NIVFO-Bulletin - 1982 No 4

Magazine Overview

This issue of NIVFO bulletin, number 4 from 1982, is dedicated to exploring the psychological and subjective dimensions of UFO phenomena. Titled "Instrument-registrering av UFO i Hessdalen ?" (Instrument Registration of UFOs in Hessdalen ?), the magazine questions the objectivity of UFO reports and proposes a shift towards understanding the 'dark side' of these experiences, which is linked to the psychological state of the witnesses.

The Dark Side of UFOs (AV ERNST BERGER)

Ernst Berger's article introduces the concept of a 'dark side' to UFO experiences, as identified by Luis Schönherr and Ernst Berger through their study of Austrian UFO reports. This perspective suggests that psycho-social influences, rather than purely physical phenomena, are key to understanding UFO encounters. The authors argue that a new, witness-oriented investigation technique is needed, particularly for 'close encounters,' and a different scientific approach to UFO phenomena. They propose that advancements in psychological disciplines will shed light on this 'dark side,' moving away from primitive, spiritualistic approaches. Keywords associated with this perspective include hallucinations, mirror effect, parapsychology, psychological/psychiatric results, spiritualistic considerations, subconscious material, UFO experiences, visions, and witness-centered investigations.

The introduction to the article emphasizes that the answers to many questions about UFOs lie beyond readily available information, posing a challenge for researchers. It acknowledges that witnesses can lie, be abnormal, or experience collective hallucinations, but the authors believe that the fundamental question is about the 'question of reality' (Schönherr's term). The article questions whether instruments can ever capture fleeting phenomena at the right time and place, noting that many UFO witness accounts contain subjective elements. It poses the question of the degree of objective reality in these experiences.

J. Allen Hynek admits that his experience with UFOs is secondhand, observed through others' eyes. He suggests that investigators should first assess the reporter, similar to police work, rather than accepting reports at face value. This approach allows for two levels of reality: the psycho-social reality of the reporter, which can be investigated after the event, and the subjective reality of what was observed, which is shaped by the psycho-social context.

Material and Methods

Over 100 Austrian field investigations, including two 'local flap' studies, have led the authors to believe that standard UFO investigation procedures are inadequate. They cite Grattan-Guinness's critique that much information is lost because UFOlogists fail to ask witnesses the right questions or develop appropriate procedures. The interview process is often used merely to gather information and opinions, without reconstructing the witness's psychological state. Izzo's 1977 'State of Art' report is quoted, highlighting that few researchers consider the role of the perceiver (the witness) and the perceived (the phenomenon). The witness, the 'real independent variable,' receives less attention than the observed phenomenon, which is treated as a valuable source while the witness is not.

Witness-Centered Investigations

European and Australian cases show that up to 50% of sightings involve only one witness. Hynek suggests that single-witness cases should be ranked lower in credibility. While collecting and comparing multiple independent reports is a valid idea, Blake points out that this is difficult because most multi-witness cases (around 97%) are social situations, requiring as much attention as the content of the reports themselves.

The article then presents a case from May 29, 1977, where a radio technician apprentice in Lower Austria reported seeing a 50 cm 'hul kule' (hollow ball) with 'røde ribber' (red ribs) in his room. He kicked it, and it gradually faded and disappeared. Traditional investigations found no physical traces. A witness-centered investigation in a Vienna psychiatric laboratory, involving psychological tests and an EEG, showed normal intelligence but a tendency towards hidden paranoid ideas. The EEG was borderline normal. The case was not definitively confirmed but was not considered a simple psychotic product.

Another investigation near Vienna in December 1979 involved complete clinical tests of witnesses. EEG, CFF, and other test results, along with psychiatric exploration, fragmented the homogeneous picture and were to be published in 'Austrian Abstracts.'

Results

The article states that humanity is not troubled by things themselves but by their perception of them, quoting Epictetus. The psycho-social dimension of UFO phenomena, compared to technical aspects, has received only marginal interest until 1977. Leo Sprinkle's summary (36) indicates that UFO researchers possess personal integrity, and UFO landing witnesses do not differ from the general population in age, sex, or residence. Schwartz's psychiatric case studies (33) did not find any UFO-induced paranoia. However, Walker presented a study of an alcoholic hallucination from the 1968 US Congress Hearings with detailed medical, neurological, and psychiatric examination routines (40).

In 1970, Schönherr speculated about hallucinatory elements, suggesting that UFO environments (force fields) could cause subconscious or unconscious representations to become central to perception, making them indistinguishable from real experiences (20). Cases involving paranoid episodes related to UFO investigators have been published (Bender, Keel). Hans Bender noted similarities between UFO phenomena and poltergeists, suggesting a 'ghost in the sky' (4).

Even if the UFO object itself was not revealed in Schwartz's material, Jung's fundamental work (20) is referenced. It is noted that the first author was unable to demonstrate psychological phenomena similar to UFO effects. Raynes and Fickett's account of the Trip Pond, Maine case describes various visual phenomena like white snowflakes, cubes, and spheres, and a red face-like outline. The witness also reported a black, cube-shaped object swirling in the air and disappearing through a wall, followed by 'gold threads' over the TV. The authors question whether these were reality or hallucinations (35).

From a psychiatric viewpoint, the classification of 'degree of remarkable-ness' loses scientific value. Hallucinatory images, like those in the Trip Pond case, are highly remarkable by definition, being vivid and logical. However, the 'question of reality' is distinct. Polygraph and hypnotic regression studies on CE-III witnesses have revealed strong emotional disturbances and a strong belief in the reality of their experiences. According to Jaspers, strong subjective evidence for reality is a constitutional factor in hallucinations. The internal consistency of a report is not a criterion for its objective reality. Thalmar is quoted saying, 'Hearing, smell, taste, sight, touch, all these senses feed me with false data for my reasoning' (37), and Arnold stated, 'We can only understand the problem of hallucinations when we recognize that the 'normal, objective' world has the same subjective perceptual values as the hallucinated, as both are psychic occurrences' (3).

Lawson's hypnotic experiments with 'imaginary abductions' (21) suggest that the testimony from 'genuine abductions' can be easily reproduced by using high suggestibility under hypnosis, creating a 'synthetic' close encounter of the third kind (CE-III). The subconscious is not an accurate reporter of facts. La Tourette describes 'demons' and 'unearthly beings' under hypnosis, suggesting the hypnotized person is the one with the 'demon' (22).

Haines, author of books on UFOs and psychology (14, 15), developed a procedure using UFO sketches. He found no significant differences between sketches made by eyewitnesses and non-eyewitnesses, suggesting that since everyone knows what UFOs look like, it's impossible to distinguish fact from imagination without information about the witness's mental state. Rifat proposed an 'induced dream hypothesis' for CE-III witness reports (26), suggesting that influencing a witness's brain can induce an 'LSD-like experience' with bizarre elements. Experiments by Klüver and Siegel showed similar hallucinatory forms with various external stimuli, including electrical brain stimulation, producing shapes like stengers, ornaments, beehives, chessboards, spiderwebs, tunnels, funnels, corridors, cones, vehicles, and spirals with intense colors and symmetrical arrangements (39). A witness from Graz reported such forms during a local 'UFO wave.'

Discussion

Bessler points to the typical appearance of 'phantom ships' that appear suddenly, in full size, and disappear just as quickly, defying physics and appearing flat and picture-like (8). Similar effects are noted in ghost stories and with abnormally large objects and UFO close encounters.

Guerin speculates that psychiatry, which is unaware of UFOs, might find that UFO descriptions align with material produced by the subconscious. However, he notes that UFOs exhibit a large number of physical details without significant symbolic value. Guerin overlooks that the subconscious can produce creative material for problem-solving through 'inspiration,' and that sudden 'recognition' of technical details is not a conscious process.

Seargent discusses the psychological aspects of UFO observations (27), citing Tyrrell that visual apparitions are regular, depending on lighting, distance, and the witness's presence. This corresponds to optical hallucinations. Seargent links Van Dusen's work on hallucinations with Vallee's 'Magonia' world and contactee messages.

UFO-Interest in China

A report on UFO interest in China notes that the first print run of a Chinese UFO magazine sold 300,000 copies. Paul Dong, an American citizen of Chinese descent, visited China in the summer of 1981, meeting with UFO enthusiasts and journalists, and giving lectures on UFO research in the USA. In Peking, lectures at Tsinghua University and the planetarium were well-attended. Dong collected information on hundreds of UFO incidents in China between 1978 and 1981.

"SPEIL-EFFEKTEN" (The Mirror Effect)

The presence of hallucinatory components in many UFO experiences is presumed due to various circumstances. Mythological UFO hypotheses have attempted to integrate anomalous details by invoking superior intelligence or a 'deus ex machina,' leading to a circular reasoning far from scientific methodology. Behavioral scientists have demonstrated their ability to study the 'dark side' of UFOs using their tools. While physical traces and radar echoes provide objective components, the anecdotal material from witness reports contributes the social aspect to the UFO subject. For older reports lacking psycho-social data, the authors, along with Schönherr, theorize that psychological elements, thoughts, desires, experiences, role models, and forms from the witness's environment can influence and shape the phenomenon's details. This is termed the 'mirror effect.'

This effect is supported by 'artificial UFO' experiments by Lawson (21) and Haines (13). Schallenberg's study of religious visions and witnesses in Europe during the 20th century (28) confirms a similar process. The cultural-mythological dependence of hallucinatory material is illustrated by a case of an indigenous man from the Waika tribe in Brazil, who, after being baptized and educated by missionaries, sought contact with ancestral spirits ('haeculi') through drug rituals but instead saw angels from his Christian upbringing (29). Freud's discovery that material from the unconscious or repressed is most pathologically impactful, acting as a hallucinatory stimulator and modulator, is relevant. Therefore, one cannot expect this type of data to reveal itself automatically in technical studies.

Examples of the 'Mirror Effect' in Austria

The article presents several Austrian examples:

• August/September 1955, Herr W. from Vienna: Witness reported a landed object near Arbestahl, entered it, and spoke with creatures who described Earth's social problems. The witness, who had experienced persecution under the Nazi regime and unemployment, felt transformed into a glorified figure in his account. A psychiatric expert deemed the report a product of an abnormal personality.
• January 1975, Josef P. in Traunstein: An elderly man described 'sky clocks' with multi-colored hands. Later, his drinking and reported 'ghosts' led to the conclusion that his observations were alcoholic hallucinations, including seeing a 'clock' and a 'paraply' (umbrella) instead of Jupiter.
• July 11, 1979, Fru M.: A woman reported seeing 'Skylab' in a cloud with four luminous spheres moving southwest. The timing coincided with news of Skylab's impending descent, and the mental state (waking suddenly) and environmental conditions (cloud cover) were considered conducive to illusion and hallucination.

Another indication of the 'mirror effect' is when witnesses 'register' details from a different observation. A witness who saw three red spheres and heard a deep sound in Hollabrund (August 1972) later reported seeing the 'exact same object' near Güssing (February 1973). The connection between these observations relates to the witnesses themselves, not the phenomenon or its surroundings.

For witnesses with above-average intelligence, field researchers are advised to ask about structured objects: 'What did the object remind you of? Had you seen this shape before? Did the shape or its details have any special meaning, however absurd? Why?' These questions should be asked at the end of the investigation, after the technical part.

UFO-Reports and Social Variables

UFO reports depend on psycho-social variables. Societal acceptance or rejection of these reports is a function of culture and technology, creating a paradoxical situation. Bizarre UFO reports are rejected by scientific authorities but accepted by many because they appeal to subconscious needs. The article questions why this is possible.

While technology has improved living standards, it has not solved fundamental human problems. This dissatisfaction with technology's limitations leads to anti-scientific and occult movements. The article suggests that UFOlogy is stuck in an old conflict between spiritualism and animism, which also occurred in parapsychology. The concept of supernatural intelligence cannot be proven or disproven within the framework of modern science.

The authors argue that the fear of UFO manipulation within our world, expressed by UFO spiritualists like Coleman, Clark, Guerin, Keel, Michel, and Vallee, is a projection of their own fearful mindset. They assert that humanity does not need 'UFO intelligences' to understand the new 'age of darkness' but rather their own intelligence.

Human beings, with their subconscious feelings and desires, represent the dark side of the UFO mystery. The more we learn about ourselves, the more we will understand what is happening under the umbrella of UFO phenomena.

References

The issue includes an extensive list of references, citing various authors and publications related to UFO research, psychology, parapsychology, and related fields. Notable references include works by J. Allen Hynek, John Keel, Jacques Vallee, and various researchers from organizations like MUFON and APRO.

Regional Sections

There are sections for 'LANDSREGION ØST' (Eastern Region) and 'LANDSREGION NORD' (Northern Region) of NIVFO, providing contact information for regional leaders and encouraging readers to get in touch for local activities or information outside the bulletin's scope.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring theme throughout this issue is the emphasis on the psychological and subjective aspects of UFO phenomena. The editorial stance clearly favors a critical, scientific approach that prioritizes psychological analysis of witnesses and their reports over the uncritical acceptance of physical explanations. The magazine suggests that many UFO experiences may be rooted in the witness's internal world, influenced by their personal history, cultural background, and psychological state, rather than solely by external, unidentified objects. The Hessdalen phenomenon is presented as a case study where instrument registration is considered, but the interpretation is framed within this psychological perspective. The issue advocates for a deeper understanding of the 'witness' as the primary variable in UFO research.

This issue of "UFO-DOMMEN" (issue 4/82, volume 1, dated Fall 1981) is a Norwegian publication from NIVFO SA, primarily in Norwegian. It features a review of Robert Sheaffer's book "The UFO Verdict: Examining the Evidence" by astronomer George O. Abell, alongside detailed reports of UFO sightings and scientific investigations, particularly from Hessdalen, Norway.

Review of "The UFO Verdict" by George O. Abell

George O. Abell, a professor of astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles, reviews Robert Sheaffer's book. Abell characterizes UFOs as a "jealous phenomenon" that are highly selective in their appearances. He notes that while many people report UFO experiences, including being taken aboard and examined, he and most of his colleagues have never observed such phenomena, despite extensive sky photography.

Abell acknowledges receiving reports of mysterious objects but states that most have mundane explanations, such as Venus or weather balloons. However, he admits some reports are too strange to explain definitively, though he finds no evidence necessitating an extraterrestrial explanation due to the vast distances and energy required for interstellar travel.

He expresses skepticism towards the extraterrestrial hypothesis (ETH), considering it the least likely explanation for the UFO phenomenon. Abell finds Sheaffer's book to be a thorough examination of UFO evidence, detailing the history of UFOlogy and exploring the psychology of those involved. He notes that his own study of the subject has led him to find the UFO case increasingly "nonsensical."

Abell highlights Sheaffer's critique of modern UFOlogy, drawing parallels to historical arguments for fairies and witches, suggesting a similar reliance on eyewitness accounts and photographic evidence. He finds the UFO magazines to be overly uncritical, accepting wild claims without sufficient proof.

Despite his skepticism, Abell acknowledges the possibility of extraterrestrial spacecraft but believes UFOlogists are often predisposed to the ETH. He discusses Sheaffer's exploration of 'extra-dimensional' theories, which he notes are scientifically untestable and thus outside the realm of scientific inquiry.

Abell concludes that the UFO phenomenon, like other paranormal subjects, is "jealous" in nature. He highly recommends "The UFO Verdict" to both believers and skeptics, calling it the best book he has read on the subject.

Swedish TV Film on UFOs

The magazine discusses a Swedish TV program that featured Christer Nordin from UFO-Sverige and an astronomer. The astronomer dismissed the 'spaceship hypothesis' but was positive about investigating UFO phenomena, suggesting they might be new natural phenomena. A Swedish case involving a reported object was mentioned, with no explanation found by UFO researchers. However, the TV program revealed that a person had illegally smuggled in a small airship with projectors, which he had played with.

A Theory on UFOs as Light Phenomena

A segment from an American broadcast is highlighted, presenting a theory developed by physicist Brady and neuro-biologist Personger. This theory suggests that under high pressure, stones can emit brief flashes. When filmed with a high-speed camera and played back slowly, these flashes appear as small, luminous spheres. The theory proposes that large rock masses, under significant pressure, could generate such luminous spheres, possibly due to seismic activity or internal shifts. It is suggested that these luminous spheres might emit electrical charges that could affect the human brain, leading to hallucinations, potentially explaining cases like Travis Walton and Val Johnson. The theory also posits that these spheres could rotate and adopt specific forms.

Hessdalen Sightings and Instrument Readings

Several reports detail UFO observations in Hessdalen, Norway, and attempts to measure them with scientific instruments.

Hessdalen Observations (September 3, 1982)

Four NIVFO members were in Hessdalen with equipment, including a new American instrument for measuring electrical voltages and electromagnetism. The goal was to detect variations in the electrical potential of the air. On Friday evening, a luminous object was observed gliding silently over Finnsåhøgda. It was visible for about 15-20 seconds. While it appeared to move like an aircraft, its complete silence was notable. Binoculars revealed red light in front and a blank rear. The object was definitively not an aircraft, helicopter, or astronomical phenomenon.

Hessdalen Observation (October 1, 1982)

Per Moen observed a luminous object moving south and then north over Hessdalen. Through binoculars, it resembled the object seen on September 3rd. The initial observation lasted 3-4 minutes at an estimated speed of 50-100 km/h. A return sighting lasted about 2 minutes, with a significantly higher speed. Moen took photographs, but due to the distance, only small light points were visible on the film. The object was seen to disappear into a cloud layer estimated at 800-1000 meters.

Hessdalen Observations (August 13 & 14, 1982)

Several observations were reported from Hessdalen. On August 13th, a woman in Vangslia described a "round, luminous object" with fuzzy contours moving from north to south. On August 14th, the same person reported seeing a dark, non-luminous object moving in a wave-like motion.

Hessdalen Observation (August 16, 1982)

Lars Lillevold reported a luminous, cigar-shaped object moving in a northerly direction with several light points. A sketch shows the object at a 30-45 degree angle to the horizontal plane. Lillevold described the object as hanging silently in the air before moving slowly and disappearing. His wife witnessed the same event. He expressed a change in his views on UFOs, stating that the experience left a lasting impression.

Hessdalen Observation (August 13, 1982)

Ole Lillevold (pensioner) observed a luminous object in the direction of Hessdalen. Initially mistaking it for the moon, he soon realized it was moving up, down, and sideways for about 15 minutes. This observation is compared to the Vangslia report.

Hessdalen Observation (July 30, 1982)

Peder B. Grønås and two others observed a luminous object moving east-west. It remained stationary for about an hour before shooting straight up and disappearing in seconds. The object was too distant for detailed observation with binoculars.

Instrument Readings (September 3, 1982)

During the September 3rd observation, the instrument measuring air voltage registered a significant deflection (100 volts per meter) precisely when the object appeared. The instrument remained stable at zero before and after the event, suggesting a possible link between the object and the electromagnetic field.

Instrument Readings (August 13, 1982)

During the August 13th observation, the instrument also showed a strong deflection. The report discusses the concept of 'gradient' in mathematics and meteorology, explaining how it measures the rate and direction of change in a function, such as air pressure or temperature. The Hessdalen observations are analyzed in terms of potential gradients, with the possibility of a horizontal or vertical gradient being considered.

Hessdalen Observation (August 13, 1982) - Continued

Further details on the August 13th observation are provided, including the duration of the sighting (a few seconds) and the instrument's reading. The report questions potential error sources but finds none. It also notes that while the object was visible, two cows nearby showed no reaction, while one stood up, suggesting a possible subtle effect.

Hessdalen Observation (October 1, 1982) - Continued

This section reiterates the observation from October 1st, noting the object disappeared into a cloud layer.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the critical examination of UFO phenomena, the scientific investigation of sightings, and the reporting of specific cases, particularly from Hessdalen. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious skepticism, valuing scientific analysis and evidence-based explanations while remaining open to the possibility of unexplained phenomena. The review of Sheaffer's book strongly aligns with a skeptical viewpoint, yet the detailed reporting of the Hessdalen events suggests an interest in the unexplained aspects of UFOlogy. The magazine also highlights the role of media in shaping public perception of UFOs, often criticizing sensationalism.

This issue of UFO magazine, dated August 1982, focuses on various unexplained aerial phenomena reported in Norway. The cover prominently features the title "UFO" alongside a dramatic image suggestive of an aerial sighting, likely related to the ongoing Hessdalen phenomenon.

Hessdalen Phenomenon

The issue presents photographs taken from Hessdalskjølen on the evening of January 18th, showing a light point moving across the sky. The witnesses described the object as moving with varying speeds, sometimes darting erratically. The photographs, taken with different exposure times (5 minutes, 3 minutes, and 30 seconds), show the object as streaks of light. NIVFO (the Norwegian Institute for UFO Research) investigated the images. Their analysis, detailed in the article, suggests that the length of the streaks, estimated at 2-3 degrees, is close to the natural movement of stars due to Earth's rotation. The zigzag movements are attributed to air turbulence and possible camera vibrations, potentially from the shutter. The article concludes that the phenomenon could be a star or something else.

Interesting Observations from Across Norway

Valdres Sighting

A report from Aurdal, Østås, Valdres, dated July 22, 1982, describes an observation made between 16:15 and 16:22. The object was silver, with multiple facets, and glittered in the sun. It moved without audible sound, with little speed, from west to east. Its angular size was estimated at 10-12 cm at arm's length. The object moved partially through light clouds and disappeared behind a mountain to the east. The witness initially mistook it for a kite but realized it was not. The witness's husband, using binoculars, described it as large as a car and rotating in the air, shining like silver. They noted it passed through light clouds and speculated it might be related to the American space shuttle launch that day. The report is preliminary, and further data is pending. NIVFO is aware of the witnesses' identities.

UFO Over Kattanakk?

Tor Andre Johannesen reported seeing a luminous disk moving at low altitude over Kattanakk in Haugesund on a Tuesday afternoon around 16:30. The object scared a flock of birds. He described the disk as completely blank and moving from south to north, disappearing eastward. This report was published in Haugesunds Avis on August 11, 1982.

Mysterious Mud Flake on Andøya

An unusual phenomenon was reported near Skogvold on Andøya, where a large mud flake, seemingly cut out from the mire, was found several meters from its original location. Experts consulted were puzzled. Arnult Hansen noted that while floods can move mud, the location was too high for that. Theories included lightning strikes moving the flake or gas emissions. The flake was over two meters wide, five meters long, and estimated to weigh one ton. No signs of machinery were found, and experts were expected to investigate further. This was reported in Harstad Tidende on September 8, 1982.

UFO in Risør?

On the night of August 1st, around 00:45, three people at Per Kr. Larsen's veranda in Tangen, Risør, observed a red light to the east of Stangholmsgapet. Initially thought to be a sailboat's top lantern, they soon realized it was silent. The red light gradually shifted to white. The object moved at 5-6 knots at an altitude of about 20 meters and was about the size of a football. They followed it for nearly three minutes before it disappeared. The witnesses ruled out conventional aircraft, boats, balloons, and helicopters, concluding it was an unidentified flying object. This report was published in Agderposten on August 5, 1982.

Hessdalen: Further Data

This section provides additional information regarding a previous report (NIB 3/82). Three individuals from Bærum were near Øyongen in June. During a bright night, they observed a large object overhead from which three smaller objects emerged. These smaller objects formed points, creating a square with lines connecting them. One of the tourists became seriously ill sometime after the observation, though not immediately. The information is second-hand, as the tourists have not yet come forward publicly.

Identified Flying Objects

"UFO X Solar" Balloon

Notices in Avisen Østlendingen (August 7, 1982) and Raumnes (August 10, 1982) reported a "UFO" seen from Flisa and Sander in Sør Odal. Asbjørg Hernes described an object that came from a garbage dump and disappeared slowly towards Solør, described as "thermos-flask-like" and rotating on its axis. However, it was later identified as a toy, a type of balloon called "UFO X Solar." These balloons are filled with air and heated by the sun, causing them to rise. The article notes that similar cases have been exposed before and highlights this artificial UFO.

Promotional Balloon in Sandefjord

A similar incident was reported in Sandefjords Blad on August 10th and 12th, 1982. A couple and guests at a cabin in Buer observed an "UFO" for over half an hour on Saturday, August 7th. This was later identified as a promotional balloon from a Vestfold exhibition.

Luminous Object Over Kommversøya

Ole Hovengen reported seeing a luminous object over Kommversøya on Saturday evening, July 31, 1982, around 22:50. He, along with three others, observed a luminous dot that was stationary. Suddenly, it darted in one direction, then another, for about a minute before disappearing eastward and then reappearing in the north-east. Hovengen stated it was not an "earthly object." This was reported in Drammens Tidende Buskeruds Blad on August 3, 1982. The article notes the similarity of the movement to the "skjenende" (erratic) movement seen in the Hessdalen photos.

Luminous Sky Over Kornmo

Around midnight on Wednesday, August 4, 1982, people in various parts of Trøndelag witnessed strong light flashes over the horizon. Trønderavisa in Steinkjer received numerous calls about the lights. Police and fire departments had no answers. People in Lundamo described a strange phenomenon: a gray-white cloud with strange lights. The sky was otherwise clear. They had never experienced anything like it. The weather service at Værnes airport identified the phenomenon as "kornmo" (St. Elmo's fire), which is described as lightning without thunder, originating high in the atmosphere, creating multi-colored light glints between clouds.

Dr. James E. McDonald Murdered?

This section discusses a claim made by Jerome Eden in his book "The Testament of Fools" that the American UFO researcher James E. McDonald may have been murdered. Eden reportedly heard from a friend whose acquaintance was involved in handling McDonald's body. The official cause of death was a self-inflicted gunshot wound from his own .38 caliber pistol. However, according to Eden's source, the bullet hole in McDonald's head did not match a .38 caliber bullet. The article acknowledges this is a third-hand rumor but notes that similar suggestions have appeared previously. The sources cited are The SBI Report, v4, n1, and AFU Newsletter, 2482.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the reporting and analysis of unexplained aerial phenomena across Norway, with a particular focus on photographic evidence from Hessdalen. The magazine attempts to identify some sightings as conventional objects like balloons, while others remain officially unexplained. There is an underlying skepticism towards sensational claims, as evidenced by the identification of the "UFO X Solar" and the Sandefjord balloon. However, the magazine also presents witness testimonies and photographic evidence that suggest the existence of genuine mysteries. The inclusion of the Dr. James E. McDonald case hints at a broader interest in the history and potential dangers associated with UFO research. The editorial stance appears to be one of cautious investigation, seeking to debunk hoaxes while acknowledging the possibility of genuine unexplained phenomena.