2010 12 00 Acta Astronautica - Vol 67 No 11-12 - Hauge - Hessdalen

Magazine Overview

Title: Acta Astronautica
Issue: Volume 67, 2010
Date: March 24, 2010
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd.
Country: Norway
Language: English
ISSN: 0094-5765
Cover Headline: Investigation & analysis of transient luminous phenomena in the low atmosphere of Hessdalen valley, Norway

This issue of Acta Astronautica features a comprehensive investigation into the transient luminous phenomena (TLPs) observed in the Hessdalen valley, Norway. The article, authored by Bjørn Gitle Hauge, details the history of observations, the scientific efforts to understand these phenomena, and the results obtained from various research campaigns.

1. Introduction

The Hessdalen valley, located 120 km southeast of Trondheim, Norway, has been a site of observed transient luminous phenomena for at least 25 years. The valley's geographical characteristics, including its altitude and surrounding mountain ranges, are described. Historically, the area was known for its bog iron and copper mines. The climate is humid and rainy in summer, and subarctic in winter.

Historical accounts of strange lights date back to 1811, with a priest's diary entry describing a 'star with big shining brushwood.' In 1895, a newspaper reported similar sightings, and during World War II, people also observed lights. After a lull, sightings became intense and frequent again in 1982, turning the valley into a tourist attraction and sparking scientific interest. A significant research campaign was conducted by Strand in 1984, documenting 53 unexplainable light phenomena, many confirmed by radar.

The instruments used during the 1984 campaign included a camera with a grating for optical spectrum analysis, an infrared viewer, a spectrum analyzer for electrical fields, a seismograph, and a Geiger counter for radioactivity.

2. Theoretical Models

Following the 1985 decline in observations, the findings from Strand's report gradually gained acceptance. In 1994, the first international conference on the Hessdalen phenomenon was held in the valley, aiming to develop theoretical models and guide equipment development. Professor Boris M. Smirnov noted that the Hessdalen lights were real natural phenomena not yet explained by mainstream physics. Several physicists proposed theoretical models, with Professor B.M. Smirnov linking them to Ball Lightning physics. Dr. Zou's analysis of 1984 data suggested a rotating or vortex plasma model, explaining high velocities (over 8000 m/s) but lacking a detailed physical explanation due to the complexity of nonlinear atmospheric plasma physics.

Dr. Fryberger proposed a vorton-antivorton plasma model involving nucleon decay. While new data did not emerge at the conference, several theoretical models were presented, categorized by internal or external energy sources. Internal energy models included ionized fractal gas, ionized gas contained by an electrical field, and ionized gas driven by fast-pulsating EM fields. External energy models involved standing waves, atmospheric electricity (St. Elmos fire), plasma vortices, and earth lights from tectonic stress.

Astrophysicist Dr. Teodorani suggested experimental methods to verify these theories.

3. Instruments and Methods

The need for new instrumentation led to the development of Project EMBLA, a collaboration between Østfold University College and the Medicina Radiotelescope. The project aimed to gather new data using radio astronomy techniques. Italian researchers focused on fast data acquisition for SETI, while installing high-resolution spectrometers and UHF radar. Norwegian researchers developed an autonomous research station in the Hessdalen valley, housed in a container named BlueBox, which was operational by 1998.

By the end of 2002, two radar systems were installed in BlueBox: a 2kW 10 GHz Raymarine maritime radar and a directional UHF low-power pulsed radar. The UHF radar was later moved for better visibility. The BlueBox was equipped with various instruments, including ultra-low frequency observers, VLF-ELF correlation receivers, spectrometers, interactive NASA space physics experiments, and spectrum analyzers.

Østfold University College contributed motion-sensitive CCD video camera systems, a vector magnetometer, and a weather station. The EMBLA program and subsequent 'Science Camp' initiatives since 2002 have involved numerous students, teachers, and researchers, establishing multiple observation posts to correlate optical sightings with instrumental data.

Mountain base equipment for the Science Camp included radio transceivers, Geiger counters, VLF receivers, spectrum analyzers, digital SLR cameras for optical spectrums, weather stations, CCD video cameras, spotting scopes, marine binoculars, night vision scopes, GPS, green lasers, chemical analysis kits, and solar power systems. The first successful Science Camp in 2004 yielded photographs of optical spectrums.

4. Results and Discussion

Research in Hessdalen since 1998 has confirmed the existence and localization of the Hessdalen phenomenon. Data from 1998-2001 indicated no correlation between luminous events and solar activity. Instruments used between 1998 and 2008 yielded several results:

• Motion-sensitive CCD video cameras: Captured a large luminous flying object in 1998, providing proof of the phenomenon's existence.
• Stereoscopic motion-sensitive CCD system: Collapsed in 2003.
• Vector magnetometer: Readings indicated a rise in the Earth's magnetic field before luminous events, but lacked consistent optical and radar correlation.
• Weather station: Luminous events occurred when air humidity exceeded 85%, suggesting electrical field breakdown due to accumulated charges. The phenomenon is not linked to thunderstorms and typically occurs in clear, calm weather.
• Aurora Borealis: Outbreaks in 2006 and 2007 coincided with Hessdalen phenomena. A 30-minute observation in 2007 occurred shortly after an Aurora Borealis outbreak.
• Radar (Raymarine 2 KW): Reflections from the mountainside often obscured observations.
• Night vision scope: Early models had limited success, but a new digital scope proved effective as an early warning device.
• Radio transmitter: Transmitters used since 2002 showed no evidence of interaction with the phenomena.
• Laser: A 1984 report mentioned interaction where the light phenomena doubled blinked when struck by a laser, but this experiment has not been repeated.
• Geiger counter: Extensive use yielded no results; background radiation in Hessdalen is lower than elsewhere.
• Heat: Photos showed phenomena touching ground or treetops without signs of burning or heat, even for car-sized lights.
• Sound: No sound has ever been heard from the phenomena.
• Chemical analysis: Soil samples showed some lack of bacteria in landing track areas, but this is not fully confirmed and requires further investigation.
• Spectrum analyzer: Extensive use since 2000 has not detected any signals linked to the phenomenon.
• SS-5 and SENTINEL-1 spectrometers: No signals of interest were obtained.
• ULFO, ultra low frequency observer: Detected many signals, including submarine communication, but none linked to the Hessdalen phenomenon. Some interference from power lines was noted. A significant observation in 2007 showed no magnetic signals, suggesting the phenomenon might be free of charge or have zero total charge.
• INSPIRE: An interactive NASA space physics experiment.
• UHF low power pulsed radar: This radar detected echoes half an hour before optical sightings and continued for 3 hours, confirming previous radar observations when the phenomenon was optically invisible. This supports models suggesting low plasma temperature.
• Digital SLR camera with grating: Spectrums obtained in 2006 indicated a combustion process involving air and dust, with dominant emission lines from Nitrogen, Oxygen, Iron, Silicon, and Scandium. The spectrum appeared continuous, suggesting high-density plasma or a solid object, but further improvement in resolution is needed.

5. Conclusion

The automated research container and subsequent campaigns have confirmed the existence and location of the Hessdalen phenomenon. Findings from 1984 have been corroborated. The phenomena are detectable by radar, even when optically invisible. The vortex plasma model explains the invisible phase due to low temperature. While bacteria-killing properties are partially confirmed, radioactive radiation models are not supported by current data. The lack of magnetic field detection suggests a static electric field and zero total charge. High humidity may contribute to electrical field breakdown. The power source remains elusive, and new data raises more questions than answers.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the persistent scientific investigation into the Hessdalen phenomena, a long-standing mystery. The journal's stance is to present detailed research findings, including instrumental data, theoretical models, and the challenges in explaining these complex atmospheric events. The emphasis is on empirical data collection and analysis, acknowledging the limitations and the need for further research to unravel the true nature and power source of these luminous phenomena.