UFO Forum - 1977 - No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: Nr. 4
Volume: 5. årgang
Year: 1977
Publisher: Norsk UFO Center
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Price: Kr. 20,-

This issue of UFO Forum, published by Norsk UFO Center, serves as a comprehensive update on UFO-related activities, research, and news within Norway and internationally. The cover prominently features the table of contents, highlighting key articles and sections.

Redaksjonelt (Editorial)

The editorial reflects on the historical context of the 'flying saucer' phenomenon, starting with Kenneth Arnold's 1947 sighting and the subsequent media sensationalism. It notes that while the 'flying saucer' jokes have subsided with increased public awareness, the phenomenon itself remains a significant scientific challenge. The editorial criticizes the tendency to dismiss UFO sightings with facile explanations and points to the enigmatic imprint at Espevær, Norway, as an example of a case that defies simple explanations, humorously questioning the lack of satirists to address such mysteries.

Landsmøte 1977 (National Meeting 1977)

The second national meeting of Norsk UFO Center took place on September 24-25, 1977, at Mosesvingen Fritidssenter in Lillestrøm. The meeting saw a good turnout, engaging discussions, and general agreement on fundamental issues. A Danish TV film was shown on Sunday, which was well-received. The agenda included a review of the year's events, the revised constitution, the internal newsletter, and plans for a Nordic meeting. Challenges highlighted included issues with the 'Globalseksjonen' (Global Section), stagnation in development work, and a lack of UFO reports. The 'Globalseksjonen' was a major topic, with discussions focusing on its purpose, persistent problems, and proposed solutions. The need to map NUFOC's potential in this area for the upcoming Nordic meeting was emphasized. Feltforsker Per Ottesen suggested focusing on the current functions of the Global Section before the Nordic meeting, as its structure might change. Arne Foss proposed a Nordic pool for subscribing to English-language journals and sharing Scandinavian material. Stenødegård also mentioned the possibility of using American press clipping agencies. Alf Thommassen raised questions about NUFOC's future role in Scandinavian integration, advocating for a proactive approach to control global information flow. A proposal from Hans Aass to engage pensioners in UFO research was discussed, with Kåre Elvik suggesting the use of UFO-Sweden's still film as a tool. The consensus was to improve the Global Section's status by the Nordic meeting in 1978 and explore potential nationwide activities.

Rapportrutinene (Reporting Procedures)

This section addressed issues with the existing reporting procedures for Norwegian UFO reports, which were deemed too labor-intensive and costly for the Rapportsentralen (Report Center). NUFOC Øst and Sør proposed simplified routines, while NUFOC Vest was also developing its own. The discussion centered on the level of involvement for regional departments in the contact between field researchers and the central report center, and who should receive copies of materials. The need for department leaders to be informed about activities in their areas and to have direct contact with field researchers was agreed upon. Proposals were to be submitted to NUFOC Vest for their opinion.

Avdelingslederne og Seksjonslederne har Ordet (Department Leaders and Section Leaders Have Their Say)

Odd Gunnar Røed presented a proposal to simplify all NUFOC payments, including membership fees, subscriptions, and the internal newsletter. The proposal suggested a unified membership fee covering all these aspects, with payments directed to the Hovedkassen (Main Cashier). The Central Administration, however, believed the current procedures offered sufficient choice and were not overly problematic. K. Stenødegård highlighted the advantages of the current system, allowing members to choose different subscription levels and publications. He also pointed out potential weaknesses in the new proposals, such as increased workload for the accounting manager. Despite these concerns, the Central Administration was willing to consider Røed's proposal if practical issues could be resolved. It was decided that subscriptions to the internal newsletter would be included in the membership fee from 1978.

Hovedkassen (Main Cashier)

Hovedkasserer Erik Fjeldberg reported positively on the work of the Main Cashier, stating that it had met all reasonable expectations and provided a solid financial foundation for NUFOC's activities. The introduction of membership fees at the year's end was seen as a new 'capital injection'. The possibility of sending in donations at any time was also encouraged.

Post IV Fra Første Møtedag (Post IV from the First Meeting Day)

Elbjørg Fjeldberg, NUFOC Øst, presented the latest results of negotiations with the Forsvarets Overkommando (Defense Command). NUFOC Øst had submitted specific questions regarding cooperation, and the Defense Command had responded positively, agreeing to continued collaboration and allowing public disclosure of the information. Regarding potential assignments from the Defense Command, it was stated that decisions would be made on a case-by-case basis. UFO reports received directly by the Defense Command would be forwarded to NUFOC if classified as UFO reports. The issue of funding for UFO research was raised, with the high cost of laboratory investigations being a barrier. The report acknowledged Fru Fjeldberg's significant role in the positive developments with the Defense Command.

Rombesøk? (Encounter?)

This article discusses the 'spaceship hypothesis' and the variations in reported UFO phenomena, particularly those involving 'humanoids'. It details a specific case (Report 7699, September 3, 1976) involving an elderly woman and a 18-year-old girl who observed a small, oval object on a mound of earth in Fencehouses, England. The object had a glass-like section and an orange dome. Two small, human-like creatures with white hair and large eyes emerged. The witnesses felt a strange effect, and their clocks stopped. The object then departed with a humming sound. The article notes the witness's fear of publicity and the possibility of a time anomaly. The case is being investigated by MUFON's field researcher John Rouse.

Forskningseksjonen (Research Section)

This section presents a classification of UFO reports received by NUFOC in 1975. Out of 44 reports, 20 were classified as unidentified, 18 as possibly unidentified, and 6 as having conventional explanations. The data shows that 86.3% of the reports from Norwegian territory in 1975 could not be explained by conventional means. The section also provides a breakdown of reports by month and the occupations of the reportees, with 'Fagarbeidere/håndtberkere' (Skilled workers/craftsmen) and 'Funksjonærer' (Employees) being the most frequent categories. Tom R. Lemb, section leader, apologizes for delayed responses due to heavy workload and reduced staff, and requests those who haven't heard back to re-contact them if their reports are still relevant. The section has acquired new technological equipment, including cameras and telescopes, for nighttime observations and experiments with infrared film.

Presse runde (Press Round)

This section compiles various news clippings and reports related to UFOs from different sources:

• UFO'er Til Debatt I Sovjetsamveldet (UFOs Debated in the Soviet Union): A 5-page document circulating in Moscow, attributed to Soviet UFO researcher Prof. Dr. Felix U. Zigel, discusses UFO observations in Russia. The document has sparked debate, with science fiction author Yeremei Parnov publicly denouncing it. It mentions a UFO sighting over Natchik for 36 hours and another near Golystino where car engines stalled. A ban on UFO publications in the Soviet Union is also mentioned.
• President Carter Har Selv Sett UFO (President Carter Has Seen a UFO Himself): Reports indicate that President Jimmy Carter has seen a UFO and that his administration is willing to fund research into these phenomena. A Gallup poll revealed that 15 million Americans have observed unexplained aerial phenomena. Carter's sighting reportedly occurred in Thomaston, Georgia, where he and 20 others saw three lights in the sky that changed color and moved rapidly.
• Presserunde (Press Round) - Continued:
• Folk Ikke Lenger Redde For Mars-Mennesker (People No Longer Afraid of Martians): Compares the public reaction to Orson Wells' 'War of the Worlds' radio broadcast in 1938 (causing panic) with a recent broadcast in Germany, which elicited little reaction, suggesting a decreased fear of alien invasion.
• Mystisk Lyskule (Mysterious Light Ball): A mysterious light ball observed by hundreds in Århus, Denmark, triggered activity in military command centers. Radar images were being scrutinized, and fighter jets were deployed to investigate, but nothing unusual was found.
• Kongress I Mexico - UFOer Eksisterer (Congress in Mexico - UFOs Exist): A major international UFO conference in Acapulco, Mexico, concluded that UFOs exist and will not disappear despite ridicule. The conference highlighted the growing acceptance of UFO research ('UFO-logi') and the need for governmental involvement. Experts agree that evidence for UFOs is overwhelming, with theories ranging from extraterrestrial origins to parapsychological explanations.
• Presserunde (Press Round) - Continued:
• UFO'er Eksisterer (UFOs Exist) - Continued: Dr. Allen Hynek stated that the UFO phenomenon is forcing ufology into the ranks of accepted sciences. Statistical data presented by Hynek and Jacques Vallee indicated that UFO reports come from diverse demographics and are often observed in remote areas, particularly near military installations in North America.
• Ikke Tegn Til Liv På Mars (No Sign of Life on Mars): Automatic laboratories sent to Mars by NASA have concluded their experiments without finding evidence of life. The experiments, designed to detect living organisms, yielded ambiguous results, which scientists attribute to chemical processes in the Martian soil rather than biological activity.
• Ringer Rundt Planeten Uranus (Rings Around Planet Uranus): Scientists have confirmed that Uranus has a ring system similar to Saturn's. The rings are faint and composed of rock particles. They were discovered using a photometer that detected dips in light intensity as Uranus passed stars.

Presserunde (Press Round) - Continued

• Eget FN-Organ For UFO-Forskning? (Own UN Body for UFO Research?): Prime Minister Eric M. Gairy of Grenada proposed to the UN General Assembly the establishment of a UN body to investigate UFOs and to declare 1978 'International UFO Year'. He also suggested issuing special commemorative stamps and holding the 2nd International Congress on UFOs in Grenada.
• Informasjon Til Pressen (Information to the Press): Scandinavian UFO-Information (SUFOI) aims to improve report collection, train field researchers in interviewing, meteorology, and astronomy, and to educate the public through publications and lectures. SUFOI defines a UFO as an unidentified flying object that cannot be explained by known natural phenomena. They have registered approximately 6000 reports since 1957.
• Teleportasjon - Fantasien Som Kan Bli Virkelighet (Teleportation - Fantasy That Can Become Reality): This article explores the concept of teleportation, drawing parallels with television technology. It discusses experiments with wireless power transmission and the possibility of 'black holes' and 'white holes' in the universe, suggesting they might be natural mechanisms for teleportation across vast distances or even between universes.

Vitenskapelig Utfordring (Scientific Challenge)

Professor Peter Sturrock's survey of 2,611 scientists, primarily astronomers, revealed that 80% believed UFO phenomena warranted further serious study, with many willing to contribute. 13% expressed confidence in finding methods to address the problem. 62% of respondents had personally witnessed or registered events they linked to UFO complexes. The article notes that many scientists perceive the UFO question as a scientific challenge, with some reporting sightings of aluminum-like, disc-shaped objects that disappeared, leaving a thin cloud. The role of electrical fields in UFO phenomena is also explored. The article references the Condon project and the 'Blue Book' study, highlighting significant disagreements among researchers regarding the nature of UFOs. It concludes by expressing hope for more scientists to acknowledge the phenomenon and for serious scientific engagement to move beyond individual efforts.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the seriousness of UFO research, advocating for scientific investigation and challenging dismissive attitudes. It highlights the need for organized efforts, both nationally and internationally, to collect and analyze UFO reports. There is a clear stance against sensationalism while acknowledging the profound nature of the phenomenon. The publication aims to inform the public and encourage participation in UFO research, emphasizing the importance of credible reporting and scientific rigor. The editorial stance is one of open-minded inquiry, seeking to understand UFOs as a legitimate area of study rather than dismissing them as mere fantasy or misidentification.

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: 4/77
Date: August 1977
Publisher: JENSEN & SUADICANI ODENSE ANTIKVARIAT & BOGIMPORT (Denmark)
Original Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO FORUM presents several intriguing cases and announcements related to UFO phenomena. It includes reports on photographic evidence, witness testimonies, and a significant upcoming event.

Article: Hva hendte siden? (What happened since?)

This section, referencing an article from Dagens Nyheter on August 26, 1954, details a remarkable event involving a color film of "flying saucers" captured by Norwegian photographer Johnny Bjørnulf during a solar eclipse. The film was shown to an invited group in Oslo, including the scientist Rolf Brahde. Brahde, initially skeptical, was unable to provide a conventional explanation for the phenomenon. He described the objects as two disks racing across the sky at high speed, moving in the opposite direction of the plane from which the film was taken. He noted distinct rays emanating from the objects and observed that one "saucer" fell faster than the other. Brahde ruled out photographic lens flares, meteors, reflections, or northern lights, given the plane's altitude and clear sky. He speculated that the objects might be emitting radiation from the stratosphere, possibly energized by the sun. Brahde concluded that this was a highly unusual phenomenon that presented a significant challenge to science.

The film was taken from the left side of the plane, facing north, while the solar eclipse's central line was followed from the west. The other passengers did not observe the objects because they were on the right side of the plane, where the eclipse was best viewed.

Article: MYCKET SNABBARE EN JAKTPLAN (Much Faster Than A Fighter Jet)

This report from EXPRESSEN, July 1, 1952, describes a sighting over Falsterbro, Sweden. Four individuals witnessed a "flying saucer" moving at a very high speed, significantly faster than a fighter jet, heading towards the sea. The object was visible for several seconds, appearing oval-shaped and possibly double, with a gray color. White smoke trailed behind it. Major Fredrik Johansson of the Kalmar Flygflottilj, an expert observer, was among the witnesses. He immediately notified the air authorities. The visibility was approximately 20 kilometers at the time of observation. Johansson stated he had no doubt it was a "flying saucer" and not a conventional aircraft, even for an experienced pilot. The Swedish defense staff investigated, and while they couldn't definitively rule out a misidentified aircraft, they confirmed it was not a Swedish plane. This led to the conclusion that if it was an aircraft, it must have been of foreign origin and a jet, given its speed.

Article: Hvem er det? (Who is it?)

This article, sourced from UFO-Information nr. 3/77 and written by Eric Stride, recounts an experience from August 1976 near Orsa in Dalarna, Sweden. Three adults in a car observed a Volvo on a straight road. The driver appeared to have unusually long, furry ears that hung down to his shoulders. The passenger in the car became frightened and urged the driver to turn back. The driver of the observed Volvo signaled multiple times but did not react to honking. The witnesses found the situation unsettling, as the driver seemed unnaturally still. The car then disappeared around a curve and did not reappear on the subsequent straight stretch of road, despite the absence of side roads or paths. The witnesses were left astonished and scared.

Announcement: UFO-Sverige Rikstämma

This section announces the upcoming national assembly (riksstämma) of the Swedish UFO Organization (UFO-Sverige) in Stockholm on Saturday, March 18, 1978. The event is scheduled to run from 2 PM to 8 PM. Speakers will include Thorvald Berthelsen and Cari-Axel Jonzon from UFO-Sverige, actor Per Ragnar, and representatives from the defense forces. A 45-minute film from UFO-Sverige will also be shown. The assembly will conclude with a popular question-and-answer session and panel debate, featuring experts from the defense and FOA representative Fil.lic. Sture Wickerts. Tickets cost 20 Swedish Kronor. Information is provided on how to purchase tickets and order a sample copy of the UFO-Information journal.

UFO-LITTERATUR & ASTROARKÆOLOGI

This page is a catalog of UFO-related literature and astroarchaeology books available from JENSEN & SUADICANI in Odense, Denmark. It lists numerous titles in Danish, Swedish, and English, covering topics such as UFO landings, sightings, myths, historical cases, and ancient astronaut theories. Prices are listed in Danish Kroner, excluding VAT.

Article: CARTER SENDER BUDSKAP UT I VERDENSROMMET (Carter Sends Message Into Space)

This AP report from Washington details the "Voyager" space probes, scheduled for launch on August 20 and September 1, 1977. Both probes will carry a message from President Jimmy Carter intended for any extraterrestrial civilization that might encounter them. The messages will include cultural artifacts and information about life on Earth, such as recordings of bird songs, Beethoven symphonies, jazz, Chinese music, and greetings in 60 languages. The message offers "a gift from a small world, with symbols of our sounds, our science, our pictures, our music, our thoughts and feelings."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently focuses on unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting witness accounts, photographic evidence, and expert analysis. There is a clear interest in historical cases, particularly from the mid-20th century. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and expert opinions without necessarily endorsing definitive conclusions, while also acknowledging the challenges these phenomena pose to conventional science. The inclusion of a UFO conference announcement and a literature catalog suggests an effort to engage the readership and provide resources for further exploration of the subject.