Klipprunden - 1984 10 22

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Norwegian magazine UFO-Norge, dated October 22, 1984, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena in Norway. The publication appears to be a newsletter or a small magazine, with content discussing organizational matters, recent sightings, and expert opinions.

Editorial and Organizational Updates

The editorial begins with a greeting and mentions a "klipprunde" (clip round), indicating a collection of news items. It references an interview with Eddy Hansen in Tidens Krav and reports of UFOs or parachutists over Bodø. A local UFO-log from Steinberg is mentioned, who believes ball lightning was responsible for events in Hornindal.

A significant portion of the editorial is dedicated to the future of the magazine and the organization. A committee meeting was held at Erling Strand's home, causing a slight delay in the publication. The "Brosjyresentralen" (Brochure Central) and catalog advertisements are described as a "gedigen flopp" (huge flop), having attracted only 63 new subscribers out of 5000 interested individuals. This has led to new plans for the magazine.

Starting with the double issue of the year, printing will move to Oslo. The magazine will have a fixed page count of 32 pages (including cover) and will be published four times a year, costing 80 kroner. A key advantage of this new setup is the ability to have different covers for each issue, allowing for more varied content on the front page. The new editorial board will consist of the Committee and Kalvik. The magazine will be composed during editorial meetings, with an effort to maximize the use of the same machinery and maintain consistent margins.

The organization hopes these changes will increase subscriptions and ensure a surplus from 1985 onwards, attributed to very low printing costs. The previous printer will be contacted with a proposal on how to best conclude their relationship, as a significant amount is owed. The editor emphasizes that the current situation could have been avoided if each subscriber had secured just one new member.

Despite a notice about a recruitment prize, it has not been utilized. New forms of recruitment incentives will be introduced. The editor expresses confidence in these new ideas and hopes readers will appreciate the changes.

Due to time constraints over the weekend, the editor, Odd-Gunnar Røed, states he must step down for now. The next issue will include more details from the meeting and a list related to the internal lottery. Readers are encouraged to order lottery tickets.

The editorial concludes with a friendly farewell and an invitation for feedback.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Kulelyn laga sport i Hornindal (Ball Lightning Made Sport in Hornindal)

This article from Sunnmørsposten, dated October 1, 1984, reports on the resolution of a mystery involving strange tracks in the ground in Hornindal. Ufologist Oddvar Eriksen from Steinberg, leader of "The Fharaos Electric Foundation and Science," claims the tracks were caused by ball lightning.

Eriksen explains that when a ball of lightning approaches the ground, it emits a small atmosphere that allows it to glide on a gas sphere. Upon contact with metal or the ground, it explodes. He analyzed images of the tracks, suggesting the ball lightning hit the ground at an angle, penetrating about 50 cm, and then exploded, burning an area of approximately 7-10 meters in diameter. He speculates that metal in the soil might have attracted the lightning.

Eriksen shares personal experiences of seeing ball lightning, including one instance where it landed in a river and bounced several times before disappearing. He also recounts an incident where a farmer was reportedly burned to death after being hit by a ball of light while in a field.

Ufoer eller fallskjermhoppere over Bodø? (UFOs or Parachutists over Bodø?)

This article from Nordlandsposten, dated October 1, 1984, discusses reports of strange luminous objects seen over Bodø. Several witnesses reported seeing a fast-moving, silent, glowing sphere, while others described a slower tempo. The Bodø Airport control tower indicated that members of the Bodø Parachute Club had received permission for night jumps to qualify for special certificate classes. It is suggested that the lights observed might have been from the parachutists' marker lights or lights on the ground marking the landing area.

Eddy Hansen (22), overbevist kristiansunder: Jovisst fins det UFO (Surely UFOs Exist)

This article from Tidens Krav features Eddy Hansen, a 22-year-old consultant and self-proclaimed Christian who is a strong believer in UFOs. He is a member of UFO-Norge, an organization that collects and studies UFO information from Norway.

Hansen clarifies that "UFO" simply means "Unidentified Flying Object," something whose nature is unknown. He states that while many people equate UFOs with flying saucers and aliens, this is not necessarily the case. He acknowledges that 95% of reported sightings are explained as conventional phenomena like aircraft, lights, planets, or weather balloons.

However, the remaining 5% are considered genuine UFOs. Observations and descriptions of these are meticulously recorded and stored in a database. Reports from Nordic countries are sent to a data center in Denmark for further research. Hansen himself has not personally seen a UFO but has received reports from others.

He mentions the "Aure-UFO" incident, where he was involved in investigating a sighting. The image of the object, taken the previous year, was published in VG and is now being examined by researchers in the USA. Hansen's role was to photograph the site and speak with people, finding that others had also seen lights that stopped and moved.

Regarding the challenges of being a UFO enthusiast in Norway, Hansen notes the lack of government funding for UFO research and the reliance on members' own contributions for activities like publishing a newsletter and travel. He points out that countries like France and Brazil have official investigation bodies, expressing hope that Norway will eventually do the same.

Hansen addresses skepticism, stating that UFO-Norge aims to clarify such phenomena. He believes that the vastness of space suggests the existence of other life forms and other universes, possibly with civilizations at different technological levels that could visit Earth. He acknowledges the existence of reports about "close encounters of the third kind" but emphasizes the need for an open and unprejudiced approach to all theories.

UFO-Norge plans to focus its attention on the Hessdalen phenomenon in Røros, known for numerous sightings in recent years, as part of an international project.

UFO-NORGE: A National Investigation Organisation

This section provides details about UFO-Norge, describing it as an association dedicated to investigating unidentified flying objects. It aims to create a network for registering UFO incidents across Norway, conducting site investigations, and interviewing witnesses. The organization works with other UFO groups and individuals to solve the UFO problem and collaborates with international counterparts.

Report Form

A "RAPPORTSKJEMA" (Report Form) is included, requesting detailed information from witnesses of unidentified flying objects or phenomena. It asks for the reporter's name, address, contact details, age, occupation, and specifics about the observation, including time, date, and location. Witnesses are encouraged to provide a detailed written description and a sketch if possible. The form directs completed reports to the UFO-Norge Report Center in Rognes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes the idea that UFOs exist and are a subject worthy of serious investigation. It highlights the work of UFO-Norge as a dedicated organization gathering and analyzing data. While acknowledging that most sightings have mundane explanations, the publication emphasizes the importance of studying the unexplained phenomena. There is a clear stance against dismissing reports outright and a call for an open-minded approach to the subject. The organizational updates reveal a drive to professionalize and expand the magazine's reach and impact, despite initial challenges with subscriber growth and funding.