Klipprunden - 1986 09 15

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-NORGE, dated September 15, 1986, opens with a personal greeting from the editor, acknowledging a lapse in communication and the approaching holiday season. The magazine focuses on organizational matters, financial support for members, and a collection of UFO sightings and related news from various Norwegian and Swedish sources.

Financial Matters and Organizational Support

The issue details a discussion at the last committee meeting regarding the organization's financial situation. It is reported that the economic situation is not as dire as feared, allowing for a fund to support members who have incurred expenses in their work for UFO-NORGE. A specific application from Leif Havik for support towards Project Hessdalen and the report center was reviewed and partially approved with adjustments. The approved amounts for Project Hessdalen covered expenses like gasoline, tolls, accommodation, propane, and a portion of the requested hourly wage, totaling Kr. 3,583. The report center's operational costs were also partially covered, with Kr. 300 for postage and Kr. 1,000 for office expenses for 1985, and Kr. 400 for postage and Kr. 1,500 for office expenses for 1986, totaling Kr. 3,200.

Additionally, UFO-NORGE decided to send 4000 Swedish Kroner to UFO-SVERIGE to help cover the printing costs of their four-color stickers, acknowledging that UFO-SVERIGE was facing similar financial difficulties. This payment was to be processed through a project account.

A committee meeting was scheduled for October 5th at Erling Strand's home in Eidsviold to discuss applications.

Travelogue: Philip and Elaine Mantle's Visit to Norway

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to a travelogue by Philip Mantle, detailing his and Elaine Mantle's ten-day visit to Norway. They were the main attraction at a meeting in Strømmen on August 23rd, where Philip gave a lecture on phenomena similar to those at Hessdalen. The author expresses regret that more people did not attend, but mentions having slides to share later.

• The travelogue recounts their experiences, including:
• Arriving in Norway on August 21st via the passenger ship "VENUS."
• Visiting Stavanger and attending a public meeting organized by UFO-ROGALAND, where both Philip and Elaine gave lectures to an audience of about 50 people.
• Staying in Sandnes with a view of seven municipalities.
• Traveling east along the coast, noting the Norwegian landscape and the scarcity of forests compared to England.
• Visiting Oslo and experiencing the unique atmosphere of "LUDVIG" (formerly Torvgata Bad), which featured eclectic decorations and a surprising appearance of a moose head.
• A pleasant evening with Roar Wister.
• Attending a football match in which EIK won 6-0, noting the lack of fences, the sale of bottles, the presence of children, and the generally pleasant atmosphere.
• A boat trip, visiting the island of Gåsø and a thousand-year-old oak tree.
• Traveling to Sweden and Strömstad, enjoying the ferry trip and some souvenir shopping.
• Visiting Tønsberg, Norway's oldest city, exploring Slottsfjellet and the city's shops and restaurants.
• Traveling to Telemark, visiting Gaustadtoppen, and experiencing the region's natural beauty, described as "Norway in miniature."
• A planned trip to Espevær was canceled as Philip felt unwell.
• Social activities included watching videos from the UFO-RAMA collection.
• Discussions about boxing matches, including one involving Steffen Tangstad.
• A scenic drive over Haukeli and "Norway's roof," with observations of the unique Norwegian nature.
• A meal costing 60 kroner, which included a wide variety of dishes, leading to a feeling of being over-full.
• The return journey, which was described as a "triumphant tour" for tourism.
• The final leg of the journey back to Tønsberg, with assistance from two drivers from the Tønsberg group, Mona Storm Nilsen and Kari Anne Sørensen, to whom the author expresses gratitude.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The magazine compiles numerous UFO sightings and related news items from various sources:

• Project Hessdalen: Mentioned in relation to financial support and lectures by Philip and Elaine Mantle.
• Ireland: A report from Aftenposten about a statue of the Virgin Mary in Ballinspittle that appears to move, with some witnesses seeing the phenomenon and others not. The skeptical photographer reportedly saw it, while the author did not.
• Sweden: A clipping from Aftonbladet indicates increased Swedish interest in outer space, featuring UFO-SVERIGE.
• Northern Norway: A collection of reports from newspapers like Nordlands-posten, Fremøver, Nordlands Fremtid, and Helgeland Arbeiderblad detail sightings of "optical phenomena," "strange objects," "strange lights," and "UFOs" in areas like Bodø, Skjomen-fjell, Evenes, and Brønnøysunds Avis. Some phenomena were attributed to Jupiter or meteors, while others remained unexplained.
• Central Norway: Reports from Adresseavisen and Trønderavisa mention "strange lights" and phenomena over Dovre, Snåsa, and Kolvereid. Some reports suggest these were Jupiter, while others describe lights resembling rockets or metallic reflections.
• Dovrefjell: A specific report from Gudbrandsdølen og Lillehammer Tilskuer describes a strong light over the horizon near Kongsvoll that lasted for ten minutes to a quarter of an hour before extinguishing, appearing as a metallic reflection.
• Jupiter as an Explanation: Several reports, including one from Solobservatoriet in Harestua, suggest that Jupiter was responsible for some of the observed lights, particularly due to its position and brightness in August. However, some witnesses, like Tore Sørung, reject this explanation.
• Underground UFO Organization: A report from Forbrukerrapporten details the mysterious disappearance of an organization called "Fremmedvitenskapelig Informasjon" and its magazine "Tid og Rom." The organization, based in Sandefjord, became unresponsive after a subscriber paid for a year's subscription but only received one issue. Attempts to contact them failed, and the organization, its magazine, and its publisher could not be found in any official records, leading to speculation that it had dissolved or moved its operations.
• Local Sightings: Reports from Drammens Tidende/Buskeruds Blad describe a large light with rays seen over Gjerpeskollen, and from Arbeidets Rett, a sharp, yellow light ascending rapidly with a fan-shaped tail seen near Brekken.
• Meteor Explanations: Jan Erik Solheim from Nordlysobservatoriet in Tromsø suggests that some of the observed phenomena, like a fireball seen over Andalshatten, were likely meteors, noting their characteristic luminous trails and rapid disappearance.

Editorial Notes and Calls to Action

The magazine includes a section titled "VIKTIG" (IMPORTANT) urging contributors to adhere to deadlines, highlighting the pressure placed on Per Ottesen and Kari Anne Sørensen due to late submissions. It also mentions the availability of T-shirts with the slogan "JEG STØTTER PROJECT HESSDALEN, FOR EN FRI FORSKNING."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the financial and organizational aspects of UFO research groups (UFO-NORGE, UFO-SVERIGE), and the challenges of verifying and explaining these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of active investigation and information sharing, while also acknowledging the practical difficulties of running such an organization and the need for timely contributions from its members. There is a clear effort to document and report on a wide range of sightings, offering various explanations from astronomical phenomena to the unexplained, and also highlighting the organizational efforts and travel experiences of key figures within the UFO community.

Title: Sandnes Tidend
Issue Date: August 1986
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of Sandnes Tidend, dated August 1986, focuses heavily on the phenomenon of Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), exploring sightings, research, and public interest in the topic. The cover features the headline "UFO-ANE ER STADIG UIDENT" (UFOs are still unidentified) and an image of three men, one holding a poster depicting a UFO.

UFO-Rogaland and UFO Research

The magazine highlights the activities of UFO-Rogaland, an organization dedicated to investigating and documenting UFO sightings. Tor Inge Lilledal, the leader of the UFO section, states that observations are a global phenomenon, taken seriously by an increasing number of scientists. He notes that UFO researchers are utilizing computer technology to aid their work. The article suggests that ancient history indicates extraterrestrial visits, with unknown objects demonstrating technology far superior to our own.

UFO-Rogaland aims to record, investigate, and inform the public about these phenomena. They also engage in public outreach on related scientific topics like astronomy and physics. The organization has been active for four years, and Lilledal clarifies that UFO stands for 'unidentified flying object,' dispelling common associations with mysticism and 'little green men.'

The organization has established effective investigation groups to follow up on public reports. Lilledal asserts that Rogaland is not devoid of UFO activity, citing an incident where a sibling pair observed an object with three red lights in a triangular formation. After checking with local airports, he concluded it was not an aircraft.

Superpowers have reportedly engaged serious scientists to investigate unidentified flying objects, with 750,000 reports worldwide indicating it's more than just fantasy. UFO organizations claim only a tenth of sightings are reported. Increasing reports of abductions and examinations aboard unknown craft, with memory loss of the events, are adding to the mystery and concern.

International UFO Sightings and Events

The magazine touches upon international UFO phenomena, including the "Hessdalen phenomena" in Sør-Trøndelag, Norway, characterized by unexplained light flashes. Elaine and Philip Mantle from the Yorkshire UFO Society shared their experiences and slides from UFO observations in England.

A planned screening of the "Gol-filmen," a UFO video from Gol, was canceled due to the film being with an advertising agency in Oslo for examination.

UFO-Rogaland is collectively managed by two leaders and a secretary, with 30 members aged 20 to 70 attending monthly meetings.

The Ballinspittle Madonna Statue

A significant portion of the magazine is dedicated to the phenomenon of a statue of the Virgin Mary in Ballinspittle, Ireland. This statue has become a major pilgrimage site, with many claiming to have witnessed it move. The article describes how two women first reported the statue moving one evening in July of the previous year. Since then, numerous people have reported seeing the statue move, with some describing it bending forward and swaying from side to side. Stephen Nolan, an insurance agent, claims to have seen the statue lift its arms and sway. A woman from the village also reported seeing it bend forward and then tilt to the side.

Church officials are cautious, with the Bishop of Cork stating that such phenomena require years of investigation and that all natural explanations must be exhausted before considering supernatural theories. Despite this, large numbers of people, including families and groups led by nuns, visit the site. Some report miraculous healings, such as restored hearing or the alleviation of paralysis.

The article notes that the statue's movement is often reported after dark. The local committee has installed an electric halo around the statue. Scientists from the University of Cork have proposed a theory involving peculiar lighting conditions in the grotto creating optical illusions, which the magazine deems plausible.

However, the report includes a dramatic account from the Aftenposten photographer, Peter Van den Berg, who, despite being a self-proclaimed skeptic and former atheist, claims to have witnessed the statue moving. He describes the statue's clothing appearing to flutter as if in wind. This observation is contrasted with the experience of Cornelius O'Donovan, a devout local, who states he has never seen the statue move but finds the place peaceful.

The phenomenon is described as a "miraculous presence" by some. The article concludes by suggesting that "Ireland is different," implying a unique quality to the events.

UFOs and Space Interest in Sweden

Another section of the magazine discusses the growing interest in space and UFOs in Sweden. It mentions a "space movement" primarily composed of young people, with thousands of amateur enthusiasts studying spacecraft, listening for extraterrestrial signals, and discussing the future in space. This interest has been fueled by events like Halley's Comet and the "Star Wars" films.

Swedish organizations like SFSF (Scandinavian Science Fiction Association) and various astronomy clubs are active. The article notes ideological differences between science fiction enthusiasts, who focus on literature, and UFO believers, who are sometimes perceived as less grounded.

UFO-Sverige, a national organization with 3,000 members, has released a report for the latter half of 1985. The report indicates that 97.2% of reported sightings were misinterpretations, while 2.8% remain unexplained UFOs. The organization's definition of UFO is "an unidentified flying phenomenon that after conducted investigations and research cannot be explained as a known natural phenomenon."

Several specific Swedish UFO sightings are detailed:

• July 13, 1985: An object was observed at 02:22, moving southeast at the speed of a sport plane, estimated at 3000-4000 meters altitude and about 20 meters in size, black-grey in color. It disappeared instantly after approximately four minutes.
• October 29, 1985: In Borkhult, Lena Karlsson and another witness observed a luminous object moving slowly across the night sky. It appeared to stop and sway before vanishing.
• July 21, 1985: In Sjöaryd, Camilla Guldstrand and Carina Ågren reported seeing a black, disc-shaped object moving like a TV screen and then disappearing instantly.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine exhibits a strong interest in UFO phenomena, presenting both scientific investigations and anecdotal accounts. There is an underlying theme of mystery and the unknown, with a suggestion that advanced technologies and possibly extraterrestrial intelligence are involved. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, acknowledging the seriousness with which some scientists are approaching the subject, while also highlighting the skepticism and the need for rigorous investigation. The contrast between scientific analysis and personal testimony is a recurring element, particularly in the coverage of the Ballinspittle statue and the Swedish sightings.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated August 1986, focuses on the persistent question of whether the UFO phenomenon will ever be resolved. It compiles numerous reports and discussions from Norway and Sweden concerning unidentified aerial phenomena, scientific investigations, and potential explanations.

Article Summaries

'Vad finns egentligen där ute?' (What is really out there?)

This article highlights the growing interest in space and UFOs in Sweden, with many associations catering to this interest, from strict science to science fiction. It recounts an incident where Camilla and Carina, driving on road 120, witnessed numerous lights on the road that suddenly moved to the left and disappeared. A police officer, Jan Aschan, later saw a white object pass by. An investigation revealed a power outage in the area due to a transformer failure, which is noted as a rare occurrence, and similar effects have been reported in other UFO observations.

Later, Camilla and Carina returned to the site and found burnt vegetation, suggesting the object may have landed briefly. A reporter from Radio Kronoberg collected leaf samples which were confirmed to be burnt. FOA (Swedish Defence Research Agency) initially expressed interest but later stated they did not conduct an investigation, having heard that UFO-Sverige had already been there.

'Vil UFO-problemet noen gang bli løst?' (Will the UFO problem ever be solved?)

This piece explores the enduring mystery of UFOs and questions whether the problem will ever be solved. It recounts a detailed account from two hunters in Scotland in 1978 who observed a silent, luminous object descend onto a bog. They described the object as resembling two stacked dinner plates with protrusions. Three dwarf-like figures in white suits emerged, collecting soil and heather before the object ascended rapidly. The fact that two other hunters saw the same phenomenon adds credibility to the report. The article also mentions numerous reports of animal mutilations, citing cases in Colorado where animals were found drained of blood with strange incisions.

The article touches upon the historical stance of official authorities, noting that in the 1950s, US pilots were under gag orders regarding UFOs. The 'Project Blue Book' and the Condon Report are mentioned, which concluded that most UFOs were identifiable as planets (like Venus), car lights, aircraft, or weather balloons, posing no threat. However, the article suggests that more independent researchers found that these reports overlooked significant UFO cases. It also references the panic caused by Orson Welles' 1938 radio broadcast about a Martian invasion, implying that governments might downplay UFOs to prevent mass hysteria.

In Norway, the Ministry of Defence has no specific stance on UFOs, and no orders for secrecy have been issued to military personnel. The article concludes that analyzing UFO reports may not bring us closer to understanding their origin, and suggests that UFOs might self-destruct if they malfunction outside of control.

'UFO over Kvaløya' (UFO over Kvaløya)

This article reports on an incident in Rekvik, Kvaløya, where residents observed a white UFO with a blinking light on its underside, moving at a high altitude. While initially causing excitement and leading to photographs, it was later identified as a scientific balloon from Andøya Rocket Range. The balloon, 63 meters long, was carrying instruments for studying auroral radiation and had a leak, causing it to land prematurely near Andenes. It was later released and continued its trajectory towards Troms.

'Proff spøkelsesjakt' (Professional ghost hunting)

This piece focuses on a group of American scientists—physicists, philosophers, astronomers, and archaeologists—who are seeking evidence for claims of UFO sightings, ghosts, and demons. These 'ghostbusters' use scientific methods rather than theatrical props. The article highlights their participation in an international humanist congress in Oslo, where they presented their work. The committee, led by Paul Kurtz, aims to investigate paranormal phenomena and religious claims, emphasizing the need for testable evidence and criticizing industries that profit from gullibility. Gerald Larue, a professor of theology, leads the committee investigating religion, focusing on faith healers and fundamentalist interpretations of the Bible.

'Merkelig gjenstand over Skjomen-fjell' (Strange object over Skjomen mountain)

A resident in Skjomdal reported seeing a fiery object, about two meters long, moving at a steep angle towards the ground from the east. The object had green and red colors and was observed for about a minute before disappearing. The witness believed it was moving at a tremendous speed.

'Optisk UFO-fenomen i Bodø' (Optical UFO phenomenon in Bodø)

Residents in Bodø witnessed an optical phenomenon in the northeastern sky, described as a turquoise glowing sphere or cone. The light appeared, disappeared, and reappeared before vanishing. Experts from Nordlands Framtid could not explain the sighting, suggesting it might be an object burning up in the atmosphere or a satellite.

'Merke-lig lysglimt' (Remarkable flash of light)

Several readers reported seeing a bright light in the sky over Namsos, described as a 'sky pump' that flashed for a few seconds, followed by a greenish glow. The light was observed over the airport and surrounding areas. Control towers at Værnes and Namsos airports could not provide an explanation. Similar sightings had occurred previously.

'Lysfenomen er meteorsverm' (Light phenomenon is a meteor shower)

This article explains that light phenomena observed in the night sky are likely due to the Perseid meteor shower. While most are small particles burning up as shooting stars, larger pieces can fall through the atmosphere, creating impressive displays. The article notes that it is rare for meteors to reach the ground, and even larger ones burn up due to their energy. Two meteor finds have been registered in Northern Norway. The Perseids are just the first of several meteor showers expected in the autumn.

'Merkelig lys er Jupiter!' (Strange light is Jupiter!)

Several people contacted Adresseavisen about a strange, bright light observed in the southeastern sky. While some suggested UFOs or satellites, an observer from the Solar Observatory at Harestua identified it as Jupiter. He explained that Jupiter is low in the southeastern sky in August and is visible around 9 PM, fitting the description of the observed phenomenon.

'Ikke grønne UFO, men Forsvarets grønne?' (Not green UFOs, but the military's green ones?)

This article discusses numerous reports of a bright, blue-green light seen in the sky over Namdalseid, Levanger, and Verdal. It suggests that the light was likely from military exercises by the Norwegian Defence in the Giskåsfeltet area. However, the article leaves open the possibility that other 'green' entities might have been involved.

'Mystisk lys VFO også over Snåsa' (Mysterious light UFO also over Snåsa)

A luminous object was observed over Snåsa, moving rapidly upwards and disappearing after about a minute. It had a long, luminous tail and was described as an unidentified flying object. The article suggests this was likely due to military exercises by the Norwegian Defence in the Giskåsfeltet area.

'Himmellys var Sørfold-ballong?' (Sky light was a Sørfold balloon?)

A woman from Straumen wondered if the 'sky light' seen in the Salten and Lofoten districts might have been a gas balloon that drifted out of view. She described the balloon as having a red and a blank side, and when it rose, it appeared as if it were burning.

'Nattlig himmelobservasjon i Evenes: Så ei lyskule med blå røyk' (Night sky observation in Evenes: Saw a fireball with blue smoke)

Gunnar Olderøy, a power supply worker from Lenvikmark in Evenes, reported seeing a powerful spotlight-like light moving from southeast to north, leaving a blue smoke trail that lasted for half an hour. He observed this at midnight. Another person in the area saw a weather balloon that was reflecting sunlight, appearing like a spotlight. The article also mentions that the rocket launch site at Andøya and the Esrange facility in Kiruna denied responsibility for the phenomenon.

'Så UFO' (Saw UFO)

Linas Sætermo and his family reported seeing a luminous object resembling a 'wash basin' with a cone-shaped light underneath, rising from a mountain near Fiplingdal. The object was very bright and ascended rapidly into the sky. Two other people at a nearby cabin also witnessed the event. Sætermo dismissed the possibility of it being an aircraft or helicopter, noting that the object moved silently. The article mentions that experts from Nordlands Framtid could not explain the sighting.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently presents a range of UFO sightings and phenomena, often accompanied by witness testimonies. While some incidents are explained by natural phenomena (meteor showers, Jupiter, weather balloons) or military activities, others remain unexplained, fueling the ongoing mystery. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting both potential explanations and unexplained cases, while also acknowledging skepticism and the need for scientific evidence. The recurring theme is the persistent human fascination with the unknown in the sky and the quest for answers.