrate interstellar gas. The article notes that despite decades of searching, no definitive signs of intelligent extraterrestrial life have been found, although astronomers remain open to the possibility. The search has expanded to include nearby galaxies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of specific UFO sightings (Mosjøen, Mediterranean), a critical examination of sensationalized UFO reporting (particularly concerning Soviet claims), and a scientific exploration of astrobiology and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, presenting both anecdotal evidence and scientific perspectives, while also questioning the veracity of unsubstantiated claims. There is a clear effort to differentiate between credible scientific research and sensationalized media reports.

Title: Internt UFO Forum
Issue: No. 3, 1981
Publisher: UFO Rama
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of Internt UFO Forum delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial intelligence, and space exploration, featuring articles on ambitious scientific projects, reported sightings, and theoretical considerations for interstellar travel.

Detecting Extraterrestrial Civilizations

The magazine discusses the Cyclops project, an ambitious plan to build a massive array of 1500 individual television antennas designed to capture images from distant civilizations. The article notes that Earth's own radio and TV transmissions have already been traveling through space for decades, potentially being intercepted by other beings. A proposal by Russian astronomer Josef Shklovsky suggests a unique method for signaling Earth's existence: polluting the sun's atmosphere with a short-lived isotope like technetium. The resulting abnormal spectral lines could alert other civilizations to our presence. The potential of powerful laser beams as a form of communication is also mentioned, with American physicists C.H. Townes and R.N. Schwartz noted for their work in this area.

Humanity's Readiness for Contact

The issue raises the question of whether humanity is prepared for contact with an extraterrestrial civilization. It mentions that the U.S. government, through NASA's encouragement, has formed a group of twelve scientists led by John Billingham at Ames Research Center. This group is tasked with developing a hyper-sensitive antenna system to detect and establish contact with alien civilizations within the coming decades. The article posits that such contact could have profound effects, potentially offering solutions to Earth's global problems if the extraterrestrial civilization has advanced beyond our current capabilities.

The Challenge of Interstellar Travel

Traveling to the stars is explored as the most direct way to search for extraterrestrial life. However, the immense distances involved present a significant hurdle. Current spacecraft speeds, like that of the Pioneer 10 probe (around 10 km/s), would take tens of thousands of years to reach the nearest stars. Even the Pioneer 11 probe, reaching 47.5 km/s, would take approximately 50,000 years to reach Proxima Centauri. The article touches upon Einstein's theory of relativity, which suggests that time would pass more slowly for travelers on a high-speed spacecraft compared to those on Earth. The concept of a 'photon motor' is mentioned as a potential solution, but its enormous power requirements make it unlikely to be realized soon. The article also discusses the possibility of using cryogenics for long journeys, though it notes the biological challenges of freezing humans.

Unmanned vs. Manned Missions

Unmanned missions are considered more feasible for interstellar exploration in the near future. Astronomer R.N. Bracewell's suggestion of sending probes to orbit nearby star systems is discussed. These probes could detect advanced civilizations, especially if equipped with radio transmitters. The Pioneer 10 and Voyager probes, carrying engraved metal plates and phonograph records respectively, are cited as examples of such interstellar messages. The question remains whether these messages would ever be deciphered.

Reported UFO Incidents

Several UFO sightings are detailed:

• Minneapolis, 1951: A former astronaut, Donald Slayton, recounts an experience in 1951 where he observed a disk-shaped object while test-flying a P-51 fighter jet at an altitude of 100,000 feet. He described it as initially appearing like a weather balloon but later resembling a disk that rapidly ascended.
• Tyrrhenian Sea, June 1979: Two men in a fishing boat reported seeing a mysterious object that submerged with a large wave. Later, a similar object reappeared and was described as a "drifting sea marker" by maritime authorities. The object was cylindrical and approximately 30 meters high.

Technological Developments

The issue includes a report on a new geigerteller developed by the instrument development group in Trondheim. This device features a digital display, four measurement ranges, and can operate in manual or automatic modes. It is designed for field researchers and is housed in an aluminum box, powered by two flat batteries. The price is listed as 895 Norwegian Kroner.

UFO Materials for Sale

UFO Rama offers various UFO-related materials for sale, including collections of classic UFO photographs with accompanying text, and a booklet on recent Norwegian UFO cases. They also offer UFO color posters, including one featuring Paul Villa's well-known UFO image.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), the analysis of UFO sightings, and the scientific and technological challenges of space exploration. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into these subjects, presenting both scientific proposals and eyewitness accounts without definitive conclusions, but with an underlying curiosity about the possibility of life beyond Earth and the implications of contact.