UFO Forum - 1977 - No 2

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Forum, number 2 from 1977, published by Norsk UFO Center, focuses heavily on the 'UFO Hypothesis' and the challenges of close encounters. The magazine features articles by K. Stenødegård, Aime Michel, Per Borggaard, and others, exploring scientific, statistical, and folkloric perspectives on UFO phenomena.

Redaksjonelt (Editorial)

The editorial criticizes Norwegian newspapers for sensationalizing minor incidents, like a 'sighting' at Dombås that turned out to be burning gunpowder, while ignoring more significant UFO cases. It argues that this selective reporting creates a false impression that the UFO problem is merely about people mistaking common phenomena for UFOs. The editorial also touches upon the role of authorities in remaining silent on the issue and the influence of media like NRK in shaping public perception.

Om Romskipshypotesen (On the Spaceship Hypothesis) by K. Stenødegård

This article addresses the 'spaceship hypothesis,' which posits that UFOs are physical craft from other planets. Stenødegård clarifies his disagreement with 'spaceship proclaimers' who hold this belief dogmatically. He acknowledges that the hypothesis is based on numerous credible witness reports of 'clearly constructed craft' and 'humanoids.' However, he questions its validity by highlighting the immense distances in space, making interstellar travel within humanly comprehensible timeframes highly improbable. He also points out the often absurd nature of reported humanoid behavior and the lack of any discernible purpose behind alleged alien visits. The article contrasts this with the vastness of the universe and the statistical unlikelihood of such frequent visits. Stenødegård concludes that while the spaceship hypothesis is a working hypothesis, the available material suggests UFOs cannot be spaceships as we currently understand space travel.

Vurdering av Hypotesen (Evaluation of the Hypothesis)

This section continues the critique of the spaceship hypothesis. It emphasizes that a hypothesis must explain the entire body of evidence, which the spaceship theory fails to do. The constant presence of UFO phenomena worldwide and the blurring lines between UFOs and other unexplained phenomena are cited as counterarguments. The article questions the practicality of interstellar travel, even at speeds far exceeding light, given the immense distances. It also points out the lack of any logical actions reported from 'humanoids,' who are described as performing absurd tasks like stopping cars or collecting pebbles. The article notes that while some beings are described with 'helmets' and 'suits,' others are not, and their ability to move easily on Earth is questioned given potential differences in gravity from their home planets.

Fra Mange Forskjellige Kloder? (From Many Different Worlds?)

This part of the article discusses the idea that UFOs might come from a multitude of planets. It uses a scale model to illustrate the vast distances involved in interstellar travel, showing how even the nearest stars are incredibly far away. The author argues that the probability of a craft traveling between star systems and passing Earth is astronomically low, comparable to an atom hitting a specific grain of sand in an entire continent. Despite this statistical improbability, the article notes that UFO reports suggest a constant stream of visitors from various planets and species.

Alternative Hypoteser? (Alternative Hypotheses?)

Faced with the challenges of the spaceship hypothesis, the article poses the question of what else UFOs could be. It states that the only honest answer is: 'WE DON'T KNOW.' It defines UFOs as 'REAL BUT UNKNOWN PHENOMENA.' The author suggests looking into historical records, myths, and legends, similar to how other unexplored areas have been investigated. The article specifically mentions the concept of 'folklore experiences' and encounters with 'small folk' or elves, noting their striking similarities to modern 'ufonaut' or humanoid descriptions, including their appearance, behavior, and interactions with humans.

Kan Vi Tro På Nærobservasjoner? (Can We Believe in Close Observations?) by Aime Michel

This article, by Aime Michel, examines the reliability of close-range UFO observations. It begins by citing a 1973 Gallup poll indicating that 11% of the US population claimed to have seen UFOs. However, it notes that such statistics don't account for multiple sightings by the same person or the number of truly unidentified cases. The article references a study by Professor Peter A. Sturrock of Stanford University, who surveyed members of the American Institute of Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineers (AIAA). Sturrock's findings suggested that while many UFO sightings occur, only a small percentage are considered highly significant. The article then discusses the lack of photographic or film evidence for these close encounters, despite the high number of potential opportunities. It questions the 'fraud' or 'hoax' explanation, arguing that the absence of even poor-quality faked photos is suspicious. Two main explanations are proposed: either UFOs are not purely physical, or witnesses are somehow prevented from documenting them, possibly through psychological control. The article concludes that our understanding of UFOs' true nature and behavior during close encounters is limited.

Diskujon (Discussion)

This section analyzes the statistical data presented, particularly Sturrock's findings. It highlights the discrepancy between the estimated number of close encounters (over 2 million in technologically advanced countries) and the complete absence of clear photographs or films of these events. The article dismisses common excuses like panic or forgetfulness as insufficient to explain this lack of evidence. It concludes that the lack of photographic proof is highly suspicious and suggests that either UFOs are not physical or there is a deliberate suppression of evidence.

III: Andre Kommentarer Avledet Av Statistikkene (Other Comments Derived from Statistics)

This section discusses Ted Phillips' study of landing traces, suggesting an average duration of UFO presence on the ground. It reiterates the statistical improbability of the spaceship hypothesis given the lack of evidence. The author also touches upon the difficulty of interdisciplinary cooperation in research and the tendency for media like NRK to focus on 'popular' or 'bra for Ola Nordmann' topics, often at the expense of more profound scientific inquiry.

IV: I Parentes Bemerket (In Parenthesis Noted)

This section defends the use of Sturrock's statistics, acknowledging the potential for error but asserting that the results are consistent with other data. It reiterates the statistical argument that even with a low percentage of unidentified cases, the number of witnesses to highly significant events remains substantial, making the lack of photographic evidence inexplicable.

V: Foreløbig Konklusjon (Preliminary Conclusion)

The preliminary conclusion states that our knowledge of UFOs during close encounters is based solely on witness descriptions. The article suggests that the lack of evidence might be explained by witnesses being under psychological control, or by UFOs having the ability to erase evidence. It calls for improved data collection and information dissemination regarding UFO phenomena.

På Sporet? (On the Trail?)

This article reports on a sensational scientific breakthrough by three French scientists who claim to have solved the mystery of UFO propulsion. They propose a theory that allows UFOs to fly at speeds exceeding sound without creating sonic booms. The scientists have reportedly built a working model of a UFO machine and a 'flying saucer' that achieved speeds three times the speed of sound in a wind tunnel. This discovery has garnered attention from the French Academy of Sciences and American scientists. Dr. Jean Pierre Petit and Dr. Claude Poher, part of the research team, are quoted as believing that a functional UFO could be built within eight to ten years, capable of interstellar travel. The technology is described as complex, utilizing electromagnetism and nuclear energy, with the model being able to generate immense energy.

En Snarvei I Universet? (A Shortcut in the Universe?)

This article discusses a theoretical possibility for overcoming the vast distances of space, which has been a major argument against the spaceship hypothesis. It introduces the concept of 'black holes,' predicted by Einstein, where the normal laws of physics are suspended. The article suggests that by navigating correctly through the distortions caused by black holes, spacecraft might be able to travel to other universes and reappear elsewhere in our own universe, potentially even in a different time. This concept, previously relegated to science fiction, is presented as a theoretical possibility that could make interstellar travel feasible.

Bør Romskipsteorien Forlates Helt? (Should the Spaceship Theory Be Abandoned Entirely?)

Despite the challenges and lack of evidence, the author argues against completely abandoning the spaceship theory. They agree with the assessment that it is a valid working hypothesis, even if current knowledge suggests UFOs cannot be spaceships. The article acknowledges the limitations of human understanding of the universe and the possibility of phenomena beyond current scientific comprehension. NUFOC's approach is described as agnostic and scientific, encouraging bold hypotheses but cautious conclusions. Objectivity is stressed as a difficult but essential art in UFO research.

Other Articles and Notes

The issue also includes a note about Norsk UFO Centers' internal newsletter, 'INFORMASJONSMANUAL,' and a mention of new methods in field research, including a document by Dr. Richard F. Haines. There is also a brief mention of a Danish defense stance on UFOs and upcoming UFO conferences in Sweden and Italy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of the 'UFO Hypothesis,' the statistical analysis of sightings, the comparison of UFO phenomena with folklore, and the exploration of theoretical physics as potential explanations for advanced propulsion and interstellar travel. The editorial stance is one of scientific skepticism combined with an open-minded approach, emphasizing the need for rigorous investigation, objective analysis, and cautious conclusions. The magazine advocates for a systematic approach to data collection and research, urging readers to be critical and avoid jumping to conclusions, especially when dealing with unverified reports and speculative theories.

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: 2/77
Date: 1977
Content Focus: UFO phenomena, government secrecy, media influence, and astronomy.

Authorities Again (Myndighetene igjen)

The lead article, "Authorities Again," by K. Stenødegård, criticizes the authorities' unwillingness to address UFO evidence that doesn't fit their narrative. It recounts the 1949 incident at White Sands, USA, where Commander R.B. McLaughin's secret report on UFOs showing interest in rocket experiments was met with an admiral's dismissive reaction, leading to McLaughin's hasty reassignment.

The article then details the well-known Falkville, USA, incident from October 12-19, 1973. Police Chief Greenhaw responded to a report of a UFO landing and encountered a metallic, humanoid figure. He managed to take two Polaroid photos of the figure at 15 and 6 meters, and two more at 3 meters before it fled with extraordinary speed and agility, described as having springs under its feet and moving with a side-to-side gait. Greenhaw's pursuit was unsuccessful. The case was investigated by ICUFON and the Condon Committee, with researchers suggesting the figure might have been a remotely controlled robot.

Following this, Greenhaw was forced to resign, officially unrelated to the UFO incident, but the article implies a connection. The author laments the intense persecution Greenhaw faced from private individuals and the effective silencing of witnesses, facilitated by authorities. The article also touches upon the concept of a 'national security censorship' affecting press freedom in the USA, noting that the 1973 UFO wave was largely ignored by major media outlets, with exceptions like the Pascagoula incident being used to ridicule the topic.

Media Control and Censorship

The article extends the critique of media control to Norway, questioning why significant UFO events are not reported by national media like NRK, while trivial matters receive extensive coverage. It suggests that this selective reporting, along with the proliferation of low-quality 'literature' and cultural products, manipulates public opinion and forces people into predetermined attitudes, stripping them of their fundamental human traits. The author argues that this passive acceptance or direction of public behavior, whether through overt force or subtle manipulation, leads to societal decay and problems that people cannot comprehend.

"Mysterious Stone..."

This section addresses the analysis of a mysterious object found on Bornholm, Denmark, which was initially sent to NUFOC for examination. The object, described as a metallic lump, was analyzed by Teknologisk Institut in Denmark. The report indicated the metal was primarily manganese with smaller amounts of iron, along with traces of other elements. Metallographic examination revealed large crystal grains and internal cracks. Hardness tests suggested it was hardened steel. The analysis concluded that the object was likely ferromanganese, an alloy used in steel production. The article includes a detailed comparison of X-ray fluorescence spectra from the 'UFO metal' and reference samples of ferromanganese, showing them to be practically identical. The conclusion is that the 'stone' was indeed ferromanganese, a common industrial product, and not 'UFO metal'.

Stars: Birth, Life, and Death

Authored by Øyvind Andreassen, this article is a continuation of a series on stellar evolution. It explains that stars require immense energy reserves, primarily supplied by nuclear reactions. The article details the main sequence phase of a star's life, where hydrogen fuses into helium. The evolution of a star is dependent on its initial chemical composition and mass. Stars are categorized into generations based on their composition, with first-generation stars being composed of pristine matter from the Big Bang, and subsequent generations containing recycled stellar material.

The article then focuses on the Sun, describing it as a dwarf star despite its size. It reiterates that stellar energy comes from fusion, requiring extremely high temperatures (around 15 million degrees Celsius for the Sun's core). The Sun is expected to continue its stable phase for another 4 billion years.

As hydrogen in the core is depleted, the star enters a new phase. For stars like the Sun, the core will become a helium star, and a shell-burning process will commence, converting hydrogen to helium in a shell around the core. This leads to the star expanding and cooling, becoming a red giant. The article predicts that if Earth remains at its current distance, its temperature would rise to around 500 degrees Celsius, causing molten metals to flow.

For stars with different masses, the processes vary. Stars with more than 0.5 solar masses can ignite helium fusion, producing carbon. More massive stars can fuse heavier elements, potentially leading to the formation of elements up to iron. The article posits that all elements heavier than hydrogen and helium were likely formed in the interiors of stars through fusion and other processes, and then dispersed into the universe. It also briefly mentions phenomena like nova and supernova explosions, and the possibility of stars collapsing into neutron stars or black holes.

UFO Literature & Astroarchaeology

The final section lists available books on UFOs and related topics, categorized by language (Danish and Swedish), with titles, authors, and prices. It also includes contact information for Jensen & Suadicani, an antiquarian bookshop in Odense, Denmark, specializing in such literature.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights the perceived cover-up of UFO phenomena by authorities and the media's role in either ignoring or sensationalizing such reports. There's a strong undercurrent of skepticism towards official explanations and a belief that important truths are being suppressed. The inclusion of astronomical articles suggests an interest in scientific explanations for phenomena, but also a willingness to explore unconventional theories. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging readers to question official narratives and seek alternative explanations, particularly concerning UFOs and their potential implications.