Nordic UFO Newsletter - 1982 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: NORDIC UFO NEWS LETTER
Issue: 1 1982
Publisher: Nordic UFO Groups
Date: January 1982

This issue of the Nordic UFO Newsletter focuses on recent UFO sightings in Sweden and Norway, alongside updates on the organizational structure of Nordic UFO research groups. The newsletter is published biyearly and is available on an exchange basis.

Organizational Changes

Effective January 1, 1982, the two Norwegian UFO associations, Norsk UFO Center and Riksorganisasjonen UFO-Norge, merged to form a new organization named UFO-Norge. This new entity aims to maintain a scientific and effective research activity, primarily studying reported sightings of unidentified flying objects. Norway is divided into five divisions, each managed by a committee. A national meeting of active members serves as the association's highest authority every two years. The report central has moved to Lillestrøm, and the organization estimates around 400 members. Previously, the two organizations published three newsletters: Rapportnytt, Internt UFO Forum (both by NUFOC), and UFO-Norge Nytt (RUFON). These have now been combined into a single publication called "UFO," which will be released five times a year in A-4 format with approximately 48 pages. The subscription rate is Nkr 80,- per year.

Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige continues to publish two periodicals: UFO-Sverige-Aktuellt (four times a year) and the internal Internt UFO Sverige. "UFO" is the sole publication of UFO-Norge.

Key UFO Sightings

Mysterious UFO Event Over Forest Lake (Sweden)

This article by C-A Mattson details an event that occurred on July 5, 1980, near Navelsjö, Sweden. Four families camping witnessed a red-white ball UFO that approached them slowly, changing color from red to yellow and then back to red. The object exhibited unusual behavior, stopping, rising at a 90-degree angle, descending rapidly, and moving sidewards with jerky motions. Despite its proximity and brightness, the object cast no reflection on the mirror-smooth lake surface, and no sound was heard. The witnesses ruled out conventional explanations like airplanes or helicopters. The object was estimated to be about 30 feet in diameter and the sighting lasted approximately 10 minutes. The most frightening aspect for the observers was the complete, unnatural silence that accompanied the event.

Huge UFO Follows Car For One And A Half Mile (Sweden)

Reported by UFO-Sverige Aktuellt, this sighting occurred on August 13, 1981, near Eskilstuna, Sweden. The Eklund family, traveling in their car, observed a gigantic, shining object that rapidly approached them. Elisabeth Eklund described it as "strange and giant," with a surface area of "maybe half a football ground." The object stayed behind their car for about 1.5 miles, moving at tremendous speed and in a path impossible for an airplane. It was described as curved with something raising in the middle, illuminated by a yellow glow that did not illuminate the surroundings. The sighting ended when the object turned west and disappeared near Barva. The Edlunds did not stop to investigate due to safety concerns. UFO-Sverige Aktuellt noted the sighting took place at 10:36 p.m. and lasted about 6 minutes. Investigations by the Swedish Defense Research Institute (FOA) and military intelligence did not confirm any military air activity, though a landing was noted at a nearby airfield 56 minutes prior to the sighting. The article criticizes the Swedish defense authorities for their perceived negligence and lack of response to such reports.

"Flying Truck" Seen Over Hällefors For 75 Minutes! (Sweden)

This incident, reported by Maud Karlsson, took place on October 15, 1981, in Hällefors, Sweden. Karlsson observed a gigantic UFO with "frightening proportions" that appeared suddenly in the north. She described it as a "giant object at the size of a truck with trailer" gliding across the sky. The object was tube or cigar-shaped, with four oblong windows emitting a blue-white light and a red light in the rear. A clear, piercing engine noise was heard. Later, the former chief constable Björn Fagrell also spotted the "flying thing," describing it as looking like "two connected railbusses." The object made a slow clockwise turn around the village, lasting over a minute, and then a flame came from its rear. The craft was estimated to be about 160 feet long and was visible for 75 minutes. Police alerted Civil Aviation Headquarters, but the area was outside radar control. Investigations by UFO-Sverige and the Defense Staff found no military air activity. The article expresses frustration with the authorities' nonchalant attitude, questioning why the air defense couldn't identify such a large craft.

Mysterious Aircraft Over The Mjøsa District (Norway)

This event was observed on July 21, 1958, near Lake Mjøsa in eastern Norway, by an anonymous witness and his son. While driving, they saw a brightly shining "star" moving at tremendous speed. The object then turned, decreased speed, and headed directly towards them. It grew larger and suddenly split into two parts, which were identified as two cigar-shaped objects, the size of jet fighters, flying at an altitude of 50-100 meters. They flew in formation, emitting flames from their sides and a horizontal beam that bent downwards. The objects had no wings or tail and made no sound. As they passed, the speed increased tremendously, and they reshaped into a glowing orange sphere. The witness emphasized the distinctiveness of the beam and the absence of sound.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed reporting of UFO sightings with witness testimonies, the organizational developments within Nordic UFO research groups, and a critical stance towards official responses and investigations by defense authorities. The editorial stance appears to favor a scientific approach to UFO research while highlighting the perceived lack of transparency and effectiveness from governmental bodies in addressing these phenomena. The newsletter aims to document and analyze these events, providing a platform for researchers and enthusiasts in the Nordic region.

This issue of UFO Report, identified as issue number 10 from volume 11, focuses on UFO sightings and related phenomena primarily in Norway. The cover date is suggested by the July 1958 report, but the content spans several decades, with reports from 1958, 1978, 1979, and 1981. The magazine appears to be published by NUFOC, a likely organization involved in UFO research.

Key Articles and Reports

The 1958 Mjøsa Sighting

The issue begins with a report from July 22, 1958, detailing an event near Mjøsa, Norway. Multiple witnesses observed a bright blue-green oscillating light, described as cigar-shaped, moving at high speed from southeast to northwest. The object was seen from various locations including Follebu, Jørstadmoen, Brøttum, Nordre Ål, Gausdal, and Lillehammer. Witnesses agreed it was not a Sputnik and moved at speeds estimated to be about four times that of a jet. The altitude was debated, with estimates ranging from 100 meters to the upper layers of the atmosphere. A similar object was reported in Finland on the same evening. The Solar Observatory at Harestua suggested it might have been a meteor, noting that meteors can split into parts. However, the report suggests the objects descended over Mjøsa, decreased speed, and then accelerated again, weakening the meteor explanation.

Close Encounter of the Second Kind at Vestre Spone in Åmot (1978)

This section details an incident on November 4, 1978, involving Kåre Overn, a farmer at Vestre Spone, Modum. Overn reported hearing a whistling sound and seeing a green beam of light strike the ground, originating from a luminous green saucer-shaped object estimated to be 40 meters in diameter. The object projected the beam from its bottom. After Overn went to fetch his camera, the object ascended rapidly. A brown mark was found on the grass where the beam had struck. Overn also reported seeing five shining discs years earlier. The object moved upwards about 50 meters, then turned at a 60-degree angle and disappeared at high speed. The velocity was described as exceeding that of fighter planes. The object was described as circular with a hemisphere at the bottom featuring four equidistant windows. The beam emitted from a rotating spot appeared stationary. The incident lasted about a minute and a half.

Report on the Soil Analysis (Vestre Spone)

Following the Vestre Spone sighting, soil samples were taken from the mark left by the UFO. By January 1979, nine weeks after the sighting, growth was observed in the soil from within the circle, but not from outside. The algae growth was in the multiplying phase, which was unusual for the season. The plant type was Polygonium aviculare. The analysis also found a marked color difference (green inside, grey outside) and an unidentified brown substance. The pH values were 6.5 within the circle and 7.3 outside. Investigators found no reason to doubt Overn's account, despite the lack of other witnesses.

Strange Light and Sound, and Print in Snow (1979)

This report by Gøran Granath describes an experience of Mrs Agnes Solberg near Sarpsborg during the winter of 1979. She was awakened by a loud grating noise and an intense white light that illuminated her room. She initially thought someone had crashed outside. The light lasted for two to three minutes before disappearing, followed by the sound fading gradually. She was frightened by the sudden darkness and silence. The next day, her grandson Pål discovered a large print in the snow, measuring 60 by 70 cm, with extensions at each corner resembling plates. These plates had raised portions and were 3 cm deep. Diagonals ran from the corners to a central circle, also about 35 cm deep. An oil-like black substance was distributed in a small area within the triangle farthest from the house. The print remained visible for about a fortnight. Mrs Solberg believes the phenomenon was not of this world, possibly a flying saucer. Additional notes indicate the snow around the print was untouched, and electric wires passed overhead.

UFO and "Man" Seen in a Field Near Lånke (1981)

This sighting occurred on July 25, 1981, involving Mrs Hjørdis Hokstad at Lånke, Stjørdal. She observed a metallic object lying in the grass, twinkling in the sunlight, for about 15 minutes. She also saw what appeared to be a little "man" walking behind the object. The object moved along the ground, then ascended and moved away northeast. NUFOC visited the site and found no visible evidence or radioactivity. Mrs Hokstad was embarrassed to mention the "man" initially, describing him as wearing a suit with a hood. The incident made a deep impression on her. Air traffic control at Værnes airport reported no unusual observations. The wind was from the southeast at 5 knots. While the object's behavior could be suggestive of a heated balloon, Mrs Hokstad, using binoculars, was convinced it was not a balloon. Other witnesses reported similar observations of cigar-shaped objects moving horizontally, while Mrs Hokstad was sure the object moved vertically. Some calves reportedly behaved in a disturbed manner after this sighting. The report notes that local newspapers published contradictory details, leading to arguments.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are unexplained aerial phenomena (UFOs/UAPs), close encounters, physical trace evidence, and witness testimony. The magazine consistently presents detailed accounts from witnesses, often supported by investigations from NUFOC and analysis by experts. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into these phenomena, presenting evidence and witness accounts without immediate dismissal, while also acknowledging potential explanations like meteors, but often finding them insufficient. The publication emphasizes the need for further investigation and highlights the unusual nature of the reported events, suggesting they are not easily explained by conventional means. The translations are noted as being by Hilary Evans and Mentz Kaarbø.