NIVFO-Bulletin - 1981 No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of NIVFO bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 2 from 1981, published by NORSK INSTITUTT FOR VITENSKAPELIG FORSKNING OG OPPLYSNING, addresses controversial research topics, with a strong focus on UFO phenomena. The cover features a grainy image of what appears to be wreckage and the headline 'Vi behandler kontroversielle forskningsanliggende - inklusive UFO-spørsmålet' (We deal with controversial research matters - including the UFO question).

Table of Contents

The issue includes a 'Leder' (Editorial), articles titled '«UFO-landing» i Ål' (UFO Landing in Ål), 'UFO over Grip?', 'Rapportene om UFO-funn' (Reports on UFO Findings), 'GEPAN', 'Sirius-gåten' (The Sirius Riddle), and 'Vår forsvunne satelitt' (Our Missing Satellite). The subscription price is Kr. 80,- per year for 5-6 issues.

Editorial: The Silence Around UFOs

The editorial questions why the UFO problem does not generate more public debate, unlike other scientific issues. It suggests that a lack of public knowledge is a primary reason, but also questions why this knowledge gap exists. The editorial touches upon the idea of intelligence agencies suppressing information and the broader societal concepts of conformity, alienation, and nihilism that might contribute to public apathy towards such topics. It includes a quote illustrating how common discourse can become trivialized, focusing on mundane topics rather than more profound or unusual subjects.

UFO Landing in Ål

This article, by Arne S. Haugen, details an event experienced by farmer Ola Roen and three others in Liagardene, Ål, Norway, on the evening of January 26th. Roen initially mistook a red and green light for rockets from the local Home Guard training area. However, the object's silent operation and unusual appearance led him to investigate. He discovered a flat, oval-shaped object, approximately 7-9 meters in diameter, hovering silently on the ground. The object emitted intense red and green lights, with a 'board' around its edge. After about five minutes, the object began to glow intensely, like a welding flame, before silently lifting off and ascending. Roen's neighbor, Eilev Medgard, also witnessed the event. The article notes that while other people in the area reported seeing lights, no physical traces were found due to mild weather and wind.

UFO Over Grip?

This section compiles reports from Norway regarding a mysterious object observed near Grip. Police department chief Helge Jacobsen of Romsdalsposten reported receiving multiple messages about a bright object in the sky on a Wednesday evening. The object was described as moving in all directions and was visible for 15-20 minutes. Reports came from the flight tower at Kvernberget, which noted a 'ball' or possibly a balloon with a light, and a helicopter pilot who spotted a blank object. The object was last seen by a helicopter pilot around 11:30 PM. NIVFO has begun investigations into these reports, noting that while some suggest it could be a kite or balloon with lights, the distance between observations makes this unlikely. The article highlights that neither the helicopter pilot nor the flight tower personnel could identify the object, and that such observations are often difficult to investigate due to limited data.

Reports on UFO Findings (Part 1)

This section begins a series on material from Leonard H. Stringfield, focusing on reports of UFO findings and humanoids. Report No. 1, translated by G. Bertelsen, describes the alleged discovery of dead humanoids, including one possibly female, packed in crates at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, USA, in 1953. The witness, a current engineer with a military background, claims to have seen five crates containing three small humanoids, about 120 cm tall, with hairless, narrow heads disproportionately large for their bodies. They wore dark, tight-fitting suits. The witness confirmed the presence of a female humanoid through a DC-7 pilot.

Report No. 2: Sergeant Guarding Humanoids

Report No. 2 details an account from a sergeant in the air force, who was blindfolded and taken to Wright-Patterson AFB in 1973 to guard three small, deceased humanoids. The humanoids, about 90 cm long, were laid out on a table with high-ranking officers present. Their skin was described as cream-colored or discolored white, with short, downy hair on their heads. The report also mentions that the witness's wife, Fru S.I., had previously related her husband Carl's experience to Stringfield, but Carl had been reluctant to speak about it due to secrecy and potential reprisals. He eventually confirmed his experience, describing the scene and the humanoids' appearance, noting their skin color resembled that of a corpse pulled from water.

Humanoid Descriptions

Page 10 features images of humanoids and discusses the concept of 'UFO-nauts' or living, humanoid beings associated with UFOs. It notes that while many reports describe small humanoids with large heads and long arms, forming a 'prototype,' other descriptions vary widely, including giants and beings identical to humans. The article speculates that these beings could be artificial biological robots or clones, citing their 'mechanical movements' and 'absurd actions.' It also references Dr. Jacques Vallee's suggestion of parallels with folklore.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, alleged extraterrestrial encounters, and the potential for government secrecy or suppression of information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into controversial topics, encouraging discussion and investigation of phenomena that are often met with public apathy or skepticism. The magazine aims to present firsthand accounts and research findings, even if they challenge conventional understanding.

This issue of UFO-Magasinet, issue number 3 of volume 1, published in 1981 by NIVFO, features a cover story detailing the alleged revelations of a secret organization known as the "Blue Berets" by an intelligence officer who claimed to have witnessed nine dead humanoids at Wright-Patterson AFB in 1966. The magazine also delves into the operations and methodology of the French UFO research organization GEPAN and explores the ancient astronomical knowledge of the Dogon tribe concerning the star Sirius B.

The "Blue Berets" and Dead Humanoids

The lead article presents a first-hand report to Leonard H. Stringfield from an intelligence officer (identified as J.K.) who served in 1966. The officer claims to have observed nine dead humanoid bodies, approximately 120 cm long with grayish skin, preserved in deep-frozen state in illuminated glass containers at Wright-Patterson AFB. He was told that 30 similar bodies were stored at the base at that time. While the witness did not see any alien craft at WPAFB, he was informed that such craft were stored there and also at Langley AFB, Virginia, and McDill AFB in Florida. The report identifies three key areas in the 1960s where secret UFO research operations were likely conducted: Langley AFB, Avon Bombing Range (part of McDill AFB complex near Sebring, Florida), and Seymour Johnson AFB in Goldsboro, North Carolina.

The witness also revealed the existence of the "Blue Berets," highly trained mobile military units on constant standby, ready to be deployed to UFO crash sites anywhere in the USA. These units could operate covertly, employing tactics like inducing power outages and blackouts to prevent public interference. The officer's service during the Vietnam War (1966-1968) allegedly coincided with five UFO crashes in the Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky tri-state area, including a known case involving three alien bodies and a confrontation with military units, the details of which were not disclosed.

Further information from the witness indicates that since 1948, data concerning UFO activities involving US forces has been stored in a data center at WPAFB, forming a comprehensive database of classified and hidden UFO data. The witness, J.K., served as a security officer in the army, involved with NIKE missiles, and held a responsible position in the finance department of a company in Tampa, Florida.

Jeffrey Sparks, Stringfield's son-in-law, initially informed Stringfield about the witness. Sparks, an assistant professor at St. Leo College in Dade City, Florida, provided J.K.'s contact information. Stringfield then had a lengthy conversation with J.K. on July 5, 1978, and subsequent conversations, with the last one on September 12, 1979, where J.K. reaffirmed his earlier statements. Some technical details from J.K.'s previous work were omitted upon request.

In a commentary, it's noted that J.K. also mentioned Senator Barry Goldwater's attempt to access UFO files at WPAFB, which was denied by General Curtis Lemay, causing a significant embarrassment. During a visit to Dade City, Florida, in April 1979, Stringfield met with another witness, C.A.M., who corroborated J.K.'s statements about the "Blue Berets." Information from the WPAFB UFO database is reportedly not accessible through the Freedom of Information Act and is not stored at the National Archives.

GEPAN: France's Official UFO Research Agency

The magazine highlights France as the only country with an official, government-established UFO investigation commission, GEPAN (Groupe d'Etudes des Phenomenes Aerospatiaux Nonidentifies). This article is based on "GEPAN, FRANCE'S OFFICIAL UFO AGENCY" from the "International UFO Reporter" (Vol. 5, No. 1, January 1980), published by the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS), led by Dr. J. Allen Hynek.

Dr. Alain Esterle, GEPAN's director, admits that even he doesn't fully understand the circumstances that led to France establishing such a well-funded and professional UFO research project. The article questions whether France's unique intellectual tradition or the right people being in the right place at the right time contributed to this. It contrasts this with the US, where President Carter's request for NASA to investigate UFOs was politely declined.

GEPAN was established in 1977 by CNES (Centre Nationale d'Etude Spatiales) and collaborates with the French national police (Gendarmerie), military, and other government bodies, gaining access to their equipment and facilities. The article questions the stark difference in approach between the US and France regarding UFO phenomena, noting that while the phenomenon is essentially the same, the US seems to exhibit apathy and contempt.

Despite France leading in UFO research, GEPAN faces criticism from some French private UFO groups who fear a repeat of the "Condon committee" whitewash. However, evidence suggests GEPAN maintains a strict and scientific approach. Its setup differs significantly from past US attempts, involving seven specialized working groups under the daily control of Dr. Alain Esterle, a young mathematician and engineer. The work is constantly evaluated by a scientific commission comprising specialists in astronomy, plasma physics, atmospheric physics, high-energy physics, meteorology, geodesi, and psychology. GEPAN's budget also allows for consulting services in other scientific disciplines.

GEPAN's primary goal is to determine if UFO reports stem from a real physical phenomenon or from psychological factors ("inner space" vs. "outer space"). GEPAN concludes that the stimuli for their reports are indeed real, physical phenomena that remain unidentified. They find that no known natural phenomenon or human-made device can adequately explain the often disturbing characteristics of these UFOs. Approximately 20-40 "type D" reports (indicating a physical phenomenon) are received monthly.

GEPAN investigators visit UFO sighting locations, assess report details with the Gendarmerie, and develop action programs. They reconstruct events as closely as possible to the original observations. Witnesses are interviewed separately and then confronted with the reconstructed scenarios. The observation time is re-evaluated, and distances are measured.

GEPAN has developed a "simulation device" that allows witnesses to view UFO images superimposed on the actual landscape, enabling precise positional determination and reconstruction of apparent sizes and speeds. They have also developed an "overdrive grid" that can photograph the spectrum of strong light sources, potentially aiding in the discovery of the nature of unidentified light phenomena. GEPAN also uses simple theodolites to measure azimuth and elevation angles of UFOs.

Professional psychologists interview witnesses to assess their personality and help grade the report's reliability. These findings are cross-referenced with data from local meteorological stations, airfields, and military bases. GEPAN's fundamental question is whether the reported event actually happened as described. If a high degree of objectivity is established, the next step is to seek a natural explanation, ruling out misidentifications of stars, planes, or balloons.

GEPAN's approach is to pursue the UFO phenomenon as far as possible with available equipment and knowledge, even if natural explanations are eventually found for some cases. They receive original reports primarily from the French national police (Gendarmerie). For minor sightings, reports may take weeks to reach GEPAN. A specialized "expert group" analyzes, codes, and classifies the 100-200 reports received monthly.

The Dogon Tribe and Sirius B

An article by Eva Louis explores the question of whether Earth has experienced an advanced civilization before our own and where it originated. It discusses Erich von Däniken's theories and then introduces a significant finding from a 1950 article in "Journal de la Societe des Africanistes" titled "Un Systeme Soudainais de Sirius." The authors, anthropologists Marcel Griaule and Germaine Dieterlen, documented observations made among the Dogon tribe in Mali, West Africa.

The Dogon tribe, living in isolation, possessed detailed knowledge of the star Sirius B, part of the Canis major constellation, dating back to the 1400s. This knowledge, which included information about Sirius B's companion star (not visible to the naked eye), was kept secret and was part of their complex religious rituals and mythology. Griaule spent many years among the Dogon, eventually gaining the trust of their leaders and priests. Upon his return after World War II, accompanied by Dieterlen, he was granted insight into these secret rituals. Four priests shared their beliefs and illustrated them with sand drawings. Griaule and Dieterlen documented this information but, lacking expertise in astronomy, did not fully grasp its implications. Their report, published without commentary, initially garnered little attention.

Marcel Griaule was highly respected by the Dogon and was buried among them in Mali after his death in 1956.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes the need for serious, scientific investigation into UFO phenomena, contrasting the proactive approach of GEPAN in France with the perceived lack of official interest and potential cover-up in the United States. The article on the "Blue Berets" highlights the clandestine nature of government involvement in UFO incidents, including the alleged retrieval of alien bodies. The discussion of GEPAN underscores the importance of rigorous methodology, expert analysis, and the pursuit of objective truth, even when faced with public skepticism and fear of reporting experiences. The inclusion of the Dogon tribe's ancient astronomical knowledge serves to broaden the scope of inquiry, suggesting potential connections between ancient cultures and extraterrestrial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded yet critical investigation, advocating for transparency and scientific rigor in understanding the UFO mystery. The magazine also solicits support for its own work through a "STØTTEFOND" (Support Fund).

This issue of "UFO RADEN" from 1981, specifically issue number 1, delves into two compelling topics: the ancient astronomical knowledge of the Dogon people and the mysterious disappearance of a communications satellite, the Satcom 3, with speculation of UFO involvement.

The Dogon Mystery: Ancient Astronomical Knowledge

The magazine explores the extraordinary knowledge of the Dogon tribe, who reside in the Hombori mountains of Mali. Their astronomical lore, particularly concerning the star Sirius, is presented as remarkably accurate and detailed, predating modern scientific discoveries. The article highlights that the Dogon possess specific information about Sirius, including its companion star, Sirius B, which they call "Digitaria" or "Po Tolo" (star seed). They describe Sirius B as a "white dwarf," a term coined by astronomers much later.

Astronomers like F.W. Bessel in 1844 noted a "wobbling" motion in Sirius's orbit, leading to the hypothesis of an unseen companion. This was later confirmed by Alvin Clarke in 1862, who observed Sirius B. Dr. Irving Lindenblad captured the first clear photograph of Sirius B in 1970. The Dogon's knowledge includes details about Sirius B's orbit, its density (described as incredibly heavy, with a handful weighing tons), and its size. They also speak of a third star in the Sirius system, "emme ya" (Sirius C), and a habitable planet orbiting it.

Furthermore, the Dogon are said to have extensive knowledge of our own solar system, including Saturn's rings, Jupiter's moons, and the moon's geology. They attribute this knowledge to "Nommo," amphibious beings from the Sirius system who, according to their lore, visited Earth in ancient times and are credited with founding earthly civilization.

The article questions the origin of this knowledge, considering theories such as extraterrestrial contact, a lost advanced civilization like Atlantis, or even a visiting astronomer who may have influenced the tribe. The Dogon's ritualistic practices, like the Sigui festival held every fifty years, are linked to their astronomical calendar.

The Vanishing Satellite: Satcom 3 and UFOs

Another significant section of the magazine focuses on the disappearance of the 1-ton Satcom 3 communications satellite. Robert Barry, leader of the Twentieth Century UFO Bureau, states that the satellite vanished suddenly and inexplicably from radar screens. He suggests that UFOs might have captured the satellite to study it, drawing a parallel to how humans would study an alien spacecraft.

Barry implies that UFOs have shown interest in Earth's satellites before, and this is not the first instance of a satellite disappearing mysteriously. The article mentions that the Soviet Union has also lost satellites, and that both the Gemini and Salyut space projects have reportedly been observed by UFOs.

RCA, the owner of Satcom 3, is reportedly baffled by the disappearance. Their spokesperson, John Williamsson, stated that if the satellite had exploded, debris would have been detected, and if it had drifted into a new orbit due to malfunction, NORAD would have tracked it. The article notes that another Satcom satellite is scheduled to be launched to replace it.

Barry speculates that extraterrestrials might have been monitoring Satcom 3 since its launch from Cape Canaveral, which he describes as a frequent UFO observation point. The article concludes by posing the question of how these primitive-level people (referring to the Dogon) acquired such advanced astronomical knowledge, leaving it as one of history's great unsolved mysteries.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of ancient myths, unexplained phenomena, and potential extraterrestrial influence. The editorial stance appears to favor the possibility of UFO involvement in unexplained events, particularly the disappearance of the Satcom 3 satellite. The Dogon mystery is presented as a prime example of ancient, possibly alien-derived, knowledge that challenges conventional historical and scientific understanding. The publication encourages readers to consider unconventional explanations for these phenomena, highlighting the limitations of current scientific and historical paradigms in fully explaining such events.