CENAP Report - No 086

Magazine Overview

This issue of the CENAP-REPORT, identified as Nr. 86 and part of the 8. Jahrgang / H4, is dated April 1983. The cover prominently features the CENAP logo and the headline for the 3. CENAP-UAP-MEETING 83 held in Mannheim on September 9-11, 1983. The magazine is published by CENAP, a German research network for extraordinary phenomena.

UFO's über NORWEGEN? (UFOs over NORWAY?)

This section, a continuation report from CR-85, delves into hypotheses regarding the UFO phenomena observed in Hessdalen, Norway. It notes that newspaper reports often present old and well-known theories or explanations. The NIVFO-Bulletin aims to describe two such hypotheses. The first suggests that UFOs in Hessdalen are natural phenomena based on light reflections from the sun or moon in an atmospheric layer between cold and warm air, creating a Fata Morgana effect. This theory was reportedly explained by Norwegian researcher Thomas McClimans in Trondheim. A second theory, mentioned in "Arbeider-Avisen", suggests that observers might simply be seeing aircraft lights, a view held by Captain Kjell Bjerkan of SAFE. NIVFO reportedly opposes both these theories.

Latest News from Hessdalen: Voltmeter "sees" UFO!

For the first time, the light phenomenon in Hessdalen was reportedly detected by electrical measuring devices. Kolbjorn Stenodegard of NIVFO recounts an incident where a luminous object was observed, causing a strong effect on their apparatus used to measure atmospheric voltage differences. As the object disappeared, the needle returned to zero. Another luminous object was observed over Finsahogda on Friday night, described as completely silent with a typical shape, a bright light in front, and two red lights in the rear. When asked for an explanation, the response was that they were still working on the problem. Photos taken with infrared film and telephoto lenses were mentioned, but their results were not yet known. Stenodegard found these findings regarding Hessdalen UFOs very interesting.

Witness Accounts from Hessdalen:

• August 13-14, 1982 / Vangslia-Hessdalen: An 83-year-old woman observed a somewhat round, luminous object with distinct "bushy" edges moving from north to south. Its angular size was smaller than the moon.
• August 16, 1982 / Finnsahogda / 22:47 UHR: Sah Lars Lillevold saw a cigar-shaped luminous object moving north. Several "light spots" were seen on the object. The next day, at 20:40, the same person reported seeing a dark, rather black object that passed under the summit of Finnsahogda. No lights were visible, and it moved in a wave-like motion before disappearing.
• August 13, 1982 / Holden, upper part of Alen / 1:12 UHR: Sah Ole Lillevold (pensioner) observed a luminous object moving in the sky from Hessdalen. Initially thought to be a star, it soon moved up, down, and side to side for 15 minutes.
• July 30, 1982 / Kloftvolden-Hessdalen / 1:50 - 3:00 UHR: A luminous object moved in an east-west direction. Witnesses, including the observer's wife and two other people, watched it through a living room window. It hovered for a long time before rapidly ascending and disappearing in seconds. It was also observed through binoculars, but details were not discernible due to distance. The report notes that while it could be a planet or star, its rapid disappearance is hard to explain.

Commentary on Lars Lillevold's Observation (August 16, 1982):

Lars Lillevold described the cigar-shaped object as moving horizontally with a 35-45 degree inclination. He stated he would undergo a lie detector test, estimating the UFO to be perhaps 25 meters long and 2 meters high. He felt paralyzed by the sight, noting the object hovered silently. After an unknown period, it began to move slowly and then vanished. His wife witnessed the same event. Lillevold admitted he previously dismissed such sightings as illusions but has since changed his mind, stating, "What I saw, I saw!" He now frequently looks to the sky, wishing to see a UFO again.

Following copies of newspaper clippings about these observations in Hessdalen are from SAF-Bulletin 5/82 from Sweden.

UFO'er tilbake til Hessdalen (UFOs Return to Hessdalen)

This article from ADRESSEAVISEN (Wednesday, August 18, 1982) reports that the strange phenomena in Hessdalen have returned, attracting thousands of people. Leif Havik, daily leader of UFO-Norge, states they have begun collaborating with interested parties at NTH (Norwegian Institute of Technology) and will use a spectral analyzer to measure light wave frequencies. Several witnesses on Sunday, August 15, observed an object over Hesadaiskjelen moving slowly from the south towards the northeast, at an altitude lower than Finnsåhøgda. The object was described as approximately 25 meters long, with lights at the front and rear, and a marked middle section. No sound was heard. The observation was made at 22:47. Havik contacted the radar station at Gråkallen, which detected nothing. He dismisses the possibility of it being an aircraft due to the low altitude and proximity. UFO-Norge received reports of sightings in Hessdalen as early as June 12, with further reports on July 31, August 10, and August 11. Most sightings occurred around 23:00. Havik emphasizes the phenomenon warrants greater attention and dismisses theories about Mars or Venus. He also conducted temperature measurements in Hessdalen, finding no significant temperature differences that would support theories of light refraction due to downdrafts.

Hva var det? (What was it?)

This section from ADRESSEAVISEN highlights that UFOs in Hessdalen are characterized by witnesses as "bread with brake lights at both ends." The newspaper revisited the area but did not witness a UFO, though locals remain convinced of their presence.

UFO'en i Hessdalen: «Ligner et brød med bremselys» (The UFO in Hessdalen: "Resembles a loaf of bread with brake lights")

This article by HANS MELIEN and MEILS TOLDRES (from SAF BULLETIN 5-1982) details a sighting by Lars Lillevold in Hessdalen. He claims to have seen a UFO at a distance of about 40 meters. He described it as a "blue-black object, hazy and almost woolly at the edges, but shining brightly in the middle." It had lights at both ends, resembling car brake lights. Lillevold, who previously considered such sightings as fantasies, has changed his mind. He is willing to take a lie detector test and estimates the object was about 25 meters long and two meters high. He describes being paralyzed by the sight, the object hovering silently before moving slowly and disappearing. His wife also witnessed the event on January 18. He reported a second sighting on August 16, of a luminous object over Finsåhøgda. He admits that the object he saw up close has left a lasting impression, and he frequently finds himself looking at the sky, hoping to see a UFO again.

Tilbake for fullt (Back in Full Force)

The article states that UFOs have returned to Hessdalen, drawing people from far and wide. The author and companions visited on Wednesday evening but saw nothing but gray clouds and stars. The article mentions a potential restaurant called "High-altitude UFO" that could have served warm coffee. Ole Lillevold recounts two sightings: one fourteen days before Christmas at 19:20, where he saw a powerful light moving horizontally, then stopping and ascending vertically like lightning. He had a similar observation in Hessdalen later.

Fantastic Story

Ole Lillevold also heard from three people from Bærum who reported seeing a huge object hanging over the mountain in June, from which three smaller objects emerged and formed points that, with lines, would create a square. One of the tourists became very ill shortly after. Lillevold also read in a Swedish newspaper about a psychic predicting that the UFO mystery would be solved on December 28th.

"Lurvete" (Shaggy/Fuzzy)

Since before Christmas, strange lights and objects have been seen in Hessdalen. An 83-year-old woman reported seeing a luminous object in June and July, and on August 13 and 14, always after midnight. She described the object as "lurvete" (shaggy/fuzzy), long and oval with fringes, and slightly smaller than the moon.

Hundreds of such observations have been made in Hessdalen and Alen, leading to questions about why these phenomena occur there. Some speculate it might be related to the mineral-rich mountains, but this is unproven. The article asserts that the locals are not particularly imaginative, but rather realistic due to their harsh environment. They are disappointed that the phenomenon is not receiving more serious scientific attention, rejecting trivial remarks about "little green men."

UFO-Norge has dedicated attention to these observations and is planning a larger expedition to Hessdalen in mid-December, involving people from NTH. Leif Havik conducted temperature measurements, finding no significant differences that would support theories of light refraction due to downdrafts.

Instrument registriert UFOs in Hessdalen (Instrument Registers UFOs in Hessdalen)

This section details ongoing observations in Hessdalen over several months. For the first time, a phenomenon was reportedly detected by a modern measuring device. NIVFO had conducted investigations, and on Friday, September 3, 1982, four NIVFO members were present with new American equipment designed to measure electrical voltage in the air, earth, and electromagnetism. An increase of over 100 Volts per meter was registered while an object moved across the sky. This equipment was used to investigate potential variations in atmospheric electrical potential. On Friday night, at 22:50 UHR, a luminous object appeared quietly over Finnsahogda, moved over the summit, and disappeared behind it after 15-20 seconds. Visually, it resembled an aircraft or helicopter but was completely silent. Using binoculars, a red light in front and a weaker light in the back were observed. Due to its rapid movement, no photos could be taken. The conclusion was that it was not an aircraft, helicopter, reflection, or astronomical phenomenon.

Satelliten – und ein Objekt ändert Kurs! (Satellites – and an object changes course!)

On Saturday evening, around 20:30 UHR, observers were near Lars Lillevold's seter (a highland farm). The sky was clear except for thin clouds. Satellites were observed moving across the sky. One object, moving contrary to Earth's rotation, appeared from the opposite direction and passed two others. This object then disappeared, and another object appeared near the zenith, which was definitely not a satellite as it moved in all directions.

Effects of a Measuring Instrument

The instrument was set up to measure electrical voltage in the air. When the object in the sky changed direction, the indicator showed a deflection, registering an increase of 100 Volts per meter. The indicator returned to zero when the object disappeared. The cause of this anomaly remains unexplained, and no other participants noticed anything unusual. It was not possible to determine if the voltage increase occurred on the ground or in the sky, vertically or horizontally. Interestingly, two cows nearby showed no remarkable reaction during the event. The observation lasted only a few seconds and concluded around 21:45 UHR.

CENAP's Remark:

NIVFO's Newsletter 5/82 is mentioned. CENAP notes an interesting development observed in the German and international UFO scene: when UFO sightings become frequent in a specific location with repeated witnesses, new individuals emerge to share stories, sometimes embellished by imagination or a need for communication. The report then details a CE-II (Close Encounter of the Second Kind) observation in Hessdalen from September 18 or 19, 1980. August Holen reported seeing three machine-like objects with a classic saucer shape and a dome, described as "unknown red color," emitting a humming sound. They moved with periods of stillness, high speed, and rapid changes in direction, hovering 5 meters above the ground with a diameter of 3.5 meters. They disappeared behind mountains to the north after 10 seconds. Holen was accompanied by two hunting companions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the persistent and intriguing UFO/UAP activity in Hessdalen, Norway. The magazine presents a mix of witness testimonies, some highly detailed and personal, alongside reports of scientific investigations attempting to quantify the phenomena. There's a clear stance from CENAP and NIVFO that these events are not easily explained by conventional means, often opposing naturalistic explanations offered by other sources. The issue highlights the ongoing efforts to understand these occurrences through observation, measurement, and collaboration, indicating a serious and persistent investigation into the Hessdalen mystery.

This issue of the Mühlviertler Bote, dated December 30, 1962, features a prominent headline "UFO über PERU?" and delves into various aerial phenomena, both contemporary and historical. The publication also includes a section on historical airship reports and investigations by organizations like NIVFO and CENAP.

Hessdalen Sighting (1982)

The issue details a sighting by August Holen, a 59-year-old park worker, in Hessdalen, Norway, during the famous mass observations of 1982. Holen described three objects that appeared suddenly, felt like they were draining oxygen, and then moved away. He described them as "large pieces of Sugar-Candy" with a wonderful red color, shaped like a hat with a brim and a small elevation on top, which he likened to a periscope. The objects rotated at high speed, and he speculated they were refueling through holes in their base. He noted a fine humming sound. The objects then tilted and accelerated northwards, disappearing within 10 seconds. Holen believed they were man-made machines. His hunting companions, Mr. Torvaldsen and Mr. Somo, did not witness the objects, with Torvaldsen confirming that a flock of birds flew towards Holen but disappeared behind a stone, and that the companions' backs were to the objects.

Further notes on the Hessdalen case, attributed to Leif Mehlum/NIVFO-Ost, mention that Holen, now 59 and a park worker, reported this during the 1982 Hessdalen observations. He referred to the objects as "unknown machines" but avoided the term "extraterrestrial spaceships." Holen also reported seeing a machine-like object near a river during a subsequent visit. NIVFO is continuing to work on the 1980 Holen report and notes that the three objects in this case were distinct from other Hessdalen reports. The witness described the objects as "magnificent." The two hunting companions noticed nothing special. The article questions the color description and the reason for calling the objects "magnificent." It is noted that the companions did not see the objects, which were almost four meters in diameter.

A note from CENAP suggests that the Hessdalen observations have led to adventurous stories and that many sightings can be attributed to astronomical bodies, satellites, aircraft, and balloons, leading to "Nocturnal-Light-Erscheinungen." CENAP believes that what are perceived as NL phenomena are often harmless light sources misinterpreted by the public.

UFO over Peru (1962)

The main cover story, dated December 30, 1962, discusses a UFO sighting over Peru. CENAP received eight newspaper reports from Austria in January of that year, which were not published by the German press. CENAP contacted the German embassy in Peru, which provided two original newspaper reports. These reports were translated from Spanish to English by the research group ADEFEX and then back into German for this publication.

The incident involved the Peruvian Air Force (FAP). On Christmas Day, a jet fighter from the La-Joya-Base pursued a UFO over Arequipa for approximately 40 minutes. Residents of Mistian (Arequipa region) witnessed the event. The UFO was described as a luminous object, a "fiery ball" in the sky, which disappeared with a sudden maneuver when the jet approached. The FAP jet was unable to catch the object. The pilot's name is being withheld.

One of the translated reports, from El Diario (Arequipa, December 26, 1962), describes a luminous object seen for over 40 minutes by thousands of residents, which moved slowly and had a luminosity similar to a rainbow. Another report from COMERCIO (Arequipa, December 20, 1987) mentions an object seen for over 6 hours, larger than a star, with a rainbow-like luminosity.

Another article from El Diario (Arequipa, December 27, 1982) reiterates the FAP jet pursuit of a UFO over Arequipa. The object was seen for about 40 minutes, displaying colors from intense red to brilliant silver. Specialists at the Characato Observatory suggested it could be a Nova or Supernova star, or a satellite, but could not give a definitive answer. The sighting occurred shortly after a 20-hour power outage in Arequipa.

Historical Airships (1896-1897)

This section, written by Werner Walter, CENAP-Staff, investigates the "mystery of the airships of 1896-97." Walter argues that these sightings were not UFOs in the modern sense but rather remarkable realizations of steerable balloons built by intelligent American inventors. He suggests that they have become "UFOs of the past" due to ufologists' ignorance or deliberate suppression of the visible aeronautical reality of the time.

Several incidents are recounted:

• March 26, 1897: Robert Hilbard in Sioux City, Iowa, was caught by an anchor from an airship, dragged ten meters, and had his clothes torn.
• April 26, 1897: An anchor from an airship in Merkel, Texas, became entangled with a railway track.
• 1845: In Nantes, France, an aeronaut named Kirsch's balloon anchor snagged Pierre Guerin, lifting him 300 meters before the balloon lost air.
• April 20, 1897: Captain James Hooton in Homan, Arkansas, encountered a large object with three metallic wheels, described as making a sound like a Westinghouse brake, which then ascended rapidly. Hooton's detailed description and sketch are highlighted.

Walter discusses the technology of the era, mentioning early experiments with dirigibles and steerable balloons by inventors like Henri Dupuy de Lõme, Gaston and Albert Tissandier, Charles Renard, Arthur Krebs, C.P. Fest, Russell Thayer, and S. Bausset. He notes that the term "Aeroplane" was used for any flying object, regardless of whether it was lighter or heavier than air.

He contrasts these historical airships with modern UFOs, stating that UFOs do not align with current scientific and technical capabilities. Walter dismisses claims of inexplicable elements in airship reports, pointing out the lack of evidence for ground effects or physical impacts on observers. He also questions the sheer number of airships that would have had to exist to account for all the reports.

Walter concludes that the 1896-1897 airship sightings were advanced aeronautical projects, not extraterrestrial craft. He suggests that about 80% of the reports from that era were likely hoaxes, jokes, or misidentifications, similar to other waves of sightings.

Other Information

The issue also includes an advertisement for "THE AERIAL LOCOMOTIVE" by R. Porter & Co. from 1848, promising transport between New York and California. Additionally, there is an announcement for the 3. CENAP-UAP-MEETING-1983 to be held in Mannheim from September 9-11, 1983.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on unexplained aerial phenomena, UFOs, and historical accounts of aviation. The editorial stance, particularly in the airship section, leans towards rational explanations, distinguishing between historical aeronautical achievements and modern UFO reports, and emphasizing scientific investigation over sensationalism. There is a clear effort to debunk the extraterrestrial hypothesis for historical sightings, attributing them to contemporary technological advancements and potential misinterpretations or hoaxes.

Title: INFORESPACE
Issue: 51
Date: May 1980

This issue of INFORESPACE, a publication focused on unexplained phenomena, delves into historical airship incidents, particularly from the late 19th century, and explores their potential relevance to the modern UFO phenomenon. The article emphasizes that many early aeronautical achievements were the result of individual efforts or small groups, often with tragic outcomes.

Historical Airship Incidents

The text highlights several significant airship events, noting the inherent dangers of early aviation. It mentions the fate of John Wise, who vanished with his balloon over Lake Michigan in 1879, and the perilous journey of LaMountain and Haddock in 1859, who were swept into the Canadian wilderness and nearly starved. Another incident in 1889 involved Campbell's gas balloon model, which drifted over the Atlantic from New York, with the pilot disappearing at sea.

A particularly intriguing event occurred on the night of April 16-17, 1897, near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Workers observed something significant, and the following morning, C.T. Smith found a metallic shard with an attached envelope. The message, signed by Arthur B. Coots, C.C. Harris, and C.W. Hich, stated that they were 750 meters above sea level, heading north, had lost control of their airship, and were unable to steer. They requested that people be informed they were somewhere over Michigan.

Source and Further Reading

This section is presented as a partial translation from INFORESPACE No. 51, May 1980. It recommends Lennart Ege's book "Ballons und Luftschiffe, 1783-1973" (Ballons and Airships, 1783-1973), published by Orell Füssli Verlag, Zürich, as a comprehensive resource on the topic. The original Danish edition is titled "Balloner og Luftskibe" and includes an extensive bibliography.

Connection to UFOs

The authors conclude that while they have now addressed the 'Airship Wave' of 1896/97, they see no direct connection to today's UFO phenomena. However, they deem it necessary to present this material to encourage a more critical and less credulous view of the entire 'UFO' problem.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to maintain a critical yet open stance on unexplained phenomena. It acknowledges the historical significance of early aviation and its inherent risks, presenting documented incidents without necessarily endorsing supernatural explanations. The editorial stance encourages a discerning approach to UFO reports, using historical context to ground discussions and promote skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims.