Rapportnytt - 1976 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: 3
Volume/Year: 1976
Date: 3 - 1976 (March 1976)
Publisher: Norsk UFO Center
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Price: Kr. 20.-
Cover Headline: RAPPORTNYTT

This issue of UFO FORUM, published by Norsk UFO Center, presents a blend of UFO reports, investigations, and editorial commentary. The cover prominently features "RAPPORTNYTT," indicating a report-focused content, and highlights the "Mysteriet i Bømlo" and "Espevær!!" as key topics. The magazine is edited by Finn W. Kalvik and Egon Nielsen, with contributions from various NUFOC regional centers across Norway.

Editorial and Administrative Information

The "Redaksjonelt" section on page 3 addresses a technical issue with the previous issue's (2/76) illustrations, apologizing for the poor quality due to a technical error. It announces a significant change: as of September 1st, the Rapport section will be managed by Egon Nielsen, a long-time collaborator and experienced ufologist from NUFOC-Vest. His contact information is provided for submitting report forms. The editorial team wishes readers a "God Sommer" (Happy Summer).

Page 2 provides contact details for various Norsk UFO Center branches across Norway (Østlandet, Sørlandet, MidtNorge, Vestlandet), listing their respective representatives and postal addresses. The general postal and giro addresses for Norsk UFO Center in Trondheim are also listed, along with the publication frequency (5 times a year) and subscription price (Kr. 20.-).

Page 6 includes a section "Til våre lesere!" (To our readers!) where the editor notes the positive reception of the magazine's new offset format but laments financial difficulties that prevent the use of good photographs, necessitating the use of drawings. Readers are encouraged to send in press clippings about UFO sightings and UFO-related cartoons to make the magazine more engaging.

Key Articles and Reports

UFO-besøk på Øksna?

This article (pages 4-5) investigates a reported UFO encounter near Øksna, Norway, on January 22nd. Two boys, Roar and Håvard Sæther, described a loud sound followed by a red glare in the sky, which frightened them and their animals. The report notes that animal behavior is often a sign of UFO presence. The article also references a similar event from 1959 involving a crashing object. A table compiled by NUFOC-ØST (Elbjørg Fjeldberg) summarizes several observations from January 20-22, including objects described as green, red, and white, with varying behaviors like splitting or disappearing. One witness, Hjalmar Lierbe, described a meteor explosion at 18:10 on January 22nd, where an object split into three parts.

The article questions whether these observations are connected to a mysterious hole in the Glomma ice. Analysis of a dark powder found near the hole, sent to the Mineralogisk Geologisk Museum, indicated it was likely magnetite or iron dust, but its origin remained uncertain. The magazine plans to follow up on efforts to retrieve a stone from under the ice hole in the summer.

Mysteriet i Bømlo - ESPEVÆR!!

This multi-page report (pages 7-10) details the discovery of a large, oval imprint in Espevær, Bømlo municipality, on April 22, 1976. The imprint, described as a "landing mark" (Landingsavtrykk), became a major topic of discussion on the island. The article quotes local residents and authorities, including Major Randolf Heivik from the Air Force, who stated that the mark could not have been made by an aircraft. Professor Hans Holtedal also found no plausible explanation and recommended further investigation. The Haugesund Avis newspaper reported on the event, suggesting a visit from "beings from other planets."

The Air Force's OBS-group, led by Captain Bjørn Helge Drangsholt, visited the site via helicopter. Drangsholt stated that the mark was "clearly a trace after a heavy object" and that it was not made by any known aircraft. He also noted that a hovercraft would not have been able to access the location without disturbing the surrounding area significantly. The symmetry and regularity of the imprint, measuring approximately 64 meters in circumference, 26 meters long, and 16 meters wide, ruled out explanations like children playing in a ring. The article mentions that the nearest neighbors to the site are the Tollevik family, whose dog exhibited unusual behavior (howling and barking for hours) around the time the imprint was discovered, leading some to connect the dog's reaction to the phenomenon.

Despite the lack of a natural explanation, the Air Force decided not to pursue further investigation, leaving any potential police involvement regarding radioactivity or other aspects to the authorities. The magazine's editorial staff, Egon Nielsen and the author, visited the site on April 25th for a closer examination.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena and ground traces in Norway. Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC) positions itself as a central organization for collecting and disseminating information on UFO sightings and related mysteries. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry, encouraging reader participation through reports and clippings, while acknowledging the challenges posed by limited resources. The magazine aims to provide a platform for discussing these phenomena, even when official explanations are lacking, and emphasizes the importance of continued UFO research. The issue also highlights the collaborative efforts between NUFOC and official bodies like the Air Force, even when those bodies cannot provide definitive answers.

This issue of Bergens Arbeiderblad, dated Tuesday, April 27, 1976, focuses heavily on the mysterious oval imprint discovered in Espevær, Norway. The cover headline boldly declares 'Espevær-avtrykket Ekspertise- vrøvl, sier UFO-formann' (Espevær imprint Expert opinion- nonsense, says UFO chairman), immediately signaling a conflict between scientific and UFO-enthusiast explanations.

The Espevær Imprint Investigation

The articles detail the ongoing investigation into the large, oval-shaped imprint found in Espevær. Initially, the phenomenon was attributed to a 'heksring' (witch's ring), a natural occurrence caused by mushroom growth, with Dosent Finn-Egil Eckblad of the Botanical Museum in Bergen being a prominent proponent of this theory, claiming 99% certainty.

However, this explanation was met with strong skepticism from UFO researchers. Finn Kalvik, chairman of the Bergen branch of the Norsk UFO Center, dismissed the mushroom theory as 'nonsense' and 'vrøvl' (nonsense/gibberish). He argued that the imprint's regular shape and the way the grass and moss were pressed down did not align with mushroom growth patterns. Kalvik and his colleagues collected soil samples from the site for analysis.

Subsequent reports reveal that the soil samples were sent to statskonsulent Kåre Arsvoll at the Norwegian State College for Plant Protection. The analysis, completed by May 19, 1976, found no evidence to support the 'heksring' theory, effectively debunking the botanical explanation. This finding was published by Bergens Arbeiderblad on May 21, 1976, under the headline 'Espevær-avtrykket IKKE sopp!' (Espevær imprint NOT mushroom!).

UFO Explanations and Eyewitness Accounts

With the mushroom theory discredited, the focus shifted back to UFO explanations. Finn Kalvik and other UFO enthusiasts maintained that the imprint was the result of a landing by an unidentified flying object. They pointed to the imprint's dimensions (approximately 63.40 meters in circumference, 25.60 meters long, 14.40 meters wide, and up to 40 cm deep) and the specific way the ground was affected.

One key piece of supporting evidence cited was the unusual behavior of a dog named Tobby on a specific night in October 1975, around the time the imprint is believed to have been made. The dog, belonging to a family living near the site, reportedly exhibited extreme distress, which some interpreted as a reaction to an unusual event.

Further details emerged about a possible UFO observation by fru Anne Solvang on a Saturday night before St. Hans (Midsummer) the previous year, which involved a 'two-part flying object' observed over Bømlo. This observation was linked to the Espevær incident by Finn W. Kalvik.

Media Coverage and Skepticism

The issue highlights the role of various newspapers in covering the Espevær case, including Bergens Tidende, Bergens Arbeiderblad, Rogaland Avis, and Haugesund Avis. There's a critique of how some media outlets, like Bergens Tidende, initially promoted the 'heksring' theory with prominent headlines, only to downplay its refutation later.

The article also mentions a parallel incident in Denmark where a similar 'Espevær-sporn' (Espevær imprint) was found, further fueling the UFO narrative. The investigation involved collecting jordprøver (soil samples) and measuring the imprint, with the data being sent to the Norsk UFO Center's laboratory in Lillestrøm.

International Incidents and Further Research

The magazine also touches upon related phenomena, including a report from Spain about a mysterious aircraft landing near Puerto de Herrera in August 1970. This incident, investigated by the Charles Fort Group, involved a maid's account of an unusual experience. The report mentions that the object's dimensions and weight are estimated to be substantial, possibly around 160-200 tons.

There's a call for the Norwegian Air Force (Luftforsvaret) to investigate potential violations of Norwegian airspace and landings by unknown aircraft, suggesting that the responsibility should not solely fall on civilian UFO organizations or the police.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC) plans to continue monitoring the Espevær situation. The issue concludes by thanking journalists and collaborators for their efforts in covering the story. A competition is announced for readers to design a new cover for 'Rapportnytt', indicating the publication's ongoing engagement with UFO-related news.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The dominant theme is the investigation and explanation of unexplained phenomena, specifically the Espevær imprint. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of UFO explanations, actively debunking scientific or mundane theories like the 'heksring' phenomenon. The publication champions the work of UFO researchers and criticizes media outlets that either sensationalize unproven theories or dismiss credible UFO evidence. There's a strong emphasis on empirical investigation, sample collection, and analysis, even while maintaining a firm belief in the UFO hypothesis.

This issue of UFO NYT, a Scandinavian UFO Information magazine, published in February 1974, focuses on detailed case histories of UFO sightings and encounters. The magazine is published by SUFOI and is based in Denmark, with a subscription price of D.kr. 55. The issue includes contact information for various UFO organizations in Scandinavia.

Case Study: Norwegian Landing and Encounter

The primary focus of this issue is a detailed account of a UFO landing and encounter experienced by a young woman in Norway. The witness, described as a 22-year-old housekeeper with limited education (analphabetic), reported an unusual experience that began with an intense, high-pitched whistling sound while watching television on a Saturday evening. She observed her TV screen changing, with "many lines" appearing, and the sound persisted despite her attempts to adjust the TV.

Upon going outside, she saw a "frightening thing" with various lights, hovering near the house. Beside it, she observed a man looking out over the fields. The object was approximately 30 meters from the house. She was so scared that she immediately went back inside and closed the door. Shortly after, the whistling sound returned, and she saw the object disappear through her window.

Investigation and Details

During the subsequent investigation, the witness provided further details. She clarified that her grandmother was also present but did not see the UFO, though she heard the noise. There were two horses on the property used for riding, but no dogs or cattle at that specific time. The horses did not appear to be agitated, though the stable was some distance from the house. The whistling sound varied in intensity, being less intense when she was at the doorway and then returning to its original intensity before the object vanished.

The object itself was described as being similar in size to a "Seat 850" car, approximately 4 meters wide and 2.5 meters high, supported by legs that were about 60 cm long. It had an ellipse-shaped body with a hemispherical dome. The dome was described as "crystal clear" and "almost transparent," while the ellipse-shaped body had a "silvery color." The object appeared to be resting on its support legs on the asphalt in front of the house.

Lights were observed on the object: a bluish-white light on top that rotated irregularly, and other smaller lights in various colors (white, purple, and yellowish) arranged in a line around the object's body. The dome itself did not rotate, but the light on top did. The witness could not recall if there was a door or a ramp.

The Ufonaut

She reported seeing only one occupant, an "ufonaut," standing outside the "saucer" at a distance of three to four meters. This being was described as a man approximately 1.80 meters tall, wearing a dark, tight-fitting suit and a matching helmet. He had "shiny white things" around his wrists and ankles, resembling bracelets, and a belt with a square buckle around his waist. His face was described as being of a "light color," but she could not see if he had hair.

The ufonaut stood looking intently at the ground with the lucerne. He then walked towards the craft but did not appear to enter it before the witness closed the door. He walked normally with long strides, and his arm movements were similar to a human's. The witness believed the ufonaut did not see her, as she only partially exposed herself from behind the door, and the outdoor light had been switched off.

Physical Traces

After the incident, the landing site was observed to be completely illuminated by a uniform glow. The next morning, black footprints were visible on the asphalt. These prints resembled those of a boot, with the heel narrower than the front part of the sole, and had markings resembling diagonal lines on the sole. The witness did not count the footprints but noted there were many. The grass was not flattened or burned, and there were no visible damages to trees. The UFO appeared to have landed partially on bare ground, with the marks primarily on the asphalt. Other people who visited the farm also saw the marks, which disappeared after several days. The ground also seemed to glow at night.

Analysis of the Witness

The report includes an analysis of the witness, highlighting her analphabetism and limited education as factors that made it unlikely for her to fabricate such a complex story. The authors suggest that her limited vocabulary led her to use onomatopoeia to describe the sounds. They acknowledge that some leading questions were asked during the interview but argue that the overall investigation, including a tape recording, confirmed her account. They also consider the possibility of conscious or unconscious deception but dismiss conscious deception due to the witness's background and lack of motive. They conclude that the case appears to be a genuine instance of an unidentified flying object landing, including the presence of an ufonaut.

Case Study: Canadian Sighting

Another case reported is from Vancouver Island, Canada, on October 5, 1973. Around 11:00 PM, five witnesses observed a silent object moving over the trees. The object had three rotating red lights around the top and blinking red lights rotating in the opposite direction around the middle. A sharp red light was visible at the top. A white beam of light descended from the bottom of the object, sweeping over the river as if searching for something. The witnesses stated the object was illuminated, allowing them to see its contours. They estimated its size to be 24 meters and observed it for approximately 15 minutes.

Organizations and Publications

The issue also lists contact and subscription information for several UFO organizations:

• UFO NYT: A Scandinavian UFO Information magazine, published 6 times a year. Contact: SUFOI's Regnskabskontor, E.B.Johansen/Bogfinkevej 79/Jyllinge/ DK 4000 Roskilde, Denmark. Subscription: D.kr. 55.
• UFO-Information: The official organ of the UFO-Sweden organization, published 6 times a year. Contact: C.A. Jonzon/Lagmansberga,Brunnsgård/ S 596 00 Skänninge, Sweden. Subscription: S.kr. 42.
• UFO = ASPEKT: Organ for Fritt UFO Studium (FUFOS), published 6 times a year. Contact: FUFOS, Brobergsgd. 12, 1 th./ 1427 København K, Denmark. Subscription: D.kr. 30.
• GICOFF: Göteborgs Informations Center før Oidentifierade Flygande Føremål, published 6 times a year. Contact: Jørgen Karlson/Sagogången 57, S 422 45 Hisings Backa/ Sweden. Subscription: S.kr. 50.

The magazine also lists books available from SUFOI: "UFO og Videnskaben" (136 pages), "UFO i Fokus" (182 pages), and "UFO-Orientering" (120 pages), with prices for regular buyers and subscribers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are detailed UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the investigation of physical evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into UFO phenomena, aiming to present credible accounts and analyze them with a degree of skepticism while acknowledging the possibility of genuine, unexplained events. The report on the Norwegian case, in particular, emphasizes the witness's credibility by highlighting her lack of education, suggesting it makes fabrication less likely. The inclusion of contact information for various UFO organizations suggests a desire to connect with a broader community interested in the subject.