Norwegian UFO Newsletter - 1985 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: NORWEGIAN UFO NEWS LETTER
Issue: No. 2/1985
Publisher: NORWEGIAN INSTITUTE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND ENLIGHTENMENT * NIVFO
Editor: Anton Lidstrøm
Country: Norway

This issue of the NORWEGIAN UFO NEWS LETTER, published by NIVFO, focuses on critical analysis of UFO phenomena and media coverage, particularly debunking a prominent UFO sighting and discussing the Hessdalen events.

Index

The issue features the following articles:

• In the "Criminal Journal" - the UFOs are still flying (Page 3)
• The VG-UFO disclosed ! (Page 6)
• The Vaag-Picture all over the world (Page 11)
• UFO over Lierne (Page 12)
• Pyramids of Australia ! (Page 13)
• Ufological manipulating of information (Page 16)

"In The Criminal Journal" - The UFOs Are Still Flying (Page 3-4)

This section critiques an article by sensation journalist Arne Wisth in "The Criminal Journal" (No. 16/17 1984) regarding the Hessdalen phenomena. The author argues that Wisth's article sensationalizes the events, selectively uses documents, and lacks understanding of scientific principles and newer UFO material. The article criticizes Wisth for dismissing hypotheses and omitting data from the Hessdalen meteorological station, which NIVFO also studied. The piece quotes Wisth suggesting theories about super civilizations studying humanity and preventing contact, contrasting them with 'terrestrial' explanations. The author of the News Letter points out that Wisth's article omits crucial information and that NIVFO used advanced instruments for measurements in Hessdalen in April 1984, contrary to Wisth's implication.

The article also addresses the question "Why only Hessdalen?", referencing a previous article in NIVFO-Bulletin (No. 3/83) titled "HESSDALEN NOT UNIQUE" which suggests the phenomenon is not isolated. The piece concludes by noting that Wisth's article invites readers to submit theories, but questions how hostile such theories would need to be towards science.

Contact with "ET" with the Help of a Dowsing Rod (Page 5)

This article recounts an encounter with an individual in Hessdalen who claimed to have contact with extraterrestrials using a "dowsing rod". The informant met a man in a tent on the Hessdal plateau who asserted he had regular contact with "them" via his dowsing rod. This individual claimed the Hessdal-UFOs came from the constellation "the Bull" and that they "recharged" the area, suggesting this might be why it attracts them. The article also mentions plans for an interest group in the Hessdalen and Ålen area to foster UFO observations, expressing concern that it might perpetuate UFO romance rather than encourage critical investigation.

The VG-UFO Disclosed ! (Page 6-8)

This is the central and most detailed article, exposing the "VG-UFO" photo as a hoax. The article states that the matter concerning the Nord-Møre UFO is disclosed, and the picture has been analyzed by a computer. The result, carried out by NIVFO and SUFOI at GSW in USA, proved that the UFO was a model hung on a thread.

The article details the reaction of the UFO movement and media to the photo. It notes that the Norwegian UFO-association magazine gave it extensive coverage, highlighting statements from the newspaper VG that officers at air defence staff and technical experts could not disclose the picture as a forgery. The article criticizes the media's reaction, noting that out of 160 newspapers, only eight reported the incident, with most being negative. It suggests a connection between ridiculing newspapers and the Labour Party.

It is revealed that Pål Kristian Vaag, the creator of the hoax, admitted to being a "cheater". He explained how he created the photo: a home-turned bookend fastened to an off-sawed water pipe on the roof of his woodshed, with a fishing line used to make it swing. He took the picture with a new camera costing 400 kroner. The entire process took about five minutes. The swindle was revealed on February 19 when an American research institute used digital technique to show the UFO was hanging in a string.

Vaag stated that he had "no choice" but to admit the bluff when confronted with the American research results. VG was the first to present the UFO picture, but NIVFO's involvement, sending the picture to Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) in USA, was crucial in pointing out the thread. The article also mentions that the negative was sent to NASA, making it unlikely to be retrieved.

Kolbjørn Stenødegård at NIVFO states that this shows how easily UFO people are fooled, and that the new digital technique can disclose a greater number of forged UFO-pictures. Despite VG's initial skepticism, many "UFO-saved" were fooled, and defense experts initially found no indication of forgery. UFO magazines and periodicals worldwide also propagated the story. Vaag expressed surprise at how many were tricked and hoped the incident would contribute to greater skepticism towards UFO pictures presented as genuine.

The idea for the hoax came from a street-preacher in Copenhagen who showed Vaag an arranged UFO-picture. Vaag used a bookend given to him by his brother, along with a fishing line and off-sawed water pipe found in the outhouse. He made the bookend swing to and fro to make the picture appear more professional.

Later, the film was developed after Vaag entered the military. He showed the picture to friends, who were so impressed they paid for copies, with one person paying 500 kroner. The boy then handed the picture to VG, and it circulated globally for about six months. Picture interpreters in the Norwegian air defence were amazed.

The article concludes by referencing a previous article in NEWS LETTER no. 1/84, "UFO on Nord-More", regarding Vaag's description of his "observations". It also notes that NIVFO mentioned the case on the radio.

Three Disclosing Pictures from the Analyses (Page 9)

This page displays three computer-generated images from the analyses of the VG-UFO photo. These images, labeled "HEAVY FILTER", "EDGE ENHANCMENT", and "HI-RESULOTION", clearly show the object and the thread by which it was suspended, confirming it was a model.

Pål Kristian Vaag with his camera (Page 10)

This page features a photograph of Pål Kristian Vaag with his camera, alongside an image that appears to be a composite or illustration related to the hoax, showing the suspended object and a landscape.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the critical examination of UFO phenomena and the media's role in reporting them. NIVFO, through this publication, adopts a strongly skeptical stance, emphasizing the need for scientific rigor and evidence-based analysis. The debunking of the "VG-UFO" serves as a prime example of their approach, highlighting how easily public perception can be manipulated by sensationalism and hoaxes. The magazine actively seeks to counter misinformation and promote a more discerning public attitude towards UFO claims, advocating for a separation of genuine scientific inquiry from uncritical belief and "UFO romance."

This issue of 'THE VAAG-PICTURE ALL OVER THE WORLD' (Nr.108, 12/85, dated 9/1984) from NIVFO focuses on the analysis and dissemination of UFO-related information, particularly concerning a famous Norwegian UFO photograph and claims about Australian pyramids.

The Vaag Picture: Norwegian UFO Photo Sent to NASA

The lead article discusses a photograph taken by Pal Kristian Vaag on the west coast of Norway. The image, described as a 'classic disc' with a cupola, was reportedly examined by experts from the Royal Norwegian Air Force, who found no evidence of fakery. The article, referencing an account in KODAKERY, states that the object was estimated to be between 450 and 750 feet distant and 33 to 50 feet in diameter. The photograph had been extensively displayed in Norwegian newspapers. The information was subsequently sent to NASA for further evaluation. The magazine notes that the 'photo-swindle has gone all over the world,' suggesting skepticism about the widespread reporting.

UFO Over Lierne

This section details an observation by a representative of NIVFO, who reported seeing a drone-like object over Kvesjøen lake in Lierne, Norway, on September 19, 1984, at approximately 07:15. The observer described the object as making a sound like a jet plane and exhibiting violent air resistance. It moved from east to west at an altitude of about 200 meters, covering a stretch of 4 kilometers along the lake. The object then appeared to descend slightly and swung in a curve around an island before continuing westward. The observer compared the object's size to a large wood grouse and described its color as greyish-brown, appearing black against a wooded height. The object was also observed flying over woodland areas. The observer expressed a wish for others to have witnessed the event and to find an explanation.

Preliminary remarks indicate the observer is considered reliable. The observation took place near the Norwegian/Swedish border. A subsequent explanation suggests the phenomenon might have been a bird, specifically a 'DIVER in volplane,' which can appear frightening and resemble a rocket when flying with its wings held back. This explanation is presented as having resolved the case, preventing it from entering UFO literature as inexplicable.

Pyramides of Australia!

This section critically examines claims about the discovery of pyramids in Australia, as asserted in 'The Unknown' magazine by author Leif Kjær. Kjær's articles reportedly discuss Inca brickwork and pyramid mysticism in Australia, referencing finds related to a 'golden' pyramid at Gympie, Queensland. The claims are linked to ancient legends of a race that constructed huge buildings, including 'golden' pyramids. The article mentions that people have spent significant resources searching for these structures.

A reader who visited Australia provided photos of a pyramid and informed NIVFO about it. An attempt to discuss this with a professor at the University of Oslo was met with disinterest. NIVFO then involved its sister organization in Australia, AUSTRALIAN SCEPTICS, where Dr. A.G. Wheeler took charge of the investigations.

Dr. Wheeler initially believed the 'pyramids' were natural formations. The article notes that the geographical positions provided in Kjær's article aligned with known natural formations. Extensive investigations were conducted involving institutions like the University of Queensland (Department of History and Department of Civil Engineering) and the Queensland Institute of Technology.

Malcolm Thomis from the University of Queensland's History Department initially found the claims questionable. The civil engineering department and staff at the University of Queensland agreed that the pictures strongly resembled natural formations, not built pyramids. The Queensland Institute of Technology suggested that a specific 'pyramid' in the picture might be Mt. Edwards, south of Aratula. A table lists several formations with their map coordinates, including Pyramid Helidon, Mt Philip, Spot Hgt. Bigendon, Mt Hellen Esk, Mt Mulgow, and Bluff Mt., noting that Bluff Mt. is west of Toowoomba and consists of many isolated peaks.

Speculations and Further Investigations

Leif Kjær's article in 'The Unknown' also speculates about Inca brickwork and a church wall in Australia, allegedly built from stone from the 'Gympie-pyramid.' This information was attributed to amateur archaeologist Marilyn N. Pye. However, the clergyman of the church, Rev. Geddes, denied this, stating the stones were from a local quarry. Dr. Wheeler planned further investigations, including a visit to Gympie to examine the church wall and speak with Rev. Geddes and the City Council.

The article concludes that, based on current investigations, the 'pyramids' are likely natural formations that may appear pyramid-like when viewed from certain angles. This selective choice of data is described as characteristic of offbeat literature and pseudoscience.

Ravings

This short section mentions Anna Elisabeth Westerlund, a 'clairvoyant,' who reportedly 'saw' the entry of the mystical pyramid after being shown a picture by a Norwegian who had visited Australia. The magazine contrasts this with serious, scientific investigators who seek evidence rather than 'clairvoyance.'

NIVFO states its intention to reveal false assertions and promises further information after the Australian colleagues' visit to Gympie.

UFOLOGICAL MANIPULATING OF INFORMATION

This final section criticizes the manipulation of information within the UFO movement, using an example from the BUFORA-BULLETIN. It discusses a comment by Jan S. Krogh of NIVFO regarding misleading information about Hessdalen, specifically concerning the link between reflections and air inversions. Krogh pointed out that a Hessdalen report contradicted this claim, citing meteorological data. The editorial office of the magazine apparently added a lengthy comment from a 'Project Coordinator' for 'Project Hessdalen,' downplaying NIVFO's investigation as merely sending up balloons and measuring snow depth. The article also claims that the inhabitants of Hessdalen were not interested in NIVFO, which NIVFO refutes, stating they were the first to contact the community and received goodwill. It suggests that a small group in Hessdalen seeks to maintain the 'romance' of the phenomena, while the majority are objective. The author of this section suspects that BUFORA-BULLETIN sent Krogh's letter to its Norwegian colleagues to elicit a response that would 'neutralize' the information about meteorological measurements in Hessdalen. The section concludes by observing the methods used in the ufological world to align 'terrain' with a preconceived 'map.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a critical and skeptical stance towards many UFO claims, particularly those presented without rigorous scientific evidence. It actively debunks sensationalist reports, such as the Australian pyramid claims and the 'mystical airplane' in Lierne, offering rational explanations or highlighting the lack of credible evidence. The publication seems to champion scientific investigation and accurate reporting, as seen in its detailed analysis of the Vaag picture and its critique of information manipulation within the ufological community. There is a clear emphasis on distinguishing between genuine phenomena and pseudoscience or fabricated stories. The editorial stance is one of promoting scientific inquiry and debunking unsubstantiated claims, particularly those that appear to be sensationalized or deliberately misleading.