NIVFO-Bulletin - 1982 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: NIVFO bulletin
Issue: 1
Volume: 2. ÅRGANG
Date: 1982
Publisher: NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of the NIVFO bulletin is dedicated to the extraordinary UFO observations that occurred in Hessdalen, near Røros, Norway, starting before Christmas 1981 and continuing for several months. The cover story, "Hva skjer i Hessdalen ved Røros?" (What is happening in Hessdalen near Røros?), highlights the perplexing nature of these sightings, which are described as potentially the most astonishing ever reported in Norway. The magazine aims to address controversial research topics, including the UFO question.

Hessdalen Observations

The central focus of the issue is the Hessdalen phenomenon. Since early December 1981, residents have reported seeing luminous objects, often described as following specific routes at low altitudes. Multiple witnesses observed these phenomena over an extended period, with up to four objects seen simultaneously in some instances. Detailed descriptions include objects that were egg-shaped, possessing sharp contours, and appearing to have windows with four panes, resembling those of old houses. Their angular size was estimated to be comparable to 4-5 large stars. The objects were observed under varying weather conditions, but most frequently in clear, dark nights.

One significant account details an observation on January 15th, where Aage Moe, Jon Aspås, and Bjarne Lillevold, using a snowmobile, witnessed four objects moving in various directions. These objects were egg-shaped, had a visual angular extent of about 1/4 of the full moon, and in certain positions appeared flatter. Their estimated size was 15-20 x 7-8 meters. The objects' surfaces were described as greenish, almost phosphorescent, while the 'windows' emitted a yellow-white light, contrasting with the object's body. The witnesses noted that the horizontal 'pane' was wider than the vertical one. The objects exhibited movements that could be described as 'rolling' or rotating around a vertical axis.

Another report describes an object with multiple colors (yellow, green, blue, and red) seen under a low cloud cover on February 11th, moving at helicopter-like speed. A stationary object was also observed, which later began moving westward.

A particularly striking incident involved a witness, Torfinn Barstad, who felt intense nausea when a luminous object, described as house-sized and oval-shaped, hovered about 500 meters away. The object emitted a sharp light, compared to a 100-watt light bulb, and after about 20 minutes, it rapidly moved south.

Further accounts include observations of luminous objects with steady, helicopter-like movement, passing in front of mountains. One report mentions a dark 'dark hull' seen in binoculars between two luminous parts of an object.

Other Sightings and Reports

Beyond Hessdalen, the bulletin includes a "Rapportoversikt" (Report Overview) detailing various UFO sightings across Norway and even in Nord-Finland:

• Sjoa (Nov 21, 1981): Two large, white-glowing tubes moving parallel at high speed.
• Lillehammer (Nov 21, 1981): A strange luminous object moving in an arc, leaving a smoky trail.
• Helgøya (Nov 21, 1981): A round, red-glowing object moving towards Gjøvik.
• Rossfjordstraumen (Nov 17, 1981): A luminous object moving at high speed towards a landing position near Mellomfjellet.
• Hegra/Stjørdal/Skjelstadmark/Meråker (Nov 25, 1981): A rocket-like object changing course multiple times.
• Skatval (Dec 11, 1981): A rocket-like object at high speed and low altitude.
• Bjørndalen (Nov 21, 1981): A bright light observed in fog, appearing as large as the sun, with a narrow beam hitting the ground.
• Fagernes (Nov 30, 1981): A large, luminous object moving over Strandefjorden.
• Skredlia/Farsund (Dec 1, 1981): A strong, yellow-white light, with four lights visible in a line through binoculars.
• Bergsdalen/Voss (Dec 9, 1981): A flashing, bright light with a humming/droning sound, causing the witness to feel nauseous.

Media and Official Response

The bulletin discusses the media coverage of the Hessdalen events. Adresseavisen provided a serious and accurate portrayal, while VG also published an article. However, NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) is criticized for its perceived tendency to trivialize UFOs, with a report on "Fredagsmagasinet" (Friday Magazine) being described as an attempt to ridicule the witnesses. The magazine notes that NRK's district program found it difficult to cover the story, given the widespread reports from the Hessdalen area.

NIVFO contacted the Norwegian Armed Forces' High Command, which acknowledged the unusual nature of the reports and considered sending out aircraft equipped with special instruments. However, they stated they would await a written report from NIVFO. NIVFO also maintained contact with the Luftforsvarets stasjon (Air Force station) at Gråkallen near Trondheim. This station reported no unusual radar activity, possibly because the objects were flying too low to be detected. It was also noted that Gråkallen was not permitted to share radar information with civilian entities.

Photography and Investigation

Photographers from NRK and a freelance journalist, Arne Wisth, spent a week in Hessdalen attempting to photograph and film the objects. Initial reports suggested that the objects' activity decreased when many people were present. One instance described an object approaching the photographers, stopping above a mountain peak as if aware of their presence, and then disappearing instantly, likened to a rolling blind.

During NIVFO's visit to Hessdalen, an object initially mistaken for a star was observed moving in a zig-zag pattern. Photographs were taken, showing a 'tagged' and slightly ascending movement. NIVFO has the films for further examination.

Local Information

The bulletin includes a brief description of the municipality of Holtålen, located in Gauldalen, South Trøndelag. It details its geography, population (2640 in 1979), and geological features, including mineral deposits.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the persistent and widespread reporting of unusual aerial phenomena in Hessdalen and other parts of Norway. The editorial stance is one of serious investigation into these controversial topics, contrasting with what the authors perceive as dismissive or sensationalist media coverage, particularly from NRK. The bulletin positions itself as a platform for scientific research and information dissemination regarding UFOs and related phenomena. The issue concludes by mentioning that further reports on the Hessdalen events were still coming in and that the next issue of NIVFO-bulletin would provide more information. A special issue on 'Spaceship Theory' is also advertised for order.

This issue of UFO-Aktuelt, dated 1/1982, is published by NIVFO and focuses on numerous UFO sightings and related phenomena reported in Norway and the USA. The magazine features detailed witness testimonies, investigative notes, and discussions on potential UFO crashes and encounters.

Key Articles and Reports

Hesjedalen, Farsund, Atna, Kjeller, Bjørset Sightings (December 1981)

The issue begins with a series of brief reports from December 1981 detailing various sightings across Norway:

• Hesjedalen, Stamnes (13.12.81, 22:20): Two witnesses reported a bright object in the sky for several minutes, which seemed to follow a specific route and caused telephone interference.
• Kvås, Farsund (14.12.81, 10:00): Two men saw a flying object moving slowly at varying altitudes without audible sound, estimated to be 500-1000 meters away.
• Atna (16.12.81, 22:00): A witness saw two luminous spheres hovering over the ground, which disappeared when the car stopped and reappeared when it drove on. The object was visible for half an hour and appeared to have a 'rear part of a helicopter'.
• Kjeller (17.12.81, 15:30): A black sphere appeared, stretched into a cigar shape, and then split into two parts. It descended slowly and was observed from Solheim as well.
• Bjørset, Molde (19.12.81, 19:00-20:00): A red object appeared, grew larger and more elongated, with multiple visible 'floors', and disappeared behind the mountains heading east.

Stjørdals-området Sightings (November 1981)

This section details observations in the Stjørdal region:

• Stjørdal (25.11.81, 19:20): Multiple witnesses observed a rocket-like object with lights in red, green, and yellow, moving east at an estimated altitude of 40-50 meters. It was described as having a flame-like appearance.
• Skjelstadmark (23.11.81, before 19:30): A witness reported an object with a red and blue light and a faint bluish tail, moving at high speed near houses, which seemed to explode and drop fragments.
• Skatval (11.12.81, 13:45): A cigar-shaped, greyish object with a faint hum moved north at an estimated altitude of 150 meters. The witness, Gurine Asvang, described it as smaller than a school plane and without wings.

Sykkylvsfjella and Sunnylven Sightings (February 1982)

• Sykkylvsfjella (09.02.82, after 08:00): A luminous object was observed over Sykkylvsfjella, seen from a radio transmitter and a flight tower. It was also reported heading towards Haugesund.
• Frøysa, Sunnylven (15.02.82, before 20:00): A red luminous object was seen, described as not a plane or a star, blinking and moving erratically over the mountains.

"VI SÅ EN UFO" (4.2.82)

Two boys, Erling Stokkedal (11) and Atle Korsvoll (10), reported seeing a round object with lights on its edges, spinning silently at a distance of 700-800 meters. Four fighter jets followed the object in the same direction.

HVA VAR DET ALF DALE SÅ? (1975 or 1976)

This is a detailed account from Alf Dale about an event on a dark November evening. He described seeing small lights on a field, resembling people with flashlights. Suddenly, a powerful beam of light, like a searchlight, hit him. After the light disappeared, he saw a pillar-like object, about 2.5 meters high and 50-60 cm in diameter, which became brightly illuminated. Flames emerged from the top, and strange, sausage-shaped objects were ejected. Later, two thinner, red glowing tubes moved slowly and sinuously towards the forest. Finally, a rain of luminous, star-like discs fell but vanished upon reaching the ground. Dale concludes by stating he cannot explain it further.

NORDMANN SA MERKELIG GJENSTAND I NORD-FINLAND

Einar Betten, a 60-year-old man and head of social security in Nesseby, Finnmark, reported an encounter in Nord-Finland on January 24th, 1982. While driving, he saw a craft with a strong, blinking golden-brown light hovering low over the ground. The object increased speed to match his car, then stopped and hovered about 100 meters from the road. Betten approached it and described it as round, about 4 meters in diameter, with horn-like protrusions. It emitted a golden-brown light and had no audible sound. He observed it for 40 minutes.

UFO-VRAK OG DØDE HUMANOIDER (UFO Wrecks and Dead Humanoids)

This section details reports compiled by Leonard H. Stringfield, focusing on a specific incident on December 10, 1964, at Camp Forsyte, near Ft. Riley, Kansas.

• The Incident: Witness 'AK', a soldier on duty, was called to guard a landed object with three other armed guards. A helicopter was present, and military personnel were examining the object with instruments. The object was described as round, between 10 and 14 meters in diameter and 3.6 to 5.4 meters high, with a black band around its middle featuring square protrusions. A fin-like structure was also noted.
• Corroboration: Another witness, 'Ron', who was a private in 1964, corroborated the event. He described seeing a large, flatbed truck carrying a huge object covered with a tarp, guarded by men in hazmat suits. He only saw the object for about a minute.
• Commentary: Stringfield sought publicity for 'AK's' story, leading to contact with 'Ron'. A CIA source confirmed awareness of the Ft. Riley episode but was not personally involved. A criticism of 'AK's' report was his assumption about a 'General Seaman' leading the operation, which was later denied by the officer contacted.

EN LITEN FORANDRING (A Small Change)

This is an editorial note about changes to the NIVFO-bulletin, including a new binding, increased page count, and a call for more subscribers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and witness testimonies. The magazine adopts a serious and investigative stance, presenting detailed accounts and encouraging further research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the subject matter, while also acknowledging the need for caution and critical evaluation of evidence, as seen in the commentary sections and the emphasis on witness credibility. The inclusion of the 'UFO-Vrak og Døde Humanoid' section suggests an interest in more controversial aspects of UFOlogy, such as alleged crash retrievals and encounters with non-human entities.

This issue, titled "ET UFO-VINDU'S ANATOMI" (The Anatomy of a UFO Window), is the fourth and final part of a series by Wayne Laporte. It was published by MUFON and appears to be from 1978, originating from Norway.

UFOs and Energy Fields

The article begins by recounting a UFO encounter on December 27, 1977, involving two UFOs and the "Snoopy II" police helicopter over Charlotte, USA. The objects were observed approaching from the northwest and engaged in maneuvers near Charlotte Coliseum and a power station. One object briefly disappeared from radar over Indian Trail, an area known for gold and quartz deposits, while another vanished near South Park Shopping Center, also near a power station. Three youths in Indian Trail also reported seeing a conical object. Later, Eric Moore observed a conical UFO flying along Providence Road, noting its course seemed to pass over a power station.

Laporte speculates on three reasons for UFOs' strong interest in energy fields, both natural and man-made:

1. Materialization: Energy fields might be the cause of objects appearing instantaneously, suggesting that matter can be created from energy (E=MC2), though creating even a small amount of matter requires significant energy.
2. Tracking and Navigation: Extraterrestrial spacecraft might use natural electromagnetic energy sources and human-produced power sources to 'track' their machines and 'zoom' to other star systems.
3. Dimensional Travel: UFOs and their occupants might be materializations from other dimensions, entering our world through areas with high energy concentrations, such as quartz deposits or near human-built energy generators. To travel back, they would need to dematerialize, releasing absorbed energy, possibly in the presence of natural or man-made energy fields.

An interesting observation supporting the idea that UFOs release energy before disappearing is an incident in September 1978, where a black sphere surrounded by white light was seen hovering around the WBT broadcasting tower on Spencer Mountain in Lowell, North Carolina.

UFOs and Government Response

The article then shifts to the US government's perspective on UFOs. A report from the National Security Agency in 1968, declassified in October 1979 under the Freedom of Information Act, is discussed. This report, titled "UFO Hypothesis and Survival Question," noted that scientific approaches to the UFO issue had often been prejudiced. It concluded that regardless of the UFO hypothesis, survival was an implied question. A NASA report is quoted, comparing the UFO problem to a rattlesnake on a forest path, emphasizing the need for immediate threat assessment and a swift, intensive action to isolate and counter the danger.

An Air Force statement from 1980 is cited: "Further scientific investigation of UFO is unwarranted."

The text highlights the concern that a significant percentage of UFOs remain unidentified even after 32 years. While the government focused on the psychological threat, it was unwilling to consider the possibility of an actual physical threat, opting to downplay UFO reports and misinform the public to avoid undue attention.

International UFO Investigations

Another report details an event in Kuwait in November 1978, where UFO observations led the Kuwaiti government to establish an investigative commission from the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research. A UFO reportedly interfered with automatic pumping equipment at northern oil fields, causing it to shut down and then restart automatically when the UFO disappeared. The presence of sophisticated technology, beyond current human capabilities, is noted, questioning why this was ignored by the government.

In March 1967, a US Air Force technician intercepted a communication between a Cuban MIG-21 pilot and his superior regarding a UFO encounter. The technician later confirmed that the pilot was destroyed by the UFO when he attempted to shoot it. All reports, tapes, and logs related to this incident were sent to the national security service.

Hypnosis and UFO Testimony

The article critically examines the use of hypnosis in UFO investigations, citing Dr. James A. Harder, an American UFO researcher and professor of engineering, who has hypnotized several UFO witnesses. Hypnosis has also been used by psychologist Dr. R. Leo Sprinkle to extract facts about UFO events.

However, the article presents a skeptical view, referencing an interview with UFO skeptic Phil Klass and Dr. Ben Simon, a Boston psychiatrist who hypnotized Barney and Betty Hill. Simon believes their account of abduction was fantasy, stating that hypnosis is not a magical path to truth. He suggests that the Hills likely saw a bright light that frightened them, and their subsequent narrative was imagined.

Alvin H. Lawson, a professor of English, conducted experiments where people without UFO experiences were hypnotized. These individuals recounted events similar to those described by alleged UFO experiencers, leading Lawson to conclude that caution is needed when interpreting testimony from hypnotic regression of UFO witnesses, as they may blend personal fantasies with real memories.

Martin T. Orne, former president of the International Society of Hypnosis, is quoted from a 1979 article in the "International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis." He states that experiments have shown that witness testimony under hypnosis is unreliable, and that individuals can simulate hypnosis or consciously lie even when deeply hypnotized.

Dr. Orne also discusses "pseudomemories," which can be created under hypnosis when a person is pressured to recall events. These can be plausible but may consist of other memories or fantasies. He emphasizes that it is extremely difficult to distinguish between correct information and fantasy when dealing with hypnosis, and independent verification is crucial. Orne suggests that when a hypnotized person speaks freely, the most reliable information emerges, but as questioning becomes more detailed, the accuracy decreases.

Phil Klass believes that UFO researchers who favor hypnosis might inadvertently create "pseudomemories," leading witnesses to recount convincing stories that are not based on actual events. Orne states that if a hypnotist believes in a particular account, they may unintentionally lead the hypnotized subject to "remember" what the hypnotist believes happened.

The role of fantasy in hypnosis has been documented by Josephine R. Hilgard in her book "Personality and Hypnosis: A Study of Imaginative Involvement."

New UFO Initiative in Brazil

A new university-affiliated UFO research group, "O Centro para Pesquisas de Discos Voadores" (CPDV), was established in Brazil on August 1, 1981. Affiliated with the University of Maringa, the group aims to disseminate scientific information about UFO phenomena and train personnel for UFO investigations. The group has about 100 members from various scientific fields and plans to expand significantly.

Hessdalen Sightings

A brief report from Hessdalen, Norway, mentions an older couple reporting a bus-sized object with clear windows hovering over a field on February 4, 1952. The object moved slightly before its light faded and it disappeared. Investigations at the site found no unusual traces. The article notes that observations continue in Hessdalen and that the events have been reported in the media.

Betty Hill's Continued Experiences

The article revisits Betty Hill, who, 20 years after her alleged encounter with aliens, claims to have lost earrings during the encounter, which reappeared on her kitchen table weeks later. Her deceased husband, Barney, reportedly had students who claimed to have seen UFOs hovering over his grave. Betty herself claims to have been rescued by a UFO in January 1978 when her car was stuck in snow and a UFO prevented her from being hit by a train. She had another encounter in August 1980, becoming a "repeater" of UFO experiences.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly emphasizes a critical and skeptical approach to UFO phenomena, particularly concerning eyewitness testimony obtained through hypnosis. It highlights the potential for misinterpretation, fantasy, and government obfuscation. The articles advocate for rigorous scientific investigation and independent verification, questioning the reliability of anecdotal evidence when not corroborated. There's a recurring theme of potential threats posed by UFOs and the government's reluctance to fully address the issue, contrasting with the need for scientific inquiry and potential societal advancement derived from understanding the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, acknowledging the existence of unexplained phenomena while urging critical analysis of the evidence, especially regarding hypnotic testimony and official government responses.