Arbeiderbladet

Magazine Overview

This issue of Arbeiderbladet, dated November 30, 1983, focuses heavily on the UFO phenomenon, with a particular emphasis on the events occurring in Hessdalen, Norway. The cover story, "Visst fins UFOer" (UFOs certainly exist), by Bernhard Rostad, explores the reality of unidentified flying objects and the growing interest in their study. The issue also includes a report on the upcoming "Project Hessdalen" and related news from other publications.

Committee Meeting and Financial Update

A brief note announces the next committee meeting at Erling Strand's place on December 11th, urging members to submit any contributions before that date. There's also a financial update regarding an advertisement placed in a local Hessdalen newspaper on November 19th. The ad cost less than expected, only 96 kroner, allowing the committee to accept 100 kroner contributions to their account. The writer humorously notes the expense of 500 kroner for gasoline and other survival costs, adding a touch of irony.

Hessdalen Phenomenon and Media Coverage

The issue highlights the extensive media coverage of the Hessdalen events. The writer expresses a desire for a picture of Janne Fjellander and a comment from K. Stenølegård, hoping these will appear in a future issue. A report from Leif indicates that the seismograph used to monitor the Hessdalen phenomenon has had "uninvited guests," potentially compromising its location. However, the writer suggests that if sabotage is proven, the perpetrators might regret their actions. It's also mentioned that Hessdalen has its own 'graf' (possibly referring to a specific type of anomaly or location), which is expected to be reported in the newspapers soon.

Svalbard Photo and Journalistic Contact

Regarding a Svalbard photo, contact has been made with a journalist who is reportedly sending a copy to Solhaug in Northern Norway. The original's whereabouts are unknown, but there's speculation that the copy might be of lower quality than the original.

Fundraising and Publication Efforts

There has been a slowdown in the submission of payment forms for the project. The issue encourages readers to help boost these contributions, suggesting ideas like bazaars, raffles, and selling the magazine on the street. Roar Wister is mentioned for selling old issues with enclosed giro slips, raising 230 kroner and charging 10 kroner per copy. The hope is that these street sales will lead to subscriptions.

Importance of Upcoming Issue

The upcoming issue, number 5 of the year's periodical, is emphasized as being crucial for attracting new subscribers, especially with the Christmas season approaching. Kalvik has promised satisfaction with this issue, which is seen as a positive sign.

New Authors at Bladkompaniet

Page 2 introduces Harald Tusberg and Arne W. Wisth from Bodø as new authors at Bladkompaniet A/S, alongside established writers like Kjell Hallbing (known for "Morgan Kane") and Margit Sandemoe ("Sagaen om Isfolket"). Tusberg has written a humorous book about Knut Gribb, while Wisth's book is titled "UFO-mystriet i Hessdalen" (The UFO Mystery in Hessdalen). Both authors have collaborated in the past, with Tusberg assisting Wisth in filming for an NRK documentary about Hessdalen.

UFO Interest in Hessdalen

The article "Nordisk prosjekt om UFOen i Hessdalen" (Nordic project on UFOs in Hessdalen) from Arbeidets Rett (November 16, 1983) details the ongoing interest in the Hessdalen phenomenon. A Nordic initiative, "Prosjekt Hessdalen," has been launched to investigate the events. This project aims to determine what the phenomena are not, by finding out what they cannot be. The project will involve continuous monitoring, including seismic equipment to detect ground activity and possibly identify geophysical anomalies. The interest in Hessdalen UFOs has extended internationally, with the phenomenon being discussed at a congress in London.

"UFO'er - eksisterer" by Bernhard Rostad

Bernhard Rostad's article "UFO'er - eksisterer" (UFOs - exist) from Arbeiderbladet (November 23, 1983) asserts the existence of UFOs. It acknowledges that while most sightings (over 90%) can be explained by natural phenomena, the remaining 10% present a significant challenge. The article mentions the advancement of technology, such as photo, film, and radar equipment, which aids in documenting these events. Astronauts have also reported observations. The piece notes that much of UFO research has veered into science fiction, but suggests that a more grounded, scientific approach may reveal less fantastical explanations than previously imagined.

"Storstilt UFO-jakt i januar" (Large-scale UFO hunt in January)

This section from Arbeiderbladet (November 22, 1983) details the planned "Project Hessdalen" to take place in January. The project, organized by UFO Norge, UFO Sverige, and "Föreningen för psykobiofysik," aims to investigate the Hessdalen phenomena using scientific instruments and continuous surveillance. Information will be distributed to residents of Midtre Gauldal and Holtålen municipalities, and they will be asked to complete questionnaires about their sightings. The project leaders are seeking support from the local population for observations and accommodation. Hessdalen is noted for having the most UFO pictures taken anywhere in the world.

BBC Documentary and Espevær Ring

A segment titled "Sett på skjermen" (On the screen) discusses a BBC documentary titled "En beretning om flyvende tallerkener" (A report on flying saucers) as part of the "Horizon" series. The program concluded that most aerial phenomena have natural explanations, such as light reflections or plasma balls, rather than extraterrestrial spacecraft. However, the article notes that the program did not explain what caused the ring at Espevær.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the existence and investigation of UFOs, with a strong focus on the Hessdalen phenomenon in Norway. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the subject, acknowledging the unexplained aspects while also emphasizing the need for scientific investigation and rational explanations. The articles highlight the growing international interest in Hessdalen and the efforts being made to understand these events through systematic research and data collection. There's a sense of anticipation for the results of Project Hessdalen and a desire to move beyond speculative fiction towards documented facts.