Klipprunden - 1983 11 09

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Norge, published by Norske ARGUS, covers various UFO sightings and related topics from late October and early November 1983. The magazine aims to inform its readers about unexplained aerial phenomena and encourage subscriptions to support its operations, noting a financial deficit from the previous year.

Financial Situation and Subscriptions

The editorial section begins with a report on the magazine's financial status, highlighting a deficit of approximately 14,000 kroner the previous year, with the total debt expected to reach 20,000 kroner. The editor expresses a desire to increase the subscriber base to eliminate this debt, noting that while the debt is decreasing, the subscriber count is not growing as desired. 91 copies of the 1982 journal were sent to individuals who inquired about UFO-Norge, but only 9 new members joined, representing about a 10% conversion rate, which brought in 720 kroner.

Project Hessdalen

Project Hessdalen is reported to be active, with a Scandinavian Committee meeting scheduled for November 18-19. The magazine seeks volunteers to assist in Hessdalen in January. A call for participation is made, asking interested individuals to contact the editor.

Media Coverage and International Interest

There is mention of a Swedish TV program about mysterious phenomena, including UFOs, being produced by a team that will visit Hessdalen in January. The producer has promised to send a copy of his new magazine, which features Hessdalen. Additionally, Dr. J. Allen Hynek expressed his pleasure at the project's progress and his intention to visit Norway in the spring or summer, possibly combining it with other engagements.

Financial Support Campaigns

The magazine notes a campaign in the latest issue of The UFO Reporter encouraging donations for the Hessdalen project. The editor also mentions that Hynek inquired about the best way to send funds, and a response will be provided in the next Project Bulletin.

Sightings and Investigations

Spiral Over Bodø

A significant portion of the issue is dedicated to a UFO sighting over Bodø on Tuesday morning, October 26, 1983, at 05:34. Frank Jensen, a distributor for Nordlandsposten, observed a large, luminous spiral in the eastern sky. The object was described as resembling a fiery wheel but much larger, which then disappeared, leaving a round smoke cloud. Similar observations were made by the flight control service and pilots. The Norwegian Air Force's radar did not register any aircraft at that time. Security Manager Jan Englund of Esrange in Kiruna stated that no rockets were launched from their facility at that time, suggesting it might have been a Russian satellite-carrying rocket. However, he expressed disbelief in UFOs in this context.

UFO-Norge's Explanation

Jan Krogh of NIVFO (a UFO organization) suggested that the spiral phenomenon is typical of Russian rockets. He believes the object likely originated from the White Sea-Ladoga region and ascended to an altitude of 300 kilometers. NIVFO considers this the solution to the Bodø spiral observation.

Venus Misidentification

Several articles address the common misidentification of the planet Venus as a UFO. The Solobservatoriet on Harestua receives numerous calls about unidentified flying objects at night, which are often identified as Venus. Venus is visible in the early morning (rising at 02:30 and setting at 15:30) and is particularly bright around 05:00. Its apparent movement when low on the horizon is attributed to atmospheric distortion. Ole Peder Sveen from the solar observatory confirms that these sightings are usually Venus, not UFOs.

Other Sightings

• Rømskog UFO: Eldbjørg Fjelberg of UFO-Norge investigated a sighting in Rømskog on September 17, 1983, and concluded it was a UFO, not a rocket, based on its form, movement, and sound.
• Mysterious Light Over Nordland: A mysterious light was registered by multiple people in the Ofoten and Bodø areas on Tuesday morning, October 26, 1983, at 05:34. It appeared as a spiral and was observed by the flight control service, which confirmed no aircraft were in the area. Initially thought to be a barium cloud from a rocket launch, Esrange denied any launches. The possibility of a Russian satellite rocket was raised, but UFO-Norge suggested it might be a barium cloud from a rocket, similar to phenomena observed by Arne Wisth, author of a book on the Hessdalen mystery.
• Kjeldebotn Sighting: Aage Fagerbakk reported seeing a clear, circular object moving at high speed over Kjeldebotn. He described it as a sharp, round segment that suddenly accelerated. He also recounted a past experience in Saltvik involving red and white circular lights that formed a triangle before disappearing over the sea.
• Suffolk Landing: An article from the English newspaper News of the World reports a UFO landing in Suffolk, England, on December 27, 1980, near a military base, allegedly confirmed by Brigadier General Gordon Williams. The article questions the minimal press coverage of this event.
• Kvam Sighting: A family in Kvam observed three luminous objects flying in formation, changing direction and color. Per Ottesen, a former UFO Norge board member, suggested they might have been satellites but sought confirmation of similar sightings.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the investigation of these phenomena by organizations like UFO-Norge and NIVFO, and the common issue of misidentification, particularly of celestial bodies like Venus. The magazine maintains a stance of open inquiry into UFO reports while also providing explanations for some sightings, often attributing them to known objects or atmospheric effects. The financial struggles of the publication are also a consistent undertone, with appeals for subscriptions and donations.