Klipprunden - 1984 10 13

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Norge magazine, dated October 13, 1984, features a prominent cover story about Klara Buer, a fire lookout who dreams of witnessing a UFO. The magazine also delves into various UFO sightings, investigations, and related topics, alongside local news and discussions on scientific skepticism.

Klara Buer: The Fire Lookout Dreaming of UFOs

The main feature highlights Klara Buer, who spends her summers as a fire lookout in a remote tower on Linnekleppen, near the Swedish border. Despite the isolation, she finds peace in nature. Klara's primary dream is to spot a UFO. She has learned to distinguish between different types of fires and smoke, and is equipped with a phone, walkie-talkie, and a special aiming device. The article notes her secret hope of discovering a UFO. Klara's living space in the tower is described as small, with windows facing all directions. She finds solace in the natural surroundings, though loneliness can be a challenge. The article also touches upon her personal life, including the loss of her son, Anders Kristian, and her efforts to document local history, which will culminate in a book about Linnekleppen.

Mysterious Crater Near Gol: UFO or Meteorite?

A significant report details a strange, crater-like hole discovered on Raudalsfjellet near Gol, Norway. The hole, approximately one meter in diameter and half a meter deep, has sparked curiosity and speculation. Rype hunters Geir Helge Espeseth and Odd Eiklid brought attention to the anomaly. Ole Peder Sveen from the Solobservatoriet at Kjeller suggests that while meteorites bombard Earth constantly, most burn up in the atmosphere. He notes that only 11 confirmed meteorite impacts have been recorded in Norway. The Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Information (NIVFO), which focuses on UFO research, has also expressed interest in the 'hole'. The article explores the possibility of it being a meteorite impact, a local prankster using dynamite (which is illegal), or a UFO.

Lightning Strike Theory

Further analysis of the Gol crater suggests it might be the result of a powerful lightning strike. A man who claims expertise in lightning phenomena dismisses the UFO theory, stating that lightning strikes can be very violent, especially in areas with poor conductivity like mountains. He believes the 'hole' is likely a natural phenomenon caused by lightning.

UFO Sighting in Øversjødalen

Eilif Øversjøen, a shopkeeper from Øversjødalen, reports witnessing unusual lights late one Saturday evening. He described seeing three distinct lights, similar to aircraft landing lights, descending behind a ridge. He is certain they were not from conventional aircraft or helicopters. The lights had an oblong shape and illuminated the treetops as they disappeared. Øversjøen, who claims to be neither superstitious nor prone to seeing things, is baffled by the phenomenon and has never seen anything like it before.

UFO-Norge Committee Meeting Report

A report from a UFO-Norge committee meeting held on September 30, 1984, in Oslo, details discussions on several key issues. The agenda included the 'Brosjyresentralen' (brochure distribution), the organization's financial situation, and the magazine 'Bladet vårt'. The committee noted a modest increase in subscriptions following the brochure distribution. However, the overall financial situation was described as precarious, prompting discussions about potential cost-saving measures for the magazine, such as professional layout or even photocopying. The possibility of bankruptcy and restructuring was also considered. It was decided that the remaining two issues of the year would be combined into a double issue. The report also mentions correspondence from editor Kalvik, a phone call from UFO-Rogaland, and a letter from a member with numerous questions. A new report-marking system using the year-month-date format (e.g., 840930-1) was adopted. The committee also discussed a lecture by R. Brahde on 'UFO-finns dom' (UFOs exist), noting that Brahde seemed to exhibit a 'typical UFO fear' and was dismissive of UFO research, even attempting to discourage new research efforts.

Ringsaker UFO Forening Activities

The Ringsaker UFO Forening provided information about alleged fake UFO photos that had circulated in the Hamar Arbeiderblad. They also reported on a trip to Oslo where they attended a lecture by Erik Tandberg on space travel. The report contrasts Tandberg's engaging presentation with that of Rolf Brahde, whose lecture on astronomy was described as monotonous and lacking engagement, with Brahde reportedly dismissing anything not scientifically proven as nonsense. The Ringsaker group also met with the chairman of the Norsk Astronautisk Forening.

Debunking Astrology and Dowsing

An event at Blindern, part of the 'Realfag mot år 2000' (Real Science towards the Year 2000) initiative, featured lectures that aimed to debunk popular myths. Associate Professor Nils Skogen explained that dowsing is based on self-suggestion, not any inherent property of the dowsing rod. Observer Rolf Brahde also addressed astrology, questioning its validity as a serious academic subject and arguing that horoscopes are often vague enough to apply to anyone, relying on luck and self-suggestion.

Other Mentions

• A report from the Ringsaker UFO Forening mentions receiving a bag of 'Sure UFO' candy.
• A brief mention of a 'three moons' phenomenon observed by Olaf Mastad from Disenå.
• A note about Oslo being the greenest city in Europe, with 360 square meters of park per inhabitant.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently features reports on UFO sightings and investigations within Norway, often presenting them with a degree of seriousness and curiosity. However, there is also a clear effort to include skeptical viewpoints and scientific debunking, particularly concerning astrology and dowsing. The financial struggles of UFO-Norge are also a recurring concern, impacting their publication and activities. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry into UFO phenomena, while also acknowledging and presenting rational explanations and scientific skepticism.

Title: Data fra fly og satellitter blir til bilder (Data from aircraft and satellites become images)
Issue: 46:1983
Publisher: TU (Teknisk Ukeblad)
Date: November 16, 1983
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of TU features an in-depth article on the advancements in remote sensing and digital image processing, focusing on the new system implemented by Fjellanger Widerøe's Norsk Luftfoto and Fjernmåling division.

New Digital Image Processing System at Fjellanger Widerøe

The article details the inauguration of a new digital image processing system for remote sensing data at Fjellanger Widerøe. This system, named ARIES II, was developed and delivered by the Canadian company DIPIX Systems Ltd. The investment for the system, including purchase, installation, and training, amounted to approximately 5 million kroner.

The ARIES II system comprises a workstation with a color monitor, tablet, and terminal, a micro-computer-based image processor (DEC LSI 11/02 with 1 MB refresh memory), and a host computer (DEC PDP 11/44) with a 200 MB hard disk for image storage. The processed results are outputted via an Optronics P-1500 film writer, which generates the final satellite or aerial photographs.

This advanced technology is seen as a natural progression for Fjellanger Widerøe, a company with a history in photogrammetric mapping dating back to 1937. The system significantly enhances the ability to process and analyze remote sensing data, which now encompasses much more than traditional aerial photography, including satellite imagery.

Applications of Remote Sensing

Svein Erik Høst, department manager at Norsk Luftfoto and Fjernmåling, explains that remote sensing involves measuring surface properties from aircraft and satellites, while remote sensing analysis involves interpreting this data. The article highlights several key applications:

Environmental Monitoring (Oil Spills)

One of the most significant applications discussed is the monitoring of oil spills. Fjellanger Widerøe, through its subsidiary NLF, has an agreement with the Norwegian State Pollution Control Authority (Statens Forurensingstilsyn) to monitor oil pollution. They have equipped one of their aircraft with a Side Looking Airborne Radar (SLAR). SLAR is effective in detecting oil slicks regardless of light conditions and in fog, though it is less effective in heavy cloud cover and rain. While SLAR can detect the presence of oil, it does not measure its thickness. To address this, NLF is exploring the use of microwave radiometry to supplement the radar data.

Furthermore, there are plans to send live video images directly from aircraft to surface vessels. This initiative, supported by SFT and Statoil, aims to provide ship captains with real-time visual information about their location relative to oil slicks, improving response efficiency.

Resource Management and Mapping

The article also touches upon the use of remote sensing data for resource planning and mapping. While current Landsat satellite data, with its 80-meter resolution, has been considered insufficient for detailed mapping in Europe, it has been valuable in developing countries with less comprehensive map coverage. Fjellanger Widerøe, in collaboration with Norconsult, has utilized Landsat data combined with aerial photography for various development projects.

The next generation of satellites, such as the French SPOT satellite, are expected to significantly improve resolution. SPOT will offer 10-meter resolution for black-and-white imagery and 20-meter resolution for multispectral imagery. This enhanced resolution will make it possible to identify individual fields on small farms and even roads and larger buildings in European countries, greatly benefiting resource planning.

Integration with Geographical Information Systems

Øystein B. Dick, head of digital image processing at Fjellanger Widerøe, emphasizes the importance of integrating satellite imagery with other data sources. He states, "It is important not to view satellite images in isolation, but in conjunction with more local images and maps." Digital topographic maps are cited as an example of such integration. The ultimate goal is to develop a comprehensive geographical information system where all types of data for a given area are collected and accessible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue highlights the technological advancements in remote sensing and digital image processing, underscoring their growing importance in various fields, including environmental monitoring and resource management. The editorial stance appears to be one of embracing and promoting these new technologies, showcasing how Norwegian companies like Fjellanger Widerøe are at the forefront of adopting and utilizing them. The article also implicitly advocates for international cooperation and the development of next-generation satellite technology to further enhance data acquisition and analysis capabilities.