Klipprunden - 1984 12 16

Magazine Overview

This issue of Norske Argus, dated December 16, 1984, presents a mix of astronomical news, UFO reports from various locations in Norway, and personal reflections on traditions and the magazine's operational status. The publication is from Norway and is in Norwegian.

Astronomical Discovery

The lead article reports on the likely discovery of the first planet located outside our solar system. American astronomers, led by Donald McCarthy from the University of Arizona, have registered a celestial body orbiting a star 21 light-years from Earth. This newly discovered planet is estimated to be between 30 and 80 times the size of Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. Researchers believe it is composed of swirling gases and has a surface temperature of approximately 930 degrees Celsius. The discovery was made using instruments that measure temperatures in the infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum, specifically a four-meter telescope at Kitt Peak Observatory and a 2.3-meter telescope at the University of Arizona. The light from this object, orbiting the star Van Briesbroeck 8 in the Ophiuchus constellation, is significantly weaker than that of the faintest visible star. McCarthy stated that the object is too faint and cool to be a star, and further investigations are planned to determine its chemical composition, mass, and orbit.

UFO Sightings and Encounters

Several UFO sightings are detailed:

• Ibestad, Norway: Janne Johnsen and Trude Olsen, both 13 years old, reported seeing a UFO on a Wednesday afternoon. They described it as round with red-lit windows and a white light in the middle, moving diagonally downwards. The object appeared to land near the Johnsen family's summer farm. They noted that it was not a helicopter or a plane and were convinced it was a UFO. They also heard that another girl and her father had seen a similar strange light descending.
• Lunde, Norway: A report from Lunde describes an unexplained bright light seen over the Os mountains on a Tuesday morning. The light was large, shining brightly and weakly, and remained stationary for a time before disappearing towards Os. The Flesland air traffic control could not confirm what it was, suggesting it could be aurora borealis or possibly aircraft landing lights, but could not confirm any specific theory.
• Ole Jørgen Thaule's Experience: Ole Jørgen Thaule, a normally skeptical individual, recounts an experience where he saw an intensely bright, round fireball in the sky around 7:30 PM. The object moved rapidly from southeast to northeast, observable for about half a minute. He noted its movement was not like a rocket, as it lacked a tail, and it moved in spirals. He estimated its distance to be between 1.5 and 2.5 miles. He also dismissed the possibility of it being a satellite due to its slow speed. Thaule expressed that he would have to reconsider his stance on UFOs but still believes there is a rational explanation, not necessarily an alien spacecraft.
• Hemne, Norway: Tormod Hagen, a UFO enthusiast, shared a story from a family in Hemne who observed two lights dancing and changing color near their cabin. After the lights disappeared, they discovered a large sweater was missing from their trailer.

UFO Enthusiast's Perspective

Tormod Hagen, from Kyrksæterøra, is presented as a dedicated UFO enthusiast. He believes in the existence of extraterrestrial life and advocates for the possibility of contact. Hagen argues that Earth is unlikely to be the only planet with life in the universe. He mentions that UFO phenomena have been reported throughout history, citing examples from the Bible, such as the Book of Ezekiel and the mention of 'sons of God' in the books of Moses. He also discusses the 'missing time' phenomenon, referencing the Betty and Barney Hill case where they lost two hours of memory during a supposed abduction. Hagen describes the typical appearance of UFO occupants as small beings (1-1.2 meters tall) with large eyes and a practical demeanor. He suggests that UFOs might be observing humanity, possibly due to concerns about human aggression and the lack of peace on Earth. Hagen also notes that American authorities are beginning to acknowledge the UFO phenomenon due to widespread sightings. He believes that other planets may have experienced technological development far beyond Earth's, and that vast distances are not an insurmountable barrier for advanced civilizations.

Magazine Operations and Editorial Notes

The issue begins with a personal note from Odd-Gunnar, dated December 16, 1984, thanking readers for their support throughout the year and wishing them a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. He mentions that the magazine has gained new paying members, bringing the total to twenty, and that they are close to reaching a goal of 23 members, which would reduce the monthly cost per person. He also provides an update on the printing of the magazine's journal, noting that it was delayed but would be sent out as soon as possible. The year 1984 ends with 665 subscribers, a record number. Odd-Gunnar expresses regret over financial setbacks but remains optimistic about the magazine's future if more subscribers are acquired. He acknowledges that this issue is shorter due to the holiday season and his own personal circumstances, promising a stronger return in the new year.

Another section addresses the postal service's new 'B-post' system, with editor Jostein Nyhamar of Forbruker-rapporten criticizing it as potentially misleading and making things more expensive, particularly for short mailings. He warns against further service changes that might inconvenience customers.

A humorous piece by 'Morten m...' reflects on Christmas traditions, particularly the decorating of Christmas trees and the singing of carols, questioning the logic behind these customs. Another short piece discusses the practice of sending Christmas cards as a way to maintain contact with people one hasn't seen in a long time, humorously describing the potential for a cycle of guilt and missed connections.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO phenomena, astronomical discoveries, and reflections on societal practices like Christmas traditions and the efficiency of postal services. The magazine appears to maintain an open-minded stance towards UFOs, presenting various reports and expert opinions while also acknowledging the need for rational explanations. The editorial stance, particularly from Odd-Gunnar, emphasizes the importance of reader support and subscriber growth for the magazine's financial stability and continued operation. There's a clear effort to engage readers with both intriguing content and practical updates about the publication itself.