Klipprunden - 1989 07 19

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Kontakt magazine, dated July 19, 1989, focuses on UFO phenomena and related mysteries, primarily from Norway. The publication appears to be a newsletter or magazine from UFO-Norge, addressing its members and the broader public interested in the subject.

Editorial and Correspondence

The editor expresses frustration over a prolonged period of waiting for funding, which has delayed the publication of "klipprunder" (clip rounds or compilations of news clippings). The editor plans to use income from a recent photo job to publish accumulated clippings. The issue begins with a plea for information regarding a UFO photo from Ramin's district and attempts to contact Mats Nilsson of UFO-SVERIGE.

A significant portion of the editorial addresses a controversy involving the sale of the Hessdalen video. The editor highlights conflicting statements from Tony Dodd and Graham Birdshall regarding permission to sell the video, questioning whether UFO-SVERIGE or Ove Levitsky granted such permission and whether funds from sales have reached Project Hessdalen. The editor requests clarification from Mats Nilsson or Håkan.

Committee Meeting and International Congresses

A committee meeting was held on May 21st at Hans Kristian Moe's residence. The attached minutes are referenced. A notable point is that UFO-NORGE did not receive an invitation to the BUFORA congress, despite having been represented at every congress since 1979, including a presentation by Erling Strand and the editor in 1987. Bob Digby had promised to send reports from the congress and the subsequent MUFON meeting, but none have been received. The editor expresses a suspicion that others may also not have heard from this organization, attributing the absence to financial constraints.

News Clippings and Sightings

The magazine includes several news clippings detailing UFO sightings and related phenomena:

• Stavanger-flyet? (Grimstad Adressetidene, Feb 11, 1989): Reports of two powerful lights observed over Grimstad, initially thought to be an airplane. The lights were seen hovering and then moving towards Grimstad, possibly as landing lights of a plane from Stavanger heading to Kjevik airport.
• Lysene over Vik og Sæveli (Grimstad Adressetidene, Feb 11, 1989): Trond Skretting and his family reported seeing two intense white lights in the sky near Sæveli/Vik. Skretting described the lights as resembling jet engine flames and noted they appeared too large for a typical aircraft. They descended and turned inland, away from Kjevik airport.
• Mange så uforklarlig lysfenomen: -Så to lys over Fløyheia mandag (Grimstad Adressetidene, Feb 11, 1989): Several individuals in the Grimstad area reported seeing two white-yellow lights hovering in the sky. One witness compared them to airplane lights but noted they lacked the usual blinking red and green lights.
• Merkelig men... (Telemark Arbeiderblad, Feb 17, 1989): A man from Porsgrunn reported a powerful white light hovering over the Klyve area for at least five minutes, emitting a jet-engine-like sound as it moved away.
• Så lyset eksplodere (Grimstad Adressetidene, Feb 14, 1989): Bente Jacobsen described a powerful white light moving rapidly across the sky near Grimstad, which then exploded violently like a large firework.
• Mystisk lys over Torghatten (Brønnøysund Avis, Mar 11, 1989): Airport personnel and tower staff at Brønnøysund Lufthavn observed a large luminous sphere over Torghatten. The object hovered for a considerable time before descending and disappearing towards the west. It was not detected by radar, and pilots on a Widerøe flight also witnessed it.
• UFO? (Grimstad Adressetidene, Feb 18, 1989): A woman reported seeing up to eight lights moving in pairs before a major earthquake in January.
• Unyansert om UFO-erf (Fredriksstad Blad, Mar 13, 1989): A reader criticizes the Advent Church pastor's interpretation of UFOs as a religious phenomenon, arguing that most sightings have natural explanations and that sensational claims should be treated with skepticism.

Commentary on Sensationalism and UFOs

• SENSASJONSAVISER SOM «TROR» ALT (Morgenbladet, Feb 16, 1989): This article discusses sensationalist tabloids in the USA, such as World Weekly News, which publish outlandish stories about aliens, Elvis being alive, and other paranormal events. It notes that while many readers may not fully believe these stories, they are purchased for entertainment.
• «UFO er djevelens verk» (Fredriksstad Blad, Mar 8, 1989): Pastor Petter Moltzau of the Advent Church argues that UFOs are a deception by the devil, presenting 'humanoids' as false Messiah figures designed to mislead people who are seeking hope in a troubled world. He suggests a connection between para-psychological phenomena and UFOs.

Crop Circles

• DE MYSTISKE SIRKLENE I KORNAKRENE (Allers, 1989, Issue 7): This feature article explores the phenomenon of crop circles, which have appeared in numerous British cornfields. It describes them as small, perfectly symmetrical, star-shaped circles of flattened crops. While scientists are baffled, theories range from UFO landing sites to meteorological phenomena. The article mentions colored lights seen near the circles and the work of engineer Colin Andrews in investigating them. It notes that the phenomenon is not new, with similar circles found in deserts and snow. The article also touches on the possibility of magnetic fields or 'energy vortices' being responsible, drawing parallels to the Bermuda Triangle.

Other Items

• Tjasså..? av morten m...: A series of humorous cartoons with short, witty captions, often touching on everyday life and slightly absurd situations.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently addresses UFO sightings, unexplained aerial phenomena, and related mysteries. There is a clear interest in documenting eyewitness accounts and news reports. A recurring theme is the skepticism towards sensationalist claims, balanced with an openness to investigate genuine mysteries. The issue also highlights a tension between scientific explanations and more esoteric or religious interpretations of these phenomena, particularly evident in Pastor Moltzau's strong stance and the discussion around crop circles. The editorial stance appears to be one of diligent reporting and investigation, seeking clarity on controversial issues like the Hessdalen video while acknowledging the limitations of current knowledge.

This issue of Norske Argus, compiled from various Norwegian newspapers between March and June 1989, focuses heavily on UFO (Unidentified Flying Object) sightings and related investigations across Norway. The publication presents a collection of news clippings detailing numerous reported encounters with unexplained aerial phenomena, alongside expert opinions and public reactions.

UFO Sightings and Investigations

Brønnøysund and Torghatten

The cover story from Brønnøysunds Avis on March 11, 1989, reports that fly tower personnel and pilots at Brønnøysund airport observed a luminous sphere over Torghatten for nearly an hour. The object moved erratically, hovered, and then accelerated rapidly before disappearing. Radar personnel at Værnes airport were contacted but saw nothing on their radar.

Senja and Midt-Troms

Articles from Troms Folkeblad and Nordlys highlight a series of UFO sightings in the Senja and Midt-Troms regions during Easter 1989. Hjelpekorps (volunteer rescue corps) members reported seeing luminous objects in Kaperdalen and Svandalen. These objects were described as stopping, changing color to red, and disappearing into fog, or exhibiting swaying movements and uneven speeds. Researchers like Jan Erik Solheim and Ragnar Schjølberg suggest possible explanations such as Swedish rocket launches or weather balloons, but acknowledge that some aspects, like stopping and changing color over mountains, are puzzling. The ESRANGE rocket range in Kiruna confirmed no launches during the relevant period.

Hessdalen

A piece from Norske Argus dated June 16, 1989, revisits the well-known UFO phenomenon in Hessdalen, Norway, which gained attention in December 1981. Luminous spheres were observed over the valley, sometimes hovering or standing still. The article notes that many theories have been proposed, but none fully explain all observations. Project Hessdalen was formed to register and photograph the phenomena, but no definitive answers have emerged. While many sightings are attributed to intelligent maneuvers, some are described as less so. The article mentions that daily observations seem to have ceased by March 1989, but visitors still come hoping to witness something. It references a book, "UFO-fenomenet - kan det umulige være mulig?" by Leif Havik, for more information.

Other Sightings

• Sel: A woman reported seeing a large, red, luminous object moving across the sky on Sel in March 1989.
• Finstad: A local UFO expert, Knut Aasheim, received a report of a low, multi-colored light observed without sound on March 16, 1989.
• Eidsvoll: Multiple reports from March 1989 describe an oval object with yellow and red lights moving slowly, low, and silently over Finstad. Similar phenomena were reported a week later.
• Gibostad: A witness reported seeing a bright light from the sky that blinded them before turning towards Senja.
• Skatestraumen: Per Haukedal and Edvard Nygård observed a strange luminous object, described as a long rod, moving at high speed with changing colors (yellow, bright, violet, light green, aluminum-colored) over Skatestraumen on a Tuesday in late March/early April 1989. They initially thought it was a bird or hang glider but its speed, size, and light ruled that out. The object disappeared behind Hornelen.
• Halden: Several residents reported a mysterious 'sky light' on the evening of April 20, 1989, described as a luminous sphere that exploded into a display of lights and smoke. Police in Strömstad suggested it might be a meteor, while one observer thought it was a satellite. Investigations ruled out military exercises.
• Tyristrand: A red, green, and bright light was observed in the sky, sometimes standing still before disappearing.

Expert Opinions and Investigations

• NIVFO and Sci-sop: Kolbjørn Stenødegård from NIVFO in Trondheim stated that the unexplained frequency of UFO observations worldwide has dropped significantly, from 20-25% to 2%, due to increased research resources. NIVFO collaborates with Sci-sop, a global organization of researchers. Stenødegård noted that while most cases can be logically explained, peculiar incidents still occur, citing an instance where airport personnel mistakenly cleared Venus for landing.

• Forsvaret (The Norwegian Armed Forces): Kjell Hoel, associated with surveillance in Northern Norway, confirmed that witnesses to the Svandalen incident were interviewed. He stated that such cases are investigated thoroughly, but explanations are not always immediately available due to the time required and confidentiality. He acknowledged that 'luminous objects' are frequently reported and that low-altitude observations are considered interesting. While the military has no reason to withhold information, they are bound by secrecy regulations.

• Barry H. Downing (Priest and Scientist): An article from Morgenbladet and Drammens Tidende (June 1989) features priest Barry H. Downing, who believes UFOs are real and have significant religious implications. He argues that accepting UFOs strengthens belief in biblical narratives, making them scientifically credible. Downing, who holds degrees in physics and theology, suggests UFOs are 'transport vehicles' for beings from other dimensions, not other planets. He links UFO phenomena to biblical accounts, from the Israelites' exodus from Egypt to Jesus' resurrection, proposing that UFOs could serve as a common ground for fundamentalist and liberal Christians.

• John Navis (Ph.D.): In a letter to the editor, John Navis challenges Stenødegård's claim about the lack of scientific proof for acupuncture, citing over 1000 scientific references and numerous international congresses on the subject. Navis argues that acupuncture has proven effects beyond pain relief, including reducing tumors and boosting immunity.

UFOs and Ancient History

An article titled "Av denne verden?" (From this world?) speculates on the possibility of extraterrestrial civilizations. It suggests that given the vastness of the universe, it's improbable that Earth is alone. The author posits that advanced civilizations might possess technology capable of interstellar travel, potentially explaining ancient cave paintings and Egyptian inscriptions that appear to depict non-terrestrial craft or beings. The article notes that approximately 3 UFO sightings occur globally each week and that 20% of US astronauts have reported seeing UFOs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout these articles is the persistent occurrence of unexplained aerial phenomena across Norway. While many reports are met with skepticism or attributed to natural causes, the sheer volume and consistency of some sightings, coupled with the testimony of credible witnesses (including military personnel and scientists), fuel ongoing public interest and investigation. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry, presenting both scientific explanations and more speculative theories, including the religious interpretation offered by Barry H. Downing. The articles encourage readers to report their own observations, reflecting a desire to gather more data on this enduring mystery.

This issue of Østlandets Blad, dated June 21, 1989, features a prominent cover story about a potential UFO sighting over Vestby, Norway. The magazine also includes articles from Rogalands Avis and Dagbladet, as well as a report from a UFO-Norge committee meeting.

UFO Over Vestby?

On the evening of June 19, 1989, a man and his family in Pepperstad, Vestby, reported observing four unidentified objects in low altitude. The objects, described as cigar-shaped, white with a yellow hue, moved slowly towards the north for approximately 5-6 minutes before disappearing behind the treetops. The witness, who claims to have been skeptical of UFO reports previously, stated with certainty that the objects were not conventional aircraft like helicopters or planes. The duty officer at Rygge military air station reported no other UFO sightings in the area but confirmed that a large military exercise was in progress, involving military aircraft operating 24 hours a day.

Om UFO (About UFO)

An article from Rogalands Avis, dated June 29, 1989, discusses the topic of UFOs and parapsychology. The author, identified as Anders Bondhus from Bryne, expresses his long-standing interest in these subjects. He clarifies that UFO stands for 'Unidentified Flying Object' and distances himself from 'religious fervor' that has sometimes surrounded UFO cases, emphasizing the need for serious investigation. Bondhus states he does not 'believe in UFOs' but rather in the fact that numerous observations of flying objects of unknown origin have been made, even in daylight and at close range. He notes that most observations are of light phenomena at night, which could be explained by distant, small light sources being difficult to see during the day.

The article highlights Hessdalen, Norway, as a location where such phenomena have occurred in large numbers, though fewer in the past year, possibly due to waning public interest. Bondhus mentions specific witnesses, including Jan Arvid Aspås, who observed a wingless craft in daylight at a distance of approximately 2 km. He questions whether these are illusions or lies, strongly doubting the latter. The author also touches upon the scientific improbability of interstellar travel given current knowledge of distances to stars and the existence of habitable planets.

Bondhus observes a growing interest in topics outside of mainstream science, evidenced by the rise of popular science literature. He encourages readers to look up occasionally, suggesting that not all blinking or moving lights in the sky are stars, planes, balloons, or meteors.

Nærkontakt med UFO (Close Encounter with UFO)

An article from Dagbladet, dated June 29, 1989, references Steven Spielberg's film "Close Encounters of the Third Kind." It notes that an edited version of the film, including interior scenes of the spaceship, was being shown on Swedish TV2. The article mentions Richard Dreyfuss in the lead role as Roy Neary, who becomes obsessed with making contact with extraterrestrial forces after a blinding UFO encounter. The film's criticism was mixed, particularly regarding its religious undertones. Other actors mentioned include Melinda Dillon, Teri Garr, and Françoise Truffaut.

Flere som har sett UFO? (More who have seen UFO?)

A letter to the editor in Østlandets Blad, dated June 27, 1989, from Arne Arnesen of Langhus, describes an observation made on a ferry trip southwards on a Monday evening. Around 8:00 PM, Arnesen and his companions saw a bright light over Vestby, which they initially mistook for the sun. This 'luminous sphere' moved north/eastward, accompanied by one or two fainter lights. Arnesen also observed smoke-like trails behind the sphere before it disappeared over the horizon. He adds a cartoon with the caption "The sun is not dangerous as long as we don't go too close!" and another asking "I wonder if there are any forms of life out there?"

Referat fra Komitemøte i UFO-Norge (Minutes from UFO-Norway Committee Meeting)

Minutes from a UFO-Norway committee meeting held on May 21, 1989, in Oslo, document several points of discussion. Attendees included Ole Jonny Brænne, Mentz Kaarbø, Hans Kr. Moe, Per Ottesen, and Odd-Gunnar Røed. Key points include:

1. Anders Bondhus has become the new leader of UFO-Rogaland.
2. The American magazine OMNI is expected to publish an article on "Project Hessdalen" in its June 1989 issue.
3. BUFORA plans to organize a congress in London during the summer.
4. AFU has started sending Swedish press clippings about UFOs to UFO-Norge.
5. A request from Helge Arild Hansen regarding the formation of a local group in Frosta was received, with OJB to respond.
6. Patrick Vidal provided information on Project WAURLD, which aims to compile global UFO reports from 1987-88 into a publication, though its validity is questioned.
7. Eduardo Russo (CISU) requested Hessdalen photos for an article, and Leif Havik is to be contacted.
8. YUFOS responded to UFO-Norge's protest concerning the illegal sale of video recordings from Hessdalen/"Project Hessdalen."

The minutes were signed by Ole Jonny Brænne as the referent, dated May 30, 1989, in Drammen.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a strong interest in UFO phenomena and related topics like parapsychology. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, encouraging serious investigation and the reporting of observations, while cautioning against unsubstantiated claims or 'religious fervor.' The inclusion of witness accounts, reports from organizations like UFO-Norge, and references to scientific and popular media (like the film review) suggest a broad approach to the subject matter. The magazine aims to document sightings, discuss theories, and keep readers informed about developments in the field.