UFO-Observatoren - 1983 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of NIVFO UFO OBSERVATØREN, number 4 from April 1983, is published by NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning) and focuses on UFO phenomena and related scientific inquiries. The cover prominently features a call for interested individuals to contribute as press spokespersons or personnel for a press section, indicating a need to manage increasing media attention.

Call for Press Personnel

The lead article, "ER DU INTERESSERT I A SKRIVE ?" (Are You Interested in Writing?), addresses the growing number of articles appearing in local newspapers concerning UFOs. NIVFO recognizes the need to effectively comment on and follow up on these reports. While regional leaders and SA currently handle this, it is time-consuming. The organization seeks to establish a press section, potentially comprising several individuals with this as their specialty, to manage these tasks. While writing skills are necessary, training will be provided. Interested individuals are encouraged to contact their regional leader or the central administration in Trondheim.

Aktuelle Saker (Current Affairs)

This section is dedicated to field researchers and other collaborators. It highlights new field researchers: Trond A. Hammernes from Heimdal and Bjørn Terje Volden from Bjørgen. John Syvertsen from Horten has resigned for personal reasons but remains a member of NIVFO.

UFO-Rapports Skjema (UFO Report Form)

A proposed UFO report form is presented, intended to be more detailed and serious than previous versions. It includes sections for observer details, location, date, time, weather conditions, object characteristics (shape, color, size, behavior, speed, altitude, electromagnetic effects, physical traces), and a narrative description of the event. The form is designed to be detachable from the center pages for use.

Siste Nytt (Latest News)

Spiraltoppen, Drammen: Willy Petterson, a field researcher, reported strange, regular circular imprints in the snow on Spiraltoppen in Drammen. These imprints were approximately 1.5 meters in diameter and quite deep, arranged in a straight line. A family who discovered them reported a strong smell of sulfur in the area. Samples of soot deposits from the imprints are being sent for laboratory analysis. The magazine promises to return to this case.

NIVFO-Trondheim: The Trondheim branch is seeking volunteers for a fair where they will have an exhibition. So far, no one has come forward, and they urge people to consider helping.

Sorte Hull (Black Holes): This section provides a brief scientific explanation of black holes as regions in space with such strong gravitational forces that nothing, not even light, can escape. They form when a massive body collapses into a single point.

Fenomener (Phenomena)

This section details various unexplained light phenomena reported globally:

• Ramadi Lights: Known in Iraq since at least 1926 and 1946, observed by anthropologist Henry Field.
• Andes Lights (Peru): Called 'money lights' (la luz del dinero), these white or green luminous objects fly in the twilight over the Cordilleras and are believed by natives to indicate buried treasure.
• Min-Min Lights (Australia): These lights flutter over a large ranch in Australia, described as white and about the size of headlights.
• Waimea Lights (Hawaii): Appearing a few meters above the ground on the northern plateau, these self-luminous lights pulsate rhythmically and are said to emit faint music.
• Iliamna Lights (Alaska): Bright lights observed in the mountains near Iliamna Lake, unexplained and not originating from uranium.
• Chinati Ghost Light (Texas): A blinking light from a mountain peak, varying in size and intensity, visible from afar and moving erratically.
• Brown Mountain Lights (North Carolina): These lights, often orange or red and the size of toy balloons, appear over a high peak. They are shy and have been observed since 1850. One account describes a powerful, hissing light that changed shape.
• Ozark Spook Light (USA): Also known as the 'Hornet Light,' this phenomenon attracts tourists, with lights appearing over a 3 km stretch of road, varying in size and movement.
• Jersey City Lights (New Jersey): In 1954, hundreds witnessed 'ghostly' lights in a church clock tower, changing color from white to red and yellow.
• Holston Mountain Incident (Tennessee): On January 8, 1959, a plane crash was located with the help of a mysterious light that responded to signals from a Civil Air Patrol search party.

Signaler kan gå fortere enn lyset (Signals Can Travel Faster Than Light)

This extensive article by fil.dr. Harry Bökstedt discusses the implications of quantum physics, particularly experiments conducted by Alain Aspect at the University of Orsay. These experiments involve entangled photons, which appear to communicate instantaneously regardless of distance, seemingly violating Einstein's theory of relativity and the speed of light limit. The article explains Bell's theorem and how Aspect's experiments show results that deviate from its predictions, suggesting a faster-than-light communication or 'spooky action at a distance.' It touches upon the concept of 'non-separable' particles and the philosophical implications for our understanding of reality and causality, referencing physicists like Louis de Broglie who proposed theories of 'spacetime telegraphy.'

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained aerial phenomena and mysterious lights, presenting them as subjects worthy of investigation. There is a clear emphasis on collecting detailed reports from field researchers and the public, as evidenced by the detailed UFO report form. The inclusion of a scientific article on quantum physics and faster-than-light signals indicates an interest in exploring the cutting edge of scientific understanding, even when it challenges conventional wisdom. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, encouraging participation and detailed documentation of observations, while also engaging with complex scientific theories that might offer new perspectives on these phenomena.

This issue of CUFOS, identified as issue number 11 and part of volume 1-5/1982, is dated February 26, 1983. The magazine is published by the Center for UFO Studies in Evanston, Illinois, USA. The primary language is English, though a translated section from Norwegian is included. The cover prominently features the headline "UFOS HOLD NATION IN GRIP OF FEAR," suggesting a focus on widespread public anxiety related to UFO sightings in Norway.

Correspondence with Anton Lidstrom

The issue begins with a letter from John P. Timmerman, Chairman of CUFOS, to Anton Lidstrom in Norway, dated February 26, 1983. Timmerman acknowledges Lidstrom's letter of February 5th regarding the Hessdalen observations and the received articles, including the special NORWEGIAN UFO NEWS LETTER No. 1-5/1982 with a comprehensive report. Timmerman expresses significant interest in the situation, noting that Dr. J. Allen Hynek had recently been in Sweden to make arrangements for an inspection of the Hessdalen area and to interrogate witnesses. Unfortunately, Dr. Hynek was unable to inspect the area himself. Timmerman explains that CUFOS lacks sufficient funds for US-based investigators to travel to Norway for this purpose. Therefore, they rely on capable independent investigators and reporting groups like Lidstrom's to provide updates. He thanks Lidstrom for his confidence in CUFOS's ability to study the phenomenon and expresses a willingness to share study results if financing were available. They hope Lidstrom will continue to keep them and other interested readers informed.

Following this is a "Fritt oversatt" (Freely translated) section, which appears to be the Norwegian original of the letter from Timmerman to Lidstrom. It reiterates the thanks for the letter and articles, expresses interest in the Hessdalen case, mentions Dr. Hynek's visit to Sweden, and explains the financial constraints preventing CUFOS from sending researchers from the USA. It emphasizes reliance on groups like Lidstrom's for information and expresses hope for continued updates.

"Norge paralysert av redsel for en UFO-invasjon" (Norway paralyzed by fear of a UFO invasion)

This section, attributed to Fredrik Skagen and referencing an article by Len Stone in the American magazine 'GLOBE', details the widespread fear in Norway concerning UFO activity. The article states that Norwegians are paralyzed by fear that a sudden and massive UFO blitz has signaled the beginning of an extraterrestrial invasion. The brunt of this alleged UFO fleet has been spotted repeatedly near Røros, approximately 200 miles north of Oslo. Residents report that the sky over their valley has been streaked with strange flying objects for several months.

Len Stone's article in 'GLOBE' is cited extensively. He notes that the villagers have appealed to the nation's highest military authority, the Defense Ministry, for help against the perceived alien threat. Stone reports on witness accounts, including that of a bus driver, Olav Peterson, who described a gray, metallic object with red light appearing directly in front of his bus, moving slowly as if to inspect it before flying away quickly. A passenger, Margit Olesen, corroborated the sighting.

Leif Havik, commander of Norway's UFO-Watch force, told 'GLOBE' that the UFO blitz began last spring and has gradually increased to its current "feverish" peak, with Havik claiming to have seen at least 30 flying saucers since March of the previous year.

Stone's conclusions are presented as more interesting than the general sightings. He mentions that the UFO phenomenon has become such a major attraction that hot dog stands have opened in Hessdalen. He adds that the inhabitants report that the sky over their once-peaceful valley has become the scene of foreign flying objects for several months.

The article further reports that the Norwegian government, to alleviate fear, has assured residents that they are doing their utmost to investigate and stop the attacks. Norway's state-owned radio and TV have been instructed to issue warnings to the public "as soon as the invasion starts." Stone also speculates that the threatening saucer blitz might be connected to a top-secret NATO maneuver scheduled to take place in Norway, possibly referring to a repetition exercise on the Røros plateau.

It is mentioned that the Norwegian Air Force has tried unsuccessfully to track the unidentified objects on radar. However, the Defense Ministry has photographed "intense light points" over the remote valley. The article quotes UD's Geir Grung, who states that the country's leading experts cannot explain the mysterious observations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme in this issue is the intense public fear and anxiety in Norway regarding UFO sightings, framed as a potential extraterrestrial invasion. The editorial stance, as presented through the translated correspondence and the 'GLOBE' article, is one of serious interest in the phenomenon, acknowledgment of witness accounts, and reliance on external reporting due to internal resource limitations (CUFOS). There is a clear focus on the media's role in reporting such events and the government's response to public concern. The issue highlights the perceived threat and the official, albeit limited, efforts to investigate and address the situation, including potential links to military activities.