NIVFO-Bulletin - 1985 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: NIVFO bulletin
Issue: 3-85
Volume: 5. ÅRGANG
Date: 1985
Publisher: NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
ISSN: 0800-0360
Cover Headline: HYNEK I NORGE

This issue of the NIVFO bulletin, dated 3-85, features a prominent article on J. Allen Hynek in Norway and covers a range of topics related to ufology, scientific skepticism, and paranormal phenomena.

Kreasjonisme

This extensive article discusses creationism, also known as 'scientific creationism', which posits that the world and life were created as described in the Bible. The author notes that while this movement is less prevalent in Norway, it is a significant and well-organized force in the USA, actively attempting to influence school textbooks by discrediting evolutionary science and promoting creationism as an equal scientific theory. The article details how creationists challenge the scientific consensus on the age of the Earth and biological evolution, citing arguments against radiometric dating, continental drift, and dendrochronology. It also mentions legal challenges in US states like Arkansas and Louisiana that attempted to equate creationism with scientific explanations, but were later struck down by the Supreme Court. The article references Benny Kullinger's lecture on creationism and mentions potential engagement by the Zoological Institute at the University of Bergen against creationist ideas in Norway. It concludes by advising caution when engaging with creationists, acknowledging their skill in debate.

Mysterious America

This is a review of Loren Coleman's book "Mysterious America." The reviewer, Kim Møller Hansen, describes Coleman's work as a compilation of unexplained phenomena encountered during his 25 years of traveling across North America. The book covers a wide array of mysteries, including phantom panthers, Bigfoot, sea monsters, and UFOs. Hansen notes that many of these phenomena share similarities with UFO reports, suggesting a potential psychological or sociological link, but cautions against Coleman's tendency to prioritize quantity of reports over quality of evidence. The review suggests reading the book for entertainment.

Hickson, En Falsk Profet...

This article critically examines the case of Charles Hickson from Pascagoula, Mississippi, who claimed to have been abducted by UFOs multiple times. While initially considered credible by some UFO researchers, including J. Allen Hynek, Hickson's later statements in 1982, suggesting that aliens would intervene to alter Earth's destructive course and that 'energy' would be released in 1983, cast doubt on his claims. The article also briefly mentions the Betty and Barney Hill abduction case and their continued UFO sightings.

Pans Gjenfødelse

This is a review of Jim Brandon's book "The Rebirth of Pan: Hidden Faces of the American Earth Spirit." The reviewer, Kim Møller Hansen, explains that Brandon views the Earth as a giant organism with its own consciousness, referred to as 'Pan.' According to Brandon, this 'Pan-force' reacts against modern civilization's negative impacts, such as pollution and nuclear weapons. The book links various phenomena, including UFOs, cryptids, ancient stone formations, and unexplained inscriptions, to this 'Pan-force' as expressions of Earth's protest. The reviewer finds Brandon's arguments, particularly his attempts to connect UFOs to environmental issues and military bases, to be speculative and lacking in documentation.

"UFO" Over Halden

This article reports on a UFO sighting observed over Halden, Norway, on the night of May 10th. The phenomenon, described as a slowly moving object emitting a yellowish light, was witnessed by Åse Setterquist and confirmed by photographer Arild Brunvand, though it could not be photographed. Neither the Norwegian Defense Command South-Norway nor the Meteorological Institute could provide an explanation. UFO investigator Arne Børcke suggested it was an extraterrestrial object. The article notes that the witness ruled out aircraft due to the lack of sound. The report includes a UFO-Rapport questionnaire filled out by the witness and mentions that the military had no record of unusual activity.

Notiser

This section contains several brief news items:

• Petrosavodsk UFO: Gordon Creighton, a UFO investigator, continues to consider the 1977 Petrosavodsk 'manet-UFO' a mystery, despite James Oberg's explanation that it was a Soviet satellite launch.
• Bavaria Case: A 'close encounter of the third kind' case in Bavaria involved witnesses describing UFO occupants resembling the Muppet character Kermit, leading investigators to conclude it was likely hallucinations.
• George Smith's Grave: An article in Fate magazine reports that George Smith's grave in Oklahoma occasionally emits a voice saying his daughter has not been saved.
• Venus as UFO: The article discusses how skeptics sometimes explain UFO sightings as misidentifications of the planet Venus. It notes that NIVFO has investigated many such cases and confirms that Venus is frequently mistaken for a UFO, even by experienced observers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the ongoing debate between creationism and evolution, the exploration of unexplained phenomena and mysteries, and the critical examination of UFO reports. NIVFO appears to maintain a skeptical yet open-minded stance, seeking to investigate and explain phenomena while also debunking hoaxes and misidentifications. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, scientific evidence, and a respect for truth when evaluating claims about the paranormal and UFOs.

This issue of Skeptica, dated NR. 1/1985, is a Norwegian publication focusing on a critical examination of UFO phenomena, alleged psychic abilities, and the manipulation of information within these fields. The magazine features several articles that delve into specific cases and individuals, aiming to provide a skeptical perspective.

Article: PANS GJENFØDELSE (Continued)

This section continues a discussion on Jim Brandon's book "The Rebirth of Pan." It references the "New Scientist" article "The Quest for Gaia" by James Lovelock and Sidney Epton, which proposed that Earth's biosphere functions as a single, self-regulating organism. The article notes Brandon's extensive research across America to support his theory of "Pan-kraft." While acknowledging the book's comprehensive nature, including photographs, drawings, and an extensive bibliography, the author remains unconvinced of "Pan-kraft's" existence but finds Brandon's attempt to unify these phenomena commendable, contrasting it with Loren Coleman's "Mysterious America."

Article: WHERE HAVE ALL THE UFOs GONE?

This commentary observes a decrease in UFO sightings, speculating that perhaps aliens have lost interest in Earth due to pollution or human preoccupations with self-help and superficiality. It references a UFO-NYT article citing Berlingske Tidende, which stated that in 1984, only 12 out of 152 reported UFO sightings remained unexplained. The article also touches upon the perceived decline in the seriousness of UFO-related publications, noting that members are canceling subscriptions to UFO-NYT because the magazine has become "boring." It suggests this might be due to past collaborations with occult publications like "Det Ukendte," which provided "solid occult entertainment."

Article: NOTISER (Continued)

This section discusses the "truth value" of beliefs, noting that even with positive identifications, some UFO enthusiasts refuse to accept explanations. It suggests that while observers might be skeptical, the inherent strangeness of some phenomena is undeniable.

Article: UFO-MANIPULERING

This article critically examines how information is manipulated within the UFO movement, suggesting that it often serves to fit preconceived notions rather than present objective facts. It uses an example from the English UFO magazine BUFORA-Bulletin, which published a letter from Jan S. Krogh of NIVFO. Krogh corrected a previous statement in the bulletin regarding the Hessdalen report, asserting that the report provided firm evidence linking reflections to cold and warm air inversions. The article criticizes BUFORA-Bulletin's editorial response, which downplayed Krogh's findings and characterized NIVFO's research in Hessdalen as simplistic. The author argues that this is an attempt to neutralize information that might challenge the beliefs of some readers. The article also points out that the Hessdalen residents themselves have expressed a desire for objective investigation, not the romanticized narratives often promoted by UFO enthusiasts.

Article: UTENLANDSKE REAKSJONER

This section continues the critique of information manipulation, focusing on how UFO organizations present information. It highlights an article by Gilbert Schmitz in CENAP-Report, who discusses how media and "off-beat" literature engage in information manipulation. Schmitz criticizes a "clique" that uses "serious scientific methods" to justify their own superstitions. The article also mentions a Swedish UFO organization that allegedly threatened a debater, implying that media would be interested in their side of the story. Furthermore, it details a survey in the Hessdalen area where only a small percentage of questionnaires were returned, contradicting claims of widespread local interest in UFO activities.

Article: URI GELLER

This article, "GELLER-OFRE" (Victims of Geller), by Jan Crosby, investigates the claims of psychic abilities, specifically focusing on Uri Geller. Crosby recounts his experiences with individuals who claimed to have psychic powers, including a case involving two sisters in Slemmestad, Norway, who allegedly bent spoons. Crosby details how he observed the demonstration and concluded it was achieved through manual force, not psychic ability. He also describes an encounter with a bank employee in Oslo who claimed to have powers, but whose demonstrations were also found to be fraudulent. Crosby recounts a challenge he issued to the Norwegian "Uri Geller" for a public demonstration, which was declined. The article further details Crosby's attempt to meet with Geller, where Geller failed to demonstrate any psychic abilities, including telekinesis and psychometry, and resorted to trickery, such as bending a spoon with his hands when he thought he wasn't being watched. The article criticizes Norwegian television for promoting Geller as an extraordinary phenomenon without mentioning his background as a magician or presenting counterarguments.

Article: ILD-GÅING

This article, "ILD-GÅING" (Fire-Walking), by Robert Sheaffer, discusses the practice of fire-walking, which has spread to California. It describes Tolly Burkan, a leader in this movement, and his training of instructors. The article highlights instances where participants, including a reporter named Melody Morgan, have suffered burns while fire-walking. It questions the claims of psychic abilities associated with fire-walking, suggesting that factors like fever or lack of concentration might contribute to injuries. The article also mentions Larissa Vilenskaya, who claimed to demonstrate psychic powers.

Article: CASH-LANDRUM-SAKEN

This extensive article details the Cash-Landrum case, a prominent UFO incident from December 29, 1980, near Dayton, Texas. Betty Cash, Vickie Landrum, and 7-year-old Colby Landrum reported seeing a bright, hovering object emitting flames. They claimed the object was larger than their car and emitted intense heat. Following the encounter, all three experienced severe physical ailments, including skin burns, nausea, and hair loss, which they attributed to the UFO. The article notes that the witnesses initially hesitated to report the incident for fear of being labeled mentally unstable. It mentions that the witnesses sought information from military bases and NASA but received no explanations. The article also discusses the legal battle for compensation from the U.S. Air Force, which was rejected due to insufficient evidence linking the injuries to government actions or equipment. It references an article by Håkan Blomqvist in the Swedish magazine "Sökaren," who speculated that the government would likely not admit to UFO existence or the development of advanced aircraft. The article also touches upon the presence of numerous helicopters during the incident, which the witnesses found particularly intriguing. Ufologist John Schuessler's investigation is also mentioned, along with his denial of any involvement in the UFO event. The article concludes by noting that the documents released by the government regarding UFOs contain surprisingly little of ufological interest.

Commentary on Cash-Landrum Case

This commentary section critically analyzes the Cash-Landrum case. It acknowledges the detailed documentation and research but questions the possibility of the entire story being a hoax. It considers two main explanations: either a military test of a weaponized object or a genuine extraterrestrial phenomenon. However, it finds it unlikely that the defense department would test such a weapon in a populated area when desert regions are available. The commentary also points out that while many claim to have encountered UFOs, none have reported symptoms similar to those experienced by Cash and Landrum. It suggests that investigators should have inquired about the witnesses' prior health conditions to determine if the symptoms existed before the alleged UFO encounter.

Commentary on UFOs and Skepticism

This section discusses the magazine's commitment to covering UFO phenomena and its aim to provide balanced information. It notes that the magazine has limited its coverage of UFO reports due to their repetitive nature. However, it intends to present a series of "UFO classics" – well-known UFO observations that are often cited as evidence. The article states that the magazine will start this series with a detailed examination of the Cash-Landrum case in the next issue. It expresses hope that this approach will be well-received by readers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of Skeptica are skepticism towards UFO claims, the critical analysis of alleged psychic phenomena, and the exposure of information manipulation within the UFO community. The editorial stance is clearly one of critical inquiry, aiming to debunk sensationalism and present evidence-based reasoning. The magazine actively seeks to counter what it perceives as uncritical acceptance of paranormal claims, particularly those related to UFOs and psychic abilities, by presenting investigative reports, case studies, and skeptical analyses.

This issue of the magazine, titled "KOSMISK SAMMENSVERGELSE" (Cosmic Conspiracy), authored by Kim Møller Hansen, delves into various aspects of UFO research and related phenomena, presenting a critical and skeptical perspective on several prominent claims and individuals within the field.

Article 1: Cosmic Conspiracy and the Deyo Affair

The article begins by referencing an article in "UFO-NYT 3/84" that praised American John Schuessler's portrayal of "research physicist" Stan Deyo's work with new propulsion systems. The initial impression given was that Deyo's work was serious and supported by researchers and authorities. However, the magazine presents a counter-perspective from the Australian journal "The Skeptic," where physicist Ian Bryce casts doubt on Deyo's work and Schuessler's enthusiasm.

Stan Deyo and his wife Louise published the book "The Cosmic Conspiracy" in 1978. The book is described as a blend of mysticism, rewritten biblical texts, occultism, and Deyo's speculations about "new" energy forms. According to scientists, Deyo's technical calculations are fundamentally flawed, and the researchers who supposedly supported him have never heard of him. Deyo's technical education is also described as obscure. The book's cover illustration, featuring a pyramid with flying objects, a crucifix, and a mystical eye, is seen as indicative of its content.

Initially, the book received a negative reception, and Deyo's ideas seemed to be fading. However, in 1983, Deyo and Schuessler launched a revival effort with a lecture tour in Australia. Schuessler presented himself as a researcher employed by NASA (though he was actually employed by McDonnell Douglas, which had NASA contracts), lending credibility to Deyo's claims. They advertised the lectures as featuring a secret American film about a UFO experiment. The lectures were well-attended, with the two men earning 40,000 dollars after four events.

Ian Bryce attended one of these lectures, which featured sensational stories about crashed UFOs and the Cash-Landrum incident, a case for which Schuessler is particularly known. The "secret" film turned out to be an old archival film that had been publicly available for years. As the lecture progressed, audience interest waned, and Deyo and Schuessler left without answering questions. Bryce hoped that such lectures would lead people to distance themselves from Schuessler and Deyo. Despite this, Deyo's book had sold 100,000 copies, which the author finds as incomprehensible as the book's content.

NIVFOS Commentary

NIVFOS (a Norwegian UFO organization) provides a commentary on the article, praising "UFO-NYT" and SUFOI for their seriousness and commendable approach, placing them above typical UFO organizations. They note that many ufologists primarily read UFO magazines, where John Schuessler is often portrayed as a "brilliant researcher." NIVFOS also mentions that "The Skeptic" is published by AUSTRALIAN SKEPTICS, their partners in Australia. The commentary concludes by observing that it is still profitable and seemingly legal to enrich oneself through such "deceptions."

Article 2: The Divining Rod (Ønskekvisten)

This section addresses a reader's question about whether the "divining rod" (ønskekvist) is now recognized by science. Based on investigations in the USA and Sweden, the answer is negative. The article cites a lecture by Nils Edelman in Vasa, who mentioned studies showing the divining rod to be ineffective. Reasons for scientific skepticism include the geological community's reluctance to accept that water flows in veins, and the divining rod's alleged ability to detect a wide range of things like water, oil, ore, lost items, criminals, diseases, and even the sex of a fetus. The practical objection is that scientists would use it if it were proven reliable, as it is inexpensive.

Article 3: Claude Poher's "Correlations"

This extensive article critically analyzes the work of Claude Poher, a researcher who published a study in "The Journal of Transient Aerial Phenomena" (March 1985) attempting to correlate UFO observations with disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field. The article argues that Poher's "sensational correlations" have long been presented in UFO literature as solid scientific documentation for the existence of UFOs.

Poher's study, based on data from Chambon-la-Forêt, France, in October 1954, involved measuring magnetic field variations and comparing them with UFO reports. The article points out several flaws in Poher's methodology and conclusions.

• Data Reliability: Poher admitted that there were no "direct" correlations between magnetic field fluctuations and UFO reports from within a 100 km radius of the station. He then proceeded to analyze data from 1954, comparing weekly UFO reports with monthly magnetic declination disturbances. The article questions how these disturbances were identified and notes the lack of a scale for axis A, making it impossible to determine the number of reports involved.
• Methodological Weaknesses: Poher's graphs are criticized for their lack of clear units and scales, making quantitative analysis difficult. The article highlights that Poher's data analysis involved selective periods and questionable interpretations. For instance, he focused on October 1954, comparing daily UFO reports with magnetic field variations, but the data presented seemed to be in units of "peak to peak" fluctuations rather than a daily count. The potential error margin of 42% in the magnetic data is also noted as making interpretation difficult.
• Forced Correlations: The article asserts that Poher forced correlations by selectively picking data points and using questionable statistical methods. It argues that while Poher claimed a "good correlation," his own graphs showed that as UFO reports decreased, magnetic field intensity remained constant. The correlation coefficient for UFO reports with declination disturbances was found to be 0.034, which the article describes as "practically non-existent."
• Unsubstantiated Claims: Poher claimed that a UFO 10 km away would produce a disturbance greater than 400 nT, yet he also noted that no such disturbance had been registered at Chambon for 20 years. His graphs suggested that the magnetic field near a UFO could be as strong as 150 kAt/m (0.18 T), but then later stated the disturbance from a nearby UFO would be around 30 uT, similar to Earth's magnetic field. The article concludes that the strength of UFO magnetic fields is likely between 10 and 100T, but this is speculative.
• Conclusion: The article concludes that despite Poher's article appearing technically competent, his research lacks scientific validity. The UFO data used was unreliable and of questionable relevance, and the analysis was subjective. Poher's "correlations" were seen as an attempt to fit the data to a preconceived hypothesis, rather than a genuine discovery.

Article 4: J. Allen Hynek in Norway and Elsewhere

This section focuses on the renowned UFO researcher J. Allen Hynek and his activities, particularly his visit to Norway.

• Hynek's Visit to Norway: Hynek's visit to Norway was largely uneventful, with minimal media attention. He traveled to Hessdalen to investigate UFO phenomena firsthand. Despite his initial skepticism, he found himself camping with UFO enthusiasts rather than Norwegian scientists. During his stay, a single alleged UFO sighting was reported, after which no further sightings occurred before his departure.

• Hynek's Evolving Stance: Hynek, initially a skeptic, became convinced of the UFO phenomenon's significance through reports from pilots, technicians, and other "trained observers." He became a consultant for the U.S. Air Force's UFO projects, including the famous Blue Book. His mission, as he saw it, was to present the UFO material to the scientific community.

• Central UFO Center Proposal: In December 1969, Hynek wrote an article for Playboy magazine expressing concern that Russia might solve the UFO mystery before the USA. To prevent this, he proposed the establishment of a "central UFO center" in America, equipped with a 24-hour hotline and competent investigators ready to respond to reported incidents. He stated that if such a program were conducted seriously for a year without results, it would be strong negative evidence against the phenomenon.

• CUFOS and its Results: In the fall of 1973, Hynek initiated such a project called the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS). CUFOS offered a free hotline and a network of experienced ufologists to investigate cases. However, after twelve years, CUFOS had amassed thousands of reports, many similar to previous ones, along with an increasing number of bizarre stories about "creatures" and "abductions." The article concludes that this twelve-year period of effort confirmed Hynek's 1967 assessment of "strong negative evidence," meaning there is no mysterious UFO phenomenon.

• "Trained Observers" Argument: The article critiques Hynek's reliance on the "trained observers" argument, suggesting that pilots and scientists can misinterpret ordinary objects as UFOs. It cites the example of former US President Jimmy Carter mistaking Venus for a UFO. The article also notes that Allan Hendry, who worked with CUFOS, became adept at distinguishing between real UFOs and misidentified objects.

• Hynek's Stance on Spaceships: In an interview with the American magazine OMNI, Hynek strongly criticized the spaceship hypothesis, stating his greatest wish was to demonstrate that the extraterrestrial hypothesis is untenable. The article suggests this has long been evident.

• New Headquarters in Arizona: The article mentions that Hynek established a UFO center in Arizona, funded by an anonymous philanthropist. The OMNI article describes the location poetically, linking it to Zuni Indian traditions and natural wonders.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a skeptical and critical stance towards UFO claims. It highlights the lack of scientific rigor in many UFO investigations, the tendency for researchers to force correlations, and the unreliability of anecdotal evidence. The editorial stance appears to be that the UFO phenomenon, as popularly conceived (e.g., alien spacecraft), is not supported by credible evidence and that many claims are based on misinterpretations, pseudoscience, or outright deception. The magazine emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific methodology and critical thinking when examining such topics.

This issue of 'ekstrapris' magazine, identified as volume 9 and dated 1985 (based on 'vol. 9/1985'), focuses on UFO phenomena and related investigations. The cover prominently features the greeting "GOD SOMMER" (Good Summer) and a smaller image related to Hessdalen. The magazine is published by NIVFO and is in Norwegian.

Contents and Articles

The magazine presents several perspectives on UFOs, including quotes from the renowned UFO researcher J. Allen Hynek. Hynek is quoted as saying, "We don't have UFOs, only UFO reports. The patterns and content of these reports form the UFO phenomenon. The phenomenon says nothing about little green men. Belief or disbelief in UFOs is irrelevant."

Another quote from Hynek, in an interview with a Chicago newspaper during his move to Arizona, suggests that people in Arizona are more open to new ideas than in Chicago. He also mentions investigating an event in New York where approximately 900 people claimed to have seen a "boomerang-shaped object of light as large as a football field," which he described as "something absolutely alien. There is no logical explanation for it."

In a more speculative vein, the magazine includes quotes suggesting UFOs might be instruments introducing new concepts of life, or illusions created by consciousness. One quote posits that UFOs might be trying to save Earth, like humans try to save whales, and that they might intervene if a "damned idiot" attempts to initiate a catastrophic event. Another suggests advanced civilizations could project "thought-constructions" akin to holographic images.

The issue also raises critical questions about UFO research, noting the lack of hard data after 40 years of investigation, the results of Allan Hendry's work, the high clearance rate for UFO cases, and the difficulty in distinguishing between UFOs and IFOs (Identified Flying Objects). A significant question is posed about the disappearance of radar observations, which were previously frequent, as radar technology improved.

A specific section titled "MENS VI SNAKKER OM HYNEK" (While We Talk About Hynek) includes a more personal anecdote from Hynek about how he would enjoy telling UFO stories to friends if snowed in.

The magazine also references a November 1984 article in Discover magazine that explained UFOs as small aircraft flying in tight formations at night, sometimes with landing lights on, whose pilots had begun calling themselves "Martians."

The Hessdalen Report Offer

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to promoting "Hessdalsrapporten" (The Hessdalen Report). It is advertised as a "truly pleasant message" offering the report at a reduced price of 85 kr, down from 165 kr. This report is described as the first complete account of the phenomena in Hessdalen, near Røros, Norway, detailing how it started, developed, and the conclusions of extensive investigations. The report is 77 pages long, A4 format, and includes chapters on background, history, theories, conclusions, precipitation, sources, literature, acknowledgments, and an appendix with data, maps, and photos.

Interested individuals are instructed to send the payment of 85 kr to NIVFO, Boks 2119, 7001 Trondheim, with Postgiro number 346 95 74. The payment should be marked "Hessdalsrapporten."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to cover a range of UFO-related topics, from anecdotal accounts and speculative theories to critical analysis of research methodologies and specific case studies like the Hessdalen Phenomenon. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting various viewpoints and encouraging readers to engage with the subject matter. The promotion of the Hessdalen report suggests a focus on providing detailed, investigative material to the readership. The inclusion of Hynek's quotes indicates an engagement with established figures in the field, while also presenting more unconventional ideas.