Klipprunden - 1984 08 16

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Nationen" from August 8, 1984, primarily focuses on the analysis and debunking of a widely publicized UFO photograph taken in Aure, Nordmøre, Norway. The magazine features multiple articles from different publications, including "Nationen" itself, "Sarpsborg Arbeiderblad," and "Sunnmøre Arbeideravis," all discussing the same event.

The Aure UFO Photo and Expert Analysis

The central theme revolves around a color photograph of a purported UFO, published by the newspaper VG. The image was taken by Pål Kristian Vaag with a simple camera. Initially, the photo was considered intriguing and difficult to dismiss as a forgery, even by experienced officers in the Norwegian Air Force. However, Captain Kåre Kvamme, head of the Air Force's photo analysis unit at Rygge Air Station, and other experts, including those at Norges Tekniske Høgskole (NTH) in Trondheim, conducted thorough investigations.

Captain Kvamme, a photo interpreter, stated that the photo was likely a "good joke" or a "summer prank." His analysis suggested that the object in the photo appeared to be something thrown from a rooftop, pointing to the presence of a house corner in the image. He noted that the film quality was poor, making detailed analysis challenging, but the overall evidence pointed towards a hoax rather than a genuine UFO.

Further technical analysis was performed using electron microscopy at NTH. Researcher Jarle Hjelen, who used a scanning method with 20,000 volts, stated that while this method could reveal details about the composition of photographic negatives, he could not definitively confirm or deny the photo's authenticity, though he personally remained skeptical of supernatural phenomena.

Despite the lack of definitive proof of forgery, the consensus among the military and scientific experts leaned heavily towards the photo being a staged event. The article "Dyktig UFO-bløff" (Skilled UFO Hoax) from Sarpsborg Arbeiderblad quotes Kvamme as concluding it was a "very skillfully executed UFO-bluff."

Eyewitness Account and Skepticism

Adding a counterpoint, Jan Stordahl from Sarpsborg claims to have witnessed a similar object from his apartment in Kulås Terrasse. He described a red, shiny object that hovered silently before shooting upwards with immense speed. Stordahl, who had never believed in UFOs before, was convinced of the reality of what he saw and regretted not having a camera to document it. However, the article notes that the experts' analysis of the Aure photo did not support its authenticity.

Technical Analysis of UFO Photos

An article by Freddy Kongsberg titled "Slik avsløres UFO-bilder" (How UFO Photos Are Revealed) discusses the increasing sophistication of technology used to detect hoaxes. It mentions that the clearance rate for UFO sightings is around 90%, with most having natural explanations. Modern techniques like computer image processing and electron microscopy are highlighted as crucial tools in analyzing photographic evidence. The article notes that while hoaxes are becoming more sophisticated, technology is also advancing to detect them.

Other Mentions

• The article "UFO-kameraet" (UFO Camera) from VG advertises the Kodak Disc camera, suggesting it's ideal for capturing such moments.
• A brief mention is made of the Hessdalen phenomenon in Norway, with instructions for photographers regarding taking photos with a grid.
• A letter from "O-G" comments on the Olympic Games closing ceremony, humorously comparing a staged UFO appearance to real UFOs.
• There's a mention of a potential UFO sighting in Arendal on August 24th, with a request for confirmation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout these articles is the skepticism towards UFO sightings, particularly photographic evidence, and the emphasis on scientific and technical analysis to debunk potential hoaxes. The editorial stance, as reflected in the expert opinions, is that most UFO sightings can be explained by natural phenomena, misidentification, or deliberate deception. The articles highlight the role of the military and scientific institutions in investigating and often disproving UFO claims, while also acknowledging the persistent public fascination with the subject.

This issue of VG magazine, dated Saturday, August 11, 1984, is titled "UFO-samlere" (UFO Collectors) and focuses on the collection and investigation of Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) reports in Norway. The cover features a photograph of Arne Børcke, described as a "SPEIDER" (watcher) who is always on the lookout for UFOs and seriously evaluates all reports. The main headline is "UFO-samlere," with a sub-headline stating that UFO-Rapport collects and records all information concerning Unidentified Flying Objects while awaiting serious official treatment. The issue is co-authored by Stian Eidal Eriksen and photographed by Erik Poppe.

UFO-Rapport: The Collectors

Arne Børcke, one of the individuals running UFO-Rapport, explains that they receive between 30 and 250 reports annually, with the number often increasing after media attention. He notes that people sometimes need a little encouragement to report sightings. UFO-Rapport is described not as an organization one can join, but as a collaborative effort among amateurs. Børcke emphasizes the immense resources required for UFO research and states that they collect as much information as possible, checking circumstances and filtering out unserious reports.

Problems and Challenges

UFO-Rapport awaits the day when the public authorities will address the UFO issue, which they consider a genuine problem. They cite instances where air traffic has been disrupted, including near-collisions and pilots losing control of their aircraft due to UFOs. To understand these episodes, they believe expertise from physicists, geologists, and meteorologists is needed.

Photographic Evidence and Unexplained Cases

The group possesses photographic evidence of UFOs and reports supported by instrument measurements from credible witnesses. However, many of these reports cannot be made public because the individuals involved often wish to remain anonymous, seeking only an explanation from experts for phenomena they cannot explain themselves.

The Credibility of Reports

Børcke asserts that over the years, a significant number of inexplicable reports have accumulated, making it impossible to dismiss them as mere fantasy. He clarifies that he doesn't "believe" in UFOs in the same way one believes in God, but rather believes in the people who report them, suggesting that there is an unknown phenomenon that requires an explanation.

"How Much Do You Know About UFOs? Part II"

This section presents a quiz prepared by Thomas B. Burch, coordinator of Public Information Representatives for the Center for UFO Studies. It consists of ten multiple-choice questions designed to test the reader's knowledge of UFO phenomena. Topics covered include the term "invisible college," famous UFO sightings and witnesses (e.g., William B. Gill, Paul Trent, Antonio Villas Boas), key figures in UFO research (J. Allen Hynek, Stanton Friedman, Jacques Vallee), and significant UFO books and waves.

Project Hessdalen (Norway) Report

This section details Bulletin No. 2, Vol. 2, 1984, from Odd-Gunnar Roed of Project Hessdalen, UFO-Norway/Sweden. It marks the final bulletin for Part One of the project, with plans to reactivate in Fall 1984 or Winter 1985, depending on official support. Significant work remains in spectrographic photography and analysis of gathered material. The report mentions instrumentation used, including a spectrum analyzer, broadband antenna, radar, seismograph, magnetometers, infrared viewers, and numerous cameras. Notable findings include radar tracking of unknown lights at speeds up to 30,000 km/hr, with other radar contacts including snow, local airplanes, big birds, and "angels." An unknown light was observed but not registered by the spectrum analyzer, though some registrations occurred when no lights were seen. Geigercounters showed no unusual activity. The project seeks financial assistance for its next research phases.

The Sightings

This section provides brief historical accounts of UFO sightings from around the world:

• Over 100 years ago: On January 22, 1878, a Texan farmer named John Martin saw an object coming from the sun.
• Four years later: An astronomer at Greenwich Royal Observatory saw a huge disc that changed into a cigar-shaped object.
• November 17, 1896: Hundreds in Sacramento, California, witnessed a large cigar-shaped object with wings that hovered for about half an hour.
• World War 2: Pilots on both sides reported seeing strange, bright objects, which they believed were secret weapons.
• A still color photo is presented, taken from a cine film of a strange orange blob hovering and moving above winter treetops.

The McMinnville UFO Photos

This section discusses the first photograph of a UFO obtained shortly after the Mantell incident. On May 11, 1950, Mrs. Paul Trent in McMinnville, Oregon, saw a metallic disc. Her husband took two photos, which were published in Life magazine. A University team from Colorado examined the negatives and concluded they were genuine. The McMinnville UFO is described as a circular disc of metallic silvery material with a flat underside and a low, flat-topped dome. Another photograph, taken by 13-year-old Stephen Derbyshire on February 15, 1954, near Coniston, shows a shiny disc, with its outline similar to the Adamski picture.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently highlights the amateur efforts in UFO research, particularly through UFO-Rapport, and the challenges they face in gaining official recognition and support. There is a clear emphasis on collecting and verifying reports, with a focus on photographic evidence and credible witness testimony. The publication also covers scientific investigations like Project Hessdalen, suggesting a serious approach to the phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards the existence of unexplained aerial phenomena, grounded in the reports of individuals rather than abstract belief. The inclusion of a quiz on UFO knowledge and historical sightings indicates an aim to educate and engage readers on the subject.