Klipprunden - 1989 12 13

Magazine Overview

This issue of Tønsberg, dated Wednesday, December 13, 1989, is primarily focused on UFO phenomena, featuring reports from Norway and the Soviet Union, as well as discussions on media coverage and research into the subject.

Key Articles and Reports

The Andebu UFO Incident

The cover story, 'Ingen forklaring på Andebu-UFO?' (No explanation for the Andebu UFO?), details an observation made by Synnøve Isaksen over Andebu in January 1989. Experts from the Meteorological Institute and Astrophysical Institute in Oslo, including Eberhart Jensen, a professor of astrophysics, stated they could not provide an immediate explanation. While acknowledging the fascination of the description, Jensen noted it did not appear to be a physical phenomenon, suggesting it might be related to chemical or gas releases from military satellites, though this did not fully match the description. The article also mentions a similar observation from Sande, where a woman and her sons reported seeing a luminous, silent object.

The Voronezh Incident

Extensive coverage is given to the Voronezh incident in the Soviet Union, where children claimed to have seen a UFO and extraterrestrials. The magazine highlights reports from VG, a Norwegian newspaper, which began a series on UFO observations. VG journalists visited Voronezh and interviewed children who described seeing a luminous, egg-shaped object with a door from which emerged a tall, three-eyed being and a robot. The children's drawings of these beings are featured. Geofysiker Genrikh Silanov, leading a semi-private organization investigating the landings, stated he had found evidence of three landing sites and believed the children's accounts were credible, despite initial skepticism. He noted anomalies in radioactivity and magnetic fields at the sites. The article contrasts this with the official Soviet stance, which has been less forthcoming, and mentions that some reports of metallic objects and stones were later dismissed as misinformation.

Media Coverage and Skepticism

Several articles discuss the media's role in reporting UFO phenomena. The editor expresses frustration with VG's initial coverage, feeling that UFO-NORGE's contributions were not adequately acknowledged and that the magazine focused too much on the 'spaceship' aspect, potentially alienating readers interested in broader UFO topics. There is a call for readers to send in more UFO reports to demonstrate public interest and generate more publicity. The magazine also features a section on how people should approach writing articles for them, suggesting that the primary audience might be young, and that the organization may not be able to provide extensive support for starting new groups.

International UFO Reports

Reports from other countries are also included. The magazine mentions receiving clippings from Denmark and the USA, including contributions from individuals like Alf Thommassen and Finn Kalvik. There is also a mention of a Russian contact claiming communication with extraterrestrial civilizations, reported in the Danish magazine UFO-KONTAKT. A brief note about the film 'COMMUNION,' based on Whitley Strieber's book, and its upcoming premiere in the USA and England is also present.

UFO Research and Funding

There is a recurring theme of the need for more research and funding for UFO phenomena. An article titled 'Penger til UFO-forskning' (Money for UFO research) laments the lack of financial support for this field, with the author, Trym Thoresen from Oslo, stating that many are interested but little funding is allocated. He questions when responsible authorities will take the problem seriously.

Personal Contributions and Observations

The editor, Odd-Gunnar, shares personal experiences, including attending a concert and being interviewed on local radio, which led to a new member joining. He also mentions a personal observation of a rectangular object in Sandefjord. He appeals to readers for contributions and support, including financial assistance for the magazine's copier.

Other Mentions

Other items include a brief mention of an article about the Northern Lights, a reference to a previous incident involving NIVFO and Stenødegård, and a humorous personal ad from 'Pusur' seeking companionship. There is also a detailed explanation of the role of the Ombudsman in Norway, written by Sigurd Rønning, which appears unrelated to UFOs but is included in the publication.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine's editorial stance appears to be one of active engagement with the UFO phenomenon, encouraging reader participation and reporting on various sightings and investigations. There is a clear desire to promote UFO-NORGE and its activities, and a frustration with what is perceived as inadequate media coverage or sensationalism. The publication seems to advocate for more serious research and public acknowledgment of UFOs, while also acknowledging the skepticism that surrounds the topic. The inclusion of diverse reports, from eyewitness accounts to expert opinions, suggests an attempt to present a comprehensive, albeit biased, view of the UFO landscape.

Title: VG
Issue Date: Monday, December 11, 1989
Price: Kr. 6.00
Theme: UFOs and unexplained phenomena, with a focus on recent sightings and scientific perspectives.

Cover Story: «VI SÅ ET ROM-SKIP» (We Saw a Spaceship)

The cover of this issue of VG features a dramatic headline and images hinting at UFO sightings. The main article details the experience of Synnøve Isaksen from Andebu, Norway, who, out of fear of being ridiculed, had kept silent about an event on January 23rd of the year. She recounts how her car, with her and her two children, was followed by a luminous, flying object resembling a spaceship. The object descended towards them, stopped about 30 meters above the ground, and was described as having edges and red, green, and yellow lights, illuminating no surrounding area. It followed her home and hovered over the bushes until she parked her car in the garage. She attempted to retrieve her camera but the object disappeared. She later saw it again at a distance. Synnøve expresses her skepticism about the phenomenon but is convinced it was not man-made, drawing from her experience living near an airport. She fears public reaction but stands by her account.

Synnøve's children, Jan Age (9) and Lind (12), also witnessed the object, which Synnøve drew in her diary. The drawing depicts a hexagonal object with points at the front and back, resembling a science-fiction spaceship. Synnøve states she has not read such books or seen such drawings before deciding to share her experience with a local UFO association.

She admits to being unsure of what she saw but is certain it was not a plane or helicopter. She mentions that the location was the same as where Tom Arne Kristensen had previously encountered a similar phenomenon. Synnøve wonders why only a few people seem to see such things, suggesting they might be drawn to specific individuals. She fears the reaction to her story but is firm in her conviction.

Expert Skepticism: Rolf Stabell

Rolf Stabell from the Institute of Theoretical Astrophysics at Blindern expresses strong skepticism towards UFO phenomena, particularly the idea of alien visitations. He states that based on current knowledge of physics and distances, such visits are nearly impossible. His department receives numerous calls from people claiming to have seen UFOs, but he explains that many of these sightings have natural explanations, such as shooting stars, meteorites, or the planet Venus. He notes that people often want to believe they have seen something special, leading to misinterpretations. Stabell cites an example from Trøndelag where a man described seeing a spaceship with windows and beings, but it turned out to be a satellite expected to fall. He concludes that extensive research and American reports indicate that reported unusual events have natural explanations, both within and outside Earth's atmosphere.

Part Two: «FORFULGT AV EN UFO» (Pursued by a UFO)

This section continues the series on UFO mysteries, focusing on Tom Arne Kristensen, a 17-year-old from Andebu, Norway. He claims to have been pursued by a UFO on the night of May 13th. He describes a 10-meter-high luminous object with 12 strong lights, resembling a pole, that followed him for several kilometers. The incident occurred on a road with little traffic under clear skies. Tom Arne was terrified and drove at full speed to escape. The object reappeared later, silently hovering about a meter behind him. He estimates it was about 10 meters high. He cannot explain why it took him 40 minutes to travel a distance that normally takes 20 minutes, suggesting 20 minutes were 'lost'. His parents confirmed he was shaken upon returning home. He admits he is still scared when driving that stretch of road. A teacher in the village also reported seeing the same light. Tom Arne is now more open to the possibility of UFOs, stating, "I know what I have seen. And I know that it pursued me."

He has been offered hypnosis to recall the lost time but is hesitant to seek an answer.

UFO Reports in Norway

The article also includes a list of various UFO sightings reported in Norway:

• Tjømø, 27/2-87: Siblings Karina and Kim Andre Large saw a large, black, disc-shaped object with red, yellow, and pink lights hovering over a neighbor's house, emitting a strong yellow beam.
• Oslo, 9/1-88: Roar Belseth saw a cigar-shaped object, 10-15 meters long, with red and green lights, blinking.
• Drangedal, 27/7-89: A young couple saw seven strong white lights blinking, and the object descended rapidly, moving erratically.
• Skiptvedt, 14/9-89: A man reported a bright light beam sweeping around and hitting him, strong enough to read by.
• Svene, 3/10-89: Yngvild A. Sletten saw a house-sized object with 12 light points in two rows, with white halogen lights and blinking red lights, moving silently.
• Skien, 26/6-88: Witnesses saw a cigar-shaped, silver-white object, smaller than a plane, with no sound or exhaust.

Walter H. Andrus: President of MUFON

Walter H. Andrus, president of MUFON (Mutual UFO Network, Inc.), the world's largest UFO organization, is interviewed from Seguin, Texas. Despite being a skeptic, he believes UFOs exist. He recounts his own sighting in 1948 of four objects flying in formation over Phoenix, Arizona, which were later observed on radar. He joined MUFON 15 years later and now leads its headquarters, which receives numerous reports, most of which are dismissed. Andrus highlights the Gulf Breeze case as the most significant in 40 years, noting that photo analyst Bruce S. Maccabee has concluded the Polaroid photos are not faked. He also mentions interest in the Soviet UFO case.

Erik Tandberg: Space Expert's View

Erik Tandberg, a well-known Norwegian space expert, believes in the existence of extraterrestrial life but is skeptical about UFO visitations to Earth. He states that if aliens had visited, they would have made themselves known more directly. He is unimpressed by the Gulf Breeze photos, calling them easily faked with modern technology and noting their unusual sharpness. Tandberg asserts that while advanced detection methods monitor the skies, no controlled objects that are unknown have ever been registered.

The Gulf Breeze Case: Fact or Forgery?

This article details the UFO sightings in Gulf Breeze, Florida, which began in 1987. Residents reported seeing unidentified flying objects at low altitudes. The case gained significant attention due to photographs taken by Ed Walters, a respected local businessman. Independent scientific analyses, including photo analysis by Bruce S. Maccabee, have not found evidence of forgery. The article notes that the local press and national media covered the story extensively, and a book about the case was to be published. The case has been investigated by authorities, but no definitive conclusions have been reached. Walters underwent lie detector tests, which he passed, and has been reluctant to speak to the press since his story and photos were acquired by a publisher.

UFOs and Government Secrecy

According to MUFON members, governments possess evidence of unidentified flying objects but withhold it to prevent public panic. Walter Andrus Jr. claims that former US President Ronald Reagan also witnessed a UFO and remarked that only a few people in the US knew about the existence of UFOs.

Pictures of UFOs

This section features images related to UFO sightings, including the Gulf Breeze photos and an illustration of a UFO. It also includes a correction regarding an interview with Erik Tandberg, clarifying his stance on extraterrestrial life.

Northern Lights: More Than Just a Spectacle

This article by Bengt Nielsen discusses the aurora borealis (Northern Lights). Professor Asgeir Brekke from the Auroral Observatory in Tromsø explains that this phenomenon, occurring at altitudes of 100 kilometers, can be powerful and disruptive. In March of the year, a strong aurora storm in Canada caused a power outage for 14,000 people due to short-circuited power lines. Brekke warns that Norway might experience similar disruptions as the current period is one of the strongest auroral activities in 30 years. The aurora can affect power lines, radio communication, satellite navigation, and compasses. Historically, the aurora was associated with fear and superstition, but modern science provides explanations. The article describes how the lights are formed by electrical particles from the sun colliding with gases in the atmosphere, creating colors based on the type of gas (e.g., green from oxygen). The phenomenon typically moves east-west and can last for about half an hour.

UFOs and Soviet Union

A brief report from Moscow mentions a strange incident in Voronezh, Soviet Union, on September 27th, involving a UFO and alleged three-eyed creatures. This event, along with other reports of spaceships and aliens, has created fear among the population. A journalist from Komsomolskaja Pravda claims to have met glowing beings near Perm who spoke of traveling from a planet called 'Red Star'. High magnetic levels were reportedly measured at a landing site in Voronezh.

Magnetic Storm Expected

This short report from Washington, D.C., warns of an impending magnetic storm on Earth caused by a solar flare. The storm is expected to disrupt telecommunications and electrical power transmission, especially in polar regions. It may also cause a break in polar radio communication and potentially affect the 'Galilei' space probe. Experts anticipate spectacular aurora borealis displays as a result.

The Making of 'Communion': A Film on Abduction

This article by Sherie Stark discusses the making of the film 'Communion,' based on Whitley Strieber's book about his UFO abduction experiences. Strieber's primary concern was to portray the ambiguity of his experiences, emphasizing coping constructively and withholding judgment about the aliens' motives. He maintained significant control over the project, securing independent financing and writing the screenplay. Director Philippe Mora, a friend of Strieber's, aimed for a realistic tone, using documentary techniques and downplaying sensational aspects. The film explores Strieber's own doubts and psychological possibilities, allowing the audience to form their own conclusions. Strieber was particularly concerned that the aliens not appear too frightening, aiming for a psychological thriller or mystery rather than a horror film. He emphasizes that the 'unknown element' is what is frightening. The article touches on the challenges of portraying aliens realistically and the subjective nature of the experience. Strieber also discusses the difficulties of public perception and the impact on his family. The film aims to convey that this is a serious experience that needs to be faced, with loving family ties and acceptance being key to coping.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the theme of unexplained phenomena, particularly UFO sightings, with a balanced approach that includes personal testimonies, expert skepticism, and scientific analysis. There's a clear interest in documenting reported events, from local Norwegian sightings to international cases like Gulf Breeze and Voronezh. The editorial stance appears to be one of open inquiry, presenting various perspectives without definitively endorsing any single explanation. Skepticism from scientific authorities is juxtaposed with the experiences of witnesses and the efforts of UFO research organizations. The coverage of the aurora borealis also highlights the intersection of natural phenomena and public perception, sometimes leading to fear or misinterpretation. The inclusion of the film 'Communion' suggests an interest in how these phenomena are interpreted and represented in popular culture.

This issue of PROGRAMBLADET, number 43 from October 18-24, 1989, features a prominent cover story titled "På UFO-jakt" (On the hunt for UFOs). The magazine explores various aspects of the UFO phenomenon, including eyewitness accounts, scientific investigations, and historical incidents.

Language and Media: The 'Henrettelse' Debate

The issue opens with a letter from GS in Asker to Professor Finn Ernik Vinje, questioning the use of the word 'henrettelse' (execution) by Aftenposten compared to NRK's use of 'drap' (killing) or 'drepe' (to kill) when referring to the killing of hostages. Professor Vinje clarifies that 'henrettelse' implies a legal process and that terrorists might use it to imply legitimacy. He suggests alternative words like 'avlive' (to kill), 'drepe' (to kill), 'myrde' (to murder), 'skyte' (to shoot), or 'ta livet av' (to take one's life).

UFO-jakt: UFO-Norge and Investigations

The main feature, "På UFO-jakt," introduces UFO-logi as an American science founded over 20 years ago, now largely dormant but with some practitioners. Hans Christian Moe, chairman of the organization UFO-Norge, which has about 600 members, shares his experience of searching for UFOs since 1967 without a confirmed sighting. He notes that about 95% of reported sightings can be explained by natural phenomena or misidentifications (e.g., planes, stars, meteors, balloons, insects). However, the remaining 5% are unexplained and are of interest to UFO-logists. Moe emphasizes that UFO-Norge aims to be serious and not promote the 'spaceship hypothesis' as a religion, despite some members holding such beliefs.

Historical UFO Incidents and Evidence

The magazine presents a detailed account of the Roswell incident, citing a declassified document from Admiral Hillenkoetter to President Eisenhower. This document allegedly describes the crash of a UFO 120 km northwest of Roswell, New Mexico, on July 2, 1947, and the discovery of four small, alien-like beings. The document also mentions an earlier sighting of nine flying discs by a pilot a week prior. The analysis of the deceased beings was led by Dr. Bronk, who termed them 'extraterrestrial biological beings,' while Dr. Vannevar Bush led the investigation of the wreckage. The article references Tim Good's book 'Above Top Secret' for this information.

Another section, "Visst finns UFO – här är bevisen" (There are UFOs – here is the proof), discusses the 1947 Roswell crash and a 1989 National Examiner article about a 9th-century incident in Lyons, France, where aliens were allegedly stoned to death. It also highlights the ongoing US government study of UFOs, suggesting that Project Bluebook was a public relations effort and that secret units continue to investigate and potentially prepare for alien contact, with groups like Project Aquarius coordinating efforts.

Orange Balls of Light (BOLs)

An extensive article by Greg Long discusses the phenomenon of 'Orange Balls of Light' (BOLs), which he has studied since 1981 on the Yakima Indian Reservation. He notes similar sightings in Missouri, Utah, and other parts of the US, including reports from World War II pilots describing 'foo fighters' as orange spheres. Long explores whether BOLs are alien technology or natural phenomena like plasma or ball lightning. He lists common 'impostors' such as the moon, flares, balloons, and meteors. He also notes the co-occurrence of BOL sightings with reports of Sasquatch, structured craft, and CEIII events. Long is seeking photographic evidence and reports to support his research into BOLs.

International UFO Reports

An article titled "Besøg fra det ydre rum" (Visit from outer space) reports on a UFO sighting in Voronezh, Russia, in October 1989. Eyewitnesses described a large, shining sphere or saucer that landed, from which three human-like figures and a small robot emerged. Scientists investigated the site, finding a depression and unidentified stones. The article also mentions an earlier report of a UFO landing near Moscow where a milkmaid encountered an alien being.

Another section, "Russians see UFOs, too," details mass sightings of UFOs and near-encounters in Kharovsk, Russia, with eyewitnesses describing large, silver flying objects.

New Age Movement and Criticism

An article titled "Falska vittnesbörd om New Age" (False testimonies about New Age) addresses criticism of the New Age movement from a Christian perspective, specifically quoting pastor Stanley Sjöberg. The author refutes claims of anti-Israel sentiment and racism within the New Age, attributing these accusations to Constance Cumbey. The article defends Alice Bailey, stating she did not have a Nazi or racist ideology and that her influence on the New Age movement is limited.

Skepticism and Media Policy

An article titled "En Norgehistoria" discusses a complaint from Kolbjørn Stenødegård of the Norwegian skeptical organization NIVFO regarding the magazine's advertising policy. Stenødegård criticizes the advertising of astrology as a science and questions the validity of certain alternative medicine claims, often referring vaguely to 'science.' The author defends the magazine's open advertising policy, stating that sorting ads would be subjective and impractical.

Other Content

The magazine also includes a section on "Sagor och Legender" (Sagas and Legends) featuring Nina Falkenberg and her work on cultural heritage and indigenous prophecies. There are also short humorous pieces, a crossword puzzle solution, and an advertisement for the journal "UFO Brigantia."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings and investigations, the scientific and skeptical approaches to the phenomenon, and the role of media in reporting these events. There is a clear interest in presenting documented cases and scientific analysis, while also acknowledging the public's fascination with UFOs. The magazine seems to adopt a stance of serious inquiry into the UFO phenomenon, encouraging detailed reporting and investigation, as seen in the call for information regarding Orange Balls of Light and the discussion of UFO-Norge's methodology. The critique of the New Age movement from a Christian perspective and the defense of the magazine's open advertising policy suggest a willingness to engage with controversial topics and differing viewpoints.