PF-Nytt - 1968 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: PF NYTT
Issue: Nr. 3
Volume: 1. årgang
Date: December 1968
Publisher: Organ for Populærvitenskapelig Forening
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of PF NYTT, the organ of the Populærvitenskapelig Forening, delves into various scientific and para-scientific topics, with a strong emphasis on astronomy and ufology in Norway.

Why Not an Astronomical Observatory in Norway?

The lead article questions the lack of a significant astronomical observatory in Norway, contrasting it with Sweden's capabilities. It highlights the recent reactivation of the Norsk Astronomisk Selskap after 15 years and the formation of a new Realvitenskapelig Gruppe within the Populærvitenskapelig Forening, which will focus on astronomy. The article notes that Norway's largest telescope in use is a 22-cm instrument, with plans for a 30-cm reflector at Harestua. The Populærvitenskapelig Forening itself possesses 20-cm and 15-cm telescopes, with two 10-cm Newtonian reflectors under construction. The country's only planetarium is in Bergen, and other astronomical facilities include the Solobservatoriet in Tromsø and a small radio telescope at Norges Tekniske Høyskole in Trondheim.

Despite having only 14 professional astronomers, the Norsk Astronomisk Selskap had over 80 members shortly after its reactivation, a far cry from its peak of 500. The article suggests that building a large telescope, such as a 90-cm Schmidt-Cassegrain, is not prohibitively expensive, costing under 500,000 NOK without an observatory. However, a major challenge is finding locations in Norway with enough clear nights for effective use, and the observatory must be accessible to a research institution. Folldal is suggested as a potential location based on meteorological considerations.

Developments in Astronomy and Ufology

A private observatory was planned in Folldal by Kjell Sveen, potentially with a 30 cm Cassegrain telescope, though its current status is unknown. The Norsk Astronomisk Selskap plans to form an amateur group that could potentially build a smaller observatory. The Populærvitenskapelig Forening's Realvitenskapelig Gruppe is also considering establishing its own observatory, possibly equipped with existing telescopes and a new theoretical 'Teleskop D'. This new telescope, a Cassegrain type, is designed to be shorter and more stable than a Newtonian, potentially incorporating a correction lens for improved optical performance. It is envisioned as a long-term project, with Wilh. Simonsen as the main constructor.

Norsk Astronomisk Selskap Reactivation

The Norsk Astronomisk Selskap held its first general assembly in 15 years on October 16th. Professor Eberhart Jensen reported over 80 members, with a goal of 200 for 1969. The assembly established bylaws and elected a board, including observer Brahde as chairman, Truls Hansen as vice-chairman, Midtskogen as secretary, and Professor Jensen as a board member. The society plans to hold meetings four times a year and aims to expand its activities. Discussions included forming an amateur group and establishing an astronomical news service. The Solobservatoriet at Harestua will soon be equipped with a 30-cm telescope available for NAS use.

Meeting Reorganization and New Publications

The Populærvitenskapelig Forening has reorganized its meeting schedule for the autumn semester of 1968, moving from bi-weekly meetings to one plenum meeting per month, supplemented by subgroup and special meetings. This change was partly due to the Parafysisk Gruppe establishing regular meetings. The organization has also published new materials, including UFO report forms (types Ib and II), a semester plan, a combined orientation and membership invitation, and forms related to ESP experiments.

Reform Proposal Rejected

A reform proposal by Arne Olsson, aimed at increasing the organization's activity by dissolving committees, establishing a library, and separating the photography group into its own society, was rejected. The general sentiment favored the current administration, with the photography group retained as a subgroup due to its importance in attracting new members.

ESP Research Underway

The organization has initiated a series of ESP experiments focusing on telepathy and clairvoyance, using a 30-card deck. The experiments involve a sender and receivers, with results analyzed statistically. The article references the work of Dr. Rhine at Duke University and discusses the influence of the experimenter's and subject's mental state on results. A new concept explored is 'negative ESP,' where individuals may unconsciously provide incorrect answers, resulting in statistically significant negative results. The organization aims to gather substantial data for meaningful analysis.

The Evolution of PF NYTT

The magazine 'PF NYTT' has a history dating back to a press committee formed in late 1966 to explore publishing a journal on ufology, parapsychology, and parafysics. Initial plans for a stenciled or printed journal were put on hold. A subsequent attempt by NUFOS to publish 'Ufologen' also failed. The current PF NYTT evolved from a two-page information letter sent at the end of each semester. The current issue is three times larger than the previous one, incorporating more article-based content and information from various fields, and opening its pages to other organizations and non-members.

UFO Detector System Progress

The UFO detector committee, now part of the Teknologisk Gruppe, has been working on a UFO detector system. They aim to have prototypes of the first three stages ready by the summer of 1969. The system involves automatic sequencing and recording cameras, with development in collaboration with the photography group. Trondheim UFO-Forening is also developing a similar system with a unique radio-linked control panel.

Library Established

The Populærvitenskapelig Forening's library was officially established on September 26th and is expected to open for member loans in January 1969. It will house books and periodicals on various subjects, including flight, space exploration, philosophy, photography, ufology, and parapsychology. Membership is required for borrowing, with a librarian managing the collection.

Photography Exhibition

A photography exhibition held in Jessheim on October 22nd-23rd, despite attracting several Norwegian photo importers and showcasing a variety of equipment, suffered from low public attendance, resulting in a deficit. The exhibition did, however, attract two new members to the photography group.

Press and Information Activities

The organization's PR strategy is described as low-key, focusing on information services rather than extensive promotion. Despite this, the organization has received significant publicity, particularly in local newspapers, due to its ongoing investigations into UFO sightings. The article notes that the organization and Trondheim UFO-Forening have received the most press coverage among Norwegian UFO groups.

UFO Information Booklet

A UFO information booklet ordered by the organization was found to be a reprint of a Danish publication by SUFOI, not an original work by UFO INFORM in Trondheim as initially assumed. The booklet will be available for loan from the library.

Subscription to Press Clippings

To enhance its research on ufology, parafysics, and parapsychology, the organization has subscribed to Norske Argus avisutklippningsbyrå for weekly press clippings on these topics. These clippings will be organized into thematic books.

Meeting Location and NUFOS Activity

Meetings are now being held at the library in Kløfta, thanks to member Knut Øvshus. The NUFOS group has resumed activity after a period of illness, with monthly meetings planned. Efforts are being made to establish a minimal organizational structure for NUFOS.

UFO Phenomenon Investigation

The organization has investigated a light phenomenon reported over Rælingen, which was initially misidentified as a helicopter. The investigation involved collecting 10-12 reports, suggesting the phenomenon was a luminous yellowish sphere with a long white tail, visible for 4 seconds and disappearing in a white flash. The trajectory was west-northwest at an altitude of approximately 30 degrees. While a meteor is a possible explanation, no definitive conclusion has been reached. The article emphasizes the unreliability of newspaper reports regarding UFO sightings.

UFO Wave in Norway

The autumn of 1968 has seen a significant increase in UFO activity in Norway, with numerous reports appearing in newspapers. Various UFO groups have been busy investigating these sightings, which range from meteor-like objects to slow-moving balloons. The reports have come from across the country, from Bergen to the Swedish border.

Teknologisk Gruppe Established

The Aerospace Research Group has been officially renamed the Teknologisk Gruppe, effective from the general assembly. This group, formerly an independent society established in 1954, was incorporated into the Populærvitenskapelig Forening in February 1968. Its focus remains on flight, rocket, and space research, with a history of developing a two-stage rocket that reached over 21 km altitude in 1963. The Teknologisk Gruppe will continue to have strict membership requirements to ensure effective development of the organization's instruments and equipment. The instrument committee and detector subgroup have been dissolved, with their members transitioning to the new group. Torbjørn Skramstad and Wilhelm Simonsen will continue as co-chairmen, with Vidar Gunhildrud as vice-chairman.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects a proactive approach to scientific and para-scientific investigation, with a particular focus on developing observational capabilities (astronomy) and data collection/analysis (ufology, ESP). The organization is actively seeking to expand its knowledge base through research, publications, and collaboration with other groups. There is a clear emphasis on systematic investigation and a critical evaluation of evidence, as seen in the analysis of the Rælingen sighting and the ESP experiments. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging participation and the sharing of information, while also acknowledging the challenges and long-term nature of such research.

This issue of PF-NYTT, Volume 1, Issue 1, dated December 1968, is published by the Parafysisk Gruppe and focuses on ufology, parapsychology, and related scientific and organizational matters within the Norwegian context.

Data Processing and Archive Development

The magazine highlights the growing challenge of managing large amounts of data, particularly from ESP experiments and UFO reports. To address this, a three-part data processing program is being developed, with the first phase already implemented. The core of this initiative is the 'Datasentralen' (Data Center), an independent institution tasked with creating an efficient archive system. The goal is to minimize storage space, organize data for easy processing, and ensure quick accessibility. A key component is the 'micro-archive' system, which utilizes microfilm to store extensive data in a compact format, making it portable and easily searchable. The Technological Group is also working on a more advanced system called 'ELODA', which is expected to be more accurate but less mobile than the micro-archive.

National UFO Reporting Center

A significant organizational goal discussed is the establishment of a national Norwegian UFO reporting center. This center would be independent of any single group and would serve to collect and distribute UFO reports across Norway. The initiative aims to standardize reporting procedures and requires financial support from interested parties. While progress has been slow, the idea is being presented to other UFO groups.

Collaboration and Organizational Updates

The issue details efforts to foster contact and collaboration with other Norwegian UFO organizations, including Trondheim UFO-Forening, UFO-INFORMASJON, SUFOI-Norge, and Tromsø UFO-Forening. Trondheim UFO-Forening is highlighted as the only one to have responded positively so far. The magazine emphasizes the benefits of inter-group dialogue, even with differing viewpoints, to stimulate discussion and generate new ideas. The Trondheim UFO-Forening is described as a substantial and active organization with three working groups: information, registration, and technology. Plans for a potential Scandinavian UFO Congress in 1969 are also mentioned.

New Members and Organizational Structure

Several new members have joined the organization, including Torbjørn Skramstad, Øivind Sand, Frank Roger Aas, and Aksel Schei Hansen. The organizational structure has evolved, with the Aerospace Research Group transitioning to the Technological Group. The Realvitenskapelig Gruppe (Real Scientific Group) and the Parafysisk Gruppe are also mentioned, along with a Fotogruppen (Photo Group).

Scientific and Technical News

Under the 'Vitenskapelig og Teknisk Nytt' (Scientific and Technical News) section, several items are presented:

• Quasars: New measurements suggest that quasars, previously thought to be extremely distant and powerful, are actually smaller than initially estimated, with diameters of less than 30 parsecs. This discovery poses new challenges for explaining their energy output.
• Polar Wind: Scientists at the University of California have discovered a 'polar wind' – a stream of atmospheric electrons and atoms from Earth's poles that escapes into space. This phenomenon was confirmed by the Explorer 31 satellite.
• Nitinol Alloy: The metal Nitinol, an intermetallic compound of nickel and titanium, exhibits a 'mechanical memory' due to a martensitic transformation. This allows it to retain its formed shape (e.g., a coil) and return to it when heated above a specific transformation temperature.

Terminology and Historical Notes

A section on 'Terminologi for Ufologi og Parapsykologi' (Terminology for Ufology and Parapsychology) notes the ongoing effort to define terms accurately within these fields. A historical note, 'For To År Siden' (Two Years Ago), recalls a meeting from December 19, 1966, where discussions included newspaper coverage and the potential for a joint publication with the Oslo group.

Winter Semester Plans (1969)

Plans for the winter semester of 1969 are outlined, including monthly general meetings featuring a lecture series on methodology, epistemology, and philosophy. The Fotogruppen will also hold monthly meetings. The Parafysisk Gruppe's meeting frequency is uncertain but may include open meetings and specialized work sessions for UFO/para-researchers. The Teknologisk Gruppe will meet monthly to stay updated on technical developments.

Critique of Sensationalist Journalism

A critical article, "Spøkelshus på Lillehammer" (Haunted House in Lillehammer), addresses a sensationalist report published by the magazine 'NÅ' about a supposed haunted house. The author argues that the story was exaggerated, published without the resident's consent, and that such reporting damages public trust in the press and hinders serious scientific investigation.

Annual Report Summary (1968)

The chairman presented a comprehensive annual report for 1968. The organization, previously known as Parafysisk Studiesirkel, underwent a name change to Populærvitenskapelig Forening in February 1968, with the establishment of specialized sub-groups. The year 1968 was the most active in the organization's history, despite a core group driving most of the activity. Key achievements included the formalization of the organizational structure, the transition of the Aerospace Research Group to the Technological Group, and the incorporation of the Instrument Committee and detector unit. The report notes the initiation of an intensified UFO research program and ESP experiments. The organization held numerous meetings, photo exhibitions, and seminars. Membership saw a significant increase, with approximately 70% of past members remaining active.

Photography Group Activities

The Fotogruppen has been active since March 11, holding meetings approximately every three weeks. Under the leadership of Filiph Borgen, the group has organized lectures and presentations on various aspects of photography, including pinhole cameras and night photography. Despite two photo exhibitions, one in Kløfta and one in Jessheim, the latter resulted in a deficit. The group's internal publication, 'PF-lb', has been delayed due to difficulties in finding contributors for writing and editing.

Other Notes

• A reminder is issued regarding the equipment catalog, urging members to submit their information.
• A humorous 'Årets Replikk' (Remark of the Year) is shared.
• A new, partially fire-resistant archive cabinet has been acquired for important documents.

Soviet UFOology

An article discusses a piece from the English-language newspaper 'Moscow News' concerning Soviet attitudes towards UFOs. The article, based on a statement by Vladimir Leshkovtsev, a secretary at the 'National Committee of Soviet Physicists', dismisses reports of a Soviet UFO study group, calling them inaccurate. Leshkovtsev explains a reported UFO sighting over Sofia in 1967 as a radio-controlled spy balloon from a NATO intelligence center. The author of the PF-NYTT article expresses skepticism about this explanation, questioning the technical capabilities described and suggesting it is propaganda.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the need for systematic data collection, processing, and archiving in ufology and parapsychology. There is a strong focus on organizational development, collaboration between groups, and the establishment of standardized procedures. The editorial stance is critical of sensationalist journalism and advocates for a scientific and ethical approach to investigating unexplained phenomena. The publication also serves as a platform for sharing news about scientific discoveries and the internal activities of the Parafysisk Gruppe and its affiliated organizations.

PF-NYTT, March 1969

This issue of PF-NYTT, the publication of the Populærvitenskapelig Forening (PF), marks the organization's third anniversary on March 7th. The magazine addresses the necessity of introducing subscription fees due to escalating costs associated with printing and distribution, noting that expenses have more than doubled. The new subscription price is estimated to be around 15 Norwegian Kroner per year.

Key Articles and Reports

"INGEN LYS PÅ MÅNEN LIKEVEL?" (No Light on the Moon After All?)
This section discusses numerous reports of strange lights on the Moon's surface received over the past few years, primarily from amateur astronomers but also from professionals. An official monitoring program has been initiated, accumulating over 3000 observation hours with a 24-inch telescope. Despite this effort and coordination with an extensive amateur network, no phenomena have been officially observed. The Corralitos Observatory, involved in these investigations, is led by Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a prominent ufologist.

"HJELP!" (Help!)
An appeal is made for volunteers to assist with organizing the magazine's extensive clipping collection and cataloging the approximately 100 books in the organization's library, which is planned to open around New Year's. The need for more active participation in various projects is emphasized.

"I NESTE NUMMER" (In the Next Issue)
Future issues will feature more UFO-related content, including UFO reports from the archive, new sightings in Norway, analysis of existing observations, and updates from the Technological Group's new archive and data system. Progress on the detector system is also expected, along with theoretical research on a high-performance scientific rocket (RX-X, later Sirius II) and the work program for the Realvitenskapelig Gruppe.

"DESSVERRE" (Unfortunately)
This section reiterates the need for subscriptions due to increased operational costs. The exact subscription price will depend on the number of subscribers but is estimated at approximately 15 kr. per year, comparable to the cost of cigarettes or darkroom film.

"TYNT MØTE I 'SELSKAPET'" (Thin Meeting at 'The Society')
A brief report on the Norwegian Astronomical Society's second meeting on November 26th, featuring a lecture on "Quasars and Pulsars." Attendees from PF found the program too brief.

"UFOER IGJEN" (UFOs Again)
The autumn of 1968 is described as a highly active period for UFO sightings and PF's involvement. The organization's data center registered eight separate observations between November 15th and 18th, all under investigation. The "balloon report" from October 6th is also still being investigated, with speculation that it might be a radiocontrolled NATO spy balloon. A detailed report from Nesbyen describes a UFO exhibiting unusual maneuvers, including sudden changes in direction and speed, and splitting into two parts.

"RAPPORT FRA ÅRSMØTET 1968 i PF" (Report from the 1968 Annual Meeting of PF)
The annual meeting on December 2nd, attended by 16 members, covered a packed agenda. The meeting reviewed the annual report, which showed a significant increase in the organization's total activity, though concentrated within a core group. Elections for the new board were held, and the organization's structure, including four subgroups (three open, one closed), was discussed. Various standing committees and units were mentioned, such as PF-NYTT, the Library, Archive, Support Fund, Instrument Committee, and PR Committee. The Aerospace Research Group's new form, the Technological Group, was presented, and the Instrument Committee and detector unit were dissolved into it. The PR committee was dissolved, and an information manager position was created. A librarian position was also deemed necessary with the library's establishment. A decision was made to have a permanent editor for PF-NYTT. The creation of a data center to replace the current archive was approved, anticipating developments in data processing. The new board's first task was to review and adopt a revised constitution, which included discussions on the organization's purpose, research activities, and the formation of new subgroups. The revised constitution emphasizes scientific research and the formation of subgroups based on specific interests, requiring at least three members for a subgroup.

"NYTT STYRE MED STØRRE ENDRINGER ENN VENTET" (New Board with Bigger Changes Than Expected)
The election results for the new board are presented. W. Simonsen was re-elected as chairman. Vidar Gunhildrud was elected as the new vice-chairman. Svein-E. Tosterud was re-elected as secretary, despite being in London. Svein Reierstad, last year's vice-chairman, was elected treasurer. Torbjørn Skramstad was elected as a board member. The article also mentions the establishment of an information manager, librarian, and editor for PF-NYTT.

• Group Reports:
• FOTO-GRUPPEN (Photo Group): The board remains unchanged, with Filiph Borgen as chairman and W. Simonsen as secretary. The group has 18 members and has organized photo exhibitions.
• REALVITENSKAPELIG GRUPPE (Real Science Group): Svein Reierstad was elected chairman. The group is expected to become fully active in the spring of 1969. Wilhelm Simonsen serves as secretary.
• PARAFYSISK GRUPPE (Paraphysical Group): The group elected its first official board, with Wilhelm Simonsen as chairman and Arne Olsson as secretary. The group focuses on parapsychology and paraphysics.

"OG BETYDNINGEN?" (And the Significance?)
The revised constitution aims to shift the organization's focus from activating every member to concentrating on an elite core of capable individuals, particularly within the Parafysisk Gruppe, where research is paramount.

"GRØNN FRONT"I POPULÆRVITENSKAPELIG FORENING?
A discussion about forming an "ecological" subgroup, which was positively received. The potential name for this group is still undecided.

"STADIG STIGENDE UFO-AKTIVITET OVER NORGE" (Ever-Increasing UFO Activity Over Norway)
November 1968 saw a peak in UFO observations in Norway, with approximately 15 reports received, mostly from Southern Norway. One sighting was identified as a weather balloon by the Trondheim UFO-Forening.

ASTRONOMI "FOLLDALSOBSERVATORIET"
Plans for a private astronomical observatory in Folldal are active, with the initial instrument likely to be a 30cm reflector telescope.

NUFOS - PF
An update on the cooperation between Norsk UFO Studiegruppe (NUFOS) and PF, highlighting challenges in sharing statistical data and reports. PF expresses a desire for a more structured collaboration.

"ANNENHVER MÅNED?" (Every Other Month?)
Consideration is being given to publishing PF-NYTT and FP-lb together as a single magazine, issued every other month (six times a year). This would likely necessitate the 15 kr. subscription fee.

"NOTISER OG SMÅNYTT" (Notices and Small News)
Kjell Sveen is welcomed back as a member. He is a mechanic with interests in astronomy, telescope building, and philosophy.

"SMÅPLUKK FRA PHOTOKINA" (Snippets from Photokina)
A detailed report on new camera technology and models exhibited at the Photokina trade fair in Cologne. This includes single-lens reflex cameras with motor drives (Nikon, Pentax, Mamiya), medium-format cameras (Asahi Pentax 6x7), and various new lenses and accessories. Specific models mentioned include the Nikon Hologon Ultrawide, Yashica TL Electro-X, Regula Reflex 2000 CTK, Fujica G 690, Alpa 10d, Kowa-Six, Pentacon Six, and Rittreck Six.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes scientific inquiry and research, particularly in the fields of UFOlogy, astronomy, and paraphysics. There is a clear move towards a more structured and potentially exclusive organization, focusing on a core group of dedicated researchers rather than mass participation. The publication also serves as a platform for disseminating news about technological advancements, especially in photography, and for reporting on the organization's internal affairs and activities. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting rigorous investigation and scientific methodology, while also acknowledging the challenges of funding and volunteer engagement.

Title: PF-NYTT
Issue: October and November 1968
Publisher: Norsk UFO Rapportsentral
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of PF-NYTT, published by Norsk UFO Rapportsentral, covers new developments in photographic equipment and numerous UFO sightings reported in Norway during October and November 1968. It also delves into the applications of photography in scientific research and outlines the organization's plans and expectations for 1969.

New Photographic Equipment

The magazine details new camera and lens introductions from major manufacturers. Minolta presented its first 85mm lens, the UW-Rokkor PG f9.5/18mm, and an updated semi-fisheye lens. The Rokkor f2.8/16mm is highlighted as the world's brightest fisheye lens, though lacking an auto-aperture. New normal lenses like the MC Rokkor f1.2/58mm and MC Tele Rokkor f4.5/300mm were also introduced. Olympus showcased a motor drive for its Pen FT and Fv cameras, along with a new macro lens f3.5/38mm with automatic aperture. Canon, though not present at Photokina, introduced an automatic SLR camera with interchangeable front components for its lenses. Miranda launched the Sensomat camera with TTL semi-spot metering, positioned between their higher-end and lower-end models. Topcon introduced several new lenses, including the RE Auto Topcor f5.6/500mm, RE Auto Topcor f11/1000mm with auto-aperture, and the RE Zoom Auto Topcor f4.7/87-205mm, as well as a fisheye lens with a 180° field of view.

The Role of Photography in Science and Research

The issue emphasizes the often-overlooked importance of photography in various fields, including the organization's own activities. It highlights its use in astronomical photography, research projects, instrument calibration, and archival work. Photography is presented as a crucial tool for verifying phenomena, especially in the pursuit of understanding para-physical events and UFOs. The ability of photography to capture images beyond the normal human visual spectrum (infrared and ultraviolet) is also noted. The organization plans to initiate meteor and UFO hunting using cameras soon, potentially developing simple fisheye cameras for this purpose.

Photography is also integral to the UFO detection system, although some aspects remain classified. The system utilizes special sequence and registration cameras, as well as photographic components in chronographs and direction meters. The organization's micro-archive and the advanced data system ELODA will also leverage advanced photographic techniques.

Data Density of Photography

A significant portion of the article discusses the immense data storage capacity of photographic film. It is stated that a 24x36mm negative can hold approximately 50,000 information bits. With advanced technology, this could increase to 50,000,000 data bits per negative, a capacity that would require vast amounts of magnetic tape or punched cards for conventional computers. To illustrate, the article compares this to the storage capacity of books, suggesting that one negative could hold as much information as 2,500 to 7,500 full 200-page books.

UFO Sightings: October and November 1968

The magazine presents a detailed list of UFO observations reported in Norway during October and November 1968. These include:

• October 6: A balloon-like UFO observed from Hardanger to the Swedish border, with descriptions that cast doubt on the balloon theory. A local phenomenon at Lierfoss involved an oval object diving and disappearing.
• October 8: Luminous strips observed near Haugesund, likely illuminated clouds.
• November 1: An infantry unit reported a UFO emitting light beams and splitting.
• November 9: A handball-sized luminous sphere observed over Sand i Nord-Odal.
• November 14: A luminous sphere moving at high speed over Rena.
• November 15: A red luminous sphere with a blue tail observed over Bergen.
• November 17: A flaming patch of light over Bergen, and a triangular, luminous object over Haugesund. A slow-moving UFO over Singsaker, Trondheim, was identified as a scout's hot air balloon.
• November 18: A large luminous sphere over Horten, a luminous sphere with a tail over Stavanger, and fireballs over Haugesund and Horten.
• November 18-19: A disc or sphere-shaped UFO observed over Horten, followed by another similar object.
• December 1: A slow-moving UFO observed over Jessheim.
• November 17: A small, luminous rocket observed over Torvik in Romsdal.
• November 17-18: A luminous fireball with a tail observed over Kristiansand.
• November 19: A bright luminous phenomenon, visible for over 20 minutes, observed over Sandnes-sundet near Tromsø, changing colors.
• November 20: A spherical UFO observed over Skogerøya.
• December 3: A blinking, red-orange UFO observed over Lørenskog.

The organization notes that this list may not be exhaustive and that some reports, particularly those from Horten, are still being verified.

Photography Group and Future Plans

The photography group has decided to subscribe to "Fotografi," a Norwegian photography magazine. They are also organizing a competition for pinhole cameras, though it has been delayed due to a lack of film. Tips are provided for participants, suggesting the use of photographic paper for negatives and contact printing.

Outlook for 1969

The magazine looks ahead to 1969, anticipating increased activity within the organization. Plans include the establishment of new subgroups, such as an "ecological" group. Regular meetings are expected to continue, with a series on philosophy of science and possibly a mathematics course. The data center will be expanded, introducing a micro-archive and the advanced "ELODA" system. The UFO detector will undergo prototype testing in the summer of 1969, with potential for limited series production. Collaboration with other UFO organizations is also anticipated. The possibility of a para-physical expedition (ghost hunting) is mentioned. Furthermore, the construction parameters for "Teleskop D" and "Folldalsteleskopet" may be finalized, and work on their detailed construction begun. The Realvitenskapelig Gruppe might initiate work on a 30-cm Newtonian observatory and meteor monitoring using special cameras.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the rapid advancements in photographic technology and its diverse applications, particularly in scientific research and the investigation of unexplained phenomena like UFOs. The editorial stance emphasizes the importance of objective documentation through photography and highlights the organization's proactive approach to research and development in both photography and ufology. The publication aims to inform its members about new equipment, share UFO sighting reports, and outline future projects and aspirations for the organization.