Norsk UFO-Tidsskrift - 1970 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: NORSK UFO-TIDSSKRIFT
Issue: 1
Volume: 1. ÅRGANG
Date: 1970
Publisher: Norske UFO-Foreninger
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Cover Headline: Uidentifiserte Flygende Objekter

This inaugural issue of Norsk UFO-Tidsskrift, published in 1970, marks the beginning of a publication dedicated to the critical examination of unidentified flying objects. The cover features a bold title and a subtitle, along with a table of contents on the left and abstract illustrations on the right. The magazine's editorial motto, "Intet aksepteres før det er kritisk gransket - intet forkastes fordi det lyder umulig" (Nothing is accepted before it is critically examined - nothing is discarded because it sounds impossible), sets a tone of rigorous inquiry.

Table of Contents

The issue's contents include:

• HVORFOR OG HVORDAN ? (Why and How?)
• PSYKOLOGISKE FAKTORER (Psychological Factors)
• ANSØKNING TIL FN (Application to the UN)
• "JEG HAR IKKE GÅTT I BARNDOMMEN" ("I Have Not Gone Into Childhood")
• FORTIDENS GÅTER FREMTIDENS VEI ? (Riddles of the Past - The Way of the Future?)
• RAPPORT FRA SVERIGE (Report from Sweden)
• NORSKE OBSERVASJONER (Norwegian Observations)

Editorial and Publication Details

The magazine is published by Norske UFO-Foreninger and edited by Kolbjørn Stenødegård. The postal address is Postboks 2083, 7001 Trondheim, with a postgiro account number 321295. The publication is issued four times a year with a subscription price of 15,- per year. The editorial policy states that submissions are critically examined, and personal opinions of the editorial staff are not necessarily reflected in the published contributions. The magazine was printed by Økonomitrykk in Bodø.

Articles and Features

"Et Uidentifisert Flyvende Objekt er de ytre eller indre stimuli som forårsaker en rapport om noe sett på himmelen - ner eller på bakken, men som antas å kunne fly - som ikke ble gjenkjent å være av konvensjonell opprinnelse". (An Unidentified Flying Object is the external or internal stimuli that cause a report about something seen in the sky - on land or on the ground, but which is assumed to be able to fly - which was not recognized as being of conventional origin.)

This definition, provided by Andreas Steen, serves as an introduction to the magazine's approach. Steen emphasizes the need for precise terminology and a critical, non-emotional approach to the UFO phenomenon, which he feels has been marred by amateurish and unscientific treatment.

FORTIDENS GÅTER FREMTIDENS VEI ? (Riddles of the Past - The Way of the Future?)

Authored by Arvid Dahle, this article reflects on the nature of truth and scientific understanding. Dahle quotes Heraclitus, "By its incredulity, truth avoids recognition," and discusses how scientific worldviews evolve. He notes the increasing acceptance of the possibility of life on other planets but points out the stagnation in understanding human origins, contrasting the scientific evolutionary theory with religious creationism. The article suggests that the scientific community is still hesitant to fully embrace the implications of phenomena that challenge established paradigms.

PSYKOLOGISKE FAKTORER (Psychological Factors)

Kolbjørn Stenødegård's article delves into the psychological reactions to UFO reports, particularly from skeptics. He argues that many scientists' responses are driven by emotion rather than objective analysis, hindering serious investigation. Stenødegård highlights the difficulty in accepting new, unconventional phenomena and draws a parallel with the historical resistance to accepting meteorites. He stresses the need for a more systematic and less amateurish approach to UFO research, suggesting that the scientific community should not be swayed by public opinion or personal careers.

"JEG ER IKKE GÅTT I BARNDOMMEN" ("I Have Not Gone Into Childhood")

This piece features a statement by Anders Lange, who defends his belief in extraterrestrial intelligence. He argues that Earth is unlikely to be the sole abode of intelligent beings, citing humanity's continued warfare, superstition, and environmental destruction as evidence against it being a unique creation. Lange expresses a strong conviction that other planets harbor intelligent life and calls for a thorough investigation of all unexplained aerial phenomena.

EN INTERNASJONAL UFO-ANSØKNING TIL FN (An International UFO Application to the UN)

This section details a global initiative, "Project International Petition," led in Norway by Knut Aasheim. The petition seeks official recognition of UFOs as a significant global issue, the establishment of a UN-supported network of UFO observers, and the creation of a specialized UFO research center. The article highlights the perceived secrecy and lack of objective investigation by governments worldwide regarding UFO phenomena. It also includes correspondence with Norwegian authorities, including a letter from Knut Sveen (Stud.jur.) and a response from O. Grieg Tidemand, indicating a lack of official action or information on the matter from the Norwegian government.

NORSKE OBSERVASJONER (Norwegian Observations)

This section presents a detailed report of a UFO sighting that occurred on December 20, 1966, between 15:30 and 16:00 in Porsgrunn, Norway. The observer described a approximately 50-meter-long, cigar-shaped black object moving at high speed. The object stopped, emitted an intense white light from its front end, and then rotated 90 degrees from horizontal to vertical before ascending rapidly and disappearing. The observer compared its size and distance to that of a Norwegian Air Force aircraft. A comparison is made between the observer's initial account and a later questionnaire, noting some discrepancies but affirming the core details of the sighting.

RAPPORT FRA SVERIGE (Report from Sweden)

While not detailed in the provided text, this section indicates a report from Sweden, suggesting international scope to the UFO phenomenon coverage.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the need for a scientific and critical approach to UFO phenomena, the psychological barriers to accepting unconventional evidence, and the perceived lack of transparency and action from governmental and scientific institutions. The editorial stance is clearly pro-investigation, advocating for open inquiry and a rejection of dismissive or emotional responses. The magazine aims to bridge the gap between unexplained observations and a more rigorous, evidence-based understanding, encouraging public engagement and demanding official attention to the UFO question.

This issue of the Trondheim UFO-Forening's publication, dated 1970, details the establishment and ongoing activities of the organization. It chronicles the initial steps taken by Tormod Hagen to gather information and form a society, leading to the establishment of the Trondheim UFO-Forening. The founding board members are listed, along with the organization's initial objectives: to collect and analyze data on UFO activity in Norway, and to spread factual information to the public. The issue also notes the formation of an information group and a registration group within the organization.

Early Activities and Evolution

The magazine highlights the broad public interest in UFOs, which led to the formation of the association. It mentions early efforts such as a search operation for unidentified flying objects reported to have fallen near Røros and Namsenfjorden. The organizational structure has evolved, with changes in leadership. Initially led by Tormod Hagen, the chairmanship later passed to Hans Kristian Moe and then to K. Stenødegård, who serves as the current leader and organizer.

Key Initiatives and Publications

Significant achievements of the organization include the publication of 'Norsk UFO-Tidsskrift' and the establishment of a collaborative relationship with 'UFO-Informasjon' in Oslo and other Norwegian UFO groups. They also fostered contact with international organizations, notably the Aerial Phenomena Research Organization (APRO) in Arizona, USA. The issue outlines the organization's structure as it stands in 1970, ready for a new work program.

Membership and Information Dissemination

A crucial decision made by the Trondheim UFO-Forening from January 1, 1970, was to transition to an active-only membership model. This means the organization will exclusively comprise members actively participating in its work. The 'Norsk UFO-Tidsskrift' is presented as the primary means of ongoing information for all interested parties, replacing the passive membership. The organization also plans to host regular public meetings with lectures and presentations on the complex subject of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs).

UFO Sightings and Reports

The issue presents several UFO sighting reports, primarily from Norway:

• Kongsvinger, March 11, 1968: A circular object, about two meters in diameter with a luminous tail, was observed flying at approximately 100 meters altitude. The witness, a driver, initially feared it would crash into populated areas.
• Malmen, Våler, March 11, 1968: The object was seen moving from Moss towards Hobøl, emitting a strong, constant light and a sound resembling a telephone busy signal. It flew about 60 meters above the ground.
• Moss, March 11, 1968: A luminous object was seen moving low over the ground, emitting a bright, sharp light.
• Oslo Area, February 13, 1969: A luminous object with a tail was observed in the sky, moving towards Ljan. It was described as a shiny, chrome-plated sphere that left a distinct trail.
• Aurtjern, Trandumskogen, Summer 1967: Two greyish-white spheres, the size of footballs, hovered about two meters above the ground before moving slowly sideways.
• Hällesåker, Lindome, September 1, 1969: A luminous, elliptical object blinked and followed a car, changing shape and color. It was described as being about 1/4 the size of the moon and appeared to be solid.
• Malo, Orust, August 31, 1969: A large, oblong object without wings moved in a straight northerly direction at high speed.

Additional reports include a sighting near Tønsberg and a mention of a UFO photographed in Santa Ana, California, USA.

Ancient Astronaut Theories

The issue delves into the theories presented by authors Robert Charroux and Erich von Däniken, who suggest that intelligent beings from other worlds visited Earth in ancient times and influenced human history. Charroux's book, 'Mysterier i 100.000 år' (Mysteries of 100,000 Years), and von Däniken's 'Tilbage til stjernene' (Back to the Stars) are discussed. The authors propose that ancient texts, structures, and artifacts point to a highly advanced civilization that manipulated human genetics, resulting in a 'refined race'. The article notes that these ideas, while fantastic, are presented with considerable evidence and reasoning, prompting reflection on the nature of human development and the possibility of extraterrestrial influence.

International UFO News

Briefly, the issue mentions that the Soviet government has established a special committee to investigate UFO reports, a shift from their previous stance of dismissing such accounts as capitalist propaganda. A report from the Swedish UFO organization G.I.C.O.F.F. details UFO observations from August/September 1969, noting that only about 20% of reported cases can be explained as conventional phenomena.

Future Content and Editorial Notes

Upcoming issues will feature a discussion of the Condon Report and a review of Dr. David Saunders' book, 'UFOS? YES! Where the Condon-Commitee went wrong'. The editorial team apologizes for delays in production but promises to be on schedule with the next issue. They also offer a previously published booklet, 'DEN OFISIELLE MISRØKT AV UFO-PROBLEMET' (The Official Neglect of the UFO Problem), for sale.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, encouraging active participation and the dissemination of factual information. It embraces theories that challenge conventional historical narratives, particularly those related to ancient astronauts, while maintaining a critical yet open-minded approach to evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting awareness and encouraging further research into the unexplained aspects of UFO activity and ancient history.