Klipprunden - 1984 05 18

Magazine Overview

This issue of Norwegian magazines, primarily from May 1984, focuses heavily on the Hessdalen light phenomena and broader UFO investigations. It includes articles from "Adresseavisen," "Arbeidets Rett," "Hamar Arbeiderblad," and "INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER," alongside a cover from "AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL UFO FLYING SAUCER RESEARCH." The content delves into scientific explanations, witness accounts, organizational activities, and historical UFO cases.

Hessdalen Phenomena: Scientific Explanations and Critiques

Several articles address the Hessdalen light phenomena. Jan S. Krogh and Arve E. Fredriksen from the Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Information (NIVFO) presented their findings in Trondheim, suggesting the lights could be plasma or ball lightning, and not spacecraft. They stated that the phenomena have a natural explanation due to special climate and weather conditions in Hessdalen, and that the lights only appeared starting in November 1981, despite claims of earlier sightings. Krogh dismissed claims of extraterrestrial origins as speculation preying on people's gullibility.

However, the issue also includes strong criticism of NIVFO's methods and conclusions. L. Havik, writing in "Adresseavisen," questions NIVFO's expertise and consistency, pointing out contradictions in their statements over time. Havik criticizes NIVFO for not considering a broader range of identical observations in surrounding areas and for their hasty conclusions regarding seismic activity. He also highlights that NIVFO's explanations, such as 'plasma,' are vague and do not offer concrete understanding. The article notes that the population in Hessdalen is dissatisfied with NIVFO's investigation methods and questions why 'experts' are not seen in the field.

Further critique comes from "INTERNATIONAL UFO REPORTER," which details Mr. Havik's paper. Havik dismisses various theories proposed by 'experts' (optics, meteorology, astronomy, psychology) as attempts to fit phenomena into their pre-existing fields of expertise, often disregarding facts. He emphasizes that the Hessdalen sightings were confirmed by Norwegian State Television and the Air Force, and that it is difficult to photograph hallucinations. Havik expresses shame for educated professionals who he believes are behaving like 'idiots' by refusing to investigate Hessdalen despite invitations.

UFO-Norge and Organizational Activities

The "Hamar Arbeiderblad" reports on an upcoming meeting of UFO-Norge in Moelv. Wolfgang Michelson, a representative, explains that Moelv was chosen for its central location. The agenda includes discussions on the Hessdalen events, based on investigations conducted by UFO-Norge the previous year, along with film and video presentations. UFO-Norge has around 800 members nationwide, with the local Ringsaker UFO-forening having ten members and experiencing growth. The meeting is not open to the public. Michelson mentions that the Ringsaker branch has received several inquiries about unexplained phenomena, including luminous and geometric objects, often observed from moving vehicles.

The article also highlights the efforts of the Ringsaker UFO-forening in various fields, including transport, literature, film, and electronics. They are in the process of converting a minibus into a mobile reporting vehicle equipped with advanced equipment. The Hessdalen phenomenon is slated to be a focus at the meeting.

International Sightings and Historical Cases

Several international and historical UFO sightings are documented:

• White Sands, New Mexico, USA: Articles detail multiple incidents from September 1966 and March 1967. A "mushroom-shaped object with a streamer of fire" was reported in September 1966. In March 1967, multiple witnesses, including personnel at Holloman AFB and Kirtland AFB, reported seeing bright, large aerial objects, described as disc-shaped and silvery, moving at high speeds. Radar also tracked circular movements. The official explanation for the March 2, 1967, sightings was an accidental "chaff drop" from a Holloman AFB craft, a conclusion that raised questions regarding the maneuverability and speed described by witnesses. A student reported seeing a silvery object near Picacho Peak on March 3, 1967, noting no noise but an odor similar to burning electrical insulation.
• New Mexico, USA (March 1984): Following the White Sands incidents, several unidentified lighted objects were observed by residents and students in the Las Cruces area. These included silvery discs with green undersides and pale yellow glowing balls of fire. The Air Force later attributed the March 2 sightings to a "chaff drop," but this explanation was met with skepticism due to the described speeds and altitudes.
• Charleston, Virginia, USA: A brief "Pssst" item mentions a lawsuit by three lung cancer patients against the American tobacco industry, seeking millions in damages for failing to warn about the health risks of smoking.
• Dudley, UK: Another "Pssst" item notes the delayed completion of a new railway station and an incident where an express train failed to stop.
• Cwmbran, Wales (February 1983): A witness reported seeing a saucer-shaped craft with bright flashing lights, spinning rapidly.
• Johannesburg, South Africa (April 1983): Witnesses observed a stream of lights, described as a fiery ball trailing fragments, possibly space debris.
• Chipping Norton, Oxon, UK (May 1983): An RAF Officer and his family reported seeing three large round lights exhibiting complex aerial maneuvers.
• Australia: The "AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL UFO FLYING SAUCER RESEARCH" publication is mentioned, with C. O. Norris identified as a researcher and instigator of the organization. The cover art depicts a flying saucer near Earth, with the text suggesting UFO visitations remind us of other planets.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

The overall tone of the articles suggests a critical approach to unsubstantiated claims, particularly those made by organizations like NIVFO. There is a clear emphasis on seeking rational and scientific explanations for aerial phenomena, while also acknowledging the validity of witness experiences. The Hessdalen case remains a central point of discussion, with ongoing debate about its nature. The issue highlights the efforts of UFO research organizations in Norway and internationally, and the challenges they face in gathering credible data and gaining acceptance. Recurring themes include the nature of light phenomena, the role of scientific investigation versus speculation, and the public's fascination with UFOs.

Notable Quotes

• "The phenomena may have a natural explanation, physical or psychological. It is a pity that people who understand physics and psychology don't want to come to Hessdalen, although they have been invited." - Mr. Havik
• "We wish Project Hessdalen success, and may the lights appear long enough and often enough for enough data to be gathered."