NIVFO-Bulletin - 1981 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: NIVFO bulletin
Issue: Nr. 1-81
Volume: 1. ÅRGANG
Date: 1981
Publisher: NORSK INSTITUTT FOR VITENSKAPELIG FORSKNING OG OPPLYSNING (NIVFO)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of NIVFO bulletin, established in early 1981, aims to create a forum for professional researchers and interested individuals, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and topics often relegated to the fringes of public discourse. The bulletin intends to discuss and analyze subjects of scientific or 'fringe scientific' character, particularly those receiving little attention in mass media. The inaugural issue focuses on the UFO phenomenon.

Editorial Stance and Mission

The editorial states that NIVFO was founded to establish a common ground for professionals and serious enthusiasts who may not wish to join specialized interest groups. The organization seeks to provide a platform for discussing and processing various topics of scientific or 'fringe scientific' nature, especially those overlooked by mainstream media. NIVFO emphasizes its commitment to objective and sober dissemination of information, aiming to demystify cases that are sometimes given undue significance. They claim extensive international contacts and monitor over 2000 American and Canadian newspapers.

Key Articles and Topics

Definition and Overview

The article "Definisjon og overblikk" (Definition and Overview) begins by clarifying that UFO stands for Unidentified Flying Objects. It argues that this term is insufficient as a definition for the entire phenomenon, as it merely describes a flying object and does not imply extraterrestrial origin. The bulletin proposes a definition: a reported phenomenon in the sky, airspace, or on the ground, which, even after thorough investigation by qualified persons, cannot be explained as a known phenomenon or event. Cases that do not meet this definition are termed 'phenomenon reports' and serve as reference material.

The article questions the skepticism surrounding UFOs, noting that extraordinary events would likely be reported by authorities if they were mundane. It suggests that the UFO problem is unique and requires careful consideration.

A 34-Year Cavalcade: The Modern History of UFOs

This section traces the history of UFO investigations, starting with Kenneth Arnold's sighting on June 24, 1947, where he observed nine disk-shaped objects near the Cascade Mountains, flying at over 2,600 km/h. The term 'flying saucer' was coined by a journalist reporting on this event. The article notes that a wave of UFO sightings had already begun days before Arnold's experience.

Project SIGN, GRUDGE, and the CIA

It details the first official US UFO investigation project, 'SIGN,' which concluded in January 1948 that UFOs were extraterrestrial spacecraft observing Earth. The report was allegedly suppressed by Chief of Staff General Hoyt S. Vandenberg due to fears of public reaction. Subsequently, the US Air Force initiated 'Project GRUDGE,' which is described as an effort to obscure the UFO problem by filtering reports. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is implicated, with former CIA Director Admiral R.H. Hillenkotter reportedly admitting years later that the public had been misinformed. Both the CIA and the KGB are accused of deliberately ridiculing UFO phenomena and witnesses to divert public attention. A 1950s meeting in Geneva among leading figures from US, Soviet, British, and French secret services reportedly resulted in a unanimous decision to maintain strict secrecy regarding UFOs. The JANAP 146 (B) recommendation is cited, threatening fines and imprisonment for disclosing UFO information. The article also mentions the Robertson Panel, a CIA-organized meeting in January 1953 where scientists were tasked with developing methods to debunk UFO phenomena, involving radio, TV, film, and newspapers.

The Condon Report

In the late 1960s, the Air Force commissioned the University of Colorado to conduct an 'independent UFO research project,' resulting in the 'Condon Report.' While the report's foreword by Dr. Edward U. Condon suggested no further investigation was warranted, the article points out that researchers only explained 30 out of 90 cases, leaving the rest officially unexplained. This led many scientists to develop a serious interest in UFOs, and the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) concluded that the UFO phenomenon deserved scientific study. The article criticizes mass media for focusing on the negative aspects, thus influencing public perception.

"BLUE BOOK"

Project Blue Book, established in 1952, is presented as the most well-known of the US UFO projects. It succeeded GRUDGE and was headquartered at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The summer of 1952 saw a significant wave of UFO reports, overwhelming the staff. The project faced persistent criticism regarding its methodology and administration, with accusations of understaffing and a lack of qualified researchers, leading to superficial investigations. Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a scientific advisor for over 20 years, and Captain Ruppelt, the project's first leader, were vocal critics. Physicist Dr. James E. McDonald is quoted extensively, criticizing Blue Book's archives for containing numerous reports that were not scientifically investigated and were often explained away with ridiculous official explanations. He notes that even seemingly credible sightings were met with explanations like 'blinking stars' or 'mirages,' and that reports were sometimes miscategorized (e.g., 'birds' for unidentified objects) or deliberately downplayed to reduce the 'percentage of unidentified' cases.

Many believe Blue Book served as a 'showpiece' to conceal other secret UFO investigations. The project was officially closed on December 17, 1967, partly due to Dr. Hynek's criticism, preceding the Condon Committee.

Skeptics

The article discusses the general silence of the scientific community on UFOs, attributing it to government and CIA influence. It notes that many scientists lacked firsthand knowledge of the evidence and felt unqualified to investigate. Dr. Donald Menzel, former head of Harvard College Observatory, is presented as a prominent skeptic who published books attempting to explain UFOs as misinterpretations of meteorological and astronomical phenomena. Dr. McDonald expressed confusion over Menzel's work, stating that Menzel seemed to disregard scientific principles when analyzing UFO reports. Philip J. Klass, an engineer and editor, is identified as Menzel's successor, attempting to explain UFO sightings as 'plasma phenomena' or ball lightning. Klass is also involved with a society aiming to debunk the 'supernatural' by finding natural explanations.

GEPAN

France is highlighted as the only country to have established an official UFO investigation commission, GEPAN (Groupe d'Etudes des Phenomenes Aerospatiaux Nonidentifies). The magazine plans to detail this government-funded commission in a future issue.

GSW

The article mentions the American organization Ground Saucer Watch (GSW), which sued the CIA to obtain classified UFO material, as discussed in the current issue.

"UFO-WRECKS"

Rumors persist about the US government possessing crashed UFO craft and deceased alien occupants. Researcher Leonard Stringfield is noted for his efforts to investigate these claims and has reportedly gathered testimony from individuals who claim to have seen wreckage and bodies. This includes people formerly involved with the Air Force in investigating such incidents, and a doctor who participated in medical examinations of deceased beings.

Computer Technology Can Reveal False UFO Photographs

This section, authored by Hayden C Hewes, focuses on the analysis of photographic evidence of UFOs. Bill Spaulding of Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) is interviewed. Spaulding, who has researched UFOs since 1957 and given over 600 lectures, states that most alleged UFO images are not scientific data. He notes that beyond obvious forgeries, many images lack the sensitivity and resolution to distinguish even simple data points. He categorizes UFO photos into daylight discs (D) and night lights (NL). Historically, analysis involved standard photographic techniques, examining camera settings and other data related to the observation.

The Rouen UFO

The article presents photographs of the 'Rouen UFO' (Image 1) and a magnified view of the object itself (Image 2). The analysis of these images is linked to the work of Ground Saucer Watch, suggesting that evaluating such photographic evidence is a critical aspect of modern ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the historical investigation of UFO phenomena, the alleged role of governments and intelligence agencies in controlling information, the scientific community's response (both skeptical and interested), and the challenges of analyzing evidence, particularly photographic. NIVFO positions itself as a source of objective and sober information, aiming to shed light on controversial topics like UFOs, which it believes are of significant interest to a broad audience. The magazine emphasizes its commitment to providing detailed information and fostering a scientific approach to these subjects, while also acknowledging the public's fascination and the potential for misinterpretation or sensationalism.

This issue of NIVFO-Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 1, dated November 1979, is a Norwegian publication focused on UFO phenomena and related scientific and theoretical explorations. The magazine features articles on UFO investigations, scientific analysis of potential evidence, and theoretical physics concerning time travel.

GSW: Scientific Investigation of UFO Phenomena

The issue includes an interview with GSW (presumably an organization), which comprises 500 scientists, engineers, and professionals. GSW aims to be a channel for reporting UFO phenomena without fear of ridicule, to provide media with information, to scientifically investigate UFO reports using specialized equipment and personnel, to make technical information available, and to develop hypotheses about UFO origins. They believe UFO phenomena have an extraterrestrial cause. GSW utilizes modern computer databases to analyze UFO reports for patterns in color, shape, speed, and location, and employs laboratories for hypothesis testing. They also have field researchers ready to investigate reports.

The Vädde Case: A Swedish UFO Incident

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Vädde case from Sweden, involving a metal fragment found after a UFO sighting in 1958. The object was described as a luminous, disk-shaped craft approximately 16 meters in diameter and 6-7 meters high. The fragment was analyzed in Sweden and later in the USA by Dr. James Harder, who identified it as tungsten carbide and cobalt, a common type of hard metal. Despite initial claims of unusual hardness, later analyses confirmed it was a standard industrial material, debunking its extraterrestrial origin. The article highlights the importance of scientific investigation in demystifying such cases.

UFO Bases in Lake Ontario

Photo-journalist Bill Nelson reports on alleged UFO bases in Lake Ontario, Canada. He describes observing large, glowing, sodium-orange UFOs, at least 25 feet in diameter, with the intensity of four spotlights, visible from 15 miles away. These objects, described as 'UFO bases', were seen descending into the lake, sometimes with accompanying structures resembling bowling pins. Nelson claims to have photographic evidence and suggests this might be a secret military project.

Time Travel Theories

The magazine explores the theoretical possibilities of time travel, drawing upon Einstein's theories of special and general relativity. It discusses how traveling at speeds approaching the speed of light can cause time dilation, making the traveler age slower than those on Earth. The article touches upon the concept of a 'twin paradox' and the idea of using extreme gravitational fields, such as those near black holes (Kerr Metric) or by constructing massive, rotating cylinders (Frank Tipler's model), to warp spacetime and potentially enable time travel. It notes that while forward time travel is theoretically possible under certain conditions, backward time travel presents greater challenges and may be impossible.

Other Mentions

The issue also mentions a comparison of the Rouen UFO photo with the McMinnville photo, with Professor J. Allen Hynek noting their surprising similarities. There is also a brief note on China's emerging interest in UFO problems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the critical analysis of evidence, and the exploration of theoretical physics related to time travel. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry combined with a rigorous scientific approach, aiming to demystify claims and present factual analysis. The NIVFO-Bulletin aims to be a neutral platform, avoiding dogmatic beliefs or denials, and encouraging reader participation.

This issue of Agderposten, dated November 25, 1980, titled "Ny religion - ökende tilhengerskare" (New religion - growing following), by Gunnar Christensen, explores the burgeoning phenomenon of 'UFO religions' and touches upon the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle.

The Rise of UFO Religions

The article posits that if a nuclear war were to destroy Earth, beings from other planets would come to humanity's aid in their 'flying saucers.' Adherents of 'UFO religions' believe these extraterrestrial beings are more highly evolved, send messages and revelations, and even appear as saviors. German religious and church historian Ernst Benz, in his book "Neue Religionen," describes this phenomenon, noting its significant growth in the USA and Europe over the past fifteen to twenty years, though its roots are much older.

Historically, as far back as the 16th century, astronomers, natural scientists, and theologians speculated about inhabitants of other solar systems. Fredrik Christopher Oetinger compared the modern scientific worldview with Christianity, and his theories influenced German Pietism and Theosophy. In 1686, Frenchman Bernard Fontenelle wrote about how inhabitants of distant planets might be conceived. Immanuel Kant, in his "Algemeine Naturgeschichte und Theorie des Himmels" (1755), was deeply interested in inhabitants of other solar systems, believing they possessed greater spiritual and technical capacity than humans. The third volume of this work discusses the ethics of extraterrestrials, with Kant speculating extensively about aliens.

The modern UFO craze reportedly began in 1947 when private pilot Ken Arnold spotted nine glowing saucers over Idaho. This led to numerous similar reports across the USA, sparking a UFO hysteria. The U.S. Defense Commission, after investigating, concluded that flying saucers did not exist as visitors from other worlds. However, flight major Donald E. Keyhoe, in his book "Flying Saucers from Outer Space," revealed serious flaws in the commission's report.

George Adamski became a prominent figure, claiming to have met a Venusian spaceship pilot near Palomar Mountain in 1952 and publicly testifying about it. His book with Desmond Leslie, "Flying Saucers Have Landed," details encounters with beings from other planets and presents a cultural and historical philosophy suggesting that ancient Earth cultures received help from extraterrestrials. This philosophy posits that these beings have shared their knowledge, enabling human culture, and even explaining the construction of the Egyptian pyramids.

The book suggests that these extraterrestrial beings have two main reasons for monitoring Earth: first, to prevent a nuclear war from becoming so extensive that it harms other planets, using a type of radiation for this purpose; and second, to protect humanity from a catastrophic atomic explosion. UFO beings are reportedly working to gather innocent people and transport them via spaceship to a better world.

Following Adamski, authors like Dr. Frank E. Stranges and Daniel W. Fry, and notably Eric von Däniken, have written popular books on the subject, many translated into Norwegian. Von Däniken's books have achieved wide distribution.

"UFO religion" is characterized by increasingly fantastical descriptions of encounters with advanced beings, often channeled through spiritual mediums, resembling poor science fiction. These beliefs also merge a pseudoscientific worldview with Christian doctrine, claiming spiritual seances bring messages and revelations from beings identical to Christ, who appeared on Earth as Jesus.

To understand the spread of 'UFO religion' in the USA, a group of sociologists from the University of Minnesota studied a group in Lake City, led by Marian Keech. Keech claimed to receive messages from a spirit being named Sananda from the planet Clarion, predicting a flood of Lake City on December 21, 1954, with believers being rescued by a flying saucer. When the prophecy failed, the group's faith did not waver; instead, they increased their missionary efforts, with Keech stating the catastrophe was postponed due to God's mercy and the need to spread the UFO doctrine further. The followers believe beings from other planets are behind Earth's achievements and represent humanity's salvation, aligning with the modern scientific worldview.

The Bermuda Triangle Mystery Solved?

Raymond Taylor reports that scientists may have solved the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, a region in the Atlantic where numerous planes and boats have disappeared. Charles Berlitz, an expert on the topic, suggests that bizarre rings of swirling water, containing immense amounts of unknown energy, have been detected. A joint American and Soviet oceanographic investigation, "Operation Polymode," focused on this area, known as the "Devil's Triangle."

Bob Heinmiller, formerly of MIT, stated that large quantities of water, moving independently of ocean currents, have been found. These "renegade" water masses, up to five miles in diameter and a mile deep, contain low-energy but their origin is unknown. Strange freshwater currents, unlike the surrounding saltwater, and Mediterranean-like currents, much saltier than the Atlantic, were also observed. Small, rapidly swirling vortices, moving three to four times faster than normal currents, were also detected.

The energy within these currents is immeasurable but described as far greater than that of a hurricane. Heinmiller believes this energy strongly influences weather. Berlitz suggests that these immense forces create magnetic storms that can disable boat and aircraft machinery and cause navigation equipment to malfunction, even in calm seas.

Dr. J. Manson Valentine, an oceanographer and "triangle expert," agrees that scientists have made a significant discovery. He believes the enormous energy in these currents can disrupt the atmosphere and cause powerful, localized storms.

Valentine, now director of the Miami Museum of Science, suggests this aligns with eyewitness accounts of navigational equipment going haywire and a feeling of entering a mysterious void. Survivors reported being caught in strange magnetic or electrical storms, even in calm waters. The challenge remains to identify the source of this energy and potentially harness it for human benefit.

Other Topics and Future Content

The issue also mentions the "Sirius mystery," referencing claims that a primitive African tribe knew about the star Sirius B since the 1400s, despite it only being photographed in 1970. The magazine promises future articles on the French UFO research commission (GEPAN), UFO classifications, alleged U.S. government possession of crashed UFOs and alien bodies (based on researcher Leonard Stringfield's work), and a recent Norwegian UFO report from Ål in Hallingdal.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to have a strong interest in UFO phenomena, extraterrestrial theories, and unexplained mysteries. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting various theories and research findings, even those on the fringes of scientific acceptance, while also acknowledging the need for rigorous investigation and evidence, as seen in the discussion of the Bermuda Triangle and the sociological study of UFO believers. The publication aims to provide readers with a mix of international and local (Norwegian) UFO-related content.