Klipprunden - 1986 03 12

Magazine Overview

This issue of Norske Argus, dated 1986, focuses heavily on the topic of UFOs (Unidentified Flying Objects) and related phenomena. The magazine presents a collection of articles, reports, and personal accounts from Norway and touches upon international perspectives.

Articles and Reports

UFO Belief and Observations

The issue opens with a brief mention of a poll by Northern Illinois University indicating that 40% of Americans believe in UFOs. This is followed by a report from Indre Akershus Blad about Anne Lise Olsen's sighting of a strange light, described as about 50 cm in diameter, with a neighbor's barn as a backdrop, which slowly disappeared. The magazine also references FIRDA clips via ARGUS, suggesting a recurring theme of UFO-related news.

The Parafysisk Studiesirkel

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the Parafysisk Studiesirkel, an organization actively involved in collecting and investigating UFO reports. Wilhelm Simonsen, the leader, and Vidar Ranvik Gunhildrud, a co-founder, are featured. They emphasize the importance of people coming forward with their sightings and express a desire for more observations. The article highlights that the group has been systematically collecting data for 20 years and works to verify reports by checking with meteorological institutes and the Air Force to rule out conventional explanations like aircraft or weather balloons. They also mention receiving unusual claims, such as contact with 'UFO crews' from 800-year-old beings, which they suggest might be better suited for psychiatric evaluation.

A Unique UFO Photograph

One of the most intriguing items is a photograph that the Parafysisk Studiesirkel considers one of the most interesting UFO images they possess. The photo, taken in Jessheim in 1965 by a woman who was not aware of UFO phenomena at the time, shows an unexplained light that overexposed the negative. Despite being examined by photo experts, the image has not been identified as a hoax or trickery, presenting a unique, inexplicable phenomenon.

Personal UFO Encounters

Wilhelm Simonsen shares his personal journey into UFO research, starting with reading American magazines and then becoming aware of sightings in Norway. He recounts his own UFO sighting, which he describes as an object moving with unusual speed and making sudden changes in direction, convincing him it was not an aircraft or a star. He notes that the object's movements were unlike anything he had heard of before.

The First Norwegian UFO Book

The magazine features Tore Mostue, a young man from Lillehammer, who is in the process of writing the first Norwegian book dedicated to UFO phenomena. Mostue aims to explain what UFOs are, describe the phenomena, and provide examples of observations, challenging the common misconception that UFOs are solely about 'little green men.' He has visited Hessdalen, a well-known UFO hotspot in Norway, 17 times to interview witnesses. His book will cover UFO history, governmental responses, historical accounts (including references to the Bible and ancient Indian texts), and theories about natural disasters and potential extraterrestrial life. Mostue emphasizes that UFO phenomena are real and that the lack of information has led to people being wrongly labeled as 'crazy.'

Other Sightings and Explanations

Several other brief reports are included:

• A report from Tønsberg mentions a sighting of a strange light, possibly a UFO.
• A piece from Gudbrandsdølen and Lillehammer Tilskuer discusses a colorful, star-like object observed in the Vassenden area, which was also seen in Førde and Leikanger. Finn Kalvik from UFO Norge suggests it might be the star Acturus, visible low in the southwest during February and March. However, an amateur researcher, Olav J. Befring, who was contacted by someone in Leikanger, believes it was not a normal star and has consulted the Astrophysical Institute in Oslo, which suggested it could be related to natrium gas experiments.
• An article from Oppland Arbeiderblad details a sighting by 12-year-old Jan Vegar Millerud and his cousin near Kolbu. They described two 'things' in the sky, one like a red ball and another as large as a house with rear lights, moving silently. Jan Vegar expressed fear and a reluctance to go skiing again.
• Another report from Oppland Arbeiderblad mentions a sighting of a flying 'house' seen flying at low altitude over Randsfjorden, moving towards Toten. The anonymous witness described it as having the width and height of a house, with the rear part illuminated, and heard a faint hum.
• A brief note discusses Sirius blinking due to cold weather, as explained by the Solobservatoriet at Harestua, and mentions that satellites can also be observed moving among the stars.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout the issue is the exploration of UFO phenomena, with a strong emphasis on personal testimonies and the efforts of dedicated researchers and groups like the Parafysisk Studiesirkel. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of open-minded investigation, encouraging the public to share their experiences and challenging skepticism. There is a clear effort to present UFOs as a serious topic worthy of study, moving beyond sensationalism and common misconceptions. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging a more informed public discourse on the subject, highlighting the need for more information and open-mindedness.

This issue of Norske Argus, dated February 20, 1986, is a compilation of newspaper clippings from various Norwegian publications, primarily focusing on UFO sightings and related phenomena. The main cover story, from 'Dagningen' of Lillehammer, is titled 'UFO-narrer' and debunks a local sighting as a homemade hot air balloon.

UFO-narrer: The Lillehammer Hot Air Balloon Hoax

The cover story from 'Dagningen' (Lillehammer) on February 20, 1986, details a phenomenon in Lillehammer where young students created hot air balloons from silk paper. These balloons, launched in the evening, were mistaken for UFOs by observers. The article features three students: Harald Roterud, Pål Fløtre, and Snorre Pedersen, who are described as 'inventive trio testing a hot air balloon.' The piece emphasizes that not everything seen in the sky, especially on a dark evening, is necessarily a UFO. It explains that these homemade balloons created 'strange lights' that were neither planes, shooting stars, nor UFOs. Tore Mostue from 'UFO Lillehammer' is mentioned as collecting reports from the public, indicating an interest in such sightings. The article includes a photograph of a young person with one of these balloon creations.

Other UFO Sightings and Reports

Lysende gjenstand over Malm

A clipping from 'Trønder-Avisa' (Steinkjer), dated February 6, 1986, reports a sighting of a luminous object over Malm. A woman and her husband observed the phenomenon for over an hour. They described it as moving slowly in a southerly direction, clearly not a star. The object was mostly white but varied with red and white light. The political tendency of the newspaper is noted as Center Party and Venstre.

UFO sett fra Reistad

Another clipping, from 'Drammens Tidende Buskeruds Blad' dated February 10, 1986, describes a UFO sighting from Reistad. A family observed a luminous object in the southern sky towards Svelvik around 10 PM. The object remained stationary for at least 20 minutes. Using binoculars, the family noted color changes between red, blue, and green, and a shape that shifted from cylindrical to more circular. The political tendency of this newspaper is listed as Conservative.

Lysende gjenstand in Lillehammer

A report from 'Gudbrandsdølen Lillehammer Tilskuer' dated February 11, 1986, details a sighting of a luminous object in Lillehammer. Three people in Bakkalykkja observed a flame-like object moving from southwest to northeast. It hovered silently for three minutes, appearing oval, transparent, and filled with smoke, changing color from yellow-red to white. The object then accelerated and disappeared. It was estimated to be about 200 meters above the ground and moved silently. Tore Mostue from UFO Lillehammer is again mentioned as seeking more reports.

Local News and Other Items

Beyond the UFO reports, the issue contains several local news items:

• Ikke tilskudd til mobiltelefon: The cultural committee rejected a request for subsidies for mobile phones from the Fåberg Vestsides Jakt- og Fiskeforening.
• Fortsatt nei til skytebane: The cultural committee in Lillehammer maintained its opposition to establishing a field shooting range near Abboraksjøen or Grøtåshaugen, referencing a 1982 municipal council decision.
• Vinterterrassen: A brief note about Victoria Terrasse being accessible in winter, with the stairs serving as a popular jump spot.
• Ny byggekomite for Banken: A proposal to form a new building committee for the cultural center 'Gamle Banken,' with representatives from the municipal executive board, cultural committee, sports committee, and youth organizations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme is the reporting and, in the case of the Lillehammer 'UFO-narrer,' the debunking of UFO sightings. The magazine appears to present sightings from various locations while also offering explanations that attribute them to mundane phenomena like hot air balloons. The editorial stance, as suggested by the cover story, is one of caution against jumping to conclusions about unidentified flying objects, promoting rational explanations and scientific inquiry. The inclusion of different newspaper clippings suggests a broad interest in UFO phenomena across Norway, while also highlighting the role of local media in reporting these events.