Klipprunden - 1986 05 28

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Norge, dated May 28, 1986, is a Norwegian publication dedicated to the study of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs) and related phenomena. It features news from the organization, reports on sightings, and discussions of various theories.

National Meeting and Organization News

The magazine reports on the UFO-Norge national meeting held at Grand Hotell in Horten. The contact and information committee was re-elected, consisting of six members, with Odd Gunnar Røed as the contact person. The meeting also addressed UFO regulations and the sharing of press clippings. The organization aims to collect, process, and study information about UFOs, and to inform members and the public, fostering a greater understanding of UFOs as a reality. They also seek to establish contact with UFO enthusiasts nationally and internationally.

Odd Gunnar Røed, a leader in UFO-Norge, is highlighted for his involvement and his role as a contact person. The organization's report center has moved, now managed by Irre Lindstrom and Leif Havik. The report center collects information on sightings using standardized forms. The organization is also seeking to increase its subscriber base for its newsletter to cover expenses.

Erich von Daniken's Theories

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the theories of Erich von Daniken, who presented his ideas in Stavanger. Von Daniken proposes that astronauts from advanced alien planets visited Earth in ancient times, influencing human intelligence and civilization. He has written eleven books on the subject, selling 45 million copies worldwide. A new book, his twelfth in Norwegian, is released. In Stavanger, a group called "Dänikens Venner" (Daniken's Friends) has been established by students from the entrepreneurship program at DH. The members express an open-minded approach to his theories, emphasizing that they are not fanatics but are interested in exploring ideas beyond conventional understanding. They acknowledge that many people are interested in his books but are afraid to admit it due to fear of ridicule. The group plans to publish a quarterly journal, form a book club, and organize film nights and discussion evenings.

Von Daniken's theories are based on comparisons of creation myths from various religions, noting similarities in accounts of gods descending from the sky. He also examines ancient structures like pyramids, suggesting their construction implies knowledge of space. He points to evidence such as ancient runways in Peru and Saudi Arabia, and Mayan artwork depicting astronauts and spaceships. However, the magazine notes that these are still theories and speculations.

UFO Sightings and Incidents

The issue reports on several UFO-related incidents:

• Hallingdal Sightings: Two identical, burnt circular marks, about seven meters in diameter, were discovered on a mountain near Torpo in Hallingdal. These were initially linked to a UFO sighting by Torfinn Tonning, who captured video footage of luminous objects. However, UFO-Norge has investigated and concluded that the ground marks were actually "cow pats" from a manure spreader, though Tonning's video of the aerial phenomenon is still considered significant and not easily explained.
• Torpo Video: A video recording of a UFO over Torpo in Hallingdal was made by a man from Skien. The film reportedly shows a dark, disk-like object with light points moving rapidly and erratically, ruling out explanations like Jupiter.
• Svulrya/Finnsogen Cross: A cross-shaped formation, approximately two meters long and 1.5 meters wide, has existed for over a century in the ground near Röjden, on the Swedish side of the border. It is noted that nothing grows within this formation, and various theories, including one involving a hidden treasure and a curse, exist among the local population.
• Project Hessdalen: The magazine mentions Project Hessdalen, indicating that a Norwegian version of a report on this project will be released in the fall. The project is described as having received support from scientists.

Media Coverage and International News

UFO-Norge has been featured in media, including a four-hour live radio broadcast on Radio Horten and a three-hour broadcast on Radio 1 in Oslo, which generated about ten to twelve inquiries about Hessdalen reports and membership. A representative from UFO-Norge also attended a conference in Leeds, England, related to UFOs and Project Hessdalen.

Internationally, CUN in Italy has split into two factions: CUN and CISU (Centro Italiano Studi UFOlogici). Dr. Pinotti is now reachable via a new address in Bologna, Italy.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes an open-minded approach to UFO phenomena, encouraging the collection and study of evidence. It highlights the efforts of UFO-Norge to inform the public and engage with scientific perspectives. While acknowledging the speculative nature of some theories, such as those of Erich von Daniken, the publication emphasizes the importance of exploring unconventional ideas and not dismissing them outright. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into unexplained aerial phenomena and related historical and cultural claims, while also maintaining a degree of critical evaluation, as seen in the debunking of the "svimerker" as cow pats.