UFO-NORGE

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Norge, dated September 28, 1983, is a Norwegian publication focused on UFO phenomena and related investigations. The magazine features a mix of personal letters, news clippings, and analytical articles.

Editorial and Correspondence

The issue opens with a letter from the organization, likely an internal communication, discussing financial matters ('betaling' - payment) and requesting cooperation from representatives. It mentions a trip to Sweden and ideas generated by the 'Hessdalsteamet' (Hessdalen team). There's a specific request for copies of NIVFO representatives featured in ARGUS rounds, to help identify and potentially dismiss individuals asking 'foolish questions' at exhibitions. The editor also asks Finn for the deadline for issue number 5, emphasizing its importance as a potential 'test issue' for the following year, and stresses the need for good journalism based on Knut Aasheim's guidelines.

UFO Sightings and Reports

UFO sett i Adal? (UFO seen in Adal?)
A news clipping from Ringerikes Blad reports on a sighting by Johan Nyhus near Killingstrømmen. At midnight on the night before the report (August 17th), he observed a luminous sphere over the river that moved up and down and back and forth for 20 minutes before vanishing. The object was described as resembling a bucket and emitting a bright light.

Lysglimt over dalen (Flash of light over the valley)
A letter to the editor from Otto Sørumgård describes a bright flash of light seen on the night of August 18th, shortly before 4 AM. He describes it as a large fireball or ball lightning moving rapidly in a southerly-southeasterly direction (approx. 170-175 degrees), with a rotating core and a 'light tunnel' effect. He heard a humming sound afterward but no thunderclaps.

Antatt UFO var meteorsverm (Assumed UFO was meteor shower)
This article, from Gudbrandsdølen Lillehammer Tilskuer, reports that Jan Krogh from Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning (NIVFO) in Trondheim identified the lights seen on August 17th as a meteor shower of the Delta Aquariden type. He states that such phenomena are common in autumn and winter and that his institute receives many such reports. He explains that the lights occur when meteoroids burn up in the atmosphere, and while they can sometimes fall to Earth, they usually burn up completely.

Meteorsverm er utelukket (Meteor shower is ruled out)
This article, also from Gudbrandsdølen Lillehammer Tilskuer, features an interview with Per Ottesen, a former board member of UFO-Norge. Ottesen strongly disputes Jan Krogh's conclusion that the August 17th sightings were a meteor shower. Ottesen claims to have received dozens of reports and believes Krogh's assessment shows a 'hopeless lack of critical thinking.' He questions how the NIVFO report was compiled, suggesting Krogh did not extensively contact witnesses. Ottesen believes an unusual phenomenon occurred that cannot be explained by a meteor shower or thunder, and he wishes to see Krogh's report.

Analysis of the UFO Movement

UFO'er finnes de? (Do UFOs exist?)
This reportage by Bjørn Erik Johannessen and Torgrim Rath Olsen explores the phenomenon of UFO sightings and the 'UFO movement.' It notes that reports of 'UFOs' (unidentified flying objects) are frequent, but their explanations are often lacking.

The article highlights the work of Shirley Mclver, a British sociologist with a doctorate from York University. Mclver's research suggests that UFO hypotheses are often unprovable and sometimes false. She argues that most collected information is not scientifically usable. Mclver's analysis categorizes people involved in the UFO movement as ranging from serious researchers to 'quasi-religious fanatics,' primarily driven by belief.

NIVFO proposes using the term 'UAP' (Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomenon) instead of UFO. Ken Kjeldsen, a regional leader for NIVFO in Tromsø, agrees with Mclver's description of the UFO movement as 'pseudo-science.' He believes many books on the subject are written to create hype and sales, comparing it to the Loch Ness Monster phenomenon. Kjeldsen states NIVFO's goal is to find and document research results, or to debunk claims, emphasizing that documentation is the key issue.

NIVFO aims to bring the UFO concept down to a more grounded level, involving the public. They also address 'pseudo-psychology' that may be used to sell books or magazines, leading to misconceptions about UFOs. Erich von Danneken is mentioned as a prominent figure in this genre.

Pseudo-vitenskap (Pseudo-science)
This section further elaborates on the concept of pseudo-science. It suggests that many UFO reports are misinterpretations of natural phenomena like weather balloons, aircraft reflections, or atmospheric conditions. However, it acknowledges that some events are difficult to explain naturally, and the possibility of signals from space is not entirely dismissed.

The article mentions the issue of 'forfalskede fotografier' (forged photographs), citing the famous Gran Canaria photos from 1976, which were later linked to an American rocket launch. It concludes that while natural explanations are sought, finding definitive proof is challenging.

Other Content

Letter from Wilhelm Thuesen
A letter from Wilhelm Thuesen requests a book by Hilary Evans titled "UFO" published in Swedish, providing a contact address in Oslo.

Film Project Mention
There is a brief mention of Laila Mikkelsen, a filmmaker who is deeply grateful for the hospitality she received during a film project in Dyrøy. She teaches film at AOF and had to put her teaching on hold for the film.

Contact Information and Subscriptions

The magazine provides contact addresses for UFO-Norge in Oslo (Postboks 14 and Postboks 38) and subscription details for UFO-Norge in Bergen (Postboks 1155, 5001 Bergen), including Postgiro and telephone numbers for the editorial department.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the ongoing debate about the existence and nature of UFOs. There is a clear tension between the UFO-Norge organization, which appears to be more open to unexplained phenomena and critical of mainstream scientific explanations, and NIVFO, which advocates for a rigorous, evidence-based approach and is skeptical of unsubstantiated claims, labeling much of the UFO discourse as 'pseudo-science.' The editorial stance seems to favor critical investigation and the pursuit of verifiable facts, while acknowledging the public's fascination with the unknown. The magazine also highlights the importance of journalistic integrity in reporting on these topics.