Klipprunden - 1986 08 17

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-FART magazine, dated August 1986, is primarily focused on UFO phenomena, with a significant feature on a dramatic incident in the Devil's Triangle. The magazine is published by NIVFO and appears to be a Norwegian publication.

Cover Story: UFO Shocker in the Devil's Triangle

The cover headline screams "UFO SHOCKER IN THE DEVIL'S TRIANGLE," and the lead story details an incident on May 5th where a family's boat sank. According to Dr. Leopold Stinson, who presented his findings at a symposium, a UFO rose from the sea and lowered a life raft to the distressed family. The UFO was described as golden-colored and star-shaped, hovering about 75 yards away before vanishing. The family, who were reportedly on their way to the Bahamas, were rescued by a fishing boat. The report mentions that the Air Force raft had American insignia and dated from the mid-1950s. The investigation is ongoing, with Stinson's colleagues expressing mixed reactions.

Other UFO Sightings and Phenomena

Beyond the Devil's Triangle incident, the magazine reports on several other UFO sightings:

• Telemark, Norway (July 3): A rotating, pumpkin-shaped object was observed for several minutes before disappearing.
• Moss, Norway (July 26): A UFO described as glowing red was seen hanging in a parachute.
• Mjøndalen, Norway (July 19): A UFO sighting was reported.
• Chesterfield, UK (July 8): Melvyn Broadhurst reported seeing a bright yellow, oval-shaped object, the size of a mini car, silently searching for a landing spot.
• Syningen, Norway: Two unexplained circular rings, 7-8 meters in diameter, were found in a field, prompting an investigation by the military.

Ball Lightning

A separate article discusses the phenomenon of "Kule-lyn" (ball lightning), recounting a personal experience where a fiery, ball-shaped object appeared, exploded with a deafening sound, and caused significant air pressure.

Erich von Däniken and Ancient Astronauts

The magazine features information about the organization Dänikens Venner (Däniken's Friends), which was founded in March 1986 in Stavanger, Norway. The organization aims to create a forum for people interested in popular science, intelligence development, and the mysteries of the universe, drawing inspiration from Erich von Däniken's theories. They plan to offer seminars, video programs, and even travel opportunities. The article mentions Däniken's book "In Search of Ancient Astronauts" and his theory that the Nazca lines in Peru might have served as landing markers for extraterrestrial visitors. The work of Maria Reiche, who dedicated 40 years to studying the Nazca lines, is also highlighted, noting her belief that the figures represent the sky during the Nazca people's peak period and were used as an astronomical calendar.

In Memoriam: J. Allen Hynek

The issue notes the passing of J. Allen Hynek, an astrophysicist who led Northwestern University's astronomical department and was instrumental in making the study of UFOs more respectable. He coined the term "close encounter of the third kind" and served as a technical advisor for Steven Spielberg's 1977 film. Hynek was born in 1910, the same year Halley's Comet last visited, and reportedly joked about leaving Earth with the comet. He died of a malignant tumor.

Reader Contributions and Editorial Notes

The magazine includes a letter from O-G, who apologizes for delays due to a busy summer and mentions the upcoming deadline for the journal. He also discusses the ongoing interest in the Tonning film and a report that samples from it might not be "dritt" (rubbish) after all. Another reader, Henry Ruud, writes in response to an article, questioning the explanation of a UFO sighting as a planet like Jupiter or Mars, preferring the term UFO.

Other Mentions

• The Weekly World News is cited for an article about a UFO rescue in the Bermuda Triangle.
• Fremtiden i Drammen newspaper is mentioned for a report on UFOlog Oddvar Eriksen and his homemade UFO.
• NTB (Norwegian News Agency) is mentioned in relation to their inquiries about the Tonning film.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFO-FART strongly emphasizes UFO sightings and encounters, particularly the dramatic Devil's Triangle incident. It also delves into related topics such as ball lightning and the ancient astronaut theories popularized by Erich von Däniken. The magazine appears to present these topics with a degree of seriousness, while also including personal accounts and news from other publications. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry into unexplained phenomena, encouraging reader participation and discussion. The inclusion of the Dänikens Venner organization suggests a focus on promoting scientific curiosity and exploring unconventional ideas.

Title: 7 Siders
Issue Date: July 20, 1986
Publisher: VG
Country: Norway
Language: Norwegian
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "7 Siders" (7 Pages), a supplement from VG aimed at young readers aged 7-15, features a lead story on the unusual hobby of 13-year-old Preben Øvergård from Elverum. The magazine also delves into various UFO sightings and related phenomena reported in Norway during July 1986, alongside articles exploring the intersection of science fiction and scientific inquiry.

Unexplained Things as a Hobby: Preben Øvergård's Fascination

The cover story highlights Preben Øvergård's deep interest in "unexplained things." He is dedicated to researching what might be true or likely about UFOs, flying saucers, ghosts, abominable snowmen, and the Loch Ness Monster. Preben, who has been interested in these topics since he could read, shares his hobby with his friend Jakob Låte. He expresses a desire to connect with others who share similar interests and to sift through the vast amount of information, distinguishing fact from fiction. Preben also voices his belief that humans are likely not alone in the universe and hopes any extraterrestrial visitors would be intelligent.

UFO Sightings and Investigations Across Norway

The issue compiles several reports of alleged UFO sightings and related events:

• Moss: A reader reported observing a mysterious, red-glowing object with a parachute-like feature near Revlingen. Authorities from Rygge airbase and the police investigated but concluded it was likely a star.
• Hallingdal: Sensational reports emerged about UFO-like objects observed in Hallingdal. A family, the Tonnings, filmed a video of two luminous, elliptical objects moving erratically. This footage sparked widespread discussion and speculation.
• Drammensmarka: The article humorously speculates that if cow dung rings are signs of extraterrestrial visits, then Drammensmarka must have many UFOs annually.
• Telemark: The Telemark region was abuzz with the UFO sighting in Hallingdal. Radio Grenland planned a debate program featuring Torfinn Tonning, the witness who filmed the objects, and someone who suggested the objects might be the planet Jupiter.
• Mjøndalen: Gerd Signe Markussen from Drammen reported seeing a large, luminous object over Mjøndalen for about 10 minutes. She described it as large and bright, unlike a typical aircraft.
• Drangedal: Øyvind Vøllestad described a dark, rotating object that emitted a strong light, observed over Smibuåsen. He questioned if it could have been a weather balloon.

Oddvar Eriksen: Building a Flying Saucer and Proving Ancient Electricity

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to Oddvar Eriksen from Steinberg, a self-proclaimed UFO researcher. Having had his first UFO experience at age 12, Eriksen claims to have witnessed around 60 such objects since then and is convinced of their existence. He is actively working on building his own flying saucer, with designs for a two-meter diameter craft. Eriksen also has a theory about ancient Egyptians using electric eels to generate electricity for lighting, supported by depictions in the Dendera temple. He has conducted experiments, including acquiring an electric eel, to demonstrate this theory. Eriksen is involved in over 100 organizations worldwide and believes that UFO evidence is mounting, suggesting that governments, particularly the USA, may be withholding information.

Scientific and Skeptical Perspectives

The articles present a range of perspectives on the UFO phenomenon:

• Astrofysisk Institutt (Astrophysical Institute): This institute reportedly dismissed the Hallingdal sightings as potentially being clouds, meteors, or aircraft.
• UFO-Norge: This organization expressed excitement over the Hallingdal video, characterizing the objects as "fantastic" and suggesting they were not natural phenomena.
• Grenland og Omegn Astronomisk forening (Grenland and Surroundings Astronomical Society): Tom Eriksen, chairman of this society, suggested that the bright lights in the Hallingdal video could be planets like Jupiter, which is currently very bright. He also noted that camera movement could explain the observed motion.
• Norsk Institutt for Vitenskapelig Forskning og Opplysning (NIVFO): NIVFO, led by Sten Ødegård, is actively investigating the UFO reports from Hallingdal. They aim to analyze soil samples and video footage to uncover the truth behind these events. NIVFO has a history of debunking hoaxes, including a famous case involving a supposed UFO photograph.

Science Fiction and Its Role

The magazine touches upon the relationship between science fiction and the public's perception of UFOs. The cover features a book titled "Science Fiction and Science," posing the question of whether science fiction can predict the future. The articles suggest that while science fiction may fuel imagination, it also intersects with genuine attempts to understand unexplained phenomena.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the fascination with the unexplained, the pursuit of knowledge about UFOs and other mysteries, and the critical examination of evidence. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various witness accounts, researcher theories, and skeptical viewpoints without definitively concluding on the nature of the phenomena. The magazine encourages readers to engage with these topics and form their own opinions, highlighting the ongoing debate and investigation into UFOs and related mysteries in Norway.