Klipprunden - 1985 02 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of Tønsberg magazine, dated February 3, 1985, delves into a series of UFO sightings and unexplained aerial phenomena reported across Norway and Sweden. The publication features detailed accounts, interviews, and attempts at explanation, alongside a report on an aviation incident.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Hessdalen Phenomena

The magazine reports on the ongoing investigations into phenomena in Hessdalen, Norway. The Norsk Institutt for vitenskapelig forskning og opplysning (NIVFO) has concluded that the Hessdalen phenomena are localized and likely attributable to plasma light. Despite this, the site continues to attract interest, with the renowned American UFO researcher J. Allen Hynek scheduled to visit in late January. NIVFO, a UFO association that claims to work seriously with such phenomena, acknowledges the interest but maintains that the events can be explained naturally. Hynek, who previously advised the US Blue Book project, leads a prominent UFO research center in Illinois.

Narvik and Swedish Sightings

Reports of a bright light phenomenon over Narvik, Norway, on a Friday evening in early January 1985, continue to stream in. While initial explanations pointed to the planet Venus, the exact cause remains elusive. Simultaneously, Sweden is experiencing its own 'UFO fever,' particularly in Dalarna. Photographic evidence of a plasma-like object has been captured, and similar luminous phenomena have been observed since the previous week.

Venus as an Explanation

Several reports highlight the planet Venus as a potential explanation for bright lights observed in the sky. In Oslo, many people mistook Venus for a UFO. Rolf Brahde, an observer at the Astrophysical Institute at the University of Oslo, confirms that Venus is the brightest object in the sky after the sun and moon. He suggests that increased public awareness of astronomical phenomena, like Venus's phases, could lead people to identify such objects correctly rather than labeling them as UFOs.

Specific Case Reports

Snåsa, Norway: Harald Husvik reported a frightening experience of a UFO hovering about 50 meters above his head for approximately 15 minutes near Snåsa Turistsenter. He described it as a self-luminous mass, roughly three meters long and over a meter wide, moving at high speed before disappearing over Snåsavatnet.

Odda, Norway: Three credible individuals in Odda observed an unidentified flying object described as a flying saucer or a round, luminous ring moving at high speed. The object had a central point and appeared to be egg-shaped.

Songvesåsen, Norway: Gunnar Pedersen reported observing unusual light phenomena in the Songvesåsen-Gråsida area on multiple occasions. He described objects with blinking lights and lower light fields, moving horizontally and disappearing. These observations occurred around 17:30.

Ulvik, Norway: Johan Osa also reported observing strange light phenomena in the sky, similar to those seen by Pedersen. His sightings, occurring around 22:30, described an egg-shaped object moving in a northwesterly direction. He had previously observed a similar phenomenon a year prior, where the object changed color and became a bright streak.

Deset, Norway: A UFO sighting in Deset is tentatively explained as a research balloon. Maria Ilsaas, who witnessed the event, contacted Rolf Brahde, who suggested that the observed phenomena, including 'snaking' gas streams and a 'cigar-shaped' form, could be caused by a research balloon losing gas and developing holes.

Aviation Incident

SAS Flight Incident: On a morning flight from Geneva to Copenhagen, passengers on an SK 608 DC-9 aircraft experienced a scare when parts of an engine fell onto the runway during takeoff. The captain initiated emergency braking, and all 49 passengers disembarked safely. SAS Information Manager Even T. Hansen stated that the incident was likely caused by a foreign object striking the engine and that the damaged engine was being replaced. He clarified that this incident was unrelated to previous issues with the Pratt & Whitney engines on other DC-9 41-machines.

Editorial Stance and Recurring Themes

This issue of Tønsberg magazine adopts an investigative and reporting stance on UFO phenomena. While presenting detailed accounts from witnesses, it also actively seeks and presents potential natural explanations, such as the planet Venus and atmospheric effects. The magazine encourages readers to share their own observations, indicating a commitment to exploring the topic from multiple perspectives. The recurring theme is the persistent occurrence of unexplained aerial phenomena and the ongoing efforts to understand them, whether through scientific investigation or public reporting. The magazine also highlights the role of UFO researchers and institutes in the discourse surrounding these events.

Title: Piloter så meteoritt (Pilots Saw Meteorite)
Issue: 28
Volume: 85
Date: January 29, 1985
Publisher: ER'N
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian

This issue of the Norwegian magazine ER'N features a prominent cover story about pilots witnessing a luminous object, possibly a meteorite, and delves into the ongoing investigation of the Hessdalen light phenomena with insights from UFO researcher J. Allen Hynek. It also includes a brief report on a mysterious animal causing fear in Stavanger.

Pilots Witness Luminous Object

The main article, "Piloter så meteoritt," details an extraordinary sighting by the crew of a Braathen-flyet aircraft traveling from Oslo to Stavanger. Captain John Wiese and his flight engineer Baard Boge, along with other pilots, observed a bright, luminous object in the sky for several minutes. Initially mistaken for an airplane with landing lights, the object was seen to be moving at high speed, splitting into pieces, and leaving a long, comet-like tail.

The sighting occurred at an altitude of 23,000 feet. Observer assistant Torben Leifsen from the Solobservatoriet (Solar Observatory) at Harestua commented that while meteorites are not uncommon, observing one for several minutes is highly unusual. He also suggested the possibility that the object could be debris from rockets launched into space, though a meteorite that disintegrated or fell to Earth remained a strong possibility.

Hessdalen Phenomena and UFO Research

Another significant section focuses on the Hessdalen light phenomena, a case that has garnered international attention. The article highlights the visit of renowned American UFO researcher Dr. J. Allen Hynek to Hessdalen, Norway. Hynek, described as the "spiritual leader" of the UFO movement, has dedicated over 30 years to studying unexplained aerial phenomena.

Hynek expressed great interest in the Hessdalen case, noting the thorough and professional registration work being done by the "Hessdals-prosjektet." He visited Hessdalen himself, though adverse weather conditions prevented him from directly observing the phenomenon. He was impressed by the detailed photographic and observational data collected, stating that while similar phenomena have been observed elsewhere, the frequency of sightings in Hessdalen is unique.

Hynek acknowledged the public's tendency to link UFO sightings with extraterrestrial visitors but emphasized the importance of gathering facts and conducting serious scientific study. He suggested that the Hessdalen phenomena might be comparable to other mysterious natural occurrences like the aurora borealis. He also noted that the Hessdalen area could serve as a "laboratory" for studying the phenomenon.

The article also touches upon Hynek's background, including his work as a scientific advisor for the film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and his role as head of the Center for UFO Studies in Illinois. He mentioned that interest in UFOs is growing globally, even in countries like the Soviet Union, which has established a UFO commission.

Ongoing Investigations in Hessdalen

Erling Strand, a civil engineer leading the instrument division of the Hessdalen Project, stated that the winter's instrument studies had concluded but a team would remain for further observations. He indicated that the investigation had not significantly advanced the understanding of the Hessdalen phenomena compared to the previous year. The most probable explanation, he suggested, was an unknown natural phenomenon beyond current scientific knowledge. However, he did not rule out the possibility of extraterrestrial visitors.

Strand noted that there were fewer observations in Hessdalen in the winter of 1985 compared to the previous year, possibly due to poor weather conditions. The project team is actively seeking reports of similar sightings from across the country to gather more data. The local population in Hessdalen has been very cooperative.

Despite a lull in media attention, the Hessdalen UFO phenomenon is not considered "dead," with unexplained luminous objects still being sighted periodically. The article also briefly mentions recent UFO sightings in Dalarne, Sweden.

Mysterious Cat Killer in Stavanger

A separate, shorter article reports on a "mysterious cat killer" terrorizing a neighborhood in Stavanger. Over the past two months, eleven cats have disappeared, causing fear among residents in the Torfæusgate area. Witnesses have described a large, beast-like creature, larger and more menacing than any dog, seen carrying a cat. The creature left behind large, unusual footprints. Residents are concerned for their pets and children, and the local police are reportedly investigating.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine appears to focus on unexplained phenomena, particularly UFOs and unusual sightings, with a serious journalistic approach. The coverage of the Hessdalen case, including interviews with a prominent UFO researcher and project leaders, suggests an interest in scientific investigation and the pursuit of understanding these mysteries. The inclusion of the meteorite sighting by pilots adds another layer to the theme of unexplained aerial events. The brief mention of the Stavanger cat killer indicates a broader interest in local mysteries and unusual occurrences. The editorial stance seems to be one of reporting on these events with a degree of open-mindedness, encouraging further investigation and data collection.