Rapportnytt - 1980 no 3

Magazine Overview

Title: RAPPORTNYTT
Issue: 3 1980
Publisher: Norsk UFO Center
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Cover Headline: Bidrag til vår konkurranse om gamle UFO-observasjoner. (Contributions to our competition about old UFO observations.)

Content Summary

This issue of Rapportnytt, published by Norsk UFO Center, focuses on historical UFO observations, particularly through a competition seeking old accounts. The cover prominently features illustrations of flying saucers.

Old UFO Observations Competition

The magazine begins by presenting a contribution from a subscriber in Fredrikstad regarding an observation from 1920. The subscriber's grandmother and her mother witnessed a phenomenon in Lakkegaten, Oslo. They heard harp music playing a specific melody, "Ungdom, ja ungdom, jeg ber deg" (Youth, oh youth, I beg you). Following the music, they saw a bright red, coin-sized object in the sky that moved away, and the music faded with its departure. The grandmother had been advised by her mother not to speak of it, as no one would believe them. The subscriber notes that neither witness was considered mentally unstable or prone to joking. The editor comments that the melody's origin is unknown but speculates it might be extraterrestrial. The magazine encourages more contributions, especially those involving sound or music, which are considered rare.

Editorial and Contact Information

Page 3 provides detailed contact information for Norsk UFO Center, including its main address in Bergen, postal giro, subscription prices, and editorial staff. It lists the responsible publisher as Finn W. Kalvik, with editorial staff including G. Bertelsen, Kenneth Nilsen, Marit Boge, and Per Ottesen. Egon Nielsen is the editor-in-chief. The magazine also details the "Internt UFO Forum" (Internal UFO Forum), a membership magazine for Norsk UFO Center, and provides information on how to join NUFOC by sending a yearly fee. Regional contacts for NUFOC in Nord-Norge, Midt-Norge, Øst-Norge, Sør-Norge, and Vest-Norge are listed, along with the Rapportsentralen (Report Center) expedition contact, F.W. Kalvik/Armauer Hansen, and the global section contact, Gunnar Bertelsen. Leaders for the Østfold and Hordaland regions are also named.

Article Index and 1979 Review

Page 4 presents an index of articles in this issue, covering topics such as Norwegian observations, crashed UFOs, effects of luminous UFOs, a professor's UFO research, 'third-degree' findings, Jonathan Bugbee's UFO, abductions, a cylindrical object over the Canary Islands, and contact with humanoids in Malaysia. The issue also includes a review of UFO activity in 1979, noting that only 29 observations were reported to Rapportsentralen, with 23 classified as 'unknown' (79.3%). The review suggests that while press articles might indicate more activity, this is likely due to better coverage in certain areas, particularly Northern Norway. Efforts are underway to expand field research and recruit new collaborators in Southern Norway. The article references a VG newspaper report from June 11th about research into extraterrestrial life, citing British journalist Henry Gris and astrophysicist Professor Nikolai Kardashov, who claim Russian astronomers have evidence of alien contact but are not allowed to admit it publicly.

Specific Sightings and Reports

Røyse - Ringerike: Vibekke Risan recounts an experience from her youth where she and two friends saw a 'star' moving towards them, growing larger, and then blinking like a plane. It flew low without sound or visible wings, paralyzing them. She later drew the object, and found a similar image in a book described as a 'mothership'. The object was estimated to be about four meters long.

Trondheim (December-January 1970-71): Bjørn Havik and a colleague observed a luminous object coming from Ugla st. They saw flame-like effects under it and were certain it was not an aircraft. Leif Havik, Bjørn's son and section leader in Trondheim, comments that the event likely had a significant impact on his father, who now spends hours watching the sky.

Hisøy - Arendal (030180/I): A witness observed an intense white light from an oval, matt silver-colored object at an altitude of 100-150 meters. The object, estimated to be 10-15 meters in diameter, flew in a southwesterly direction. The light shifted from white to red and back to white. It was observed over the sea at a slow speed (40-50 km/h) with no sound. The weather was clear with no clouds, and there was a nearly full moon.

Venabygd (100180/I): A witness saw a red luminous sphere rise slowly, stop, and then suddenly disappear. The observation occurred around 16:30 in clear weather and lasted for about a minute.

Vinstra (100180/II): Ragnvald Nygård and his family observed a large, red, luminous sphere moving from the west. The object, about 10 cm at arm's length, rose slowly and moved over the valley. A luminous, blinking appendage was noted on its side. After about 20 minutes, the object suddenly disappeared ('went out'). The witnesses ruled out aircraft, helicopters, and satellites. The report notes that similar sightings have occurred in Vinstra, and the object's movement was unlikely to be wind-driven.

Kalandseidet (090280/I): Norvald Hammerstad saw a flame-colored object moving at high speed (approx. 800 km/h) over the mountain from the east. The object was observed at a distance of 1000 meters for one minute. Hammerstad initially thought it was a plane but then saw flames under the object, describing it as a large bonfire inside a balloon. The object disappeared behind the forest to the west, maintaining an altitude of 30 degrees above the horizon. The report notes a similarity to the observation over Trondheim (page 5).

Gudbrandsdalen (Flyvende Tallerkener over Gudbrandsdalen ?): This section details several sightings from March 18-19, 1979.

• Rudsbysgd (March 18): Brothers Sigmund and Harald Skullerud saw a light moving northeast, resembling a star but moving faster than planes, with an orange/yellow color.
• Vestre Gausdal (March 19, 16:00): Mathea Surnflødt observed a blank, round object flying at high speed in clear weather. She described it as 'floating out' and disappearing. She was certain it was metallic.
• Fåvang, Gudbrandsdalen (March 19, 22:00): Rolf Jarle Toftstuen and Gry Hansen saw a carrot-yellow light with a brighter corona. It later took on a 'leaning crescent' or disc shape with a dark triangular indentation before disappearing behind a hill.
• Rudsbysgd (March 19, 22:45): Magne Sørmo observed a 'giant star' of sharp yellow-orange color that shifted to orange and red. Using binoculars, he saw an elliptical (disc) shape. The object changed course and altitude and disappeared by becoming smaller, either by moving away rapidly or 'dissolving'. A colleague of Sørmo reported an unusual bright light in his bedroom that night, which then vanished.

Back Issues and Contact

The final page advertises that the 1979 issues of Rapportnytt are still available for purchase. It also reiterates the NUFOC address in Bergen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are historical UFO sightings, particularly those from Norway, and the ongoing effort to collect and document such accounts. The magazine appears to maintain an open but critical stance, classifying sightings and encouraging detailed reporting. There's an emphasis on unusual aspects like sound phenomena associated with UFOs. The editorial stance seems to be one of serious investigation into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging reader participation and providing a platform for sharing experiences. The mention of Russian astronomers having evidence of alien contact, suppressed by their government, suggests an interest in government secrecy and the broader implications of the UFO phenomenon.

This issue of MUFON UFO Journal, dated October 1979, delves into the complex and often controversial topic of UFO crashes and alleged retrievals of alien craft and occupants. Titled 'MUFON UFO Journal nr. 140', it features a map of Norway with marked observation points, indicating a focus on local sightings alongside international reports.

Key Articles and Interviews

Len Stringfield and Gray Barker Interview

The issue includes a significant portion of an interview between Len Stringfield and Gray Barker, continuing a series. They discuss the physical characteristics of alleged alien beings, comparing them to 'humanoids' and questioning their reproductive capabilities and biological differences from humans. Stringfield admits to having limited information but maintains his impression that they are humanoids, though biologically dissimilar to humans. He emphasizes the need to protect his sources, explaining why he cannot reveal names or locations. The conversation touches upon the skepticism of younger researchers towards older UFO evidence and the potential for UFOs to be extraterrestrial. Stringfield expresses a belief in the extraterrestrial origin of UFOs, while acknowledging the possibility of a psychic component in some observations, drawing a parallel to how a modern device like a television would seem advanced to someone from the past.

Stringfield further elaborates on the nature of the beings, describing them as 'flesh and blood' and noting the lack of reproductive organs in recovered bodies, which he likens to being 'emptied out of a mold.' He discusses the possibility of them being automatons but admits uncertainty. He confirms speaking with multiple witnesses who have seen these beings and even seen photographs, though he himself has not. He recounts an instance where showing a drawing to a witness elicited a strong reaction, as it matched photographs the witness had seen.

Stringfield expresses his conviction, stating he is 99 percent convinced, with new witnesses constantly emerging. He clarifies that he is presenting information as a researcher and believes it deserves serious consideration, even if he cannot personally prove it. He hopes to eventually reveal names and locations but prioritizes protecting his sources. He concludes by stating he will only be 100 percent convinced when he personally witnesses the craft and bodies.

Mildred Biesele's Report: UFO over Oak Bluff

This section details an observation by Wesley Gruman on March 27, 1979, near Oak Bluff, Massachusetts. Gruman noticed a green light behind sand dunes, which he initially mistook for a 'sparkler.' As he approached, his car radio emitted a low-frequency hum. He then saw a luminous, yellowish-green cylinder, approximately 30 feet long and rounded at both ends, floating about 200 feet offshore. The object then slowly ascended, displacing water as if a large object were being lifted. Gruman observed it rise until it blocked his view from the car window. He exited the car and noted the object illuminated the beach and water, increasing its speed. He attempted to retrieve a quartz lamp but found he could only move his head. After the cylinder disappeared, Gruman reported the incident to the Oak Bluff police. An officer accompanied him back to the site, and a cavalryman also joined them. The weather was clear and dry, and no immediate search for evidence was conducted.

A peculiar after-effect was noted the following day: Gruman's waterproof Timex watch, which had a calendar function, showed the date as the 30th instead of the 27th. The next day, the watch correctly displayed the 28th, and by the time Santangelo archived the report, it was showing the correct time.

Professor Harley Rutledge's UFO Investigation

Dr. Harley Rutledge, a professor at Southeast Missouri State University, publicly shared findings from his six-year UFO investigation. He and his team reportedly experienced 153 observations involving 174 incidents. Rutledge classified 32 of these as 'incredible' due to physical or behavioral characteristics surpassing current technology. He led 'Project Identification,' an organization of scientists and amateurs studying UFO phenomena. At 32 incidents, UFOs appeared to react to the project members, leading Rutledge to believe they were 'playing with us.'

The investigation covered an area approximately 5 miles north of St. Louis and 12 miles west of the Mississippi River, extending into Illinois. The project logged 26 observations of 37 UFOs near Piedmont, 17 observations of 117 UFOs near the Mississippi River, and 48 observations of 50 UFOs in the Cape Girardeau area. UFOs were often observed hovering over the town. In one instance, a small saucer reportedly followed a girl, blinding her with a sharp light as she reached her doorstep. Two witnesses corroborated this account.

Rutledge noted that many UFOs were observed in motion, with 41 changing direction, speed, or stopping. Some hovering lights moved across the sky in fractions of a second at low altitudes. He personally witnessed a light perform a sudden 90-degree turn, after which it was switched off for 20 seconds, remarking that such a maneuver would be impossible for an object with mass.

Of the 174 observed UFOs, 88 were described as 'light balls,' 5 'turned themselves on,' 47 'extinguished,' and 36 'turned both on and off.' Six different colors were reported: fifty off-white, 27 orange, 21 white, 7 red, 5 yellow, and 2 greenish. Five of the lights changed color.

Seven craft were observed, including two saucer-shaped and one spherical. One saucer was seen in daylight by Rutledge from his university office. The spherical object was also seen in daylight, changing color and disappearing. Contrary to popular depictions, only three of the observed UFOs emitted sound. Eighteen observations occurred in daylight, and 18 in twilight, constituting nearly 25% of the project's data, under conditions where sunlight would illuminate any craft.

Rutledge stated, "I am not alone in seeing these things." Over the 153 observations, 622 people were involved, including over 30 Project members and 100 spectators, averaging 4 witnesses per observation. He questioned how any UFO investigation could be better documented. Rutledge promised to release more astonishing results from the Project soon, emphasizing the organization's initial goal to seek truth and present it to the public. He admitted to initial caution in describing 'incredible experiences' due to fear of ridicule, but asserted that the team had been very careful not to make unfounded claims.

UFO over Madrid

A report from Madrid details a UFO sighting on the night of November 28, 1979, lasting from 1:00 AM to 8:00 AM. The object was triangular and emitted a red-blue light. Two Spanish Air Force Mirage fighter jets were scrambled but arrived after the UFO had departed. Many Madrid residents reported the incident, leading hundreds to gather in the city to observe. Several people took photographs. During the seven-hour observation, the radio station experienced various network disturbances.

Some UFO specialists theorize the existence of an underwater base for non-terrestrial beings near the Balearic Islands, citing numerous UFO observations in that area.

Leonard H. Stringfield's Presentation: 'Gjenfunn av 3. Grad'

Leonard H. Stringfield presented his findings on 'Gjenfunn av 3. Grad' (Retrieval of the Third Kind) at a MUFON symposium on July 29, 1978. He noted that despite the UFO phenomenon's existence since World War II, a majority of the world's population and most scientists still doubt it. However, a small number of scientists admit to being perplexed by UFO reports. Stringfield asserted that for those engaged in serious UFO research, there is no doubt that an 'uninvited guest' is visiting Earth. After 31 years of effort, the true nature and origin of the UFO phenomenon remain undisclosed, and access to official 'hard evidence' or 'extraordinary, sober, and concrete proof' has not been achieved.

He described two diverging opinions on the UFO phenomenon: one views it as parapsychological or from another dimension, explaining paranormal evidence as excluding physical explanations and thus ruling out 'screw and bolt' interplanetary spaceships. The other, more conservative view, posits that UFOs are physical, constructed machines from other solar systems, whose occupants have overcome vast interstellar distances and developed psychic powers to manipulate human minds, thereby explaining all reported paranormal events.

Stringfield acknowledged other theories that combine or ignore known facts, stating that theories are abundant. His research continues to investigate UFO reports, correlate data, analyze photographs, and hold conferences. He is also examining over 13,000 UFO reports from the Air Force's Project Blue Book, available at the National Archives.

Stringfield discussed the need for a specialized UFO vocabulary to accurately describe events and classify reports. He referenced Dr. J. Allen Hynek's book, 'The UFO-Experience, a scientific inquiry,' which introduced the terms 'Close Encounter of the First, Second, and Third Kind' to categorize hypothetical encounters based on physical or electromagnetic effects on the witness or their surroundings, or a meeting with a 'strange being.' The term 'Close Encounter of the Third Kind' has become widely known, popularized by the film of the same name.

He mentioned a lesser-known event, a 'retrieval' incident, known only through rumors, even among knowledgeable researchers. Stringfield's efforts to investigate these vague sources often led to dead ends. Through patient and diplomatic efforts, he has found 'bright spots' in these 'dead ends,' which he calls 'Gjenfunn av 3. Grad.' These primarily refer to alien beings. He stated that these incidents involve crashed UFOs where both the craft and crew were recovered by military personnel and studied in secure military installations.

Sufficient data now exists to support some older claims of recovered craft. However, in the 1950s, such claims were met with ridicule. Stringfield admitted that he and other active researchers at the time mocked these reports, partly due to the sensationalism surrounding Frank Scully's 1950 book, 'Behind the Flying Saucer.' The book claimed a saucer crashed in Aztec, New Mexico, in 1948, and presented 'metal fragments' from the craft. Investigations later revealed the 'scientist' source was a fraud, and the book was exposed as a hoax. This discredited the idea of recovered UFOs and 'little men' among objective researchers. The US Air Force's denial of any knowledge of a recovered UFO at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, with a general calling the claims 'ridiculous,' delivered the final blow.

Despite these setbacks, crash and retrieval stories have persisted. Stringfield's research for his book 'Situation Red, The UFO Siege' (Doubleday) uncovered new and reliable sources. He believes the time and place are now right to focus on Dayton, Ohio, near Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, to investigate these rumors and the possibility of a large-scale official cover-up.

He stated that if even one alleged retrieval incident is true, or if just one of his information sources is accurate, humanity is on the verge of a shock that could fundamentally alter lifestyles, philosophies, and economies. He questioned why governments have kept such information secret for so long and what other 'more frightening' UFO-related matters might be concealed.

He anticipated a strong public reaction to any official disclosure, leading to demands for more hidden facts and blame being placed on various individuals, agencies, and even the media. He questioned the media's effectiveness in pursuing the truth, especially in light of their role in other major events.

Stringfield also criticized UFO research for its internal disagreements, suggesting a more unified approach might have been more effective in challenging cover-ups. He noted that some influential researchers may have been too focused on finding paranormal explanations. He described the average reported UFO as a metallic craft with windows and landing gear, suggesting an engineered design rather than a purely psychic manifestation.

He posed the question of whether it is morally right to 'break open Pandora's box' and seek knowledge about crashed UFOs and their occupants, wondering if there is something 'terribly ominous' about the ongoing investigation of Planet Earth.

Stringfield addressed the credibility of his sources, stating that while he cannot definitively disprove them, they come from diverse backgrounds and have been difficult to locate. He believes that most of his sources are not bluffing and are unlikely to be 'plants' designed to contradict official policy. He admitted that there might be minor errors in observations or human judgment but cited the proverb 'No smoke without fire' to emphasize the strong evidence he perceives.

He stated that he has personally never seen a recovered UFO, its parts, or its occupants, nor does he have any written proof from his sources. He only has their names and testimonies, which he has kept confidential at their request. He acknowledged that presenting these cases without signatures might lead to them being perceived as rumors. However, he stands by his credibility, built over 29 years of UFO research.

He announced that the second part of 'Gjenfunn av 3. Grad' would be published in issue 4/80.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the physical evidence of UFOs, including alleged crashed craft and alien bodies, the challenges of obtaining credible information due to secrecy and skepticism, and the ongoing efforts of researchers to uncover the truth. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and research findings while acknowledging the controversial nature of the subject and the need for careful verification. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of protecting sources and the potential societal impact of any confirmed disclosure about UFOs and extraterrestrial life.

This issue of the MUFON UFO Journal, dated October 1979, features a range of UFO and related phenomena reports, translated from Norwegian. The cover story highlights the 'Jonathan Bugbees UFO' case.

Jonathan Bugbees UFO

The article by Gary Levine, Ph.D., details an encounter from October 1828 involving Jonathan Bugbee, a farmer in the 'Landoffice Swamp' near Jamestown, New York. Bugbee became lost in the swamp at night and was guided out by a mysterious, intelligent light that appeared twice. The light was described as being "40 feet square" and about 20 feet above him. Although the light disappeared, it returned to guide him. A neighbor's superstitious prediction of Bugbee's death within a year came true, and the story became a local legend, referred to as a "phosphorescent spectacle." The author notes the intelligent nature of the light, suggesting it was not a natural phenomenon. MUFON investigator Christopher Centi reports ongoing UFO sightings in the area, with five documented cases since 1968, raising questions about 'UFO windows' and the nature of friendly UFO behavior.

Bortført av ukjent luftfartøy ? (Abducted by unknown aircraft?)

This section, based on a "France Soir" report from December 10, 1979, by Jean-Francois Crozier, describes the case of Franck Fontaine, a 19-year-old man who claimed to have spent 8 days in space. The incident involved Fontaine and two friends near Cergy, France, on November 26, 1979. They encountered a white, cylinder-shaped UFO with four lights. While Fontaine's friends went to get a camera, Fontaine disappeared. The car was found surrounded by a misty haze, with small spheres seen above it. Fontaine reappeared eight days later, confused and unaware of the time elapsed. He was questioned by police and scientists from GEPAN, who found no contradictions in his statements. Under hypnosis, Fontaine described being in a laboratory with white walls, tables, mirrors, and small spheres of light that communicated with him, stating that earthlings were "thoughtless" and that extraterrestrials would make first contact in 1983. French scientists were reportedly convinced of the reality of UFOs.

Svak forbindelse mellom bakke-radar og UFO (Weak connection between ground radar and UFO)

Authored by Richard Hall, this piece discusses a radar observation that reportedly occurred simultaneously with the 1971 Hill abduction case in New Hampshire. Patricia McMahon's article mentioned a Project Blue Book reference to this radar observation, but no full report was available. David Webb later provided copies of an Air Force investigation report and domestic reports by Walter Webb and John Oswald. These indicated that despite the coincidental timing, the radar tracks and the Hill abduction were likely unrelated. The MUFON Journal apologizes for previously perpetuating the idea that the UFO in the Hill case might have been tracked by radar, stating that no evidence supports this. The Air Force report from September 20, 1961, noted an unidentified aircraft detected by radar 4 miles from the base, which stopped and then disappeared. Oswald's report, referencing Pease Air Force Base, also mentioned a radar detection of an unidentified object, but its proximity to the abduction site and weak radar signature made a connection uncertain. The article concludes that there is currently no evidence linking the radar observations to the Hill case.

SYLINDRISK OBJEKT FOTOGRAFERT OVER CANARY ISLANDS (Cylindrical object photographed over Canary Islands)

Written by William G. Hinrichesen, this report details an observation by Guillermo N. Lijtmaer, a professional photographer from Buenos Aires, Argentina, on March 5, 1979, on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Lijtmaer was photographing a colorful sky phenomenon when he observed a UFO. He took five photos of the object, which appeared to change shape and intensity. The object then moved rapidly and disappeared. A neighbor confirmed seeing a similar phenomenon years earlier. The object was described as emitting sparks and a halo, and it was not visible due to its own luminescence. Preliminary Spanish investigations suggested the event occurred about 200 kilometers away.

Nærkontakt med humanoider i Malaysia (Close contact with humanoids in Malaysia)

This article by Ahmad Jamaludin, MUFON representative in West Malaysia, discusses reports of UFO occupants, or 'humanoids,' encountered in Malaysia. Unlike global reports of varied humanoid types, Malaysian cases exclusively describe very small beings, 3 to 6 inches tall. UFOs landing in Malaysia were also reported to be small, under 3 feet in diameter. The article presents seven cases from Malaysia between 1970 and 1979:

• Sak 1 (Johore Bahru, 1970): Four boys saw a small UFO and 6-inch beings, leaving a scorched patch.
• Sak 2 (Gambang, 1973): Two schoolboys reported 3-inch humanoids, one of whom was briefly captured.
• Sak 3 (Bukit Mertajam, 1973): Boys playing football saw a small UFO and tiny beings; one boy was hit by a light beam.
• Sak 4 (Ipoh, 1973): Schoolboys saw a small UFO land, but it disappeared before teachers arrived.
• Sak 5 (Miri, Sarawak, 1973): Boys saw a 6-inch humanoid in a white suit using a light beam.
• Sak 6 (Miri, Sarawak, 1973): Holidaymakers observed seven small beings resembling humans.
• Sak 7 (Bukit Mertajam, 1979): A boy was temporarily paralyzed by a beam from a 3-inch being emerging from a small UFO.

Of the nine reported landings or encounters, seven occurred in daylight. The beings were described as wearing one-piece clothing, having slightly larger heads, and round eyes. Some 3-inch humanoids had two antenna-like protrusions. The article notes that UFOs seem to be attracted to areas with high seismic activity, and speculates if the small size of Malaysian UFOs and humanoids is a compensation for magnetic irregularities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the unexplained, focusing on UFO sightings, alleged alien encounters, and unusual aerial phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into these reports, presenting documented cases and scientific inquiry, while acknowledging the speculative nature of some aspects. There's a clear interest in the intelligence and potential communication from non-human entities, as well as the physical characteristics and behaviors of UFOs and their occupants. The journal aims to document and analyze these events, often citing MUFON's investigative efforts and referencing other publications and reports.