Klipprunden - 1983 03 23

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO-er" from March 10, 1983, published by NORSKE ARGUS A/S, focuses on UFO phenomena in Norway. The cover features a headline about "UFO from other planets" and a photograph related to a sighting in Helgeroa. The issue includes a variety of articles, letters, and reports detailing UFO sightings, investigations, and debates surrounding the topic.

Key Articles and Reports

"UFO fra andre planeter" (UFO from other planets)

This main cover story highlights the book "UFO-mysteriet i Hessdalen" by Bodø-journalist Arne Wisth. The article suggests that Wisth's skepticism has vanished after his year-long investigation in Hessdalen, where he collected numerous reports and photographs. The piece implies that Wisth believes the Hessdalen UFOs may originate from extraterrestrial civilizations. The article also touches upon the skepticism faced by Hessdalen residents, with some critics attributing sightings to 'inbreeding' or psychological issues.

"UFO over Helgeroa?"

This report details a sighting by Grete Berg and her friends near Helgeroa. They observed a red-lighted object that appeared to be a crashing plane but then disappeared. Berg expresses her newfound belief in UFOs after this experience.

"UFO anno 1916"

This section presents a historical account from a 1916 article in "Nesnaposten" describing a sighting of an "airship" or UFO over Tomøfjeldet, characterized by a large, moving light.

"Jervell og Tusberg i UFO-bok"

This article discusses the book "UFO-mysteriet i Hessdalen" by Arne Wisth and Harald Tusberg. It features an interview with Professor Jacob Jervell, who discusses the theological implications of UFOs. The article also touches upon Wisth's adventurous background, including his experiences as a freelance journalist and photographer.

"Fauske-mann så en UFO's fødsel"

This report from Nordlandsposten features Halvdan Elvestad, who claims to have witnessed the "birth" of a UFO near Kvandal in Skjerstad. He describes a powerful gas eruption from the mountainside that materialized into a rotating sphere, then a sausage shape, before disappearing. Elvestad is convinced it was a natural gas phenomenon.

"Korona"

A brief note suggests that if UFOs are seen over Vestfjorden, it might be related to magnetism in the mountains and proposes using a dark filter to better observe their outlines.

"UFO-er over Drammen er rutefly til Fornebu"

This article from Drammens Tidende offers a rational explanation for frequent UFO sightings reported over Drammen. It attributes these sightings to commercial airplanes landing at Fornebu or Gardermoen, explaining the visual effects as reflections of sunlight on high-altitude aircraft, especially during twilight.

"En bra beskrivelse"

This piece critiques individuals like Asbjørn Hallan and G. Brahde, who dismiss UFO sightings in Hessdalen, suggesting their explanations are simplistic and dismissive of the witnesses' experiences.

Letters to the Editor and Opinions

Several letters and opinion pieces discuss the UFO phenomenon and the organizations involved:

• L. Tønnesen (Agderposten) criticizes K. Stenødegård of NIVFO for his dismissive remarks about UFO groups and his perceived lack of scientific rigor, arguing that belief in UFOs is a valid personal stance.
• Jan S. Krogh (NIVFO Nord) defends NIVFO's scientific approach, emphasizing the need for rigorous analysis and collaboration with specialized institutions, and questioning the qualifications of individuals making public statements about UFOs.
• A letter from Terje Johansen (Uvitenhet om UFO) defends individuals interested in UFOs against accusations of 'inbreeding and hallucinations,' advocating for the freedom to explore such phenomena without prejudice.
• K. Stenødegård (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning - NIVFO) reiterates the institute's scientific stance, emphasizing the need for empirical data and cautioning against speculation and wishful thinking, particularly regarding the extraterrestrial hypothesis.
• UFO-Norge reports on numerous observations in Hessdalen and invites readers to share their own UFO experiences. They also mention that NIVFO has been conducting extensive research in Hessdalen.

"Kommunestyrevedtak om UFO"

This article from Nationen reports that the Holtålen municipality in Gauldalen attempted to officially acknowledge UFO sightings by having the municipal council look for UFOs during a meeting, but none were observed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue presents a diverse range of perspectives on UFO phenomena. There is a clear division between those who believe in the reality of UFOs, often citing witness accounts and unexplained phenomena (e.g., Arne Wisth, L. Tønnesen, UFO-Norge), and those who advocate for rational explanations, often involving misidentification of conventional objects or atmospheric effects (e.g., the article on Drammen sightings, and the critical stance of NIVFO represented by K. Stenødegård). The editorial stance appears to be one of presenting various viewpoints, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions, while also featuring investigative journalism and historical accounts. The Hessdalen phenomenon is a central theme, with multiple articles dedicated to it and the ongoing debate surrounding it.

This issue of Norske Argus, dated March 3, 1983, focuses on demystifying UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings by presenting a scientific explanation rooted in atmospheric phenomena. The cover headline boldly questions, "UFO-ar-berre luft i lufta?" (UFOs - just air in the air?), setting the tone for the issue's investigative approach.

Scientific Explanation of UFOs

The central article details the theories of Soviet scientists Andrei Monin and Georgij Baremblatt, who propose that what people perceive as UFOs are actually internal waves within the atmosphere and oceans. These waves create distinct patches of mixed air or water that trap particles. According to their research, these patches, regardless of their initial shape (square, triangle, or cross), gradually become round and then spread outwards. This process is mathematically described by equations that detail the outflow of these patches in layered environments.

Further research by Jelena Tikhomirova, working at the Soviet Academy of Sciences' data center, revealed a peculiar characteristic: these patches, even if initially irregular, eventually become round and then start to spread out. The spreading process is significantly slower than the dissipation of white stripes left by high-altitude jets. This outflow begins simultaneously with the patch maintaining its round shape, and it gradually takes on a disk-like form, resembling a hat brim.

Experimental Verification

These theoretical calculations were experimentally verified at the Institute of Oceanography. In a tank with layered liquid, researchers created a mixed liquid patch and observed its outflow, which matched the theoretical predictions. Attempts to disrupt the patch's shape could not halt the process.

The article explains that turbulence, the irregular movement of particles or fluids, plays a key role. In layered environments, the density of particles is typically greater in the lower layer than the upper. Turbulence expends energy to move heavier particles upwards and lighter ones downwards. However, within the mixed patch, this energy expenditure is reduced because the particles are already mixed. This leads to stronger turbulence within the patch compared to the surrounding layers.

American researchers have corroborated these findings. In a 140-meter high tower, they measured the pulsing speed of air currents. By observing the refraction of internal waves, they found that the pulsing speed within the refraction zone could reach up to one meter per second, a stark contrast to the one centimeter per second outside this zone.

The "Flying Saucer" Appearance

The visible appearance of a "saucer" is explained by the interaction with aerosol particles, such as dust, in the atmosphere. If dust particles fall faster than the pulsing speed within the atmospheric "saucer," they pass through. However, if the particles fall slower, they are trapped within the "saucer." When a sufficient amount of dust accumulates, the air disk becomes less transparent and visible. The article asserts that these "flying saucers" are, in reality, air within the air. The accumulated dust mass is small, allowing the "saucer" to be easily moved by air currents, change direction abruptly, and disappear quickly. As more dust particles accumulate, the "saucer" loses altitude and may appear to "tumble." Due to the gradual outflow, the "saucer" flattens into a "pancake," and eventually, the turbulence can no longer maintain its stability, causing it to mix with the surrounding air and dissipate.

Konovalov claims that these theoretical calculations are also supported by cosmonaut Georgij Gretsjko's observations during his 96-day mission on Salyut-6. Both American astronomers and Soviet cosmonauts reportedly agree that there are no "flying saucers" in the vacuum of space.

The model proposed by Barenblatt and Monin does not encompass all types of atmospheric phenomena that are mistaken for "flying saucers."

UFO Sightings in Norway

The issue also features several reports of alleged UFO sightings from different regions in Norway, presented under the banner of local newspapers:

• Drammens Tidende (March 1, 1983): Hans A. Helgeland reported seeing a luminous object with white and colored lights over Strømsøåsen between 18:30 and 19:00. He described it as a "dragon-shaped object" moving at high speed towards Kongsberg.
• Arbeiderbladet (March 7, 1983): Three readers in Halden reported observing two reddish spheres moving calmly over the city from Festningen towards Rokke. The phenomenon was visible for several minutes through binoculars, described as round, with blinking, colorful lights.
• Nordlandsposten (March 5, 1983): A father and son in Tjongsfjord reported seeing a luminous object resembling a Christmas tree descending towards the sea near Rødøy around 19:40. The object pulsed with yellow, red, and green lights and was observed through binoculars. The Norwegian Air Force stated they had no aircraft in the area at the time. The object's lights gradually weakened and it disappeared.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Life

In a separate column, Kjell Hoftun discusses the interpretation of UFOs. He acknowledges that unexplained aerial phenomena are observed worldwide but argues that they are not evidence of extraterrestrial visitors. Hoftun cites the vast distances involved in interstellar travel, even to the nearest star system, Proxima Centauri (4 light-years away), making a quick visit to Earth by beings from other planets highly improbable.

He references civil engineer Erik Tandberg, a space expert, who shares the view that these phenomena originate from Earth. Hoftun contends that while higher-intelligent life may exist in the universe, the immense distances mean humanity will likely remain alone on Earth.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the scientific demystification of UFO sightings. The editorial stance clearly favors rational, terrestrial explanations for these phenomena, attributing them to atmospheric physics and optical illusions rather than extraterrestrial technology. The issue aims to educate readers by presenting scientific theories and evidence, while also documenting local UFO reports, thereby bridging the gap between popular fascination and scientific understanding.