UFO-Observatoren - 1983 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO OBSERVATÖREN
Issue: 1/83
Date: New Year 1983 (January 1983)
Publisher: NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Document Type: Magazine Issue

Editorial Introduction and Aims

The editorial in this issue of UFO OBSERVATÖREN, titled "EN IDE" (An Idea), outlines the motivation for creating this new publication. The primary goal is to establish a communication channel for the growing number of field researchers and collaborators within NIVFO across Norway. The magazine aims to serve as a link between different regions, fostering cooperation among leaders and researchers. It is intended to cover current affairs, emerging topics, and ideas from individuals that might not find a place in the official NIVFO-BULLETIN. The editors emphasize that this publication is not meant to be a competitor to the BULLETIN but rather a complementary forum for informal discussion and information exchange.

The "NYTT ÅR 1983" section expresses hope for a successful year for NIVFO, marked by growth in membership and activities. It highlights the importance of increasing membership numbers, potentially through advertising in local newspapers. The section also mentions ongoing planning within various regions and encourages suggestions from field researchers, noting a historical lack of contact between researchers and regional leaders, which this new publication aims to improve.

Content Highlights

"AKTUELLE SAKER" (Current Affairs)

This section on the cover signals that the issue will focus on timely topics. The content within the magazine elaborates on this by discussing the need for better communication and information sharing among NIVFO members.

"Brev til OSS" (Letters to Us) and "Spør oss omalt" (Ask us about everything)

These sections invite reader participation. "Brev til OSS" is a space for letters, suggestions, and feedback regarding NIVFO and UFO-related matters. "Spør oss omalt" is a Q&A section where the NIVFO ØST team will answer questions about NIVFO's work, field research, and assignments.

"EKSEMPLER PÅ ANNONSERING" (Examples of Advertising) and "KUNNGJØRINGER" (Announcements)

These sections showcase how NIVFO members and interested parties can engage with the organization. Advertisements are presented for those interested in UFO research and becoming involved in field work. They also promote subscriptions to the "NIVFO-BULLETIN" for comprehensive information on UFO events and research results in Norway and abroad. The ads direct interested individuals to contact NIVFO-REGION ØST for more information. A note on advertising suggests that placing ads under 'diverse' categories is more effective than in 'announcements' sections, and that while larger ads cost around 200 NOK, smaller ones around 40-50 NOK can yield results.

"EXTRA" - "«Farlig» lys på fjelltopp" (Dangerous Light on Mountaintop)

This article, dated 21-1-83 and attributed to AFTENPOSTEN, reports on an incident near Bjærangfjorden in Nordland. An iced trigonometrical point on a mountaintop, with its guy wires, was mistaken for a luminous cylinder due to ice formation. The military was alerted, and a jet fighter and helicopter were dispatched to photograph it. It was later identified as a landmark for mapping.

"ER FOLK FLEST BLITT MERE OBSERVANTE PÅ FENOMENER? IKKE UFO DENNE GANG; MEN"

This introductory text suggests a growing public openness to discussing unusual phenomena, including UFOs, with fewer people dismissing them outright. It anticipates that more individuals who have previously been hesitant will come forward with their experiences.

"Stor lysende gjenstand - Så UFO i Vestre Ådal" (Large Luminous Object - Saw UFO in Vestre Ådal)

This is a report from Edgar Johansen of Oppegård, Vestre Ådal, published in Ringerikes Blad on November 15, 1982. Johansen describes observing a large, circular object with intense white light and fainter colors at its edges, hovering silently a few meters above the ground, about two hundred meters away. The object remained stationary for about fifteen minutes before disappearing suddenly. Johansen states he has observed similar phenomena twice before, approximately a year prior. He cannot find a natural explanation and believes it to be a UFO.

"VIKTIG KAN DERE VÆRE BEHJELPELIG MED: AVISUTKLIPP" (Important: Can you help with: Newspaper Clippings)

This section appeals to readers for their assistance. It explains that the "ARGUS" agency's clippings often arrive too late for timely investigation. Readers are urged to cut out and send any UFO-related news items they find in newspapers to their respective regions as soon as possible. This is crucial for starting investigations while the cases are still fresh.

"OPPDRAG:" (Assignment)

This section details the process for handling UFO reports. When a newspaper clipping is received, it is copied and sent to the field researcher closest to the sighting location. It is emphasized that if a researcher cannot take on an assignment, they must return the clipping promptly to their regional leader so it can be passed on to someone else.

"HVA SKAL DU GJØRE?" (What Should You Do?)

This provides instructions for field researchers when a report comes in. If the observer's name is not mentioned in the clipping, the researcher should contact the journalist who wrote the article to obtain the observer's contact details. The researcher is then advised to contact the observer (preferably by phone beforehand) to conduct an interview, using the UFO report form. Recording the interview on a cassette recorder is recommended, and the material should be sent to the regional leader. The cassette recorder will be returned. If a phenomenon is currently in progress, the researcher will be contacted directly to attend the scene quickly.

"ET LITE UTVALG AV AVISER INNEN REG.ST." (A Small Selection of Newspapers in the Region)

This is a list of various Norwegian newspapers, including their publication details (founding year, type, address, phone, bank information, key personnel like editors and directors, and branch offices). This list appears to be a resource for field researchers to identify potential sources for UFO-related news.

"BIBLIOTEK" (Library)

This section proposes the creation of a shared library of UFO-related books and literature. The idea is to circulate these materials among members across the country via a rotation system, making it an affordable way to access information. NIVFO Region ØST is suggested as a potential coordinator for collecting and managing these books.

"HVA MENER DU? OM EN SLIK LITEN AVIS SOM DETTE ?"

This is a direct call for reader opinions on the concept of this small publication. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts, suggest topics for discussion, and provide input to help develop the content for future issues.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are communication, cooperation, and information dissemination within the NIVFO organization and its network of field researchers. The editorial stance is one of encouraging active participation from members, emphasizing the importance of timely reporting and investigation of UFO phenomena, and fostering a sense of community among those interested in the subject. There is a clear effort to bridge the gap between different regions and to make information accessible to all members. The tone is informal and inviting, aiming to create an open forum for discussion and sharing of experiences and ideas.