TØNSBERG

Magazine Overview

This issue of Tønsberg magazine, dated July 14, 1985, features a collection of clippings and reports related to UFO sightings, unexplained phenomena, and skepticism towards the paranormal. The magazine covers events from Norway and internationally, with a focus on recent sightings and investigations.

UFO Sightings and Investigations in Norway

The issue details several reported UFO sightings across Norway:

• Drammen and Lofoten: Reports of night lights observed in mid-June, with no explanation provided by the Defense Command North Norway.
• Vågan, Sandsletta: Three individuals reported a rocket-like object with striped wings and a ball in the middle, moving at high speed and low altitude. The Defense Command had no explanation, and military experts suggested it might be a mirage or a reflection, though witnesses maintained it was a physical object.
• Osen, Hamar: Two 11-year-old boys observed a large object with striped wings and a ball in the middle flying silently. They reported it flew from east to west and then turned 90 degrees south/west before disappearing.
• Leknes: A traveler reported an object that was initially speculated to be a UFO or a Russian missile. After the military was alerted and jet fighters were dispatched, the object was identified as a Norwegian Falcon jet.
• Øvre Eiker: Reports of strange lights in the sky were later identified as Home Guard (HV) night exercise marking lights.

International Reports and Skepticism

Beyond Norwegian sightings, the magazine includes:

• London Congress: Skeptics from various countries, including Norway, gathered in London for a congress. They offered a total of 2.6 million kroner for verifiable proof of paranormal phenomena such as bank spirits, healing through touch, and UFOs. The article highlights the challenge of proving such phenomena and the skepticism of organizations like the Humanetisk forbund.
• Tsjeljabinsk, Russia: A bizarre incident is reported from a house in Tsjeljabinsk where objects allegedly moved on their own, and a grandmother was believed to have supernatural powers. This was later revealed to be a prank orchestrated by her granddaughter.
• Project Hessdalen: Mention is made of efforts to get information about Project Hessdalen through official channels, with a note that the material provided by the magazine's group was deemed inferior.
• Organized Groups: The formation of the Norwegian organization 'Vidya' is announced. Its purpose is to spread information and increase interest in unexplained mysteries and phenomena. The organization plans to build a library and publish a member magazine. The article also mentions the skepticism of some towards such groups, contrasting it with the desire to investigate.

Editorial and Organizational Notes

The magazine includes internal notes and updates:

• Membership and Finances: An update on the organization's finances indicates 595 subscribers as of July 14, 1985, with 62 direct members from F.I. The organization hopes to reach 400 new subscribers by autumn.
• Committee Meeting: A committee meeting was held in Tønsberg on July 7, involving a tour of the town and the archipelago.
• Correspondence: A letter from the well-known writer and scientist Jacques Vallée is mentioned, who expressed appreciation for a report sent to him.
• Future Publications: Plans for the next issue of the magazine, scheduled for autumn, are discussed, along with preparations for an international meeting in Oslo.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the investigation of unexplained aerial phenomena, the challenge of obtaining official recognition or explanation for sightings, and the contrast between public fascination with the paranormal and scientific skepticism. The magazine appears to document reported events while also highlighting efforts by skeptics to debunk or explain them, and the organizational efforts of those interested in the subject. The editorial stance seems to be one of reporting on these diverse perspectives and events within the UFO and paranormal community.