UFO Forum - 1973 - No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: Nr. 3
Volume/Year: 1973
Publisher: NORSK UFO CENTER
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Cover Price: kr. 15,00
Cover Headline: NYE UFO OBSERVASJONER OVER NORGE (New UFO Observations Over Norway)

This issue of UFO Forum, published by Norsk UFO Center, is the first volume of 1973 and contains a significant amount of information regarding UFO sightings and related activities in Norway and abroad. The magazine aims to be the readers' own publication and is distributed 5-6 times a year.

Editorial and Organizational News

The issue begins with an editorial section detailing the "REDAKSJONELT" (Editorial). It reports on a national meeting (landsmøte) held in Trondheim from May 11th to 13th, 1973, organized by Norsk UFO Center. The meeting was attended by representatives from UFO groups in Oslo, Bergen, and Eidsvoll, with the primary goal of increasing the efficiency of UFO work nationwide and refining operational routines. Key outcomes included the formation of a nationwide cooperative organization, "Norsk UFO Center," with representatives from various Norwegian groups. The structure proposed involved regional centers and specific guidelines for UFO work, particularly externally. The leadership of the organization would be held by the most competent existing association.

New UFO Observations Over Norway

The core of this issue is dedicated to a series of detailed UFO observations from Norway, compiled by the field research group in Horten. These reports, documented by Montør Jan-Ivar Mellingen and Ingeniør Sigvald Røksund, cover incidents from April 1st to April 13th, 1973.

Obs. A (April 1st, 1940-1950, Nykirke): A large, white-light object was observed moving silently and rapidly northwards. Its size was estimated at 2 mm at arm's length. Another similar object followed, and a third object moved in the opposite direction. Multiple witnesses were present.

Obs. B (April 1st, 2010-2015, Hurumlandet): A bright white object appeared behind a hill, moving north-northwest at a constant speed before accelerating violently to stop near Løvøya. It illuminated the area with light from its underside, which was described as conical. A witness reported seeing red lights around the edge. The object then ascended, accelerated towards north-northeast, and disappeared with a deep red, pulsating light.

Observations from April 6th, 1973:

• Obs. C (1950, Holmestrand): An egg-shaped, bright object, about 5 mm at arm's length, followed a similar path to previous observations but at a higher altitude and speed, disappearing towards north-northeast without sound.
• Obs. D (2009, Horten): A bright white object was seen in the northwest, moving north-northeast at approximately 3 degrees per second. It appeared to follow the terrain and disappeared behind a hill. A similar sighting was reported from a car on E18. The observers considered it possibly a plane but noted its complete silence and strong light.
• Obs. E (2012, Stokke): An object moved north, silently, with a strong light, at low altitude. It hovered for about 10 seconds before disappearing.
• Obs. F (2305, Stokke): A very bright object moved north at constant speed, its light extinguishing and reappearing. A faint red light was visible when dark. It disappeared behind a farm.

Obs. G (April 8th, 1951, Oslofjorden): A white-light object entered over the Oslofjord and moved north-northeast at constant speed. It was described as egg-shaped and about 8-9 mm at arm's length. Its speed was noted as higher than jet planes.

Obs. H (April 8th, 2010, Rygge): A light was observed moving northwest, its color varying between red, yellow, and white, with non-constant speed. It disappeared behind a hill.

Obs. I (April 9th, 2004-2030, Rygge): Five observers witnessed a bright, stationary object that suddenly accelerated, turning red and pulsating. Multiple objects were seen, and two fighter jets from Rygge Air Station were observed attempting to investigate. The objects were silent, unlike the jets.

Obs. J (April 13th, 2040-2130, Rygge): Significant activity was observed over Rygge, with multiple objects maneuvering. They could suddenly turn off their lights, change color, hover motionless, or accelerate rapidly. Some objects flew very low. Three objects appeared to be in formation, moving slowly downwards before their lights went out, then reappearing with red lights. They then moved away at high speed, changing to red lights and pulsating.

Photographic Evidence: Photographs were taken of some of these objects, but the results were often negative due to poor exposure, distance, and lighting conditions. Some images showed objects with white light in an oval shape with a pointed section, and another showed a sharp light with a diffuse tail.

International Reports (UTLANDET)

The magazine includes a selection of reports from other Scandinavian countries, noting the difficulty in selecting which to publish due to space limitations. They consider starting a dedicated report journal to free up space in UFO Forum for other UFO-logical material.

Swedish Ice Hole Investigation: A report from UFO-Mora details the discovery of a circular hole, six meters in diameter, in the ice of Svart-acksen lake in Sweden in January 1973. The hole was found to have a crater and a 'finger' formation at the bottom, with thick bottom sediment. The hard object initially detected by the discoverer, Hans Eskils, could not be found. Samples of the sediment were collected for analysis.

Swedish Ice Hole Commentary: The editor of 'UFOLOGEN' comments on the Swedish ice hole phenomenon, noting that official explanations often contradict basic physical laws.

Fantastic Sightings in Vellinge: A detailed account from Bodil Svensson describes seeing a round, yellow, luminous object on November 8th, 1972, near Vellinge, Sweden. The object moved silently and rapidly, appearing like a flying saucer. It later turned silver-grey and disappeared behind treetops. The witness, initially skeptical, became convinced of the existence of flying saucers.

NUFOC's Commentary

NUFOC provides commentary on the reported sightings, emphasizing that they are well-documented observations of seemingly unconventional flying objects over Norwegian airspace. They highlight the characteristic saucer shape, light effects, and movement patterns described in the reports. NUFOC criticizes the evasive responses from authorities when inquiries are made, suggesting a pattern of "concealment versus neglect." They pledge to follow up on these cases and report any new information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings, the challenges of obtaining credible explanations from official sources, the organization of UFO research groups, and the inclusion of international and folkloric aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance is one of serious investigation and a critical view of official responses, advocating for a scientific approach to the study of UFOs while acknowledging the public's interest and the need for transparency. The magazine positions itself as a platform for detailed reports and discussions within the UFO community.

Title: Norsk UFO Forum
Issue: 3/73
Date: January 1973
Publisher: Norsk UFO Forum
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of Norsk UFO Forum presents a collection of UFO sighting reports from late 1972 and early 1973, primarily from Sweden, but also including reports from Norway, Denmark, and Finland. The magazine documents various aerial phenomena, detailing witness accounts, locations, dates, and descriptions of the objects observed.

Reported Sightings and Incidents

Halmstad, Sweden (November 22, 1972) An observer named M.E. reported seeing a large, sharp, yellow object descend silently outside his home. The object extinguished and became dark, and the witness noted that its appearance was unlike the moon.

Stockholm, Sweden (December 27, 1972) Two witnesses near Brunnsviken observed a blue-lit, disc-shaped object flying silently and rapidly towards the NO-SW. The object's relative diameter was larger than a full moon, and it was estimated to be at an altitude of 200-300 meters.

Lycksele, Sweden (December 28, 1972) A witness described a flying saucer, approximately 1 meter long and 40 cm wide, with a pale yellow color and a white halo. The object appeared to be two discs joined together and was observed about 100 meters above the Ume älv.

Oskarshamn, Sweden (January 8, 1973) Two observers reported seeing a large, luminous object with a grid pattern of lights, surrounded by a darker edge. The object moved silently and rapidly from east to west at an altitude of 150-300 meters.

Frödinge, Sweden (January 8, 1973) Fru Signe Jansson reported hearing a strange humming sound and then seeing a very large object emitting a strong yellow light, which flew just above the treetops.

Linghed, Sweden (January 10, 1973) A disc-shaped object, estimated to be 3-4 meters in diameter and 2 meters high, was observed at an altitude of 150 meters, moving at approximately 100 km/h with a blinding red-yellow glow and complete silence.

Svärdsjö, Sweden (January 11, 1973) Three mysterious flying objects were observed moving in a zig-zag pattern over the lake for about ten minutes at an altitude of 200-300 meters. They emitted a quiet hum and a strong red glow.

Falun, Sweden (January 16, 1973) Skogsarbeider Rolf Sjur reported seeing a sharply blinking object, approximately 3x3 meters, ascend silently from within a military area and disappear behind a hill. The object's light resembled a police car's blinker but was much stronger.

Karlsborn, Sweden (January 16, 1973) Five boys observed an object, possibly 3-4 meters in diameter, with a rotating illumination, moving at an altitude of 50-75 meters. They initially thought it might be a helicopter.

Korsnäs, Sweden (January 16, 1973) A 'saucer' was reportedly seen over Falun, corroborating the sighting by Rolf Sjur.

Nävekvarn, Sweden (April 13-14, 1972) An article details two separate incidents where a motorist was followed by a luminous object. The object was described as orange-colored with green or blue stripes, moving parallel to the car at a low altitude. The witness, Sven G. Närholm, a metalworker, reported significant radio interference during the observation.

Rusko, Finland (September 25-30, 1966) Kalervo Salmi observed an object shaped like a hat, with green, red, and white blinking lights on its dome, emitting a bright light beam towards the ground. The object moved westward and disappeared behind the horizon.

Roskilde, Denmark (February 4, 1973) An engaged couple reported seeing three red objects with similar spacing moving in the sky. They observed a large dark object behind these lights, which they perceived as windows. The object then made a sharp 90-degree turn and ascended rapidly.

Oskarshamn, Sweden (February 15, 1973) Two residents reported seeing a brightly shining object in the sky.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings across Scandinavia, the variety in object descriptions (shape, color, size, behavior), and the consistent reporting of silent, fast-moving aerial phenomena. The magazine appears to take a serious approach to documenting these reports, providing detailed accounts and citing sources. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging witnesses to come forward and providing a platform for their experiences. The inclusion of comments from the editor, Anders Liljegren, suggests an effort to analyze and contextualize the reports, while also acknowledging the need for further investigation.

Norsk UFO Forum, issue number 3/73, published around February-March 1973, is a Norwegian magazine dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs). The issue contains several reports of sightings, discussions on UFO research, and an article by a prominent scientist.

Oskarshamn Sightings

The magazine details an incident near Oskarshamn, Sweden, where witnesses Hans Johansson and Roger Strand reported seeing a luminous object. They described it as having the shape of two bowls stacked against each other with an inverted saucer underneath, emitting a strong blue light from the 'saucer' and an orange color from the upper part. The object appeared sharp and remained visible for a significant period, even changing appearance slightly as it moved towards Kristdala. The witnesses were shaken by the experience, describing it as waking from a dream.

Köping Sighting

Another report describes a mysterious object observed near Köping, Sweden, on March 11, 1973. A group of employees at an industrial company witnessed the object moving slowly across the eastern sky. Process technician Thorvald Berthelsen contacted UFO-logists, who noted that the object was also seen over Vallentuna heading towards Norrtälje. The object was described as bowl-shaped, with no visible wings. A commercial flight from Oslo to Stockholm passed over Köping later than the UFO sighting, suggesting the object was not a conventional aircraft.

Backe Sighting and Photographs

A particularly detailed account comes from Backe, Sweden, on April 3, 1973. Sigvard Engholm reported seeing a bright, luminous object moving slowly along a river. Initially thinking it was a helicopter, he became suspicious when it stopped and moved erratically. He later saw it again, hovering over Backe and described it as a luminous sphere. Engholm noted the object was silent and moved in jerky motions. NN-photographer Bjarne Engholm managed to photograph the object, which was visible for over half an hour. During this time, a hazy object was sometimes visible beneath the main object, changing colors. The object was seen to emit glowing particles and moved both sideways and up and down.

Folklore and Flying Saucers

An article titled "Folklore and Flying Saucers" discusses the history of UFO investigations, referencing a Japanese investigation from 1235 where mysterious lights were explained as the wind making stars appear to sway. It also touches upon modern explanations, such as mistaking the planet Venus for a UFO. This section references Jacques Vallee's book "Passport to Magonia" and a review by Roland Adlerberth.

Organization News from Sweden

This section announces that two prominent Swedish UFO-logists, Anders Liljegren and Håkan Blomqvist, have left the Swedish organization UFO-SVERIGE to form their own group, ARBETSGRUPPEN FOR UFOLOGI (A FU). They will continue to publish the UFO magazine UFOLOGEN. The new group aims to present UFO reports and related phenomena factually, without propaganda, and will no longer publish material from UFO-Sverige. The Norsk UFO Center will continue to cooperate with both A.F.U. and the Swedish national organization.

UFO Invasion Over Søgne?

A report from Søgne, Norway, describes a sighting on the night of June 8, 1973. A witness saw three luminous objects, red and orange in color, hovering over Uvår for about fifteen minutes before disappearing into the sea. They reappeared and moved west. Another luminous object with a ring around it was also observed.

NUFOC's Commentary on Søgne Sighting

NUFOC (Norsk UFO Center) investigated the Søgne sighting and found that naval rocket exercises were taking place in the area at the time. They suggest the luminous objects were likely related to these exercises, though they intend to follow up on the case.

UFO Over Frøya in 1965

Gottfred Tande-Petersen recounts a sighting from February/March 1965 near Frøya, Norway. While teaching, he observed a metallic, cylindrical object moving north-south. He then saw a triangular object above it. The cylindrical object ascended rapidly. He later took a photograph of the object, but it was not identifiable on the resulting slide. He found the event inexplicable.

Flying Saucer Over Hitra

A report from Hitra, Norway, dated August 1969, describes multiple credible witnesses seeing an unknown flying object resembling a disc, grey in color, moving sideways at high speed. Some witnesses sought cover behind rocks. The object was visible for about 10 minutes.

UFOs Deserve Scientific Study by J. Allen Hynek

This significant article is a letter from Dr. J. Allen Hynek, a professor of astronomy and former scientific advisor to the U.S. Air Force, published in SCIENCE magazine in 1966. Hynek argues that UFO phenomena warrant serious scientific investigation. He refutes common misconceptions, stating that UFO reports are not solely from enthusiasts but also from reliable, educated individuals, and that some reports are indeed vague but others contain 'hard data'. He criticizes the tendency to dismiss UFOs without proper study and draws a parallel to the historical dismissal of meteors. Hynek emphasizes the need for rigorous scientific inquiry into the 'hard data' cases, suggesting that future science may view these phenomena differently.

Contacting Earth from Space?

This article discusses the work of British astronomer Duncan Lunan, who believes an extraterrestrial spacecraft may be waiting within the Moon's orbit. Lunan's theory is based on analyzing radio signals from the 1920s that returned unusual echoes. He interpreted these echoes as forming a star map, suggesting intelligent communication. A team of researchers plans to repeat the experiment using radar transmitters and receivers to attempt contact.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the serious investigation of UFO phenomena, presenting witness accounts with a degree of skepticism but also with an open mind. It highlights the importance of scientific approaches to UFO research, as exemplified by Dr. Hynek's article. There is a clear stance against dismissing reports outright and a call for more rigorous, evidence-based study. The publication also serves as a platform for UFO organizations and their activities, as seen with the news from Sweden. The overall tone is one of seeking truth and understanding in a field often met with ridicule or dismissal.

Title: Norsk UFO Forum
Issue: 3/73
Publisher: Norsk UFO Forum
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Norsk UFO Forum focuses on a mysterious, growing object reported in Dallas, Texas, and revisits a historical UFO incident from 1897 in Aurora, USA. It also details the organizational structure and activities of the Norsk UFO Center.

Mysterious Growing Object in Dallas

The issue begins with a report about a strange, pulsating, bubble-like object that appeared in a backyard in Garland, near Dallas, two weeks prior to the report. Marie Harris described it as reddish with thick bubbles on top and black slime inside. The object had grown to 16 times its original size and was foamy, changing color when poked and emitting red and purple matter when bubbles burst. Similar masses were reported by other residents, with one found on a hedge and another climbing a telephone pole.

Scientist Arnold Dittman confirmed the object's growth, noting that if it were bacteria, it would be growing enormously, potentially mutating into a new species. He stated that parts of the mass, when placed in a glass, began to press from the inside.

Historical Incident: Aurora, USA, 1897

The magazine then delves into a historical account from Aurora, USA, dating back to 1897. According to a report purportedly from the "Dallas Morning News" on April 19, 1897, an "airship" appeared, sailed over the town square, and then collided with the tower of Judge Protector's Wind Mill, exploding and scattering debris. The pilot, believed to be the sole occupant, was described as non-human, possibly from Mars, according to T. A. Weems, a US Signal Service officer. The pilot's remains were reportedly buried in Aurora.

Skepticism and Investigation of the 1897 Case

Norsk UFO Forum notes that in 1969, they had investigated this story. Dr. Alfred Ed. Kraus, a colleague of Dr. Hynek, had traveled to Aurora in 1967 to investigate but found no evidence in local newspapers or other sources. The organization APRO (Aerial Phenomena Research Organisation) concluded the entire story was a hoax. The magazine suggests that author Brad Steiger, who wrote about the incident in his book "Flying Saucers are Hostile," may have fabricated the story for profit, lacking satisfactory background information.

Despite past skepticism, the recent AP report prompted renewed investigation. However, the magazine indicates that this new information also appears to be a "swindle number," reinforcing the need for caution in UFO research. Further details are withheld as the investigation is ongoing, with a promise of a more thorough report in a later issue.

Norsk UFO Center: Organization and Goals

The article shifts to discuss the organizational structure and purpose of the Norsk UFO Center. It highlights that civil engineer Hans Kr. Moe has decided to fully support the Norsk UFO Center and its new guidelines. Moe is expected to join the leadership of the planned regional group, Norsk UFO Center OSLO, alongside existing partners in the Oslo area. He was a founding member of the Trondheim UFO-Forening.

Furthermore, Finn W. Kalvik, chairman of UFO-Bergen and Norwegian representative for SUFOI (Skandinavisk UFO-Informasjon), has joined the Norsk UFO Center. This collaboration establishes a new regional group, Norsk UFO Center Bergen, and signifies close cooperation with SUFOI in Denmark, described as Scandinavia's largest UFO organization.

The magazine emphasizes that the first Norwegian UFO national meeting was a success, fostering broad agreement among participants. The basic purpose of the Norsk UFO Center is to collect data on UFO activity in Norwegian airspace and globally, process this material to find acceptable and unambiguous answers to the UFO problem, and make the information accessible.

The Center will operate with reporters, field researchers, and consultants across the country. New regional centers are being established in Oslo and Bergen, and other UFO organizations can join the institution by meeting specific requirements.

Upcoming Investigation: Djupsjøen

As part of its activities, the Norsk UFO Center is planning a long-anticipated investigation of Djupsjøen lake near Røros, starting on July 6th. The operation will involve experienced divers and electronic search equipment valued at approximately 50,000 Norwegian Kroner, expected to take about ten days to complete.

The interest in Djupsjøen stems from a credible witness report of an unconventional flying object that descended into the lake and possibly sank. The investigation aims to determine if such an object is present on the lakebed. If not, it would imply the object left the site after crashing or landing, making its nature and origin highly significant. The Center believes the investigation will be valuable regardless of the outcome.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Norsk UFO Forum demonstrates a commitment to investigating UFO phenomena, both contemporary sightings and historical cases. There is a clear emphasis on rigorous research and a cautious, skeptical approach, particularly towards sensational claims, as seen in the handling of the Aurora incident. The magazine also highlights the importance of organizational development and collaboration within the UFO research community, as exemplified by the expansion and activities of the Norsk UFO Center. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent inquiry, aiming to uncover factual information and provide clear answers to the UFO question, while acknowledging the potential for hoaxes and misinterpretations.