UFO Forum - 1978 - No 3

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO Forum, number 3 from 1978, is published by the Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC) based in Trondheim, Norway. The magazine covers a range of topics related to unidentified flying objects, including interviews, reports on official acknowledgments, scientific investigations, and historical cases. The cover prominently features the NUFOC logo and contact information, with the main headline being 'NUFOC'.

Articles and Features

Interview with Steven Spielberg

The lead article is an extensive interview with film director Steven Spielberg, conducted by SUFOI (presumably a Norwegian UFO organization). Spielberg discusses his interest in UFOs, which began in childhood, and his belief in extraterrestrial life. He acknowledges the substantial evidence for UFOs but states he has never personally seen one. He highlights the importance of scientific evidence and expresses skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims, preferring to focus on credible reports. Spielberg also touches upon the role of Dr. Hynek in his research and the public's reaction to his film 'Nærkontakt' (Close Encounters), noting an increase in UFO reports after the film's release. He explains his approach to filmmaking, aiming for a broad audience and focusing on the wonder and potential of extraterrestrial contact rather than fear. He also discusses the concept of music as a universal language and how it could be used for communication with alien beings.

The American Air Force Admits: UFOs Attack Military Aircraft

This section reports on incidents where US military aircraft have encountered UFOs. Lieutenant Arthur B. Waggoner describes being pursued by an aggressive, spherical UFO approximately 6 meters in diameter over California. The article also references the death of Captain Thomas Mantel in 1948, who crashed his plane while pursuing a UFO in Kentucky, suggesting a possible confrontation. The report highlights that these are not isolated incidents and that the US military has evidence of such encounters.

Astronomers See and Register UFOs

This article presents findings from a survey of astronomers, revealing that 80% believe UFOs warrant further scientific study, and 62 reported seeing or registering UFOs. Dr. Peter A. Sturrock, who led the study, notes that many astronomers wish for more information on the subject. Several anecdotal reports from astronomers are included, detailing sightings of UFOs, including one incident in Ontario where a spherical object was observed for over an hour, and another where a UFO caused a truck's engine to fail in New Mexico.

Researcher Proves UFO Visit

This piece focuses on the claims of Soviet space researcher Dr. Felix Ziegel, who asserts he has concrete evidence of UFOs visiting Soviet territory. He cites witness testimonies and laboratory tests. One notable case involves a probe that allegedly scraped along the frozen surface of Lake Onega in 1961, leaving a significant groove and unusual metallic fragments. The article also mentions the phenomenon of 'angel hair,' a mysterious substance found after UFO sightings.

NORAD Chiefs Admit: We Have Tracked UFOs on Radar for the First Time in a Year

This section details NORAD's acknowledgment of tracking UFOs. It recounts an incident on November 11, 1975, where NORAD fired F-106 fighter jets at a UFO over Sudbury, Canada, in an unsuccessful attempt to shoot it down. Another incident on September 7, 1976, involved NORAD radar operators at Port Austin, Michigan, tracking five unidentified objects for 30 minutes. Witnesses described the objects as having bat-wing shapes.

Eileen Welch's Fatal Levitation

A tragic case is presented concerning Eileen Welch, a 16-year-old student who reportedly levitated about 30 feet in the air on a school playground in Yorkshire, England, before falling and sustaining fatal injuries. An official investigation failed to provide a conclusive explanation.

'Flying Saucers' Scientifically Examined

This article discusses the US government's decision to have the defense department thoroughly investigate unresolved UFO mysteries. A commission of astronomers, psychiatrists, and technicians will examine cases that the US Air Force could not explain, aiming to provide scientific explanations for the remaining 650 reports out of over 10,000 cases.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights the growing evidence for UFO phenomena, often citing official acknowledgments from military and scientific bodies. There's a recurring theme of government secrecy and the potential for a cover-up regarding UFO information. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry and a belief that UFOs represent a significant, albeit mysterious, aspect of reality that warrants serious investigation. The publication also seems to advocate for the popularization of the UFO topic, believing it can unite humanity and foster a sense of global community in the face of potential extraterrestrial contact.

Editorial Notes

The editorial section addresses the dual publication of 'UFO Forum' and 'Rapportnytt', explaining the practical reasons for their separation and the potential for imbalance in subscriptions. It also mentions ongoing negotiations with Nordisk Forlag/Semic for collaboration on a UFO album and potentially co-producing 'UFO Forum', aiming for a significant increase in circulation.

FAQ

• What is the Norsk UFO Center? The Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC) is an organization dedicated to UFO research and information, publishing magazines like UFO Forum and Rapportnytt.
• What did Steven Spielberg say about UFOs? Steven Spielberg expressed a personal interest in UFOs since childhood, believes life exists elsewhere in the universe, and acknowledges the significant evidence for UFOs, though he has not personally seen one.
• Has the US military admitted to UFO encounters? Yes, the magazine reports that US Air Force pilots have admitted to being chased by UFOs, with Lieutenant Arthur B. Waggoner describing an aggressive encounter, and Captain Thomas Mantel dying while pursuing a UFO in 1948.
• Do astronomers believe in UFOs? A survey indicated that 80% of US astronomers believe UFOs warrant further scientific study, and 62 reported seeing or registering UFOs.
• What is 'Rapportnytt'? 'Rapportnytt' is a NUFOC publication focused on UFO report material, published by NUFOC Vestlandet.

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: nr. 3/78
Date: April 3, 1978

This issue of UFO Forum explores a range of topics related to unidentified flying objects and extraterrestrial phenomena, featuring reports from various countries and scientific perspectives.

Soviet UFO Research and Encounters

The magazine highlights the work of Soviet scientist Dr. Ziegel, who has been studying UFO reports for years. Despite initial government disinterest, he recently received permission to publish his findings. The issue includes an account of a decorated test pilot, Arkadiy Apraksin, who claimed to have been forced down by a UFO twice in 1949. The first incident occurred on June 16, 1949, while flying over the Baskunchak area near the Caspian Sea. Apraksin spotted a cucumber-shaped object emitting light beams. His radar confirmed the object, and he was ordered to intercept it. Upon approaching, the object's beams blinded him and disabled his aircraft's electrical systems, forcing a crash landing. He managed to survive with minor injuries. A year later, on May 6, 1949, Apraksin had a similar experience, this time forcing him to make a belly landing near the Volga River, north of Saratov.

The NUFOC commentary notes that these reports are not new, having been published in Norwegian newspapers in 1975, but are considered relevant enough to be reprinted. A letter from Jan F. Marthinsen from Etna, who apparently views UFOs humorously, is addressed. The magazine defends the seriousness of UFO research, pointing to the high priority given to it in the Soviet Union, suggesting it is forward-thinking to consider the possibility of other intelligent life in the universe. J. Allen Hynek's book 'UFO' is recommended for its objective assessment of numerous reports.

Potential Martian Ruins

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the possibility of artificial structures on Mars. An article from the National Enquirer (October 25, 1977) reports on NASA photographs of the Martian south polar region revealing mysterious, rectangular formations dubbed 'Inca City'. These formations are described as geometrically precise, with 90-degree angles, leading scientists to consider them as potential monuments left by a Martian civilization. Dr. Harold Masursky of the U.S. Geological Survey notes their unusual geometric regularity. NASA plans a 'Mars-car mission' for closer examination. Dr. Jim Cutts and Dr. Larry Soderblom, involved with the Viking project, coined the term 'Inca City' due to its resemblance to a ruined metropolis with terraces. They emphasize that these formations are unlike natural geological features, which are typically irregular. The article suggests that if life existed on Mars, it would likely be in the polar regions where water is present. A computer-controlled rover mission is planned for the mid-1980s to analyze soil samples and potentially solve the mystery of these formations, which are 4 to 5 kilometers wide.

Ancient UFO Drawings

Another article, sourced from National Enquirer (December 28, 1976), discusses ancient petroglyphs found near Christina Lake, north of the US-Canada border in British Columbia. These drawings, estimated to be over 1000 years old, depict figures that scientists like Alan Jay interpret as 'spacemen', flying saucers, and aircraft. These are considered the most sensational finds in the area. Archaeologist Doris Lundy confirms their age and similarity to primitive paintings found in the Sahara, Italy, and Syria, which Erich von Däniken has cited as evidence of ancient alien contact. Scientist John Corner, who studied the drawings, admitted their perplexing nature. He notes that while some are abstract, others clearly resemble spacecraft. A particularly striking drawing shows four men overshadowed by a large, disc-shaped object emitting flames. The regularity and similarity of these drawings across different regions, even among cultures that could not have been in contact, lead Dr. Josef Blumrich, a former NASA associate, to conclude that they depict visitors from outer space.

UFO Encounters in Norway

The magazine reports on a sensational claim from Nes, Norway, involving alleged 'Uranus kidnappers'. A woman from Haga, quoted in Glåmdalen newspaper (February 17, 1978), expressed extreme fear after hearing about these beings. UFO researcher Arne Kuverud claims that a woman from Ullensaker was abducted by 12 beings, described as 120 cm tall, black, and 800 years old. Kuverud asserts he can telepathically communicate with them and that they intend to abduct more women and children. The article notes that police have no record of missing persons in Ullensaker. The report is cross-referenced with UFO Forum nr. 2/78.

Nordic UFO Cooperation

A report from a Nordic UFO meeting held in Tønsberg during Pentecost details the establishment of a new Nordic exchange newsletter. Willy Wegner from the Danish UFO Center is proposed as its editor. The meeting also addressed the creation of a unified legal and regulatory framework for the participating organizations. Plans were made for each organization to compile lists of their contacts outside the Nordic region, to be compiled into a central overview by Wegner. The newsletter is intended to be published quarterly. A steering committee, composed of the leaders of the cooperating organizations, will be formed. The new organization will be named 'Nordic UFO Groups', and its newsletter will be called 'Nordic UFO Newsletter'. Several organizations were represented, including UFO-Sverige, SUFOI (Denmark), and Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC).

UFO Events and Exhibitions

Announcements are made for several UFO-related events. A large UFO and space research exhibition is scheduled for the entire summer in Köping, Sweden, featuring models, films, and unique materials. Another event, 'SVENSK UFO 78', will take place in Nyköping, Sweden, from July 9-14, offering lectures and film screenings by various UFO researchers and experts. Attendees are invited to book accommodation and camping facilities.

Other Reports

A brief report from Australia, sourced from Esotera (August 1977), mentions the discovery of three rust-colored metal discs, each 45 cm high and 1.5 meters in diameter, in an abandoned coal mine. These discs, estimated to be millions of years old, have baffled scientists like Mac Lawrie and Shirly Kemp, who speculate they could be probes from an extraterrestrial spacecraft, possibly linked to Aboriginal legends of a celestial vessel.

A short item from Cairo (AAP), sourced from Daily News Australia (March 10, 1978), states that Egyptian authorities requested Japanese researchers to dismantle a model pyramid. The model, intended to reveal how ancient Egyptians built their monuments, failed and assumed a 'deformed appearance'.

Editorial Stance

The editorial section, continuing from page 10, expresses hope for positive negotiations with 'Semic' and anticipates interesting times ahead. It also includes a seasonal greeting, 'GOD SOMMER!' (Have a good summer!).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO Forum consistently emphasizes the need to take the UFO phenomenon seriously, drawing parallels between past skepticism towards new technologies (like atomic submarines and space travel) and current attitudes towards UFOs. The magazine promotes the idea that UFO research is a legitimate scientific pursuit, particularly highlighting Soviet interest. It also connects ancient mysteries, such as potential Martian ruins and ancient petroglyphs, to the possibility of extraterrestrial visitation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry into unexplained phenomena, encouraging readers to consider unconventional possibilities and supporting international cooperation in UFO research.