NIVFO-Bulletin - 1984 No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of the NIVFO bulletin, volume 4, number 3 from 1984, is published by NORSK INSTITUTT FOR VITENSKAPELIG FORSKNING OG OPPLYSNING. The cover prominently features the headline "DET FORUNDERLIGE LIKKLEDET." (The Mysterious Shroud) with a subtitle "En vitenskapelig undersøkelse" (A Scientific Investigation). The issue includes a table of contents listing articles on the Shroud of Turin, horoscopes, science fiction, the work of Immanuel Velikovsky, out-of-body experiences, 'rebirthing', book reviews, UFO photos from Nord-Møre, arguments for ufology, UFO reports from the USA, and the dangers of horoscopes.

The Shroud of Turin

The lead article, "Likkledet fra Torino" (The Shroud of Turin), revisits the topic previously covered in the NIVFO-Bulletin. It discusses a new book detailing the history of the Shroud and the scientific investigations conducted by an American research group in 1978. The book explores the image on the cloth, which appears to be of a crucified man with marks of scourging, a crown of thorns, and a wound in the side. The article highlights that scientific analysis has found no pigments, suggesting the image was not painted. The physical, chemical, and optical properties of the image are deemed impossible to have been artificially created. The research group, including Kenneth Stevenson and Gary Habermas, is credited with summarizing the findings and the process of image formation. The article notes that while many scientists are now convinced of its authenticity, the debate continues, and the exact mechanism of its creation remains a mystery, possibly involving supernatural intervention.

The Dangers of Horoscopes

Another significant article, "HOROSKOPET ER FARLIG !" (Horoscopes are Dangerous!), features an interview with Dosent Curt Roslund from Chalmers University of Technology. Roslund argues that horoscopes, despite appearing harmless, negatively influence people by shaping their self-perception and behavior. He explains that individuals may unconsciously adopt traits associated with their star sign and suppress others, and that this can even affect relationship choices. Roslund criticizes astrologers for lacking a solid scientific basis, particularly in mathematics and statistics. He recounts an experiment where participants reacted positively to their horoscopes even when given the same one, suggesting that horoscopes are so general that anyone can find something to relate to. He also mentions that astrologers often misinterpret small statistical deviations as proof of their theories. Roslund is associated with Vetenskap och Folkbildning, a partner of NIVFO in Sweden.

Science Fiction and Science

"SCIENCE FICTION OG VITENSKAP" (Science Fiction and Science) by Peter Nicholls is reviewed. The article "KAN SCIENCE FICTION FORUTSI FREMTIDEN ?" (Can Science Fiction Predict the Future?) explores how science fiction often anticipates scientific and technological advancements. It notes that themes like starships, time travel, and cloning, once purely speculative, are becoming realities. The review of Nicholls' book highlights its chapters covering space exploration, energy, extraterrestrial life, time travel, disasters, intelligent machines, human augmentation, and the nature of dreams and nightmares. The book also critiques pseudoscientific ideas within science fiction, pointing out elementary physical errors and debunking concepts like a hollow earth.

The article "Science fiction er omtrent like gammel som moderne vitenskap" (Science fiction is about as old as modern science) traces the parallel development of science fiction and science since the Industrial Revolution. It observes how SF has evolved from simplistic notions to more complex representations of reality, mirroring scientific discoveries. The author notes that while some SF authors accurately predict future technologies by following scientific trends, others rely on pure imagination, leading to many inaccurate predictions. The book "SCIENCE FICTION OG VITENSKAP" is recommended as a valuable counterweight to the spread of pseudoscience.

UFO Reports and Investigations

The section "UKEBLAD, KJENDISER OG UFO" (Weekly Magazine, Celebrities and UFOs) discusses UFO reports featured in the Norwegian weekly "Norsk Ukeblad". It mentions the continuation of a UFO report, referencing previous accounts like Hjørdis Hokstad's and observations by Borghild and Ola Roen, as well as meteor events and a sighting by construction workers. The article also touches upon the 'Mosjøen case' from 1954, involving an encounter with an extraterrestrial being. It highlights celebrity accounts of UFO sightings, including that of singer Finn Kalvik, who described a disk-like object. The article points out inconsistencies in descriptions, such as an object being described as both blank and dark, and questions the timing of some alleged revelations.

Another article, "AVTRYKK I BAKKEN OG LYSENDE OBJEKT" (Imprints in the Ground and Luminous Object), addresses reports of strange imprints in Hornindal and a luminous object over Sula. The explanation provided is that the luminous phenomenon was a spotlight, and the imprints were likely related to movements within a mound. The article suggests that while these events might be linked to UFOs in popular imagination, they have mundane explanations.

The Concept of 'Flatland'

An allegorical story, "FLATLAND", is presented to explain complex concepts. It describes a two-dimensional world inhabited by 'flatlanders' who only perceive length and width. When three-dimensional objects (like a foot) interact with their world, they create imprints that the flatlanders cannot fully comprehend or explain within their two-dimensional framework. The story introduces Albertus Zweisteinus, who suggests a third dimension to explain these phenomena. This narrative serves as an analogy for understanding phenomena that transcend our current perceptual or scientific frameworks, possibly relating to the limits of scientific measurement and the existence of realities beyond what can be measured.

Black Holes and Phenomenon Horizons

The article "«FENOMEN-HORISONTEN»" (The Phenomenon Horizon) delves into astrophysics, explaining the formation of neutron stars and black holes. It describes how stars with a mass of at least 1.4 times the sun's mass can undergo gravitational collapse, forming incredibly dense neutron stars. If the original star's mass exceeds 34 solar masses, the collapse continues to form a black hole. The article explains that black holes are invisible but detectable by their effect on surrounding matter. The 'phenomenon horizon' (or event horizon) is defined as the boundary around a black hole where gravity is so strong that even light cannot escape. Anything crossing this horizon is lost forever, and time effectively stops at this boundary. The concept is used to illustrate the limits of observation and the potential for realities beyond our current understanding of physics and measurement.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of NIVFO Bulletin demonstrates a strong commitment to investigating phenomena that lie at the intersection of science, mystery, and the unexplained. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, seeking scientific explanations while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge and the possibility of phenomena that defy conventional understanding. There is a clear skepticism towards pseudoscience, particularly astrology, and a balanced approach to topics like the Shroud of Turin and UFOs, which are examined through the lens of scientific investigation. The magazine aims to inform its readers about both established scientific findings and controversial or unexplained events, encouraging critical thinking and a nuanced perspective.

This issue of "VELIKOVSKY I SØGELYSET" (Velikovsky in the Spotlight), published by WEGNER's FORLAG, delves into the controversial theories of Immanuel Velikovsky and related phenomena.

Immanuel Velikovsky's Theories

The issue begins by introducing Immanuel Velikovsky (1897-1979) and his theory of cosmic collisions between Earth, Venus, and Mars in historical times. His book "Worlds in Collision," published in the USA on April 3, 1950, became a bestseller, topping The New York Times and The New York Herald Tribune lists for twenty weeks. Despite its academic language and extensive footnotes, the book sparked a fierce debate among scientists and the public.

The article highlights the controversy, noting that Macmillan Co., the original publisher, suddenly withdrew the book, allegedly due to pressure from American universities that refused to accept their sales representatives. Furthermore, scientists reportedly forced the dismissal of the editor responsible for the book's publication and the head of the Hayden Planetarium in New York, who had planned a program to reconstruct the events described in "Worlds in Collision."

The central question posed is whether Velikovsky's thesis is scientifically valid and provable or disprovable.

Velikovsky's Sources and Methods

Bob Forrest contributes a chapter analyzing Velikovsky's sources. Forrest claims that Velikovsky manipulated his source material to fit his theories, sometimes by editing out inconvenient details, taking quotes out of context, or rewriting them to support his narrative. This critical examination of Velikovsky's methods is presented as a common aspect of "off-beat" literature.

Analysis of "Worlds in Collision"

Carl Sagan provides an analysis of "Worlds in Collision," connecting its events to biblical narratives. Sagan suggests that a comet ejected from Jupiter around 1500 BC caused the plagues and tribulations described in the Book of Exodus, including the Nile turning blood-red, the appearance of plagues, and earthquakes. He posits that the parting of the Red Sea was due to tidal effects or interactions between the comet and the sea. The comet's passage is also linked to the sun and moon stopping in the sky at Joshua's command, and a subsequent collision with Mars, which was then ejected from its orbit and nearly collided with Earth, destroying the Assyrian king Sankerib's army. Velikovsky's theory suggests that Mars was then captured into its current orbit, and Venus became a planet formed from the comet's tail, eventually settling into its current orbit.

Critiques of Velikovsky's Predictions

Kendrick Frazier, a journalist and editor of The Skeptical Inquirer, writes about the confusion surrounding Velikovsky's work. He notes that Velikovsky predicted Venus would emit heat due to its violent history, but this has not been observed; Venus emits heat only from the sun and is not cooling. Frazier also points out inaccuracies in Velikovsky's predictions regarding the Moon, such as the supposed frequency of moonquakes and the presence of water on its surface, which were not supported by Apollo mission data. Velikovsky's claims about craters being formed by exploding bubbles or interplanetary lightning were also unsubstantiated.

Despite the scientific criticisms, Frazier suggests that the psychological appeal of Velikovsky's ideas makes it difficult to change the minds of his followers. He advises maintaining a sense of proportion and humor when discussing these topics.

The UFO Image

A section titled "UFO-bildet.." (The UFO Picture..) presents a comparison between a UFO photograph and a weighing scale, suggesting a remarkable resemblance in proportions. It states that an official statement will be released once investigations are complete.

Out-of-Body Experiences (OBEs)

"UT-AV-KROPPEN-OPPLEVELSER" (Out-of-Body Experiences)

This section, part 3, discusses research into OBEs, questioning whether they are a psychological phenomenon. The author notes that the evidence for paranormal explanations is weak and contradictory. The focus shifts to the nature of the experience itself: why it feels so real, how it influences people, and why it seems to be affected by thought. The author suggests that exploring the subjective nature of these experiences, rather than solely searching for psi phenomena, would be more fruitful.

Future Research

The author speculates on future research directions in parapsychology. One approach focuses on the idea of consciousness leaving the body, using traditional parapsychological methods. The other approach views OBEs as purely psychological phenomena. The author believes the latter will be more progressive, potentially leading to a convergence of psychology and occultism.

The Role of Psychology and Occultism

It is suggested that psychological theories might offer explanations for OBEs, and that ideas from occult and magical teachings could provide a framework. The concept of "like attracts like" is mentioned in relation to magical practices and how thoughts can influence reality. The article touches upon the idea that negative impressions formed during birth can shape an individual's neurotic patterns and personal laws throughout life.

Rebirthing

"REBIRTHING" by Inga-Lill Thorsén

This section details the Rebirthing method, developed by Leonard Orr. It is described as a special breathing technique designed to revisit and resolve birth traumas. The method involves going back to the moment of birth and the first breath, aiming for "breath liberation" – a total reliving of the first breath. The article explains that the natural process of breathing is often disrupted during birth, leading to trauma that can affect a person's breathing patterns and overall well-being throughout life.

The Rebirthing Process

Rebirthing sessions typically take place in warm water, with the participant wearing a snorkel. The rebirther and an assistant guide the process, focusing on breathing and relaxation. The core technique involves breathing deeply and continuously, with a relaxed, continuous rhythm where exhalation is released effortlessly. This process is believed to release emotional blockages and physical symptoms.

Affirmations

Affirmations, or positive self-statements, are a key component of Rebirthing. Participants are encouraged to write down affirmations related to their birth traumas (e.g., "I am worthy of love") and repeat them daily until no objections arise. This process aims to replace negative beliefs formed during birth with positive ones.

The Role of the Helper

A crucial aspect of Rebirthing is the presence of an experienced helper, who acts as a "psychic mother." The helper needs to be intuitive and create a warm, safe atmosphere. They monitor the participant's breathing, ensuring it is neither too slow nor too shallow, and that it occurs in the chest rather than the abdomen.

Experiences During Rebirthing

Experiences during Rebirthing sessions can vary significantly. Participants may experience intense emotions, physical sensations like tingling or vibrations, and a sense of energy moving through the body, leading to a physical and psychological cleansing process.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue consistently explores alternative theories and phenomena that challenge conventional scientific understanding. It examines Immanuel Velikovsky's cosmic catastrophe theories, the nature of out-of-body experiences, and the rebirthing method. While presenting these topics, the magazine also includes critical perspectives, highlighting scientific skepticism and potential psychological explanations. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry into controversial subjects, balanced with a critical assessment of the evidence and methodologies involved.

This issue of the magazine "UFO" from August 1983, published by NIVFO NORD, focuses heavily on a UFO sighting in Nordmøre, Norway, and also explores topics related to rebirthing and critiques of scientific materialism.

UFO Sighting in Nordmøre

The main cover story details a UFO photograph taken by Pål Kristian Vaag on August 19, 1983, near his home in Aure, Nordmøre. Vaag described the object as disk-shaped, approximately 10-15 meters in diameter, which hovered silently before changing color from silver to matte gray and then rapidly departing. He claims to have taken only one photo due to shock and a lack of photography experience, and initially hesitated to show it for fear of being ridiculed.

The photograph gained significant attention when published by the newspaper VG. Luftforsvaret (the Air Force) and experts at NTH (Norwegian Institute of Technology) analyzed the image. Captain Kåre Kvamme from Luftforsvaret stated that technically, they could not find fault with the photo, noting that the lighting, proportions, and sharpness were convincing, making a photomontage unlikely. However, he remained skeptical about the object's authenticity, suggesting it might have been a physical object thrown into the air that the photographer skillfully captured.

NIVFO (Norwegian UFO Information Organization) also investigated the case. They interviewed Vaag and conducted a re-enactment of the photography at the site. Local media outlets were contacted, but none had additional information. The magazine notes that the defense and NTH were skeptical, and that the analysis by electronic microscopes was not expected to reveal anything about the photograph itself.

The article also touches upon the possibility of the object being a terrestrial craft or even a model, with one suggestion that the lower part of the object in the photograph resembles a kitchen scale.

Rebirthing and Psychological Experiences

Another significant section discusses "rebirthing," a practice that involves intense breathing to induce altered states of consciousness, often leading to vivid mental images of birth and early childhood experiences. The article notes that many who undergo rebirthing report experiencing incredibly clear and detailed images, sometimes including memories of biological mothers for adopted individuals. These experiences are compared to those described by Stanislav Grof's LSD patients.

The text references the work of Frederick Leboyer, who highlighted the sensitivity of newborns, and discusses how to make the birth process less traumatic. It mentions a study by Mme Rapaport suggesting that children born using Leboyer's methods exhibit higher IQs, learn to walk earlier, and have fewer toilet-training issues.

Rebirthing is presented as a potential tool for releasing deep-seated anger and disappointment, particularly for those who feel their fundamental needs were not met. The author suggests that rebirthing might be viewed not just as a method for releasing birth trauma, but also as a form of yoga or meditation, given its emphasis on breathing techniques and its connection to Eastern philosophies, as exemplified by the work of its proponent, Orr.

Critique of Scientific Materialism and the Origin of Life

The magazine features a review of a book that emerged from a seminar at the University of Trondheim in 1979. This book critiques "scientific materialism," challenging the prevailing theory that life arose solely from chemical reactions in a primordial ocean.

The book argues that dead matter cannot spontaneously create life. It highlights the complexity of biological systems, such as the DNA molecule, which stores vast amounts of information. The authors question how this information storage system could have arisen through random chemical processes. They propose that life may require an external organizing principle or "teleonomy" (purposeful design) in addition to matter and energy.

The text uses an analogy of a disassembled Bentley car to illustrate this point: just as the mechanical laws governing the car's parts imply an intelligent design, the intricate order within biological systems suggests a similar underlying purpose.

The review concludes by stating that the book addresses controversial and fundamental questions, and invites readers to contribute their own comments.

Other Topics

The issue also includes a section on "Hard UFO Times," discussing the decline in public interest and financial support for UFO research organizations like CUFOS. It mentions the challenges faced by researchers like J. Allen Hynek and the perceived lack of serious media coverage for extraordinary UFO cases.

Additionally, there is a report on the "Hessdalen Report," a comprehensive account of phenomena in Hessdalen, Norway, available for purchase. The report covers background, theories, conclusions, and data related to the Hessdalen phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a pro-UFO stance, presenting sightings and related phenomena with a degree of seriousness and encouraging further investigation. While acknowledging skepticism from official bodies like the Air Force and academic institutions, the articles often highlight the inability of these bodies to definitively debunk UFO evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor exploring the unexplained and challenging conventional scientific paradigms, particularly regarding the origin of life and the nature of consciousness, as seen in the discussions on rebirthing and scientific materialism. There's a clear interest in presenting arguments that support the existence of UFOs and the possibility of non-materialistic explanations for life.

This issue of the magazine, titled "Hva vitenskapen vet om UFO" (What Science Knows About UFOs), published by EFI Forlag a/s, features reviews of two significant books and a report on a recent UFO sighting. The issue date is likely 1983, based on the content and references.

Book Review: "Hva vitenskapen vet om UFO" by Jacques Vallée

The review discusses Jacques Vallée's book, "Hva vitenskapen vet om UFO," noting its Norwegian edition from 1983 published by EFI Forlag a/s. The reviewer points out that despite the title, the book contains a lot of speculation and little concrete material, similar to Vallée's previous works like "Passport to Magonia." Two main criticisms are raised: Firstly, the author presents paranormal phenomena as established facts without providing evidence. Secondly, the book frequently uses the "Magonia catalog" of UFO reports as a basis for its conclusions, which the reviewer argues is problematic as these catalogs often include Identified Flying Objects (IFOs), making it difficult to draw statistically valid conclusions about authentic UFO phenomena.

The reviewer highlights Vallée's central idea that the UFO phenomenon is a "psychic reality," akin to religious revelations, suggesting that powerful forces have influenced humanity throughout history and continue to do so. These forces could be extraterrestrial or originate from human consciousness. The possibility of human consciousness being the source is seen as the book's most valuable aspect, aligning with previous discussions in the NIVFO-Bulletin.

However, the reviewer also states that Vallée's assertion that the UFO phenomenon is something entirely different from what it appears to be leads to "pure speculation," and ultimately "unfruitful speculation" because the existence of a "real UFO phenomenon" is not proven. The review suggests that there is much evidence pointing towards a variety of different phenomena and events that require diverse explanations.

Interestingly, the review mentions that the publisher has been trying unsuccessfully to contact Jacques Vallée since September 20, 1983. While not implying anything mysterious, his complete disappearance from contact has led to speculation.

Book Review: "De første tre minutter" by Steven Weinberg

This section reviews Steven Weinberg's book, "De første tre minutter: Moderne forskning om universets opprinnelse" (The First Three Minutes: Modern Research on the Origin of the Universe). The Norwegian edition was published in 1984 by EFI Forlag a/s, with 187 pages. The reviewer emphasizes that this is not fringe literature or pseudoscience, but a reliable popular science presentation.

Steven Weinberg is identified as a Higgins Professor of Physics at Harvard University and a leading researcher at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory. He has received prestigious awards, including the Heinemann Prize for Mathematical Physics and the Oppenheimer Prize.

The book is praised for providing the first reliable popular science account of the universe's origin, detailing events within the first three minutes of its existence as understood by leading scientists. Weinberg's work is based on the "standard model" theory. The reviewer reassures readers that the book is written in a way that is understandable to the general reader, avoiding complex mathematics.

The book not only describes the initial moments of the universe's creation but also pauses to elaborate on the developments at various stages. It is remarkable that current scientific understanding allows for the calculation of conditions at the end of the first second, minute, or year of the universe's existence, and even enables the calculation of temperatures at different points in time.

Overall, Weinberg's book is described as a popular science presentation of widely accepted data on the universe's genesis, and it is highly recommended.

VG-UFO'en

This section reports on a significant event: on Tuesday, August 7th (presumably 1983, given the context of the magazine issue), the Norwegian newspaper VG featured a prominent story on its front page about a UFO photograph taken in Aure, Nord-Møre, which had surprised the Norwegian air force.

The NIVFO (Norwegian UFO Information Organization) investigation department has produced a report on this case, which is now available for purchase. The report is A4 format, approximately 13 pages long, and includes photographs. It costs 29.50 NOK plus 4.50 NOK for postage. Orders can be placed by sending the payment to NIVFO NORD, POSTBOX 990, 9401 HARSTAD, or via Postgiro account number 5 23 38 95.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to maintain a critical yet open stance towards UFO phenomena. While reviewing Jacques Vallée's work, it questions the scientific validity of claims based on unverified data and emphasizes the need for evidence. Simultaneously, it acknowledges the public interest in UFOs, as evidenced by the prominent coverage in VG. The inclusion of Steven Weinberg's book on cosmology suggests an interest in scientific explanations for fundamental questions, contrasting with the more speculative nature of UFO research. The NIVFO's involvement in investigating and reporting on UFO cases indicates a commitment to documenting and analyzing sightings, likely with a desire to separate factual accounts from speculation.