UFO-NORGE

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Norge, dated Friday, January 20, 1984, is primarily dedicated to the ongoing investigation of the UFO phenomena in Hessdalen, Norway. The magazine features several articles detailing the efforts of UFO-Norge and related organizations to scientifically explain the sightings.

Project Hessdalen: The Investigation Intensifies

The central theme is "Project Hessdalen," an ambitious undertaking to investigate the unexplained lights and phenomena reported in the Hessdalen region. Leif Havik, an official from UFO-Norge, is frequently quoted, emphasizing the importance of the project and the need for public participation. The project involves a significant number of UFO enthusiasts, including many from Sweden, who are equipped with various instruments such as radar, spectrum analyzers, and field strength meters.

The project is described as a "general rehearsal" for a larger operation scheduled to begin on February 12th and last until February 25th. This larger operation will involve continuous, round-the-clock monitoring from multiple posts in the Hessdalen area. The goal is to gather as much data as possible to find a natural explanation for the phenomena, with the possibility of identifying them as plasma phenomena or ball lightning.

Debunking and Explanations

Several articles address the skepticism and the attempts to debunk claims of UFOs. Kolbjørn Stenødegård, administrative leader of NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning), is presented as a proponent of scientific explanations, working to counter "false science" and speculation that preys on people's desire for the extraordinary. He highlights that many reported phenomena are explainable by mundane causes such as boat lights, rockets, aircraft, meteors, and the planet Venus.

One article specifically discusses the possibility of the Hessdalen phenomena being related to seismic activity, citing historical accounts of "earthquake lights." However, NIVFO's own seismic and geological investigations in Hessdalen yielded negative results, suggesting that seismic conditions are not the direct cause. The article explores the characteristics of plasma phenomena and ball lightning, noting similarities with some Hessdalen reports, such as "plasmoids" appearing as metallic spheres or discs.

Catalog of UFO Observations

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a catalog of UFO observations reported in Norway during 1983. This list, compiled by UFO-Norge, details the date, location, and a brief explanation (if available) for each sighting. Categories of explanations include "svindel" (fraud), "rakett" (rocket), "meteore" (meteor), "venus" (planet Venus), "fly" (aircraft), "kulelyn" (ball lightning), and "plasma." Many entries are marked as "uten tilstrekkelige opplysninger" (without sufficient information) or "ikke kan forklare" (cannot explain), indicating the ongoing mystery surrounding some cases.

Specific Incidents and Characteristics

Reports mention specific observations, including an elongated object seen at close range, moving at high speeds (up to 26,000 km/h), and detected by radar but not visible to the naked eye. Photos have been taken, and efforts are underway to analyze them. The magazine also touches upon a reported UFO landing in England, which was later attributed to a fireball and possibly misidentified lighthouse lights, highlighting how easily such events can be misinterpreted.

Funding and Public Involvement

It is explicitly stated that Project Hessdalen and UFO-Norge do not receive state funding. The operations are financed by personal contributions from members and supporting organizations. The public is urged to report any sightings and to fill out provided forms to aid in the investigation. The importance of public cooperation is stressed, with the understanding that the project relies heavily on the enthusiasm and support of the local community.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the scientific investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the debunking of hoaxes and pseudoscience, and the cataloging of UFO sightings. The editorial stance leans towards a rational, scientific approach, aiming to explain phenomena through known physics and natural causes, while acknowledging that some cases remain unexplained and require further study. There's a clear effort to distinguish between genuine mystery and deliberate deception or fantasy.

Notable Quotes

Leif Havik emphasizes the seriousness of the phenomenon: "What we are otherwise completely sure of is that it is not due to geophysical phenomena or that someone is simply fooling around with the people in Hessdalen. Too much has been seen by too many people for that."

Kolbjørn Stenødegård of NIVFO states: "Many people need to let their imagination run wild and dreams dominate. We are concerned with mystical aerial phenomena, but on a scientifically tenable level."