UFO - 1990 No 1

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO" magazine, dated 1990 and identified as the 9th volume, is published by UFO-NORGE, a nationwide organization dedicated to the registration and study of UFO phenomena. The magazine aims to provide information to its members and the public.

Editorial Stance and Content

The editorial section, "Fra Redaksjonen" (From the Editors), acknowledges that while the magazine has reduced its publication frequency, it has a strong base of loyal members. The editors express gratitude for the financial contributions received, which help subsidize information dissemination. They emphasize that the UFO phenomenon remains relevant and that numerous interesting events occurred in Norway in the past year. The article also touches upon the sensitivity of the UFO topic for major powers, drawing a parallel to Henrik Ibsen's play "Gjengangere" where a sensitive issue is avoided in public discourse. The editors pledge to continue reporting on UFO events with the help of their members.

Key Articles and Reports

"Rapportnytt" (Report News)

This section presents a summary of UFO observations registered by UFO-Norge's Rapportsentral (Report Central) in the latter half of 1989. Several detailed accounts are provided:

• January 1989 (Sande): A family reported observing a spherical light that later appeared as a dark, disc-shaped object with windows and lights, approximately 7 meters in diameter, hovering very close to their house. The object was described as angular and moved silently.
• January 29, 1989 (Sylling): A woman heard an unusual sound and saw a black, silent object shaped like two plates, with red blinking lights, hovering near trees. It was estimated to be 10-12 meters in diameter and 25-30 meters above the ground.
• Andebu Observations (January 23, 1989): Synnøve Isaksen and her children witnessed a bright, spherical light that followed their car. Later, it reappeared as a silent, angular object about 10 meters in diameter with lights underneath.
• "Forfulgt av UFO?" (Followed by UFO? - May 13, 1989, Kodal): Tom Arne Kristensen, 17, reported being followed by bright lights while riding his moped. These lights appeared behind him, increased distance, and then reappeared. A neighbor also reported seeing a light in the woods.
• July 27, 1989 (Kragerø to Drangedal): A couple in a car observed a blue-white light, followed by a red-shimmering light. They then saw a silent, angular object about 10 meters in diameter with numerous lights.
• October 3, 1989 (Svene, Numedal): Ingvild Anina Sletten observed a bright, house-sized object, about 20 meters long, with white and red lights, hovering over treetops. It moved slowly southward before disappearing.
• November 14, 1989 (Alnabru): A 36-year-old woman saw a flying object that looked like a plane but hovered silently. It had a luminous window row and red lights, then shot upwards like a star.
• November 22, 1989 (Sandefjord): Lektor Ivar Spilde reported multiple observations, including a slow-moving light, a large object described as a "house with lights," and a helicopter-like object. He described one object as rectangular with sides of approximately 15 and 20 meters, with rows of yellow-white lights underneath and round lights of various colors on the underside. The object disappeared at normal flight speed.
• December 15, 1989 (Sandefjord): Ivar Spilde observed another flying object similar to his previous sighting. Britt and Renate Oswald also reported seeing a large, square object with blinking lights and round windows.
• Rapport 870227-1 (Tjøme): This older report, from February 27, 1987, details an observation by siblings Karina and Kim Einar Large of a saucer-shaped object with yellow and colored lights hovering over a house. The object reportedly caused headaches and then accelerated away at high speed.

"Nytt fra Hessdalen" (News from Hessdalen)

Leif Havik reports that activity in the Hessdalen area has been low, though some observations are still being received. He notes an increase in reports, but people are reluctant to report what they see.

• Rapport 891105 (Støren): A man reported seeing a triangular "tower" on Mannfjellet, which he later realized was not the TV mast. The object was aluminum-colored and appeared to be a large structure.
• Rapport 900111 (Budal): An object with a yellowish light and a "ring" outside was observed moving at high speed. It had two light points, possibly appearing as one when viewed from behind, and then disappeared.
• Rapport 900205 (Soknedal): A blue-green/turquoise "cylinder-shaped light" was observed moving at high speed southeast of Soknedal. The observation lasted only 3-4 seconds, and it was speculated to be a meteor.
• Rapport 900215 (Hessdalen): A light phenomenon was observed over a forest at 04:30, illuminating the forest and the ground. Further details are pending.

"Preseklipp" (Press Clippings)

• October 1989 (Vormedal): Arve Årre Engedal reported seeing a UFO, described as larger than a plane, round, and equipped with blinding lights. It was seen moving in a zig-zag pattern. The object had a strong red light in the center and smaller lights of various colors around it.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features eyewitness accounts of unexplained aerial phenomena, with a focus on Norwegian sightings. The reports detail various object shapes, sizes, colors, and behaviors, often noting the absence of sound. The organization UFO-Norge plays a central role in collecting and publishing these reports, aiming to inform the public about UFO phenomena. The editorial stance is one of open inquiry into these events, acknowledging their continued relevance and the public's interest, while also managing expectations and the challenges of investigating such phenomena.

This issue of Haugesunds Avis, dated November 1989, focuses heavily on UFO phenomena, featuring multiple witness accounts from Norway and an in-depth investigation into a debunked Swedish UFO case.

UFO Sightings in Norway

The magazine presents several UFO sightings reported in Norway. An initial report from Karmøy details a child's observation of an unidentified object, with airport authorities confirming no flights at the time. Another report from Førde describes a large, glowing ball seen by Halvard K. Framnes. Børn Inge Johansen recounts seeing a "half-round, yellow object" near Kvala that ascended and moved towards Sveio. Paul Idar Gerhard and his family also observed a white-light object near Sveio that stopped and then moved again. Further support for these sightings comes from Karena Romsøe, who saw an object with red and yellow lights, and Audun Stokkenes, who experienced a bright light illuminating his car near Sveio.

The Domsten Incident: A Swedish Hoax Exposed

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the "Domsten" case, a famous Swedish UFO encounter from 1958. The article, authored by Clas Svahn and Anders Liljegren, who are affiliated with Arkivet För UFO-forskning (AFU), thoroughly investigates and debunks the claims made by witnesses Stig Rydberg and Hans Gustavsson. They reported seeing a landed, disc-shaped object and strange beings near Domsten.

The article details how the case gained international attention through various UFO publications and books, notably by Coral Lorenzen. However, after 18 months of journalistic investigation, Svahn concluded it was a hoax. The investigation involved interviewing numerous witnesses, reviewing newspaper archives, and collecting correspondence.

The Original Claims and Media Frenzy

Rydberg and Gustavsson claimed to have encountered a "luminous, landed disc-like object" and observed "strange little beings" outside it. The story was widely reported in Swedish media, including Helsingborgs Dagblad and Sveriges Radio, and quickly spread to international UFO journals.

Official Investigations and Skepticism

Swedish authorities, including the police and military, conducted investigations. The military team, comprising experts from Stockholm, visited the observation site twice. Their 14-page report, released by SÄPO in 1987, found weaknesses in the story but no definitive answers. Concerns were raised about inconsistencies in the witnesses' accounts, particularly regarding the physical evidence and the timeline of events. The possibility of misidentification, such as mistaking lights from a grounded Polish cargo ship, Morska Wola, was also explored.

Hypnosis and Psychological Analysis

A private team of doctors, Lars-Erik Essen and William Hellsten, used hypnosis in their investigation, a method questioned for its reliability in UFO cases. While the doctors were generally interested in UFOs, they were skeptical of the beings described. The official military investigation also included a psychological assessment, noting that Stig Rydberg had been exempted from military service due to anxiety.

Evidence of a Hoax

The article presents several points suggesting the Domsten incident was fabricated:

1. Inconsistent Testimonies: The witnesses provided conflicting versions of their activities before the observation, particularly regarding time.
2. Unidentified Companions: They claimed to have been with two young women the night before, but could not identify them.
3. Non-existent Location: Hans mentioned being in "Vengatan," a street name that did not exist in Höganäs.
4. Weather Discrepancies: Weather reports for the morning of December 20th, 1958, indicated heavy rain, not fog, contradicting the witnesses' description of foggy conditions. Fog was present on surrounding dates but not on the 20th.
5. Physical Evidence: Only one imprint was found in the sand, making the precise measurements of the landing gear claimed by the witnesses questionable.

Post-Incident Behavior and Confessions

Following the incident, Rydberg and Gustavsson reportedly engaged in heavy drinking and sought attention, touring southern Sweden and giving public performances. They made exaggerated claims about receiving thousands of letters. The article also mentions attempts by K. Gösta Rehn, an APRO representative, to elicit more information from them, even suggesting the use of alcohol.

Crucially, the article reveals that Hans Gustavsson confessed to his brother, Artur, in the summer of 1960 that the entire affair was a hoax, with the ground marks made by a bottle. He intended to tell a newspaper but died shortly after. Stig Rydberg also reportedly admitted to the hoax.

Alcoholism and Tragic Endings

Both Rydberg and Gustavsson suffered from alcoholism. Hans Gustavsson died in 1960 at the age of 26 after falling overboard from a ferry following heavy drinking. Stig Rydberg died in 1984 at 56, reportedly after being assaulted and developing pneumonia.

Background and Inspirations

The article suggests several potential inspirations for the hoax, including the public's fascination with space following Sputnik's launch in 1957, the publication of UFO-related books by Parthenon publishing house (featuring authors like Leslie, Adamski, and Daniel Fry), and a local ghost story about a "phantom light" near Domsten. A science fiction comic strip, "Tom Trick," featuring rubbery beings and a disc-shaped craft, is also presented as a possible influence.

Conclusion on Domsten

The authors conclude that the Domsten case is definitively a hoax, supported by confessions and the inconsistencies in the witnesses' accounts. They emphasize the importance of examining the personalities of witnesses and the potential for fabricated stories in UFO research.

Other Articles

Luminous UFO Filmed in Denmark

This section reports on a video recording of a UFO-like phenomenon made by a couple in Denmark on June 19, 1988. The object appeared as a round, blue-yellow light moving slowly. While military photo experts estimated its speed and distance, they could not definitively rule out a small aircraft. The recording is noted as the first Danish video of a UFO.

SAF-Bulletin

A brief mention of the SAF-Bulletin, a publication from Solna Astronomiska Förening, which contains articles on astronomy, UFOs, mysticism, parapsychology, archaeology, and ancient history.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents UFO reports with a degree of skepticism, particularly evident in the detailed debunking of the Domsten case. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, encouraging thorough investigation and questioning the veracity of sensational claims. The emphasis on psychological analysis and the potential for hoaxes suggests a cautious approach to UFO phenomena. The inclusion of multiple witness accounts from Norway, alongside the detailed analysis of a Swedish hoax, highlights the magazine's commitment to exploring the UFO topic from various angles, including both genuine sightings and fabricated events.

This issue of the magazine features two main articles. The first, "EKSPERT I SPRÅKVITENSKAP GARANTERER FOR EKTHETEN AV MJ-DOKUMENTENE" (Expert in Linguistics Guarantees the Authenticity of the MJ-12 Documents) by Robert H. Bletchman, J.D., focuses on the authentication of the controversial MJ-12 documents. The second, "INNTRENGERE FRA VERDENSROMMET: EN SAMTALE MED BUDD HOPKINS" (Intruders from Outer Space: A Conversation with Budd Hopkins) by Jerome Clark, is an extensive interview with ufologist Budd Hopkins about his research into UFO abductions.

Expert Guarantees Authenticity of MJ-12 Documents

Robert H. Bletchman, J.D., presents an article detailing how the authenticity of the MJ-12 documents was investigated. The case gained traction after William Moore discussed the documents on ABC-TV's 'Night Line' with Philip J. Klass. Bletchman proposed that Admiral Roscoe H. Hillenkoetter, who was reportedly responsible for UFO matters and listed first in a 1952 report to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, might have written the "briefing document." To test this, the handwriting of the document was compared with known samples of Hillenkoetter's writing.

Professor Roger W. Wescott, a linguistics professor at Drew University, was enlisted to perform a stylistic analysis. Dr. Wescott was provided with 27 letters and memoranda written by Hillenkoetter while he headed the CIA, along with the MJ-12 note. In a letter dated April 3, 1988, Dr. Wescott stated that Hillenkoetter's writing style was conventional and lacked eccentricities, making it difficult to imitate. While some documents contained spelling or punctuation errors, these were not significant enough to be stylistic markers.

Dr. Wescott categorized Hillenkoetter's correspondence into three groups based on dates: pre-1947/1950 (unrelated to UFOs), 1952-1961 (expressing strong interest in UFOs), and 1962-1970 (maintaining a neutral stance while showing skepticism towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis).

Dr. Wescott further elaborated in a letter dated April 7, 1988, after reviewing all 27 documents. He stated, "In my opinion, there is no discernible reason to consider any of these notes as forgeries or likely to have been written by anyone other than Hillenkoetter himself. This statement includes the controversial presidential note of November 18, 1952, the official letters, and the personal ones."

The article also provides a brief biography of Roger W. Wescott, highlighting his academic background in linguistics and anthropology, and his work at Princeton University, the University of Michigan, and Drew University.

The author expresses gratitude to William Moore, Stanton Friedman, J. Antonio Huneeus, Tom A. Benson, and Walter Andrus, as well as MUFON, CUFOS, FUFOR, and Fair Witness, for their contributions and financial support for Dr. Wescott's work.

Conversation with Budd Hopkins on UFO Abductions

Jerome Clark interviews Budd Hopkins, a prominent ufologist and author of "Missing Time" and "Intruders," about the phenomenon of UFO abductions. Hopkins has become a leading figure in this area of UFO research, particularly in the USA.

Hopkins explains that abduction cases first gained attention with the experiences of Barney and Betty Hill, who reported missing time and being taken aboard a UFO by humanoids. He notes that while initially dismissed, the phenomenon became more widely recognized after the publication of his book "Missing Time."

He emphasizes that abduction experiences are often traumatic and frightening, unlike 'contactee' experiences which are sometimes described as positive or enlightening. Hopkins distinguishes between 'contactees,' who often seek out extraterrestrial contact and feel a sense of purpose, and 'abductees,' who are unwilling participants and experience fear, pain, and confusion.

Hopkins addresses criticisms that hypnosis can lead to fabricated memories. He asserts that many abduction accounts are reported without hypnosis, and even under hypnosis, he uses carefully worded, non-leading questions to avoid influencing the subject. He provides examples of how subjects resist leading questions, indicating the authenticity of their recalled experiences.

He also counters the idea that abduction accounts are merely fantasies or 'past life' regressions, arguing that the traumatic nature of abductions makes them undesirable experiences, unlike past life regressions which are often sought for personal growth.

Dr. Elisabeth Slater is quoted questioning why someone would fantasize about such a degrading experience without a clear enemy or purpose, suggesting it's akin to a form of psychological violation.

Hopkins details the types of physical evidence associated with abductions, including unexplained scars and the alleged implantation of small objects. He notes that medical professionals have examined these marks and found them to be inconsistent with natural causes, suggesting they may be the result of surgical procedures.

He recounts a case where a 17-year-old man reported being taken aboard a craft and having a needle inserted into his body, resulting in a small sphere being removed. While the purpose of these implants is unknown, Hopkins suggests they might be used for tracking or control.

Hopkins discusses the nature of the alleged abductors, describing them as appearing rushed and nervous, not in control in a way that suggests mastery. He notes their disregard for natural laws and their apparent curiosity about human reproduction, sexual feelings, and pain. He describes their actions as amoral and lacking human-like emotional connections.

Regarding communication, Hopkins states that it is unilateral, with the abductors gathering information about the abductees, but not vice versa. He mentions that some abductees have reported apocalyptic visions, which he believes might be stimuli for the abductors to study human reactions to fear.

Hopkins also addresses the question of why a technologically advanced civilization would conduct such experiments in a crude manner. He suggests that their methods might seem crude by human standards but are effective for their purposes, and that they may be trying to create a hybrid species.

He explains that he learned hypnosis through personal experience and training with psychotherapists and psychologists, and that many medical professionals have sought his help to recover their own abduction memories.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on UFO phenomena, particularly the controversial MJ-12 documents and the more recent topic of UFO abductions. The editorial stance seems to be one of serious investigation, presenting expert opinions and detailed accounts of alleged encounters. The inclusion of a linguistic analysis to authenticate documents and an in-depth interview with a leading abduction researcher suggests a commitment to exploring these topics with rigor, while also acknowledging and addressing skepticism.

This issue of UFO-NORGE, dated November/December 1988, focuses on UFO abduction phenomena and related research, featuring interviews, book reviews, and organizational news. The magazine emphasizes a commitment to open-minded investigation and encourages scientific curiosity.

Interviews and Research

The issue includes an extensive interview with Budd Hopkins, a researcher into UFO abductions. Hopkins discusses the use of MRI technology to detect small, spherical objects near the optic nerves of individuals who report neurological problems, some of whom have also experienced UFO encounters. He notes that removing these objects can be risky. He also mentions physical evidence such as scorched turf, dead grass, and round imprints found at abduction sites, as well as power outages. Hopkins details his work with abductees, including cases where couples or groups were abducted simultaneously, and how hypnosis has revealed remarkably consistent accounts, even when individuals were hypnotized separately. He addresses skepticism by highlighting that abductees, when tested, often do not possess unusually strong imaginations, contrasting them with typical science fiction writers. He also touches upon the psychological impact of memory loss and the feeling of lost time experienced by abductees.

Another section features a conversation with Budd Hopkins regarding 'Intruders from Space,' where he discusses the similarities in abduction accounts and questions why fantastical elements, common in fiction, are absent from these reports. He provides examples of alleged implanted objects, such as a case where an object was expelled from a patient's bone, and another where a person coughed up a similar object after a car accident. Hopkins explains his criteria for discarding reports, particularly those that seem psychologically driven or fabricated, and emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between genuine experiences and those that may be a psychological crutch for underlying issues.

Book Reviews

"Geilobomben" by Arne Thomassen: This novel is reviewed as a science fiction story with a UFO theme. The cover depicts a UFO over a landscape. The plot involves a man drawn into an interstellar conflict involving a robotic society and an alien military force. The reviewer notes that the book, while a compelling story, follows a common science fiction trope of an ordinary man becoming a hero. The novel is set in Norway and incorporates elements like the Hessdalen phenomena, suggesting it as a base for the alien forces. The review also includes a quote from the book about UFO investigators being too cautious in drawing conclusions.

"Nærkontakt" (Communion) by Whitley Strieber: This book is presented as a true account of Strieber's encounters with alien beings. The review highlights Strieber's background as a serious author of fiction and his initial skepticism towards UFOs. A pivotal event in December 1985 led to significant personality changes and physical symptoms, prompting him to seek medical and psychological help. Hypnosis revealed extraordinary experiences that challenged his rational worldview. The review quotes Dr. Bruce Maccabee, a physicist, who suggests that if these events are real, humanity must reconsider its place in the universe. The book is described as honest, gripping, and potentially a bestseller due to its relatable themes.

UFO-NORGE Activities and Information

The magazine announces the UFO-NORGE national meeting to be held in Bergen on August 18-19, 1990, providing accommodation details and registration information. It also includes a section on how to report UFO sightings, detailing what information to record (time, location, course, altitude, UFO characteristics, weather, witnesses, photos, contact information) and how to submit a report.

Tributes and Editorials

A tribute is paid to Hans Kristian Moe, a member of UFO-NORGE who passed away suddenly. The article remembers his positive attitude, humor, and dedication to the organization, urging members to continue his work.

An editorial comment reflects on the lack of scientific interest in abduction cases, criticizing the scientific community for not showing sufficient curiosity. It suggests that abduction phenomena should be investigated by a multidisciplinary approach. The editorial expresses hope that the 'aliens' do not treat humans with the same coldness that humans sometimes show to animals. It also raises concerns about the reliability of hypnosis and the possibility that some reports might be confabulations or misinterpretations of memories.

Advertising and Promotions

There are advertisements for UFO-NORGE T-shirts and a subscription offer for the Danish UFO magazine "ufo-nyt," including a free trial issue coupon.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO abductions, the investigation of physical and psychological evidence, the role of science in studying anomalous phenomena, and the personal impact of such experiences. The editorial stance is one of advocating for open-minded, thorough, and interdisciplinary research, encouraging a scientific approach that avoids premature dismissal of evidence and embraces curiosity. There is a clear emphasis on the importance of documenting and analyzing UFO-related events, even those that challenge conventional understanding.