Klipprunden - 1983 10 19

Magazine Overview

This issue of NORSKE ARGUS, dated October 5, 1983, is a compilation of newspaper clippings focusing on UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) sightings reported in Norway. The magazine acts as a clearinghouse for these reports, often referencing multiple local newspapers.

Donald Duck and Bank Heists

The issue opens with a humorous anecdote linking Donald Duck comics to real-life bank robberies. It mentions that for the third time in a year, Donald Duck has provided a blueprint for a bank heist in Norway. Two attempts were successful, while a third failed. The article specifically references a method described in a Donald Duck comic involving a hjullaster breaking through a bank wall in Ullensaker, and another method of entering a bank through a hole in the floor of a car, which was published in issue number 19 of Donald Duck in 1982, and was reportedly used in a heist at Lørenskog Sparebank.

Editorial and Reader Contributions

The editorial section, signed by "O-G," addresses the reader with a "Hallo og god høst!" It acknowledges a humorous newspaper clipping but states the intention is not to copy Donald Duck for subscribers. Instead, the editor muses about more drastic methods for dealing with certain individuals. The editor welcomes Mentz Kaarbø to the "clip club," which now has 14 members. There's a critique of the magazine's current development, suggesting it has stagnated or regressed, with too many submissions slipping through editorial control. A call is made for stronger editorial oversight, including returning manuscripts or having them rewritten. A commitment is made to revisit this after the upcoming Sunday committee meeting, which will include a visit to the magazine's premises.

The editor also mentions a planned meeting with Per Hansen from Vinstra, who will demonstrate his UFO model. A video camera will be used to document this event, with the hope that it might represent a breakthrough in UFO technology. The editor thanks most subscribers for their prompt payment of the "clip fee," noting that many have paid for the entire year, thus avoiding further reminders.

A more somber note is struck regarding the Hessdalen investigations, which are reported to have improved, potentially saving the winter's research efforts.

However, a significant point of contention is raised concerning an article published by SENAP featuring an opinion piece from NIVFOS Nordfjomp, Jan Bråkh, who allegedly called "UFO-Norge" a "fan club." The editor expresses disappointment that SENAP would publish such content, especially given the exchange of information between Köhler (who visited Bergen) and Kaarbø.

The editorial concludes with a forward-looking statement about preparing for the next summer's national meeting and seeking volunteers to organize it. Readers are encouraged to send in suggestions.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The majority of the issue consists of reprinted newspaper articles detailing various UFO sightings across Norway:

• Planet Venus as a UFO: An article from Fredrikstad Blad (October 8, 1983) reports that Ole Peder Sveen from the Solobservatoriet (Sun Observatory) in Harestua identified a bright object seen in the morning sky as the planet Venus, not a UFO. He explained that Venus appears as a "morning star" in autumn and winter and a "evening star" later.

• UFO in Rømskog: Several articles from Indre Smaalenenes Avis (October 5, 1983), Østlandets Blad (October 3, 1983), and Fredriksstad Blad (October 7, 1983) report on a UFO sighting in Rømskog on the night of Saturday, September 17, 1983. A woman reported a yellow, luminous object, 50-60 meters up, rotating and visible for 8-10 seconds. It was also described as having a faint hum and moving south before disappearing. The woman's granddaughter also witnessed it. The object was described as round with a small "clump" on it.

• UFO in Ørje: An article from Indre Smaalenenes Avis (October 5, 1983) and Østlandets Blad (October 3, 1983) details a sighting in Ørje around the same time as the Rømskog event. A resident reported a strong green light over a field, making it appear as if the entire kitchen was in flames. A strange hum was also heard. The light disappeared quickly. This sighting occurred slightly later than the Rømskog one.

• UFO in Ammerud: A report from VG (October 7, 1983) describes a UFO-like object seen over Ammerud at 01:15. Johnny Hansen (21), Marianne Johansen (17), and Mona Sørensen (21) observed a bright object moving back and forth without any audible engine noise. The Økern police department confirmed receiving multiple reports but found no results from their investigation. The control towers at Fornebu and Rygge airports reported no unusual radar activity or pilot reports.

• UFO in Sofiemyr: An article from Indre Akershus Blad (October 4, 1983) reports a sighting near Sofiemyr on the night of Friday, September 17th. A couple and a neighbor saw an inexplicable luminous sphere west of Sofiemyr, described as a strange yellow light. They initially thought it was a distress flare.

• UFO in Talvik: An article from Hammerfest (September 27, 1983) describes a sighting by five to six youths aged 13-15. They saw a luminous sphere moving rapidly, which then split into two lights, one remaining stationary over Stabbhaugen. The stationary light was reddish. The experience was so frightening that some of the witnesses had to be escorted home. Experts at Nordlys Observatory suggested it might have been a meteorite.

• UFO in Båsmoen: A report from Rana Blad (October 1, 1983) suggests that a UFO observed on Saturday night was actually a balloon. An observer using binoculars concluded it was a balloon, which likely landed in Båsmofjæra. The observer stressed it was not a weather balloon and that everyone involved was sober.

• UFO in Mo: Another report from Rana Blad (September 28, 1983) mentions multiple sightings of a luminous object over Mo on Saturday evening. This followed a report from the previous day about a similar object seen low over Mo at night, which remained stationary for an hour without noise. Sightings were reported from Sagbakken, Båsmo, and Alteren.

• UFO in England: An article from VG (October 5, 1983) references a report by American Colonel Charles I. Halt about a "glowing fireball" that landed in England in December 1980. The object was described as triangular, resembling a spaceship, with three individuals inside wearing silver suits. The US Air Force base leadership reportedly tried to keep the report secret. The object was estimated to be three meters wide and two to three meters high, bathing the surrounding forest in white light.

• UFO in Lunner: An article from Hadeland (October 5, 1983) and Indre Akershus Blad (October 4, 1983) details a sighting by the Helgeland couple in Lunner. Gudbrand Helgeland saw a "gigantic star," a very large and strong light, over Kraggerud-toppen at 5:00 AM. The light remained stationary for five minutes, then disappeared and reappeared closer. The experience was described as unsettling. The couple also found a strange mark in the ground on their property on Saturday, resembling a "claw" with the earth matted in the center, which Gudbrand Helgeland plowed over.

• Explanation for Rømskog UFO: An article from Indre Akershus Blad (October 8, 1983) offers a potential explanation for the Rømskog UFO sighting. Ninni Haugen suggests it might have been a festive rocket launched for a wedding that took place at the municipal hall on September 17th, around the time of the sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO/UAP sightings, witness testimonies, and attempts at explanation, ranging from scientific (Venus, meteorites) to mundane (balloons, rockets) and even humorous (Donald Duck comics). There is a clear interest in documenting these phenomena and exploring potential explanations, while also acknowledging the ongoing mystery. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious engagement with the topic, balancing skepticism with an openness to investigate and report on unusual events. The magazine also serves as a platform for a community of UFO enthusiasts, as evidenced by the "clip club" and discussions about meetings and models.