NIVFO-Bulletin - 1983 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of NIVFO bulletin, number 3 from 1983, is the third volume of the 3rd year of publication. The cover prominently features "Däniken OG NAZCA-FIGURENE" (Däniken and the Nazca Figures), suggesting a focus on Erich von Däniken's theories about ancient astronauts and the mysterious Nazca Lines. The magazine is published by Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning (NIVFO) and has an ISSN of 0800-0360. The price for a subscription is Kr. 80,-.

Table of Contents

The table of contents lists several articles, including:

• UFO-BORTFØRELSEN - en hypotese som kan prøves (UFO Abduction - a hypothesis that can be tested) - Part 3
• HESSDALEN IKKE ENESTÅENDE (Hessdalen Not Unique)
• DEN NEGLISJERTE VITENSKAP (The Neglected Science)
• RAPPORTOVERSIKT (Report Overview)
• UFO-HYPOTESER (UFO Hypotheses)
• FYSISKE SPOR (Physical Traces)
• VÆR IKKE REDD FOR SELV-FORBRENNING (Don't Be Afraid of Self-Combustion)
• LITT OM SJØORMEN (A Little About Sea Monsters)
• NAZCA-FIGURENE IGJEN (Nazca Figures Again)
• SPIRICOM, HVORDAN GIKK DET ? (SPIRICOM, How Did It Go?)

UFO Abduction - A Hypothesis That Can Be Tested (Part 3)

This article, by Dr. Alvin Lawson, continues the exploration of UFO abductions, focusing on a hypothesis that links these experiences to birth trauma. Lawson suggests that the descriptions of doors and passages in abduction reports are reminiscent of the birth canal (cervix). He cites the case of Betty Andreasson, who, under regressive hypnosis, described experiences that mirrored aspects of prenatal development, such as the placenta, umbilical cord, and amniotic sac. These elements, Lawson argues, can be archetypally represented as UFOs or the "suits" worn by alien beings.

He draws parallels between these archetypes and imagery found in religious and mythological art, such as depictions of the placenta as a "vessel" and umbilical cords as tubes or light beams. The article also discusses the concept of "physical traces" and the potential for these experiences to be stimulated by psychological processes rather than actual alien technology. Lawson posits that the phenomena might be related to the "FT-hypothesis" (fødselstrauma-hypothesis).

Hessdalen Not Unique

This section investigates the phenomena observed in Hessdalen, Norway, by comparing them to similar "stedsbundne" (location-bound) light phenomena reported in other parts of the world. The article details several examples, including:

• Ramdi Lights (Iraq): Observed in the Mesopotamian desert.
• Pengelysene (Peng Lights) (Peru): Seen in the Andes highlands.
• Min-Min Lights (Australia): Reported near Alexandria Station.
• Waimea Lights (Hawaii): Observed over the plains.
• Iliamna Lights (Alaska): Seen near Iliamna Lake.
• Spøkelseslyset (Ghost Light) (Texas): Located in the Chinati Mountains.
• Brown Mountain Lights (North Carolina, USA): Observed over a mountain peak.

The article notes that while these phenomena share similarities with the Hessdalen lights, they often appear to be less extensive. It suggests that these lights might be poorly understood natural phenomena, but also acknowledges the existence of a non-scientific hypothesis that cannot yet be controlled.

The Neglected Science

This article discusses the study of UFO phenomena and the challenges faced by researchers. It references James Oberg's critique of ufology and Shirley McIver's sociological study of UFO believers. The author suggests that while much of the collected data may not be scientifically usable, there is a need for more rigorous investigation into specific cases. The article proposes the term "UAP" (Unidentified Atmospheric Phenomena) for objects that have a natural explanation, distinguishing them from more speculative UFO hypotheses. It highlights research by Harley Ruthlege and Michael Persinger, who explore natural explanations for UAP, such as the piezoelectric effect in rocks generating ionized air that glows.

Other Articles

The issue also includes brief mentions of "Physical Traces," "Don't Be Afraid of Self-Combustion," "A Little About Sea Monsters," "Nazca Figures Again," and "SPIRICOM, How Did It Go?" The article on Nazca figures likely revisits Erich von Däniken's theories, while the others suggest a broad interest in paranormal and fringe topics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around UFO phenomena, unexplained lights, and alternative hypotheses. The magazine appears to be a forum for exploring topics that lie outside mainstream science, with a particular interest in the psychological and archetypal aspects of UFO experiences, as well as potential natural explanations for anomalous phenomena. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, encouraging investigation into these subjects while also acknowledging the need for scientific rigor and distinguishing between speculative theories and verifiable data. The publication positions itself as a critical forum for off-beat literature and pseudoscience.

This issue of the magazine, titled "UFO-HYPOTESER" (UFO Hypotheses) by Stuart Campbell, delves into various theories attempting to explain Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs).

Persinger's Theory and Atmospheric Ionization

The article begins by discussing Persinger's theory, which posits that atmospheric phenomena, particularly those involving ionization, could be the cause of UFOs. It highlights that Persinger's work suggests that large air masses, like cold fronts, might trigger electrical signals, a theory that is considered testable and has been acknowledged by some UFO investigators.

Paul Deveraux, a researcher known for "Earth Mysteries," is mentioned for his work linking zones with active fields to areas of high UFO observation. His research on "Earth Lights" in Turnstone, 1982, suggested a connection between active fields and UFO sightings, although he noted that the Pennine Foothills area, despite high field concentrations, did not have an unusually high number of UFO sightings.

Jenny Randles, a researcher and head of the British UFO Research Association (BUFORA), is cited for her work showing a correlation between observation height and the thickness of the quartz layer in bedrock, suggesting UAPs occur with atmospheric ionization. The article notes that Persinger's theory aligns with findings from Ruthledge's studies in Missouri.

Alien Abductions and Psychological Explanations

The issue then explores the controversial category of UFOs involving alleged alien abductions. It notes that the number of witnesses for abduction reports is significantly lower than for general UAP sightings. Dr. Alvin Lawson, a professor, and William McCall, a medical hypnotist, are presented as researchers who believe that abduction experiences might be rooted in the subconscious, possibly as repressed birth memories, induced through hypnosis. They found striking similarities between descriptions given by test subjects hallucinating abductions and those of alleged abductees. The article mentions that some psychologists dispute this, arguing that the ability to recall one's own birth is unproven.

Reported UFO Sightings and Cases

Several specific cases are detailed:

• Hessdalen, Norway (April 16, 1983): Witnesses reported seeing a 'star' that moved, then disappeared. Local UFO enthusiasts referred to it as a 'craft'. Data suggested the object's position and timing might correspond to the planet Venus.
• Halden, Norway (March 7, 1983): Three readers reported observing two red, glowing spheres moving calmly over the city, accompanied by flashing lights.
• Porsgrunn, Norway (July 23, 1983): A woman reported seeing a mushroom or cigar-shaped object moving northwards over the water, described as a metal-like object without lights.
• Kristiansand S, Norway (March 3, 1983): A witness observed a luminous point in the sky for 45 minutes, described as two light points, one appearing to have two spotlights. The object moved slowly to the northeast.
• Hessdalen, Norway (February/March 1983): A witness described a rocket-like, silver-blank object with a constant light, moving slowly and performing a 'loop' before disappearing behind a hill. The light underneath was compared to a propane gas flame.
• Delphos, Kansas, USA (November 2, 1971): A sixteen-year-old reported seeing a glowing object hover over a field. Physical traces, including a broken branch and a ring in the ground, were found. Analysis of the ring revealed unusual chemical and structural properties, compared to 'witch rings'.

UFO Hypotheses Analysis

Stuart Campbell's article "UFO-HYPOTESER" critically examines various hypotheses for UFO phenomena. He categorizes them into 'conventional' (misidentification, bluffs, hallucinations) and 'unconventional' (secret weapons, hollow earth, extraterrestrial hypothesis - ETH, etc.).

Campbell argues that conventional theories are generally more credible. He questions the 'secret weapons' hypothesis, finding it unlikely that governments would develop advanced craft only to fly them openly. He also dismisses the 'hollow earth' and 'civilization in the sea' theories as lacking evidence.

Regarding the ETH, Campbell highlights that it requires numerous assumptions, including the existence of advanced extraterrestrial intelligences capable of interstellar travel. He points out the lack of any concrete proof for such intelligences beyond humanity. The article quotes Simpson stating that it's highly improbable for any form of intelligent life with telecommunication capabilities to exist elsewhere in the universe.

Campbell also questions the rationale behind potential alien visitors, noting that if advanced civilizations exist, they would likely make contact openly rather than engaging in secretive observations or 'pranks'. He suggests that the vast distances involved in interstellar travel make frequent visits unlikely, and that the energy and time required would be immense, making it improbable for aliens to 'play tag' with us.

He concludes that the ETH, due to its reliance on a multitude of unproven assumptions, is a highly improbable explanation for UFO phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine emphasizes the need for scientific respect towards UFO research, despite the controversial nature of the subject. It presents a range of theories, from those grounded in atmospheric physics to psychological explanations for alleged abductions, and critically evaluates the evidence and assumptions behind each. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious inquiry, urging scientists to take UFO phenomena more seriously while maintaining a skeptical approach to unsubstantiated claims, particularly the extraterrestrial hypothesis due to its heavy reliance on assumptions.

Title: UFO-Aktuelt
Issue: 7
Volume: 1983
Date: July 30, 1983

This issue of UFO-Aktuelt delves into a variety of unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on alleged alien encounters, mysterious physical traces, and the ongoing investigation into electronic voice phenomena (EVP).

Friendly Aliens in the Forests?

The cover story, "Vennligsinnede rommennesker i grenseskogene?" (Friendly aliens in the forests?), introduces UFO enthusiast Carl-Gustaf Porath from Stockholm. Porath claims to have encountered aliens of nine different races in the Värmland region of Sweden. He describes them as friendly, similar to humans but lacking fingerprints, with blue-black hair, blue eyes, and light skin. They greet by lifting their left hand to their left shoulder. Despite their friendly demeanor, Porath notes they bring weapons to Earth.

The Mystery of Self-Combustion

The article "Vær ikke redd for selvforbrenning" (Don't be afraid of self-combustion) by Joe Nickell examines the phenomenon of spontaneous human combustion. It recounts three dramatic cases from April 7, 1938, where individuals were found carbonized with their surroundings largely undamaged. The cases involve the helmsman of the SS Ulrich, a truck driver near Upton-by-Chester, and a man in Nijmegen. Philip Klass's research into the SS Ulrich case revealed that no ship by that name was registered in 1938, leading to speculation of a cover-up, possibly by the CIA. Further investigation into the Nijmegen case revealed that Volkswagen cars were not common in the Netherlands until 1947, nine years after the alleged incident, and the factory's foundation stone was laid in May 1938. The Upton-by-Chester case was partially corroborated by a truck driver's death in April 1938, though details differed.

The Enigma of the Nazca Lines

"NAZCA-FIGURENE IGJEN ..." (The Nazca Figures Again...) by Joe Nickell critically examines the theories surrounding the geoglyphs in Nazca, Peru. Nickell challenges Erich von Däniken's assertion that the figures required extraterrestrial intervention or advanced ancient technology, pointing out that von Däniken's 'theory' was based on a joke by Paul Kosok. Nickell discusses Maria Reiche's lifelong work preserving the lines and notes that the figures are constructed with a single, unbroken line. He also touches upon Jim Woodman's theory of hot air balloons being used by the ancient Nazca people for ceremonial flights. The article compares the Nazca figures to similar geoglyphs found elsewhere, such as the White Horse of Uffington in England and figures in Ohio and Blythe, California, noting similarities and differences in their construction and scale.

Spiricom: Contact with the Other Side?

"SPIRICOM - HVORDAN GIKK DET SIDEN?" (Spiricom - How Did It Go Since Then?) by Nils-Olof Jocobson revisits the claims of contact with 'Dr. Mueller' through 'Spiricom'. The article discusses the skepticism surrounding these claims, particularly from George Meek and William O'Neil. It mentions that a professor in Tokyo conducted a voice analysis suggesting the 'Dr. Mueller' voice was computer-generated but of a complexity that would be difficult to fake. An American electronics company offered Metascience Foundation technical assistance. The article notes that contact with 'Dr. Mueller' ceased in November 1981, but several individuals have reported telepathic contact since then, with one case showing promise due to written communication.

UFO Sighting in Norway

The "SOMMER-UFO UTENFOR SOVEROMMET" (Summer UFO Outside the Bedroom) report details an observation by Edith Solberg in Holt i Fiane, Norway. She reported seeing a small, round object with violet and blue flames outside her bedroom window. The object hovered silently for about 30 seconds before disappearing. Separately, Agderposten reported a strange imprint found on a rock in Moland, Norway, consisting of a square mark with an oval ring. The article suggests this imprint likely has a prosaic explanation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, UFO sightings, and alleged contact with non-human intelligence. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting various claims and theories while also offering skeptical perspectives and scientific explanations where available. There is a clear interest in investigating paranormal events and ancient mysteries, but with an emphasis on evidence and logical analysis, as seen in the critical examination of the Nazca line theories and the self-combustion cases.