NIVFO-Bulletin - 1981 No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: NIVFO bulletin
Issue: Nr. 4, 1981 (Volume 1)
Publisher: NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of NIVFO bulletin focuses on UFO phenomena, with a prominent cover story titled "Himmel-fenomener over Norge" (Sky Phenomena over Norway). The magazine states its purpose is to handle controversial research matters, including UFO questions.

Key Articles and Content

"Hva USA's regjering vet om UFO" (What the US Government Knows About UFOs) by Peter Gersten

This article, presented as "Siste Nytt" (Latest News), discusses declassified documents revealing the US government's long-standing awareness of UFOs. It highlights a 1952 CIA memorandum from Walter B. Smith to the National Security Council, which stated that the situation had possible implications for national security and recommended a program for intelligence and research activities.

The article asserts that overwhelming evidence indicates the existence of unidentified flying objects, some of which are non-conventional craft that pose a threat to national security and are beyond current technological development. It also claims the government has continuously misinformed the public about the significance of the "UFO problem."

Further details from declassified documents reveal that in October, November, and December 1975, credible military personnel reported unconventional flying objects near strategic facilities such as nuclear weapon sites, early warning systems, and atomic missile control centers. These reports came from Loring Air Force Base, Maine; Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan; Malstrom AFB, Montana; Minot AFB, North Dakota; and Canadian Air Force Station, Ontario. Many observations were confirmed by radar. At Loring AFB, an object showed a clear interest in the weapons storage areas.

These events caused significant attention within the CIA and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Despite public statements from the Air Force suggesting isolated incidents, internal documents indicated that the "security rules" did not guarantee protection against "invasions."

Specific sightings are detailed: on January 21, 1956, a UFO was observed near Cannon AFB, New Mexico, described as 25 yards in diameter, gold and silver with blue lights on top and red lights at the bottom. On January 31, a UFO was seen near a radar installation at Elgin AFB, Florida. On July 30, 1976, a UFO was observed over ammunition depots at Fort Richie, Maryland.

The article concludes that the evidence is clear and unequivocal: the Federal government has systematically misinformed the American public about the real threat to national security posed by these UFO incidents. It contrasts this with an "Avansert Teknologi" (Advanced Technology) section, which quotes the Air Force (1980) stating there is no evidence that "unidentified" observations represent technological developments beyond current scientific knowledge. However, official documents reveal hundreds of reports describing unconventional objects with advanced capabilities, often confirmed by radar and other tracking equipment.

"NÆROBSERVASJON AV HVA?" (Close Observation of What?) by Lånke, Hell ved Stjørdal

This section details a specific UFO sighting on July 25, 1981, by Hjørdis Hokstad, a housewife. The observation lasted 10-15 minutes.

The object was described as a cylinder with a "ball" on top, approximately the same diameter as the cylinder. A rod or pipe extended from the bottom. A red, heart-shaped emblem was noted on top of the cylinder. The object's surface resembled polished aluminum and reflected sunlight. No sound was heard.

It was initially observed hovering near the ground, about 250-300 meters away. It then ascended vertically and moved directly towards the witness with smooth, steady motion, rotating slowly around its axis. Its height and speed changed. After passing over the witness's house, it accelerated markedly.

The witness used binoculars (12x50) to observe the object from her porch. Estimating the size was difficult; the witness described it as "about as big as a man," but calculations suggested it might have been larger.

Weather conditions were clear and sunny. The object was initially observed moving southwest, then moved northeast. Wind conditions were 3-5 knots.

The witness is considered credible, with no prior history of UFO interest. Her eyesight is slightly impaired but not enough to significantly affect her observation.

Additional details include the object's position relative to the witness and its movement path. The article notes that animal reactions, such as cows running amok on nearby farms at the time of the observation, are characteristic of UFO reports.

A second witness, a middle-aged man living a couple of kilometers away, also observed the object. He initially thought it was an airplane but was surprised by the lack of wings. He described the object as moving steadily towards a hill and then flying horizontally until it disappeared behind the hill. Based on his description, the object had to be relatively large, possibly the size of a medium-sized car.

The conclusion is that this observation is interesting because no conventional explanation seems to fit. However, the possibility of it being a balloon cannot be entirely ruled out, though it is considered highly unlikely given the object's steady course against the wind.

"OM 'LANDINGS SPOR'" (About 'Landing Traces')

This section presents statistical data from a catalog of 1525 UFO reports from 52 countries, compiled over ten years. The study indicates a significant increase in physical trace reports, particularly after 1964.

• Statistics on Landing Traces:
• Frequency: Reports increased from an average of 17.7 per year (1950-1959) to 45.6 (1960-1969) and 63.5 (1970-1979).
• Timing: Most frequent in October, followed by July and September.
• Observation Time: Most often observed between 21:00 and 22:00, with 49% of events occurring between 20:00 and midnight.
• Sound: 8.4% of UFOs emitted sound, described as humming or whistling.
• Light Beams: Often reported, sent from the object to the ground before or after landing.
• Humanoids: Observed in 14.3% of cases; 71% were shorter than normal human height.
• Effects on Environment: 14.1% of cases involved effects on animals, people, and electrical systems.
• Witnesses: 39.2% involved two or more witnesses; 25.7% had many witnesses. 39% of witnesses were within 50 feet of the landed or nearly landed craft; 64.6% were within 250 feet.
• Duration: 43% of observations lasted 1-5 minutes; 6% lasted 30 minutes to 1 hour.
• Witness Demographics: 65% male, 35% female.

• Object Descriptions:
• Shape: 74% described as disc-shaped.
• Color: 34% metallic.
• Prominent Features: Vents, domes, external lights, light beams, steam or smoke, and rapid vertical ascent.

• UFO Types:
• Type 1: 8-12 feet in diameter, described as having a blank, glowing surface, no ground contact, and never associated with humanoids.
• Type 2: Typical disc shape with metallic surface, external lights, and landing gear (three or four-legged).

• Landing Mark Characteristics:
• Shape: 77% were round, with diameters from 4 to 45 feet.
• Condition: Described as burned (49%), pressed down (33%), or dried (18%).
• Drying Effect: Some dried traces would not absorb water for up to a year.
• Shape Variations: 10% of traces were triangular (61%) or rectangular (34%).

"UFO-VRAK og HUMANOIDER del 3" (UFO Wrecks and Humanoids Part 3)

This article reports on a high-level intelligence source revealing a crashed alien craft in New Mexico in 1962. The report is a first-hand account to UFO researcher Robert D. Barry and a second-hand account to Leonard Stringfield.

The Incident: In 1962, a UFO was tracked by military radar in the southwestern US, experiencing maneuvering problems. Military jet fighters were scrambled to intercept it. The craft lost altitude and crashed in the desert at an estimated speed of 145 km/t. The underside hit the sand as if it were a landing.

Onboard Findings: Two humanoid occupants were found onboard. They were 1.07 meters tall and wore one-piece suits without buttons or zippers. Their skin was gray-pink. They had large heads relative to their bodies, larger eyes than normal, small noses, and no earlobes (but holes where ears would be). Their mouths were small with thin lips.

The article suggests the craft was a machine for investigation or examination.

Aftermath: The humanoids were taken to a university hospital for medical examination, including skin samples. The craft was transported to a military base for scientists and engineers to study its propulsion mechanism. Twenty specialists were involved. Three of these specialists have since died, leaving 17 who are aware of the episode.

Witness: A former high-ranking member of the CIA.

Source: The information was relayed by Robert D. Barry, a leader of the "20th Century UFO Bureau" and a UFO researcher since 1957. He contacted Stringfield in March 1978.

"TIDLIGERE CIA-MEDLEM KOMMER MED SENSASJONELL AVSLØRINGER" (Former CIA Member Makes Sensational Revelations)

This section details further revelations from a former CIA member, relayed through Robert D. Barry to Leonard Stringfield.

Revelations:
1. UFOs allegedly assisted Israeli forces in the 1967 war against Arabs, as published in "Midnight Globe" on October 11, 1977.
2. Stringfield was warned against revealing details of UFO crash retrievals and recovery operations. In April 1978, he was advised to be extremely discreet regarding US forces on Mexican soil.
3. Regarding Stringfield's planned lecture at a MUFON symposium in Dayton on July 29, 1978, the CIA member suggested "agitators" might be present and that unknown agents would be there to handle any difficulties.
4. After Stringfield received a death threat following his Dayton lecture, Robert D. Barry called the CIA member, who commented, "I told you there would be trouble there."
5. Stringfield was informed about a "cyborg" (robot) and asked if he would receive X-ray evidence of it in Dayton or at a meeting in St. Louis. The CIA member advised against it, suggesting it might be a scam and warning that if it were real, the X-ray material could cause a plane to crash.

"OM LANDINGSSPOR" (About Landing Traces) - Continued

This section continues the discussion on landing traces, noting that common effects include footprints and damage to farms. The Midwestern US is highlighted as a particularly active region, with states like Missouri, Iowa, California, Ohio, Kansas, and New York reporting numerous cases.

Landings have been reported in 47 states. The article mentions that 72 high-significance cases from the catalog are discussed in a separate article in MUFON's journal.

It also briefly references Norwegian cases: Espevær (Ring), Namsen (Triangles), and Åsbygda (Square).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NIVFO bulletin consistently addresses controversial topics related to UFOs, presenting witness testimonies, alleged government documents, and statistical analyses. The editorial stance appears to be one of investigating and reporting on these phenomena, often highlighting perceived government secrecy and the need for public awareness. The magazine aims to provide a platform for information that challenges conventional explanations and explores the implications of UFO sightings for national security and scientific understanding. There's an underlying theme of skepticism towards official denials and a belief that significant information is being withheld from the public.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated 1982, focuses on various UFO-related reports and investigations, primarily from Norway and the USA. The cover features a stylized illustration of a head and a UFO, hinting at the contents within.

Key Articles and Reports

Project Engineer Investigates Unharmed Craft, Dead "Pilot" Found Onboard

This prominent article details an investigation by a project engineer (Fritz Werner) from the Air Force into a crashed, undamaged UFO in May 1953. The craft was found in the Nevada desert. Werner, a specialist in metallurgy and UFO analysis, was part of a team that examined the object. He describes the craft as oval, approximately nine meters in diameter, made of matte, silver-colored metal, resembling two deep plates. The article notes that Werner was blindfolded during transport to the site and that the craft had no visible damage, but analysis indicated its home planet was not Earth. He also observed a deceased, humanoid occupant, approximately 120 cm tall, wearing a silver-like suit with a metallic helmet. The witness was instructed to write his report by hand and not to discuss the incident.

CIA Contact's Revelations Regarding Dayton Conference

This section details information provided by a CIA contact to UFO researcher Leonard Stringfield concerning events around a Dayton conference in July 1978. The contact revealed that two alien agents would be present and that CIA and FBI personnel would also be there. The contact further stated that if Stringfield were to reveal classified data, a scientist would publicly comment on it. Stringfield was later told he hadn't revealed sensitive information, so the scientist didn't need to intervene. The witness also commented on a Kingman-Arizona case from 1953, stating much of it was fabricated but not denying its existence.

Witness Testimony: Major Daly

Major Daly, a metallurgist stationed at Wright Patterson AFB in 1953, investigated a crashed UFO in a sandy area. He was blindfolded and taken to the site, where he saw a metallic craft. His analysis suggested the craft's origin was not Earth. He noted the size of the craft and an entrance opening. His experience occurred a month before Frantz Werner's similar investigation, and he did not see any dead humanoids, suggesting the bodies might have been removed.

UFO Over Lier in 1956

This report features the testimony of Liv Andreassen, who, at age 11 in 1956, witnessed a large, flying saucer-shaped object over Lier, Norway. She described it as having a dome-like structure and moving slowly. Her account was initially dismissed, but later, a man in Lier reported seeing a similar object, validating her experience. She expresses frustration with commentators like Erik Tandberg who dismiss such sightings as natural or technical phenomena.

Mysterious Light Over Breiskallen and Snertingdal

Several reports detail sightings of unusual lights in Norway. A man in Breiskallen observed two intense red lights, initially mistaking them for the Northern Lights. In Midtre Snertingdal, a woman reported seeing a blue-green light and later a strong green-white light emanating from a large, star-shaped object that moved horizontally and vertically, eventually forming a cross shape before disappearing.

Orange and Red Circles Seen in Gjøvik

Reports from the Randsfjorden area mention sightings of orange and red objects, including a waterspout-like phenomenon and a dark, circular object. In Gjøvik, orange and red circles were observed.

"Earthquake Lights" and UFOs

This section explores the phenomenon of "earthquake lights" and their potential connection to UFO sightings. It cites historical accounts and research suggesting that seismic activity might generate electrical fields that could be perceived as lights or even influence human perception, leading to UFO reports. Researchers like Dr. Michael A. Persinger and Gyslaine F. Lafreniere are mentioned for their work on the link between unusual events, geological faults, and solar activity.

Al-Saken (NIVFO Bulletin)

This brief note refers to a previous inquiry to the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) regarding a reported landing in Ål, Hallingdal. It indicates that NRK has provided a detailed and satisfactory explanation, attributing the delay in response to administrative "glitches."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents witness testimonies as credible, often highlighting the skepticism they face from authorities or media. There's a strong emphasis on detailed accounts of sightings, including descriptions of craft, occupants, and associated phenomena. The editorial stance appears to support the investigation of UFO phenomena and encourages witnesses to come forward, suggesting that many reports, even if initially dismissed, warrant serious consideration. The recurring theme of government secrecy and the potential for cover-ups is also evident throughout the issue.

This issue of UFO-Aktuelt from 1981 focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena reported in Norway. The cover prominently features the 'Sølvmannen' (Silver Man) case, a photograph of a man in a silver suit, accompanied by discussions about its authenticity and origins.

Vardalsåsen Sighting

A witness reported seeing a round, luminous object over Vardalsåsen on a specific date. The object was described as orange, turning green, with a luminous trail. It moved at high speed and disappeared over a hill in a northeasterly direction.

Kruttbrenning? Ildkuler?

An article from Oppland Arbeiderblad suggests that lights seen in Søndre Land on December 18, 1980, might have been caused by gunpowder burning at Bradalsmyra near Reinsvoll. Another contribution from Kolbjørn Sørlien of Reinsvoll suggests the lights were ball lightning.

Hovsvangen School Sighting

Children near Hovsvangen school reported a red-glowing phenomenon that illuminated the snow and their skis. The object was described as being like 'a car with the roof down' and 'a car with wheels on the roof.' The event lasted about 30 seconds. A teacher, Kari Røddum, noted that those further away saw an orange object, while those closer saw a red glow.

Våler Sighting

Two witnesses in Våler reported seeing an oval, strongly luminous object moving slowly downwards on a kick-sled. They heard no sound, but observed yellow and red flashes. The object was described as being as large as the moon.

Toten, Kraby, Lena Sighting

Multiple school students in the Toten, Kraby, and Lena areas reported an object descending from a dark cloud, appearing red-hot, before ascending and then descending again towards the ground. It then ascended towards the clouds and disappeared in a southwesterly direction.

Fevik Sighting

A witness in Fevik described seeing an orange or reddish object, approximately one meter long and 30-40 cm wide, moving at high speed. The witness had a camera but was unable to capture a clear image due to the speed of the object.

Other Sightings and Reports

The issue also includes reports from:

• Løken i Høland: A witness reported a red and yellow luminous object that changed course and split into two smaller red spheres.
• Løken i Høland (same location and witness): A metallic grey, disc-shaped object was observed hovering near treetops.
• Hemnes i Høland: A yellowish, medium-bright object with constant light and color was observed making course, altitude, and speed changes.
• Ådal: Witnesses reported a large, round, luminous object in the sky.

Commentary

The commentary section suggests that many of the observed phenomena could be ball lightning, referencing meteor showers like the Geminids and Quadrantids. It notes that ball lightning can appear low but typically forms at high altitudes. A report from Leif Aashaug of Gjøvik is highlighted as leaving a question mark.

The 'Silver Man' Case

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the 'Silver Man' case. It discusses a photograph of a man in a silver suit, allegedly found among the wreckage of a UFO crash in Arizona in 1950. The article references Johannes von Buttlar's book and explores the possibility that the event was a deliberate deception orchestrated by intelligence services to discredit a researcher named Jessup. The authenticity of the photograph is debated, with skeptics pointing to the object's proportions and proponents suggesting it could be genuine.

Norsk Astronautisk Forening

Information is provided about the Norsk Astronautisk Forening (Norwegian Astronautical Society), its history, founding members, and activities. It aims to inform about space research through its publications and meetings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the investigation of these phenomena, and the search for explanations. The magazine presents various witness accounts, some of which are attributed to natural phenomena like ball lightning or meteors, while others, like the 'Silver Man' case, remain subjects of debate and mystery. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and theories while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the possibility of hoaxes or misidentifications.