UFO Forum - 1973 - No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: Nr. 5
Volume: 1 (First year)
Date: 1973
Publisher: NORSK UFO CENTER
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Price: kr. 15.- per year

This issue of UFO Forum, the fifth and final for its first year, is published by Norsk UFO Center and focuses on UFO phenomena, particularly sightings and encounters in Norway and internationally. The cover prominently features the headline "NORSK SJØMANN VAR VITNE TIL TRINIDADE-OBSERVASJONEN !" (Norwegian Sailor Witnessed the Trinidade Observation!). The issue includes a table of contents listing various reports and articles.

Editorial and Organizational Matters

The "Redaksjonelt" (Editorial) section on page 2 reflects on the completion of the first year of the magazine. The editorial board acknowledges the learning curve and the inherent difficulties in organizing volunteer efforts for UFO research. A primary challenge highlighted is the persistent lack of organized, qualified personnel, despite a potentially sufficient pool of interested individuals in Norway. The editorial criticizes the tendency for some enthusiasts to limit their involvement to casual discussions rather than systematic work. However, it notes that Norsk UFO Center's efforts to combat this inefficiency have yielded some results, leading to the publication of this issue, described as Norway's only UFO magazine.

Information about Norsk UFO Center is provided, including its address in Trondheim, Norway, postgiro account number, subscription price, and publication frequency (5-6 issues per year). The editorial staff is listed: K. Stenødegård (Editor), Astrid Svelmoe (Expedition and Accounting), and Rigmor Kalvik (Stencil).

A note "Viktig!" (Important!) announces a new format for Norsk UFO Forum starting from the new year, with further details on pages 36 and 38.

Key Articles and Reports

The Trinidade Observation and a Norwegian Sailor's Testimony

This article, spanning pages 3-5, introduces a significant piece of information: a Norwegian sailor personally witnessed the famous Trinidade observation. The article recounts the well-documented Trinidade case, which occurred in October 1957 and January 1958 off the coast of Brazil, involving a Saturn-shaped object photographed by Almiro Barauna. The observation was made by a Brazilian naval and scientific expedition working on an oceanographic and meteorological station. The article refutes claims by skeptics like Menzel and Boyd that the Trinidade photographs were a hoax, citing the extensive documentation and investigation.

The key revelation is that Harry Ferdinand Flatner, a 40-year-old sailor from Lillestrøm, was aboard the M/S "Mildrid" on January 16, 1958, when the main Trinidade observation took place. Approximately 2 kilometers from the Brazilian research ship, Flatner witnessed the object moving from the island towards Venezuela. He described the object as "like two deep plates laid against each other," light gray in color, and smaller than a jet plane at a similar altitude. He noted no sound or emissions but observed its movement and a change in altitude. The article emphasizes that Flatner's testimony, initially overheard by chance at a UFO event in Lillestrøm, has been documented via a report form, though a full interview is pending.

Sessan Balstad's Remarkable Experience

Pages 6-10 detail a close encounter reported by Sessan Balstad from Hønefoss, Norway. She claims to have had contact with a UFO on two consecutive nights, October 1st and 2nd, 1973. On the first night, she saw a luminous object over the rooftops while walking home. She waved at it, and the object reacted by emitting light like a "star." It followed her to her garden, maintaining a distance of about 100 meters. For the rest of the night, the object remained nearby, sometimes as close as 30 meters and 6-7 meters above the ground. She observed it had small wings that could retract and described it as having the form of an inverted 'C' and a 'C' facing each other. She noted that the object seemed reserved and would move away when she lit a match.

On the second night, she again had contact from 6 AM. She believes the beings inside the object attempted to communicate but were hesitant. Balstad expressed regret that she had to go to the hospital for a minor operation, preventing further investigation at that time. She described the experience as the strangest she has ever had, confirming her belief in phenomena beyond human understanding. She noted feeling calm, not fearful, during the encounter.

Other Sightings and Related Reports

Several other reports are included:

• Ringerike Area: A strange light was observed moving over the sky and disappearing behind Solbergåsen in Nedre Eiker on the night of October 2nd, 1973.
• Mikal Madsen's Account: Mikal Madsen from Follum reported seeing a strange light moving up and down under Gyrihaugen on the night of October 2nd-3rd, 1973, between 0230 and 0530 AM. He described two sharp lights and a weaker blue light in the middle. He initially hesitated to report but was prompted by hearing Sessan Balstad's story and the radio program.
• Oslo and Åsa Sightings: Two anonymous women traveling to a meeting in Åsa saw a blank object moving low in the sky on Tuesday night. A man from Oslo reported his wife and son saw a strange object in the direction of Hønefoss on the same night. The object was described as moving erratically, making leaps, and having two blank lights and one that appeared green/blue.
• Trondheim Sighting: An object described as an "inverted soup plate" was observed over Trondheim on Monday night. It moved in a zigzag pattern and made rhythmic movements, with red and green lights.

UFO'et i Ni-timen (The UFO on Ni-time)

This section discusses the media coverage of the Hønefoss incident. Arne Børcke, chairman of Norges UFO-Informasjon, commented on the case on the radio program "Ni-time," highlighting its uniqueness due to the object's proximity to a witness and its reaction to signals. He noted the difficulty in confirming such events when the witness is alone. The report also mentions that the case garnered significant attention nationwide, with the news being picked up by local media and broadcast programs.

Børcke also mentions other cases of close contact with UFOs, including one in Kristiansand where a man's car windshield was broken and he was affected by an unknown force, resulting in red eyes. He notes that Sessan Balstad also experienced red eyes.

Dietrichson questions why people are not afraid in such situations, to which Børcke responds that it's unusual for people not to be afraid, but he personally doesn't know if he would be.

Børcke addresses the question of whether the object seen over Trondheim was the same as the one seen in Hønefoss, stating it's difficult to say but noting the Trondheim object's description as an inverted soup plate and its erratic movements.

He concludes by stating that they must contact the witness and authorities, and investigate potential electrical disturbances. Børcke also comments on the low percentage of hoaxes among UFO reports.

Norsk UFO Centers Comments

Norsk UFO Center provides commentary, stating that UFO observations of this nature are not as rare as one might think, with thousands potentially occurring. They refer readers to Vincent H. Gaddis' book "Sidste Nyt om UFO" for discussions on "mutual approaches" between humans and luminous objects that react to signals, and mention that animals have also been involved in such incidents.

Regarding the Hønefoss observations, the center states that they are still gathering information but provide preliminary data from Sessan Balstad's report: she is an office assistant born in 1927, and the observation occurred on October 1, 1973, from approximately midnight to 6 AM in the park and at her home in Hønefoss.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, close encounters, and the challenges of UFO research. The editorial stance emphasizes the need for systematic investigation, collaboration, and a move beyond casual discussion to more rigorous scientific approaches. There is a clear effort to document and validate witness testimonies, particularly the Trinidade case and the Hønefoss encounter, while also acknowledging the skepticism faced by such reports. The magazine positions itself as a platform for disseminating information on UFO phenomena within Norway and fostering a more organized approach to the subject.

The issue concludes with a note about the upcoming new format for Norsk UFO Forum, indicating a commitment to continued publication and development of the magazine.

Title: Norsk UFO Forum
Issue: 5/73
Publisher: Norsk UFO Forum
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Norsk UFO Forum, dated 1973, presents a collection of UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports from various locations across Norway. The magazine details witness testimonies, observational data, and attempts to provide explanations, often contrasting them with the witnesses' experiences.

Case Studies and Observations

Sessan Balstad Case (Hvalsmoen)

The issue begins with a continuation of the Sessan Balstad case from a previous issue. Balstad, an office worker at Hvalsmoen, reported a six-hour observation of a UFO. The conditions were clear and windless, with no moon visible. The object was described as having a constant, strong, non-pulsating light, forming a halo or glory around a "gold-shimmering" main body. It had no discernible tail or sound. Its movements included course changes, altitude adjustments, and speed variations. The object's relative size was estimated as comparable to a Norwegian 5-krone coin at arm's length. It was observed both in front of and behind houses and trees. No power stations or military installations were noted nearby, and no aircraft were heard or seen. Interestingly, unusual TV interference was reported in the area. Balstad experienced physical reactions: dry mouth, swollen throat, red eyes, and later nausea. The observation was reported to military authorities at Hvalsmoen. The report notes that Balstad has had subsequent sightings, some witnessed by military personnel.

Trondheim Sightings (Adresseavisen)

Several reports from Trondheim are detailed, originating from an Adresseavisen article. On a Wednesday evening, multiple people reported strange phenomena. The most detailed account comes from a man at Ringvål who observed two flying objects behaving erratically between 21:30 and 22:30. These objects were described as impossible to be balloons or conventional aircraft. The man, living in a newly built house, noticed a bright white object outside his window, which then moved eastward. Going to the balcony, he saw another object over the Trondheim fjord near Orkanger. This second object hovered, moved in circles, and emitted red and green lights. It then rapidly approached the observer's house, flying low between two hills, illuminating them with its intense light. The distance was estimated at five kilometers. The first object moved eastward and disappeared, while the second vanished behind a hill. The observer, who had taken flying lessons, stated he had never seen anything like it. The objects were estimated to be 15-30 meters in diameter, moving at speeds double that of a jet plane. Other reports from Byåsen described a similar object hovering and moving back and forth, emitting red lights around 20:30. Another sighting on Thursday evening involved a bright object on the eastern horizon that changed color from white to red and green, moving erratically. A more sensational sighting occurred about 5-6 weeks prior, where an oval, shiny object with a white shimmer was seen hovering about 50 meters above buildings in Selsbakklia, before rapidly disappearing. A report from Studentbyen on Moholt described a light point pulsating between white, yellow, and red, disappearing for 5-10 seconds repeatedly. A letter from a 92-year-old woman in Heimdal described an oval, illuminated object moving slowly northwards, which she believed to be a UFO.

NTH Experiment and Possible Explanations

Adresseavisen reported that the phenomena might be linked to experiments by the Institute of Geodesy at NTH (Norwegian Institute of Technology). These experiments involved electro-optical distance measurements using powerful light beams directed from three mountaintops towards a reflector. Professor Jon Holsen suggested that these light beams could have created strange light phenomena by interacting with smoke or fog, potentially turning white light red, but not green. However, the magazine's commentary questions this, noting that the reported movements and color changes (especially green) are difficult to explain by this theory. The magazine also dismisses the Norwegian Air Force's weather balloon theory, finding it inconsistent with the reported details, particularly the atmospheric light refraction effects. The issue highlights the difficulty in reconciling witness accounts with conventional explanations, suggesting that some explanations might be superficial.

Tyristrand and Surrounding Areas

Several observations from the Tyristrand area are documented. Arvid Granholm reported an object on October 13, 1973, near Haga Bru. The object was described as a constant, intensely bright, yellow-white light, similar to a powerful car headlight, moving like a small plane. It descended towards the fjord, passed in front of a wooded area, and then moved southwest-northeast. Granholm attempted to make contact with a flashlight but saw nothing further. He observed similar lights on October 14th and 21st, with the latter potentially heading towards Fornebo or Gardermoen airports, suggesting it could have been a commercial flight.

Strømsveien Incident (Oslo/Lørenskog)

A report from Akershus Arbeiderblad on October 17, 1973, details a luminous sphere observed by motorists on Strømsveien. The object followed traffic for about half an hour, moving at speeds comparable to a bird's flight, and at an altitude of 100-200 meters. It made small detours, sometimes in front of, and sometimes behind, a reporting car. Notably, the car's engine stopped when the object was near and restarted when it moved away. The cause of the phenomenon remains undetermined.

Other Regional Sightings

Reports from Steinkjer (Trønderavisa, September 15, 1973) describe an object that stopped in mid-air, blinked red, and then moved slowly with a faint hum. Sightings in Rana (Bergens Arbeiderblad, September 18, 1973) involved multiple luminous objects moving in siksak patterns and ascending rapidly. Activity over Østlandet was reported by Trønderavisa on October 6, 1973, including a light point observed over Lillehammer that moved rapidly, stopped, merged with another light, and then moved east at high speed. Another report from Lillehammer on October 10th described a red light moving from the mountains towards the town and disappearing over the mountains. A woman in Hønefoss claimed to be "pursued" by a UFO for several hours, a report that gained traction after a radio feature, with other residents also reporting sightings. Ringerikes Blad suggested these might be related to atmospheric conditions affecting the planet Mars, but witnesses insisted they were not mistaken.

Norsk UFO Centers Commentary

Norsk UFO Centers expresses a cautious stance on some reports due to difficulties in obtaining complete data. They acknowledge that some elements might be explained by the NTH experiments but find it unlikely that the experiments account for all reports, particularly those mentioning sharp green lights and unusual movement patterns. They also dismiss the weather balloon theory as inadequate. The commentary emphasizes the need for thorough investigation and highlights the distinct nature of some reported phenomena that cannot be easily explained by conventional means.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the variety of UFO shapes, colors, and behaviors reported, the persistent attempts to find conventional explanations (atmospheric phenomena, planets, aircraft, experimental lights), and the skepticism of some authorities versus the conviction of witnesses. The editorial stance, as indicated by Norsk UFO Centers' commentary, is one of critical inquiry, seeking to document and analyze sightings while remaining open to the possibility of genuinely unidentified phenomena. The magazine aims to collect and disseminate information on UFOs, contributing to a better understanding of these events.

Title: Norsk UFO Forum
Issue: 5/73
Publisher: Norsk UFO Forum
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Norsk UFO Forum presents a collection of UFO and luminous object sightings reported from various locations in Norway and Denmark during 1973, along with a few older reports from 1971. The content is primarily composed of witness testimonies, newspaper clippings, and detailed reports compiled by UFO research groups.

Reports from Norway

Ringerike and surrounding areas:
Several reports detail sightings of luminous spheres and objects. On October 18, 1973, Ringerikes Blad reported a luminous sphere over Ringerike that stopped cars on Strømsveien in Oslo the previous Tuesday. Louise Roa from Veme described a small, luminous object appearing over Holleia, hovering for 10 minutes before moving towards Gyrihaugen with a sharp, white light. It was suggested this might be the same object that caused a car engine to stall.

Drammens Tidende og Buskerud Blad reported on October 20, 1973, a luminous object seen over Hole by Kirsten Berg from Svendsrud. The object moved side-to-side and then in a slow circle, described as not being a star.

Another report from Ringerikes Blad on October 20, 1973, mentioned a luminous object observed over Røyse. Kirsten Berg again reported seeing an object that moved slowly side-to-side and then in a slow circle. Leif Wærness from Bønsnes in Hole also observed a luminous object that appeared to come from Krokskogen and move towards Modumlandet.

Bergen and surrounding areas:
Bergens Tidende reported on October 23, 1973, that a young Bergen doctor observed a luminous, rotating object through binoculars for about 5 minutes. The object had an intense white light and a small red point, appearing over Løvstakke. The doctor's family did not consider themselves UFO enthusiasts.

Bergens Tidende also covered luminous phenomena over Bergen on October 22, 1973. Two luminous phenomena were seen north of Bergen towards Knarvik, moving in various ways. Similar sightings were reported over Ulriken. Flesland airport reported no unusual observations.

A report from Morgenavisen (Bergen) on October 22, 1973, mentioned multiple strange sightings, including two intensely bright objects moving rapidly over Knarvik, which witnesses believed were not aircraft. One object disappeared over Løvstakken, while the other moved over Ulriken.

Other Norwegian reports:
A detailed report from Ulset, Åsane, near Bergen, documented by Kurt Horne and his family on October 21, 1973, described a single object with a strong, constant white light and a halo, but no tail. It moved and changed altitude.

Another report from Bergen, by Arne Solås on October 21, 1973, described a single object with a white-bluish light and three red lights, moving from east to west, slower than normal traffic.

Older reports (1971):
A significant report from Nordli, dated from 1971, recounts an experience of 70-year-old Lovise Homo, who observed a long, black object, estimated at 2-3 meters, moving slowly about two meters above the ground. The object emitted sharp light beams from its sides. She described the light as bright enough to read a newspaper by. The object moved slowly over a field, then appeared to land briefly before ascending. No traces were found the next morning.

Another report from Nordli, also from 1971, describes Lovise Homo observing two objects with white-bluish light and three red lights. These objects moved in a zigzag pattern and changed altitude.

Reports from Denmark

Anholt:
Ekstrabladet reported on July 18, 1973, a sighting over Anholt by Meta and Knud Poulsen. They observed a shiny, barrel-shaped object at low altitude, emitting a weak, singing sound. The object illuminated the desert area below. It then ascended vertically and moved southwest, later described as having a metallic top and emitting luminous strips from its underside. The object disappeared over Kattegat. Locals reported a similar phenomenon on April 17 of the same year, with traces of scorched ground found.

Reports from Sweden

Arvidsjaursjön:
On June 30, 1973, two older individuals reported a very large, round object passing low over their car near Arvidsjaursjön. The object emitted an intense light and quickly disappeared northward. Kent Lundgren, who stopped to observe, described a bright light point that rapidly vanished over the lake.

Kristdala:
Between June 30 and July 2, 1973, Nils Johannesson and others in Kristdala observed a mysterious object appearing nightly around 22:10. The object was described as larger than a star but smaller than the moon, with a visible structure in binoculars. It moved on a consistent course each night. Traffic control at F 12, Kalmar, could not explain the observations.

Fårö, Gottland:
On July 29, 1973, Greger Tørnholm observed what he initially thought was a star moving between constellations. The phenomenon was bright and moved in a wavy pattern. He later saw another object moving in an elliptical path, and over the course of an hour, observed three more such objects.

Høgsby:
On July 30, 1973, four people in Mjøsebo, Høgsby, observed peculiar luminous objects. One object was significantly larger than the others, resembling a cigar or zeppelin, while the others were located north, east, and west, emitting lights of changing colors.

Special Report: Flight Over the Baltic Sea

A report details an observation made on December 13, 1971, by flight captain Olof Berner and flight engineer Lennart Rydholm during a flight over the Baltic Sea, northwest of Visby. They observed a circular object with diffuse edges at an altitude of 4000 feet. The object, emitting a strong, constant white light, initially appeared stationary before ascending rapidly and disappearing within 15 seconds. The object's size was estimated to be about one-third of the full moon. The witnesses are described as credible.

Comet Kohoutek

The magazine also includes a brief mention of Comet Kohoutek, expected to be visible in December and early the following year, with plans for extensive observation and photography worldwide.

Editorial Stance and Themes

The publication consistently presents witness accounts of UFOs and luminous phenomena, implying a belief in the reality of these events and the need for further investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, encouraging readers to report their own sightings. Recurring themes include the visual characteristics of the objects (shape, light, color), their unusual movements, and the credibility of the witnesses. The publication aims to document and disseminate these reports, often crediting various UFO research organizations and local newspapers for the information.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Norsk UFO Forum is dedicated to documenting a wide array of UFO and luminous object sightings, primarily from Norway and Denmark in 1973, with a few older reports included for context. The magazine's stance is clearly in favor of investigating and reporting on these phenomena, presenting witness testimonies as credible evidence. The recurring themes revolve around the visual and behavioral characteristics of the observed objects—their shapes (spheres, disks, barrels, cigars), intense lights, unusual flight patterns (hovering, rapid ascents, erratic movements), and the consistent description of these events as unidentifiable. The publication acts as a clearinghouse for such reports, often citing local newspapers and UFO research groups, thereby promoting the idea that these are significant events worthy of public attention and further study. The overall tone suggests a community of individuals actively seeking to understand and document unexplained aerial phenomena.

This issue of Norsk UFO Forum, number 5/73, delves into various UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) related incidents, focusing on witness testimonies, physical evidence, and preliminary scientific analysis. The magazine covers reports from Sweden and the USA, highlighting the ongoing efforts of UFO research organizations.

Sightings and Incidents

Rudberg, Sweden (July 30, 1973)

Bo Rudberg, accompanied by his two children and a friend, reported observing luminous objects on the evening of July 30th. The primary object was described as cigar-shaped, approximately the size of two pens laid end-to-end, with a round disc in the middle and two legs extending downwards at a 45-degree angle. They observed the object through binoculars for about fifteen minutes. Subsequently, a fiery mass appeared above the object, emitting a bright light. Rudberg and his companions also observed three smaller, rapidly moving objects in the north, east, and west, which changed colors between blue, yellow, and red. Later that night, Rudberg reported seeing the objects again, with the large object making irregular movements within a specific circle. Rudberg interpreted these objects as interplanetary spacecraft.

Köping, Sweden (August 20, 1973)

Employees of a company in Köping reported seeing a luminous object passing over their facility towards the northwest at 9:11 PM on August 20th. A representative from Köpings UFO-Förening was alerted and, along with two others, also observed the object. Olle Högstedt from Kräcklinge described a luminous orange object that hovered and oscillated in the east-northeast for 5-10 minutes. It was distinct from stars in shape and size and moved under a cloud bank before disappearing. Approximately 15 minutes later, the object reappeared, stationary, further north and above a cloud bank. Högstedt noted it appeared more disk-shaped and had a yellower hue. They observed it for 10-15 minutes before it vanished. During these observations, TV programs experienced interference, but no sound was heard from the object. Thorvald Berthelsen of Köpings UFO-Förening stated the object moved against the wind. A report to UFO-Sverige described its movement as steady for about 5 minutes, then a stop, a slight swing north, and then stopping again before disappearing at 9:19 PM without apparent movement. In a separate incident on the same evening, a family driving between Valskog and Kungsör reported seeing a moving, luminous object in the direction of Himmeta, aligning with the Köping sightings.

Skiren, Sweden (October 30, 1972)

This article details a mysterious incident discovered by Lennart Engström, a constructor at Saab-Scania, and a master rider from Stockholm on the morning of October 30, 1972, near the lake Skiren. Engström noticed a sharp, bright red-orange spot on a small clearing. Upon closer inspection, he found a red-white, slightly oval-shaped ring, approximately 3 meters in diameter. Inside the ring was a white, powdery substance and a red coloring agent. In the center of the oval was a round spot where the grass was burnt. The heat appeared to be sharply defined, as the grass roots were undamaged. Outside the oval, there were four rectangular holes, about two inches deep, from which the soil seemed to be completely removed. Engström described the red substance as feeling like stearin or lipstick. The discovery was investigated by representatives from UFO-Södertälje, who took measurements and photographs. Samples of the substances were sent to FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency) for analysis.

#### FOA Analysis of Skiren Samples

The analysis of the two samples revealed:

1. White Powder: This substance, when heated, left a residue weighing 2% of the original amount, consisting of small white grains. Infrared spectroscopy indicated it was pure starch. A water solution of the powder reacted positively to iodine, confirming starch. Boiling with hydrochloric acid produced a clear solution, and further testing for amino acids and proteins yielded negative results. Conclusion: The white powder is pure starch.

2. Red Coloring Agent: The moss was extracted with chloroform, yielding an orange-colored substance. Further extraction with ethyl alcohol produced a pinkish substance, different from the orange one. Thin-layer chromatography on silica gel with chloroform showed different values for the orange and pink substances. The pink substance fluoresced orange under UV light. Neither substance was soluble in water, acids, or bases. The report notes that the substances could not be identified and that the sample size was too small for further investigation. The analysis was conducted by L. Larsson at the Swedish Defence Research Agency.

#### Lennart Engström's Interpretation

Engström, who has extensive experience in nature, stated he had never seen anything like it. He felt an object had landed on the spot, possibly leaving behind a melted surface coating. He had pondered this phenomenon for nearly two years without finding a satisfactory explanation, concluding that the object must have departed upwards.

#### Follow-up Visit to the Skiren Site (June 1972)

Anders Liljegren, editor of Ufologen, and other members of Södertälje UFO-Center visited the site. They described the area as a gentle slope surrounded by pine forest and rocky hills. Their findings included:

a. A central, circular area (80-90 cm diameter) where the grass was scorched.
b. A concentric ring (approx. 3 meters in diameter) composed of mixed red and white substances.
c. Outside this ring, four sharply marked, rectangular holes in the ground, approximately 16 x 23 cm each. One hole was a few meters from a ditch.
d. A flattened grass area a few meters from one of the holes.
e. A sprig of spruce was found stuck in one of the holes.

The holes were described as resembling marks from giant drill pipes, with grass stalks cut cleanly. The grass and soil appeared to have been displaced upwards. The tracks seemed fresh, possibly only a day old. Geiger counter measurements in mid-November yielded normal results.

#### Further Analysis of Substances

Additional analyses were conducted:

• Astra, Södertälje: The coloring agent was burned and could be broken, but no further investigation was done.
• Saab-Scania, Södertälje: Ing. Roland Høgh's spectral analysis identified heavy metals in the reddish coloring agent: strontium, barium, copper, zinc, and iron. The presence of strontium was particularly noted, with a question raised about its connection to radioactive isotope strontium 90. Further investigations were planned pending the arrival of spare parts for X-ray equipment.
• FOA: The results from FOA were referenced, with Evert Varlson of Grödinge noting that the starch was likely free of egg white. He also mentioned that the ninhydrin test, used to detect fingerprints, was negative, indicating the starch was pure. Varlson expressed surprise at the presence of such pure starch in a remote forest location.

#### Observations in the Vicinity

There were reports of phenomena in the area in the days preceding the discovery, but they were deemed insufficient to establish a direct link to the tracks, though considered indicative.

• Valborg Lønnestam and Maud Engström (Engström's sisters) saw two luminous objects circling warning lights at a power station in Södertälje on October 28th. The objects then moved south.
• Kristian Ohrn in Södertälje described what he termed the "world's strongest shooting star" moving west between 9:00 PM and 9:30 PM on October 29th.
• An anonymous report from Södertälje described an object with an "elusive shape" (between a disc and a cigar) moving towards the horizon in the northwest or west on October 29th around 10:30 PM. The observation lasted 2-3 minutes, with no sound heard.

Ufologen concluded that the Skiren case was "mysterious" but not necessarily a "strong" case, and that further investigation was likely.

Pascagoula Abduction (USA)

The Los Angeles Times / Dagbladet Report

Two fishermen from Mississippi, Charles Hickson (45) and Calvin Parker (19), claimed to have been taken aboard an alien spacecraft, interrogated, and then released. Dr. James Harder, a professor at the University of California and a consultant for the private organization APRO-NUFOC, investigated their claims using hypnosis. Harder stated that his investigation convinced him the event was not a hoax and that the fishermen had a genuine experience. He described their fear and distress reactions as proof of a real experience. Hickson and Parker, who work at a shipyard in Pascagoula, reported that a blue-colored object appeared near them while fishing, and three objects emerged from it. They described the beings as having wrinkled skin, pointed ears, narrow eyes, and sharp mouths with holes underneath. They were taken aboard the craft and then released. Harder, assisted by Dr. J. Allen Hynek (leader of the astronomy section at Northwestern University), conducted the investigation. Hynek commented that the individuals were not unbalanced and that the event was "definitely not of this earth." Sheriff Fred Diamand of Jackson County, Mississippi, stated that the men were serious and that if it were a hoax, they belonged in Hollywood. Three other individuals in the Pascagoula area also reported seeing unidentified flying objects that evening.

Norsk UFO Centers Preliminary Comments

Norsk UFO Center acknowledged the credibility of Professors Harder and Hynek, known figures in UFO research. They noted that VG (Verdens Gang) had also reported on the case but with an inaccurate and dismissive tone.

Hemmelig Base for Fremmede Rommenn (Australia)

This section discusses the theory of a secret alien base in a remote area of Australia, near the town of Burra, known for its abandoned copper mines. Harry Owens, a local resident, claims to have been in contact with alien astronauts. An Australian couple reportedly sold their farm due to frequent UFO landings in the area. UFO specialist Keith Basterfield suggested that the aliens might be using the old mines as a depot and base. The area has a history of strange sounds and unexplained light signals. Reports include a bright light passing close by, a circular mark on the ground, a luminous object following a resident home, a cigar-shaped object on a field, and three flying saucers chasing each other. The article also mentions the discovery of a body on a beach outside Adelaide, with the only clue being a torn page from the Rubaiyat with the words "Taman Shud" (meaning "the end"). NUFOC stated they would seek further information from contacts in Australia.

Diverse / NUFOC, Representatives for Mutual UFO Network

Norsk UFO Forum (NUFOC) has become the official representative in Norway for the American UFO research organization Mutual UFO Network (MUFON). MUFON is described as one of the world's most comprehensive UFO organizations, with numerous scientists as consultants. This partnership is expected to strengthen NUFOC's global section and provide access to fresh, reliable information on UFO events in America.

Improvement of UFO Forum's Layout from the Turn of the Year

Starting in 1974, Norsk UFO Forum will be divided into two separate publications to accommodate more varied content and allow for greater detail:

1. General Magazine: This publication will feature a wide range of UFO-related content, including editorials, articles, and news from organizations in Norway and abroad.
2. Report Magazine: This publication will be dedicated solely to UFO reports and documentation, both domestic and international.

The subscription price for each publication will be 15 Norwegian Kroner per year, making the combined subscription 30 Kroner. Each publication will have 5 issues per year, with 15-20 pages per issue. The magazine encourages readers to subscribe to both to receive the full scope of content.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of physical trace evidence (Skiren case), witness testimonies of aerial phenomena (Rudberg, Köping, Pascagoula), and the organizational efforts of UFO research groups. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, aiming to present factual accounts and scientific analysis while acknowledging the mysterious and sometimes extreme aspects of the UFO phenomenon. The magazine emphasizes the importance of systematic fieldwork and data collection, and it expresses a desire to expand its coverage of more unusual cases in the future. The publication also highlights the collaborative efforts within the UFO research community, both nationally and internationally.