NIVFO-Bulletin - 1982 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: NIVFO bulletin
Issue: 5
Volume: 2. ARGANG
Date: 1982
Publisher: NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0800-0360
Price: Kr. 80,- (subscription)

This issue of the NIVFO Bulletin delves deeply into the UFO phenomenon observed in Hessdalen, Norway, featuring photographic evidence and detailed witness accounts. The magazine highlights the extensive efforts by NIVFO to document and investigate these occurrences.

Hessdalen: A Hub of UFO Activity

The main article, "Hessdalen," details the ongoing observations of unexplained aerial objects that have drawn significant public attention. The local community has even set up a kiosk at a popular viewing spot. The phenomenon has been occurring for nearly a year, with residents reporting mysterious lights in the evening sky. NIVFO became a central point for reporting these sightings, coordinating efforts, and even liaising with military radar stations like Gråkallen and Værnes. While radar often detected nothing unusual, there were reports of radar contact from Værnes. NIVFO also facilitated the deployment of an aircraft and temporary military personnel to the area.

NIVFO's field reporters were present from an early stage, conducting interviews, mapping observations, and utilizing photographic equipment. Despite efforts, capturing clear images was challenging due to the distance and the nature of the phenomena. Specialized equipment, including a device for measuring atmospheric electrical potential, was deployed. Notable observations include objects with "blinking lights" that pulsed in a consistent rhythm.

Photographic Evidence and Analysis

Journalist Arne W. Wisth from Oslo is credited with taking some of the best photographs of the Hessdalen UFOs. The bulletin reproduces several of these images, though the lack of color in the print is noted as a limitation. Wisth provides descriptions for several photographic sequences:

• Sequence 1 (not shown): An enlargement from 16mm film showing a UFO during its approach, moving at a slow speed, possibly indicating its shape.
• Sequence 2 (Photo 2): Described as a "landing" on February 18, 1982, with the object moving at varying speeds, resulting in motion blur.
• Sequence 3 (Photo 3): The same object as Sequence 2, but turning its rear towards the camera.
• Sequence 4 (not shown): Another observation of the same object, which turns upside down and descends towards a mountainside, hovering almost stationary.
• Sequence 5 (Photo 5): An object that covered approximately two kilometers in 1/60th of a second. Wisth estimates the distance to the objects in all photos to be between 1-3 kilometers. During a storm, the contours of a "thing" were visible inside the luminous object, described as a "thing" with a specific shape. A metallic object was visible through the light.
• Sequence 6 (not shown): A UFO detected on the same film, which was not perceived by the naked eye.
• Sequence 7 (Photo 7): Shows the typical color of the light emitted by the object, with blue and green flecks visible in some close-up shots.
• Sequence 8 (not shown): Celestial bodies (the moon and Sirius) were photographed on the same film to indicate how their colors differ from the UFO.

Wisth also notes that the original color photos can be ordered from NIVFO. He describes the luminous objects as sometimes containing the outline of a "thing," and that a metallic object was visible through the light. He also mentions that the objects' light often displayed colors like blue and green.

NIVFO's own photographic efforts have been hampered by distance, often resulting in images that are mere light points even with telephoto lenses. However, with significant magnification, some films reveal objects with shapes consistent with witness descriptions.

Witness Accounts and Observations

The bulletin presents several detailed witness accounts:

• October 28, 1982 (approx. 19:28-19:31): Per Moen from NIVFO observed two red, blinking lights and two larger, yellow-white lights moving silently and gliding from south to north between Hessdalen and the Skarven mountain. The object descended behind Skarven, reappeared after 7-8 minutes, ascended, and disappeared into the cloud cover. Later, at 22:55, Moen saw small light blinks in the clouds, followed by an object emerging and moving north with a downward trajectory.
• October 27, 1982 (approx. 18:13-18:15): Per Moen and Ruth Mary Moe observed a yellow and red blinking object moving slowly from north to south, estimated at 600-700 meters distance and 300-400 meters altitude. Their neighbor, Jon Aspås, also witnessed the object independently.
• October 27, 1982 (approx. 23:15): Jan Morken (28) observed an object like a star descending from the sky towards the east, blinking among trees. It then ascended and disappeared northeast. The observation lasted 5-10 minutes.
• October 1, 1982 (approx. 22:44 and 23:00): Two couples from Trondheim observed two red and two yellow lights. While driving, they noticed a "star" moving and blinking yellow-orange at an estimated speed of 50-100 km/t, at a distance of 800-1000 meters and an altitude of 500 meters. Approximately 10 photos were taken. Through binoculars, two types of lights were visible: fixed yellow lights and blinking red lights. The object was observed for 3-4 minutes before disappearing. Later, around 23:00, a similar object reappeared, higher than the first time, and followed the same route. It disappeared into a cloud and reappeared 10-15 seconds later, moving significantly faster. The second observation lasted about two minutes.
• October 21-22, 1982 (approx. 19:00-19:30): Two families (four people) observed a blinding, rotating light that cast long light beams over the terrain, illuminating a valley six kilometers away and clouds around the object. This phenomenon was also observed the following day.
• October 21, 1982 (approx. 19:00-19:30): An observer reported a bright object moving slowly, stopping over Finsåhøgda, and illuminating the clouds with long light beams. The object then changed direction suddenly and disappeared at high speed.
• September 3, 1982: A field reporter observed unidentified objects with specific characteristics, managing to take several photos. These observations are considered particularly interesting due to the object's "blinking lights" pulsing in a consistent rhythm.
• September 24, 1982 (approx. 22:30-23:00): Bjarne Lillevold reported seeing a luminous object only 70 meters away, hovering 3-4 meters above the ground for over half an hour. He described it as resembling an upside-down Christmas tree with a red light at the bottom, a blue-green light in the middle, and diffuse reddish edges. The object moved up and down like a yo-yo. Lillevold also mentioned seeing flames or jets on the upper side of the object, similar to a primus stove. He speculated that the "middle part" of the object might have been open, like a "triangular donut."

Theories and Future Investigations

The issue acknowledges that it is too early to provide definitive explanations for the Hessdalen phenomena. However, numerous registrations are being processed, and tips are being investigated. The bulletin mentions that instrument measurements likely related to vertical gradients, which could provide further insights. NIVFO plans to discuss various theories in future issues and hopes the mystery will be solved. They also mention a "psychic" woman who predicted an event on Christmas Day.

Other Content

• Profile: J. Allen Hynek is featured in a profile.
• Other Articles: "Stemmer fra Rommet" (Voices from Space), "Hypnotiske Fantasier" (Hypnotic Fantasies), "Flere 'UFO-Bortførelser'" (More 'UFO Abductions'), and "Bildene fra Mo i Rana" (The Pictures from Mo i Rana) are listed in the table of contents.
• Editorial Contributors: The editorial team includes Jan S. Krogh, Leif Mehlum, Per A. Hatlen, Anton Lidstrøm, and Per Moen.
• Contact Information: Post address, telephone numbers for Trondheim and Bergen, and subscription details are provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed documentation of UFO sightings, the presentation of photographic evidence, and the scientific investigation of these phenomena. NIVFO positions itself as a central, objective body for collecting and analyzing information, while also acknowledging the controversial nature of the subject. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging detailed reporting and analysis of observations, and fostering discussion on potential explanations. The magazine aims to inform its readers about ongoing research and significant events related to UFOs in Norway, particularly the Hessdalen case.

This issue of the NIVFO-BULLETIN, identified as issue 1/83, focuses on UFO phenomena, with a prominent report on a strange event in Singsås, Norway, and an extensive profile of ufologist J. Allen Hynek. The magazine is published by NIVFO and appears to be in Norwegian.

Merkeligt Fenomen i Singsås

The lead article details a UFO sighting in Forbygda, Singsås, Norway, on September 15, 1982, at 19:45. Three witnesses, including an 18-year-old, a 15-year-old, and a 5-year-old, observed three brightly lit spheres forming a triangle with the apex pointing upwards. The objects maintained a steady, moderate speed and were initially bright white, then turned completely red. Small light flashes were observed, and the lights returned to white. A beam of light shot down from the formation, illuminating an area on the ground. Subsequently, a fiery red sphere appeared, remained stationary for about 15 seconds, and then vanished as suddenly as it had appeared. The witnesses estimated the distance to the phenomenon to be about one kilometer. The report notes that the direction of observation was towards the south-southeast, approximately three miles from Hessdalen.

Bilder fra Hessdalen

This section advertises famous UFO photographs taken by Arne Wisth in Hessdalen. These color photos, sized 13x18 cm, are available for purchase from NIVFO. A set of seven pictures with accompanying text in a folder costs 225.00 NOK, including postage. Individual photos can also be ordered for 33.00 NOK each. The article lists specific photo titles, such as "UFO på observasjonsflukt" (UFO on observation flight), "Landingen 18. februar" (The Landing February 18), and "Lyn-UFO 'Et'" (Lightning UFO 'It'), with one photo noted as taken at 120 km/sec.

Oppgaver over Temperaturer, Skydekke og Vindstyrke, fra Det Norske Meteorologiske Institutt

This section presents meteorological data from the nearest weather station in Røros, Norway, for the first three months of the year. The table includes dates, times, temperatures, cloud cover (in eighths of the sky), and wind strength (in Beaufort scale) for reported UFO observations. For example, on January 5, 1982, at 23:15, the temperature was -39.5 degrees Celsius with clear skies and no wind. On February 1, 1982, at 19:20, the temperature was 15.0 degrees Celsius with 4/8 cloud cover and Beaufort force 1 wind. The data indicates that temperatures at different altitudes are not available.

Ytterligere Statistiske Data vedrørende Hessdalen

This extensive table provides statistical data on UFO sightings in the Hessdalen area, collected by NIVFO between December 4, 1981, and October 28, 1982. It lists the date, time, location, number of objects, color, movement, and shape of the observed phenomena. For instance, on January 5, 1982, at 23:15 in Finsåhøgda, one blank object was observed moving steadily and was oval-shaped. On March 8, 1982, at 03:15, a sighting in Hessdalen involved one blank/red object described as 'spiss' (pointed). The data includes a variety of colors (blank, red, yellow, steel grey, orange) and movements (steady, jerky, rotating, slow, high speed, stationary). Some entries note "skrog" (hull/fuselage) without wings, and others mention "vinduer" (windows). The table also includes observations of "sølvblanke" (silvery white) or "stålfargede" (steel-colored) "skrog" in daylight, described as "torpedo", "sigar", or "flyskrog".

Kommentarer til Foranstående Tabell

This commentary analyzes the statistical data presented in the previous table, covering 47 observations from December 4, 1981, to October 28, 1982. Key findings include: 53% of observations occurred in the latter half of the month, 91% involved bright objects seen between 17:00 and midnight, and 43% occurred after 21:00. Object shapes were described as oval (21%) or round (21%). 42 reports involved a single object, while others described two or more objects simultaneously. Object movements varied from stationary to very high speeds, including "looping" and spiral motions. Colors were predominantly blank, yellow, and red. The commentary notes that 3 reports mentioned "skrog" (hulls) without wings. Daylight observations were limited to three. Observation durations ranged from a few seconds to over an hour, with speeds varying accordingly. No sounds were reported, except for a faint "sus" (hiss) in one case. Distances ranged from 10-15 meters to many kilometers. Witness ages varied from school age to retirement. The average time of observation was 18:39, with a standard deviation of 6 hours and 34 minutes. The commentary concludes that a confidence interval for the average observation time could be calculated, but the wide spread of observations makes it unreliable.

Profil: J. Allen Hynek

This multi-part profile details the life and evolving views of J. Allen Hynek, a renowned ufologist often called the "Galileo of ufology." The article begins with a quote from a 1973 interview in New Scientist where Hynek expressed a humble self-assessment, stating he had done little original work but was good at recognizing the significance of ideas and gathering people. It highlights his transition from a skeptic, who advised the U.S. Air Force on Project Blue Book, to a more open-minded investigator.

Hynek's early involvement with UFOs began in the late 1940s when the U.S. Air Force sought an astronomer consultant. He taught astronomy at Ohio State University and served as an advisor for Project Blue Book from 1948 to 1969. An article he wrote in 1953 for the "Journal of the Optical Society of America" initially suggested that pilots might be mistaking stars like Capella for UFOs, but he later acknowledged that other unexplained lights existed.

After years of investigating UFO reports, Hynek proposed in a 1960 letter that UFO investigations be moved from the Air Force's intelligence center to a new Geophysics Research Directorate, suggesting that many puzzling cases related to upper atmospheric phenomena. He was involved in the investigation of the Socorro, New Mexico incident in 1964, which he described as the most impactful UFO case of his history, though he concluded it was likely a secret military aircraft.

In 1966, during a hearing by the House Armed Services Committee, Hynek stated that no competent scientist would claim UFOs were extraterrestrial. However, his views began to shift. He accepted the Colorado University's project, led by physicist Edward U. Condon, to study UFOs, and in December 1966, he wrote an article suggesting that while there was no definitive proof of alien visitors, it would be "foolish to completely rule out the possibility."

The profile details Hynek's increasing public profile, especially after the release of Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" in 1977, for which he served as a technical advisor. His book, "The Hynek UFO Report," was published the same year. The article notes his shift from a skeptic to a figure embraced by UFO enthusiasts, even though he had previously criticized other UFO groups for prioritizing publicity over solving the UFO problem.

It recounts Hynek's investigation of the Pascagoula, Mississippi alien abduction case in October 1976, where he expressed belief in the witnesses' experience. The article also touches upon the tragic suicide of James E. McDonald in 1971, a fellow UFO proponent.

Hynek's later statements show a continued evolution, sometimes suggesting UFOs might be related to psychic phenomena or are not necessarily extraterrestrial craft but perhaps related to interdimensional universes. He expressed difficulty in accepting reports of alien abductions, yet acknowledged the growing weight of evidence and the need to investigate such claims seriously. The article concludes by noting that Hynek's name has become synonymous with UFO research, comparable to other major scientific figures.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The NIVFO-BULLETIN consistently focuses on UFO phenomena, presenting detailed case studies, statistical data, and analyses. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation and documentation of UFO reports, encouraging scientific inquiry while acknowledging the complexities and controversies surrounding the subject. The profile of J. Allen Hynek highlights the evolution of scientific thought on UFOs, moving from skepticism to a more open, albeit cautious, acceptance of the phenomenon's potential significance. The inclusion of meteorological data suggests an effort to correlate UFO sightings with environmental conditions, a common practice in ufological research.

This issue of "Søkaren" (Searcher), dated 7/82, is titled "Stemmer fra rommet" (Voices from space) and focuses on two primary paranormal phenomena: Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) and UFO abductions, with a significant portion dedicated to the critical examination of hypnosis as a research tool in these fields.

Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP)

The article begins by introducing the concept of EVP, which involves recording "unusual" voices on tape that are not produced by any known living person present. The phenomenon was first explored in 1956 by American photographer Attila von Szalay and author Raymond Bayless, who published their findings in the "Journal of American Society Psychical Research." Their work, however, garnered little attention initially.

Later, in the summer of 1959, Swedish researcher Friedrich Jürgenson began recording bird songs and also captured "unusual" voices on tape. His systematic experiments and subsequent book, "Røsterna från Rymden" (Voices from Space), published in 1964, attracted significant attention, particularly from Konstantin Raudive in Germany. Raudive, after initial difficulties, also began making recordings and published his own book, "An Amazing Experiment in Electronic Communication with the Dead," in 1968 (English translation 1971), which included a record with sample voices. This led to widespread discussion and investigation into the phenomenon, with various explanations proposed, ranging from deliberate deception to unconscious self-deception and even psychokinesis.

Jürgenson, Raudive, and others maintained that these voices originated from "space" or the spirit world, from individuals who had survived physical death.

The author recounts personal experiences, inspired by Jürgenson, involving a woman named Liz in Skåne who used a primitive setup of a radio and tape recorder. While no voices were heard during live conversations, they appeared on playback. The author notes the difficulty in "proving" the paranormal nature of these voices, but personally believes they are genuine, citing their ability to speak in multiple languages (even mixed within a single message) and sometimes referencing personal details unknown to the recorder.

The "Spiricom" Project

George Meek, an American inventor and researcher interested in "human nature," is introduced. After extensive travel and research into healing phenomena, Meek turned his attention to electronic voices in 1975. He collaborated with William O'Neil, an electronics technician with psychic abilities, to develop a more advanced communication system. They sought to create a "electromagnetic-etheric communication system" to enable conversations with those in higher states of consciousness.

Through O'Neil's ability to perceive entities in other dimensions, they made contact with a deceased physician known as "Doc Nick." Doc Nick suggested using specific sound frequencies as an energy source for communication, rather than the "white noise" previously used. On October 27, 1977, they experienced the "enormous experience" of hearing Doc Nick's voice clearly through the Spiricom system.

Meek and O'Neil continued to refine the apparatus, which they named "Spiricom." They also worked with Dr. George Jeffries Müller, a physicist who lived from 1906 to 1967. Dr. Müller actively contributed to improving the equipment and provided details about his earthly life, including personal information that helped identify him. He also shared insights into his experiences, such as the non-linear nature of time in the afterlife.

Recordings with Dr. Müller began on September 22, 1980, and over the next year, numerous recordings with improved quality were made. Meek compiled a demonstration cassette of these recordings. The article includes a transcript of a conversation between Dr. Müller and William O'Neil discussing technical aspects of "Videocom," a project to enable communication via TV screens. The conversation touches on obtaining crystals and the results of experiments involving camera lenses.

Dr. Müller's communications were sporadic, but he would sometimes contact William unexpectedly. The article notes that the communication was often one-way, with voices heard only during playback, and sometimes recordings were stopped mid-message.

Hypnotic Fantasies and Skepticism

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a critical analysis of the use of hypnosis in UFO research, particularly in documenting abduction claims. The article "Hypnotiske fantasier" (Hypnotic Fantasies) by Steuart Campbell discusses the unreliability of hypnotic recall.

It references an experiment by Alvin H. Lawson, a professor of English, who induced "imaginary" abductions in a group of subjects under hypnosis. Lawson's findings suggested that these fabricated accounts were remarkably similar to real abduction testimonies, leading him to question the validity of hypnotic regression studies for UFO cases. He argued that while "real" victims are convinced of their experiences, "imaginary" ones are less certain, but the similarities in narratives were striking.

Philip Klass and James Harder debated Lawson's findings, with Harder criticizing Lawson for potentially misleading readers into believing all abduction reports are imaginary. Lawson later presented a revised document acknowledging that while there are differences, the similarities are significant, but still cautioned against relying solely on hypnotic regression for UFO investigations.

Expert testimony from Martin T. Orne, former president of the International Society of Hypnosis, is presented, strongly refuting the use of hypnosis for documenting UFO abductions. Orne highlights that hypnosis can lead to the creation of "pseudo-memories" and that individuals can easily simulate hypnosis or invent details to please the hypnotist. He emphasizes that even experienced hypnotists may struggle to detect deception.

Orne outlines four key guidelines for hypnotic procedures: the hypnotist should be a trained psychologist or psychiatrist, should not be verbally informed about the case's facts beforehand, all contact should be video and audio recorded, and only the hypnotist and the subject should be present during the session.

Ernst R. Hilgard, an expert on hypnosis, is quoted stating that using hypnotic recall as evidence for UFO abductions is a misuse of hypnosis due to the role of fantasy and the potential for fabricated accounts.

Case Studies: Bob and Betty Luca

The article "FLERE «UFO-BORTFØRELSER»" (More "UFO-Abductions") by John Blackburn details the alleged experiences of Bob and Betty Luca. They claim to have been abducted by aliens multiple times since childhood. Under hypnosis, Betty provided vivid descriptions of encounters with "alien beings" and their "disk-shaped spaceship."

Betty describes the aliens as small, with large, cat-like eyes, small holes for noses and ears, and a slit for a mouth. They were hairless, with gray skin, and wore shiny blue uniforms. Bob recounted his first encounter at age five when he was taken aboard a spaceship. Despite never meeting the aliens together, their descriptions were remarkably similar.

Betty's account includes being taken to a "beautiful" planet with vibrant colors and a city covered by a glass dome. She estimates being gone for three to four hours. Her testimony was reportedly verified through "truth tests" and by veteran police officer Larry Fawcett, who found her account to be 100% correct.

Bob and Betty believe their meeting was orchestrated by the aliens, stating, "It's almost as if it had been planned," which gives them a "chilling feeling."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the intersection of technology, the paranormal, and the human mind. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, particularly concerning EVP and the possibility of communication beyond physical death, while simultaneously maintaining a critical and skeptical approach to the methodology used in UFO research, especially the reliance on hypnosis. The magazine aims to present evidence and research while also cautioning readers about potential misinterpretations and the unreliability of certain investigative techniques. The recurring theme is the search for evidence of consciousness or intelligence beyond the physical realm, whether through electronic means or alleged extraterrestrial encounters, balanced with a scientific and critical perspective.

Title: NIVFO-BULLETIN
Issue: 3/82
Publisher: NIVFO
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Cover Story: Photographs from Mo i Rana

The cover of this issue features photographs from Mo i Rana, with the headline "FOTOGRAFIENE FRA MO I RANA" and a reference to SE NIVFO-BULLETIN NR. 3/82 SIDE 8. The accompanying text explains that the organization has succeeded in obtaining the negatives of these images, allowing them to be transferred to more suitable paper, rasterized, and enlarged. Two images are presented, with the upper one taken first and the lower one a few minutes later. The publication states that they are actively seeking to obtain exact information and photographs of the surroundings, and will provide further updates on the case.

Editorial: Looking Back and Forward

The editorial, titled "Ved årsskiftet" (At the Turn of the Year), reflects on the past year and looks ahead to 1983. The author notes that NIVFO has experienced a "riveting development" over the past year, marked by a near doubling of subscribers and collaborators. New and interesting contacts and collaborators have been established, including internationally, which is expected to increase NIVFO's ability to deliver relevant material of high quality. The editorial also mentions that similar initiatives to NIVFO have been launched elsewhere in the world and are gaining traction.

A significant achievement highlighted is the improved ability to distinguish credible reports from unsubstantiated claims regarding unusual events. The editorial criticizes a large portion of "off-beat" literature for presenting a biased picture of the subject matter, often lacking objectivity and source criticism. It emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive examination of the "SOURCES" of this literature, an investigation that is currently underway. The goal is to move beyond rumors and speculation by identifying and filtering out sources of error and biased information.

The NIVFO-Bulletin pledges to continue its systematic approach, building a reference background with future citations. The editorial promises "truly interesting material" for 1983. Specifically, the next issue is expected to feature a thought-provoking scientific work on "third kind encounters" (nærkontakter av tredje grad), which many researchers believe may hold the key to solving the UFO enigma.

Additionally, a comprehensive report from the USA concerning a near-contact case, which includes physical traces such as "footprints of unknown creatures," has been received and will be published, complete with photographs of the traces. The editorial also notes that Erich Von Däniken's books will be addressed.

Domestic Sightings and Investigations

The bulletin assures readers that there will be no shortage of material from Norway itself. Ongoing observations and new sightings in Hessdalen are mentioned, and a photograph from this location will be published. When compared with other images, this photograph may prove to be particularly significant. Older cases from Hessdalen and its surroundings are also being investigated.

The editorial concludes with an encouraging "Det skjer mye nå - så følg med !" (A lot is happening now - so keep following!).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO photography and analysis, the growth and development of the NIVFO organization, and the ongoing investigation of UFO phenomena both internationally and domestically, with a particular focus on Hessdalen. The editorial stance is one of striving for greater objectivity, source criticism, and factual reporting in the field of UFO research, moving away from sensationalism and speculation towards a more rigorous, evidence-based approach.