UFO-Observatoren - 1983 No 5

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO OBSERVATØREN
Issue: Nr. 5
Date: Mai 1983
Publisher: NIVFO NORSK INSTITUTT FOR VITENSKAPELIG FORSKNING OG OPPLYSNING
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO OBSERVATØREN focuses on "Aktuelle Saker" (Current Affairs) for field researchers and collaborators, featuring a cover illustration by Willy Pettersson depicting a UFO encounter.

UFO-er over Drammen er rutefly til Fornebu

This article addresses the recurring reports of mysterious flying objects observed over Drammen, particularly during February and March. The author explains these sightings as common aircraft traffic, specifically planes landing at Fornebu or Gardermoen airports. The phenomena, such as objects appearing to hover or descend rapidly, are attributed to the interplay of sunlight reflecting off the aircraft at high altitudes when the valley is in shadow. The increasing frequency of these reports is linked to the installation of a radio beacon at Konnerudkollen, which aids aircraft navigation. The article also briefly considers the possibility of these lights being from weather satellites.

Tror intenst på Ufoer

Written by Ruth Røsnes, this personal account expresses a strong belief in UFOs, stemming from a long-held interest in unexplained phenomena. The author recounts a recent trip to Røros and Hessdalen to investigate UFO sightings described by Arne Wisth. Røsnes shares personal experiences of unexplained events and telepathic contact with individuals who speak Norwegian with peculiar linguistic traits, sometimes using archaic forms. These individuals are described as being omnipresent and of both genders, with women referred to as "hofudprestinner" (chief priestesses) and scientists. Despite not witnessing the UFOs described in Wisth's book, Røsnes found the trip valuable and plans to return, noting the lack of accommodation in Hessdalen.

Forsiden er en fri fantasi-tegning

This section clarifies that the cover illustration is a free fantasy drawing by field researcher Willy Pettersson. It serves as an idea or suggestion for readers to consider how they would react if they encountered such an experience, inviting them to share their thoughts for a potential debate.

Spiraltoppen i Drammen

Referencing a previous issue of "UFO-OBSERVATØREN," this piece details an investigation by Willy Pettersson into strange circular tracks found in the snow near Drammen. Pettersson collected samples and took photographs. The explanation for the tracks was eventually revealed to be an exercise by the Home Guard involving TNT blasting, highlighting the importance of field research and prompt investigation.

Forskning: Null Tid

This short report, sourced from the Los Angeles Times, describes researchers at Bell Laboratories creating the shortest time interval ever recorded: 30 femtoseconds (30 trillionths of a second). This advancement in laser technology is expected to be valuable for measuring electrons and other subatomic particles. The article notes that light travels a significant distance in a second, but only a fraction of a human hair's width in 30 femtoseconds.

Merkelige Humanoid-Observasjon i Quebradilla, Puerto Rico

This article, authored by Sebastian Robiou Lamarche, details an encounter reported by Adrian de Olmos Ordonez on July 12th. Ordonez, while sitting on his veranda, observed a small, strange figure emerge from the darkness on his property. The figure, described as having a green suit, a helmet with an antenna-like protrusion and a light, and a shiny object in its hand, approached a streetlight. When the light was turned on, the figure became startled and moved rapidly towards a fence. It then activated lights on a backpack-like device on its back and emitted a sound like an electric drill before ascending into the trees. Ordonez's family and neighbors also witnessed lights moving between the trees for about ten minutes before the phenomenon disappeared. The witness described the figure as having four fingers and duck-like feet.

Detaljer ved Humanoiden

This section provides further details about the humanoid observed in Puerto Rico. The creature was approximately 3.5 feet tall with normal proportions except for short arms. Its green suit appeared to be filled with air. The helmet had a lighter green section on the sides resembling pointed ears, and a glass-like front that reflected the streetlight intensely. The shiny object in its hand was compared to the size of a matchbox. When the creature's backpack-like device was activated, four lights (two red, two blue) rotated, and downward-pointing light beams were emitted. The humanoid then ascended into the trees and moved horizontally at a considerable speed before disappearing.

Hva som videre skjedde

Following the encounter, the witness's family and neighbors gathered. They observed light beams from the humanoid's "backpack" moving between trees and near the ground for about ten minutes. Another similar light was observed nearby, suggesting the presence of a second entity. The animals on the farm became agitated, and neighborhood dogs began barking excessively. Police officers investigated but found no explanation for the event. The witness, who has a hobby of drawing, is considered credible and had not previously shown interest in UFO phenomena but now believes in them.

Etter opplevelsen fikk Olmos store fordøyelsesproblemer

This part of the report details the aftermath of the humanoid encounter. Adrian de Olmos Ordonez experienced significant digestive problems for a couple of days, becoming irritable. The following day, his son found tracks that were believed to be from the humanoid, but one was unfortunately destroyed before it could be photographed. Investigations conducted days later found no physical traces, unusual magnetism, or radioactivity. However, a broken branch on a mango tree was noted, which the creature had reportedly moved towards. An elderly neighbor recalled seeing a luminous object descend in the same spot two days prior. Other reports mentioned animals on a nearby farm becoming agitated.

Konklusjoner

Despite the absence of a definitively identified flying object, the case is considered to fall under the category of UFO phenomenology. The source is cited as THE MUFON UFO JOURNAL nr. 124, March 1978, translated and slightly abridged.

En UFO fra 1908

This section recounts a historical event from 1908, submitted by Willy Johnsen. It describes a sensational newspaper report from Notodden, Norway, about a landed spaceship with two alien passengers. The ship was described as egg-shaped and made of an unknown metal. The beings were depicted as a mix between an alligator and a bird, with wings in constant motion and radiant eyes. They communicated through modulated flute-like tones and indicated they needed assistance to leave. The report stated they re-entered their ship and disappeared. The article reveals this was an elaborate April Fool's joke, with the newspaper later explaining how the hoax was executed. The story gained significant attention, even reaching Stockholm.

BA-REPORTASJE: NYTTI NORCE

This report, sourced from the newspaper "Drammens Tidende Buskeruds Blad" (dated March 12, 1983), features Professor Reidar Th. Christiansen from the University of Oslo. He discusses the origins of the April Fool's Day tradition in Norway, noting that it is not an ancient custom and has no roots in old Norwegian calendars or festivities. Professor Christiansen traces the practice back to before 1850, suggesting it is older than Christmas trees in Norway.

United Kingdom 3rd International UFO CONGRESS

This section announces the 3rd International UFO Congress organized by BUFORA (British UFO Research Association), to be held from August 27-29, 1983, in Lane End, near High Wycombe, UK. The event will take place at The Lorch Foundation and the Lane End Conference Centre. The program includes internationally renowned speakers such as Dr. Allen Hynek, Dr. Harley Rutledge, Stanton Friedman, and Hilary Evans. Details are provided for booking accommodation and attending the congress, with a tariff list for different attendance levels and optional activities like a buffet lunch and a congress dinner. The event is promoted as "A Breath Of Fresh Air On The UFO Scene."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores unexplained phenomena, with a particular focus on UFO sightings and humanoid encounters. While one article offers a rational explanation for local UFO reports (aircraft), others delve into detailed witness testimonies of unusual events, such as the Puerto Rican humanoid encounter. The inclusion of historical cases, like the 1908 hoax, and scientific advancements in related fields (like the Bell Labs time experiment) suggests a broad interest in the UFO phenomenon. The promotion of the BUFORA congress indicates an engagement with the international UFO research community. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both skeptical explanations and detailed accounts of unexplained events, encouraging reader participation and debate.

This issue of "DAGSLYSDISKOS" (Daylight Disc Cases), dated January 1978, features an article titled "VETERANPILOT SER 'DAGSLYSDISKOS'" (Veteran Pilot Sees 'Daylight Disc Cases') by Richard Hall. The magazine is published by MUFON (Mutual UFO Network) and is in Norwegian.

Floyd Hallstrøm's UFO Sighting

The main article details a sighting by veteran pilot Floyd Hallstrøm of Oxnard, California, on January 1, 1978. Hallstrøm, who has over 37 years of flying experience with various aircraft and helicopters, was flying a Cessna 170A from Oxnard to San Diego, accompanying a friend, Jim Victor, who was delivering another aircraft. They maintained radio contact.

As Hallstrøm approached Santa Monica at an altitude of 7500 feet, in clear skies except for a thin layer of smog over Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), he spotted an object. Initially, he mistook it for Jim Victor's aircraft, which was in the vicinity of LAX. However, the object grew larger and moved towards him, leading Hallstrøm to realize it was not Jim.

He observed the object taking a course slightly to his left and lower. He identified it as a craft of some kind but could not determine its type. He noted it was moving at a very high speed, though estimating the exact speed was difficult due to its position relative to him.

Hallstrøm could not see any wings on the object, but he noticed a row of windows, similar to those on an airplane. He considered the possibility of it being a helicopter but concluded that no known helicopter could achieve such a speed.

Investigation and Analysis

The case was thoroughly investigated by former US Air Force lieutenant colonel Robert F. Bowker and Idabel Epperson of MUFON. Hallstrøm attempted to find a conventional explanation for the sighting, following Dr. J. Allen Hynek's "hypothesis-escalation" method, but was unsuccessful.

He described the object as a "disk-shaped, round craft - a so-called flying saucer." He saw it clearly as perfectly circular with a cupola on top, featuring a row of windows. These windows stood out sharply against the dark hull, appearing to be made of a shiny metal like nickel or chrome, with a deep glow. There were approximately 16 to 20 windows, each about 18 to 20 inches in size, evenly spaced around the cupola's edge.

The UFO continued on a course of 310 degrees (Hallstrøm's course was 130 degrees) without any signs of rotation, oscillation, banking, or wobbling. There were no visible propulsion systems or exhaust. The sun reflected off the shiny cupola, creating a bright spot as the object passed. After about a minute, the object disappeared behind Hallstrøm's Cessna. Hallstrøm estimated its speed at approximately 650 miles per hour.

He immediately sketched the craft. Hallstrøm reported his observation to various FAA authorities and possibly to UFO groups, with the report appearing in the Ventura County and Harbor News on January 13 and 20, 1978.

Idabel Epperson's analysis highlighted Hallstrøm's reliability and his lack of prior UFO interest, suggesting he was not predisposed to such beliefs. She noted that Hallstrøm experienced an overwhelming urge to meet the occupants of the craft and hoped it would return. Minutes after Hallstrøm's sighting, a similar UFO was reported over Downey, California, about 20 miles from LAX, raising the question of whether it was the same object.

Subsequent Events and Psychological Impact

Another peculiar incident occurred a few nights later when Hallstrøm and his wife were awakened by a sound from their bedroom, but they found nothing upon investigation. Shortly after, they heard a high-pitched humming sound again, but Hallstrøm could not see anything unusual.

A third event involved a light hovering over their house for three consecutive mornings as Hallstrøm left for work. He was certain it was not any type of aircraft he was familiar with.

Perhaps the most significant aspect was the change in Hallstrøm himself. He reported experiencing an unpleasant pressure in his head, which he had never felt before, and suffered from insomnia. He also had disturbing dreams, mostly about UFOs and their occupants, which was also new to him.

Despite these experiences, Hallstrøm maintained that he would willingly accompany the aliens if they approached him, stating, "Because they must have superior intelligence and much to teach us."

Hallstrøm's lack of familiarity with the UFO phenomenon and the apparent indifference he encountered when reporting the incident led him to believe the public was unaware of the presence of extraterrestrials, which he found frustrating.

Conclusion and Follow-up

The article concludes with an update that Hallstrøm had been contacted periodically and was feeling much better, having "returned to his old self" as he put it.

Source and Related Information

The primary source for this report is THE MUFON UFO JOURNAL nr. 122, dated January 1978. A footnote references Dr. J. Allen Hynek's "UFO - en dokumentasjon" (UFO - A Documentation). The article was translated by K. Stenødegård.

NIVFO Special Report: UFO - FOTO

On page 6, a separate announcement promotes a new special issue from NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for vitenskapelig forskning og opplysning) titled "UFO - FOTO" (UFO - Photo). This 23-page A4-format booklet contains over 40 alleged UFO photographs from Norway and abroad, each with text and commentary. The price is Kr. 13,- including postage, and it can be ordered from NIVFO in Trondheim.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on detailed case reports of UFO sightings, particularly those with credible witnesses like pilots. The editorial stance, as suggested by the NIVFO advertisement, is to provide "sober information, built on all available data and critical scientific assessment," appealing to those seeking factual information rather than sensationalism. The investigation of Floyd Hallstrøm's sighting, including his background and psychological state, reflects a thorough approach to understanding the phenomenon.