Norsk UFO-Tidsskrift - 1970 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: NORSK UFO-TIDSSKRIFT
Issue: NR. 3
Volume: 1. ÅRGANG
Year: 1970
Publisher: NORSKE UFO-FORENINGER
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Price: 15,- NOK per year

This issue of Norsk UFO-Tidsskrift, published by the Norwegian UFO Associations, delves into various aspects of the UFO phenomenon with a critical and investigative approach. The cover prominently features the headline "DET HENDTE I IMJARVI....." (What Happened in Imjärvi.....) and a striking illustration of a UFO encounter. The magazine aims to present detailed reports and analyses, encouraging readers to question official narratives and explore the subject with an open yet critical mind.

Editorial Stance and Motto

The editorial motto, "Intet aksepteres før det er kritisk gransket – intet for kastes fordi det lyder umulig" (Nothing is accepted before it is critically examined – nothing is discarded because it sounds impossible), clearly outlines the publication's commitment to thorough investigation and open-mindedness. The editorial section, "MEN HVA GJØR MYNDIGHETENE....." (BUT WHAT ARE THE AUTHORITIES DOING.....), criticizes the lack of serious engagement from governmental bodies regarding UFO phenomena, contrasting it with historical instances where new scientific concepts were initially met with skepticism.

Key Articles and Reports

"Det hendte i Imjärvi....." (What Happened in Imjärvi.....)

This is the lead story, detailing an extraordinary encounter that occurred on January 7, 1970, in a wooded area near Imjärvi, South Finland. The report, based on investigations by the Göteborgs Informations Center (G.I.C.O.F.F.), focuses on the experience of two men, Esko Viljo (a farmer) and Aarno Heinonen (a forest worker). While skiing, they observed a strong, pulsating light that resolved into a "round, metal-glinting object" approximately three meters in diameter with three hemispherical pods underneath. The object emitted a humming sound and a beam of light. During the encounter, Heinonen reported feeling a sensation of being lifted and then experiencing physical symptoms such as numbness, weakness, and a 'pricking' sensation, followed by headaches, back pain, and dark urine. The local doctor attributed his condition to shock from a psychological trauma, but the report implies a connection to the UFO encounter.

Critique of the Condon Report

Several sections of the magazine critically examine the Condon Report, a widely publicized investigation into UFOs. An article titled "Condon-rapporten stadig i søkelyset" (The Condon Report Still in the Spotlight) quotes an unnamed source who states that the report's integrity was "completely shattered" even before its completion, due to a "Lows memorandum." The magazine highlights the "Lows memo" as a document that "revealingly illustrates what kind of "deception" can hide behind – and be the basis for – a publicly, seemingly deservedly renowned project, paid for by taxpayers' money." The article "Et spørsmål om vitenskapelig integritet" (A Question of Scientific Integrity) by Charles Harvard Gibba-Smith further elaborates on this, detailing the contents of a confidential memorandum written by Robert J. Low in 1966. This memo, intended for officials at Colorado University, outlined a strategy for the UFO project funded by the USAF. Low suggested that the investigation should focus not on the physical phenomena but on the psychological and social situation of the witnesses, thereby leading the scientific community to quickly dismiss UFOs as non-real. The article argues that this memorandum reveals a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and the scientific community, thus compromising the entire project's integrity and tarnishing the reputation of Colorado University.

UFO Symposium in the USA

An article titled "160 universitetsfolk til UFO-konferanse i USA" (160 University People at a UFO Conference in the USA) reports on a weekend conference held at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois, in June 1970. Approximately 160 people, including scientists, attended. Professor Allen P. Utke of Wisconsin University criticized the scientific community for being too defensive and unwilling to accept the UFO phenomenon as a legitimate area of study. He argued that scientists often get stuck in theoretical frameworks, hindering objective investigation. The conference also featured Ted Phillips Jr., who discussed physical traces like "burned circles" and "tallerken-reder" (saucer nests) found at alleged landing sites, emphasizing that these tangible clues warrant further examination despite the lack of immediate explanation. The report also notes dissatisfaction with the Condon Report among the attendees.

Soviet UFO Reports

Under the heading "Flygende Tallerkener – fantasi eller virkelighet?" (Flying Saucers – Fantasy or Reality?), Professor Felix Ziegel of the Soviet Union argues for a more serious consideration of UFO phenomena. He refutes the idea that flying saucers are mere illusions, suggesting that the first "flying saucer" was actually the Soviet Sputnik launched in 1957. The article presents several reports of UFO sightings from the Soviet Union, including:

• An orange disc observed by geologist N. Sotsjevanov in Kazakhstan in August 1960.
• An object described as a large disc observed by Dosent V. Saitsev from a TU 104A aircraft in July 1964.
• A disc observed by astronomer L. Tsekhanovitsj in Abkhazia in September 1965.
• A complex, spiral-shaped object witnessed by geofysiker V. Krylov and colleagues in Nord-Kaukasus in June 1966.
• Reports of flying saucers from the Soviet Baltic republics, Gorkij, Kharkov, and Murmansk in 1967.

Other Reports and Features

• "Sovjetiske Rapporter" (Soviet Reports): This section likely contains further details on Soviet UFO sightings or research.
• "Fotosiden: Trinidade-bildene" (Photo Page: The Trinidade Pictures): This suggests a feature on photographic evidence of UFOs, possibly related to the Trinidade and Martim Vaz sightings.
• "UFO-Informasjon, Norge" (UFO Information, Norway): This section likely provides updates on UFO activities and information within Norway.
• "Merkelig Lysfenomen da Luftvern-sireneene kortsluttet" (Strange Light Phenomenon When Air Defense Sirens Briefly Stopped): This report from Hamar, Norway, in October 1970, describes four white and one red light observed during an air raid siren test, which disappeared as the sirens ceased.
• "Feil i nr. 2" (Error in No. 2): A correction notice regarding misplaced photo captions in the previous issue.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of official UFO investigations, particularly the Condon Report, and the presentation of eyewitness accounts and scientific perspectives that challenge conventional explanations. The magazine champions the idea that UFOs are a real phenomenon worthy of serious study, even if the origins and nature of the objects remain unknown. There is a strong undercurrent of distrust towards governmental and scientific institutions that are perceived as dismissive or deceptive regarding UFO evidence. The editorial stance is one of advocating for open inquiry, encouraging individuals to report their observations, and pushing for a more thorough and unbiased investigation into the UFO mystery.

This issue of "Rapporthjørnet" (Report Corner) focuses on UFO phenomena, featuring a mix of eyewitness accounts, photographic evidence, organizational news, and critical analysis. The magazine is published by UFO-Informasjon, Norge.

Nærobservasjon på Eidsvoll (Close Observation at Eidsvoll)

This article details a sighting by Gunnar Holm on the evening of February 24, 1969, in Eidsvoll, Norway. Holm reported seeing a strange object while working under his car. The object was described as gray, round, and slightly curved on the underside, with a dome on top featuring 4-5 visible 'windows'. An intense blue light beam, described as 'so intense it almost hurt the eyes,' shot out from an opening on the underside, reaching the ground without much spread. The object was estimated to be about four kilometers high, and its size was estimated to be about two finger-widths apart at arm's length. A corona of gray-white glow was observed around the object. The weather was fine and the sky clear.

Skandinaviske Oceanografi-Studenter Gransker "Undervanns-UFO-er" (Scandinavian Oceanography Students Investigate "Underwater UFOs")

A group of oceanography students from Scandinavian universities are collecting reports of UFOs observed over oceans and lakes. Their aim is to analyze this material on a global scale. Peer Olav Hedbak from the University of Copenhagen stated that requests for such material will be sent internationally through journals and UFO organizations. The group takes the phenomenon seriously and urges observers to report cases as soon as possible after the sighting.

UFO-Informasjon, Norge: Activities and Goals

UFO-Informasjon, Norge reflects on four years of activity in the UFO field in Norway. The organization has focused on establishing a national report center and has agreed on a mission statement: A) To inform Norwegian authorities about unexplained aerial phenomena in Norwegian airspace, and B) To promote a prejudice-free, scientific approach to the UFO problem in public.

"The UFO Evidence" by NICAP

An article references "The UFO Evidence," published by NICAP in Washington D.C. in 1964, which provides an overview of over 81 radar-recorded UFO sightings on pages 76-80.

Leserhjørnet (Reader's Corner)

This section features reader questions and opinions. One reader asks where UFO-Informasjon, Norge believes UFOs originate from, and another inquires about visual and radar confirmations of UFOs. The editor notes that the number of such cases is likely larger upon thorough review.

Constituent Meeting

The founding meeting of UFO-Informasjon, Norge took place in the autumn of 1966, with 13 participants who had previously broken away from Gunvald Weie's "Norsk UFO Studiesirkel" (N-UFO-S). Leif Fahre initiated the formation of a new organization, "UFB-Informasjon," which later became UFO-Informasjon, Norge. Leif Iversen is highlighted for his extensive work in collecting UFO reports.

N-UFO-T Commentary

N-UFO-T (presumably a publication or section) comments on the case of Heinonen and Viljo, noting that their injuries could be radiation-induced. Professor Matti Tuuri suggests the symptoms are consistent with radiation exposure. He also expresses skepticism that the incident was a common electrical phenomenon.

Matti Haapaniemi's Testimony

Matti Haapaniemi, a neighbor of the Heinonen family, vouches for their credibility, stating he trusts them and believes their account is true.

"Det Hendte" (It Happened) - Continued

This section continues the story of Heinonen and Viljo, detailing their symptoms, including dizziness, memory loss, and skin redness. They experienced sensitivity to light and tingling sensations. The article mentions that some individuals who were present at the location of the incident also felt unwell, raising questions about potential 'contamination'. A Swedish reporting team visited the site, and Heinonen experienced severe headaches.

Scientific Responsibility and UFOs

This article discusses the scientific community's responsibility in investigating UFO phenomena. It argues that UFOs are not merely optical illusions or ball lightning, citing their size, behavior, and occurrence in various weather conditions. The article references the Tunguska event of 1908 as a possible example of an artificial craft. It calls for a systematic study of UFOs without discarding hypotheses like extraterrestrial visitation, suggesting that existing observatories and meteorological stations could be utilized. International cooperation is deemed necessary to solve the UFO mystery.

"Snushanen" (The Snooper)

This refers to Robert Low's memorandum that allegedly exposed the existence of the UFO problem, and Dr. David R. Saunders, who was dismissed by Dr. Condon.

Scientific Integrity

This section strongly criticizes the University of Colorado and the American Academy of Sciences for their handling of the UFO project, particularly concerning Robert Low's memorandum. It argues that their inaction and failure to condemn the memorandum demonstrate a lack of scientific integrity. The author quotes Webster's definition of "integrity" to emphasize the importance of honesty and responsibility in scientific endeavors.

Sovjetiske Rapporter (Soviet Reports)

This section presents UFO sightings from the Soviet Union. One report from December 1967 describes an observation made during a flight near Greenland in 1956 of a strange, pearlescent, lens-shaped craft with pulsating edges. Another report from August 1964 details an encounter with a yellow cylindrical object in Borovenki, Ukraine, which emitted a loud sound and flame. The article also includes a statement from Soviet astronomers Jan Melderis and Esmeralda Vitolniek regarding an observation on July 26, 1965, near Ogre, Latvia, of a clear, flat, lens-shaped object with orbiting spheres.

Fotosiden: Trinidade-observasjonene (Photoside: Trinidade Observations)

This section presents photographs of a UFO taken by Almiro Barauna on January 16, 1958, near Trinidade island. The article describes the object as moving erratically at high speed and being observed through a theodolite. The photos were declared authentic by the Brazilian Navy. Barauna recounts the event, describing the object's approach, its movement over the island, and its eventual disappearance over the sea. The photos show the object from different angles and distances.

Siste Nytt (Latest News)

This section announces the formation of a Swedish UFO organization called Riksorganisasjonen UFO-Sverige. N-UFO-T expresses hope for closer cooperation with this new organization.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently advocates for a scientific and serious approach to the UFO phenomenon, criticizing what it perceives as a lack of integrity and rigor in some official investigations. There is a strong emphasis on eyewitness testimony, photographic evidence, and the need for open-minded scientific inquiry. The publication also highlights international UFO activity, including reports from the Soviet Union and Brazil, and fosters a sense of community among UFO researchers through its reader interaction sections.