UFO Forum - 1978 - No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: 1
Volume: 1978
Issue Date: January 1978
Publisher: NORSK UFO CENTER
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Price: 30 KR

This issue of UFO Forum, the official publication of Norsk UFO Center, is dedicated to exploring various facets of the UFO phenomenon, with a significant portion focusing on the cultural impact of the film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. The magazine also includes reports on alleged extraterrestrial activity, scientific discussions, and organizational news.

Editorial Stance and Content Summary

Redaksjonelt (Editorial)

The editorial welcomes readers to the first issue of 1978, noting a significant increase in new subscribers and expressing hope that previous subscribers will renew. It highlights upcoming events such as the premiere of the American film (likely 'Close Encounters') in Norway and a Nordic UFO meeting. The editorial observes that UFOs are increasingly being reported seriously in the media, but cautions against the involvement of 'sectarians and fanatics' who may exploit the phenomenon for their own agendas. It also mentions receiving interesting material from the USA too late for this issue, promising its inclusion in the next.

Nærkontakt av Tredje Grad (Close Encounter of the Third Kind)

This section extensively covers Steven Spielberg's film 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind', describing it as a groundbreaking work of cinema that provides serious information about a significant scientific problem. The article details the film's European premiere dates and its overwhelming success in the USA, with massive queues and high ticket prices. It emphasizes that the film is not science fiction but a realistic portrayal of potential contact with the unknown, suggesting that humanity's current stage of development is merely the beginning. The article includes quotes from critics and experts like Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who defined the three degrees of UFO encounters: First degree (visual observation), Second degree (physical evidence or effects), and Third degree (contact with occupants).

Nærkontakt av Tredje Grad: Hva er det? (Close Encounter of the Third Kind: What is it?)

This part further elaborates on Dr. J. Allen Hynek's classification of UFO encounters. It defines 'Nærkontakt av første grad' (First degree encounter) as simply observing a UFO without any trace. 'Nærkontakt av andre grad' (Second degree encounter) involves concrete evidence such as effects on organic life or matter, like burns or ground depressions, or technical malfunctions like engine stoppages in vehicles. The definition of 'Nærkontakt av tredje grad' (Third degree encounter) is direct contact with the occupants of a UFO.

13 År Planla Han Sin Film (He Planned His Film for 13 Years)

This article provides background on Steven Spielberg's journey to creating 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'. It mentions his early interest in UFOs from the age of 16 and how the film, after 13 years of planning, became a major success, following his previous hits like 'Sugarland Express' and 'Jaws'. The article highlights the technical expertise involved, particularly Douglas Trumbull's contribution to the special effects, and the logistical challenges of filming in a large hangar in Alabama.

Sitater (Quotes)

• This section features quotes from prominent figures regarding UFOs:
• Dr. J. Allen Hynek: Expresses initial skepticism but now takes all UFO sightings seriously, no matter how unbelievable they sound.
• Jimmy Carter (US President): Shares a personal sighting of a UFO, describing its color changes and luminous nature.
• Margaret Mead (Anthropologist): Argues that if humanity can send spaceships to other planets, other civilizations could also send craft to Earth.
• Jacques Vallee (Fil. dr. Datavitenskap): Advocates for an open mind and expanding understanding to study UFO phenomena, even if it reveals more mysteries.

UFO'er og Dyr (UFOs and Animals)

This article details a series of disturbing incidents in Northeastern Colorado, USA, involving the mutilation of livestock, primarily cows. County Sheriff Harry Graves and Undersheriff Jerry Wolever report numerous cases where animals were found with body parts removed with extreme precision, baffling veterinarians. They link these events to sightings of luminous objects, dubbed 'Big Mama' and 'baby-UFOs'. The sheriff notes the absence of predator tracks and the unusual nature of the wounds, suggesting an unknown cause. The article mentions that these mutilations have occurred in 74 cows, one calf, and one bull, with specific body parts like eyes, ears, and tongues being removed. The sheriff also describes 'Big Mama' as a giant, shining star-like object that hovers and then disappears, sometimes releasing smaller objects.

UFO i FN (UFO at the UN)

This piece reports on Grenadian Prime Minister Eric Gairy's efforts to bring the UFO issue before the United Nations. Gairy, a self-proclaimed UFO enthusiast who claims to have seen a UFO 22 years prior, proposed that 1978 be declared 'UFO Year' and that a special UN body be established to study the phenomenon. The article notes that the UN's special political committee debated the issue, with Grenada distributing a book on UFOs and offering tickets to the film 'Close Encounters' to delegates. It also references a Bergens Tidende article from November 30, 1977, detailing the UN committee's debate.

Ny Utrykningsseksjon (New Response Section)

This article announces the establishment of a new response section (Utrykningsseksjon C) for Norsk UFO Center in Hønefoss, Norway, headed by Dag Heim. This is the third such section, following those in Moss (A) and Tønsberg (B). The article explains the alphabetical designation system and wishes Heim and his team success. It also mentions that Tom R. Lemb has temporarily stepped down from the Research Section due to military service, with Jon Vegar Haugaasen and Pavel Tichy taking over.

Fra Forskningsseksjonen (From the Research Section)

This section presents a bar chart showing the distribution of 43 Norwegian UFO observations in 1975, categorized by location type: military installations, power stations/high-voltage lines, natural areas (mountains, forests), and built-up areas (cities). The data was compiled by Tom R. Lemb, Section Leader, as of November 15, 1977.

Ultimatum fra verdensrommet (Ultimatum from Outer Space)

A report from London details an unusual incident where a mysterious male voice interrupted a TV news broadcast in Southampton, England. The voice, claiming to be an authorized representative of a project covering the planets of the Milky Way, delivered an 'ultimatum from outer space,' warning that humanity must live in peace and destroy its weapons or face destruction. The broadcast lasted several minutes, causing panic and leading to investigations by authorities.

NUFOC's Kontakt i Sovjet (NUFOC's Contact in the Soviet Union)

This article describes a correspondence between NUFOC and Dr. Sanarov, a scientist from Novosibirsk, USSR. Dr. Sanarov, who studies UFOs as a private individual, expressed interest in collaborating and receiving UFO report material from Norway. He noted that there is no official private organization in the Soviet Union dedicated to UFO research, making it difficult to provide material in return on a regular basis. The article mentions that Dr. Sanarov sent photocopies of Soviet press clippings related to UFOs.

Liv i verdensrommet: Odds og UFO tyder på det (Life in Outer Space: Odds and UFOs Suggest It)

This article discusses the shift in scientific perspective regarding extraterrestrial life. It contrasts the ridicule of the idea in 1947 with the current scientific endeavors, such as the construction of a large radio antenna to detect signals from other civilizations. The authors cite the 'Green Bank Formula' which suggests millions of potentially habitable planets in our galaxy. They also touch upon historical speculation, including Giovanni Schiaparelli's controversial observations of 'canals' on Mars, and the impact of the Viking missions which revealed no evidence of advanced life on the planet. The article concludes by suggesting that if extraterrestrial life exists and has advanced beyond Earth's current technological stage, they might possess solutions to global problems.

Stjerners Fødsel, Liv og Død (Birth, Life, and Death of Stars)

This is the final article, which appears to be a scientific discussion about astrophysics, specifically focusing on the theoretical concept of black holes. It begins by explaining that a black hole is a theoretical concept derived from Einstein's field equations, with scientists now actively searching for evidence of their existence. The article delves into the principle of equivalence in general relativity, explaining how gravity and acceleration are related. It discusses how time and space can be distorted in strong gravitational fields, leading to phenomena like time dilation and length contraction. The text then touches upon the potential experience of a space traveler approaching a black hole.

San Antonio News - Texas (News Clipping)

A brief news clipping from San Antonio, Texas, dated August 22, 1977, is included, likely related to subscription or payment matters.

Subscription and Payment Information

This section provides detailed instructions for subscribers regarding payments for UFO Forum and the associated 'Rapportnytt' and 'Tilknytningsgebyr' (affiliation fee). It clarifies the new combined fee for the internal magazine and affiliation, and emphasizes the correct postgiro accounts and addresses for each payment. The magazine notes that payment cards for UFO Forum subscriptions are usually included in the last issue of the year (issue 5).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of UFO Forum are the growing public and media interest in UFOs, the potential for extraterrestrial contact, and the scientific exploration of space. The magazine appears to adopt a serious, research-oriented stance, distinguishing itself from sensationalism while acknowledging the profound implications of the UFO phenomenon. There's a clear effort to educate the public, as evidenced by the detailed explanations of UFO classifications and scientific concepts. The editorial stance is one of cautious optimism, encouraging open-mindedness and scientific inquiry into the subject.

This issue of UFO Forum, dated 1/78, is a Norwegian publication focusing on UFO phenomena, physics, and related speculative topics. The magazine features articles that blend scientific concepts with ufological discussions, alongside extensive lists of press mentions and a crossword puzzle.

Physics of Black Holes and Relativity

The issue delves into the theoretical physics of black holes, explaining their formation and characteristics. The article by Øyvind Andreassen, "UFO FORUM nr. 1/77," discusses the concept of gravity and its effects, particularly in relation to black holes. It explains how the gravitational field of a black hole can cause extreme tidal forces, stretching and compressing objects into a 'thin streak.' The concept of the Schwarzschild radius and the event horizon (Schwarzschild-flaten) is introduced, marking the point beyond which information cannot escape. The article posits that passing this point might lead to a new universe or 'other subuniverses' that are inaccessible to external observers.

Another section, "VIL ET SVART HULL PÅ HIMMELEN LØSE JORDENS ENERGI-PROBLEMER ?" (Can a Black Hole in the Sky Solve Earth's Energy Problems?), explores the idea of harnessing black holes for energy. It references the work of physicists like Stephan Hawking, who theorized the existence of 'mini black holes' formed during the Big Bang. The article suggests that these could potentially be captured and used as an energy source.

The magazine also touches upon Einstein's theory of relativity and its implications for space travel. A table illustrates the significant time dilation effects experienced at speeds approaching the speed of light, showing how time passes much slower for astronauts compared to people on Earth. For instance, traveling at 99% of light speed means one hour on the ship equates to only 17 minutes on Earth.

UFO Phenomena and Research

The "REDAKSJONELT" (Editorial) section emphasizes the importance of a serious and objective approach to UFO research. It quotes Dr. J. Allen Hynek, who stresses that UFOs represent an interdisciplinary problem that no single field currently understands. The editorial criticizes the tendency of some scientists to dismiss UFO reports without proper investigation and highlights the need for curiosity and open-mindedness.

Press Coverage of UFOs in Norway

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to documenting the media's attention to UFOs in Norway. The "SUMMARISK OVERSIKT OVER PRESSEOMTALER AV NUFOC I 1977" (Summary Overview of Press Mentions of NUFOC in 1977) provides a detailed list of newspaper and magazine articles mentioning UFOs throughout the year. The "LANDINGEN I ÅSBYGDA" (The Landing in Åsbygda) case is highlighted as a major event that generated substantial press coverage, with numerous articles appearing in local and national newspapers.

Further lists, "FORTEGNELSE OVER GENERELLE OMTALLR AV UFO-BEGREPET I 1977" (List of General Mentions of the UFO Concept in 1977), break down mentions by month and publication, showcasing the widespread discussion of UFOs in the Norwegian media during 1977. The data indicates a high volume of mentions, particularly in the latter half of the year.

Other Content

The issue also includes a crossword puzzle created by Anton Lidstrøm, a list of UFO-related literature available for purchase from Jensen & Suadicani, and advertisements for audio equipment.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the intersection of theoretical physics (relativity, black holes) with the study of UFO phenomena, the importance of rigorous and objective scientific inquiry into UFO reports, and the extensive media coverage of UFO events in Norway. The editorial stance clearly advocates for a serious, interdisciplinary, and open-minded approach to UFO research, emphasizing the need for scientific curiosity and a critical evaluation of evidence rather than pre-conceived solutions.