Tønsberg

Magazine Overview

This issue of Tønsberg, dated October 4, 1984, presents a mix of intriguing topics, from optical illusions to serious UFO investigations and unusual human-interest stories. The publication appears to be a Norwegian magazine focused on UFO phenomena and related subjects.

Impossible Drawings

The magazine features an article on 'Umulige tegninger' (Impossible Drawings) by Professor Oscar Reutersvärd, a professor of art history at Lund University in Sweden. Reutersvärd creates drawings with distorted perspectives that trick the human brain into perceiving three-dimensional objects that do not actually exist. The article notes that children and younger people often grasp the impossibility of these constructions more quickly.

Project Hessdalen: A Deep Dive into Norwegian UFO Phenomena

A substantial portion of the magazine is dedicated to 'Project Hessdalen,' detailing the ongoing investigation into unexplained lights observed in the Hessdalen valley in Norway. The project, initiated by UFO-Norway and UFO-Sweden, aims to document and explain these phenomena.

Background and Observations

The Hessdalen flap began in December 1981, with residents reporting strange lights appearing near their homes and in the mountains. Observations were frequent during the autumn and winter of 1982, with fewer occurrences in daylight. Objects were described as metallic or black. A small earthquake in February 1982 was noted, which some believed supported the theory of piezo-electrical phenomena, though the intelligent movement patterns of some objects suggested otherwise.

One particularly intriguing observation involved a cigar-shaped object with lights at each end, which would make the end lights disappear and a small central light appear when an airplane approached, returning to its original state after the plane passed. This behavior was deemed difficult to explain by piezo-electrical phenomena alone.

Project Structure and Funding

In June 1983, UFO-Norway and UFO-Sweden formed 'Project Hessdalen,' divided into four parts: advanced equipment measurements and photography, documentation of observations, cataloging and analysis, and international conferences with scientists. An advisory committee includes notable figures like Dr. J. Allen Hynek and Dr. Harley Rutledge.

The first 'in the field' part of the project took place in January/February 1984, involving a round-the-clock watch and advanced equipment such as radar, seismographs, magnetometers, and spectrum analyzers. One significant radar reading indicated an object traveling at 18,000 miles per hour, also observed visually. Despite help from two universities, financial resources were limited, with contributions from UFO-Norway, UFO-Sweden, and individual donations proving insufficient. The project is now seeking financial support from the Fund for UFO Research, estimating a need of approximately $12,000 for the winter of 1984-85.

Scientific Findings and Hypotheses

Detailed findings from various instruments are presented:

• Radar: 36 registrations were made, with three also being visual. The radar was often set for too short a range. One object was detected on alternate sweeps, suggesting it might have been affected by the radar beam. Strong echoes were also detected, following clear paths without visual confirmation.
• Laser Tests: Out of nine tests, only one failed to yield a response. When a laser was directed at a blinking light, it caused a double blink instead of a single one.
• Magnetic Pulsations: While slow magnetic fluctuations did not show a clear correlation, about 45% of light registrations (F5 or higher) coincided with magnetic pulsations between February 11 and February 15.
• Spectrum Analyzers: No registrations were made simultaneously with light sightings, but some registered a harmonic frequency around 80MHz, particularly on February 3rd, the day with the most radar activity.
• Geiger Counter and IR-Viewer: No higher count rates were observed on the Geiger counter when lights were visible, nor was any strong IR radiation detected.
• Spectral Images: Four spectral images, mostly showing a continuous spectrum, were obtained. The visible light range was approximately 560nm to 635nm. No successful images were captured of lights with F9 or F10 classification.

A hypothesis suggests that the Hessdalen phenomenon is an atmospheric process influenced by energy input, sometimes emitting light and sometimes not.

Photographic Evidence

Several photographs taken during the project are shown. Images by Arne P. Thomassen (September 25, 1982) and Leif Havik (winter -81, and daytime winter -83) are presented, along with others taken by A. Wist (winter -82). Photos from Roar Wister (February 18) show a light that increased and decreased in intensity, initially mistaken for a planet.

Public Reaction and Media Coverage

The magazine includes a section titled 'Pressen skrev' (The Press Wrote), summarizing media reports. An article from Adresseavisen suggests that the Hessdalen phenomena might be plasma or ball lightning, not alien spacecraft. However, locals like Lars Lillevold express frustration, feeling ridiculed by institutions like NIVFO, which they claim are making baseless guesses. UFO-Norge, on the other hand, is presented as having conducted more rigorous fieldwork, even considering the possibility of intelligent actions by the UFOs.

Reports from Daily Express and Daily Mirror are also included, mentioning crop circles in England and a UFO incident over York Minster, respectively.

Astronaut UFO Sightings

Another section details UFO sightings reported by astronauts during space missions:

• Gordon Cooper (May 1963): Reported a massive UFO over Australia and picked up unidentifiable voices on his radio.
• James McDivitt and Ed White (June 3, 1964): Nearly collided with a large, silver cylinder UFO over Hawaii, which they photographed.
• Frank Bormann and James A. Lovell (December 4, 1965): Photographed a gigantic UFO following Gemini 7.
• Tom Stafford, Gene Cernan, Gemini 9 (1966): Observed UFOs on radar screens.
• Frank Bormann, James A. Lovell, William Anders (December 1968): Saw several disc-shaped UFOs while orbiting the Moon and heard strange voices.
• Apollo 11 Crew (1969): Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin reported seeing two cylinder-shaped flying objects near the Moon's surface, along with a larger UFO that appeared to be a mothership.

UFOs Over New York

Photographs taken on May 9, 1984, show three UFOs observed over New York City, flying in a triangular formation. The analysis indicated a veil around the objects.

NASA's Stance on UFOs

A report from the Spanish pilot José Antonio Silva suggests that NASA has evidence of UFO existence. He claims to have overheard an astronaut reporting sightings of objects on the Moon's surface, with instructions from ground control to remain silent.

Another Spanish pilot, Juan Igracio Lorenzo, reported seeing three UFOs during a flight from London to Alicante in 1968.

Baby Without a Brain

A human-interest story describes Lille Andrew, a two-month-old baby in Virginia, who was born without a brain, having a cyst on the brainstem instead. The baby's vital functions are controlled by the brainstem, and he exhibits normal baby behaviors like crying when hungry.

Financial Matters and Personal Notes

The issue includes a personal note from 'Old-Sumar' (likely Odd-Gunnar Røed) mentioning a record low of zero UFO-related newspaper clippings for four consecutive weeks and a plan to send out updates every other week if no clippings are received. There's also a mention of needing funds to cover postage and a request for contributions. A lottery is announced, with prizes including a telephone, a watch, and UFO-Norge merchandise. The cost of new embroidered emblems (needles with the UFO-Norge emblem) is 30 kroner, with a diameter of 1.5 cm, available from UFO-Rama.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes UFO research and investigation, highlighting sightings and scientific efforts to understand these phenomena. There's a clear stance supporting the work of UFO-Norge and 'Project Hessdalen,' while expressing skepticism towards official explanations that dismiss UFOs as conventional phenomena. The publication seems to advocate for open-mindedness and thorough investigation, encouraging reader participation and financial support for their research efforts. The tone is generally serious regarding UFOs, but includes lighter content like the 'Impossible Drawings' and 'Baby Without a Brain' stories.