UFO Forum - 1978 - No 4

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: 4
Volume/Year: 1978
Publisher: NORSK UFO CENTER
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO Forum, published by Norsk UFO Center, delves into various aspects of UFO phenomena, UFO investigations, and related scientific and psychological theories. It features articles on UFO sightings in the USA, a detailed account of a close encounter in Italy, and an examination of the Tunguska event. The magazine also explores the use of hypnosis in UFO research and critiques public figures' views on the subject.

Editorial Stance and Organization

The editorial, titled "REDAKSJONELT," addresses organizational issues within Norsk UFO Center, referencing a meeting in Lillestrøm. It highlights the importance of efficient routines and suggests that a lack of them can lead to organizational weaknesses. The editorial also mentions the potential for a new publication in collaboration with SEMIC, aiming to reach a wider audience and encourage new contributors. It warns that if improvements are not made within a year, Norsk UFO Center may need to be reorganized.

Articles and Features

"Nytt verktøy for UFO-logien" (New Tool for UFOlogy)

This article, a continuation from a previous issue, discusses the use of hypnotic regression in UFO investigations. It explores the phenomenon of verbal difficulties experienced by witnesses during regression, suggesting that these might be related to the right hemisphere of the brain, which is responsible for intuition and paranormal functions, being separated from the left hemisphere, which handles language and analytical tasks. The article references experiments from Stanford Research Institute (SRI) on "remote viewing" and clairvoyance, noting that while subjects could often draw objects correctly, they might misinterpret them. It suggests that non-verbal techniques like sketches and gestures could be more effective in questioning witnesses. The article also compares drawings from witnesses of "real" and "imaginary" UFO encounters, finding notable similarities that suggest a potential telepathic component.

"UFO's i USA 1977" (UFOs in USA 1977)

This section presents statistics from the Center for UFO Studies (CUFOS) in Evanston, Illinois, which received 903 reports in 1977. Of these, 83 (9.2%) could not be readily explained. The article categorizes these unexplained reports into types of sightings, such as "Light at night," "Disc-shaped objects during the day," and "Close encounters of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd kind." It also lists common explanations for sightings that were explained, including stars, planets, advertising planes, meteors, helicopters, balloons, satellites, and space debris.

"Offiser skriver brev..." (Officer Writes a Letter...)

This section features a letter from a captain to a major, discussing a NATO conference in Brussels where the topic of "UFOs monitoring us" was discussed. The letter expresses concern that information about UFOs is being withheld from the public worldwide. It recounts an incident at a NATO base in the Mediterranean where a UFO engaged in an "firefight" with the base, causing launched missiles to disintegrate. The letter suggests that the UFO emitted a laser-like beam that destroyed the missiles, while a controlled launch in a different direction proceeded normally. A detailed report was sent to the Pentagon.

"En virkelig NÆRKONTAKT av 3. grad" (A Real Close Encounter of the 3rd Kind)

This article details a remarkable close encounter that allegedly occurred on August 29, 1977, near the village of Sturna in Southern Italy. Seven men reported seeing a giant humanoid figure, estimated to be between two and two-and-a-half meters tall, dressed in a silver suit and helmet. The entity was observed to move against gravity and communicate through blinking red and orange lights from its eye area. The witnesses were later hypnotized by medical professionals, including Professor Franco Granone, who confirmed that their accounts were consistent and likely represented a real experience. The entity reportedly pointed towards the sky, suggesting an extraterrestrial origin. After the encounter, three circular imprints were found on the ground, measuring approximately 4.0 meters and 4.3 meters in length, with 20 cm diameter circles and 4 cm deep holes, suggesting a powerful force was involved.

"Kriminal Journalen OG Erik Tandberg" (Criminal Journal and Erik Tandberg)

This section critiques the views of Erik Tandberg, a "space expert and TV celebrity," as presented in an interview in "Kriminal Journalen." Tandberg expresses skepticism about UFOs, stating that most sightings can be explained and that the remaining "unexplained observations" are likely "highly terrestrial phenomena, preferably atmospheric." The article argues that Tandberg's statements are uninformed and contradict the findings of numerous UFO researchers and official investigations. It highlights his admission that there are phenomena that cannot be explained, yet he dismisses the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors.

"TUNGUSKA SAKEN" (The Tunguska Case)

This article revisits the Tunguska event of June 30, 1908, in Siberia. It describes the massive explosion, its seismic impact felt across vast distances, and the atmospheric phenomena that followed, including luminous "silver clouds." The explosion's strength is estimated to be equivalent to 30 megatons of TNT. While initial theories favored a meteorite impact, later research has led scientists to conclude that it was a nuclear explosion. The article discusses the hypothesis that an atomic-powered spacecraft from another planet may have exploded over Siberia, a theory that has gained more traction among experts over time.

"Grenseløse fanker" (Limitless Thoughts)

This philosophical piece touches upon the Olbers' paradox, which questions why the night sky is dark if the universe is infinite and filled with stars. It discusses the modern astronomical explanations involving the expansion of the universe and the Big Bang theory. The article contrasts the idea of an infinite universe with the possibility of a finite, yet expanding, universe. It also briefly mentions research from China on distant quasars and their measurement, and the intriguing Bermuda Triangle, referencing a supposed underwater pyramid discovered by Charles Berlitz.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, the psychological aspects of witness testimony (particularly through hypnosis), the critique of dismissive attitudes towards UFOs, and the exploration of significant historical UFO events like Tunguska. The editorial stance appears to be one of promoting serious research into UFOs, encouraging open discussion, and challenging simplistic explanations. There's a clear emphasis on the need for credible evidence and rigorous investigation, while also acknowledging the limitations of current understanding and the potential for paranormal or extraterrestrial explanations. The magazine also highlights the importance of organization and effective communication within the UFO research community.

Title: UFO FORUM
Issue: 4/79
Date: 1979
Publisher: NORSK UFO CENTERS
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO Forum, published by NORSK UFO CENTERS, focuses on the enduring mystery of the Tunguska event and the ongoing research into UFO phenomena. It features detailed analysis of physical evidence, discussions on potential extraterrestrial technology, and updates on the organization's activities and publications.

The Tunguska Event: A Re-examination

The article revisits the Tunguska event of 1908, presenting a re-evaluation of the evidence. Initially, natural explanations were considered, but subsequent expeditions and analysis, particularly by Soviet scientist Dr. Solotov in 1959-1960, suggested a more extraordinary cause. The irregular shape of the explosion was attributed to the explosive material being contained within a non-explosive 'container'.

Further studies in the late 1960s of soil samples from the explosion site revealed microscopic particles of non-terrestrial origin. These included small spheres of silicate compounds and magnetite (magnetized iron oxide), some resembling melted drops or nodules, others encapsulated in transparent silicate spheres. The high temperatures indicated by these particles suggested the object was a spacecraft equipped with instruments, electrical wiring, and semiconductors containing germanium.

Professor Felix Sigel, based on the available data, concluded that the Tunguska object performed a significant horizontal maneuver in the atmosphere before exploding. This maneuver, described as a powerful horizontal arc of about 600 kilometers, led Sigel and other experts to believe the object was an "artificial flying vehicle from another planet."

The magazine also references a summary from the book "THE FIRE COME BY" by John Baxter and Thomas Atkins (1976), published in the September 1978 issue of DET BESTE, as a recommended source for understanding the factual circumstances of the event.

NORSK UFO CENTERS Landsmote 1976 and Future Plans

The issue reports on the NORSK UFO CENTERS National Meeting (Landsmote) held on September 16-17, 1976, in Lillestrøm. The conference with SEMIC/Nordisk Forlag was reportedly positive, paving the way for a potential collaboration to publish a journal starting in 1979.

Organizational changes were discussed, including the discontinuation of the reporter system due to its ineffectiveness. Field investigators and responsible individuals would instead cover the country's newspapers. Department head Elbjørg Fjeldberg proposed the creation of county leaders to better manage regional activities, a suggestion deemed valuable but dependent on finding suitable individuals.

There was also a discussion about reinstating a "society arrangement" with passive membership in NUFOC. While some saw a need for it, others pointed out that passive membership already existed through subscriptions or contributions to the support fund.

The magazine announces that Morten Harry Olsen, the department head for Northern Norway, has resigned due to other commitments, leaving the position open. The hope is that the potential collaboration with SEMIC will improve national contact and create new opportunities.

UFO Literature and Publications

Under the heading "VIL DE VITE MER OM UFO?" (Do You Want to Know More About UFOs?), the magazine promotes its own publications, UFO FORUM and RAPPORTNYTT, as the sole publications on the subject in Norway. It highlights their role in documenting UFO phenomena, especially those occurring in Norway, and in providing information that might not reach the public through mainstream media. The journals are described as essential for understanding the "greatest scientific problem of our time."

Subscription addresses and prices are provided for both UFO FORUM and RAPPORTNYTT, with each journal published five times a year at a cost of 30 Norwegian Kroner per year. The magazine emphasizes that NORSK UFO CENTER's work is strictly based on recognized scientific principles, distancing itself from speculation and fantasy.

Furthermore, the issue includes extensive lists of UFO-related literature available for purchase, categorized by language (Danish and Swedish). These lists include titles such as "UFO-LANDINGER I DANMARK," "UFO-MYTEN OG DE PSYKISKE FENOMENER," "FLYGANDE TEPAT...VAD SAGER VETENSKAPEN?", and "FAKTA OM DE FLYGANDE TEFAT OCH DERES DRIVMETODER." Prices are listed in Danish Kroner, excluding VAT. The bookstore Jensen & Suadicani in Odense, Denmark, is listed as a supplier.

Advertising

The issue also contains advertisements, including a detailed price list for various brands of magnetic tapes (AGFA, TDK, FUJI, HITACHI, SONY, MAXELL, MEMOREX, BASF) and video tapes. A separate advertisement for BOAHS in Trondheim offers cassette tapes with a discount structure and free shipping for orders over 100 Kroner.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of UFO phenomena, particularly the Tunguska event, and the role of dedicated organizations like NORSK UFO CENTERS in disseminating information. The editorial stance is one of serious, evidence-based inquiry, aiming to counter misinformation and present factual accounts of UFO sightings and related events. The magazine positions itself as a crucial resource for anyone interested in understanding UFOs from a scientific perspective.