UFO - 1982 No 1

Magazine Overview

This is the first issue of the 1982 volume of "UFO", the official journal and members' magazine for UFO-Norge. The publication is described as a serious and scientific platform for UFO research, registration, information, and investigation. The issue is dated 1982 and is priced at kr. 80.-, which includes five issues.

Editorial and Content Introduction

The editorial team apologizes for the delay in releasing the first issue, attributing it to illness and other unforeseen circumstances. They promise to make up for lost time by delivering five issues within the year 1982. The increased page count and larger format allow for more diverse content, aiming for a more reader-friendly experience. They encourage reader feedback and suggestions for topics. The magazine highlights a need for more translators to help process international UFO information from French, German, Italian, Turkish, Spanish, and English-speaking countries, noting interesting local events reported in foreign UFO journals.

Articles and Features

Book Review: "Reisen til Kiribati" by Erich von Daniken

This section reviews Erich von Daniken's latest book, "Reisen til Kiribati" (Journey to Kiribati), published by Ernst G. Mortensen. It is noted as the ninth book by Daniken in a series that began 13 years prior with "Erindringer om Fremtiden" (Memories of the Future). The review acknowledges the controversial nature of Daniken's theories but also the enduring interest in the question of ancient space visitation. The book itself reportedly covers only the first 70 pages of the journey to Kiribati, with the rest of the book exploring England, Panama, Peru, and India. The reviewer finds the book to be a blend of travelogue and exploration of mysterious ancient remains, describing it as entertaining and fascinating, but also criticizes it for being somewhat scattered and superficial, wishing for more in-depth analysis. Specific examples include the lack of dating for stone formations in Kiribati and the discussion of Stonehenge and other megalithic sites in Britain.

Book Review: "Nostradamus - Fremtidens Profet" by Peter Juhl Svendsen

This review discusses a pocket-sized publication from Sphinx forlag, Copenhagen, titled "Nostradamus - Fremtidens Profet" (Nostradamus - Prophet of the Future) by Peter Juhl Svendsen. The book focuses on Nostradamus' prophecies concerning the period leading up to the year 2002. It covers about one-fifth of Nostradamus' total prophecies, drawing from the 1568 edition by Benoit Rigaud and the 1650 edition by Pierre Leffen, as well as a lost 1556 edition from Avignon. The prophecies predict a series of alarming events by 2002, including nuclear war, floods, submarine warfare, famine, drought, epidemics, invasion from space, and the coming of the Antichrist. The review praises Svendsen's explanations of the 52 quatrains as interesting and serious, recommending the book.

The Hessdalen Phenomenon

This is the first part of a presentation on the Hessdalen phenomenon, a well-known area in Holtålen municipality, Norway. The article notes that observations are ongoing and promises further installments. It draws parallels between the Hessdalen sightings and those in Arendal in November/December of the previous year. Since early December, numerous luminous objects have been observed, described as egg-shaped, cigar-shaped, and projectile-like. The article states that the investigation is currently limited to observation, with interviews and detailed analysis to follow. It highlights the large number of credible witnesses and the potential for a significant increase in the number of observers. The article mentions Jon Aspås as a key witness who has observed the phenomena multiple times. The authors express surprise at the number of people who claim to have seen these phenomena, noting that no one has profited from their accounts and many have been ridiculed. They express personal conviction that witnesses have indeed seen something, but question what it could be. Various theories are discussed, including reflections in atmospheric layers, car headlights, and even the planet Mars, though the authors dismiss the latter as unrealistic. They acknowledge the possibility of meteorological phenomena but express disappointment that experts have not shown more interest in investigating. The article suggests that a fear of the unknown might be at play.

UFOs and the Hessdalen Phenomenon

This section continues the discussion on the Hessdalen phenomenon. It notes that the phenomena have been observed in temperatures ranging from -30 to +5 degrees Celsius, under all weather conditions, and at all times of day, including snowstorms and clear weather, and even when the moon and sun were absent. Sporadic observations have also been reported in the surrounding areas of Alen, Røros, and Oppdal, with similar objects seen in Trondheim. The authors are awaiting a report from their Swedish colleagues regarding similar observations. They dismiss theories about atmospheric reflections due to the consistent nature and concentration of the phenomena. Theories about car headlights are also rejected. The objects are described as having three main forms: egg, cigar, and sphere. Some reports mention disc-shaped objects that can appear cigar-shaped from certain angles. One witness described a solid object with a metallic core and a "fuzzy" outer layer (force field?) and a luminous yellow-orange halo. Other observations suggest egg-shaped objects with a "window" emitting light, and a "dead" light, as if covered by a veil. Blinking lights, red pulsating lights, and constant lights have also been reported. The article mentions that the phenomena seem to appear at specific times, usually around 7:30 PM and 10:45 PM, moving slowly along the valley floor, descending hillsides, or passing over mountain tops. They can hover, then suddenly accelerate at high speeds, or appear to dance over the mountains.

Hessdalen Investigation and Theories

The article discusses the presence of significant metal deposits and strong magnetic fields in the Hessdalen area, questioning their relevance to the frequency of the phenomena. A meeting in Ålen on March 26th, attended by 130 people, included a presentation of theories and slides, followed by a voluntary poll. The poll revealed that one person saw a red pulsating light, seventeen saw a yellow spherical light, twelve saw a cigar-shaped object, eight saw an egg-shaped object, and nine reported seeing UFOs in Hessdalen. Notably, no one reported psychic effects, though some animals were affected, and three experienced radio or TV interference during an observation. Four had previously witnessed meteorological phenomena. Six saw an oblong object with two yellow and one red light, and four saw a presented image. One had a daylight observation, and thirty had observations since December 1981. The article acknowledges the lack of clear photographic evidence, stating that existing photos show only a luminous point. Future issues will include more photos and details.

UFOs - Pictures and Flap over Arendal District November 1981

This section details a series of interesting and unusual UFO observations in the Arendal district in November of the previous year, which resulted in 44 surprisingly good photos. The events began with a young couple in Strømmen, west of Arendal, witnessing strange hopping, blinking, and flickering lights. On Sunday, November 8th, one of these blinking objects came very close. The couple, along with his brother and niece, witnessed the object appear to the right of Venus, moving up and down erratically before disappearing. They contacted Hans Aass, who observed the object reappear from the south with a strong blink, coming much closer and heading directly towards them. The object was observed clearly from a veranda, about 500-800 meters away. It moved north in still air. The object had a dome-shaped top illuminated by a yellow-white light, with a row of rectangular "windows" emitting light below it. Beneath this was a round hull with a ring of rotating and blinking red, white, and blue lights. The witness described the sight as both repulsive and beautiful.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from a research-oriented perspective, encouraging scientific investigation and the sharing of information. There is a clear interest in ancient astronaut theories, as evidenced by the review of Erich von Daniken's work, and in predictive phenomena, as seen with the Nostradamus article. The Hessdalen case is presented as a significant ongoing investigation, with the editorial stance emphasizing the need for evidence-based analysis while acknowledging the mystery. The publication aims to bridge the gap between international findings and local Norwegian reports, highlighting the challenges of translation and information dissemination. The overall tone is one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena and related topics.

This issue of "UFO-Kontakt" from 1983, Volume 1, Issue 1983, is dedicated to documenting and analyzing UFO sightings in Norway. The cover features a striking illustration of a large cigar-shaped object with smaller objects emerging from it, hinting at the content within. The magazine focuses on witness testimonies and photographic evidence, aiming to provide a comprehensive look at the phenomenon.

Witness Accounts and Sightings

The issue presents several detailed accounts from various witnesses:

• Early Sightings: The magazine begins with an account of witnesses being "shocked" by a luminous cone-shaped object that narrowed and ended blindly. Another witness, Hans Aass, had his first UFO observation, describing an object that danced erratically and changed color.

• Harald Færnes' Observation: Harald Færnes and his wife observed a disc-shaped object near their garden. They described it as emitting a strong white light and moving in "hopping movements and right angles" at an estimated distance of 300 meters.

• Blakstad Vocational School Sighting: A significant event occurred on Thursday, November 12th, when four students from Blakstad Vocational School witnessed a UFO at an altitude of approximately 100 meters. The object was silent, and its underside featured four lights arranged in a square, with two smaller lights in front and two larger ones behind.

• Photographic Efforts in Strømmen: Following the Blakstad sighting, Hans Aass, Alf Thommassen, and the author went to Strømmen to photograph UFOs. They took 15 pictures, and the developed film revealed objects with the same four-light formation in a square pattern, with the larger lights at the rear. These photos were taken after eye contact, suggesting they were not accidental.

• The Ekteparet's Photography: The couple in Strømmen continued to take photographs, capturing 63 images over several days. These photos were taken with a tripod and remote shutter release, with exposures ranging from 5 to 10 seconds. Five films were taken in total, with some from Vik and others from Strømmen.

• The Cigar-Shaped Object: A prominent recurring theme is the observation of a large, cigar-shaped object. One account describes a "blåskimrende lys" (blue shimmering light) appearing in the southeast, which blinked and hopped before disappearing. Later, a "digert grått skrog" (huge gray hull) with large red lights at each end and a "bridge" on top was observed gliding silently over treetops and disappearing behind hills. This object was estimated to be 20-30 meters long. The same object was later reported entering Arendal center.

• Witness Reactions: The witnesses to the cigar-shaped object were deeply affected, with one couple expressing that their lives would "not be the same" after the encounter. They had previously been skeptical but were convinced by what they saw.

Photographic Analysis and Technical Details

The magazine delves into the technical aspects of the UFO photography:

• Camera and Film: The camera used was a Minolta XG-2 with a Vivitar 400mm/5.6 lens. The film was Fujichrome 400 dias. A Slik Master Standard tripod was employed.

• Enlargement Process: The photographs were enlarged using a slideduplicator, with up to three "teledoublers" used to achieve magnifications of up to 128x (4x4x8). Light sources for the enlargement included a slide projector with a blue filter and sunlight.

• Image Quality: The article notes that 44 out of 78 taken pictures showed something, while the rest were black due to exposure errors or fast-moving objects. 23 of these were considered "very good" and were enlarged.

• Image Descriptions: Several photographs are described in detail:
• A4 and A5: These initial photos show a red light blinking or pulsing strangely, with three to four small blinks following. The object made small, dipping movements and appeared to come from the sea.
• D2x4: This image shows a similar phenomenon to A4, with the object having moved more erratically and even reversed direction.
• A6, A7, A9: These images are described as small and lacking significant features.
• A13: This photo shows a plane with colored lights, used as a reference for UFO movement patterns. It captured a UFO blinking through the frame, leaving colorful streaks.
• A11 and A12: A11 is described as not showing much, while A12 shows a plane moving directly upwards, likely due to the plane approaching the camera.
• A10: This image also shows a plane, with a UFO present. The UFO is described as a "sausage" curving downwards.
• B5: This image is highlighted as part of a "fantastic series" where four lights in a square formation are surrounded by light cylinders.
• B6 and B9: These images are similar to B5, with the weakest light surrounded by a light cylinder, possibly plasma or ionized gas.
• C1 and C2: These show "curly tracks" from UFOs, with a star in the frame indicating the camera was stationary.
• C3: This photo appears to show a dome with a green ring around its base. The enlargement process for this image was problematic due to insufficient strength in the green spectrum.
• C11: This image, despite enlargement issues, is expected to be a "very fine picture" of a larger UFO with a blue corona and green rim.
• C14: This photo was overexposed and blurry, resembling B5x16b.
• C18: This image is described as "terribly overexposed," showing the UFO as a "thick sausage of white light."
• C21: This photo was unsuccessful.
• C24 and C25: These show a short blink series that should have been exposed for longer.
• C26: This image shows a "worm" UFO making 90-degree turns.
• C27: Another "worm" UFO that blinks and bobs up and down.
• C28: This is described as the "most colorful picture," with all spectrum colors present. The object left "half-moon shaped blinks" in a "twisted four-shape."
• C29: Similar to A4/A5/D2 but underexposed.
• C30: A small red spot, possibly the start of C31.
• C31: Shows a large, strange red cloud with three to four strong lights.
• C32: Shows the same phenomenon as C31 but further away.
• C36: Displays "beautiful blue blinks" similar to other images.
• D1: This photo was "poor."
• D2: This photo is described as "very good," showing a UFO hovering, reversing, and blinking, with a bright star in the frame.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the visual evidence of UFOs through photography and the detailed accounts of witnesses. The magazine takes a serious approach to documenting these phenomena, presenting the information with a degree of scientific rigor, including technical details of the photography and analysis of the visual data. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded investigation, acknowledging the unusual nature of the sightings and the impact they have on witnesses. The inclusion of the "Beetle Bailey" comic strip at the end suggests a lighter, perhaps more humanizing, element to the publication, contrasting with the serious subject matter.

There is a clear emphasis on the photographic evidence, with numerous images analyzed and described. The magazine seems to validate the experiences of the witnesses by presenting their accounts and the visual data alongside them. The article also touches upon the difficulty of observing UFOs due to light pollution from cities, implying a need for dedicated observation and documentation.

This issue of UFO-Norge's magazine, dated 2/81, is a compilation of UFO reports and related discussions from late 1981. It features a wide array of newspaper clippings detailing sightings across Norway, alongside articles and commentary from the magazine's own staff and contributors. The publication aims to document and analyze UFO phenomena, often questioning official explanations and highlighting eyewitness accounts.

Content Highlights

General Commentary and Series Information

The "Generell kommentar" section discusses the potential impact of a series of UFO images, suggesting they could create significant interest across Europe and America. The magazine plans to feature this series in "Vi Menn" after Easter and is exploring options for programs with NRK. The author expresses a desire to distribute these images to international media and members, noting the extensive effort and cost involved in producing high-quality copies, including overcoming technical challenges in the duplication process.

UFO Image Catalog

A detailed list of UFO image series is provided, categorized by codes such as A4x2, A5x16a, B5x2, C1x2, and D2x4, with descriptions like "red streak," "group photo," "sausage UFO," "flying reference," "fireball," "red sky," and "small blinks." This catalog suggests a systematic approach to documenting and classifying UFO shapes and phenomena.

Sales and Material Offerings

Page 21 details "UFO-Norge's" offerings, including a collection of Norwegian UFO cases with text and images, UFO photos in various sizes, and UFO posters. Prices are listed, and all prices include postage. Contact information for UFO RAMA and UFO-Norge is provided for subscriptions and material orders.

Press Clippings - A Chronicle of Sightings

The bulk of the magazine consists of press clippings from various Norwegian newspapers, documenting UFO sightings from December 1981. These reports cover a wide range of phenomena and locations:

• Klassekampen (Oslo): A review of "Tid og rom," a publication on the paranormal, with commentary on its claims about UFOs.
• Fremover (Narvik): A report of a cigar-shaped object with a reddish glow seen flying low over a fjord.
• Stjørdalingen: Multiple reports, including one from Bjørn Hagen describing a fast-moving object with a visible tail, and another referencing the "Lånke-UFO" phenomenon. The magazine's commentary often expresses skepticism towards mundane explanations.
• Farsunds Avis: A sighting of a strong yellow-white light in the mountains, appearing as four lights in a line.
• Nordlandsposten: A report on a mysterious luminous sphere observed by an expediter.
• Vestby Avis (Moss): A mention of a "Høst-UFO" sighting.
• Stjørdalens Blad: Reports on a "UFO fever" in Stjørdal and Meråker.
• Namdal Arbeiderblad: News of plans for a new search operation to find a UFO that reportedly crashed in Sundsråsa in 1959, utilizing sonar and echo sounders.
• Dagningen (Lillehammer) and other newspapers: Reports on a larger UFO organization.
• Ofotens Tidende (Narvik): A report on "UFO fever" in Trøndelag.
• Grimstad Adressetiden: Identification of a UFO as a hot air balloon.
• Vårt Land (Oslo): A reader's contribution analyzing various UFO statements and clippings, mentioning UFO-NORGE figures like Hans Aass, Knut Aasheim, and Per Ottesen.
• Valdres (Fagernes): Two girls report seeing a disc-shaped craft with lights.
• Morgenavisen (Bergen): A detailed account of a bright light seen in fog, described as sun-sized with radiating beams.
• Tiden (Arendal): A suggestion that a sighting was actually the planet Venus.
• Hordaland (Voss): A report of a strange, flickering, bright light and a peculiar sound, with the object disappearing rapidly.
• Arbeider-Avisa: A summary of NIVFO's report on observations.
• Rana Blad (Mo): A sighting of a luminous sphere, possibly a UFO.
• Ringsaker Blad/Brumunddølen (Moelv): A report of a UFO over Nes, with a suggestion it was Venus.
• Firda Tidend (Sandane): A report of a new luminous phenomenon over Sørstrand, described as a powerful light that moved behind a mountain.
• Vesterålen: A report of a "sky phenomenon" that exploded over Sortlandsundet, likely a bolide.
• Romsdal Budstikke (Molde): A sighting of a luminous, strange object described as cylinder-shaped with multiple levels.
• Romeriksnytt (Skarer): A report on a strange phenomenon over Romerike, described as a black sphere that took on a cigar shape.

Special Feature: "Advokat nær kollidert med UFO" (Lawyer Nearly Collided with UFO)

This multi-part article, concluded in this issue, details the experience of Raymond Shearer, a jurist from Madison, Wisconsin. He recounts seeing a landed UFO while driving home. The encounter involved a blinding light, a stop of his car's engine, and a subsequent period of irrational behavior, nervousness, and headaches. Under hypnosis, Shearer revealed details of the encounter, including being injected with a tranquilizer and receiving information from an alien about their technology, home planet, and the purpose of their visit – a scientific expedition to study Earth's physical characteristics.

Shearer was reportedly given a device placed on his head, which he described as painful and transformative. He was told about a security system that made their craft invisible and that they monitored human communications. The alien also mentioned that other extraterrestrial groups had difficulty with human interactions and that some had been captured in the past. Shearer's experience led him to become intensely involved in politics, with a lingering fear that he might have been programmed by the aliens to serve as an agent.

The article draws parallels between Shearer's account and that of a police officer named Schirmer, noting similarities in their descriptions of the beings, their craft, and the effects on the witnesses. It raises the question of whether extraterrestrials are analyzing human legal systems.

Debates and Critiques

The magazine includes reader letters and commentary that engage in debates about UFO phenomena. One letter criticizes NIVFO for inaccurate information and suggests contacting NTH for confirmation on UFO reports. Another defends Erich von Däniken. A student, D.G., writes to refute NIVFO's claims of UFO waves and a UFO report from NTH, calling it a lie and an attempt to gain acceptance.

Meteor Showers and Astronomical Explanations

Several reports suggest that observed phenomena were actually meteor showers, such as the Geminids and Leonids. The magazine's commentary often disputes these explanations, implying that the phenomena were genuinely unusual.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue include the documentation of a high volume of UFO sightings across Norway, the detailed investigation of specific cases (like the Raymond Shearer abduction), and the critical examination of official or conventional explanations. The editorial stance appears to favor the reality of UFO phenomena and extraterrestrial visitation, often expressing skepticism towards governmental or scientific downplaying of these events. There's a strong emphasis on eyewitness testimony and the efforts of organizations like UFO-Norge and NIVFO in gathering and disseminating information. The magazine also highlights the challenges and costs associated with UFO research and reporting, as well as internal debates and criticisms within the UFO community.

Title: UFO-NORGE NYTT
Issue: 4/81
Date: October 1981

This issue of UFO-Norge Nytt delves into various UFO and unexplained phenomena reports from Norway and beyond, featuring detailed accounts, witness testimonies, and preliminary investigations.

Hällefors "Flying Long Trailer"

The lead story details a remarkable sighting in Hällefors, Sweden, on October 15, 1981. Maud Karlsson, a cinema worker, encountered a massive, cigar-shaped object described as a "flying long trailer" with a wingspan. The object, approximately 50 meters long, glided silently at treetop height for 75 minutes. It emitted a strong blue-white light from its windows and a red light from its rear. The sighting was corroborated by other residents and former police chief Bjørn Fagrell, who observed the object making a slow, right-hand turn over the town before a flame shot from its rear. The incident prompted a response from UFO-Sverige Aktuellt and the Swedish Defense Staff, though initial military flight activity checks yielded no results.

Hessdalen UFOs

Reporter Arne W. Wisth shares his observations from Hessdalen, Norway, describing UFOs as having enormous speed and the ability to disappear instantly. He states that these objects are not of terrestrial origin, ruling out conventional aircraft, rockets, or ball lightning. NASA is expected to release information on UFOs, with some details being withheld by the organization. The local population is reportedly frustrated by the military's lack of action in investigating these phenomena.

Metal Fragment Investigation

The issue includes an ongoing investigation into a metal fragment found in Feiring, Norway, in June 1981. Initially suspected to be a meteorite, preliminary analysis at the Mineral Geological Museum in Oslo revealed it contained significant amounts of iron, lead, nickel, and chromium. The presence of lead, not typically found in meteorites, made it a mystery. Further analysis using a microprobe is planned to determine its composition more accurately, with initial findings indicating the fragment is inhomogeneous and may contain unknown elements.

"Man in White Suit" Sightings

Several accounts describe sightings of a "man" in a white suit. One incident from Falkville, Alabama, in 1973, involved a figure described as moving stiffly like a robot. Another report from Norway details a "man" in a white "boiler suit" with fluorescent orange V-shaped emblems, seen near Flateby in 1980. This individual reportedly vanished instantly. Similar sightings were reported near Bodø, Norway, involving a figure walking with stiff arms and legs past utility poles.

Other Sightings and Phenomena

• Romerike, Norway: A black, cigar-shaped object with red and green lights was observed for 10 minutes, causing a power outage in Uruguay.
• Kongsvinger, Norway: Reports of unusual lights, initially two red lights that became three, and a luminous fireball observed moving silently.
• Skien, Norway: A silver, bright light accompanied by a loud humming sound, resembling a plane, was seen moving erratically.
• Uruguay: A spherical object with red, white, and green lights caused an 18-minute power outage in Florida.
• Soviet Union: A peculiar, round shaft leading to a spherical room was discovered, believed to be the work of a UFO.
• "USS" Phenomenon: A mysterious cloud of unknown material, visible as a faint yellow at sunrise and sunset, has been observed at high altitudes globally.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights unexplained aerial phenomena, emphasizing witness credibility and the need for thorough investigation. There is a recurring theme of potential government secrecy or indifference towards UFO reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging readers to share their own observations and supporting the idea that many sightings cannot be easily explained by conventional means. The publication aims to document and analyze these events, often questioning official explanations and seeking deeper understanding of the phenomena.

Title: SETI
Issue: 4088
Volume: 40
Date: March 1982
Publisher: Discover
Country: USA
Language: Norwegian
Cover Headline: Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence

This issue of SETI focuses on the search for extraterrestrial intelligence, detailing a significant conference held in Tallinn, Estonia, and discussing various scientific perspectives and findings.

The Tallinn Conference and Soviet Contributions

The article begins by introducing the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) as a field of astronomy that has grown significantly since World War II, utilizing radio astronomy and radiotelescopes. A key event highlighted is an unusual conference held in Tallinn, Estonia, in December of the previous year, which gathered over 200 scientists from around the world to discuss the search for extraterrestrial intelligent life.

The background for SETI is presented as a rational and even fantastic premise: if life exists elsewhere in the Milky Way galaxy, and if other civilizations have developed, they might have sent out radio messages. Earth's giant radio telescopes, used for astronomy and space communication, could potentially receive these messages, enabling humanity to answer fundamental questions like 'Is anyone out there?' and 'Are we alone in the Universe?'

Soviet astrophysicist Josef Shklovsky is quoted as saying that the SETI effort 'fits the Russian character.' The presence of high-ranking statesmen in Tallinn suggests that the Soviet government takes SETI very seriously.

Nikolai Kardashev, another prominent Soviet researcher and theorist, proposes classifying advanced civilizations based on their energy consumption. He stated that there are no limits to the activities of a highly advanced civilization, suggesting they could prevent their star from exploding or alter its orbital path within the galaxy. Kardashev also suggested using infrared searching for heat radiation emitted by large, artificial space stations.

While the Russians announced the introduction of a new 230-foot antenna later that year, ten American researchers present were reportedly frustrated by budget cuts and a lack of significant SETI interest from the US government.

American SETI Efforts and the 1977 Signal

Among the ten American researchers was astronomer Bob Dixon, who leads the radio observatory at Ohio State University. This observatory conducts the only full-time, computer-driven search for extraterrestrial signals. It was here, on August 15, 1977, as the constellation Sagittarius passed through the telescope's narrow field of view, that a signal was received. Dixon described it as 'an artificial signal, and we know that it did not come from Earth.' Unfortunately, the signal was not detected again.

Scope of Life in the Universe and Skepticism

Optimists and proponents of SETI, such as Carl Sagan, estimate that there could be as many as one million advanced civilizations in the Milky Way alone. Astronomers calculate that there are more than 100 billion galaxies in the universe.

Conversely, skeptics argue that life on Earth began as a result of a random event, so improbable that it has likely not occurred elsewhere, either before or since.

The article is summarized as being compiled and translated from 'Discover,' March 1982, by K. Aa.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the scientific endeavor of searching for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), with a particular focus on international efforts, especially those from the Soviet Union. It highlights the technological means used (radio telescopes), the theoretical underpinnings (classifying civilizations, potential signals), and the challenges faced (funding, government interest). The editorial stance appears to be one of informing the public about the ongoing scientific pursuit of SETI, presenting both the optimistic possibilities and the skeptical viewpoints, while also noting specific events like the Tallinn conference and the intriguing 1977 signal.