Klipprunden - 1995 03 26

Magazine Overview

This issue of UFO-Norge magazine, dated March 1995, delves into the prevalence of UFO beliefs among Norwegian youth, recent UFO sightings, and the activities of the UFO-Norge organization. The cover story highlights a survey revealing that a significant majority of young confirmands in Hordaland and Sogn og Fjordane believe in UFOs, with some attributing helpful intentions to these phenomena. The magazine also features a range of articles detailing UFO observations from Norway and Mexico, alongside discussions on the intersection of these beliefs with spirituality and new religious movements.

UFO Beliefs Among Norwegian Youth

A central theme is the widespread belief in UFOs among young people in Norway. A survey conducted among 1200 confirmands in Hordaland and Sogn og Fjordane by catechist Rune Øystese revealed that 56% believe in UFO phenomena, and 13% consider them to be entities that aim to help humanity, possibly with environmental or existential threats. The survey, conducted after a TV 2 series on UFOs, indicates that these topics are of significant interest to young people and suggests that confirmation classes should incorporate such themes to provide spiritual alternatives and address their questions.

Sarah Elise Baatard, a confirmand, expressed that UFOs are 'good' and might be sent to study Earth's problems. Conversely, her friend Esther Øvrebøe is more skeptical, believing much of the UFO discourse is fabricated. The article notes that while 30% of the surveyed youth identify as Christian, a notable portion also express beliefs in reincarnation, astrology, and other new religious movements, indicating a complex spiritual landscape.

UFO Sightings and Phenomena

The magazine presents several reported UFO sightings and phenomena:

• Mexico Wave: Since 1991, Mexico has experienced a significant wave of UFO observations, with hundreds of photos and videos documented. Televisa produced a three-hour talk show on the topic. A notable incident involved police officers near Atlixco reporting a flying object with red, green, and blue lights. The phenomenon has led to airport closures due to public sightings.
• Norwegian Sightings:
• Stjørdal (1981): Hjørdis Hokstad reported seeing a luminous object and a small 'man' in a brown suit, which then entered the object and ascended.
• Hessdalen (1980s): This area near Røros is described as a Norwegian classic for UFO phenomena, with intense light observations. 'Project Hessdalen' was a significant research project conducted there in 1984-1985, involving around 40 participants from Norway, Sweden, and Finland, using radar and other instruments.
• Arendal (early sightings): Initial light phenomena were reported in Arendal before similar events were observed in Hessdalen.
• Buksnesfjorden (1978): Leif-Normann Solhaug is seeking contact with witnesses of a luminous sphere with blinking lights observed over Buksnesfjorden.
• Ramberg/Skjelfjord (1967/1968): A witness described an object resembling two saucers joined together with a blue-violet trail.
• Andenes (1958): A 'glowing orange' object, estimated to be two to three meters in diameter, was observed moving slowly.
• Fredvang (1988): A strongly shining, flying object was seen ascending rapidly.
• Jørstadhøgda: Two cousins, Erlend and Espen Rønning, reported seeing a luminous, blinking sphere. Similar sightings in the area were also reported by Harald Larsen.

UFO-Norge and its Activities

Leif-Normann Solhaug, the leader of UFO-Norge's Northern Norway department, is featured prominently. He joined the organization (then Norsk UFO Center) in 1979 and became involved in investigating UFO phenomena. UFO-Norge, formed in 1981, aims to collect, process, and study UFO information, contributing to a greater understanding of the phenomenon. The organization publishes a journal, 'UFO', four times a year, covering domestic and international cases, including potential hoaxes and natural explanations. Solhaug emphasizes the importance of serious investigation and scientific principles, while expressing skepticism towards 'flying saucer clubs' that may sensationalize the topic.

Other Topics

• Barn Fire: An article details a barn fire at Arnfinn Moen's farm, where Odd-Gunnar Røed of UFO Norge discovered the blaze. The fire caused significant damage, but the animals were insured.
• Mental Distance: A brief mention of a Swedish survey suggesting Norwegians are mentally closest to Swedes compared to other Nordic neighbors.
• Oddvar Eriksen's UFO Center: Oddvar Eriksen, described as a 'Steinberg-man', believes there is significant UFO activity in Hallingdal and proposes building a UFO observation center and museum in Gol. He has applied for municipal funding, though the town council's administrator has recommended against it, citing municipal law.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently promotes a serious and investigative approach to UFO phenomena, distinguishing itself from sensationalist reporting. There is a clear emphasis on documenting sightings, analyzing evidence, and fostering a community of researchers through UFO-Norge. The publication also acknowledges the growing interest in UFOs among young people and its connection to broader spiritual and existential questions, positioning the church and educational institutions to engage with these topics constructively. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-mindedness towards unexplained phenomena, while maintaining a critical eye for hoaxes and natural explanations.

This issue of Nordlands Framtid, dated Monday, March 6, 1995, focuses on the phenomenon of UFOs, exploring whether they are a deception or a reality. The cover headline boldly poses this question, hinting at a debate between skepticism and belief.

UFO - Deception or Reality?

The main article discusses the UFO phenomenon, noting that UFOs are often observed as luminous phenomena in the atmosphere with unusual movement patterns and speeds ranging from stationary to over 30,000 km/h. It highlights that reliable observers, including pilots and police officers, have reported sightings. The article mentions that intelligence organizations in several countries have actively investigated UFOs without definitive explanations. It introduces UFO Norge as a private organization collaborating internationally to find solutions and promote understanding of UFOs as a reality, employing scientific principles in their research. The organization publishes a quarterly journal, "UFO," featuring articles and reports on UFO observations.

Leif Normann Solhaug is credited as the author of this piece.

Opinion: On UFOs and Reason

This section features a strong opinion piece by "Den seriøse utbrytergruppen fra fysikklabben" (The serious breakaway group from the physics lab) responding to a reader's letter. The author criticizes what they perceive as religious fanaticism, particularly the interpretation of UFOs as malevolent extraterrestrial invaders based on biblical quotes. The piece argues that the geocentric worldview has been abandoned and that religious dogma has historically resisted scientific progress, leading to conflict and persecution. It asserts that the Bible cannot be considered the absolute truth and criticizes blind adherence to religious texts, drawing parallels to historical instances of ignorance-based evil, such as in Hitler's Germany. The author contends that religious scriptures have been altered and distorted over time and that science, unlike religion, is in a constant state of revision. The piece questions the source of true evil, suggesting it is found on Earth, and criticizes religions for justifying wars and promoting falsehoods. The author concludes that when faced with a choice between logic and religious ideals, a religious fanatic will always choose the rational, implying a contradiction in their stance.

UFO or Meteorite over Beiarn Tuesday?

This article reports on an incident where Jan Steen in Beiarn observed a luminous object passing silently overhead on Tuesday evening. The object was described as a sphere about three meters in diameter with a steady reddish light, leaving a trail, and illuminating the surroundings so brightly that it was possible to read a newspaper. Steen characterized the event as possibly a meteorite, as it was silent and he heard a rumble only after it had passed. The Norwegian Air Force stated they had no aircraft operations in the area and no unusual radar observations. Oberstløytnant John Espen Lien confirmed that the Air Force had no explanation for Jan Steen's observation, though they had received other reports of lights in the sky.

UFO was a Meteorite

A follow-up report suggests that the luminous object seen in Beiarn was most likely a meteorite, specifically a fireball. Helge Hanssen from Bodø Astrological Association supports this theory, citing a similar observation by Else Floden at Soløyvannet. Floden described a light that illuminated the sky, split into parts, and disappeared. Hanssen explains that a bolide is a meteorite large enough to remain burning until it hits the ground and often breaks apart. While witnesses estimated the object to be about 100 meters above ground and three meters in diameter, Hanssen calculates its distance to be around 11 km over Beiarn and 8-9 km over Soløyvannet.

Hunting the UFO Enigma

This feature profiles Odd-Gunnar Røed, the 22-year-old leader of UFO Norge, an organization with 850 members dedicated to investigating unexplained phenomena. Røed operates from a small office in Gyland near Flekkefjord. The article highlights UFO Norge's efforts to be taken seriously by using scientific methods and collecting detailed reports. Røed mentions receiving hundreds of inquiries annually, many concerning lights in the night sky. While some phenomena are explained through natural causes, such as the red light from Mars, Røed and his team focus on the truly unidentifiable cases. They store approximately 3,000 reports in secure cabinets. Røed expresses a desire for greater scientific collaboration and distances himself from speculative portrayals of UFOs, particularly the "invasion theory." He is personally skeptical of extraterrestrial invasions, suggesting that true evil is more likely found on Earth. The article also touches upon the "energy light" theory, possibly related to phenomena observed in Hessdalen in the early 1980s, where UFO Norge conducted extensive measurements.

UFO over Tonstad?

The article briefly mentions that researchers from Japan, the USA, and Russia have discussed the Hessdalen phenomenon. It also notes that strange light orbs have been seen near Sirdalsvatnet, with one report describing a high-frequency sound accompanying a light orb. The article suggests a growing acceptance of ufology, citing the willingness of Sira-Kvina Kraftselskap to allow UFO Norge to place video equipment near their facilities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently explores the UFO phenomenon from both observational and analytical perspectives. There's a clear tension between scientific explanations (meteorites, atmospheric phenomena) and more speculative or religiously influenced interpretations. The editorial stance, particularly in the opinion piece, strongly favors scientific reasoning and skepticism towards religious dogma when interpreting unexplained events. The publication aims to inform readers about UFO sightings while also encouraging critical thinking and a rational approach to understanding these mysteries. UFO Norge is presented as a serious organization striving for scientific credibility in a field often associated with sensationalism.