UFO Forum - 1973 - No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: Nr. 4
Volume/Year: 1973
Publisher: Norsk UFO Center
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Cover Headline: LETEAKSJONEN I DJUPSJØEN VED RØROS (Search Operation in Djupsjøen near Røros)

Redaksjonelt (Editorial)

The editorial addresses the ongoing challenge of financing UFO research in Norway. The Norsk UFO Center lacks income from passive members due to a lack of available staff for administrative tasks. While 'UFO Forum' aims to compensate for this, the low subscription price does not generate a surplus. Operations are funded by private donations, which can amount to significant sums. Expenses for postage, photocopying, and equipment are considerable. The editorial highlights the costs associated with investigations like the one in Djupsjøen, even though participants worked voluntarily. It also mentions plans for a similar search operation in Namsenfjorden the following summer and ongoing work related to significant imprints found near Namsenfjorden, with potential for progress.

Letaksjonen i Djupsjøen ved Røros (Search Operation in Djupsjøen near Røros)

This section details the search operation in Djupsjøen. Despite the efforts of divers and echolots, no unconventional object was found on the lake bottom within the investigated area (approximately 300x200 meters). The operation faced numerous challenges, including participants dropping out at the last minute and severe weather conditions (heavy rain, wind, and thunder). The team was provided with shelter by Bernhard Sollie. The underwater firm Aqua Marin A/S provided significant assistance, including divers like Odd Anfindsen and technical equipment. Other participants included Oskar Øksnes, Ivar Løften, Reidar Krogstad, an amateur diver from Tolga, Knut AAsheim, Thommas Summerson, Ingrid Fiksdal, Randi Haugen, Astrid Sveimoe, and Hans Kr. Moo. The investigation was led by K. Stenødegård. The search involved marking the area, using a bottom rope for divers to probe the muddy bottom, and employing an underwater sled with a spotlight. Echolots were also used to scan the area. The operation received extensive press coverage from various newspapers and magazines, including Adresseavisen, Arbeidets Rett, Fjelljom, Østlendingen, Billedbladet NÅ, Allers, and Dagbladet. The article criticizes Dagbladet's sensationalist and dismissive reporting, particularly its misrepresentation of the findings and its perceived attempt to ridicule the investigation.

Serie av uhell (Series of Mishaps)

This subsection within the Djupsjøen report details the numerous difficulties encountered during the operation. These included a lack of personnel, adverse weather conditions (heavy rain, wind, thunder), and the need for additional equipment like spotlights and a long underwater cable, which had to be sourced from Røros.

Rosverdig og imponerende innsats av Aqua Marin A/S (Commendable and Impressive Effort by Aqua Marin A/S)

This part specifically praises the contribution of the underwater firm Aqua Marin A/S from Trondheim. Their timely involvement and provision of divers, including Odd Anfindsen, and technical equipment were crucial for the successful execution of the search operation within the set timeframe. Other divers and participants are also mentioned for their contributions.

Tap av verdifull tid (Loss of Valuable Time)

Due to the poor weather and reduced workforce, significant time was lost. Much of the effective work time was spent on tasks like placing marker buoys, setting up the bottom rope, and constructing an underwater sled. The need for additional equipment like spotlights and a long underwater cable also consumed valuable time.

Undersøkelsen av bunnen (Investigation of the Bottom)

The search involved marking an area of approximately 300x200 meters. Divers swam side-by-side along a bottom rope, probing the muddy layer. Approximately two-thirds of the area was covered this way. Due to time constraints, the remaining third was examined visually from an underwater sled with a spotlight. The area was also scanned with an echolod capable of detecting solid objects even under the mud. Some echolod readings were investigated but turned out to be stones.

Besøk av pressefolk (Visit of Press Personnel)

Journalists from various publications visited the site. These included Adresseavisen, Arbeidets Rett, Fjelljom, Østlendingen, Billedbladet NÅ, Allers, and Dagbladet. Dagbladet's reporting is singled out for its sensationalism, including an incident where their pilot reportedly fell into the water.

Reportasjer er brakt i NÅ nr 29... (Reports have been published in NÅ no. 29...)

This lists the publications and issue dates where reports on the Djupsjøen incident appeared, including NÅ nr 29 (21.7.73), Allers nr 34 (21.8.73), Dagbladet (14.7.73), and a corrective letter from NUFOC in NÅ nr 32 (11.8.73).

Dagbladets forsøk på latterliggjørelse (Dagbladet's Attempt at Ridicule)

This section strongly criticizes Dagbladet's coverage of the Djupsjøen event. The magazine accuses Dagbladet of consistently avoiding factual reporting on UFOs and instead focusing on sensationalism. Dagbladet's report is described as a failed, crude, and inappropriate attempt at humor, particularly its mention of a 'milk separator' as the only finding. The article suggests Dagbladet's reporting is not taken seriously by most people.

Endel misforståelser i ukepressen (Some Misunderstandings in the Weekly Press)

Reports in Billedbladet NÅ and Allers are considered generally accurate but contain some errors and misunderstandings. NÅ confused azimuth and elevation, while Allers misinterpreted the 'five points' mentioned in a report, which were intended as characteristics of good reports, not requirements for an observation.

Honnor til Adresseavisen (Honor to Adresseavisen)

Adresseavisen is praised as a notable exception for its factual and accurate reporting on the Djupsjøen circumstances on July 10 and 14. The magazine commends Adresseavisen for providing correct and comprehensive information to the public.

Sollies observasjon (Sollie's Observation)

This section recounts the 1947 sighting by Bernhard Sollie and Harald Engvik. While sharpening scythes outside Sollie's mountain farm by Djupsjøen, they heard a strange sound and saw an egg-shaped object moving at high speed. The object descended and made a controlled landing on the lake, floating slowly before disappearing. Fru Gudrun Sollie also witnessed the object after it had landed. The object was described as blue-gray, metallic, and approximately two meters long with two small, half-moon shaped 'wings' on the sides. The weather was clear. They searched for a boat to investigate but were unsuccessful. They later assumed the object had sunk as they heard no further sound. Engvik later died in a drowning accident in the 1950s, leaving Sollie and his wife as the sole witnesses. Engvik's parents confirmed his excitement when recounting the event.

Merkelig gjenstand over Røros også i 1946 (Strange Object over Røros also in 1946)

This article reports on a sighting by Rolf Wintervold of Røros Kommune. On August 27, 1946, a peculiar ring-shaped phenomenon was observed over Røros center. It appeared to be a smoke ring but moved against the wind and did not dissipate. The object was initially estimated to be 20-50 meters above ground and moved at a speed that accelerated to approximately 800 km/h. It followed the railway line and then the course of RV 30 before disappearing towards the north. The witness could not compare it to anything known.

APROPOS "RØKRING" (Apropos "Smoke Ring")

This brief note discusses a report in Sunnmørsposten about an 8-shaped smoke trail with a bright light, which was quickly explained as smoke from burning oil barrels. It reiterates the magazine's stance that 'false' UFO observations are usually easily explained.

Nye UFO'er observert over norsk territorium (New UFOs Observed over Norwegian Territory)

Enda en oppsiktsvekkende iakttakelse i Namsenfjorden (Another Remarkable Sighting in Namsenfjorden)

This section details a sighting by Captain Erling Bakke and his wife on July 4, 1973. They observed a black, egg-shaped object, estimated to be 25 feet long and 6 feet high, hovering a few feet above the water in Namsenfjorden. The object made no sound and ascended rapidly at a 45-degree angle, disappearing towards Kjølsuya. Captain Bakke, initially skeptical of UFOs, was convinced by this observation. He had his camera nearby but was too stunned to take a picture. The article notes that previous UFO reports and alleged crash sites exist in the Namsenfjorden area. Lieutenant Colonel Magne Sørensen of the Air Force's Gråkallen station stated that the Air Force had no UFO observations on radar, but did not dismiss the reports, suggesting possibilities like meteorites. He also denied that the Air Force withheld UFO information.

Norsk UFO Centers Kommentarer (Norsk UFO Center's Comments)

This section comments on a radio program broadcast on August 25th, which discussed 'sea monsters' and UFOs. Captain Erling Bakke and K. Stenødegård participated, with Bakke recounting his Namsenfjorden sighting. The center emphasizes that interesting UFO reports often come from individuals skilled in observation and reporting, like Captain Bakke.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO investigations, witness testimonies, and media coverage of UFO phenomena in Norway. The magazine highlights specific cases like the Djupsjøen search, the Røros sighting, and the Namsenfjorden encounter. There is a clear editorial stance against sensationalism, particularly from publications like Dagbladet, and a strong emphasis on factual reporting, thorough investigation, and the credibility of witnesses. The Norsk UFO Center positions itself as a serious research organization dedicated to uncovering facts about UFOs, despite financial challenges.

Title: Norsk UFO Forum
Issue: nr.4/1973
Date: 1973
Publisher: Norsk UFO Forum
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of Norsk UFO Forum focuses on recent UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings observed over Norwegian territory in 1973. It presents a collection of reports from various witnesses, including a Swedish couple, a Trondheim family, and individuals from different regions of Norway. The magazine also includes commentary from NUFOC (Norsk UFO Center) and addresses the challenges and skepticism surrounding UFO research.

Reported UFO Sightings

Namsenfjorden Area Incident (Pre-1973)

A brief mention is made of a previous incident in Namsenfjorden where giant, triangular imprints were found on the mud, and an unidentified object was reported to have crashed into the sea shortly before Christmas in 1959.

Tisvatnet Sighting (July 1973)

A detailed report from a Swedish couple, Lonnard and Kim Åslund, describes an observation at Tisvatnet in Lierne municipality. They witnessed a strongly luminous yellow, bell-shaped object that hovered for 2-3 minutes, then ascended, emitting a strong light. This cycle repeated several times over 40 minutes before the object moved slowly east and then northeast, accelerating and ascending rapidly until it disappeared.

Mysen Encounter (August 1973)

Sivilingeniør Terje Almås and his family reported being followed for an hour by a luminous object near Mysen. The object, described as round with a turquoise core and yellow outline, stopped when their car stopped and only disappeared when the car's lights were turned off. The object moved erratically and silently, causing the family distress.

Røros Sightings (August 1973)

Reports from Røros detail a "mysterious object" that lit up the road and followed a car for two miles. Reidar Whist described a luminous ball-shaped object that pursued his car from Hummelfjell to Røros. Multiple witnesses also observed a triangular object with a light tail over Hånesåsen, which moved back and forth and remained stationary at times.

E 18 Sightings (July 1973)

Two separate reports concern sightings along the E 18 highway. Two young men, Ove Hagen and Terje Johnsen, observed a luminous, round object with illuminated windows moving at a low altitude near Kragerø. They stopped their car but heard no sound. Another report from Kragerø mentions a UFO seen by a man and his wife, which disappeared in the direction of Bamble.

Skåtøy Sighting (July 1973)

A woman from Skåtøy reported seeing a large, luminous wheel-shaped object with two raised parts in the middle. It emitted a reddish light and moved from east to west before disappearing behind treetops.

Malmøya Sighting (July 1973)

Six watchmen at a youth camp on Malmøya observed a luminous object moving slowly southwest over the sky for over an hour, from 1:35 AM to 2:40 AM.

Commentary and Analysis

Editorial Stance

The editorial section expresses frustration with official responses to UFO sightings, particularly the tendency to dismiss them as meteorological phenomena or to question the sanity of witnesses. The magazine advocates for more serious scientific investigation and criticizes the lack of open-mindedness within the scientific community. It highlights the need for financial support for UFO research and suggests establishing a "support fund" to facilitate ongoing investigations.

Skepticism and Scientific Explanations

Amateur astronomer Bjørn Argren is quoted, expressing skepticism towards UFOs and attributing sightings to natural phenomena such as cloud formations, satellites, ball lightning, or planetary Venus. He argues that professional astronomers do not register UFOs, implying that they are not real phenomena. Norsk UFO Forum counters this by stating that astronomers do not continuously photograph the sky in a way that would capture all UFOs and criticizes Argren's simplistic explanations.

NUFOC's Comments

NUFOC (Norsk UFO Center) acknowledges the characteristic nature of these reports, noting similarities to other UFO sightings worldwide. They express a desire to conduct personal interviews with witnesses but face challenges, such as witnesses having already left the country. NUFOC emphasizes the importance of collecting detailed reports and expresses concern about the general confusion surrounding the UFO issue, which has persisted for over 20 years.

The "Rules" for Observing UFOs

A satirical piece, attributed to "Adrian" (alias byfogd Arvid Dahle), presents a set of "rules" for dealing with UFO sightings, sarcastically advising observers to disbelieve their own eyes and attribute everything to natural explanations. It mocks the tendency to dismiss unusual phenomena and highlights the potential for public ridicule.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the persistent observation of unidentified flying objects across Norway, the detailed accounts provided by witnesses, and the perceived reluctance of official and scientific bodies to seriously investigate these phenomena. The editorial stance is one of advocacy for UFO research, critical of skeptical dismissals, and supportive of those who come forward with their experiences. The magazine emphasizes the need for financial resources and open-mindedness to advance the understanding of UFOs.

Title: Norsk UFO Forum
Issue: 4/73
Date: 1973
Content Focus: UFO sightings and related phenomena in Norway and internationally.

New UFOs Observed Over Norwegian Territory

This section compiles several reports of UFO sightings within Norway.

Malmøya Sighting

A UFO was observed near Malmøya, emitting weak light pulses and having cone-shaped lights. A witness followed the object with a 54mm telephoto lens and concluded it must be a UFO.

UFO Export to Malmøya

Gunvald Weie, chairman of the Norwegian UFO Study Group and a civil engineer, visited Malmøya in Viksfjord to investigate UFO sightings reported there. He expressed interest in the observations and noted that he founded the first UFO study group in the Nordic region in 1950.

UFO Over Jevnaker

Between 21:47 and 22:00 on a Saturday, a bright, blue-white glowing object was seen in the sky over Jevnaker. It shone like a welding flame, sometimes dimming and then becoming brighter. It then moved south at high speed, its light extinguishing completely. Witnesses ruled out it being a satellite due to its size.

Red-Glowing Fireball Over Trondheim

A resident of Trondheim reported seeing a large, red-glowing fireball pass low over the city late at night. The object illuminated the bedroom with a strong light. The witness initially feared a fire or a rocket launch but then saw the fireball moving across the sky at a height visible from the bedroom for about five seconds.

UFOs at Sea?

This extensive section explores the question of why UFOs are reportedly observed more frequently over land than over sea.

Farsund Sighting

A report from Farsund mentions two UFO-like objects seen over Spindslandet. One object changed to a greenish color. Witnesses definitively ruled out it being a rocket.

NUFOC's Comment: A NUFOC representative quickly identified the 'UFOs' in Farsund as a fire in some insulators on power lines.

Reader Mail: "Why No UFOs Over the Sea?"

Peter E. Hammer, 1st Mate: Hammer questions why UFOs are only discovered over land, often in remote areas. He notes that oceans cover 70% of the Earth's surface and, despite sailing for many years, has never personally seen or heard of such phenomena at sea.

Response to Hammer: The author acknowledges that there are more UFO reports from land, possibly due to more observers and UFO phenomena occurring there. However, they assert that it is incorrect to claim UFOs are not observed over the sea, citing numerous reports from ships and aircraft. A detailed report from the chief officer of the T/T "Javesta" is presented:

Report from T/T "Javesta" (July 6, 1965): While sailing from Puerto la Cruz to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, the lookout reported a luminous object. The chief officer observed an intense blue tongue of light moving at high speed towards the ship. He saw the object through binoculars, describing it as ton-shaped, passing about 200-400 meters astern of the ship. It had a shiny upper half and a dark lower half with red lights. The object moved from north to south, with a course of approximately 180 degrees. It was described as much larger than known aircraft types and emitted no sound. The object was visible for about 30-40 seconds. The lookout, Hernandes Ambrosio, reported it initially moved northwards before changing course towards the ship. Helmsman Marciso Guillan, repairman Juan Hernandes, and messman Ignacio Suarez also observed the object, their accounts aligning.

Conclusion from "Javesta" report: The witnesses concluded it was not a conventional aircraft, rocket, meteor, or ball lightning.

General Commentary on UFO Researchers: The article criticizes the notion that only drunk people see UFOs. It emphasizes that credible reports come from trained observers like pilots, radar personnel, police officers, and engineers, who describe objects they cannot identify with conventional terms.

K. Stenødegård, Norsk UFO Center: Responds to an Adresseavisen question about believing in UFOs, stating he firmly believes. He recounts seeing a cigar-shaped object in broad daylight about 10 years prior, comparing its size to the airship "Norge." He notes that a schoolboy also saw it and identified it as a Sputnik, reinforcing the idea that it was a real, unidentified object.

International UFO Reports

This section covers UFO sightings from outside Norway.

Piedmont, Missouri, USA

Over 200 residents of Piedmont, Missouri, a town of about a thousand people, have reported seeing unidentified flying objects. Experts from the International UFO Bureau in Oklahoma City investigated and concluded that a "foreign, possibly extraterrestrial object" had landed multiple times in a marshy area near a lake. Hayden Hewes, the bureau's director, claimed to have seen the object himself. He described two formations of yellow-orange "bowls" passing over the valley at altitudes of approximately 150 and 300 meters.

Backe, Sweden

Photographs previously published in UFOLOGEN and Norsk UFO Forum were re-examined. A report from GICOFF (Gothenburg Information Center for Unidentified Flying Objects) concluded that the object could not be conventionally explained and classified the report as a "very good UFO report."

Eastern Iceland

Multiple aircraft, including a SAS flight from New York to Bergen, observed a mysterious flying object at an altitude of 40,000 feet over Eastern Iceland. Pilots confirmed it was not a balloon or weather sonde and could not be detected by radar. The sighting caused a significant public reaction.

Felsted, Denmark

A family near Felsted observed a "flying saucer" or UFO. The object was described as a ton-shaped craft with a shiny upper half and a dark lower half with red lights. The family managed to take a photograph of the object, which was sent to the organization SUFOI.

Nørresundby, Denmark

A woman in Western Nørresundby reported seeing an orange, luminous object vertically in the sky, described as being about four times the height of the full moon. It appeared to shrink and move away, suggesting it was heading into space. UFO expert Flemming Juhler invited others who had made similar observations to contact him.

English Policeman Takes UFO Photos

Aldridge, England: Several police officers and other residents observed a mysterious luminous object in the sky for over two hours. Constable Leslie Leek took several photographs of the UFO. Initially, the Ministry of Defence refused to release more than one photo, which was reportedly of poor quality. The investigation by the Ministry of Defence was ongoing.

Constable Leek's Account: Leek was called to investigate a report of an object hovering over a garage. He described it as an egg-shaped object, quite large, emitting a faint, yellowish, and slightly silvery light. It appeared to be stationary. Later, it began to move, and Leek was certain it was not a star. He retrieved a camera and, along with other officers and a central operator, observed the object. It shifted shape, resembling an egg and then a "plate on its head," and changed color from silvery-yellow to more orange.

Other Officers' Accounts: Constable Robert Smart and Constable David Hopkins corroborated Leek's observations, describing the object as glowing and unlike any balloon or aircraft they had seen.

Police Inspector's Statement: Stanley Victor Morris vouched for the reliability of the officers involved.

Tynemouth, England: Two men in Tynemouth also reported seeing a "saucer-shaped" object hovering and moving slightly from side to side for a couple of hours before disappearing.

International Book Import

Aase Wollesen's Initiative: The article highlights the efforts of Aase Wollesen from Copenhagen, who recognized the scarcity of UFOlogy books translated into Danish. She started by ordering books from foreign publishers for her own study, which led to friends and acquaintances showing interest. This initiative has now developed into a specialized international book import service called "VALBY ANTIKVARIAT & BOGIMPORT."

The company offers books on UFOlogy, occultism, historical research, mythology, psychic research, and mysticism. They aim to provide books at reasonable prices, considering international shipping, customs, and VAT. The first catalog is extensive, with a promise of an even larger one in July of the following year. Some books are in stock for immediate dispatch, while others require ordering from abroad, necessitating some waiting time.

Title: Norsk UFO Forum
Issue: 4/73
Date: August 1973
Publisher: Norsk UFO Forum
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of Norsk UFO Forum focuses on the book "UFO og Vitenskapen" (UFO and Science) and a successful UFO event held in Lillestrøm.

Book Promotion: "UFO og Vitenskapen"

The magazine begins by highlighting a "Happy Danish news" regarding the availability of books on UFO topics. It mentions that books not found in catalogs can still be sourced if the author, publisher, and year are known. The text emphasizes the importance of accessing contemporary literature on the subject, which is often overlooked.

It directs readers to an address for inquiries and to request catalogs and brochures free of charge. The initiative is praised for spreading information on topics that are often marginalized in literature. AAse Wollesen is noted as a diligent contributor and translator for "UFO Aspekt". The source of this information is "UFO Aspekt" nr. 4, August 1973, published by Fredriksberg UFO-Studiekreds (FUFOS) in Copenhagen, Denmark.

The magazine then presents quotes from six well-known scientists discussing UFOs, featured in the book "UFO og Vitenskapen".

• Dr. Hynek states that it is "completely untenable" for the Condon report to claim that the UFO problem is merely a matter of misinterpreting known things.
• Dr. Salisbury questions whether Mr. Adamski was genuine or if he was manipulated, suggesting he might have been abducted and hypnotized.
• Dr. Sprinkle believes the "spaceship hypothesis" is the best explanation for the long list of UFO evidence.
• Dr. Harder asserts that the UFO problem is "by no means a nonsense problem, but a problem of striking scientific interest."
• Dr. McDonald notes that in 1947, USAF technicians and researchers concluded that UFOs were not only real but also interplanetary.
• Dr. Saunders expresses optimism about the chances of making significant progress in understanding the UFO problem.

"UFO og Vitenskapen" is presented as the first volume in SUFOI's new debate series. It is published by Skandinavisk UFO-Informasjon (SUFOI) and distributed by STRUBES FORLAG. The book has 134 pages and costs kr. 29.75.

Information is provided for ordering the book: a special price of kr. 22,- is offered to SUFOI members. Payment should be sent to postgirokonto nr 11 77 25, SUFOI's accounting office, Oxford Allé 3 A, 2300 København S, Denmark. The order must clearly state "UFO OG VITENSKAPEN" on the payment slip.

Norsk UFO Center gives the book its highest recommendation, calling it unparalleled in its ability to clarify the many questions surrounding the UFO problem. It commends the book for its extensive discussion among six scientists who have thoroughly investigated the issue and are willing to share their views publicly. The book also answers numerous questions from the audience.

The magazine encourages readers to purchase the book and use it to inform skeptical friends during discussions about UFOs.

Successful UFO Event in Lillestrøm

The issue reports on a successful UFO information program organized by Giganten Fritidsklubb in Lillestrøm, following a screening of Erich von Däniken's film "Erindringer om Fremtiden" (Memories of the Future) at the local cinema. The event, held on September 10-12, included a UFO photography exhibition, books, and magazines. Several speakers were invited, including Hans Kr. Mo, Knut Alsheim, and meteorite expert Johnny Skorve from the Astrophysical Institute at Blindern. Engineer Erik Tandberg was unable to attend.

The event was well-received, with many questions from the audience indicating a strong interest in the UFO problem. The report notes a positive shift in attitudes towards discussing UFOs, suggesting that the ongoing efforts in public information and awareness have led to more concrete results, allowing the UFO phenomenon to be discussed in a calm atmosphere.

Giganten Fritidsklubb, known for its dynamic approach and its UFO group, has a history of organizing similar events. The magazine expresses anticipation for future events from the club.

The club's address is Postboks 84, 2001 Lillestrøm, and it is mentioned that the club represents Norsk UFO Center locally.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue strongly promotes the dissemination of information regarding UFOs, particularly through literature and public events. The editorial stance appears to be supportive of serious scientific inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, as evidenced by the promotion of the book "UFO og Vitenskapen" and the positive coverage of the Lillestrøm event. There is a clear encouragement for readers to engage with the topic, challenge skepticism, and contribute to a more informed public discourse. The magazine positions itself as a facilitator for this information exchange, linking readers with relevant organizations and resources like SUFOI and Norsk UFO Center.