UFO Forum - 1977 - No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: Nr. 3
Volume: 5. årgang
Date: 1977
Publisher: Norsk UFO Center
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO Forum, published by Norsk UFO Center, focuses on critical analysis of UFO phenomena, including photographic evidence, organizational dynamics within the UFO community, and official acknowledgments of sightings.

Editorial: "Når følelsene overgår opptuktelsen" (When Feelings Overcome Reason)

The editorial discusses the peculiar public attitude towards the UFO problem, attributing it partly to psychological barriers and media influence. It argues that public perception is often "steered" by mass media, creating a conformist society where individuals are treated like machines. The editorial criticizes this trend, emphasizing that human nature resists such reduction and that popular opinion is manufactured. It laments that individuals can no longer distinguish their own thoughts and feelings from external manipulation, and calls for a protest against this "robotism" or "total destruction."

Article: "Når følelsene overgår opptuktelsen" (When Feelings Overcome Reason) - Continued

This section details the history and internal conflicts of Norwegian UFO organizations. It recounts the formation of Trondheim UFO-Forening and its eventual collaboration with Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC) to create a unified national organization. The article highlights the challenges faced due to personal motives and emotional attitudes within the UFO community, contrasting it with the structured and data-driven approach of NUFOC. It mentions the "UFO-Informasjon, Oslo" group and its eventual dissolution, attributing it to a desire for competition rather than constructive collaboration.

Article: "NORSK UFO-TIDSSKRIFT" (Norwegian UFO Journal)

This piece elaborates on the difficulties encountered in publishing a unified UFO journal in Norway. It describes the initial collaboration between Trondheim UFO-Forening and "UFO-Informasjon" which faltered due to delays and lack of follow-through, resulting in a five-year gap before the final issue was published. NUFOC eventually took over the publication, aiming for a more organized and effective approach.

Article: "NUFOC CENTER"

This section praises NUFOC's rapid achievement of its goals: establishing a solid, nationwide organization with clear definitions and effective methods. It notes the overwhelming positive response and membership growth, attributing it to the organization's structured approach and the creation of a "solid and respectable" entity in Norway.

Article: "BAKHOLDSANGREP" (Ambush Attack)

This article details a conflict between NUFOC and a rival group, "Norges UFO-Informasjon" (formerly UFO-Informasjon, Oslo). It describes how the rival group felt threatened by NUFOC's success and resorted to negative tactics and "gerilla"-like attacks. The article accuses the former leader of "UFO-Informasjon" of making baseless accusations and engaging in a smear campaign, particularly in the context of an "afterword" published in a book.

Article: "EN UFOBOK OVERSATT TIL NORSK" (A UFO Book Translated to Norwegian)

This section critically reviews a Norwegian edition of a book titled "UFO'er Gjestar fra Verdsrommet?" (UFOs Guests from Outer Space?). The article focuses on the "afterword" written by the leader of the opposition group, which it deems a "madly degrading" and factually incorrect assessment of Norsk UFO Center. The author refutes claims that interested Norwegians must travel to Denmark for UFO reports, asserting that Norway has active UFO research. The piece also questions the term "UFO-frelst" (UFO-saved), advocating for "rational thinking" and an agnostic approach.

Article: "EDB KAN AVSLØRE FALSKE FOTOS" (EDP Can Reveal False Photos)

This article introduces the use of computer technology, specifically digital image processing, for analyzing UFO photographs. It explains how techniques developed by William H. Spaulding and his colleagues can enhance details, reveal subtle changes in images, and provide objective data about an object's density and profile. The article notes that this method has already provided both positive and negative indications regarding UFO photographs, with some early photos from 1952 being validated.

Article: "Noen avslöringer" (Some Revelations)

This section presents further examples of UFO photograph analysis and debunking. It discusses the Falkville, Alabama case, suggesting the photos were a hoax. It also analyzes the Warminster, England sightings, revealing them to be a staged event. The article highlights the importance of critical evaluation, citing cases where photos were misidentified or deliberately falsified, such as the alleged Aldrin moon mission photo and a reflection mistaken for a UFO.

Article: "Luftforsvarssjefer innrømmer..." (Air Defense Chiefs Admit...)

This article reports on an incident where the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD) acknowledged tracking an unidentified flying object on radar and dispatching fighter jets. The event, which occurred on November 11, 1975, involved multiple witnesses, including police and military personnel. Despite the jets failing to make contact, the object was tracked for several hours. The article notes that NORAD's official stance on UFO radar detection has been inconsistent.

Article: ""EKSPERT PÅ FLYGENDE TALLERKENER VENTER PÅ GRØNNE MENN"" ("Expert on Flying Saucers Awaits Green Men")

This piece features an interview with Sture Wickerts, a UFO expert at the Swedish National Defence Research Institute (FOA). Wickerts describes his role in handling UFO reports and his methodical approach to documentation and analysis. He notes that a significant percentage of reported sightings are explainable as natural phenomena like meteors, satellites, or weather balloons. However, he acknowledges that a small percentage remain unexplained.

Article: "DR. HYNEK TVILER PÅ AT UFOENE ER UTENOMJORDISKE" (Dr. Hynek Doubts UFOs Are Extraterrestrial)

This article discusses the upcoming Spielberg film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and includes insights from Professor J. Allen Hynek. Hynek, a prominent figure in ufology, notes the high volume of UFO reports received by the Center for UFO Studies but emphasizes the need for rigorous investigation. He expresses doubt about the extraterrestrial hypothesis, citing the immense distances in space and the lack of plausible technological means for interstellar travel. He also questions why Earth would be a particular focus for alien visitors.

Article: "KONSEKVENSER OG EN OPPFORDRING" (Consequences and an Appeal)

This article reflects on the importance of scientific rigor and critical thinking in UFO research. It criticizes the reliance on anecdotal evidence and the tendency to accept unsubstantiated claims, drawing parallels to historical cases of misinterpretation and hoaxes. The authors advocate for a Scandinavian UFO Center to foster collaboration and improve the quality of research, emphasizing the need to filter out negative elements and focus on verifiable data.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a skeptical yet open-minded approach to UFO research. It emphasizes the importance of scientific methodology, data verification, and critical analysis, particularly in debunking hoaxes and misidentifications. There is a strong critique of sensationalism and emotional reasoning within the UFO community, advocating for a rational and evidence-based approach. The publication also highlights the challenges of organizing and disseminating information within the field, while acknowledging the potential significance of the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance is clearly in favor of organized, scientific investigation, as exemplified by NUFOC's structured approach.

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: 3/77
Publisher: NUFOC (Norwegian UFO Center)
Date: 1977

This issue of UFO FORUM focuses on compelling UFO evidence and analysis, featuring an exclusive report on a genuine UFO film, alleged sightings by Apollo 11 astronauts, and statistical data on UFO reports in Norway. The magazine also includes a section on UFO literature and an editorial discussing public and governmental attitudes towards the phenomenon.

Analysis of a Genuine UFO Film

The lead article, "Jeg har sett en ekte ufo-film" (I have seen a real UFO film), presents an interview with Arthur Lundahl, described as the US government's foremost photo analyst and a former chief analyst for the National Photographic Interpretation Center in Washington D.C. Lundahl asserts that he has seen a film containing UFOs that he believes is authentic and not a forgery. He describes the film, taken by Delbert Newhouse in Tremonton, Utah, as showing multiple objects of unknown size moving at extremely high speeds, estimated at approximately 2700 km/h. These objects reportedly changed color from red to blue and green, with one object separating from the others and moving away. Lundahl, who has analyzed countless photographs for organizations like the CIA, states that extensive testing of the 1600-frame 16mm Kodachrome film revealed no evidence of falsification. He emphasizes that the film was examined by experts, including those on the Robertson panel, and that no conventional explanation could be found. Lundahl concludes that the observed phenomena exceed current human knowledge and understanding.

Apollo 11 Astronauts' Lunar Sightings

Another significant report details alleged UFO sightings by the Apollo 11 astronauts. A source identified as 'Herr X', who was studying at an American university and had access to NASA's control room during the Apollo 11 mission, claims that the astronauts reported seeing three disc-shaped shadows following them on the lunar surface. This observation was reportedly interrupted on the official broadcast and explained away as 'sparkles' or 'embers'. Herr X maintains that the astronauts had seen these objects during their first orbit and that they disappeared from view as the spacecraft began its return to Earth. The article notes that if the objects were between the spacecraft and the sun, it would be difficult for the astronauts to determine their direction.

UFO Statistics from Norway

The magazine presents graphical analyses of UFO reports from Norway. One chart, based on 155 reports from February 1, 1975, to February 2, 1977, shows the distribution of sightings across the days of the week, with a notable concentration on weekdays. Another analysis, using 63 reports from January 2, 1975, to August 28, 1976, illustrates the temporal distribution of UFO sightings throughout the day. This graph indicates a peak in reports during the evening hours, specifically between 20:30 and 21:30. The article notes that while the Norwegian data is limited, it shows similar trends to more extensive international studies.

UFO Literature and Publisher Information

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to a catalog of UFO-related literature, primarily in Danish and Swedish, with prices listed. This section includes books on UFO landings, myths, orientation, and specific cases, as well as works on ancient mysteries and extraterrestrial technology. The catalog is provided by Jensen & Suadicani, Odense Antiquariat & Bogimport in Denmark.

Editorial Commentary

The editorial section, titled "REDAKSJONELT" (Editorial), addresses the perceived lack of public and governmental interest in the UFO phenomenon. The author argues that this disinterest creates a cycle where the public isn't interested because the authorities aren't, and vice versa. To elevate the UFO issue to a level of scientific research, the editorial suggests that it's not enough to have frequent media coverage; the press needs to be genuinely interested to make the topic 'popular'. The editorial also mentions discussions with colleagues in other Nordic countries about establishing a Scandinavian UFO center to facilitate the systematic dissemination of UFO material to the press across the region. A potential Nordic meeting is also being considered.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the presentation of seemingly credible UFO evidence (like the Lundahl film and the Apollo 11 incident), the statistical analysis of UFO sightings, and a critique of the societal and governmental approach to the UFO phenomenon. The editorial stance is one of concern over the lack of serious investigation and public engagement with UFOs, advocating for greater attention and systematic information sharing to promote scientific inquiry into the subject.