Klipprunden - 1985 03 03

Magazine Overview

This issue of Lokal-avisa, dated February 16, 1985, is a Norwegian publication from NORSKE ARGUS A-S. The cover features a striking illustration and highlights the mystery of the 'UFO-ringen på Espevær' (UFO ring on Espevær).

Key Articles and Reports

Uløst mysterium: UFO-ringen på Espevær (Unsolved Mystery: The UFO Ring on Espevær)

This article details the strange occurrence on the island of Espevær in 1975. A dog named 'Tobby' became unusually agitated for over two hours. The following day, children discovered a large, oval mark on the ground, measuring 70 meters in circumference and 13 meters in diameter. The military was alerted, and experts investigated, but no natural explanation was found. Theories involving motorcycles or a type of fungus were dismissed. Experts estimate the object that created the ring weighed 70,000 tons. A woman on the neighboring island of Bømlo reported seeing an object in the sky that same night. Despite promises, the military has not provided a further explanation, leaving the mystery unsolved. The UFO ring has since become a tourist attraction.

Hessdalsrapporten (The Hessdalen Report)

This section presents a critical review of a report by the Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Information (NIVFO) concerning atmospheric light phenomena and other observed objects in the Holtålen municipality and surrounding areas from 1870 to 1984. The authors, residents of Hessdalen who have experienced the phenomena firsthand, express skepticism about the report's scientific rigor, particularly its title and the inclusion of personal assessments of the local population. They challenge NIVFO's assertion that Hessdalen residents' interest in UFOs is driven by a desire for publicity, suggesting instead that media attention has fueled the phenomenon. The article disputes NIVFO's claim that Hessdalen residents are uniformly convinced of UFOs, stating that many have a neutral stance and those engaged are still seeking understanding. The authors also question NIVFO's plasma and inversion theories, noting that inversion is a common meteorological phenomenon and that NIVFO has not adequately explained why it would be more specific to Hessdalen. They cite the lack of explanation for phenomena observed by others in different locations, such as Arendal, Dalarne, and Moscow. The article also references observations from SINTEF in Trondheim, where researchers are unaware of charged air masses causing UFO sightings, and mentions St. Elmo's fire as a distinct phenomenon. The authors conclude by urging NIVFO to comment on a UFO observation over White Russia and reference astronomer Carl Sagan's views on the vast number of planets in the galaxy, humorously noting that Sagan is not from Hessdalen.

Svensk tolk-behov (Swedish Interpretation Needs)

This short piece discusses the linguistic challenges faced by Swedish journalists reporting on the 'Treholt case.' It highlights how literal translations of phrases like 'Arne Treholt broke down when confronted with surveillance photos' led to humorous misinterpretations, such as 'he tore the pictures to pieces.'

Februar-rekord (February Record)

A humorous note about the post office in Sandnessjøen, which has managed to create a 32-day February by using the date '32.2.85' on its postmark.

Debunking UFO Photos

Two articles address the issue of fake UFO photographs.

• Falskt UFO-bilde (False UFO Photo): This report, citing NTB and Ground Saucer Watch in the USA, reveals that a UFO photo widely circulated in UFO publications, newspapers, and magazines was a hoax. The 21-year-old photographer from Aure admitted to manipulating the object, which was hung on a thread from a trestle. He expressed surprise at how many people were fooled and hoped the incident would foster greater skepticism towards UFO images.
• Noen som så lyset over Geiteryggen? (Did anyone see the light over Geiteryggen?): A reader reported seeing a bright light over Geiteryggen on Thursday around 9:30 PM. The light was in the sky for several minutes, was not a star or a plane, and the reader is asking for explanations.

UFOEN som endel mennesker observerte over Vindfjell (The UFO that several people observed over Vindfjell)

This article reports that a light phenomenon observed over Vindfjell in January was likely the planet Venus. The local sheriff's office in Lardal investigated reports of distress flares but concluded that the white light, unlike red flares, was consistent with the planet Venus, which was visible in the sky at the time of the sightings.

Undersøkt av utenomjordiske vesener (Examined by Extraterrestrial Beings)

This section features a translated article from the Brazilian UFO magazine 'UFO-bulletin.' The author, Knut Holt, comments on the magazine's content, noting its focus on North American and European UFO contacts and its brevity compared to 'our' UFO magazine. The article then details the account of Alfred Burtoo, a 77-year-old man from Aldershot, England, who claims he was taken aboard a UFO and examined by small humanoids (1.22 meters tall) wearing green overalls and helmets. Burtoo was told he was too old and weak for their purposes. Investigator Timothy Good and Omar Fowler of the Surrey Investigation Group on Aerial Phenomena have both investigated Burtoo's claim and found it credible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. While acknowledging the existence of unexplained sightings and phenomena, it actively seeks to debunk hoaxes and provide rational explanations where possible, as seen with the Espevær ring and the Vindfjell sighting. However, it also gives space to more extraordinary claims, such as the Alfred Burtoo abduction case, presenting them with investigative details and endorsements from researchers. There is a clear emphasis on skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a desire for scientific rigor, as demonstrated by the critique of the NIVFO report. The magazine also engages with its readership by publishing reader reports and questions, fostering a sense of community and shared inquiry.