UFO-Observatoren - 1983 No 3

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO OBSERVATØREN
Issue: No. 3
Date: March 1983
Publisher: NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning)
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

Cover Story: Public Belief in UFOs

The cover prominently features the headline "Fire av ti nordmenn tror på UFO" (Four out of ten Norwegians believe in UFOs). A survey conducted by Norsk Opini-onsinstitutt revealed that 40% of Norwegians believe that flying saucers truly exist. Furthermore, three out of ten Norwegians believe that human-like creatures exist on other planets. The article suggests that this belief is not surprising given the extensive media coverage of flying saucers and similar phenomena over the past fifty years. The main challenge, it notes, is distinguishing between pure fantasy and reports based on serious observations.

NIVFO Field Researcher Orientation

This section provides guidance for NIVFO's field researchers. It emphasizes that while investigating physical traces of UFO-related events is rare, field researchers will frequently need to investigate reports appearing in newspapers. The primary task of a field researcher is to follow up on reported UFO observations with thorough investigations, depending on the nature and possibilities of each case.

Becoming a Field Researcher

Individuals interested in becoming field researchers or field reporters must complete a registration form. This form collects information about their qualifications, though formal education is not always decisive; genuine interest and aptitude, combined with practice and insight, are key. Those who register will receive booklets and handbooks for field researchers, which they are expected to study thoroughly and discuss any unclear points.

Training and Communication

While geographical distances can hinder organized courses, NIVFO aims to arrange gatherings for training and practice. The magazine "UFO OBSERVATØREN" is highlighted as the organ of the investigation department and a valuable tool for maintaining contact and disseminating information. Field researchers are encouraged to contribute questions, viewpoints, and suggestions to the magazine's columns.

Identification

Authorized field researchers will receive an identity card with a unique series number for their region, a photo, and their signature.

Following Up on UFO Reports in Newspapers etc.

Learning about an Observation

Field researchers can become aware of an observation through their local newspaper, via their regional leader, or by chance.

Rapid Follow-up

Prompt follow-up is crucial for the investigation and to prevent interference from other parties.

Starting the Work

The approach to a case depends on the information available in the newspaper report. If the observer's name is not provided, the researcher should contact the newspaper for details. If the reporter's name is available, it can simplify matters. Newspapers are generally helpful, and researchers can offer to share the results of NIVFO's investigations.

If the observer's name is provided, direct contact is possible, but it may still be advisable to inform the newspaper that NIVFO is looking into the case.

The Follow-up Process

The specific actions taken will depend on the case. Typically, it involves investigating reports of luminous objects in the sky. The report form is a key tool for asking the right questions. Observers should fill out the form to the best of their ability, though some sections, like estimating angular size (e.g., using thumb and forefinger at arm's length), can be difficult. The report form uses the full moon as a reference, comparing its apparent size to an 'pea' when measured this way. Visiting witnesses in person, ideally at the observation site, is highly beneficial for clarifying details.

Handling Data and Information

Cases with sparse data or vague descriptions of a luminous dot in the sky are of little interest. Objects with steady course and speed are also less significant. Cases with more substance require time and effort, focusing on completing the report form with as complete and accurate data as possible. For significant events, obtaining photos of the observation site and witnesses (if they consent) is recommended.

Field Sections

If several field researchers are located near each other, a field section can be established. Researchers should contact their regional leader to explore this possibility, as group investigations are often more effective.

Material Submission

Once details are investigated and recorded, and the report form is completed, the original material should be sent to the relevant regional leader (local or national). The field researcher should retain a copy. The regional leader makes a copy for themselves and forwards the case to the central administration.

Overcoming Difficulties

If difficulties arise, such as an uncooperative newspaper or reluctant witnesses, researchers must contact their regional leader immediately for instructions. It is crucial to avoid controversies with the press or witnesses.

What a Field Researcher or Other Representative Must Never Do

Representatives must never give statements to journalists or others about a case unless they are absolutely certain of its accuracy. They must never make statements for which there is no absolute coverage. They must never speculate or engage in loose theorizing about the phenomenon being reported. The focus must always be on facts, not visionary thoughts.

When journalists inquire, often seeking to 'angle' statements, follow the rules in the handbook (page 11). Thoroughly reading technical articles in the NIVFO-BULLETIN will provide a solid basis for statements.

Key Terms for Journalists:

• NIVFO aims to be a counterweight to pseudoscience.
• NIVFO does not reject anything a priori, but collects information on pseudoscience and off-beat literature from reliable sources worldwide and informs the public accordingly.
• NIVFO-BULLETIN is a critical forum for this material.
• Data is gathered from scientific and literary institutions in Norway and abroad, including over 2,500 foreign newspapers monthly.

Definition of UFO

The letters UFO stand for unidentified flying objects, but the term 'phenomenon' is considered more accurate than 'object'. The provided definition is considered inadequate:

"With UFO, we understand a phenomenon reported in the sky, in the air, or on the ground, which remains unexplained after thorough investigation by competent persons. The observational material must also contain enough information and data to allow for an attempt at explanation."

The fundamental question is: Does this small remainder of observations represent new empirical data, or could these cases also be explained with better investigation methods and more reliable data?

Interview Techniques

Interviews with observers are crucial because memory can distort or embellish details over time. The interviewer must strive to capture all facts of the observation, considering factors that can influence the result. An interview is a dynamic interaction, a form of interplay dependent on the individuals involved and the purpose of the relationship. This interaction is influenced by:

• Sympathies/antipathies between interviewer and observer.
• A common human drive to gain recognition and acceptance.

Seeking acceptance can lead observers to answer in ways they believe will please the interviewer. This can be influenced by the interviewer's prior knowledge of UFO phenomena, their reactions, and how they pose questions. To avoid this, interviewers should refrain from valuing or interpreting information during the interview. Examples of such validation include nodding, smiling, or showing increased attention. An unclear observation might be presented as a clear event simply due to gestures and leading questions.

Planning the Interview

Interviews should be planned in advance, based on available information such as press reports, radio broadcasts, and questionnaires. If multiple witnesses are involved, potential discrepancies in their accounts should be identified beforehand. Additional questions may be needed during the interview. It is noted that presumed UFO incidents often leave a strong impression, leading to physical and psychological reactions. Having someone who listens and takes the event 'seriously' can lead to a flood of information.

Conducting the Interview

Start with casual conversation to build rapport and create a relaxed atmosphere. Before beginning, inform the observer how their information will be used and its significance. Allow the observer to recount the event freely without interruption. Direct questions should only be used when spontaneous statements require clarification for understanding.

Listen attentively, comparing the account with existing knowledge. If the observer loses track, gently guide them back with questions like, "What happened next?". During this initial phase, avoid delving into specific details. The goal is to help the observer feel comfortable and gain a general overview of the event as they perceived it.

Follow-up Questions

Remember that an interview should be a conversation, not an interrogation. Taking notes should be minimal, focusing only on the most important details like names, times, and measurements. After the initial round, it's time to clarify ambiguous points or strengthen credibility by approaching the problem from different angles. Since prior knowledge of UFOs can color an observation, it's wise to first elicit these existing beliefs. It is advisable not to discuss the UFO topic directly at the outset. Begin with general questions and then move to more specific ones. Carefully follow the sequence of events and the timeline of the observation, probing any gaps.

Questions should always be formulated to elicit information, not just a yes/no answer. A good rule is to build questions with keywords: When, where, how, why, which, where to, who, etc.

An example of an open-ended question is: "Tell me what happened!". Such questions allow the observer to provide spontaneous and coherent answers. Leading questions must be avoided.

When both interviewer and observer feel exhausted, conclude the interview. After reviewing the information, new points may emerge, necessitating a follow-up contact. Arrange a future meeting if necessary.

Witness Investigations

For information on witness investigations, refer to NIVFO-bulletin No. 4/1982, page 3.

From Field Researchers to Editorial/Administration

Field researchers are encouraged to share their questions, viewpoints, suggestions, and ideas through the "UFO-observatøren" columns. This internal forum is intended for use and helps the editorial team understand the researchers' concerns and topics that need further clarification.

Formulating Questions

The rule is: A question should provide information and be formulated so that it elicits information. If a question covers multiple factors, the chance of misunderstanding increases, potentially leading to less precise answers. Questions should be formulated so they cannot be answered with a simple yes or no.

The Tunguska Event of 1908

The 1908 Tunguska explosion in Siberia remains a mystery despite numerous scientific expeditions and reports. The event caused widespread devastation over a large area, flattening trees and leaving behind scorched trunks. Witnesses reported a fiery sphere descending from the sky, accompanied by loud sounds. Explanations for the event have varied, including a meteorite explosion, an extraterrestrial cultural society's atomic explosion, a comet nucleus exploding in the atmosphere, and an 'antimatter' object annihilating upon contact with ordinary matter.

Theories on the Tunguska Event

• Meteorite Theory: Proposed that a large meteorite exploded due to intense heat. However, no crater was found at the site.
• Advanced Civilization Theory: Suggested an atomic explosion caused by a highly developed civilization from another planet. This was supported by evidence of brunsvidd tree branches and unusual magnetic field variations, though later investigations found these measurements to be inaccurate.
• Comet Nucleus Theory: This is a widely supported theory suggesting a comet nucleus entered the atmosphere at high speed and exploded due to heat. Comets are described as 'dirty snowballs' composed of frozen gases, ice, rock, and metal. While particles have been found, skeptics question why a comet would explode without leaving behind its constituents and how it could reach Earth undetected.
• Antimatter Theory: A newer theory posits that an 'antimatter' object (antistein) entered the atmosphere and annihilated, releasing gamma rays and causing a massive explosion. This could explain the burn marks and the absence of a mushroom cloud or remnants. It is also suggested that the disintegration of antistein would temporarily increase the amount of Carbon-14 in the atmosphere, which could be detected in tree rings from that period.

Antimatter and the Universe

The concept of antimatter, theorized by physicist Paul Dirac, involves particles with opposite charges to ordinary matter (e.g., positrons are the antiparticles of electrons). If antimatter and matter combine, they annihilate each other, releasing energy. While ordinary matter dominates our part of the universe, it's possible that galaxies of antimatter exist elsewhere. The energy released from a small amount of antimatter could be equivalent to a large nuclear explosion. The theory suggests that the Tunguska event could have been caused by a small amount of antimatter, which would explain the lack of physical remnants.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous scientific investigation, distinguishing between factual reporting and speculation. NIVFO positions itself as a source of credible information, aiming to counter pseudoscience with evidence-based research. The editorial stance encourages critical thinking and thorough documentation, particularly through its field researchers. The publication serves as a platform for internal communication and discussion within the UFO research community, promoting a methodical approach to unexplained phenomena.

This issue of "UFO OBSERVATÖREN" from March 15, 1983, presents a diverse collection of articles and reports related to UFO phenomena, historical sightings, and scientific speculation. The magazine features contributions from various individuals and organizations, aiming to inform and engage readers interested in the unexplained.

The Tunguska Event and Mini Black Holes

The issue begins by exploring the 1908 Tunguska event in Siberia. While a comet impact is a common theory, the article also delves into the hypothesis of a 'mini black hole' proposed by Stephen Hawking. Jackson and Ryan's research in "Nature" suggests that such a mini black hole passing through Earth's atmosphere could explain the observed effects. The article contrasts this with the conventional comet theory, noting that no single theory fully satisfies all aspects of the event. It also raises concerns about the potential for similar catastrophes to occur without warning and trigger global conflict.

Was it a Visit from Other Worlds?

This section critically examines the Tunguska event, questioning the comet impact theory. British authors John Baxter and Thomas Atkins propose that the explosion was caused by an alien spacecraft. They cite similarities to a nuclear explosion, including variations in Earth's magnetism, the nature of the forest damage suggesting sound waves and radiation, and the presence of 'trinitite'-like green spheres and metal fragments. The intense light and post-catastrophe plant growth changes are also compared to Hiroshima. The authors suggest the event occurred in the atmosphere, approximately 3 km from the ground, and involved an object capable of causing a nuclear fission. Eyewitness accounts describe a large, bluish, cylinder-shaped object with a multicolored tail, moving with a deafening noise at a moderate speed. The elliptical shape of the damaged area suggests a controlled descent. Baxter and Atkins reconstruct the event as a spacecraft in distress attempting a landing, which resulted in a 30-megaton nuclear explosion due to overheating of its fuel.

The Valensole Sighting

The magazine recounts the experience of Maurice Masse, a farmer from Valensole, France, on July 1, 1965. He reported seeing a strange, rugby ball-shaped machine with a transparent dome land in his field. Two small beings, described as about a meter tall with large heads and glowing bodies, were near the machine. Masse experienced temporary paralysis and noted that the lavender plants in the area where the craft landed were affected for years.

The 1897 Airship Wave Over the USA

This article by Stig Aggestad details a series of mysterious sightings in the United States between November 1896 and April 1897. Thousands of people reported seeing strange airships, often described as cigar-shaped with lights, wings, and superstructures. The phenomenon caused widespread excitement, with reports appearing in local and national newspapers, as well as in Europe. One notable case involved Joseph Joslin, who claimed to have been taken aboard one of these craft. The article notes the scientific establishment's skepticism, with Thomas Edison dismissing the sightings as a hoax. However, the author points out the similarities to the 1947 UFO wave and the lack of any known technology at the time that could explain these sightings, suggesting it remains an interesting puzzle piece in UFO history.

Can Humans Construct 'UFOs'?

Johannes Wallestad explores the technological advancements that could lead to humans constructing 'UFOs'. He posits that understanding gravity and magnetism is key, drawing parallels to historical technological leaps driven by metallurgy. Wallestad suggests that by manipulating magnetic fields, it's possible to counteract gravity, creating 'mini UFOs'. He believes current human technology is capable of building such craft, with the primary challenge being the development of specific metal alloys. He also speculates that advanced civilizations might have possessed this technology in the distant past.

UFO Activity and Research in Norway

The issue includes a significant section detailing the organizational structure of NIVFO (Norwegian UFO Information Center), listing regional leaders and field researchers across Norway. It also mentions a UFO wave in Norway in November 1981, coinciding with activity in Denmark, and notes the ongoing efforts to analyze these events. The magazine also provides contact information for various NIVFO branches and expresses a desire for more reader contributions and debate.

Other Reports and Features

• Danish and Swedish Magazine Excerpts: The magazine includes clippings from Danish and Swedish publications, such as an article about the 1897 airship sightings and a report on a UFO landing near Falun, Sweden, in 1981. The Falun incident describes a newspaper distributor witnessing a strange light and figures near his vehicle.
• Valentich Disappearance: A brief mention is made of the disappearance of pilot Frederick Valentich in Australia in 1978 after he reported seeing a UFO.
• Danish UFO Crime Novel: The development of a Danish crime film titled 'Viktor's UFO' is announced, which incorporates UFO themes.
• Austrian UFO Research: A summary of research into the psychological profiles of UFO witnesses in Austria is presented, categorizing witnesses based on their 'reality awareness'.
• 'Angel Hair' and UFOs: The phenomenon of 'angel hair' (a sticky, web-like substance sometimes associated with UFOs) is discussed, clarifying that in a Danish case, it was identified as spiderweb.
• Unidentified Aircraft Incident: A report from the Danish Directorate of Civil Aviation describes an encounter between a DC-9 aircraft and an unidentified flying object in 1981.
• Regional Office Move: The Region ØST office of NIVFO has moved to a new address in Oslo, with updated contact information provided.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the historical investigation of UFO sightings, the exploration of scientific and speculative explanations for unexplained aerial phenomena, and the organization of UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging debate and the sharing of information, while also acknowledging the skepticism and scientific challenges involved in studying UFOs. The magazine aims to present a broad spectrum of UFO-related topics, from historical events to contemporary sightings and potential technological advancements.