Klipprunden - 1984 06 01

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Norge from June 1, 1984, titled "UFO-Norge 1/6-84", is a Norwegian publication focused on UFO phenomena. The cover prominently features the word "UFOS" with the subtitle "THE STARTLING FACTS" and a UK price of 75p, accompanied by an image of a disc-shaped UFO. The magazine includes a variety of content, from personal sightings and organizational news to critical analyses and debates within the UFO community.

Editorial Content

The editorial, penned by Odd-Gunnar, reflects on the current state of UFO reports, noting that while much of it is not new, the inclusion of a new observation is encouraging. The editor also mentions a list of subscribers to a "Klipptjenesten" (Clipping Service) and introduces a Swedish UFO organization's magazine.

Swedish UFO Förening

The issue highlights Uppsala UFO Förening from Sweden, described as a local group within UFO-SVERIGE. Their magazine is intended to inform local members about UFO-related events, serving as a potential model for other organizations.

Summer Entertainment: "The Startling Truth"

For English-speaking readers, the magazine will feature weekly excerpts from an English publication called "The Startling Truth", dating back to 1978. These excerpts are noted to contain many pictures with minimal text.

UFO-Rama Video Rental Service

UFO-Rama has begun a service offering rentals of UFO-themed videos for a limited period. Interested individuals are instructed to write to UFO-Rama with their film requests. The rental fee is 50 kroner, with a 500 kroner penalty if the film is lost or damaged. The service currently has two original films: "UFOes are real" and "Mysteries of the Gods" (which is without subtitles and based on Erich von Däniken's theories). The magazine solicits information on where to purchase UFO films.

UFO Sighting in Kvaløya, Norway

A significant article details a UFO sighting on Kvaløya, Norway, reported by Bjørn Erik Johannessen and his friend Bjørn Henriksen. They observed an unidentified flying object (UFO) moving at high speed at an altitude of 100-200 meters. The object changed color from white to red every 10 seconds and altered its shape from round to cigar-shaped. Henriksen studied the phenomenon for about 45 seconds and managed to observe it clearly with binoculars. He estimated its diameter to be between 5 and 10 meters. Henriksen reported the sighting to the police. He also recalled a similar observation in 1978. The article notes that neither the police nor the air traffic control tower at Langnes had received similar reports, and Nordlys (the newspaper from which the clipping originates) requests information from anyone who witnessed the same event.

Hessdalen Phenomena Debate

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to a debate surrounding the Hessdalen phenomena, primarily featuring critical commentary on the research and statements made by NIVFO (Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning).

#### Criticism of NIVFO by L. Havik

L. Havik, writing in Arbeidets Rett, expresses strong criticism of NIVFO and its leader, Kolbjørn Stenødegård. Havik disputes claims that the Hessdalen UFO mystery is solved, calling such headlines misleading. He questions the source of NIVFO's "absurd and disinformationary" information, labeling NIVFO a "self-decorated institute" whose leader is a "self-appointed administrator." Havik dismisses NIVFO's work as a "game in the sandbox" and questions their 20 years of experience, citing contradictory statements made by the administrator over time. He challenges NIVFO's claim of spreading "factual and objective information" and acting as a "link between science and the common man," pointing to public dissatisfaction with NIVFO's methods in Hessdalen. Havik also questions NIVFO's conclusion that the phenomena are unrelated to seismic activity, noting that competent seismologists require at least six months of study. He urges NIVFO to consider identical observations in other Norwegian locations and criticizes their tendency to reframe UFOs as "plasma" without providing definitive explanations.

Havik also accuses NIVFO of using "stolen" photos and lacking the resources for proper research. He expresses pity for the individuals involved, suggesting they "don't know what they are doing."

#### NIVFO's Response to Criticism

NIVFO provides a detailed response to L. Havik's comments, published in Adresseavisen. They address several points:

1. Accuracy of Reporting: NIVFO states that press reports about their Hessdalen investigations have been inaccurate, but their own statements, if examined closely, are correct.
2. Institute's Mission: NIVFO clarifies that they are a research institute dedicated to countering pseudoscience and promoting "scientific research and enlightenment."
3. Evolving Science: They emphasize that scientific theories can change and that new evidence must be considered.
4. Desinformation: They refer back to point 1 regarding inaccurate reporting.
5. Staff Qualifications: NIVFO defends the qualifications of their Hessdalen meteorological station staff, stating one has a background in environmental physics and the other is a trained radio officer with experience as a meteorological observer. They note that being radio amateurs is irrelevant to their official roles.
6. Investigation Methods: NIVFO confirms registrations at various sites in Hessdalen, including radio sounder registrations at Jenshaugen, but denies actively seeking public attention. They doubt if such attention was desirable.
7. Seismological Conclusions: NIVFO's seismic conclusions are based on statements from the Norwegian Geological Survey, with their own registrations playing a minor role.
8. Geographical Scope: They explain that "Hessdalen" internationally refers to the area between Trondheim and Røros, but the phenomena have been observed outside this specific region, requiring a broader geographical definition.
9. Confusion with Other Phenomena: NIVFO suggests that confusion between Hessdalen phenomena and other events can be explained by the principle of similarity, often found in pseudoscience like astrology.
10. Objective: NIVFO explicitly states they do not wish to dismiss the Hessdalen phenomena. They have tested a theory proposed by Dr. Tech. Thomas McClimans and found it to be tenable. They affirm that light phenomena occur in the Hessdalen area and differentiate themselves from others by seeking rational and plausible solutions, whereas others aim to find data that makes the phenomena unexplainable.
11. Verifiable Results: NIVFO asserts that their results are verifiable and dismisses claims of "hurragutter" at the Hessdalen meteorological station as unfounded.
12. Plasma Knowledge: NIVFO states that knowledge about plasma is not as limited as implied, with good definitions available. They suggest Havik might be referring to ball lightning, which is not universally accepted as a plasma phenomenon. NIVFO aims to disseminate information about plasma to the general public.
13. Community Contact: They report good contact with the local population during their station's operation and believe they have disseminated information effectively, wishing to expand this effort if capacity allows.
14. Publications: NIVFO has six publications. They clarify that an illustration in their bulletin (NIVFO-bulletin nr. 1/84) is from publicly available material and unrelated to Hessdalen photographs or the author of the critique.
15. Rebuttal: NIVFO concludes by stating that L. Havik's claims are hereby refuted.

Additional Hessdalen Observations

Another article discusses the "light conditions in Hessdalen," with the author recounting experiences of seeing what he initially thought were UFOs, but which turned out to be snowmobiles. He describes the lake Øyungen as having exceptionally beautiful and varied light shifts on its surface, which he found to be a source of solace.

UFO Sighting in France: Renato Nicolai

A report from DN 840408 details an incident where Renato Nicolai, a stonemason from southern France, observed a "flat, round object" land in his garden. He watched it for approximately 40 seconds. The object, estimated to be 2.5 meters wide and 1.7 meters thick, took off suddenly, leaving a round mark on the ground. Scientific investigation of the site revealed friction and temperatures of 600 degrees Celsius, with surrounding vegetation showing signs of unusual radiation and a reduction in chlorophyll in younger plants. A spokesperson for the scientists stated there was no reason to doubt Nicolai's testimony.

Falsk Lotterisäljs i Uppsala (False Lottery Tickets Sold in Uppsala)

A brief news item reports on a case in Uppsala where a young man was selling false lottery tickets for 10 kroner each, using a fake membership card of the Gävleborgs UFO-förening. Roland Östlund, chairman of the Gävleborgs UFO-förening, warned the public about this scam, stating their organization had not arranged any lottery.

UFO-Norge Contact List

The magazine includes extensive lists of UFO organizations and individuals in Norway and Sweden, providing addresses and contact details. These include various UFO-Norge branches, UFO-Sverige, and local UFO associations like Ringsaker UFO-Forening.

Uppsala UFO Förening - Communal Notice Boards

Uppsala UF Förening provides a map of Uppsala and a list of locations where their communal notice boards can be found, both within the city center and in surrounding areas. This section also includes a cryptic set of mathematical equations and a GOSUB PLOT command, possibly related to generating UFO shapes or graphics.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the investigation and interpretation of UFO phenomena, and the internal debates and criticisms within the UFO community. There is a clear emphasis on presenting witness accounts, organizational activities, and critical analyses of research efforts, particularly concerning the Hessdalen events. The magazine appears to strive for a balance between reporting on sightings and engaging in critical discourse, as evidenced by the detailed responses to criticism and the inclusion of diverse viewpoints. The editorial stance seems to favor scientific inquiry and rational explanations while acknowledging the unexplained nature of many UFO events.

This issue of 'UFO S' focuses on two foundational events in the history of UFO and flying saucer reports: the Kenneth Arnold sighting of 1947 and the fatal encounter of Captain Thomas Mantell in 1948. The magazine presents these accounts with a tone that suggests a genuine mystery and potential extraterrestrial involvement.

The Kenneth Arnold Sighting (1947)

The issue begins by recounting the experience of Kenneth Arnold on June 24, 1947. Piloting a small private aircraft over Chehalis, Idaho, and heading towards Yakima, Washington, Arnold reported seeing nine bright, metallic, disc-shaped objects. These objects were observed undulating across the sky near Mount Rainer at an estimated speed of 1700 miles per hour. This speed was significantly faster than any known aircraft at the time, as the sound barrier had not yet been broken by Chuck Yeager.

Arnold's description to newsmen at Pendleton, Oregon, was particularly impactful. He likened the movement of the objects to 'a saucer skipping across water.' This vivid analogy, combined with widespread media coverage, led to the popularization of the term 'flying saucer' and cemented Arnold's place in UFO lore.

The Captain Thomas Mantell Incident (1948)

The magazine then shifts to the case of Captain Thomas Mantell of the United States Air Force. On January 7, 1948, at Godman Air Base, Fort Knox, Texas, a large object, estimated to be about 250 feet across and glowing red, appeared to be hovering overhead. In response, four F-51 planes were scrambled to investigate.

Captain Mantell led the squadron and pursued the object, reporting his observations: "It looks metallic, a tremendous size. I'm going to follow it up to 20,000 feet." These were his final words. His body was later found in the wreckage of his disintegrated F-51 plane. The issue poses the question of whether he was destroyed by the crew of an interplanetary flying saucer, highlighting the mysterious and tragic end to his pursuit.

Visual Evidence

Page 3 includes a photograph captioned 'A sighting over San Francisco,' showing a distinct, disc-shaped object in the sky above a coastal landscape. This image serves as visual corroboration or illustration of the phenomena discussed.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary themes are the early history of UFO sightings, the popularization of the 'flying saucer' term, and the unexplained loss of life in pursuit of these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena, presenting the accounts of Arnold and Mantell as significant historical events that warrant further investigation, particularly hinting at the possibility of extraterrestrial origins.