NIVFO-Bulletin - 1982 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: NIVFO bulletin
Issue: No. 2, Volume 2, 1982
Publisher: Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning (NIVFO)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Cover Headline: "Vi behandler kontroversielle forskningsanliggende - inklusive UFO-spørsmålet" (We handle controversial research matters - including the UFO question).

Content Summary

This issue of the NIVFO bulletin delves deeply into UFO phenomena, with a significant focus on the Hessdalen region in Norway. The magazine presents a collection of witness reports, investigations, and analyses related to unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and other unexplained aerial phenomena.

Key Articles and Reports:

• "Mer om observasjonene i Holtålen" (More on the observations in Holtålen): This section details a specific sighting on February 15, 1982, in Hessdalen, where witness Lars Lillevold observed a metallic, cigar-shaped object hovering near the ground. The object was described as having a metallic surface and a light that appeared like a halo. A sketch and measurements suggest the object was approximately 100 meters away and had a size of about 50-50 meters based on angular measurements.

• "Forsvaret og UFO'ene i Hessdalen" (The Defense and UFOs in Hessdalen): This article reports on the Norwegian Air Force's involvement in investigating UFO sightings in Hessdalen. It mentions that automatic cameras and measurement instruments were being deployed. UFO hunters from Oslo had traveled to the area, and the Air Force had established a first line of defense. Captain Arne Nyland and Lieutenant Peter Reymert from Værnes Air Station reported seeing no UFOs but noted the presence of many UFO enthusiasts. The article highlights that people in Hessdalen had reported sightings since 1944, but many were hesitant to speak about them until later. Captain Nyland expressed an open-minded approach, acknowledging that "there is much between heaven and earth that cannot be explained at first glance."

• "Hemmelig arkiv?" (Secret Archive?): This piece discusses a report in the magazine "Vi Menn" about the Norwegian Air Force taking UFO observations seriously. It references an interview with Major Per Gavin, who described numerous radar observations of unexplained phenomena at radar stations in Hernes and Reitan between 1958 and 1965. These objects exhibited extreme speeds and agility, sometimes appearing as multiple contacts. Gavin states that reports were classified as secret and stored in the Defense Command's archives. He also recounts a peculiar incident where a fighter jet pilot encountered a large, red "ball" near Glomfjord in the late 1950s. Upon contact, the object vanished, and the aircraft returned with its plexiglass-free exterior colored red. The material of the aircraft was sent for analysis to universities worldwide, but the substance remained unidentified.

• "UFO-VRAK OG DØDE HUMANOIDER" (UFO Wrecks and Dead Humanoids): This is a title that appears in the table of contents but is not elaborated upon in the provided pages. Its inclusion suggests a potential ongoing or future discussion on more sensational aspects of UFO phenomena.

• "'UFO'ET DER STYRTEDE'" ('The UFO That Crashed'): Another title from the table of contents, indicating a report about a crashed UFO, though details are not provided in the scanned pages.

• "TURIN-KLEDET" (The Shroud of Turin): This title, also from the table of contents, suggests a connection or comparison being made between UFO phenomena and the Shroud of Turin, possibly exploring themes of unexplained artifacts or evidence.

• "UFO-TOV" (UFO-Debate/Discussion): This section addresses the challenge of separating credible UFO reports from pseudoscience, sensationalism, and fraud. It criticizes the tendency for some to embrace irrational beliefs and highlights the importance of critical analysis. The article mentions an April Fool's joke by Arbeider-Avisa in Trondheim, which reported a UFO landing in Hessdalen, complete with photos of a "spaceship" and a "pilot." The joke was later revealed to be a light bulb and a costumed child. The author, I. Svinsaas, expresses dismay at how easily some "UFO experts" can be fooled, suggesting that such incidents damage the credibility of the UFO question.

Witness Accounts:

The bulletin includes detailed accounts from various witnesses:

• Hessdalen, Feb 15, 1982: Lars Lillevold described a metallic, cigar-shaped object.
• Røsta/Stensvollen, Feb 21, 1982: Martin Bull reported a luminous object that moved and stopped.
• Haltdalen, March 8, 1982: Rune Hågensen and his wife observed an oval, luminous object that moved, changed direction, and disappeared.
• Hessdalskjølen, March 8, 1982: Torbjørn Dragmyrhaug described a metallic object resembling a bullet with lights, hovering at a significant altitude.
• Hytte ved Øyongen, March 16, 1982: Ingulf Rotan reported a shiny object descending in a spiral.
• Gildset gård, Haltdalen, March 23, 1982: Aud Rønning described a luminous object that approached her car, caused the engine to stall, and then ascended rapidly.
• Gronäshøgda, Hessdalen, March 23, 1982: Per and Inga Moen, Bjarne and Lars Lillevold, and Artur Gjersvold reported multiple sightings, including stationary lights, pulsating objects, and formations of lights.

Military and Official Perspectives:

• Major General Eyvind Schibbye of the Air Force stated that credible reports of unexplained objects warranted serious investigation, though he personally believed in natural explanations like atmospheric reflections or ball lightning. He cited an example of a man descending by parachute without a visible aircraft, later revealed to be a stunt with a dummy.
• Captain Arne Nyland and Lieutenant Peter Reymert from Værnes Air Station participated in the Hessdalen investigation, acknowledging the credibility of witness reports and expressing an open-minded approach.
• Sheriff Martin Holden confirmed having witnessed phenomena himself and found no reasonable explanation.

Object Characteristics:

Reported objects are described as metallic, silver-colored, or luminous (red, orange-yellow). Shapes vary from cigar-shaped and oval to lamp-shaped and bullet-like. Behaviors include hovering, slow movement, rapid acceleration, pulsating, and sudden disappearances. Altitude estimates range from 80-90 meters to 7000 feet. Some reports mention electromagnetic effects, such as car engines stalling, and physical traces, like the red coloring on an aircraft after an encounter.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings in Norway, particularly in the Hessdalen area, the official investigation of these phenomena by the Norwegian Air Force, and the challenge of distinguishing factual reports from sensationalism and pseudoscience. NIVFO's editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and critical analysis, aiming to provide a platform for credible evidence while debunking hoaxes and irrational beliefs. The magazine emphasizes the need to "separate the signal from the noise" in the complex field of UFO research.

This issue of the magazine delves into hypotheses concerning UFO phenomena, particularly focusing on sightings in Hessdalen, Norway. It presents various explanations, ranging from atmospheric optical illusions to alleged crashed UFO incidents and their occupants. The content includes expert opinions, witness testimonies, and investigative reports.

Atmospheric Explanations for Hessdalen UFOs

The article "Hypoteser om UFO'ene i Hessdalen..." introduces the idea that UFOs might be natural phenomena, specifically light reflections. Researcher Thomas McClimans from the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute is quoted, demonstrating how a Fata Morgana effect can be created using salt and fresh water in a glass bowl. He explains that light from the sun or moon can reflect off temperature inversions in the atmosphere, creating illusions. McClimans suggests that most Hessdalen observations occur around sunset or in moonlight, supporting his theory. He also notes that reflections from car headlights could be responsible for some sightings. He predicts that the Hessdalen UFO phenomena might disappear soon as the sun's angle becomes less favorable for such reflections.

Further discussion on atmospheric phenomena is found on page 2. It mentions that phenomena like light reflections, bisolars, and various refraction effects associated with ice crystals, inversions, fog, and clouds have previously been suggested as explanations for UFOs, citing Dr. Menzel's books. However, the article points out that these explanations often fail to account for significant details in witness reports, such as high-angle sightings. While atmospheric inversions are common, strong inversions causing significant temperature differences are rare. The article emphasizes that UFO sightings directly overhead or at close range, which have been reported, rule out simple mirages or reflections.

Page 3 provides a detailed meteorological definition of "Inversjon" (Inversion), explaining it as a condition where temperature increases with altitude, contrary to the normal decrease. It describes how inversions form, often in high-pressure areas or near the ground due to radiation cooling. These inversions can lead to fog or low stratus clouds and trap pollutants in urban areas. The "Joule-Thomson effect" is also explained, relating to temperature changes in a gas flowing through a porous plug or valve, and the "Trotle-Ventil" (throttle valve) is defined as a device used to reduce pressure in industrial processes.

Scheduled Flights as a Cause

On page 4, an article titled "LYS FRA RUTEFLY KAN VÆRE UFO I HESSDALEN” (Lights from Scheduled Flights Can Be UFOs in Hessdalen) features an interview with airline captain Kjell Bjerkan of Braathens SAFE. Bjerkan proposes that many UFO sightings could be explained as observations of routine flights. He notes that when flying visually towards Værnes airport, aircraft are on a specific air corridor. He also mentions that aircraft lights, especially landing lights, can create special effects when passing through thin clouds. Bjerkan adds that the approach to Værnes begins in the Tolga-Hessdalen area, and the activation of landing lights can be striking when viewed from the ground. He addresses the common argument that UFOs are silent by stating that aircraft engines are often at idle during landing approaches, making them difficult to hear over wind or forest noise. Bjerkan concludes by saying he doesn't rule out any explanations but needs to see a UFO himself before believing.

Alleged UFO Crash Incidents and Occupants

Pages 7, 8, 9, and 10 present accounts of alleged UFO crash incidents, focusing on recovered wreckage and deceased occupants. The article "UFO-VRAK OG DØDE HUMANOIDER" (UFO Wrecks and Dead Humanoids) details a report from a radar specialist who claims to have seen a film in 1953 at Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey. The film reportedly showed a crashed, silver, disc-shaped object in a New Mexico desert in 1952. The film also allegedly depicted 10-15 military personnel examining the craft, which was estimated to be 5-6 meters in diameter. Subsequently, the film showed two or three small, dead bodies on tables inside a tent. These beings were described as short, with large heads, mongoloid features, small noses, and closed eyes, with skin the color of ash-grey. They wore pastel-colored, tight-fitting suits. The film ended abruptly.

Another report on page 9, attributed to a former US Air Force Colonel (identified only as T.E.), corroborates a similar event in 1956. This witness saw a film of a silver, disc-shaped object on the ground, with three dead bodies inside. The beings were described as short, with no external ears, ash-grey skin, and four-fingered hands. They wore pale grey and yellow suits. The Colonel stated that the film was considered strictly military information and was likely a crashed UFO.

Page 10 presents another account, originally from Richard Hall, concerning a flying saucer crash near a test field in New Mexico in 1953. Personnel from the air force found an intact, unoccupied flying saucer with open doors. The witness was shown the bodies of four occupants, described as 90-120 cm tall, hairless, and with large heads relative to their bodies. They had mongoloid features and wore pastel-colored suits. An autopsy was performed, but no cause of death was found. The witness also saw three oval-shaped craft, 7-8 meters long, with no visible controls or propulsion mechanisms. Hall's investigation suggests that the air force has been intensely studying the propulsion systems of these craft.

Witness Reports from Norway (1982)

Page 6 provides a "RAPPORTOVERSIKT" (Report Overview) of several UFO sightings in Norway during early 1982:

• March 3, 1982, Selsøyvik, Rødøy, Nordland: A luminous round object was observed rising, growing larger and darker, then disappearing.
• March 5, 1982, Kvinnherad: A disc-shaped object moved slowly, emitting white light without sound.
• March 12, 1982, Høylandsbygd, Hordaland: A powerful orange light approached, causing streetlights to extinguish.
• March 19, 1982, Sunnhordland, Stord: A luminous orange object moved in a zig-zag pattern, sometimes turning red.
• March 21, 1982, Førde, Sunnfjord: A luminous orange object moved in a zig-zag pattern, sometimes turning red. This sighting is noted as possibly related to the military exercise "Blue Fjord."
• April 7, 1982, Strandefjorden, Valdres: A bright, large object, brighter than Venus, was seen hovering and moving at high speed.

Editorial Commentary and Recurring Themes

On page 5, Adrian's column "DAGENS HJØRNE" (Corner of the Day) humorously discusses journalist Harald Tusberg's UFO investigation in the Røros region. Adrian expresses skepticism about the potential results, suggesting UFOs are not PR-savvy and tend to appear unexpectedly. He jokes about the possibility of UFOs coming from another dimension and their relevance to the Eurovision Song Contest. He also playfully speculates on how politicians and reporters might react to a UFO-related political issue.

The magazine also includes a section on "SPESIALHEFTER FRA NIVFO" (Special Booklets from NIVFO), offering various publications on UFO topics, including "Avtrykkene ved Namsenfjorden" (The Traces at Namsenfjorden) and "Politibil knust av UFO" (Police car crushed by UFO), with prices and ordering information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the exploration of UFO phenomena, the critical examination of potential explanations (both natural and alleged cover-ups), and the presentation of witness testimonies. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, presenting different viewpoints without necessarily endorsing any single hypothesis. There is a clear interest in distinguishing between conventional explanations and more extraordinary claims, such as crashed UFOs and alien occupants. The magazine also highlights the persistence of UFO-related beliefs and the challenges in obtaining definitive proof, often citing military secrecy and the elusive nature of the phenomena themselves. The inclusion of meteorological information suggests an effort to ground some discussions in scientific principles, while the reports of crashed UFOs and humanoids lean towards more speculative and sensational aspects of the UFO field.

This issue of NIVFO-bulletin, dated 2/1981, delves into various topics related to UFO phenomena, alleged extraterrestrial encounters, and scientific investigations into historical artifacts. The publication adopts a critical stance, often debunking sensational claims and presenting alternative explanations.

Analysis of UFO Crash Retrieval Claims

The issue extensively discusses the work of Leonard H. Stringfield, a UFO researcher who has investigated alleged UFO crash retrievals. Stringfield's information is presented, including his belief in the authenticity of a film depicting a crashed UFO and alien bodies. However, the bulletin questions the credibility of his sources and the evidence, particularly the claim that Hollywood studios could not replicate such realistic models for a film surrogate. Stringfield himself believes that while his material may not be definitive proof of extraterrestrial origin, it strengthens the extraterrestrial hypothesis. He also raises questions about the intentions of alien visitors and the possibility of a shared human ancestry.

Following Stringfield's presentation in Dayton in July 1978, his findings were disseminated widely, leading him to connect with researcher Joan Jeffers, who confirmed seeing the same film through a high-ranking military officer.

The Roswell Incident and "UFO'et der styrtede"

The bulletin reviews the book "UFO'et der styrtede" (The Roswell Incident) by Charles Berlitz and William L. Moore. This book focuses on the 1947 Roswell incident, detailing the initial press release from the Roswell base about a crashed flying saucer. The authors present various testimonies and evidence, including an account from radio reporter Johnny McBoyle, who initially reported the crash but later denied it ever happened.

The article highlights the description of the wreckage as a "crumpled washbasin" and mentions small beings on board. It also touches upon the military's swift removal of the debris. The bulletin notes that Berlitz and Moore attempt to explain away discrepancies in earlier accounts, such as Frank Scully's book "De flygende tallerkener" (Flying Saucers) from 1950, which mentioned crashes in Aztec, New Mexico, and possibly Roswell.

Scrutiny of Sources and Evidence

The bulletin expresses skepticism regarding the sources used by Berlitz and Moore. It points out that Johnny McBoyle, a key witness, later denied the event, leading the author Willy Wegner to question the validity of the Roswell spaceship rumor. The article also discusses the involvement of former intelligence officer Jesse Marcel, who described retrieving small, foil-like debris with unknown symbols. However, the bulletin notes that the authors failed to ask Marcel about alien bodies, which, if he had seen them, he should have remembered.

The bulletin criticizes the methodology of some UFO researchers, particularly the reliance on rumors and hearsay, summarized by the phrase "Rykte + rykte = bevis" (Rumor + rumor = proof). It mentions the influence of Frank Scully's book and the alleged alien descriptions resembling those from the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

Key Figures and Organizations in UFO Research

The article identifies several key figures and organizations in the UFO field. Stanton T. Friedman, a physicist and self-proclaimed "flying saucer physicist," is presented as a research consultant for the authors. However, he is perceived by some as a somewhat ridiculous figure. The Borderland Sciences Research Foundation is mentioned as a group interested in UFOs in relation to spiritual forces. Gray Barker, publisher of Saucerian Books, is described as an anarchist with a sense of humor who filters information.

Willy Wegner, a prominent UFO researcher from Denmark and editor of SKEPTICA, is introduced. He is known for his critical approach to UFO phenomena and his work in analyzing off-beat literature and pseudoscience. Wegner's review of "UFO'et der styrtede" highlights the book's reliance on rumors and its connection to the surge in UFO interest following the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

The Turin Shroud and Marfan Syndrome

Another significant section of the bulletin examines the Turin Shroud. Dr. Frederick Zugibe, a medical researcher, proposes that the figure on the shroud suffered from "Marfan Syndrome," a rare genetic disorder that can be fatal. Zugibe bases his conclusion on the imprints on the shroud, which he claims exhibit all the classic symptoms of the syndrome, including a tall, thin physique, slender fingers, and an abnormal body proportion. He suggests that this condition may have hastened the person's death on the cross.

Further analysis of the shroud is presented, noting that scientific investigations confirm the imprint matches the description of Jesus's crucifixion wounds, including scourging and a spear wound. Computer analysis reportedly rules out artistic creation. However, the age of the shroud remains a point of contention, with attempts to obtain permission for carbon-14 dating ongoing.

Dr. Alan Whanger, a professor at Duke University, offers a different dating perspective, suggesting the shroud is closer to Jesus's death than historical records indicate, based on comparisons with Byzantine coins and icons. He notes that historical records place the shroud's appearance in France in 1357, while the icons and coins he studied date from the 7th century and 590 AD respectively.

Other Noteworthy Items

Kalifornisk Sekt Planlegger Elektronisk Anrop Til Gud

The bulletin reports on Robert St. Pierre, leader of St. Peters Church in California, who plans to build a replica of the Ark of the Covenant. This project, costing $100,000, aims to reconstruct the ark based on biblical descriptions and a "revolutionary science" derived from scripture. St. Pierre claims that God used science and electronics when speaking to Moses, and that the ark will be capable of generating 10 million volts of electricity. The project also involves building a tent similar to the biblical tabernacle, which will be charged with static electricity from desert winds, potentially opening a gateway to other dimensions.

"Var Forsvunne Satellitt" (The Missing Satellite)

A brief report discusses the disappearance of a satellite, confirmed by RCA in the USA. The satellite vanished without a trace, and no explanation was provided. The bulletin notes that the hypothesis of UFO involvement, suggested by an American UFO organization, is pure speculation, and that RCA has not indicated any such fear.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are skepticism towards sensational UFO claims, critical analysis of evidence, and the exploration of scientific explanations for phenomena often shrouded in mystery. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical inquiry, aiming to separate fact from speculation and myth. The publication encourages readers to think critically about the information presented and to form their own conclusions, while consistently providing a counterpoint to more credulous viewpoints.