NORSKE ARGUS

Magazine Overview

This issue of Norske Argus, dated 15 MARS 1984 and published in Tønsberg, Norway, focuses on UFO and UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) reports, alongside discussions of naval activity and alleged government cover-ups. The magazine uses clippings from various Norwegian newspapers, primarily Drammens Tidende Buskeruds Blad and Nordlandsposten, to present its content.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

The issue details several UFO sightings: one near Haukås where a witness described a silent, red, hovering light that moved away rapidly; another in Drammen where five people observed a bright, luminous sphere moving upwards; and a report from Hvittingfoss describing a luminous object that moved for several minutes before disappearing. A specific incident in Saltdal involved a UFO with pulsating, multi-colored lights, which attracted the attention of UFO enthusiasts.

A significant portion of the content revolves around the perceived lack of official investigation into UFO phenomena. The article "Ubåter og UFO-saken" (Submarines and the UFO Case) by Leif-Normann Solhaug highlights this disparity, noting that while submarine sightings are thoroughly investigated by the military, UFO reports are largely ignored. Solhaug mentions that in 1983, numerous UFO sightings were reported in Northern Norway, but none were investigated by the military. He contrasts this with the military's active pursuit of alleged submarines in Norwegian waters.

Solhaug also references an interview with Major Per Gavin of the Norwegian Defense Forces, who admitted to 150 radar observations between 1956-1965 at the Reitan radar station. The article expresses hope that the ongoing events in Hessdalen might help to break the taboo surrounding UFOs.

The Hessdalen Phenomena and a Potential UFO Photograph

The editor mentions working on a significant case related to the Hessdalen phenomena. He recounts giving a lecture in a town near Tønsberg, where an individual identified as an Admiral shared an account of a witness who stumbled upon a landed UFO during a forest walk. The witness reportedly took several photographs, both of the object on the ground and as it took off. These photos were sent to FFI (Norwegian Defence Research Establishment) for analysis. The FFI's only comment was that two tail fins appeared too close to an exhaust port, suggesting a possible hoax, but otherwise found no definitive evidence of fakery. The editor hopes to borrow the photos to conduct further tests using an electron microscope at FFI, noting that the case has been suppressed until now. This Admiral, now retired, is said to have only recently spoken about the incident outside a small, inner circle.

Other Matters and Correspondence

The issue also includes a brief mention of a dispute regarding a subscription to "Morgenavisen," which involved an overpayment and subsequent demands for more money. Additionally, the magazine received a letter from Heikki Virtanen, who plans to travel to the Soviet Union to meet with ufologists there. The magazine is sending him material and questions, with answers expected in May.

Explaining UFO Sightings Over Drammen

An article titled "byen i dag" (The City Today) offers a rational explanation for frequent UFO sightings reported over Drammen. It attributes these sightings to ordinary commercial airplanes approaching Fornebu Airport. The article explains that during certain times of the year, when days are longer, the upper atmosphere can still be illuminated by the sun after sunset, creating the illusion of hovering, bright lights. These lights are identified as aircraft lights, and the perceived descent is described as an optical illusion due to distance. The article aims to demystify these sightings, though it acknowledges that some may still find them mysterious.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the perceived lack of transparency and investigation by Norwegian authorities regarding UFOs, and the contrast with the handling of submarine reports. The editorial stance appears to be one of skepticism towards official explanations for UFO phenomena and a desire for more open investigation. The magazine actively collects and publishes witness accounts, while also seeking rational explanations for some sightings. There is a clear interest in the Hessdalen phenomena as a potentially significant event that could bring more attention to the UFO subject. The publication also engages with its readership through letters and mentions of ongoing correspondence and planned trips related to ufology.