UFO-Nytt

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO-Nytt
Issue: December 1983
Publisher: NORSKE ARGUS A-S
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of UFO-Nytt delves into the ongoing UFO phenomena in Hessdalen, Norway, and the growing international interest in the subject. It features reports from various Norwegian and Swedish publications, interviews with key figures in the UFO community, and a critical commentary on a television program that allegedly misrepresented UFO research.

Missing Sending and Call for Information

The editorial opens with an urgent plea from the publisher regarding a missing package of ARGUS clippings sent via post. The package, containing 18 clippings, was sent from Oslo the previous Tuesday and has not been seen since. This is particularly concerning as it coincides with a period of "NIVFO-tiske utgytelser" (NIVFO-like outbursts), where NIVFO is reportedly trying to claim credit for the work being done on "Prosjektet" (The Project). The publisher requests anyone possessing clippings dated between the ones already received and the previous batch to send them in for copying and distribution, acknowledging the delay this will cause but emphasizing its necessity. The missing package has been reported to the postal service by Norske ARGUS.

Hessdalen Project and International Interest

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to "Prosjekt Hessdalen" (Project Hessdalen). The Swedish newspaper Länstidningen reports that scientists and UFO enthusiasts from around the world will gather in Hessdalen in January and February to observe the mysterious light phenomena that have been appearing in the night sky. This interest was sparked by a presentation of "Prosjekt Hessdalen" in Sweden in August, which included extensive photographic material. The presentation led to approximately 30 individuals from various countries expressing their desire to follow the project during the winter.

Kurt Persson, leader of the UFO-Z organization from Frøsøn, Sweden, is featured. He expresses uncertainty about what to believe but acknowledges that there is something difficult to explain rationally. Persson has visited Hessdalen three times before and has witnessed a phenomenon: a blue-green light that "zipped through the air and disappeared behind a mountain" in the autumn of 1982. He hopes for new observations during the upcoming expedition. Hessdalen is described by the Swedish newspaper as "the world's most interesting UFO window."

Local Perspectives and Cultural Contributions

The issue also highlights Halvard Bakås from Hessdalen, who has received the municipal cultural prize for his diverse engagement in local cultural life. Bakås is involved in amateur theater, is a prolific poet, practices rosemaling (traditional Norwegian decorative painting), and is deeply interested in local history. He has researched early settlements in the valley, uncovering evidence of significant historical activity, including iron mining and animal traps dating back about 1000 years. Bakås also teaches local history at the village school, taking students on field trips to recreate historical scenes.

He recounts his childhood experiences with three distinct dialects in Hessdalen and expresses concern about their disappearance, advocating for the recording of local dialects from older residents. Bakås's primary occupation is rosemaling, a craft he practices at home and has taught at adult education courses. He also won first prize in a competition for the municipal coat of arms, choosing a ptarmigan as the motif.

Regarding the UFO phenomenon, Bakås states he was among the first to notice the strange lights three years prior. While initially seeking a natural explanation, he admits he found none. He has seen the luminous object multiple times since, noting its varied behavior. He views the scientific interest in the Hessdalen UFOs positively, anticipating thorough investigations in the new year.

Scientific Investigations and Theories

The article mentions that the Swedish newspaper Länstidningen posed the question, "What is happening on the other side of the border?" regarding the Hessdalen phenomena. It notes that even the Swedish defense research agency FOA (Försvarets forskningsanstalt) has changed its stance, moving from skepticism to interest. FOA has reviewed numerous observations, and while most are explained, 180 cases remain unexplained.

In Norway, the organization NIVFO has dedicated significant effort to explaining UFO observations. Their current conclusion is that the phenomena are related to light phenomena akin to the Northern Lights. Another theory suggests they might be reflections from trains on the Rørosbanen railway. The article anticipates that new theories may emerge during the winter.

Critical View on TV Program

A letter to the editor titled "Ensidig UFO-program i TV" (One-sided UFO program on TV) by Frank Banggren expresses strong disappointment with a recent TV program about UFOs. Banggren describes the program as a "pure fiasco" and a "hysterical attempt to ridicule UFO research," suggesting that those who believe in such things should be examined themselves. He criticizes the program for only presenting one side of the issue and for ignoring the work of numerous scientists worldwide who believe in the reality of UFO phenomena. He also refutes the claim that no astronauts have experienced anything unusual, citing films where astronauts discuss "strange objects" controlled by unknown intelligence.

Banggren dismisses theories about Venus, Japanese fishing boats, plasma, and flocks of birds as outdated. He argues that the program's explanation of plasma being released by geological stresses and forming luminous balls is insufficient to explain UFO sightings over open seas. He concludes by stating that while many UFO observations have natural explanations, the truly remarkable cases, which are of interest, cannot be explained by current knowledge, emphasizing that "there is much between heaven and earth."

UFO Sighting at Frolands Verk

Another report details a strange observation made at Frolands Verk on the previous Tuesday. The observer, who wishes to remain anonymous, described seeing a luminous object that they could not explain rationally, suggesting it might have been a UFO. UFOlogist Hans Aass confirmed that such episodes are known to occur during this time of year. The object was described as being about 2 meters in diameter, hovering at approximately 150 meters, emitting a strong, pulsing red light, and moving slowly towards the east. The observer noted the complete absence of sound, ruling out a helicopter. The sighting is estimated to have occurred between 18:57 and 19:00. Aass also noted that the Hessdalen phenomena have previously been preceded by observations in Arendal and suggested a possible connection to power outages in Grimstad.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the growing international interest in the Hessdalen UFO phenomena, positioning it as a significant area of study. There is a clear division between those who approach UFOs with skepticism and those who believe in their reality and the need for serious investigation. The magazine seems to align with the latter, criticizing media that dismisses or ridicules UFO research. The importance of scientific inquiry, even if it leads to unexplained phenomena, is emphasized. The issue also touches upon local culture and history, suggesting a broader interest in the unique aspects of the Hessdalen region beyond just the UFO sightings.