Nordic UFO Newsletter - 1983 No 2

Magazine Overview

Title: NORDIC UFO NEWSLETTER
Issue: No. 2 1983
Publisher: Nordic UFO Groups
Date: 1983
Country: Norway

This issue of the Nordic UFO Newsletter is dedicated to the Norwegian part of the UFO scene in Scandinavia, with a special focus on the "Hessdalen update." It includes normal reports of UFO sightings alongside a detailed look at the newly founded "Project Hessdalen." The newsletter aims to provide methods for investigating common UFO phenomena, applicable to the Hessdalen cases.

Project Hessdalen

An informal meeting in June 1983 between leaders of Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige and UFO-Norge led to the idea of an ambitious project to investigate the phenomena in Hessdalen, a region noted for its high UFO activity. The project, originally proposed by Jan Fjellander, is a collaborative effort. Its main purpose is to study the UFO-dense area of Hessdalen. The project is divided into two parts:

Part A: Survey of Existing Data

• This part involves an exhaustive collection of all available information, including photographs, filed reports, and any significant data. Key data points to collect for each observation are:
• Time
• Place
• Appearance
• Pattern of movement
• Meteorological data
• Physical and/or psychological effects
• Other elements of possible significance

Leif Havik, leader for the Central division of UFO-Norge, is heading the field investigations. The collected reports will be scrutinized and statistically analyzed.

Part B: Field Investigations and Technical Measurements

• This part will be undertaken if UFO activity increases, particularly in autumn 1983. It involves placing measuring equipment at strategic locations in the Hessdalen valley for continuous monitoring, alongside visual observation of phenomena. Required equipment includes:
• Photographic equipment
• Spectrograph
• Equipment to measure electrical fields
• Seismic measuring equipment
• Meteorological equipment
• Radar
• Sound-measuring equipment

The project requires recruiting individuals willing to monitor instruments for extended periods (up to two months). Funding is a critical aspect, with a supporting fund, "Project Hessdalen," established to receive contributions. The newsletter invites readers to contribute financially.

UFO-Observations and Collection of Data

Authored by Hans-Kurt Karlsen, this article discusses the importance of systematic data collection for analyzing UFO observations, particularly those in Norway. It highlights that while many observations have occurred repeatedly over long periods in limited geographical areas, the opportunity to study the phenomenon closely needs to be exploited effectively.

Necessary and Desirable Data for Analysis:

1. Movement of the Object: Establishing the flight-path and velocity is crucial for comparison with known objects like airplanes and satellites.
2. Colour and Light-Intensity: Changes in these aspects can provide valuable information, especially when correlated with movement.
3. Other Forms of Radiation: Measuring variations in the Earth's magnetic field, electrostatic field, and radioactive background radiation could help understand the phenomenon's physical nature.
4. Weather Conditions: Noting wind and weather conditions is important for correlation with object behavior and ruling out explanations like balloons.
5. Other Observations: Recording any unusual features, such as strange animal behavior, with precise timing is essential for relating them to other data.

The article notes that many of these desirable measurements may not have been carried out adequately in past Norwegian observations, and organizations need to consider acquiring specialized equipment.

Priority of Demands:

• Flight-path and Velocity: High priority due to its potential for identification and ruling out far-fetched explanations. Measurements should aim to exclude human error.
• Weather Conditions: Equally important for identification, as it can help confirm or reject explanations like balloons.

Registration of Flight-Path and Velocity:

Triangulation is presented as the most practical and economic method for determining an object's position. The article explains triangulation in two and three dimensions, emphasizing the need for rapid, accurate measurements to eliminate human error. A system using two remotely controlled cameras (SLRs with wideangle lenses) is proposed. Synchronous photographs from two points can determine bearings and thus the object's position. Multiple exposures on the same film frame can show the flight-path as a dashed line, allowing for numerous triangulations and speed calculations.

Weather Conditions:

While temperature changes slowly, wind is more variable. However, the article concludes that automatic registration of wind speed and direction is not justified, as rapid variations are due to local turbulence. Registering the mean value is sufficient, and manual observations are adequate.

Determining Colour and Light-Intensity:

Investigating the distribution of light over various colors requires special equipment. A prism can split light into its constituent colors. Registration can be done photographically or electronically. Electronic registration is faster but requires more complex and costly equipment. The intensity of colors is read by a light-sensitive sensor and stored for analysis.

Registration of Other Forms of Radiation:

Detecting magnetic and electrostatic fields is important. Previous attempts at Hessdalen and Arendal yielded negative results, possibly due to insufficient detector sensitivity. Developing more sensitive detectors with larger bandwidth is recommended. Changes in radioactive background radiation can be measured with a Geiger-counter, and automatic registration is generally not necessary due to the low quantity of information.

Development of Equipment:

Hans-Kurt Karlsen, the author, expresses interest in contacting other UFO groups working on similar equipment development to establish an international network.

Errata:

An errata note corrects previous map scales in the newsletter, stating that due to reproduction size reduction, scale numbers need to be increased by a factor of 1.4.

UFOS OVER HESSDALEN ALSO IN SEPTEMBER 1980

Authored by Elbjørg Fjeldberg, this article recounts a sighting that occurred three years prior to the publication, in September 1980, predating the main wave of activity in December 1981. The Hessdalen valley is located about 80 km SSE of Trondheim.

The Sighting:

On Thursday 18 or Friday 19 September 1980, between 12:00 and 12:30 pm, August Holen and two hunting companions, Rolf Thorvaldsen and Arild Sømo, were waiting for grouse near Lake Elgsjøen in Hessdalen. Holen experienced a sense of tension and a feeling of the atmosphere becoming dense. He then saw three beautiful objects hovering stationary a few meters away. These objects resembled large rocks of candy with a beautiful red color that twinkled in the sun. Their shape was described as a hat with a brim, a protrusion on top (like a periscope on a submarine), and an antenna-like protrusion on the right side of the dome. The brim, or carrying-wing, rotated at high speed and appeared to be made of corrugated iron. Underneath each object were two large holes. Holen felt a sensation of oxygen deficiency, speculating that the objects might use oxygen as fuel.

The material of the dome was described as hard, not hammered, not crystal-like, but resembling stone or glass, with an uneven and coarse finish. The objects were approximately 4 mm in diameter. A soft humming sound was heard. Suddenly, the objects tilted on edge, with their domes pointed towards Holen, and accelerated swiftly at low altitude, disappearing as small red points. Holen did not feel air pressure or smell anything during the event and was not afraid at the time, but later became astonished and sleepless.

Holen's Conclusion:

Holen concluded that the objects were real and possibly man-made. He stated that if he were to experience it again, he would be afraid. He was willing to travel to Hessdalen to point out the observation site and believed "they" are somewhere out there.

Additional Information:

• Holen's hunting companions, Thorvaldsen and Sømo, did not see the objects, despite being nearby. They were positioned in front of Holen and were focused on the grouse.
• Thorvaldsen confirmed a flight of grouse was present and found it strange that they didn't see the objects, noting the craft were soundless and their backs were turned.
• Holen was deeply impressed by the sight.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the detailed investigation of UFO phenomena, the importance of scientific methodology in data collection, and the focus on specific UFO hotspots like Hessdalen. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry, advocating for systematic research and international cooperation among UFO groups. The publication aims to inform its readers about ongoing research, new findings, and significant sightings within the Nordic region.

This issue of 'UFO' magazine, dated Tuesday 18 May 1982, focuses on UFO-related material and tidings received by Nordic UFO Groups. The primary content includes detailed reports of specific sightings, accompanied by maps, witness testimonies, and analyses. The magazine also features an 'Exchanges' section, indexing various UFO-related publications and archives received.

Hessdalen Area UFO Observations

The issue opens with a map of the area southwest of Hessdalen, Norway, highlighting locations where numerous UFO observations have been reported. Two specific areas are circled: one southwest of Hessdalen, indicating where three hunters were walking, and another northwest of Lake Øyungen, identified as the location where the most UFOs have been seen. The text accompanying the map explains its significance in relation to UFO activity in the Hessdalen valley.

Sighting near Slettfjellet Mountain

One report details an observation from September 1980 that became relevant to the UFO activity in Hessdalen. Following a "route" northwards from this observation site leads to Slettfjellet mountain. It is noted that a television team from Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation, along with freelance journalist Arne Wisth, filmed several UFOs in this area in mid-February 1982. This fact was unknown to August Holen when he reported his sighting.

Close Encounter Over Hvam in Skedsmo

This section, authored by Elbjørg Fjeldberg, details an event that occurred on 18 May 1982. The sighting took place at Hvam in Skedsmo, approximately 17 km ENE of Oslo, involving three witnesses: Steinar Nygård, Kjell Norstad, and a third person. The nature of the sighting was described as two objects resembling "rocks of candy".

Witness Testimony (Steinar Nygård)

Steinar Nygård recounts that during the preparation of a construction site, he and two colleagues saw two objects approaching at a low altitude. Initially mistaken for balloons or hang-gliders due to a noticeable excrescence underneath, their appearance changed to resemble "scrap heaps" as they drew closer. The size was estimated as five piled-up cars, with sharp edges and a bright reflection from the sun. At an altitude of about 100 m and an elevation angle of 70 degrees, a strange silence fell, and the temperature rose, creating a "sticky" feeling. The witnesses were unable to track the objects with a levelling telescope, despite being able to track small aeroplanes. The objects came from a NNE direction, about 40-50 m apart, and ascended, with one proceeding straight and the other turning towards Kjelleråsen hill before disappearing.

Interaction with Air Traffic

During the observation, three light airplanes took off from Kjeller airport, located 2-3 km away. One airplane appeared to be on a collision course with the objects, leading to what seemed like an evasive maneuver by the pilot. This pilot was later contacted by Mrs. Fjeldberg. The entire observation lasted about 15 minutes, with the objects passing Hvam at 10.55 am. The witnesses concluded that the objects must have originated from "somewhere else in our great universe".

Additional Description and Comments (Kjell Norstad)

Kjell Norstad provided further details, noting the objects were seen about 10.50 am to the NNE, above a slanting pillar near the construction site. The excrescences underneath the objects, initially thought to be moving, disappeared as the objects approached, making them appear uniform from all angles. A green one-motor airplane, type Grumman American Lynx AA-1C, took off from Kjeller airport at 10.50 am and appeared to head directly towards the objects, seemingly on a collision course. However, a pilot from Fornebu airport in Oslo did not observe the objects. A possible explanation for the pilot not seeing the objects is that they may have passed below the top of a nearby hill.

Further Aircraft Encounters

Around 10.55 am, a small red and white airplane took off from Kjeller and headed towards the ascending objects over the Djupdalen valley. The observers were certain the pilot must have seen them. A third plane took off later while the objects were still visible, but its location and pilot remain unknown. The report speculates that the objects might have been closer and lower than reported, potentially leading to the impression of a collision.

Extraordinary Observation from Alta

Authored by Elbjørg Fjeldberg, this report details an event on Thursday 14 October 1982, between 02.00 and 02.30 am, near Alta, Norway. The witnesses were Ulf Kivijærvi, John E. Hegge, Hegge senior, and Villy Selnes. The sighting involved three points of light and a luminous ellipsoid.

Description of the Sighting

During a clear night, three points of light appeared over the mountains SSE of Alta. Each point was composed of smaller lights bunched together, resembling a block of flats. They moved northwards at high speed, estimated at 70-80 km in 5 seconds (approx. 55,000 km/h), with no tails. The diameter of each light point was about one-third that of the moon. The objects halted ENE of Alta. Suddenly, light-rays flashed down from all three objects at an angle, forming cones with an opening angle of about 15 degrees. The light was white with a blueish hue and indescribably powerful. After 20-25 seconds, the rays widened and diminished, creating an "ocean" of light with a 180-degree opening angle. They then moved off one by one. At the same moment the lights went out, a pink, ellipsoid "thing" appeared, motionless, for 30 minutes before disappearing. This object had dimensions similar to the distance between the outermost light points.

Witness Estimates and Physical Sensations

The witnesses estimated the objects to be about 30 km east of Alta and at an altitude of 5-6000 m. They reported experiencing a strange, dead silence during the entire observation, finding it difficult to describe their feelings, which is noted as a common phenomenon during close encounters.

Size and Distance Calculations

Calculations suggest that if the distance was 30 km, each light point (one-third the diameter of the moon) would be approximately 90 m in diameter. The ellipsoid object, measured as 10-12 cm at arm's length (about 10-12 degrees), would be enormous if at a distance of 30 km, potentially 6 km wide. The report notes that the light cones touching the ground were not visible, implying the light-ellipsoid could not be less than 4 km wide and the light points some 60 m in diameter, assuming the light-rays were not reflected.

Source and Translation

This observation remains unidentified to date. The drawings were made by Villy Selnes and retouched by E. Fjeldberg. The source is "UFO" no. 5 1982, pp. 38-40. The article was translated from Norwegian by Mentz Kaarbø with the help of Hilary Evans.

Exchanges

This section provides an index of UFO-related materials received by Nordic UFO Groups over nearly three years. It lists various newsletters, publications, and archives from different organizations worldwide, along with their last received issue date. Cooperators are thanked for their contributions.

Indexed Publications and Organizations

Examples include:

• AFU Newsletter: Archives for UFO Research (Sweden)
• Alien Body Photos: An Updated Report: A joint publication by MARCEN, UFOIN, OUFOIL.
• Argomenti di Ufologia: Supplement to Documenti UFO (Italy).
• Australian International UFO Flying Saucer Research Inc. (Australia).
• Bulletin du GESAG (Belgium).
• CENAP Report: Sceptic account of the UFO scene in Germany.
• Centre Update: Companion publication to OSEAP Journal (England).
• Centro Para Pesquisas de Discos Voadores (C.P.D.V.) (Brazil).
• Cosmic Awareness Speaks (USA).
• COSMONIG (Brazil).
• Documenti UFO and Documenti UFO Monografie (Italy).
• Earthlink (England).
• Enigmas (Spain).
• Foresight (England).
• Fortean News and UFO Events: Page Research Library Newsletter (USA).
• FUFOR Case History: Federation UFO Research (England).
• GALAXY (Belgium).
• Hypothéses Extraterrestres (France).
• Inforespace: Pamphlet describing the activity of SOBEPS (Belgium).

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are detailed UFO sightings, witness testimonies, and the analysis of aerial phenomena. The magazine appears to adopt a stance of documenting and investigating UFO reports, presenting them with factual details, witness accounts, and attempts at explanation or classification. The inclusion of maps and technical details suggests a serious approach to the subject matter. The "Exchanges" section indicates a commitment to international collaboration and information sharing within the UFO research community. The editorial stance seems to be one of open inquiry, presenting evidence and accounts without definitive conclusions, allowing readers to draw their own inferences, as exemplified by the conclusion of the Hvam witnesses.

This issue of "Observing UFOs" appears to be a compilation or review focused on the book of the same title by Richard F. Haines, published by Nelson Hall Publishers. The magazine itself does not have a distinct title or issue number provided on the scanned pages, but the content revolves around UFO research and related publications.

Book Review: Observing UFOs by Richard F. Haines

The central piece is a detailed presentation of Richard F. Haines' book, "Observing UFOs." The book is described as a comprehensive and scholarly guide for the scientific observation of unidentified flying objects (UFOs). It aims to provide enough reliable new data to help solve the mystery of UFOs by focusing on the 'observer' rather than just the phenomena.

Haines' book covers relevant physiological and psychological facts, including the limits and fallibilities of human perception. It also details tricky and sensitive methods for obtaining objective information from purported UFO witnesses, including techniques for interviewing, hypnosis, and polygraph testing.

The review highlights that the book addresses the nature of the observer, which is considered as vital as the nature of the observed phenomena. It emphasizes the need for more trained observers and competent investigators to gather reliable information, suggesting that "Observing UFOs is the key to that priceless information."

Quotes from J. Allen Hynek, Director of the Center for UFO Studies, strongly recommend the book. One quote states, "Highly recommended for the serious UFO investigator." Another describes it as "A comprehensive, scholarly presentation of the perceptual problems involved in separating UFO fact from fancy. Highly recommended for the serious UFO investigator."

The book is 300 pages long, with 61 photos and drawings. It is available in paper for $10.95 and bound for $22.95 (postage included) from Nelson Hall Publishers in Chicago, Illinois, USA.

The table of contents for Haines' book is partially listed, including sections on "What Is a UFO," "The UFO Field Investigator and Witness," "Experiencing Something for the First Time," "Invisibility," "The Human Visual Field," "General Concepts and Terms Related to Visual Observation of Aerial Objects," "Angular Sighting Estimates and Measurements," "Temporal Estimates and Measurements," "Intensity Estimates and Measurements," "Moving and Stationary Lights at Night," "Techniques for Obtaining and Evaluating Witness Testimony," "Airplanes: UFOs or IFOs?", "Surface Reflections," "Viewing Very Bright Objects," and "Some Preliminary Conclusions and Principles."

About the Author: Richard F. Haines

Richard F. Haines, Ph.D., is presented as a NASA research scientist specializing in human perception since 1967. He holds a doctorate from Michigan State University and has published over 45 articles in technical and medical journals. He is an associate fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association, past chairman and co-founder of the Advanced Technology Applications Committee, and a member of the Association of Aviation Psychologists and the World Future Society.

Directory of UFO Periodicals

Pages 20 and 21 of the document contain an extensive directory of UFO periodicals from various countries. Each entry typically includes:

• Publication Name: The title of the periodical.
• Publisher/Group: The organization or individual responsible for the publication.
• Address: Contact information, including postal address.
• Issue Information: Specific issue numbers and dates, where available.
• Description: A brief note on the content, focus, or status of the publication.

Some notable entries and details from this directory include:

• Insolito: Published in Porto, Portugal.
• Journal für UFO Forschung: Published in West Germany by GEP, partly collaborating with CENAP.
• Mark-Age News: Published in Ft. Lauderdale, USA, covering spiritual "New Age" phenomena.
• New England UFO Newsletter: Publication has ended.
• Night Siege: A booklet by Dennis Pilichis describing "Bigfoot" and UFO sightings in northern Ohio during the summer of 1981.
• Notizario UFO: Published in Torino, Italy, with an abstract in English.
• NUFOIS News: Published in Nottingham, England.
• Nuova Era Argomenti: Publication suspended for an indefinite period.
• Nyt Aspekt: Published in Denmark, replacing the old UFO-Aspekt.
• Odiseja: Published in Yugoslavia.
• OSEAP Journal: Published in Crewe, England.
• OVNI Présence: Published in Switzerland.
• Perth UFO Research Group Newsletter: Published in West Australia.
• Planet: Published in Istanbul, Turkey.
• Rencontres: Published in France, focusing on contactee-oriented material.
• SAF BULLETIN: Published in Solna, Sweden, featuring xeroxed newspaper clippings on UFOs and astronomy.
• Skeptica newsletter: A Danish magazine aimed at fighting pseudoscience, edited by Willy Wegner.
• Skywatch: Ceased publication by the end of 1981, replaced by OSEAP Journal and Centre Update.
• Sociedade Brasileira de Estudios Sobre Discos Voadores (SBEDV): Published in Brazil in Portuguese with a short English summary.
• Spiral Mobius: Published in Kennett Square, PA, USA.
• The Catalogue of UFO Periodicals: A publication by Tom Lind, described as "Very interesting and informative, bringing the latest information about UFO periodicals in English. A 'must' for every concerned UFO-researcher."
• The Journal of the Australian Centre for UFO Studies: Published in Gosford, NSW, Australia.
• The Probe Report: Published in Melksham, Wiltshire, England, known for thoroughly investigated cases.
• Tri-County UFO Study Group Newsletter / UFO Information Network (UFOIN): Published in Rome, Ohio, USA.
• UFO 21: Published in Belgium, covering the first UFO-Congress of the Netherlands.
• UFO Aspect: Published in Denmark.
• UFO Book Catalog 1982: By Gene Duplantier, includes an issue of 'SS&S Newsletter'.
• UFO Catalog: By Mary Pilichis.
• UFO Communicators Collectors Catalog: Published by Tri-County UFO Study Group, listing books and tidings.
• UFO - Informations: Published in France.
• UFO Insight: Ceased publication, replaced by OSEAP Journal and Centre Update. Also published "Night Observation Exercise Manual."
• UFO Journal: Published in Van Nuys, California, USA.
• UFO News Flash: Published in Brescia, Italy.
• UFO Ohio Newsletter: Published in Rome, Ohio, USA. Also associated with Fortean Tape Recorded Information Service (FTRIS).
• UFO Ohio Yearbook 1979: Published in Rome, Ohio, USA.
• UFO Quebec: Published in Canada.
• UFO Research Australia Newsletter: Published in South Australia.
• UFO Research Review: Published in Nottingham, England.
• UFO Tasmania: Year-report and Newsletter published in Tasmania, Australia.

UFO Details and Object Characteristics

Page 3 includes a section titled "UFO DETAILS" which presents a classification system for UFO shapes. This system uses codes like D1 through D15 for various dome and protrusion configurations, and P1 through P6 for attached protuberances. It also includes symbols for "No dome visible," "Another shape," and "Structure changed."

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The primary theme of this issue is the scientific approach to UFO research, emphasizing rigorous observation, data collection, and the understanding of human perception. The editorial stance, as reflected in the review of Haines' book and the extensive directory of periodicals, is one of promoting serious, well-documented investigation into UFO phenomena. There is a clear distinction made between speculation and empirical research. The inclusion of a wide range of international UFO publications suggests an effort to provide a comprehensive overview of the field and resources for researchers.