Klipprunden - 1985 11 20

Magazine Overview

This issue of Ringerikes Blad, dated October 30, 1985, primarily features articles and reports on various unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) and related incidents occurring in Norway during October 1985. The main cover story, "Slik løp fremmede vesener på Hengsle" (This is how alien beings ran at Hengsle), details an encounter with small beings during a lunar eclipse. The magazine also includes reports from other Norwegian publications, such as Gudbrandsdølen and Lillehammer Tilskuer, Fredriksstad Blad, Drammens Tidende, and Gjengangeren, covering a wide range of sightings and witness testimonies.

Articles and Reports

"Slik løp fremmede vesener på Hengsle" (Ringerikes Blad, Oct 30, 1985):
This article recounts an experience on Hengsle where two girls, Helene Meier (11) and May Skogstad (10), reported seeing small beings with square heads running on two legs during a lunar eclipse. They described the beings as very small, with two legs, and running in a bent posture. The girls claimed to have observed them for about ten minutes, and that the beings followed them. Several other children, including Rune, Freddy, Håvard, Rasmus, Lars Johnny, and Pål, also reported seeing lights in the sky and were frightened. The article notes that the beings had square heads, like cardboard boxes. The girls' mother initially dismissed it as imagination, but the children insisted. The report concludes by suggesting these might be small beings from other planets.

"UFO over Lillehammer?" (Gudbrandsdølen og Lillehammer Tilskuer, Oct 31, 1985):
This report details a UFO or rocket sighting over Lillehammer on the night of October 24th. Several residents observed a phenomenon that initially appeared to be the northern lights but was much more intense and shaped like a donut. After about three minutes, the circular light expanded enormously before disappearing. Witnesses described it as being about five times the size of the full moon at the start of the observation. The same phenomenon was reportedly seen in Haugesund, Asker, Hamar, Toten, and Kristiansand simultaneously. The article discusses the possibility of it being a nuclear explosion but leans towards it being an atmospheric phenomenon. It also mentions that some believe it could be an attempt by a satellite to create artificial aurora, a theory proposed by an employee at the Harestua Solar Observatory. The article criticizes the tendency for authorities and scientists to quickly provide explanations for paranormal events, often without sufficient proof.

"Tormod Hagen om UFO'en: Trolig romskip fra annen planet" (Lindesnes, Oct 25, 1985):
This article features Tormod Hagen's opinion that a UFO-like luminous object seen in the Mandals-district is likely a spaceship from another planet. Magnhild Brovig and Harald Høksås are presented as the primary witnesses. They described an object that initially looked like a small moon but rapidly expanded. A luminous star in the center followed the ring's movement. Harald Høksås described the object as having a black space around it before becoming a bright stripe on the oval. He estimated its size to be about 3-4 times that of a normal star. Hagen emphasizes that the object moved with varying speed and changed course twice, suggesting it was a spaceship.

"UFO over Greåker?" (Dagbladet, Oct 25, 1985):
A woman from Greåker reported seeing a luminous object on the morning of October 25th. She described it as a "garland of light" that moved across the sky in a northerly direction, glowing intensely for a few minutes before disappearing. She noted it was low on the horizon and did not resemble the northern lights. She believes the light was so strong that others must have seen it.

"Jeg trodde det var en eksplosjon" (Fredriksstad Blad, Oct 20, 1985):
Lars Skarstad from Helle på Konsmo reported seeing a large, bright cloud in the sky on the night of October 20th. He initially thought it was a massive explosion due to its sudden appearance. He observed the cloud hanging still, with half of it hidden behind a hill, and noted a "filmy" object in the center. He described the light as being so bright that it was difficult to look at. Skarstad stated that he had never seen anything like it in his 50 years of life. He also mentioned that the cloud was positioned near the tail of the Big Dipper.

"Rare lysDEO på himmelen" (Drammens Tidende, Oct 31, 1985):
A woman from Lier reported seeing three blinking lights in the sky that moved towards Drammen. The lights approached each other, forming a pattern, and blinked in sequence. She wonders if anyone else saw the same phenomenon.

"Neppe UFO, men kanskje Venus?" (Fredriksstad Blad, Oct 20, 1985):
This article suggests that some reported sightings of luminous objects might be the planet Venus. Venus rises in the east around 4:30 AM and is so bright that it can be mistaken for something else. The article notes that Venus is uniquely bright, even visible during the day, and is worth observing.

"UFO over Kvinesheia?" (Fædrelandsvennen, Oct 24, 1985):
This report details a circular light seen over Kvinesheia near Lyngdal. Two witnesses, Magnhild Brovig and Werner Eriksen, described a circular light that grew rapidly and then disappeared. Eriksen, a bus driver, initially thought it was a reflection but then saw the light expand. He described it as a blue ring with a bright, diffuse point in the center, unlike the flickering northern lights. Magnhild Brovig described the light as a "pope's hat" shape with a bright star in the middle and a luminous oval inside. They both emphasized the intensity and unusual nature of the light, stating it was unlike anything they had seen before. Tormod Hagen, an UFO enthusiast, commented that this phenomenon did not fit the normal pattern of UFOs.

"Lysfenomenet kunstig nordlys?" (Gjengangeren, Oct 25, 1985):
This article discusses a light phenomenon observed on the night of October 23rd, seen from various locations including Horten, Haugesund, Kristiansand, and Hamar. Two teenagers in Horten described a strong white light that approached them, then expanded into a large, luminous ring that slowly faded. They also reported hearing sounds. Their father confirmed seeing the phenomenon, describing it as a large, diffuse ring. A taxi driver also reported seeing a very large light in the sky. One theory suggests it was an attempt by a satellite to create artificial aurora by ejecting barium gas. The article also mentions Arne Børcke, who studies UFO phenomena and believes official bodies should pay more attention to such reports. He notes that pilots have reported being bothered by UFOs, and during World War II, pilots reported light phenomena passing through their cockpits.

"UFO over Lillehammer?" (Gudbrandsdølen og Lillehammer Tilskuer, Oct 25, 1985):
This article, published earlier than the one on page 5, also discusses the phenomenon seen over Lillehammer. It reiterates that the circular light was observed from multiple locations and suggests it might be a result of an attempt by the USA or Soviet Union to create artificial aurora. Viggo Hansteen from the Harestua Solar Observatory suggests this as the most likely theory. The article also mentions that the Earth is currently passing through a meteor shower, but the observed phenomenon's direction doesn't align with the Orionids. Asgeir Brekke from the Tromsø Aurora Observatory also favors the artificial aurora theory.

"Så UFO'en tirsdag kveld på Hollekleiv" (Lindesnes, Oct 25, 1985):
Alf Olsen from Malmø reported seeing a UFO on Tuesday evening around 10 PM near Hollekleiv. He described it as a "light ball" that he observed more closely after stopping his car. The phenomenon moved towards Sør-Audnedal and disappeared over the hills. Olsen stated it could not have been an airplane and was much larger than a normal star, appearing very high in the sky.

"Lysring skremte ungdom: Uforklarlig himmelfenomen" (Gjengangeren, Oct 24, 1985):
This article details the experience of two teenagers in Horten who saw a "strong white light" on the northern sky that appeared to be a "ball or ring of light." It approached them, stopped, then moved north, spreading into a large, luminous ring that faded. They were frightened and reported hearing sounds. Their father confirmed seeing a large, diffuse ring. The article suggests the phenomenon might be related to attempts to create artificial aurora by satellites.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are the widespread sightings of unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs) across Norway in late October 1985. There is a consistent pattern of witnesses describing luminous objects of various shapes (rings, disks, fireballs) and behaviors (hovering, expanding, changing course). Several articles highlight the intensity of the light and its potential to cause discomfort. The theme of potential extraterrestrial origin is frequently raised, particularly by individuals like Tormod Hagen and Harald Høksås, who express strong convictions about spaceships from other planets. However, the articles also present more conventional explanations, such as meteors, artificial auroras created by satellites, or misidentification of planets like Venus. There's a noticeable skepticism towards official explanations, with some articles suggesting that authorities and scientists may rush to provide mundane explanations to downplay paranormal events. The overall stance appears to be one of reporting these events with a degree of open-mindedness, acknowledging the mystery and the public's fascination and concern, while also presenting alternative viewpoints and scientific theories.

This issue of 'Lindesnes' (and other associated clippings from 'Ringerikes Blad' and 'VG') from October and November 1985 focuses heavily on reports of unexplained aerial phenomena, primarily UFO sightings, across Norway.

UFO or Rocket Over Lillehammer

The main cover story details an incident in Lillehammer on the night of Tuesday, October 23, 1985. Several residents, including Anne Marie Windere, reported seeing a peculiar light phenomenon in the night sky. Windere described it as a ring-shaped object with a dark hole in the center, which expanded over 3-4 minutes before disappearing. She initially thought it might be northern lights but noted the light was much brighter and had a distinct form. Tormod Sten Palme, deputy chairman of the Lillehammer Astronomical Society, stated that while an exact explanation was difficult due to missing information, it might be related to rocket activity. He dismissed the possibility of it being northern lights due to low activity and expressed skepticism about it being an extraterrestrial UFO, though he noted that such phenomena could be related to space travel. The Astronomical Society is interested in contacting witnesses and gathering more details, such as the object's size relative to the moon.

Tormod Hagen, UFO-interested: 'The enormous light especially'

This section features comments from Tormod Hagen, a UFO enthusiast since 1967, who has been involved in starting UFO interest clubs in various Norwegian cities. He finds the instantaneous change from darkness to light, like flipping a light switch, particularly interesting. Hagen has scaled back his public involvement but recounts a story from Magnhild Brovig. He notes the special characteristic of a luminous circle around the object, through which stars could be seen, but not through the central 'spot', suggesting it might be a solid object. Hagen speculates that if the light was as enormous as it appeared, people in Mandal might have observed the same phenomenon.

Mandalsdame så UFO?

This article details Magnhild Brovig's experience. Around 2:02 AM on a Wednesday night, while driving with Harald Høgsås near Steinsland, Lyngdal, they saw a blindingly bright light behind the mountains to the right. They could see stars through the light, but in the center was a 'filleted' object, described as a 'fire spot,' that moved slowly within a luminous circle. The circle itself did not move but seemed to expand and fade. The entire event lasted about fifteen minutes. Brovig, who is not superstitious, states she doesn't believe in supernatural beings unless she sees them, but she cannot explain this event as earthly. She has often observed shooting stars and lights in the sky from Molkebakken, Mandal, but never anything like this. She humorously recounts not finding her camera in the car during the sighting. She insists the phenomenon was not an atomic bomb and that there was no indication of trouble in the area.

'Smultring' observed in the sky

This report from Gjøvik mentions that many people observed a strange, ring-shaped light, resembling a 'smultring' (doughnut), with a bright spot inside, on Wednesday night. The most likely explanation offered is barium gas dispersed in the atmosphere, which reflects light, possibly used by researchers studying northern lights. It is noted that the object remained stationary, unlike a meteor, which moves across the sky. This phenomenon was reportedly observed across southern Norway and was likely high in the atmosphere, according to the solar observatory in Harestua.

's fem på gata: Tor de på UFOer og rare vesener?

This section presents the opinions of five individuals from Haug, Skotselv, and Ådal regarding UFOs and strange beings.

• Egil Sørstrøm, Haug: Believes UFOs are fantasy and that increased media coverage fuels imagination.
• Gunvor Jørgensen, Skotselv: Does not believe in UFOs unless one has experienced it personally, suggesting natural explanations exist.
• Morten Eikenes, Haug: Does not believe in UFOs or strange beings, attributing sightings to misidentified aircraft or celestial bodies, and stating that nothing supernatural occurs.
• Vigdis Viker, Ådal: Is not entirely dismissive, admitting it could be intriguing and that one never knows for sure if there are other beings in space. She states she would be very scared if she encountered such a phenomenon.
• Kjell Finn Hansen, Hønefoss: Is skeptical, feeling too grounded to believe in UFOs and has never been convinced by reports of such events, suggesting misidentification of aircraft or celestial bodies.

Tele-okkultisme? The mysterious phone call

This article from 'VG' (dated November 9, 1985) details a strange phenomenon experienced by Randi and Bjørn Bødtker in Oslo. For several weeks, their telephone would ring precisely at 2:10 AM every night. When the receiver was lifted, there was no one on the line. The mystery deepened when unplugging the phone did not stop the ringing; instead, a piercing whistling sound continued from the wall socket. The Bødtkers had contacted Televerket (the Norwegian Telecommunications Administration) multiple times without a satisfactory resolution, with Televerket initially being skeptical. VG confirmed the Bødtkers' account. The Televerket's working theory was that the sound originated from an electrical appliance, possibly a freezer located on the other side of the wall from the phone socket, which activated around the same time each night.

TELEGRØSS fra fryseboks?

This follow-up article from 'VG' (dated November 13, 1985) reports on Televerket's investigation into the Bødtkers' 'ghostly telephone' phenomenon. Televerket technicians installed measuring equipment at the Bødtkers' home. However, the mysterious whistling sound could not be registered by their apparatus. The primary suspect remained the freezer, which was on the opposite side of the wall from the phone socket. Televerket's theory was that the freezer's electrical cycle, possibly due to a short circuit, was causing the sound. The Bødtkers expressed skepticism, questioning why the sound would be linked to the phone's plug and why it occurred at the exact same time nightly. Televerket proposed a test where the Bødtkers would systematically disconnect appliances to identify the source. If the sound stopped when the freezer was disconnected, the case would be considered solved.

Det var fryseboks en!

This final, brief report confirms that the mysterious telephone sound experienced by the Bødtkers at Nordseter, Oslo, was indeed traced to their freezer. Televerket concluded their investigation after the 'ghostly ringing' ceased when the freezer was disconnected. While Televerket could not explain why the sound occurred precisely at 2:10 AM or why its intensity varied, they confirmed it was not related to their own systems.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this collection of articles are unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs), mysterious sounds, and the public's reaction to them, ranging from belief to skepticism. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on these events, presenting witness accounts, and including potential scientific or mundane explanations. There is a clear effort to investigate and provide closure, as seen in the detailed reporting of the Bødtkers' telephone mystery, which was ultimately attributed to a common household appliance. The articles highlight the public's fascination with the unknown while also acknowledging the tendency for misidentification or natural explanations.

This document is a report from a meeting held by the Hessdalen project participants on November 2-3, 1985, at Erling Strand's home in Eidsvoll, Norway. The meeting was attended by representatives from UFO-SVERIGE (Ulf Ekstedt, Håkan Ekstrand, Mats Nilsson, Christer Nordin) and UFO-NORGE (Leif Havik, Odd-Gunnar Røed, Erling Strand, and Knut Aasheim for part of the weekend). The hosts were Bente Strand and Mona Storm Nilsen.

Meeting Decisions and Discussions

Postponement of Hessdalen Workshop The primary decision was to postpone the Project Hessdalen Workshop (PHW) to April 1986. This was deemed a correct decision due to the lack of financial resources. The meeting also discussed expanding the invitation list for future events to include more sighting groups, such as representatives from Norsk Parapsykologisk Selskap, Norsk Esoterisk Selskap, and PSI.

Financial Matters and Fundraising

#### National Enquirer and Image Rights
A bill was to be sent to National Enquirer for nineteen photos received in January, as no return was received, implying the photos were used. The publication pays $150 for such images, and the project intended to claim this payment.

#### Technical Report Distribution
Copies of the technical report were to be sent to Readers Digest, National Geographic, Illustrert Vitenskap, and Viten as an approach to present the project. If these publications were interested, it would lead to publicity; otherwise, they were asked to return the reports.

#### Project Hessdalen Fond
A fund named 'Project Hessdalen Fond' was established. This fund aims to collect financial resources for rapid response to phenomena occurrences on the Scandinavian Peninsula. The goal is to eventually equip a vehicle with necessary resources for quick deployment wherever needed. This initiative is expected to be costly, requiring high financial targets.

#### Promotional Materials
To support the fund, a folder in English would be created, detailing the Hessdalen phenomena and past events. This folder would include order forms for the report, a photo booklet, and a slide set. Leif was tasked with preparing a draft of this folder by December 1st, following the format of UFO-NORGES's promotional folder.

#### Stickers
UFO-SVERIGE would produce a large, four-color sticker of the Hessdalen phenomenon, priced at approximately 25 kroner, with proceeds going to the fund. A smaller sticker with the text "FOR an FREE RESEARCH, SUPPORT PROJECT HESSDALEN" would also be made in Sweden, including bank and giro numbers. Both Norwegian and Swedish bank accounts would be used for the fund to cater to national sentiments. These stickers were intended to be widely distributed across Scandinavia to increase public awareness.

#### Technical Report in Norwegian
A Norwegian version of the technical report was also planned. Leif had a nearly complete version, which would be finalized and copied for sale to those who do not fully understand English. The price was estimated at around 40 kroner.

Project Suspension and Future Observation

#### One-Year Hiatus
The Project Hessdalen would be put on hold for one year to replenish financial reserves. The participants agreed that without instruments, it would be interesting to observe what happens in the valley, as phenomena had previously reacted to instruments like cameras and flashlights.

#### Hessdalen Meeting
A meeting was planned for the community center in Hessdalen during the winter. A one-hour video film, compiled from interviews and footage during the project, was shown. UFO-SVERIGE was behind this product, and efforts would be made to have it premiered in Hessdalen. If successful, there was a hope that NRK (Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) might broadcast the film on television.

Equipment and Appreciation

#### Lost Binoculars
A pair of binoculars belonging to Helge Aasen from Ålen, which went missing during the last project, would be replaced. A new pair had already been purchased in Sweden and would be sent to Leif Havik for personal handover.

#### Pens
Swedish participants brought pens named 'Project Hessdalen'. These would be sent to foreign friends who had assisted the project. Erling Strand would send them to Norwegian contributors. Anyone feeling deserving who did not receive a pen was encouraged to contact the organizers.

#### Pen Purchase Option
For those who wished to purchase a pen, they could send 15 kroner to the Project Hessdalen account (4 02 23 56). This would also strengthen the fund, and the pen would be sent free of charge. The pen was described as special with its unique script placement.

Travel and Departures

After assisting Håkan with his car, the participants departed. The report humorously notes the difficulty of driving with worn summer tires in early winter conditions. The participants noted the varying distances they had to travel back: Leif 40 miles north, the Swedes 70 miles east in autumnal darkness, and the author (Odd-Gunnar Røed) 20 miles south on usable roads. The author felt he had the easiest journey this time.

The group looked forward to the next meeting, anticipating that the journey back to Sweden might involve "things and stuff."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance The recurring themes in this report are the financial challenges faced by the Hessdalen project, the need for continued public awareness and fundraising, and the scientific curiosity to observe the phenomena even without active instrumentation. The editorial stance is one of determined optimism, acknowledging the difficulties but focusing on future plans and collaborative efforts to continue the research. There is a clear emphasis on international cooperation between Norwegian and Swedish researchers and a desire to engage a wider audience through media and promotional materials.