UFO-Observatoren - 1984 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO OBSERVATØREN
Issue: 1
Volume: 2
Date: 1984
Publisher: NIVFO NORSK INSTITUTT FOR VITENSKAPELIG FORSKNING OG OPPLYSNING
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO OBSERVATØREN, published by NIVFO, delves into a variety of topics related to UFOs, astronomy, and scientific research. The cover prominently features a headline about UFOs and an image of a flying saucer, setting the tone for some of the articles within.

UFO, møte med en annen virkelighet

This article, penned by Tom Egeland, critically examines a recent BBC report on UFOs. Egeland expresses disappointment that the report, while acknowledging the phenomenon, focused on discrediting UFO proponents by highlighting misinterpretations of natural events rather than addressing the core issues. He questions the lack of concrete evidence for extraterrestrial visits, despite the possibility of intelligent life elsewhere in the universe, as suggested by astronomers like Carl Sagan. Egeland notes that while some, like J. Allen Hynek, consider extraterrestrial visits plausible, the vast distances involved and the lack of clear contact remain significant puzzles. The author concludes that skeptics, while open-minded, still await definitive answers.

Aktuelle Saker (Current Affairs)

This section is dedicated to contributions from field researchers and other collaborators, indicating a focus on ongoing investigations and reports.

Exclusive NASA Photos

Page 2 features a section titled 'FOTO' (Photo) with a note explaining that excellent pictures can be obtained by photographing TV screens. It mentions that the images below were taken during a TV program discussed on the cover. The section also includes contact information for UFO-Observatøren Region Øst.

Oppsiktsvekkende nye funn i verdensrommet (Spectacular New Findings in Space)

This article reports on groundbreaking discoveries made by the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS). The data suggests that our solar system might not be unique, with evidence pointing to up to 50 other stars being orbited by planets. Previously, IRAS had detected planet-like entities around the star Vega. The article highlights the satellite's ability to detect cool particles, which other telescopes cannot. It also mentions the discovery of three massive dust rings, approximately 160 million kilometers wide, in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and a 'mini-planet' closer to the Sun than Mercury. Scientists are puzzled by the stability of these dust rings, which seem to defy known physical laws, suggesting a continuous replenishment process, possibly from asteroid collisions or comets.

Fra Forskningsfronten (From the Research Front)

Endelig er Geminga festet på platen! (Finally, Geminga is Pinned Down!)

Written by Dr. Harry Bökstedt, this article discusses the astronomical mystery of Geminga, a gamma-ray source in the constellation Gemini. For ten years, astronomers struggled to identify its origin. The article reveals that Geminga has finally been identified, likely as a neutron star, one of the most intense gamma-ray emitters. Neutron stars are the collapsed remnants of supernovae, incredibly dense objects composed primarily of neutrons. Geminga is unique because, unlike other pulsars, it does not emit radio waves, making its detection challenging. Its identification was made possible through observations from the Einstein Observatory, which detected a point-like X-ray source that was then linked to a faint star.

Neutronstjerner (Neutron Stars)

This subsection explains that neutron stars are formed from the collapse of stars after a supernova explosion. They are extremely dense, with atoms crushed into neutrons. These stars are often surrounded by particle clouds that emit gamma radiation. Geminga is noted as being nearly as intense as the Vela and Crab pulsars in terms of gamma radiation.

Ikke radiostråling (No Radio Radiation)

The article points out Geminga's unique characteristic of emitting intense gamma radiation but no radio waves, which contradicts expectations for pulsars. This anomaly continues to be a subject of research.

Andre gammakilder (Other Gamma Sources)

The article mentions that there are about 20 other individual gamma-ray sources in the Milky Way, which are fainter than Geminga and may be more distant pulsars or non-pulsating neutron stars. It also notes the discovery of an enormous quasar, 3C 273, with immense gamma radiation output.

Norgesreklame (Norway Advertisement)

This humorous anecdote describes an attempt to promote Norway to Danish tourists by staging a 'Norwegian fly-fishing hunt'. Two brothers, Kjell and Rolf, use a shotgun and a large fish to create a spectacle for passing Danish tourists, making it appear as if they are engaged in an unusual hunting activity.

UFO sett i Adal? (UFO Seen in Adal?)

This brief report from Ringerikes Blad describes an observation on September 6, 1983, where Johan Nyhus saw a luminous sphere moving erratically over a river for 20 minutes. The object was described as resembling a bucket and illuminated the area intensely.

Universet og Verdensrommet (The Universe and Space)

This extensive section provides a comprehensive overview of current astronomical knowledge and discoveries.

Age of the Universe

The age of the universe is estimated at 14.5 billion years, with a margin of error of 2 billion years, based on two methods: chronocosmology and nucleochronology. Alternative calculations using a different Hubble constant suggest an age of 18 +/- 2 billion years.

Our Solar System's Location

In 1982, it was calculated that our solar system, including the Sun, nine major planets, 48 satellites, asteroids, and comets, is located about 28,000 light-years from the center of the Milky Way galaxy, which has a diameter of 70,000 light-years. The farthest star within our galaxy is approximately 63,000 light-years away.

Planets Around Other Stars

Research has identified planets with masses less than 7 percent of their parent stars around several stars, including 61 Cygni and Barnards star. The detection of exoplanets is extremely difficult, with early methods relying on uncertain ground-based telescope observations. However, the IRAS satellite's 1983 observations of Vega provided more reliable evidence of planet-like objects.

Black Holes

The first potential identification of a black hole was made in 1972 with Cygnus X-1, a binary star system emitting X-rays. A more recent candidate, LMC X-3, discovered in January 1983, has a mass 10 times that of the Sun and is located 180,000 light-years away. It is theorized that supermassive black holes, millions of times the mass of the Sun, may also exist.

Galactic Structures

The Milky Way is part of the Local Group of galaxies, which is moving towards the Virgo Supercluster at a speed of 200-500 km/s. There are approximately 10 billion galaxies in the universe. The largest known structures are the Lynx-Ursa Major and Perseus superclusters, spanning 700 million light-years.

Massive Stars

The most massive star identified is R 136a, located in the Tarantula Nebula, with a mass 2,500 times that of the Sun and a radius 90 times larger. Betelgeuse, in Orion, has a diameter larger than 400 million km.

Distant Objects

The most distant visible object is the Andromeda galaxy (Messier 31), about 2.1 million light-years away. Another spiral galaxy, Messier 33, may also be visible under favorable conditions, located 2.36 million light-years away.

Quasars

Quasars, or QSO (quasistellar radio sources), were confirmed in November 1962. Their immense luminosity, despite their apparent small size, remains a mystery. The quasar 3C-279 has a luminosity 2.75 x 10^14 times that of the Sun. The first double quasar was identified in May 1980.

Pulsars

The first pulsating radio source, CP 1919, was discovered in February 1968. The fastest pulsar, 1937+214, has a pulse period of 1.557806449 milliseconds.

Meteorites

Particles from the Murchinson meteorite, which fell in Australia in 1969, are believed to predate the formation of our solar system. The largest known meteorite, found in Hoba, South Africa, weighs 60 tons. The largest museum meteorite is 'The Tent', weighing 30,882 kg. A stony meteorite fragment that fell in Mexico in 1969 is dated to 4.61 billion years old. The Tunguska event in Siberia in 1908, a massive explosion, is theorized to be the destruction of cometary debris.

Noctilucent Clouds

Observations of noctilucent clouds began in Western Europe in 1964, with 1974 being the year with the most sightings.

Atmosfæren en maskin vi må lære å kjenne skrittvis (The Atmosphere, a Machine We Must Learn Step by Step)

This article details the MAP/WINE (Middle Atmosphere Program/Winter in Northern Europe) project, a significant rocket launch program coordinated from Andøya Rocket Range in Norway. The project involves 131 launches from Andøya, 30 from Lista, and others from Bulgaria, the Soviet Union, and Kiruna, totaling 327 rockets by March 15, 1984. The primary goal is to study the upper atmosphere, specifically the region between 10 and 100 km altitude, where extreme temperature fluctuations and strong winds occur during winter. The research aims to understand the causes of these variations and their impact on the atmosphere. Professor Ulf von Zahn is the project leader. The article also mentions the Poleward/Leap project, led by Finn Søraas, which involves launching a rocket to study a phenomenon related to the Northern Lights.

Kommunikasjon og Navigasjon (Communication and Navigation)

This section discusses the importance of studying the upper atmosphere for communication and navigation. Dr. Eivind V. Thrane explains that the region between 10 and 100 km acts as a shield against solar and cosmic radiation, reflecting radio waves and enabling radio connections. This shield absorbs ultraviolet and X-rays and protects against charged particles like electrons and protons, which cause the Northern Lights. The research is crucial for understanding radio communication and navigation systems.

Opplæringen – og etableringen av etterforskere er nå i god gjenge (The Training and Establishment of Investigators is Now Well Underway)

This article addresses the progress of training investigators for NIVFO. It explains that background work is complete, and registered candidates have been informed about procedures. A correspondence course in meteorology, including UFO/UAP investigation, is offered for a nominal fee. Successful completion leads to a certificate, an ID card, and other materials. The course also serves as an introduction to astronomy. Regular recipients of the UFO-Observatøren magazine will receive it regularly, with other benefits potentially available later.

Etterforskningsavdelingen legges midlertidig under DIA (The Investigation Department is Temporarily Placed Under DIA)

This section announces a temporary organizational change. Trond A. Hammernes is unable to continue with the extensive task of heading the Investigation Department (EFA). Therefore, until regional sections can be established, the Data and Information Department (DIA) will assume leadership for investigations nationwide. Jan S. Krogh will be heavily involved. The article lists the functions now under DIA: Leader for the Northern Region, Leader for DIA (including UFON and DIA-INFO), Leader for EFA (temporary), and Leader for Global Affairs (temporary). It acknowledges the burden this places on one person and emphasizes the importance of recruiting skilled investigators to assist the EFA leadership.

Personal Seksjon innen DIA (Personnel Section within DIA)

Due to the need to relieve regional leaders, a personnel section has been established within DIA. This section will focus on assessing NIVFO's current personnel, aiming to create better conditions for individual development, background, and interests.

Nye undersøkelser med avansert utstyr i Hessdalen (New Investigations with Advanced Equipment in Hessdalen)

This article reports on new investigations in Hessdalen, Norway, using advanced equipment. The research aims to test hypotheses about the nature of the Hessdalen phenomena. Initial investigations using seismographs found no unusual seismic activity that could explain the reported 'earthquake lights'. Geological studies of the area also did not support seismic explanations. The article also touches upon other hypotheses, including misinterpretations of celestial bodies like Venus and the possibility of plasma phenomena and ball lightning.

Plasma-fenomener (Plasma Phenomena)

Plasma is described as a gas containing electrically charged particles in equilibrium, making it electrically neutral overall but capable of conducting electricity and interacting with electromagnetic fields. The article suggests a strong similarity between reports of plasma phenomena and some Hessdalen sightings, indicating that plasma could be a potential explanation for some of the unexplained events.

Kulelyn (Ball Lightning)

The article briefly discusses ball lightning, noting that its duration could be significantly extended under specific atmospheric conditions. It suggests that if ball lightning is the source of some Hessdalen observations, it might be possible to measure variations in its properties.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of unexplained phenomena (UFOs, Hessdalen mystery) with scientific inquiry (astronomy, atmospheric research). There's a clear emphasis on rigorous investigation, questioning unsubstantiated claims, and presenting scientific findings. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded skepticism, encouraging detailed research and evidence-based conclusions. The publication also highlights the efforts of Norwegian scientific institutions like NIVFO and the importance of international collaboration in research projects.

This issue of UFO Magazine, identified as issue number 11, features a cover story dated July 25, 1983, titled "Skiensdame så merkelig fenomen over Porsgrunn" (Skien Woman Saw Strange Phenomenon Over Porsgrunn). The magazine appears to be published in Norway, with content primarily in Norwegian.

Article: UFO OG "DYRELEMLESTING” ET VELKJENT TEMA I UFO-LOREN

This article discusses the phenomenon of animal mutilations, often linked to UFOs in folklore. It references a case from November 1981 in Elsberry, Missouri, USA, as reported in the St. Louis magazine. Editor Joe Popper attributes the spread of misinformation partly to local media, specifically "Channel 2" in St. Louis. When TV crews arrived, a few cows were found mutilated. A veterinarian, William Newberry, examined the carcasses and concluded that the appearance of cuts was due to small parasites in the decaying animals, not deliberate mutilation. However, after the TV news reported the incidents in a sensationalized manner, crowds flocked to Elsberry, fueled by dramatic stories. The article notes that even dead flies found hanging in branches were attributed to mysterious forces by Channel 2, while an entomologist suggested a fungal infection. The influx of people to Elsberry is compared to the situation in Hessdalen, Norway, where people were unwilling to accept rational explanations for phenomena.

Article: EN MYTOLOGI ER ALLEREDE SKAPT

This section reflects on the early investigations into the Hessdalen phenomenon in late 1981. It states that observers initially had a sensible and objective approach. However, the situation has changed, with uncontrolled stories spread by UFO fanatics worldwide. These stories are readily accepted in 'expert circles' without critical examination. The 'eyewitnesses' in Hessdalen now claim to 'know' what the phenomena are and become offended if alternative hypotheses are suggested.

FRATREDELSE (Resignation)

This is a brief announcement stating that investigator Per Moen of MIDT-NORGE has resigned from his position, effective December 1, 1983. He is moving to Trondheim for a new civilian job. His identity card (nr. 0701) will be transferred to another person within MIDT-NORGE once a new investigator is appointed. The magazine thanks Moen for his efforts in Hessdalen.

Article: Skiensdame så merkelig fenomen over Porsgrunn

Published on July 25, 1983, this article reports a sighting by a woman from Skien who observed a strange phenomenon near the Porsgrunn bridge at 8:40 PM on a Saturday. While waiting for her husband to dock their boat, she noticed a mushroom or cigar-shaped object moving northwards in the sky at the same altitude as planes heading to Skien airport. She described it as silent and slow-moving, resembling a spaceship or rocket she had seen in pictures of Russian and American technology. The object was metallic and had no lights. She believes several others might have seen it. The object moved over Herøya and Sundjordet, and she invites others who made similar observations that evening to come forward.

Article: UFO over Porsgrunn?

Published on November 11, 1983, this article details a sighting by a man from Porsgrunn. On Wednesday morning, around 11 AM, while reading a newspaper outside, he saw a flat, disc-shaped object hovering about 2000-3000 meters above Porsgrunn. The object was stationary, silver-colored, and had a belt around it that emitted lights in various colors, described as 'like fire'. The object remained still for about 10 seconds, then disappeared at high speed, only to reappear moments later in the same spot. It hovered again before accelerating upwards and vanishing into a 'kind of fog'. The man is seeking information from anyone who might have witnessed the same event or can explain what he saw.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to maintain a skeptical yet open-minded stance towards UFO phenomena. It highlights the dangers of sensationalism and the creation of myths around unexplained events, as seen in the Hessdalen and Elsberry cases. While reporting on specific sightings and phenomena, it also emphasizes the importance of objective investigation and rational explanations, as demonstrated by the veterinarian's findings in the animal mutilation case and the initial approach to the Hessdalen observations. The resignation of an investigator from Hessdalen suggests a shift or conclusion in that particular inquiry. The publication of multiple sighting reports indicates an ongoing interest in UFOs and related events within the Norwegian context.