UFO Forum - 1975 - No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: 1
Volume: 1975
Issue Date: 1975
Publisher: NORSK UFO CENTER
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Price: Kr.30,-

This is the first issue of UFO Forum for 1975, the third year of publication. It is published by Norsk UFO Center, based in Trondheim, Norway. The magazine serves as a forum for Norwegian UFO associations and interested individuals, aiming to connect enthusiasts and promote UFO research.

Table of Contents (Innhold)

The issue features a variety of articles and reports, including:

• REDAKSJONELT (Editorial): An introduction to the new year and the first UFO reports.
• SENSASJONELL MELDING I VENTE FRA DET AMERIKANSKE FORSVARSDEPARTEMENT ! (Sensational message expected from the American Defense Department!): A report on potential US government disclosure regarding UFOs.
• "MYSTISKE KREFTER" I LILLESAND OG FEVIK ? ("Mysterious Forces" in Lillesand and Fevik?): An investigation into unexplained electrical phenomena in these Norwegian towns.
• FLYGENDE TALLERKENER - BEKYMRET PROFESSOR (Flying Saucers - Concerned Professor): Likely a report on a professor's views on UFOs.
• HVA VAI. DET EZEKIEL SÅ ? (What Did Ezekiel See?): An article possibly related to biblical interpretations of UFOs.
• KAN 15 MILLIONER AMERIKANERE TA FEIL ? (Can 15 Million Americans Be Wrong?): A question posed about widespread belief in UFOs.
• UFO - EN DOKUMENTASJON (UFO - A Documentation): A report presenting evidence or documentation related to UFOs.
• NYTT VEDRØRENDE AVTRYKKENE VED NAMSENFJORDEN (News Regarding the Traces at Namsenfjorden): An update on a specific UFO-related case.

Editorial (Redaksjonelt)

The editorial section reflects on the start of 1975 and the importance of field researchers in gathering data for UFO reports. It highlights an incident in the Drammen area where a UFO observation was made, and the subsequent public discussion it generated. The editorial criticizes a letter to the editor in 'Drammens Tidende og Buskerud Blad' that dismissively attributed the UFO to a New Year's rocket, labeling the author as poorly informed or misinformed. The editorial emphasizes that such 'doubters' often lack proper information and fail to consider the evidence. It commends field researcher Tom Evensen for his clear rebuttal of the dismissive claims, reinforcing the idea that simple explanations often fail when confronted with UFO evidence. The piece also touches upon the need for accurate information dissemination and the ongoing challenge of dealing with skepticism.

Information and Subscription Details

The magazine provides contact information for Norsk UFO Center in Trondheim, including postal and postgiro (bank giro) details. The annual subscription price is Kr.30,-, which includes 'RAPPORTNYTT', the UFO Forum's separate report edition. The publication schedule is five issues per year, plus 'RAPPORTNYTT' and ten separate editions. Contact details for 'RAPPORTNYTT' in Bergen are also provided. Readers are encouraged to subscribe to support the organization's work, with the goal of reaching a subscriber base large enough to enable offset printing, thereby improving the magazine's technical quality.

Addressing Inquiries

Readers are advised to direct inquiries related to UFO Forum to the 'EKSPEDISJONEN' (Expedition/Dispatch) for faster processing. General inquiries and those concerning reports or observations should be directed to 'RAPPORTNYTT' in Bergen.

Open Forum for Readers

UFO Forum aims to be a link between interested parties and actively engaged individuals. Its pages are open to contributions from readers, including articles, suggestions, questions, and other relevant submissions. The magazine encourages communication and participation from its readership.

US Government Disclosure on UFOs

One of the most prominent articles in this issue discusses a sensational report that the US Department of Defense has decided to acknowledge the existence of "Flying Saucers" from other planets. This claim, originating from 'The National Tattler' and other UFO publications, suggests that while not a direct government statement, it comes from reliable sources. The article mentions Jim Lorenzen, leader of the conservative UFO organization A PRO in Arizona, and UFO expert Ralph Blum, who both claim the US Defense Department will soon admit that UFOs are extraterrestrial craft. Lorenzen states that a program is underway to reveal what the government knows about UFOs within three years. A film about UFOs, produced by Allen Sandler Productions, was scheduled for release in January 1975, promising uncensored information and photographic evidence. The article speculates that the government's shift in stance is partly due to a fear of other countries, like France, taking the lead in acknowledging UFOs. It also suggests that the decision was made 18 months prior but delayed due to the need to compile vast amounts of data. The disclosure is expected to be gradual to prevent panic and reassure the public that UFOs pose no threat.

NUFOC's Commentary on US Disclosure

NUFOC offers a cautious but hopeful commentary on the news. While acknowledging the promising nature of the statements, they express a degree of reservation, noting that their information is based solely on newspaper reports and they have no direct knowledge of how Lorenzen and Blum obtained their information. They question how the US authorities could have overlooked the reality of UFOs for so long, referencing the overwhelming documentation available. The commentary also touches upon the views of Professor James E. MacDonald, who reportedly emphasized the incompetence with which the US Air Force handled the UFO problem, suggesting a lack of high-level cover-up but rather a significant amount of low-level disorganization and incompetence. An alternative hypothesis mentioned is that official projects like 'Project Blue Book' were merely 'cover organizations' for a highly secret government investigation.

Senator Barry Goldwater Joins NICAP

Another significant report features Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona, who publicly stated his belief in extraterrestrial craft and accepted a leading role in the National Investigation Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP). NICAP is described as the world's largest private UFO research organization, formerly led by Major Donald Keyhoe. John L. Acuff, the current leader of NICAP, explains that Goldwater was invited to join the board due to his expressed interest in UFOs. Goldwater, a former Air Force general with extensive flying experience, asserts his conviction that Earth has been visited by beings from space and that intelligent life is likely abundant in the universe. He recounts accounts from pilots who have witnessed UFOs flying very close to their aircraft. Goldwater also attempted to access research archives at Wright Patterson Air Force Base (related to Project Blue Book) but was denied by General Curtis LeMay. Goldwater believes that a secret leadership is withholding UFO investigation data.

Mysterious Forces in Lillesand and Fevik

This section details reports of unusual occurrences in Lillesand and Fevik, Norway, in November 1974. Fru Tora Mosgren reported that her radio suddenly turned on with high volume while she was watching television, despite not being switched on. She was unable to turn it off until she unplugged it, yet the broadcast continued. Simultaneously, her grandson, Børge Bendixen, found that a parked car with the ignition key in it started by itself, even though the engine was not running. These events occurred around the same time. Meteorologist Harry Johansen from Kjevik stated that local weather conditions did not explain these phenomena, though he mentioned the theoretical possibility of a cumulonimbus cloud causing electrical discharge.

A follow-up report from Fevik mentions a woman experiencing a faint electrical tingling from a faucet. The article also notes that a boy, an electronics student, measured a 40V AC current in the water pipes, which registered as negative on DC. The local power company and a plumber were unable to find any electrical fault. NUFOC's representative in Arendal, Alf Thommassen, commented on these incidents, noting the potential connection to UFOs' reported effects on electrical systems, such as car ignitions. While unable to conduct a personal investigation, NUFOC highlights several points: the possibility of a single unknown power source causing these effects, the unusual nature of the electrical reactions (positive instead of the usual negative), and the weakness of the local thunderstorm hypothesis due to the geographical distance between Lillesand and Fevik.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the growing possibility of official acknowledgment of UFOs by governments, particularly the US. There is a strong emphasis on the importance of accurate data collection and dissemination, and a critique of skepticism rooted in misinformation. The magazine also highlights unexplained phenomena occurring in Norway, suggesting a local manifestation of the broader UFO mystery. The editorial stance is one of cautious optimism regarding official disclosures and a commitment to investigating and reporting on UFO-related events, while encouraging reader participation and support for their research efforts.

This issue of Norsk UFO Forum, number 1/75, focuses on unexplained phenomena and UFO reports. The cover headline teases "Mysterious forces" in Sørlandet, with references to newspaper clippings from Agderposten.

Reports from Sørlandet

The magazine details reports from Norway's Sørlandet region, specifically Lillesand, Fevik, and Tromøy, from November 1974. Kåre Leonard Knutsen from Tromøy recounts an incident where his radio and stereo system turned on by themselves while his apartment was locked and windows secured. His mother, living downstairs, heard the music but could not enter the apartment as it was locked. Furniture was also found to have been moved within the room. Similar unexplained electrical phenomena were reported in Lillesand and Fevik.

Another report, from Grimstad, details a similar incident on the same Monday evening. A reliable witness and his wife, while visiting friends, heard distinct footsteps in their staircase. Despite their presence, no one entered the room, and a thorough check revealed no one present, with all doors and windows secured.

Professor Edwards' Views on UFOs

The issue features an article about Dr. P.M.H. Edwards, a Professor of Linguistics at Victoria University, who, despite wishing UFOs didn't exist, acknowledges the massive evidence. He spoke to the Vancouver Area Flying Saucer Club, stating that while many explanations are offered for UFO phenomena (religious, psychological, dimensional), it's unwise to dismiss the subject. He noted that the US Air Force is concerned about UFOs, suggesting they possess knowledge they do not publicly share.

The Ezekiel Spaceship Theory

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the "What was it Ezekiel saw?" theory by Arvid Dahle. This article explores the biblical account of the prophet Ezekiel's visions in 597 BC. It discusses how some interpret these visions as descriptions of a spacecraft. The article highlights the work of Josef F. Blumrich, a rocket engineer at NASA, who, after reading Erich von Däniken's book, set out to disprove the 'Ezekiel spaceship' theory. However, Blumrich concluded that the biblical description indeed pointed to a spaceship and its crew, detailing his findings in his book "The Spaceships of Ezekiel."

Blumrich's analysis, based on a detailed examination of various Bible translations and advanced technical knowledge, suggests that Ezekiel had contact with a spacecraft and its occupants. The article notes that Blumrich's work is technically dense but presents a compelling argument that challenges conventional thinking and may require a revision of our worldview.

Review of "Beyond Earth: Man's Contact With UFOs"

Ved K. Stenødegård reviews the book "Beyond Earth: Man's Contact With UFOs" by Ralph and Judy Blum. The book is described as a serious and thorough examination of UFO phenomena, free from wishful thinking. It covers current cases and includes a detailed account of the Pascagoula incident of October 11, 1973, where Charles Hickson and Calvin Parker reported an encounter with humanoid beings and a UFO.

The review highlights the Pascagoula incident, where the witnesses described an egg-shaped, glowing object and beings with crab-like hands. Hickson reported being taken aboard the craft and experiencing a close encounter. The incident was investigated by Dr. Allen Hynek and Dr. James Harder, who concluded that the witnesses were recounting a genuine experience.

The book also touches upon possible prehistoric UFO sightings and the "mysterious airships" observed in the 1890s across the USA. It aims to provide a cross-section of the UFO problem, including government attitudes, and mentions the Betty Hill star map case.

Dr. J. Allen Hynek's "The UFO Experience"

Another section focuses on Dr. J. Allen Hynek's book, "The UFO Experience," which is presented as the definitive UFO book written by an expert. The Norwegian edition, translated by Ernst G. Mortensen, is highly praised for making this valuable work accessible to a wider audience. The magazine refrains from a full review, stating that it would be too extensive, but emphasizes that Hynek's work far surpasses previous publications on the subject.

Dr. Hynek, a professor of astronomy, has a distinguished career, including work with the US Air Force's Project Blue Book. He is critical of the superficiality and lack of competence in official UFO investigations, particularly Project Blue Book. His book presents a systematic and classified collection of high-quality UFO reports, adhering to strict criteria such as requiring at least two witnesses for an event. This approach, the magazine argues, provides a clear and organized presentation of the phenomenon, helping to clarify its true contours.

The article contrasts Hynek's approach with 'contactee' reports, which he categorizes as belonging to the realm of fantasy. Hynek's book is lauded for its informative and engaging style, combining scientific rigor with accessible journalism. The magazine concludes that Hynek's work is essential reading for anyone interested in UFOs, calling the US government's handling of the UFO issue a "cosmic Watergate."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained aerial phenomena, alleged encounters with non-human intelligence, and the critical examination of official investigations into UFOs. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, advocating for serious scientific investigation into UFO reports while distinguishing between credible evidence and speculative accounts. The magazine champions the work of researchers like Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Josef F. Blumrich, who apply scientific methods to the study of UFO phenomena.

Title: Norsk UFO Forum
Issue: 1/75
Date: January 1975
Publisher: Norsk UFO Forum
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of Norsk UFO Forum explores potential public reactions to a UFO landing and details mysterious physical traces found in Norway.

Public Reaction to UFO Landings

The lead article, "LITT OM HVORDAN FOLK VILLE REAGERE DERSOM VI KOMMER I KONTAKT MED VESENER FRA ROMMET" (A Little About How People Would React If We Come Into Contact With Beings From Space), presents the views of five prominent psychiatrists interviewed by The Inquirer. These experts suggest that the public's familiarity with space exploration, such as moon landings and space navigation, has conditioned them to accept the idea of extraterrestrial visitors.

Dr. Benjamin Simon from Boston believes the reaction would be less dramatic than many imagine, stating that widespread panic would not occur, unlike the reaction to Orson Welles' 1938 "War of the Worlds" broadcast. He asserts that people are now accustomed to UFO reports and would likely accept UFOs with "appropriate realism."

Dr. Harold Elser of Farmington, Michigan, notes that reactions would depend on personal attitudes. Friendly and trusting individuals might welcome alien visitors, while others might be surprised.

Dr. Louis Rittmeyer from Washington D.C. predicts that unless the UFOs arrived as an invading force, there would not be overwhelming panic or widespread hysteria.

Dr. Roberth Switzer of Topeka, Kansas, suggests that a UFO landing could have a positive long-term effect, similar to the moon landing's impact on our understanding of the universe.

Dr. Jean Rosenbaum from Durango, Colorado, agrees that people would quickly adapt to the idea of extraterrestrial beings on Earth, just as they adapted to the concept of moon travel.

The psychiatrists generally agreed that while some initial panic and hysteria might occur near the landing site, it would likely be short-lived unless the visitors were hostile.

Footnotes and Commentary:

• Footnote (1) identifies Dr. Benjamin Simon as the same psychiatrist who treated Betty and Barney Hill under hypnosis.
• Commentary (2) questions the assertion that alien beings might not resemble humans. It argues that reports of "UFO-nauts" often describe humanoids, making the claim that they would not resemble us debatable. The commentary also points out that the psychiatrists' assessments are based on assumptions about the visitors being rational and intelligent beings, and that the analogy to human space travel is not entirely applicable to understanding alien intelligence.

Mysterious Imprints at Namsenfjorden

The issue also features a detailed report on mysterious triangular imprints discovered in the Namsenfjorden area of Norway, following a series of articles in the Namdal Arbeiderblad. This section is based on information from witnesses and the Fredriksberg UFO study group.

Hoddøya Imprints

Arve Svendsen reported discovering imprints on Hoddøya, across from Sundsøya, near the Sundsråsa strait. These imprints were found in a shallow, muddy area. They were described as equilateral triangles with sides estimated at approximately 120 cm. The depth of the imprints varied between 30-40 cm, attributed to the firmness of the soil. Notably, only three imprints were found, arranged in a triangular pattern about 10 meters apart. This suggests a systematic placement, possibly indicative of "landing gear."

Sundsvannet Imprints

Further details are provided about imprints found at Sundsvannet. These were located on the shore of a lake, approximately 1.5 km south of Sundsråsa. The imprints were not on the immediate shoreline but about 10 meters out on a shallow area. They were also triangular, with sides estimated at just over a meter and a depth of 15 cm. The ground was described as weathered rock with a sand-like consistency, suggesting the object that made the imprints must have weighed many tons.

Similar to Hoddøya, the Sundsvannet imprints were found in a set of three, arranged in a triangle. The witness stated that the discovery occurred the week before the Kjølsøya imprints were noticed.

Physical Effect at Sundsvannet:

The most intriguing aspect of the Sundsvannet discovery was that the paint on one wall of a nearby cabin had peeled off. This wall was the one facing the imprints. The cabin had been painted three years prior with "Jotum" brand green paint. The witness could not identify any specific weather conditions or other factors that would explain the localized peeling, especially on the side facing the imprints.

Distance to Nearest Habitation:

The nearest settlement is located 2.5 km from the Sundsvannet site.

Further Research:

The article notes that many questions remain unanswered and that the magazine aims to provide supplementary data as it becomes available. The authors express frustration with the lack of scientific follow-up on such phenomena, where conclusions like "unknown" or "unidentified" often mark the end of investigations rather than the beginning of scientific inquiry.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Norsk UFO Forum continues its focus on UFO phenomena, exploring both the psychological and societal aspects of potential contact and the investigation of physical evidence. The editorial stance appears to favor a serious, evidence-based approach to UFO research, lamenting the lack of official scientific interest and the tendency for witnesses to face ridicule. The magazine aims to document and disseminate information about UFO sightings and related phenomena, encouraging readers to contribute data. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs and the challenges in obtaining definitive answers or official recognition.