Nordic UFO Newsletter - 1988 No 1

Magazine Overview

Title: NORDIC UFO NEWSLETTER
Issue: 1 1988
Volume: No.1
Date: January 1988
Publisher: Nordic UFO Groups
Country: Norway
ISSN: 0800-1154

This issue of the Nordic UFO Newsletter marks a significant transition. The editorial states that due to the folding of The UFO Research of Finland and hampered cooperation with Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige, this will be the last issue of the Nordic UFO Newsletter. The hope is that UFO-Norge will be able to publish an international newsletter based on Norwegian facts and news. The next issue, expected within six months (July 1988), will be titled 'Norwegian UFO Newsletter' and will have a slightly different style and content, but will maintain the same policy and terms.

Contents

This issue, delayed for various reasons, features articles from all three participating countries: Finland, Sweden, and Norway. The included articles are:

• First Known Abduction Case in Finland ? (Page 3)
• UFO-Observation in Jämtland (Page 4)
• We experienced Something Unexplained (Page 9)
• Fantastic UFO-Movie from Hallingdal (Page 12)
• Hessdalen Update (Page 24)

Articles

First Known Abduction Case in Finland ?

*By Heikki Virtanen*

This article details a possible CE-IV (abduction case) that allegedly occurred in Jyrinvaara, 6 km west of Kurkijoki, Northern Karelia, Soviet Union (formerly Finland), between January and Easter of 1917. The witness was Anni Lattu (1873-1930). The case was first mentioned in the newspaper Kurkijokelainen. The story recounts that Anni, a widow living alone, disappeared for several days. Upon her return, she told villagers about a large, wash-basin-shaped machine that landed beside her house. Small creatures, which she called 'devils', descended via a ladder. Anni claimed to understand their language and was taken aboard by force. She described travelling very fast, seeing the world and even travelling between stars. The machine was described as shining and silent. Villagers initially believed she had a fever or hallucinated, but Anni maintained her story. Further investigation by Mauritz Hietamaki of The UFO Research of Finland involved interviewing Mrs. NN., a neighbor who was a child at the time. Mrs. NN. recalled Anni telling the story often and confirmed details such as the machine's shape and the presence of small men inside. Anni's husband, Juho, died 11 years after the event. The machine was described as having ladders, and Anni was taken aboard against her will. Inside, small men were moving quickly. Anni's interpretation of them as 'devils' stemmed from the villagers' religious beliefs. Mrs. NN. comprehended that there was a leader with whom Anni communicated telepathically. Anni was inside the craft for several days, travelling globally and near the stars, but chose not to stay. The craft was warm inside with comfortable seats. Anni was returned to the place she was taken from. Other villagers attributed the experience to fever dreams, but Anni never accepted this.

UFO-Observation in Jämtland

*Date: 17/18 March 1986*
*Time: 8 pm to midnight*
*Place: Brunflo in Jamtland, Sweden*
*Witnesses: Karl Axelsson, Elna Axelsson, Linnea, Håkan Forslund*
*Nature of sighting: Hovering craft seen for several hours*

This extensive report details a frightening experience of Karl Axelsson, his wife Elna, their neighbor Håkan Forslund, and Elna's mother, Linnea, in March 1986. Karl Axelsson, a caretaker, describes a shining spaceship gliding above water and landing on a nearby mountain. He was terrified and convinced it was extraterrestrial. Elna confirmed seeing the craft and stated they could not have hallucinated. The sighting began with a powerful, yellow-white light observed from Karl and Elna's hilltop house overlooking Lake Locknesjon. Initially mistaken for a powerful lamp, the light's position and time of day led them to reconsider. As Karl drove his mother-in-law home, they observed the light again, which was too high for machinery. Karl returned home and, drawn by the strange light, used powerful binoculars. He described the light as yellow-white, powerful, and pulsating, fixed in the sky but much stronger than a star. It shone through fog and vapour. The light began to move, gliding slowly above the water towards Karl's position. Using binoculars, he identified it as a craft composed of approximately 20 squared sections, each appearing as a large window with a light inside. He estimated its size as 150 meters long and 10 meters high, hovering about 1.5 km from the mountain. Karl fetched Elna, and they observed the craft for a long time. Elna briefly used the binoculars but became bored and went inside. While Karl was alone, two saucer-shaped objects appeared, one descending slowly and landing on the mountain, the other disappearing at high speed towards Froson. An airplane from Linjeflyg appeared, and the craft emitted thick white smoke, becoming invisible like a cloud. The smoke was later reabsorbed, and the craft was visible again. Håkan Forslund arrived, and they discussed the object. The craft then took off soundlessly over the lake and hovered motionless before its lights went off and it disappeared. Later, Karl observed a glow on the hillside of Fårskinnsberget, and the same ship reappeared, hovering with a powerful light beam scanning the ground. The light beam came closer, and Karl's car was illuminated, filling him with terror. He described a threatening shadow and glimpsed a long tunnel, feeling on the verge of being pulled through. He fled to his house. The sighting was confirmed by other observers, and the UFO-group in Østersund received several reports of moving lights on the same nights. Authorities could provide no explanation for the visit. Karl insists he was sober and that the craft did not originate from Earth.

We experienced Something Unexplained

*Date: During late July 1986*
*Time: Between 10.30 and 11 pm*
*Place: Tydal valley, Sør-Trøndelag county, Southern Norway*
*Witnesses: A married couple (anonymous)*
*Nature of sighting: Brightly shining object at close range*

This report, taken from the weekly magazine Hjemmet, describes an observation by a construction worker and his wife in the Tydal valley. They chose to remain anonymous due to fear of ridicule. They observed something 'really unexplained' during the summer of 1986. The story is included for its exciting description of phenomena observed during the UFO-era, despite lacking 'hard facts'. The couple states they have not told anyone about the observation. The article mentions that the UFO-organisation has been in contact with civilian and military authorities, who denied responsibility for any airborne craft during the Swedish sightings. The Air Force denied having any airborne activity in the area. The question of the origin and purpose of the observed craft remains.

Fantastic UFO-Movie from Hallingdal

(Details not available in the provided text beyond the title)

Hessdalen Update

(Details not available in the provided text beyond the title)

Subscription Information

Groups and individuals without an exchange agreement can subscribe through ordinary payment. Prices are Nkr. 10,- per issue in Norway, Nkr. 15,- in Europe, and Nkr. 20,- elsewhere. Handling and first-class postage are included. Payment can be made to bank account no. 5201.68.03979 (Bergen Bank) or via checks drawn on Norwegian banks, payable to the editor. International Money Orders are also accepted. Subscribers are advised to pay for one issue at a time due to the irregular publication schedule. Exchange agreements are encouraged.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are UFO sightings, potential alien abductions, and unexplained aerial phenomena, with a focus on cases from Nordic countries (Finland, Sweden, Norway). The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into UFO phenomena, acknowledging the difficulties and skepticism faced by witnesses, while also recognizing the limitations of current explanations. The transition to a 'Norwegian UFO Newsletter' suggests a continued commitment to reporting on UFO-related events within the region, albeit with a narrower scope. The inclusion of Project Hessdalen indicates an interest in ongoing scientific investigations into anomalous phenomena.

This issue of Hjemmet, dated 21 October 1986, features a prominent article titled "FANTASTIC UFO-MOVIE FROM HALLINGDAL" by Odd-Gunnar Røed and Mentz Kaarbø. The magazine is published by Hjemmet and originates from Norway.

The Tydal Sighting

The article begins with an anonymous account from a couple in Tydal, Norway, describing an extraordinary experience in late July 1986. While on their customary evening walk near their cottage, they observed a blinding, blue-white light to the northeast. Initially resembling a star, the light moved towards them, passed overhead, and then halted to the south. It descended in large circles, becoming stationary about 100 meters above a mountain ridge approximately 1 km away. Despite the intense light, they could not discern the object's contours but suspected it was a helicopter searching for missing persons. They noted the complete absence of any rotor noise or engine roar, which was unusual. The ground beneath the object was illuminated as if it were daytime. The light then shifted from blue-white to red and back again, and the object raced north at an enormous speed before returning and halting closer. The witnesses realized it could not be a helicopter due to its speed and silent operation. The object descended towards a marsh area, hovering a few meters above the ground. As the light flickered and dimmed, they glimpsed its shape, described as resembling a flat ball or a mushroom, though its material and color were indistinguishable against the bright light. The object then ascended, moved sideways, and illuminated the ground with an "ocean of light." Suddenly, it approached them like a projectile, passing overhead with immense speed, causing them to lose their breath and hearing.

The Hallingdal Sighting and Filming

Following the Tydal account, the magazine details a sighting that occurred on the night of Saturday, July 12, and Sunday, July 13, 1986, at the Breiset mountain farm near Torpo in the Hallingdal valley, Southern Norway. The married couple Tove and Torfinn Tonning, along with their son Christer and friends, were enjoying the summer night when, at 0.50 am, Mrs. Tonning pointed out a light ascending from the horizon. Torfinn Tonning used his video camera, powered by a cigarette lighter due to dead batteries, to film the phenomenon. The object was observed through powerful binoculars, revealing an oval shape with three clearly separable circular blue-white lights. It emitted flashes of light downwards and rapid sparks from its sides. The object exhibited complex movements, including tilting and maneuvering towards and away from the witnesses, as well as ups and downs. It descended to a hill and then ascended abruptly at a speed no helicopter could match. A second object, with a stronger red-white hue, was also observed in the west/southwest direction, though it was fainter and its appearance on video was of limited duration.

The videofilm lasted about 10 minutes. Upon reviewing the tape at home, Mr. Tonning was initially disappointed, as the filmed image was less impressive than the actual observation. However, using the recorder's stationary image option revealed more details. The camera used was a VHS Nordmende CV 155 from 1986 with a 6X zoom lens (8-48 mm f/1.2), and the binoculars had a 12X magnification with a 50 mm aperture. Mr. Tonning estimated the primary object's size as that of a big pea at arm's length.

Support from Other Witnesses and Analysis

About a week after the Tydal sighting, UFO-Norge received a call from a woman in Oslo who reported a similar sighting near Krækkja (about 80 km WSW of Torpo) on July 13 at 2.20 am. She saw a powerful light, initially mistaken for the moon, which moved and was smaller. A later analysis suggested the direction of the object seen from Krækkja corresponded closely with the second object observed by the Tonnings, considering the geographical separation.

Representatives from UFO-Norge visited Mr. Torfinn Tonning, who is described as a reliable person in his 40s holding a position in the City Council. The case attracted significant media attention, affecting Mr. Tonning's daily life.

The movie was sent for extensive analysis to Ground Saucer Watch (GSW) in the USA. Mr. Paul Norman of the Victorian UFO Research Society facilitated the delivery. The analysis involved electronic image processing. To enhance validity, documentation of weather conditions was collected from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute. The weather on the observing date was generally good, with a cloudbase of 1500-2500 meters and visibility of 75 km or more, suggesting the phenomena were likely seen underneath the clouds. Astronomical data indicated that Jupiter might be a candidate for the second object, but the Krækkja sighting in a different direction precluded this explanation. Air traffic routes were noted, but no specific inquiries were made to Air Traffic Controllers.

Financial Support and Further Investigation

The advertising company TED BATES in Oslo became interested and offered financial support for the analysis, cooperating with UFO-Norge. However, their continued involvement depended on a positive response from their foreign associates, Springer-Verlag. Preliminary results raised doubts about the phenomena being bona fide UFOs, which precluded further direct financial support from this source. The movie was also shown to experts at the Norwegian Industry Research Institute (NIRI) and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (NDRE), leading to proposals for further research, including astronomical situations and potential connections to aircraft or satellites.

The Verdict

The results from GSW's analysis, provided to UFO-Norge, stated that the case deserved further investigation, with many clues indicating an unknown source. However, like most UFO photograph/movie analyses, there was a lack of substantial data for a conclusive answer. The article includes selected photos from the image processing sessions and a drawing by Mr. Tonning depicting the primary object and its emitted flashes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue strongly focuses on a specific UFO sighting that was filmed, emphasizing witness testimony and scientific analysis. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious investigation into unexplained aerial phenomena, aiming to provide credible information to the public and encourage individuals with similar experiences to come forward. The magazine highlights the importance of detailed documentation and expert analysis in such cases, while acknowledging the limitations imposed by incomplete data. The case's impact on the witness and the media attention it garnered are also noted, suggesting the sensitive nature of reporting such events.

Title: Nordic UFO Newsletter
Issue: 2
Volume: 1988
Date: June 1988
Publisher: GSW
Country: Norway
Language: English

This issue of the Nordic UFO Newsletter focuses on the analysis of the Hallingdalen UI (Unidentified Image) case, which occurred on July 13, 1986. The content includes detailed examination of video tapes and photographs, findings from image processing, and conclusions drawn by GSW, a photographic consultant, and the director.

Hallingdalen UI (Unidentified Image) Case Analysis

Background and Evidence

The case involves two video tapes and five black & white photographs taken from a single video tape, forwarded to GSW for computer image processing by Paul Norman. The video tape, approximately 5+ minutes long, captured a bright, ovaloid anomalous shaped image in a featureless, dark sky. The analysis noted numerous artifacts on the tape and photographs taken from the CRT. A significant challenge in the analysis was the considerable camera movement, as the video camera was hand-held by the photographer.

Findings

The analysis yielded several key findings:

• Angular Measurement: The Unidentified Image (UI) measures approximately 12 degrees if photographed in zoom mode, and conversely, 0.8 degrees if photographed in the normal (non-zoom) mode, when compared to the field of view.
• Reference Points: There is no visible evidence of foreground or background data points in the photos or video tape, nor any reference points in the images.
• Object Movement: There appears to be little "object" movement. The observed motion is largely attributable to camera movement caused by the photographer lying on the roof of his car.
• Obscuration: In one portion of the filming, the "object" is partially obscured, which could be attributable to clouds moving in front of the UI.
• Anomalous "Light Streak": An anomalous "light streak" in Photo "C1" is evaluated as a video artifact. It was observed in other frames appearing without similar location, size, or intensity, and is not reported with consistency relative to time. Reference is made to computer Photo "C".
• Hoax Evidence: There is no evidence of a hoax being attributable to the source of the UI.
• Frame-by-Frame Analysis: Some frame-by-frame analysis was attempted to obtain information on the movement/motion of the UI and the purported light streak. However, there is inconsistent data relative to the movement of the UI due to camera motion.
• Aspect Ratio: The aspect ratio (physical measured size) of the UI remains constant for the duration of the filming.

Conclusions

The report's authors, Fred Adrian (GSW Photographic Consultant) and William H. Spaulding (Director), offer their conclusions:

• Worthiness of Study: The photograph is considered worthy of further study to attempt to identify its origin.
• Negative Aspects: On the negative side, the strangeness index of the photograph is lowered because of the relatively stationary position of the UI and its constant size (at least on the VHS version of the UI filming). Critics might attribute the "object" to a bright planet, though the witness stated the UI was viewed for over 2 hours.
• Positive Aspects: On the positive side, both the shape and size of the "object" place it with an unknown evaluation status. The UI is not any known conventional source/phenomena.
• Further Evaluation: A frame-by-frame evaluation has started, revealing partial information about the X & Y coordinates and relative size of the UI. Because the photographer did not image any reference points, nor is a loss of UI perspective obvious, further evaluation of the image's size and shape is necessary to finalize the interpretation.
• Final Conclusion: The present conclusion of the video (June 1988) is that an intensive, concentrated light source with a large angular diameter has been depicted. So far, there is no evidence indicating a natural or artificial, man-made origin.
• Contribution to Science: Even if these images do not depict bona fide UFOs, the video may be an important contribution to illustrate how possible known phenomena appear in the sky under certain circumstances, but only when unequivocally identified as such.

Project Hessdalen Update

This section, authored by Mentz Kaarbø, provides an update on Project Hessdalen, a significant UFO investigation that gained world fame during the winter of 1984 and 1985 in a desolate mountain valley in Southern Norway.

Project History and Funding

Project Hessdalen became famous for its heavily instrumented on-site UFO investigations. Despite initial support from scientific institutions like the universities of Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (NDRE), the project received limited financial funds, mostly professional consultancy and instrumentation. The project's leaders sought support from the Norwegian Research Council for Science and the Humanities, with NDRE as the recommending authority, aiming for it to become a public research program. However, due to a decrease in activity in 1985 and subsequent years, this funding was not secured.

The project fund was established in June 1983 to finance the following year, relying on private donations and attempts to attract sponsors from private firms and institutions. Despite efforts, no significant lucrative deals were established, making the project largely a private financial venture. An invitation to sponsor the project at the BUFORA conference in 1983 and subsequent information campaigns were insufficient to finance the project's magnitude.

Cooperation with scientific institutions offered hope for official funding, but this did not materialize. In August 1985, a workshop invitation to about 100 ufologists worldwide for a conference in Oslo received a limited response. An alternative meeting with members from UFO-Norge and Riksorganisationen UFO-Sverige led to a decision to extend the scope for UFO research to cover all of Scandinavia, establishing investigative teams and field stations if similar phenomena occurred.

Highlights from Sightings in Hessdalen (1981-1988)

The newsletter summarizes key events in Hessdalen's sighting history:

• Pre-1981: Various sightings and unusual events were recorded, with notable activity in World War II and the late 1960s. A significant observation in September 1980 by Mr. August Holen of three strange, saucer-shaped objects is considered a potential initial event leading to later "flaps".
• 1981: Local residents became aware of unusual and unexplainable light-phenomena in December.
• 1982: Transient light-phenomena were abundant, peaking between January and April. Hessdalen gained national and international media attention, including a movie by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation. UFO-Norge held its first public meeting in Ålen.
• 1983: Public interest remained high, though activity decreased. Project Hessdalen was established in June. The project was presented internationally, and its work prepared for a manned and instrumented field-investigation in 1984.
• 1984: The first thorough, scientifically based field-investigation in Scandinavia took place. A report presenting preliminary results was published. General activity faded but the project received attention and practical assistance.
• 1985: Project Hessdalen Part II was performed in January and February, but observations were fewer due to bad weather. General activity fell to a low level, precluding further field research. In November, the project's scope was extended to Scandinavia.
• 1986-1987: Reports continued to trickle in, mainly from inhabitants, but lack of resources prevented thorough investigation. A small rise in activity was detected in 1987, but not enough for extensive field research. Project leaders corresponded with foreign UFO-bodies.
• 1988: As of June, no significant plans existed for further commitment in Hessdalen due to low UFO activity, which could not justify official funding.

Short Summary of Observations (1985-1988)

A selection of checked cases is presented:

1. January 29, 1985: A miner observed a large, shining, oblong light phenomenon moving north to south. A similar phenomenon was seen at lake Øyungen for about half an hour, with a yellow-white color.
2. January 30, 1985: A luminous sphere-shaped phenomenon was observed near lake Hesjøen, moving west to east, hovering motionless, and then disappearing south.
3. March 1985: A large light was seen passing towards south above Hessdalen, and later returned.
4. April 5, 1985: A "wingless plane" hovered above Aspåskjølen, stationary for a while, then moved north and disappeared.
5. Early October 1985: Three persons observed an illuminated "thing" under cloud cover passing east of Finnsåhøgda.
6. October 9, 1985: An illuminated "thing" seen passing towards north on a clear sky.
7. November 15, 1985: A luminous "orange" passed from Øggdalen valley towards Haltdalen valley.
8. October 20, 1986: A father and daughter observed a "usual" illuminated object drifting south, which stopped, became spherical, and disappeared.
9. January 2, 1987: An oval yellow-white object flew from lake Øyungen, turned north, and dived into the valley between Aspåskjølen and Finnsåhøgda, moving at the speed of a small aircraft.
10. January 12, 1987: Three persons saw an oblong object with a light in the forward part and a dark portion on the aft end, moving from south to north in front of Finnsåhøgda.
11. October 16, 1987: Four adults and a child saw star-like balls of light and a bright greenish flash, followed by an object shaped like a prism with four legs, flying low above the terrain from WNW.

The Project Hessdalen Fund

This section details the establishment and financial struggles of the Project Hessdalen Fund, initiated in June 1983 to finance the project. It highlights the reliance on private donations and the difficulty in securing substantial funding from firms and institutions, leading to the project being largely self-funded by participants. Despite efforts to attract investors and sponsors, the project faced financial challenges. The attempt to organize a workshop in Oslo in 1985 had limited success, leading to a strategic shift to broaden the scope of UFO research across Scandinavia.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently reports on UFO sightings and investigations, with a particular focus on the Hessdalen phenomenon. The editorial stance appears to be one of serious inquiry into anomalous aerial phenomena, utilizing scientific methods and analysis where possible. There is an emphasis on documenting sightings, analyzing evidence (photographic, video), and exploring potential explanations, while also acknowledging the limitations of current data and the need for further research. The publication aims to inform its readers about ongoing investigations and significant cases within the UFO community, particularly in Scandinavia.

This document is page 30 of an unnamed magazine issue, likely a newsletter or update related to Project Hessdalen. It discusses the project's financial situation, a new book publication, and provides a concluding statement on its future.

Project Hessdalen Funding and Operations

The text explains that Project Hessdalen has been gradually acquiring funds for several years through private donations, the sale of stickers, T-shirts, and the Project Hessdalen Final Technical Report. However, it notes that obtaining significant funds, especially for rapid action, is a long and tiresome process. The project acknowledges that its foreign connections would welcome news and further results from Hessdalen and other locations. Currently, there are no locations in Scandinavia frequently sighted enough to justify an expedition similar to Hessdalen, and the limited resources are a precluding factor.

Interested individuals are encouraged to contribute to the Project Fund by sending money to the following address: Project Hessdalen Fund, P.O.Box 14, N-3133 Duken, NORWAY. Bank account details are provided: 2420.25.33945, and postal account no. 402 23 56. It is noted that postal cheques are valid only within Nordic countries and Germany, and individuals should confer with their post office.

New Book Publication: "UFOs: Kan det Umulige være Mulig?"

During the spring of 1987, a new book about the phenomena in Hessdalen was published in Norway. Authored by Leif Havik, the principal field-researcher for Project Hessdalen, the book is titled "UFOs: Kan det Umulige være Mulig?" (UFOs: can the Impossible be Possible?). The book summarizes Havik's own experiences from Hessdalen over the previous six years. It also compares similar events that occurred in Yakima and Missouri, USA, and in Twende, Netherlands. The publication is described as a very readable account of events spanning the last 15 years, attempting to identify common features and possible explanations, though Havik avoids making categorical judgments.

Interested persons can apply for copies of the book through Phonovision L. Havik, P.O.Box 485, N-7001 Trondheim, NORWAY. The price is NOK 198,-. Bank account no. 4200.41.30280 and postal account no. 536 03 75 are also provided for ordering.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The concluding section addresses the present, inactive state of Project Hessdalen, attributing it to various reasons. The authors express hope that further research into these elusive phenomena will be possible in the future. They emphasize that there are no plans to abandon the project, but rather to allow it to gradually recover from a period of limited resources. The publication states that from time to time, the latest news regarding the project will be shared, aiming to provide unique and interesting information.

The document concludes with a note that it was translated from Norwegian by Mentz Kaarbø with the help of Hilary Evans.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the challenges of funding scientific research, particularly in the field of UFO phenomena, and the dissemination of information through publications. The editorial stance appears to be one of perseverance and hope for the continuation of research despite resource limitations. There is a clear effort to engage the public for support and to share findings through both updates and published works.