Klipprunden - 1984 01 18

Magazine Overview

This issue of "UFO-rapport 1983" from Nordlys, dated January 7, 1984, focuses on the year's UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports from Northern Norway. The publication highlights the increase in reports and the efforts of the UFO-Norge avd. Nord-Norge branch to document these phenomena. The magazine also touches upon historical UFO sightings and discusses the financial challenges faced by the organization.

UFO Reports from Northern Norway in 1983

The main theme of the issue is the significant number of UFO reports received by UFO-Norge avd. Nord-Norge in 1983. Leif Normann Solhaug, the head of the Northern Norway department, reports that 45 sightings were documented, an increase attributed to enhanced preparedness and the addition of two new team members: Evald F. Larsen from Elvebakken and Kjell Småback from Hammerfest. The department now covers the entire Northern Norway region, with Jann-Halvard Dahlen from Sulitjelma also contributing.

The types of phenomena observed were diverse. While "flying saucers" were rarely reported (only one instance out of 45), other shapes were common. These included unusual night lights with inexplicable movements, daytime sightings of cigar and cylinder-shaped objects, sausage-shaped objects with windows, and spheres moving in highly peculiar formations. The report notes that the term "flying saucer" is disliked by the organization as it can lead to misconceptions, emphasizing that UFOs are phenomena that cannot be explained, and a serious, skeptical approach is necessary.

Specific Incidents and Cases

The magazine details several specific cases from 1983 and prior years:

• December 24, 1982: An object described as a cylinder, approximately 30 meters in size and grey-blue in color, was seen gliding slowly through the air and behind a mountain from a Norwegian defense station.
• January 16, 1983: Five civil servants and two air traffic controllers at the weather service in Bodø observed a cylinder-shaped object, grey/black in color and about 30-50 meters in size. A condensation trail was left by the object and was visible for five minutes.
• Sørreisa Cases (1945, 1947, 1953): A resident of Sørreisa reported a total of 14 sightings over his lifetime. In July 1945, he and his mother saw five spheres moving in an inexplicable formation with a rhythmic hum, moving at high speed. Similar sightings of two objects occurred in 1947, and seven objects in 1953.

Financial Challenges and Appeals

The issue highlights the financial strain on the UFO-Norge organization. A letter from Odd-Sunnar details a plan to raise funds. One initiative involves selling "support blocks" (støtteblokker) for 10 kr each, with a goal of selling 1000 blocks to raise 50,000 kr. The seller receives a discount, and the money is sent to the organization's account. The printing of these blocks is free, and paper costs are covered by the author.

Another proposed measure is to seek volunteers to co-sign a bank loan in the name of UFO-Norge. If 20 people agree, the cost per person would be approximately 100 kr per quarter for three years. The hope is that income from subscriptions and advertising, particularly from a "Brochure Central" (Brosjyresentralen), will cover these costs and allow the loan to be repaid. The goal is to secure 1000 new subscribers, generating 90,000 kr, which would be sufficient to clear the loan. Even 500 new subscribers would generate 45,000 kr.

Odd-Sunnar expresses a strong desire to overcome the organization's financial difficulties and avoid bankruptcy, which he states was a close call in 1984. He urges members to respond with their decisions regarding the loan.

Historical Context and Other Mentions

A section titled "UFO-jubileum" references a historical report from January 8, 1934, about mysterious flying machines observed over Nordland and Northern Sweden. These "ghost planes" were described as having lights on their sides and moving backward, leading to speculation about their origin and purpose, with some suggesting they were Russian military machines experimenting with a route to the Atlantic.

The issue also includes a brief mention of the upcoming "Project Hessdalen" event, expected to attract Swedish and Norwegian researchers.

Astronomical Explanations

An article from "Varden" newspaper addresses public sightings of a bright, blinking object in the evening sky, suggesting it is likely the star Sirius. The article explains that Sirius is the brightest star and its colors can vary due to atmospheric conditions. It also clarifies that planets like Venus, while bright, do not blink in different colors because they reflect light from multiple points, unlike stars which appear as single points of light. The apparent movement of stars and planets across the sky is attributed to the Earth's rotation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the documentation of UFO/UAP sightings in Northern Norway, the financial sustainability of UFO research organizations, and the importance of a skeptical yet open-minded approach to unexplained phenomena. The editorial stance, as expressed by Leif Normann Solhaug, emphasizes the need for accuracy and seriousness in reporting, distinguishing between scientifically explainable phenomena and genuine mysteries. The organization is actively seeking both public reports and financial support to continue its investigative work.