Klipprunden - 1987 05 00

Magazine Overview

This issue of the Norwegian newspaper 'Varden', dated March 19, 1987, features a prominent cover story titled "UFO over Bølehøgda," highlighting recent UFO sightings and the ongoing public interest in the phenomenon. The newspaper acts as a platform for reporting on UFO-related events, discussions, and the differing perspectives of believers and skeptics.

UFO Sightings and Reports

The issue details several recent UFO sightings across Norway. A woman in Bølehøgda reported seeing a brightly lit, silent object in the sky. In Sunnylvsfjorden, a strange red light hovered for over two hours. Two young women in Lambertseter described observing a multi-colored, rotating object, and similar experiences were reported near Ski. The article also references a past sighting by a hunter in Røros involving disk-shaped objects.

UFO-Norge and its Representatives

Leif Havik, a representative of UFO-Norge, is frequently quoted. He emphasizes that UFOs are not necessarily alien spacecraft but unidentified flying objects, and he advocates for taking these reports seriously. Havik's book about the Hessdalen phenomenon is also mentioned, with a call for its promotion. Erling Strand, another UFO-Norge representative and a specialist in the field, also contributes, stressing the importance of scientific investigation and acknowledging that many observations remain unexplained.

Skeptical Perspectives

Astrophysicist Rolf Brahde is presented as a leading skeptic, dismissing UFO theories as pseudoscientific. He argues that most sightings can be explained by natural phenomena, misidentification, or hoaxes. Kolbjørn Stenødegård from the Norwegian Institute for Scientific Research and Information echoes this sentiment, stating that 98% of initially unexplainable sightings are later clarified. Colonel Alf Hauge, a radar station chief, also expresses skepticism, believing most UFO reports are due to meteorological phenomena and that no unidentified signals have gone unexplained on radar.

Media Coverage and Public Debate

The issue highlights the media's role in the UFO discussion, particularly the NRK television program 'Senfredag.' The program featured a debate with UFO skeptics and witnesses, including Leif Havik and Rolf Brahde. The article notes the significant public response to the program, with many viewers calling in to share their own experiences. The newspaper itself has also been a conduit for such reports, with Varden journalist Beate Framdal sharing her own sighting of an unidentified object over Vealøs.

The Hessdalen Phenomenon

The UFO-related events in Hessdalen are mentioned as a significant case that has drawn public attention. Leif Havik's book aims to explain the unexplained lights that made the remote valley a focal point for UFO enthusiasts. Despite the interest, residents of Hessdalen are reportedly being 'mobbed into silence.'

International Context

There are mentions of international efforts to study UFOs, including Paul Norman's work in Australia and the involvement of Ground Saucer Watch in the USA. The article contrasts the Norwegian approach with that of the USA and Soviet Union, suggesting that UFO phenomena are studied more seriously in those countries.

Personal Accounts and Experiences

Several individuals share their personal UFO experiences. Kari Hestnes recounts her appearance on 'Senfredag,' describing her sighting and her initial nervousness about being on television. Cecilie Jørner and Anne Berit Slaatsveen detail their encounters with luminous objects in the night sky, emphasizing the lack of sound and the unusual nature of the phenomena.

Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the prevalence of UFO sightings in Norway, the ongoing debate between believers and skeptics, the role of media in disseminating information and shaping public opinion, and the scientific investigation (or lack thereof) into these phenomena. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting on the phenomenon and the various viewpoints, while also encouraging readers to report their own sightings. There's a clear emphasis on the distinction between 'UFO' as an unidentified object and the popular notion of alien visitors.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of 'Varden' demonstrates a strong focus on the UFO phenomenon as a topic of public interest in Norway. The newspaper actively solicits and reports on witness accounts, providing a platform for both those who believe in the extraterrestrial origins of UFOs and those who seek more conventional explanations. The coverage reflects a desire to explore the unexplained, while also acknowledging the scientific and skeptical viewpoints. The editorial stance encourages open discussion and investigation, urging readers to report any unusual aerial observations. The distinction between the technical definition of a UFO and the popular 'little green men' narrative is a recurring point, suggesting a desire to ground the discussion in more factual observation.

This issue of Norske Argus, dated April 1987, delves deeply into the topic of UFO sightings and related phenomena, primarily focusing on events in Norway. The magazine features multiple articles from various Norwegian newspapers, including Hamar Arbeiderblad, Morgenbladet, Arbeiderbladet, Østlendingen, Varden, Firda, and Ringerikes Blad, all clipped and presented by NORSKE ARGUS A-S.

TV Review and UFO Debate

The issue opens with a review of television programming from Saturday night, critiquing the broadcast of the Oscar awards and the musical 'Jesus Christ Superstar'. A significant portion of the review, however, focuses on the TV program 'Senfredag' which featured a debate on UFO phenomena. The article notes that the debate, while entertaining, was not particularly enlightening, and criticizes the skeptical observer Rolf Bradhe for his rigid adherence to rationalism. The review also points out that all the panelists in the UFO debate were men, while the witnesses were primarily women, suggesting a connection between the right hemisphere of the brain and the ability to grasp the immeasurable.

Personal Encounters and Beliefs

Finn Kalvik shares his profound experience of witnessing a UFO in Gran Canaria in 1979, an event that irrevocably changed his perspective, leading him to believe that humanity is not alone in the universe. He describes a blinding white light that transformed into a disc-like object and moved at incredible speed. Kalvik emphasizes his gratitude for having witnessed such an event.

UFO Norge and Investigations

Leif Havik, leader of UFO Norge, is introduced as a key figure in the study of UFOs in Norway. UFO Norge, with 700 members, is privately financed and publishes a magazine. Havik states that little research is being done on the subject and that UFOs are defined as unidentified flying objects, not necessarily 'little green men'. The organization registers all incoming reports, with a current concentration of observations in the Skien area, previously in Hessdalen. Havik has also authored a book titled 'UFO-fenomenet, er det umulige mulig'.

Hessdalen Project and Other Sightings

The Hessdalen project, which investigated strange light phenomena in the Hessdalen valley, is highlighted. The book review by Tore Asplin details witness accounts from Hessdalen, dating back to December 1981, and mentions other reported sightings in various locations across Norway and even in the USA and Holland. The article also touches upon the skepticism surrounding these events and the need for more research.

Specific Sightings and Official Responses

Several specific UFO sightings are reported:

• Vealøs UFO: A sigar-shaped object with illuminated windows was sighted over Vealøs in February 1987. The Air Force is investigating, and approximately 40 other observations were reported simultaneously, extending up to Hedmark. The Air Force considers this case highly interesting due to the number of reports.
• Jevnaker Sighting: On a Wednesday evening, a flying object was seen over Jevnaker and Hønefoss. Witnesses described it as an elongated, pale blue, luminous object that followed their car. The object was also reportedly seen over Kolbu and Ryfoss in Oppland.
• Alden Sighting: A young person reported seeing a powerful, streetlight-like light on the island of Alden in Askvoll, which lasted for 10-15 seconds. The local airport's air traffic control reported no unusual activity or sightings.
• Vealøs Follow-up: Two individuals from Klyve reported seeing three silent, luminous objects moving parallel towards Vealøs on two separate occasions in early March 1987. They express a belief that something unusual is happening in the airspace.

Explanations and Skepticism

Some articles attempt to provide explanations for sightings. One article suggests that the Jevnaker sighting might have been a meteorological balloon or a prank involving a balloon with a heat source. A NATO press officer from Kolsås indicated that such balloons, when combined with a heat source, can appear frightening. Police and air traffic control in the relevant areas reported no official sightings on the night in question.

Philosophical Musings

An article by K.E.S. reflects on the vastness of the universe and the human tendency to rely on logic and measurable facts, often relegating imagination and intuition to a 'death realm'. It questions whether Earth is the sole possessor of organic or inorganic life and suggests that other forms of existence and propulsion might be possible.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, the debate between belief and skepticism, the role of media in reporting extraordinary events, and the scientific and philosophical implications of potential extraterrestrial phenomena. The overall stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting witness accounts and investigative efforts while also acknowledging skeptical viewpoints and potential explanations. The magazine seems to encourage readers to consider the possibilities beyond conventional understanding, particularly in light of the vastness of the universe.