Klipprunden - 1983 07 00

Magazine Overview

This issue of Norske Argus, dated June 1953, with volume Ni-12-15, focuses heavily on the UFO phenomenon, particularly the sightings reported in Hessdalen, Norway, and along the Rørosbanen railway line. The cover headline, "Ufoen fra Rørosbanen" (The UFO from the Rørosbanen), sets the stage for the articles within. The magazine also touches upon the broader context of UFOs, their investigation, and the emergence of 'UFO religion'.

Ufoen fra Rørosbanen (Forts. fra side 23)

This article delves into the Hessdalen UFO sightings, presenting a debate between skeptics and believers. Rolf Bradhe suggests that the phenomena might be related to train activity on the Rørosbanen, a theory that Leif Havik dismisses, pointing to observations made when trains were not running. Kolbjørn Stenødegaard is mentioned as a skeptic. Arne Wisth, a journalist and author who wrote a book on the Hessdalen UFO mystery, states that after initial skepticism and personal observations, he no longer believes there is a natural explanation. He notes that Hessdalen has had similar observations since 1943 and that radar has sometimes detected phenomena simultaneously with visual sightings. The article concludes that the nature of these observed phenomena remains a mystery.

Vågal flyferd

Leif Havik of UFO-Norge recounts his experiences in Hessdalen. He corrects a previous report about an object seen on December 28th, stating it was not a UFO but a private plane. Havik mentions that UFO-Norge has systematically registered hundreds of reports from Hessdalen since December 1981. Despite using electronic instruments during expeditions, they have not succeeded in registering anything, which Havik attributes to the absence of UFOs when the equipment was present. The article includes a photograph from March 18, 1982, of a UFO observation in Hessdalen, taken by Leif Havik.

Toglys fra Rørosbanen

Astrofysiker Rolf Bradhe is presented as someone who claims to have revealed the secret behind the Hessdalen UFOs. He proposes that they are atmospheric reflections of train lights on the Rørosbanen, a phenomenon known as 'fata morgana' or 'mirage' in desert regions and 'reflection in inversion layers' by meteorologists. Bradhe also notes that UFOs resembling train lights have been seen in Grand Mountains, USA, since 1910. He recounts seeing a UFO from his office window in Blinderen, which he describes as a passenger plane.

UFO som

This section, authored by Knut K. Heidelberg, discusses the rise of 'new religions' and their connection to UFO beliefs. It references the Swedish historian of religion Erland Ehnmark's observation that religion is far from dead. The article highlights the resurgence of Eastern religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam in the West, as well as new movements that reinterpret older religions, often referred to as sects. The 'flying saucer' belief, linked with Christian eschatology, is presented as a prominent example originating in the USA. The author mentions Ernst Benz's concept of 'ifology' (Interplaneterian Flying Object) and its relation to ufology, suggesting that those who genuinely believe in UFOs are part of a religion. The article explores the psychological and historical factors behind the emergence of these new religions, citing C.C. Jung's ideas about the human need for new explanations in a technologically advanced and crisis-ridden society. It also touches upon the historical context, noting how the shift from a geocentric to a heliocentric worldview challenged religious dogma. The article mentions figures like Fredrich C. Oetinger and Christian Huygens, who speculated about civilizations on other planets, and Bernard Fontelle's popular science book on the topic. The impact of Orson Welles' radio play 'The War of the Worlds' is also alluded to, highlighting how such narratives can create panic. The article concludes by noting that while Erich von Däniken is not directly linked to spirit mediums, his work on ancient astronauts contributes to keeping the UFO movement alive.

De mystiske valpe i "UFO-DALEN"

This report by Anlaug Sanderød/IPF details a peculiar incident in Storbudalen, Norway, where two puppies disappeared and reappeared four days later, approximately three to four miles away in Hessdalen. The owners, Kjell Ivar Hov and his mother Ragnhild, are perplexed. The local sheriff has filed it as an unsolved case. A psychic woman claims to have communicated telepathically with those who took the puppies and persuaded them to release them. The puppies, found by Jon Skogaas in Hessdalen, showed no signs of distress or hardship from their ordeal. While Kjell Ivar Hov leans towards a more mundane explanation, possibly involving a snowmobile, his mother suspects a supernatural or UFO-related cause. The psychic woman offers cryptic explanations, suggesting the puppies were taken by people with good intentions who later changed their minds.

UFO-Norge

This section contains a circular from UFO-Norge, dated Tønsberg, December 1983. It reports on a meeting between UFO-Norge and UFO-Sverige leadership. The meeting involved overcoming travel challenges, including a flat tire in the Swedish wilderness and a near-empty fuel tank. The participants included Mats Nilsson (UFO-Sverige contact person), Carl-Anton Mattson (Marketing Manager), Håkan Ekstrand (Editor of UFO-Sverige Aktuellt), and Jørgen Granlie (leadership). The circular also mentions that Leif Havik, Kurt Andersen, Mentz Kaarbø, and Finn Kalvik from UFO-Norge were unable to attend due to various reasons. The meeting focused on integrating UFO-Sverige into UFO-Norge's structure and discussed the "Project Hessdalen," a major undertaking planned for the autumn of 1983. This project involves intensive, 24-hour monitoring of Hessdalen using instruments and observers, with Leif Havik and Kurt Andersen as key personnel. The circular calls for interested individuals to volunteer and requests financial support from businesses and the public. It also mentions plans for a documentary about Hessdalen to be shown at a congress in London and the potential for a media wave of contributors.

UFO-Norge og UFO-Sverige Samarbeid

This article details a joint meeting between UFO-Norge and UFO-Sverige. It highlights the challenges faced during travel, including a flat tire and a lack of gas stations. The meeting involved discussions about UFO-Norge's structure and operations, and the integration of UFO-Sverige. A significant focus was placed on "Project Hessdalen," a planned intensive monitoring operation in Hessdalen. The article mentions the need for instruments, observers, and financial support. It also touches upon the popular "21" lottery game in Sweden as a fundraising method. The article concludes with a call for a committee meeting to discuss important matters.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, particularly in Hessdalen, Norway, and the Rørosbanen area. There is a clear division between those who seek rational explanations (like train reflections) and those who believe in extraterrestrial origins. The magazine also explores the intersection of UFO phenomena with religion, presenting the idea of 'UFO religion' and its psychological and historical underpinnings. The activities and collaborations of UFO organizations like UFO-Norge and UFO-Sverige are prominent, with a strong emphasis on the planned "Project Hessdalen." The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting different viewpoints while highlighting the persistent mystery surrounding UFOs and fostering a sense of community among believers and investigators.

This issue of Varden, dated June 2, 1983, from Skien, Norway, focuses on UFO observations and investigations. The cover story, "Møte med UFO-ene i Hessdalen" (Meeting with UFOs in Hessdalen), highlights reports from the remote village of Hessdalen, Norway, where numerous UFO sightings have occurred, attracting international attention.

Proposed Measurement Techniques for UFO Observations

The magazine details a comprehensive approach to measuring phenomena associated with UFO observations, categorized into four main areas:

I. Static Field Changes This category includes measurements of electric fields, magnetic fields, and gravitational fields. The article notes that compass needles have been observed to change direction when UFOs pass, suggesting the need to map the direction and absolute value of magnetic fields at various locations. It also questions whether car stops or changes in car paint color could be due to electric or magnetic fields, recommending that electric fields be mapped alongside meteorological data.

II. Dynamic Field Changes This section covers phenomena related to moving objects. It discusses the bright lights often emitted by UFOs, which can appear as a corona and shift in color, typically a yellow-white. Radiometric measurements of this light are proposed to determine the source and temperature, potentially indicating a "black-body" source with temperatures between 4000°K and 6000°K. The coherence of the light, specifically measuring spectra between 500nm and 600nm with high resolution (better than 1nm), is also suggested. Broader radiometric measurements from 200nm to 1500nm are recommended. The interference of UFOs with radio and TV signals suggests they emit electromagnetic waves within or harmonically related to these frequencies. Continuous monitoring of radio signals, including phase, frequency, and amplitude changes, across various frequency bands is advised. Theories suggesting UFOs can control gravity are also mentioned, prompting the need to map changes in gravitational force, both statically and dynamically, over a wide frequency range.

III. Meteorological Data Accurate meteorological data is deemed essential for drawing conclusions and for further studies.

IV. Radioactive Radiation Reports of radioactive radiation with half-lives ranging from hours to days have been found in trace amounts. Continuous monitoring of radioactive irradiation is recommended.

The article emphasizes that measuring all these factors across the entire frequency spectrum would provide a solid basis for understanding events in Hessdalen and answering questions about the UFO enigma, forming a foundation for future studies.

Royal UFO Encounter: Silvia's Visit from Space?

Another significant piece discusses an alleged UFO encounter involving Queen Silvia of Sweden. The article "FIKK SILVIA BESØK FRA VERDENSROMMET?" (Did Silvia Receive a Visit from Outer Space?) recounts an incident at Drottningholm Palace. A guard, Per Torell, reported seeing a large, cylinder-shaped object, illuminated at both ends, moving silently. He described it as larger than a plane and moving without sound. His superior, Garnisonssjef Ola Erikson, expressed skepticism, suggesting the guard might have seen a plane. The article also mentions other strange occurrences at the palace that night, including lights malfunctioning and problems with the alarm system. The Swedish Royal Court stated that Queen Silvia was at home with her children and had seen or heard nothing related to the alleged phenomenon. Erikson is quoted as saying, "I don't believe in UFOs. Instead, I think the guard saw a plane."

An accompanying article from the American magazine "Globe" is referenced, which claims a five-meter-long spaceship landed on the palace lawn on September 15th while the King and Queen were dining, speculating it might have been a "state visit" from an alien monarch.

UFO Organizations and Internal Conflicts

The issue delves into the complex landscape of Norwegian UFO organizations. An article titled "UFO-Riigets tilstand" (The State of the UFO Kingdom) by Hans Aass, published in "De gåtefulle UFO'er" (The Enigmatic UFOs) in Agderposten, discusses the history and conflicts within Norwegian UFO groups. It traces the establishment and eventual dissolution of Norsk UFO Center (NUFOC) in Trondheim, founded by Kolbjørn Stenødegård. It then details the formation of Riksorganisasjonen UFO Norge (RUFON) in Lillestrøm, which comprised former NUFOC members protesting Stenødegård's leadership. Eventually, these two organizations merged to form UFO NORGE in 1982, with a new committee and a single publication, "UFO," a 40-page A4 magazine published five times a year.

The article highlights the internal disputes, particularly between Stenødegård and others, concerning UFO theories and organizational direction. Stenødegård is portrayed as having shifted his stance, now criticizing UFO publications as "off-beat" literature and engaging in what the author calls "scientific" arguments, a departure from his previous positions. The author criticizes Stenødegård's attacks and suggests that the focus should be on positive research rather than personal disputes.

The Espevær UFO Imprint

Another article, "Espevær har det største UFO-avtrykk i verda" (Espevær has the largest UFO imprint in the world), by Bjarte Amble, reports on the findings of UFO log Finn W. Kalvik and Egon Nielsen from Norsk UFO Center. They investigated a new, strange imprint on the Åkerkve-sletta in Espevær, Norway. Kalvik believes this imprint, which is described as possibly horseshoe-shaped and much smaller than a previous one, was made during winter when the ground was frozen. He notes that horseshoe-shaped UFO reports exist globally. The imprint is described as having remarkable symmetry, an egg shape, measuring 26 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width. The article discusses theories of extraterrestrial visitors and the concept of "teleportation." It also touches upon the skepticism faced by UFO research and the numerous reports received annually in Norway, with only a fraction being classified as unexplained.

Committee Meeting Minutes

Minutes from a committee meeting held on May 21, 1983, are included. The meeting, attended by Hans Kristian Moe, Erling Strand, and Odd-Gunnar Røed, discussed various items, including publications, correspondence, and UFO data. A special guest, author Hilary Evans, known for his UFO and parapsychology books, made an impression. The committee decided that Hans Kr. Moe would write an article for the next issue, and Odd-Gunnar Røed would place an advertisement about being active in UFO-Norge. They also noted a decline in low-quality writings and encouraged writing about UFOs in newspapers, referencing an article by Knut Aasheim. Issues with letterheads and envelopes were addressed, with a decision to reprint them. Regarding UFO data, the committee adopted a wait-and-see approach, acknowledging the ongoing debate between Denmark and Sweden on UFO systems, with a significant international congress in England expected. They also proposed focusing on mental treatment for witnesses and simplifying data collection forms.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The issue reflects a strong interest in UFO phenomena, with a focus on scientific investigation and data collection, as seen in the detailed measurement proposals. It also highlights the personal and organizational conflicts within the UFO community, particularly in Norway. The reporting on the Swedish royal encounter and the Espevær imprint suggests a fascination with potentially significant, unexplained events. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging open-minded inquiry while also advocating for rigorous, scientific approaches and clear, concise reporting, as urged by Knut Aasheim in his "Synspunkt" (Viewpoint) column. The recurring themes include the mystery of UFOs, the challenges of scientific investigation, the internal dynamics of UFO organizations, and the public perception of the UFO phenomenon.