UFO-Observatoren - 1983 No 7

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO OBSERVATØREN, published by NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning), is dated July-August-September-October 1983. The cover prominently features Halley's Comet, urging readers to 'Beware of Halley's Comet!' and providing details about its trajectory and visibility. The issue delves into various aspects of UFO research, organizational operations of NIVFO, and scientific discoveries.

Halley's Comet: A Celestial Spectacle

The lead article details the approaching Halley's Comet, describing it as a luminous, rotating ball of mineral matter and dust frozen in ice, ammonia, and other substances, orbiting the solar system. Its path is traced, noting its passage through the gravitational fields of Neptune, Uranus, and Jupiter. By January 1986, the comet is expected to be visible to the naked eye, appearing as a new star of medium size. The article highlights the scientific interest and the planned investigations by space probes.

Scientific Discoveries: Lunar Meteorite and Martian Possibilities

A significant scientific report discusses a meteorite found in Antarctica in January 1982. Mineralogist Brian Mason from the Smithsonian Institution identified striking similarities between this meteorite and lunar rocks collected by Apollo astronauts in 1971. Further analysis confirmed that its chemical composition, particularly the ratio of iron to manganese and the distribution of isotopes, is virtually identical to lunar samples. This discovery is considered sensational as it's the first time the origin of a meteorite has been definitively established. The article also touches upon the possibility of meteorites originating from other celestial bodies, mentioning Mars as a candidate, citing similarities between Martian meteorites and those found on Earth.

NIVFO's Internal Operations and Challenges

Several articles address the internal workings and challenges of NIVFO. The organization is seeking more leaders for its regional divisions, as current leaders are overwhelmed with tasks. There's a call to utilize 'hidden resources' within the organization, such as field researchers who might have 'dead time' and possess valuable skills.

Information and Communication

A recurring theme is the importance of internal contact and communication. The current system, using separate publications like 'Intern NIVFO-Informasjon' (INI) for administration and 'UFO OBSERVATØREN' (UO) for field researchers, is deemed insufficient. Several alternative solutions are proposed, including consolidating into a single organ or integrating content from INI into UO. The cost of these publications is a significant factor, with different regions currently funding different publications.

Field Research and Follow-up

The Etterforskningsavdelingen (Investigation Department) is highlighted as needing rapid action when UFO/UAP reports appear in newspapers. The current system is considered inadequate, and there's a push to improve the follow-up process, including information dissemination to the press. The cost of using the telephone for immediate follow-up is a concern, leading to a search for more cost-effective systems. The department hopes to be fully operational by October/November, with Trond Hammernes potentially taking charge.

Regional Updates

Updates are provided on the status of NIVFO's operations in different regions:

• NORD: Led by Jan S. Krogh, this region is described as making a strong effort, with an established data and information department and a local region in Tromsø. They have also assisted other regions with field investigations.
• MIDT: The central administration is handling regional leadership until a dedicated leader is found. There are a few field researchers and potential operative leaders.
• SØR: Willy Johnsen is busy with the printing operations and expeditions. The region is working to cover local newspapers, and potential leaders like John-Erik Aadland and Odd Ø. Anonensen are expected to help alleviate Willy Johnsen's workload.
• VEST: This region's administrative section is currently vacant. Geir Olsen in Stavanger, a field researcher, is showing interest in advancing.
• ØST: This is described as the most extensive and demanding administrative section, with a large number of newspapers and field researchers. The regional leader, Leif Mehlum, is reportedly overwhelmed, and there's a strong call for more people to assist in administration and newspaper coverage.

Identification and Training

NIVFO is issuing identity cards (ID-kort) to field researchers, which serve as proof of their status. The process involves studying NIVFO's materials and gaining practical experience. The organization is also developing new materials, including a 'Planhefte' and an 'Orienteringshefte', to aid in training and information dissemination.

UFO Explanations and Misidentifications

One article discusses the critical question of verifying witness testimonies: "What the witness reports happened - did it really happen exactly as the witness reports it?" It provides an example of a potential misidentification where a 'large, luminous object' with 'towers' and 'superstructures' was observed. Through calculations, it was determined that the planet Venus was in the observed position at that time, suggesting that many UFO sightings could be explained by astronomical phenomena.

Another section addresses 'Hot Air Balloons,' suggesting that experiments with large hot air balloons in Norway and Denmark around late 1981 and early 1982 might explain some UFO observations. The article notes that the appearance of UFOs in Hessdalen coincided with these balloon experiments, and photographs of Hessdalen UFOs bear a resemblance to those of hot air balloons or celestial bodies.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, accurate reporting, and efficient internal communication within NIVFO. There's a clear effort to professionalize the organization's operations, from field research to information dissemination. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging unexplained phenomena while also advocating for thorough scientific investigation and the elimination of mundane explanations. The need for volunteer participation and the challenges of managing a widespread organization are recurrent themes.

This issue of the Norwegian magazine "UFO" (published by NIVFO) prominently features Halley's Comet on its cover, with the headline "SE OPP FOR HALLEYS KOMET!" (Watch out for Halley's Comet!). The cover also includes an illustration of a comet. The magazine discusses the scientific and historical aspects of Halley's Comet, alongside information about UFO phenomena and a special offer for a publication related to the Hessdalen case.

Halley's Comet: Scientific and Historical Perspectives

The lead article details the upcoming scientific missions to study Halley's Comet. NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Russian agencies are deploying spacecraft to collect data and images. ESA's mission is named after the Italian painter Giotto, who depicted the comet in 1301. The spacecraft will analyze the comet's atmosphere and composition, which are believed to be remnants from the formation of the solar system approximately 4.6 billion years ago. The article suggests that studying the comet could provide clues about the origins of life.

Historically, Halley's Comet has been associated with catastrophic events, including wars, plagues, and the fall of rulers. Its appearances are noted in relation to significant historical moments:

• 240 BC: Appeared at the end of the First Punic War.
• 12 BC: Appeared when Roman general Agrippa died.
• 66 AD: Appeared over Jerusalem, preceding its destruction.
• 1066: Seen by King Harald Godwinson as a bad omen before the Battle of Stamford Bridge, while William the Conqueror viewed it as a good omen before the Battle of Hastings. The famous Bayeux Tapestry depicts the comet during this event.
• 11456: Appeared during the Battle of Belgrade, with its tail resembling a sword, contributing to a Christian victory.
• 1607: Associated with hardship for American colonists.
• 1910: Coincided with the death of King Edward VII and the ascension of George V. Fears of poisonous gas in the comet's tail led to the sale of 'comet pills' by quacks.

The article emphasizes the comet's importance in the history of science, particularly in validating Isaac Newton's theories of gravity. It explains how Newton's laws of motion and Kepler's elliptical orbits led him to hypothesize gravity. The development of calculus by Newton and his collaboration with Edmond Halley were crucial. Edmond Halley, after meticulously studying historical records and applying Newton's methods, identified 24 observations of a comet between 1337 and 1698. He noticed similarities in the orbits of comets observed in 1531, 1607, and 1682, leading him to hypothesize that it was the same comet returning periodically. By calculating its orbit, he predicted its return in late 1758 or 1759. Although Halley died in 1742, his prediction was famously confirmed by an amateur farmer named Palitsch, who observed the comet nearly a month before professional astronomers.

The article also mentions that future observations from spacecraft will provide unprecedented views of the comet's nucleus and gaseous envelope, visible when the comet is behind the sun.

NIVFO Publications and Offers

The second page of the magazine contains advertisements and information from NIVFO (Norsk UFO-Informasjon).

• Hessdalen Offer: NIVFO is offering 12 pages about Hessdalen at half price. This offer applies to copies of NIVFO-Bulletin No. 5/82 with minor printing defects on the cover image. They are seeking individuals who can help sell these bulletins to interested parties.
• Jaycees Forum: A note asks readers to inform NIVFO if they know any members of the Jaycees organization, as NIVFO has connections with them. Jaycees Forum is a local radio program broadcast on Sundays.
• 'UFO-foto' Special Issue: NIVFO has released a new special issue titled "NYHET!! UFO-foto" (News!! UFO-photo). This 23-page A5 booklet contains over 40 UFO photographs from Norway and abroad, each with text and commentary. It is described as a valuable resource for UFO enthusiasts and researchers, priced at 13 Norwegian Kroner, including postage.

Contact information for NIVFO in Trondheim and NIVFO-Region Øst in Oslo is provided for inquiries and orders.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's stance appears to be a blend of scientific inquiry and interest in unexplained phenomena. The detailed exploration of Halley's Comet, from its historical impact to its scientific significance and the upcoming space missions, suggests a commitment to factual reporting and scientific understanding. Simultaneously, the promotion of the Hessdalen case and the "UFO-foto" special issue clearly indicates a strong focus on UFOlogy and the investigation of anomalous aerial phenomena. The editorial approach seems to be to connect historical events and scientific discoveries with contemporary UFO research, aiming to inform and engage readers interested in both astronomy and the unexplained.